The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association

by Ola Awonubi

Current status:

Friendships – fantastic. Family – getting better. Career – promotion on the cards.

Romance – *seriously delayed*

Sade Sodipo is ready to meet ‘the one’ and finally fulfil the Nigerian Dream. So far God hasn’t performed that little miracle quite yet, but it’ll happen this year for sure. Especially if her mother, two best friends, younger sister and all those in the unofficial Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association, have anything to say about it.

She might love her job, have great friends and even own her own home, but according to the meddling aunties, this is why she’s still single at 50.

What if her prayers for the perfect man have got lost? Or maybe Sade’s happy-ever-after is right on time…

Genres: Romance, Fiction

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2025

About the author

Ola Nubi studied for an MA in Creative writing and Imaginative Practice at the University of East London and in 2008 her short story The Pink House, won first prize in the National words of colour competition and another short story of hers The Go- slow Journey, won the first prize in the fiction category for Wasafiri’s New writing prize 2009 and the Best Author CA Awards 2019.

Some of her short stories feature on Afreada, Brittle Paper, Story Time, Woven Tale Press, TheSiren.co.uk and naijastories.com. She has had over 15 short stories published in various literary magazines, journals and on blogs and speaks at writing events.

Author of 7 books – Love’s Persuasion was published by Ankara Press – the Romance imprint of Cassava Press, Abuja. Nigeria in 2015. Her second book for the imprint - I love You Unconditionally was published in 2017. Her third book – an anthology of short stories – Naija Love Stories was published by Conscious Dreams Publishing in October 2018.

Her 4th book 14 Days and Other Stories is a romance novella and her 5th book Reasons Why I Need to Get Married Yesterday and Other Poems was published last year.

Her current historical fiction novel 'A Nurse's Tale was published by One More Chapter Books, Harper Collins in July 2023 and her next book for the imprint is a Rom com and it is due Summer 2025!

She is also working on another historical book.

You can follow her on Substack as The Resilient Writer
or Bookbub as Ola Awonubi for more information.

Reviews

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 / 5 Stars
This book had a lot of really great themes and content, but also had a few pacing and dialogue challenges for me. The story revolves around Sade, a 50 year old Nigerian Brit, who is successful in her career, owns a home, and has a deep connection with her Christian faith, but feels like a failure because she is not married and doesn’t have children. She is reminded of this fact quite often by her mother and aunties who meddle in her life. Sade tries to navigate her life and a potential relationship while figuring out her value and what’s important to her.

You will probably like this book if you like:
💚 Women’s literature with a subplot of romance
💚 Novels where faith and Christianity guide the main character
​​💚 An older FMC (50 years old)
💚 Complicated mother-daughter relationships
💚 Learning about Nigerian cultural customs
💚 Discussions of fertility at an older age
💚 Fibroid representation

A lot of what Sade goes through was really meaningful and relatable. I was really excited to read a book with a female main character who is in her 50s who is trying to figure out what it means to be single. Society already places so much value on women as mothers and wives, when you add cultural expectations on that, Sade is put in a really tough situation. She knows that she is smart, capable, fun, and yet still feels less than in some way. Her dating horror stories sounded like stuff that happened to me in my 20s, so it’s great to see that things don’t get better for women as they get older (LOL but also not lol). Her relationship with her overbearing mom was also relatable (and slightly triggering). Sade’s mom loves her in the way that her mom thinks is right, not necessarily in the way that is right for Sade and oof, it got me. And while I was a little unsure of how the religious aspects would be written (I am not particularly religious), it was cool to see Sade push her church to do more for women and singles so that they felt less ashamed.

Sade’s relationship with Jimi had some sweet and cute moments but this is where the dialogue and pacing issues really stood out for me. Jimi is 45 years old, works as a psychotherapist, is the son of the Bishop at Sade’s church though he is not religious himself, and is smitten with Sade. Their relationship was built super slowly – they casually run into each other and it is a while before they even go on an official date together. They had some fun banter but they also had banter that felt super stilted and robotic which took away from their connection for me. Sade’s dialogue in other circumstances was also sometimes written in a way that was incongruent with what we knew about her (I cannot imagine she would actually say “no probs” to anyone in her life, let alone to a Sister at her church).

And while Jimi and Sade also really liked each other, they had fundamental differences. Jimi isn’t religious and he doesn’t necessarily believe in marriage, two things that are very important to Sade. So, how do they move past this? With one of them doing a complete 180 in the last 5% of the book. It just felt rushed, unrealistic, and like it undid all of the slow building in the rest of the book. Part of me wishes this stuck more to the women’s lit instead of romance so that there wouldn’t have to be a guaranteed happy ending because the ending kind of undercut some of Sade’s growth.

Even with those issues, I think this book portrays tropes that I haven’t seen often enough in romances and women’s lit (and it is on me to find these books too). Give me more FMCs in their 50s! Give me more women who are trying to navigate cultural differences between generations! Give me more about Yoruba and Nigerian customs! The more perspectives, the more writing styles, the better!

Thank you One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: July 11, 2025

[amarachireads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I loved the themes surrounding family, marriage, age etc. As a Nigerian who s entrenched in our culture this hit hard. I found myself really feeling for the fmc because i know that an unmarried 50 year old will face a lot because of the culture. Seeing the fmc be 50 and want to be a mother and a wife despite fibroids and people talking was emotional. This book also had fun moments especially with the aunties and the fmcs mom. It was portrayed very realistic and I just got it. The romance was cute and a slow burn and I like that the fmc didn’t force herself on the mmc even when people say that she’s too old to be picky. Overall this is a good read and I appreciated the older fmc and watching her navigate middle life. Thanks to the publisher for this arc.

[Frances · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate what this book was trying to do, but the marriage monitoring aunties were not mentioned enough times for it to be the title of the book. “Sade finds love” would have been a more fitting title.

[SelkieReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know why, but after reading the blurb, I thought this was going to be a romcom.
I would say it’s a lot closer to a Hallmark movie, with a little Chicken Soup for the Soul mixed in, obviously, heavily spice with Uziza.
This book has a heavy lean towards religion and how it shapes not just your life, but your relationships.
Though I might suggest that ‘honor your parents’ is taken a little too literally in this book with how awful the FMC is treated by all of the aunties, save a few; it is showed (painfully) how she was raised to be the person she is.
She has lead a rather difficult life, a life that is more common than a lot of of those not from her culture might believe.
Her identity, and who she is is so wrapped up in religion, family, and the Nigerian culture that she almost becomes unrelenting in her quest for what she wants, with very little to show for it. It takes her nearly the entire book to realize that what she has wanted for the grand majority of her life has just been what she’s been told to want.
She has to decide if it’s what she actually wants or if it’s just what she’s supposed to in order to be a good Nigerian woman.

You definitely go on a soul quest with her, you can always learn more about yourself at any age and there is always time to change and become the person you were meant to be.

For me, this book was very hard to read, and I had a really hard time understanding the FMC. I have so much rage for the people that let religion and culture and their family make them f***ing miserable without doing anything about it.
Like if people are terrible to you, cut them out, don’t let that cancer eat away your life.
So if anything, I understood the MMC a lot more because he didn’t want to be trapped in the circumstances of being beholden to these people’s idea of who you ought to be.
But then he did what we have told every single little girl since the beginning of time not to do, which is, changed who you are and who you want to be for a boy…. he went and did that for a girl.

However, that’s just me.
The book is very well thought out and very well written I personally just could not connect with the characters who allow themselves to be treated so terribly.

[KiKi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. This story was sooooo well written and Sade was definitely a character that was fully fleshed out. The writing of Sade's inner battle between maintaining her faith and values versus what she wanted and needed from a partner was a written with such nuance and care. There aren't a ton of black, female, 50 year old romance leads being written so reading about her issues with fibroids, fertility, and menopause shed light on a few things. Sade and the other characters felt truly authentic and I think that's truly where the story really shines by having these honest conversations around dating, the church, the way women are labeled if they aren't mothers or wives. I could go on and on but this was most certainly a five star read.

[Uche Ezeudu · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating is 4.5/5.

If you loved Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, then The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association by Ola Awonubi will absolutely charm you.
We follow Sade Sodipo — a 50-year-old, successful Nigerian woman who's never been married, still a virgin and has a village of aunties and one very dramatic mother constantly reminding her of it. You’d think being accomplished and self-sufficient would be enough, but not in a society that sees a woman’s worth as tied to her marital status and ability to have children.

Sade’s romantic life is… whew. One of her recent exes didn’t dump her — his mother did, claiming she was too old to give him children. Can you imagine? And just when she's convinced all men are bottom-barrel material, along comes Jimi Taylor — five years younger, fine, reformed bad boy energy, and absolutely smitten with her. You’d think she’d dive in, right? But Sade? She’s cautious. She’s seen too much. Plus, the pressure from her mother doesn’t stop just because someone new shows up — in fact, Jimi’s past makes Mama say hard pass.

This book isn’t just about love; it’s about the love we deny ourselves, the standards we cling to even when they’re hard, and what it means to age in a society that equates womanhood with marriage and motherhood. It shines a necessary light on issues like fibroids, pre-menopause, and faith, all with humor, heart, and a good dose of Nigerian-style bluntness.

Sade’s story made me laugh, made me ache, and made me proud. Proud of how she refused to settle. Proud of how she prioritized spiritual alignment even when her heart was on the line. If nothing else, she reminds us that it’s never too late for love — but it’s okay to wait for the right kind.

This was such an enjoyable read — entertaining, insightful, and so deeply Nigerian just the right touch of 'Britico' flair. Pick it up if you’re in the mood for a feel-good, soul-touching story with Nigerian aunties, romance, and plenty of wahala.

[Phoenix2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Big Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

'The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association' is a romantic comedy about Sade, a Nigerian Brit, who sees that her chances of the happy ever after that she is dreaming of are getting slimmer and slimmer.

First of all, the title doesn't fit the book, as the aunties were not really monitoring Sade. Rather, her mother was the constant figure of criticism in Sade's life, and the aunties appeared in a chapter or two.

Also, the ending was rushed, and the story kind of halted awkwardly, as if that was the whole point of the book, and now that it's done, there is no point in reading more about Sade, how she feels about it, and what comes next.

And yet, the story had some interesting aspects, like how Sade was coming to terms with who she is without a man and how her value isn't diminished because she isn't married. It was also nice to read about how Sade wasn't compromising her values for any man.

However, the pace was way too fast, and nothing really developed smoothly.

[norah · Rating 3 out of 5]

thanks to NetGalley for the eARC

⭐️=3 | 😘=2.5 | 🤬=2

summary: a middle aged Nigerian-English woman navigates being single and Christian and also it’s a romance I guess

thoughts: huh. okay. so like, of course she gets the guy, that’s how plots work, but it literally ends with her saying yes to marrying him—like, “yes, I’ll marry you” is the last line of the novel—and then there’s nothing else to tie things up. if their faith differences were the primary conflict I don’t think that can be resolved in a single conversation on her doorstep?? and I wasn’t totally on board with the guy in the first place?? idk basically I just don’t think their conflict was resolved in a satisfying way. this was funny sometimes, though, and I liked that it was shining light on a demographic that usually gets ignored.

[Caiti · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Plot
The plot itself is very straight forward. Fifty year old unmarried woman is being viscously bullies by every auntie within a 50 mile radius for not being married.
Being a traditional romance lover, this was a slight step away from my normal fare, and I'm glad I gave it a go. I don't know a huge amount Nigerian culture, but apparently for unmarried woman between the age of 25-50, it's brutal. The plot follows Sade as she navigates trying to balance her work life, which she loves, her church life, which she has become slightly disenfranchised from, and her romantic life, which is non-existent.
While many of the traditional comments she received from so many angles in her life made me feel uncomfortable at times, it was really interesting to follow Sade through each trial put in front of her and how she managed everything, especially the women. The men take a backseat in this story, with most of the praise and criticism coming from the women around her, although I did like the contrast provided by the men who did appear.

Characters
FMC
I really like Sade. She tries her absolute best at every stage of the story, trying to please everyone around her while furthering her career and trying to kindle the small romantic flame between herself and Jimi. I enjoyed her evolution as she tried to stand up for herself and the other single women and I really liked how she brought her faith and planning skills together for the singles club.

The Rest
Jimi - is as close to an MMC as we get. I like him. He's got a past he's trying to embrace and a future that doesn't involve sticking 'Dr' in front of his name, much to the shame of his father. I really liked that he was true to himself no matter what anyone else said, owning up to his mistakes and emphasising the love for his career and the fact that he didn't need money and titles. He also gets extra brownie points for some exemplary grovelling.

The aunties - are so brutal. The change in their opinions and feelings about Sade and her cousins situations gave me whiplash at time, but seeing it from Sade's perspective made it so real. The control these women had over the families and the church congregation was as inspiring as it was terrifying.

Her mother - I both like and dislike her mother. She's such a perfect example of the strengths and weaknesses of the Nigerian culture (at least from my outside perspective) and I found the ways that she would show her love for Sade really intriguing - she clearly loves her dearly, but feels that the only way she can show this is to bully her into getting married, despite the clear success she was having in her professional life. I also liked how their interactions changed throughout the story, especially as Sade started to stand up for herself.

The Good
There's a lot of Jesus in this story, and being non-religious I thought this would bother me, but you know what? It freaking worked. So much of Sade's personality is tied to her faith, so I felt that this was a really important to include. I especially liked how Sade brought the romance together with her faith to try and improve the life of the other singles at her church, with fantastic results.

Also, this cover. I love it and I feel that it exemplifies the story perfectly.

The Bad
The pacing was a little slow at times, but the author made it work most of the time.

The Wrap Up
If you ever accept for from an Auntie, don't tell your mum. No matter how good it is.

Big thanks to One More Chapter for letting me get my paws on this ahead of release, and for bestowing me with my first Widget!
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Storygraph

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories steeped in cultures that are fighting to keep themselves heard while in another country, so this UK-based story with a Nigerian cast of characters was right up my street!
Sade Sodipo is a successful career woman with her own house, unmarried, and, shock, horror, fifty years of age! This is a sticking point for her mother, the various aunties of the church, and pretty much anyone in her Nigerian circle.
The story is based on Sade's own ingrained religious and cultural beliefs, which include saving herself for 'The One' and true love leading to marriage and children. However, with her age against her and her health not cooperating, this is looking increasingly unlikely.
Is it a romance? Well, yes, romance 100% plays a part in this story, as Sade meets someone, but it is more about her accepting herself, as she is, and realising that maybe she needs to think a bit more about the expectations she (and the community) has put upon herself.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins, One More Chapter, for an ARC.

[Bukola Akinyemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association
by Ola Awonubi

Representation matters! Great to see an unmarried 50 year old beautiful, successful and intelligent woman represented in a novel.

Sade is happy with her life, she has a good job, good friends, her own home and a family she loves. Yes, she would like to find romantic love but she is happily living her life until she does.

Her mum and meddling aunties would not have it though. She is reminded at every chance of her ‘failure’ to secure a man and have children.

I like how the characters are written. Sade is witty, confident and positive even when going through really challenging times with her health.

Ironically, I was reading this book while nursing serious abdominal pain due to fibroids, the same condition Sade suffered from in the book.

Will Sade find love and silence The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association?

I really enjoyed reading this book, it’s full of hope and love.

[Stephanie Wienke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association by Ola Awonubi is a sweet story about a fifty year old woman overcoming gossip and cultural expectations a finding love. Sade is always getting grief from her mother for being focused on her career and unmarried while also being judged by all of the Aunties at her church. While she would like to find love, she hasn’t had much luck with the men she meets. But when she runs into a handsome stranger, her luck may turn.

This was a really good book; however, I went into it with different expectations for the plot based off the description. I thought it would be a lighthearted comedy about a group of meddling but lovable aunties who helped Sade find love when it focused on her dealing with cultural expectations and finding her happiness in life. While it was good, it took me a bit to reframe my mind when reading as I needed a more lighthearted book in the moment. Once I adjusted, I was sucked into Sade’s story and loved her growth.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for access to an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Rachel Blades · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
3.75 stars
I liked that this book was about a woman turning 50 because you don’t see that often in romance books. I wanted to yell at our FMC’s family and acquaintances to leave her alone and let her live her life. Overall, I enjoyed watching the FMC find herself and accept herself.

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

netgalley arc
loveddd it
review to come

[Jency Forgue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with a lot of relatable themes as a woman of color who grew up in the church. Trigger warning for anyone who has ever been told their “singleness is a gift”. 🫠

[Oluwadara Odukomaiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Nigerian girl reading this book had a lot of nostalgic moments for me, I enjoyed this book, also because I share the FMC stand on her faith and values. Very well written

[laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked this book but it could have been sooooooo much better to bump it to a 5!

* needed more meddling aunties
* apart from the reminders, I was really unsure at times the main character was 50
* at 50 thats how we stop talking to the male character?!?

other than that a good range of perspectives of female expectations in society with the added african added dust.

[Jazzy.bookz · Rating 5 out of 5]

alright, so. i can't speak much for the Nigerian side of things. the presence of the nigerian culture in this story was beautifully written, and i found rather educational, actually. I have had my own battle with Christianity in the past, I no longer follow the religion, and I felt a very small urge to dnf because of the sheer attitudes presented in this. It's a personal bug, but it's actually real life, and the author wrote this perfectly.

this is your sign to seriously consider whether it's the writing that makes you want to dnf or the characters/story. i dont share the same faith, beliefs, or culture as the characters in this book, but I really enjoyed it!

Sade is brilliant, beautiful, and humorous. l love Jimi.
it was well paced (set over a year).
and the title is spot on. my own aunties are wildly different, but the same in very subtle ways.

loved it.

thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review

[LiteraryMarie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sade is ready to live the Nigerian dream and meet "the one." For sure, this is the year. Especially if her mother, two best friends and younger sister have any say. According to the unofficial Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association, the reason Sade is still single at 50 is because she loves her job and owns her own home. So independent that her prayers for the perfect man are lost. Hence the need for a miracle of romance.

This is a book I judged from the cover and title so it drew my interest. I expected meddling comedic aunties and Nigerian culture. I looked forward to reading from the perspective of a black mature-aged female. I was quite disappointed that the aunties are not a big part of the novel. In fact, it is the main character's helicopter mom that monitors the most. And what I liked most about Sade was negated by end of the novel.

Just because I think The Marriage Monitoring Aunties' Association was an okay read doesn't mean this multicultural romance is not for you. Give it a try, Bookhearts.

Happy Early Pub Day, Ola Awonubi! The Marriage Monitoring Aunties' Association will be available Tuesday, July 11.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

[Tolulope Soremekun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow-paced but enjoyable read. I found the characters and the issues explored very relatable. I especially loved that it was set in my home country. It made the story feel even more personal and familiar.

[Muhsinat 'Deen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. The story follows Sade a 50 year old Christian lady and her journey to finding the one amidst dealing with feminine issues. Whilst I appreciate the author trying to shed light on the challenges that come with trying to find a partner after a certain age and societal pressures on women, the execution could definitely have been better.
Although the story had its interesting and humorous moments, this didn’t not hit the mark for me. The title didn’t accurately reflect the book’s contents. There were a few instances of aunties monitoring Sade, but they weren’t significant.

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association because of the cover and the title. I don’t like reading synopses, they often feel like spoilers to me, so the cover and title is everything. With a name like this, I was expecting a lighthearted romantic comedy filled with overbearing but funny Nigerian or African aunties making snide, hilarious remarks and meddling in the main character’s love life. But that’s not quite what I got.

While the book does feature a few aunties and a very judgmental mother, it wasn’t about a whole association of busybody elders. The title felt misleading because the story centers more on one woman, Sade, and her internal and external struggles around being single at 50, not a quirky auntie-led matchmaking brigade. That was a bit of a disappointment, even though the story itself had enjoyable parts.

Sade is a 50-year-old Christian woman who has never been in a long-term relationship and is still a virgin. She’s successful, owns her own home (which is a huge achievement, especially in today’s economy!), and seems like someone who should be a bit more self-assured. But throughout the audiobook, I honestly kept forgetting she was supposed to be 50. She read more like someone in her 30s, especially in how passive she was with her mom and aunties. Despite their constant critiques and pressure to get married, Sade rarely pushed back or defended herself. I wanted her to be more assertive, more grown, considering her age and life experience.

One of the strongest points of the book is its focus on a woman in her 50s who’s never been in a relationship. That’s something we don’t often see in fiction, and I appreciated that representation. It challenges the societal and religious expectations that say every woman’s life should follow a certain timeline of marriage, kids, etc. But even though the book starts out as if Sade is content in her singleness, it quickly becomes clear that she’s actually very obsessed with getting married. And a lot of that obsession is tied to her Christian beliefs.

Having grown up in the church myself, I understand that environment. The pressure to marry and to marry a man, specifically, is intense. It’s hard to feel genuinely content with being single when the church constantly glorifies marriage and treats it as the ultimate goal for women. So even though I wanted to see a story where the character embraces singleness joyfully and fully, I understood why Sade struggled.

Then comes Jimmy Taylor, the love interest. Their dynamic is filled with tension, mostly because he left the church due to past trauma, and she’s deeply committed to her faith. At first, he’s honest about not wanting marriage again and being unsure about religion. They flirt with the idea of a relationship, but nothing fully develops. Then, out of nowhere, he goes abroad, comes back having reconnected with God, and proposes marriage. And she says yes.

That ending felt rushed and unrealistic. I didn’t like that the book wrapped everything up in a neat little Christian-romance bow. Just because he says he’s found his faith again doesn’t mean their fundamental differences have disappeared and I’m not convinced their religious mismatch wouldn’t cause problems down the line. Faith, especially when it’s central to your identity, isn’t something you can compromise on easily.

Ultimately, I enjoyed the themes of late-life singleness, religious pressure, and cultural expectations, but I wish the book had followed through with more nuance and realism, especially in the ending. It had potential to be a great story about choosing fulfillment outside of marriage or exploring love in unexpected ways, but instead it fell back on familiar tropes.

[Rachael Stray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ola Awonubi’s The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association was a refreshing change of pace for me - an enjoyable, heartfelt read that offered insight into Nigerian culture, a charmingly exasperating cast, and a main character I genuinely rooted for.

While it wasn't a perfect read, it was certainly a meaningful one.

Sade Sodipo, is a 50-year-old protagonist who is smart, successful, and deeply rooted in her Christian faith.

Her journey through love, pressure from family, and personal convictions is both relatable and inspiring. I loved how the book tackled topics rarely seen in romantic fiction - infertility, menopause, myomectomy recovery - honestly and respectfully, while keeping the tone warm and often humorous.

The cultural richness of the novel is one of its strongest features.

From the overbearing but well-meaning aunties (who’ve practically formed an unofficial marriage monitoring agency), to the expectations around marriage and motherhood, Awonubi paints a vivid picture of the Nigerian community - blunt, loving, chaotic, and deeply traditional.

The tension between modern values and cultural norms is felt throughout, and while it can be overwhelming at times, it also adds depth and realism.

The faith element is also beautifully handled. Sade’s spiritual life is integral to her choices and the narrative. Her firm stance on waiting until marriage, her reliance on prayer, and her unwavering sense of morality are refreshingly portrayed with sincerity rather than sanctimony.

And then there’s the romance. Jimi Taylor had all the ingredients of a great romantic lead—charming, kind, persistent, and genuinely interested in Sade. But I found myself frustrated with the imbalance in effort. Jimi consistently pursued Sade, made time for her, and opened up, while she often brushed him off or pulled away, despite saying she wanted more time with him.

I absolutely respected her decision to prioritise her faith and morals - that was one of the most powerful parts of the book - but I found myself wishing she’d been more emotionally reciprocal along the way.

Their chemistry didn’t quite leap off the page for me, and at one point I even thought she might be better off without him. Thankfully, the ending offered a satisfying resolution that redeemed some of that unevenness.

Despite these minor flaws, this is a beautifully layered novel. It’s about more than romance - it's about self-worth, societal pressures, spiritual identity, and the importance of not settling.

It made me laugh, reflect, and cheer for a protagonist who chose herself and her values, even when it was hard.

If you’re looking for a closed-door, later-in-life love story that’s culturally rich, faith-forward, and full of Nigerian aunties with plenty of opinions (and drama), this one’s well worth picking up. A soulful, engaging read with just the right amount of wahala.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa of Hopewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned of this book via this post: https://librofulltime.wordpress.com/2...

My Interest
Who knew there were Nigerian-English [English-Nigerian? British-Nigerian??] Christian novels! I decided this one sounded fun so I grabbed it with an Audible credit.

The Story
Sade [yes, like the singer] Sodipo lives in London, has an enjoyable career as a project manager, has her own home, but lacks two things every Nigerian [Nigerian-British? Do they do that in the UK??] woman must have to be considered successful: A husband and kids. At 50, not only has she never had a physical relationship with a man due to her very strong Christian faith, but she is facing the loss of her “womb” to surgery for fibroids. And, at age 50, she knows the kids ship has sailed unless a pregnancy of truely Sarah of the Bible miraculousness occurs and fast. She isn’t desperately seeing either a man or a donor. While younger friends are marrying and even using IVF and to have babies, but she’s focused on her career and evading her mother and the others in the family and at her church who she has christiened the “The Marriage Monitoring Aunties Assocation.” But then former football player [soccer player] Jimmy hits her life and nothing is the same. Cue the other Sade singing “Smooth Operator” [see the bottom of this post]


My Thoughts
This was a fun read!

I was glad Sade was not depicted as a desperate spinster praying on her knees beside her lonely twin bed for a husband. [Gag] Instead she is a strong, independent career woman who is trying to cope with the super-intense pressure from her Nigerian family, friends, and sisters in Christ at church who cannot see her as “successful” without a husband and kids.

That said, it was also refreshing to meet a fictional Christian woman who held to her beliefs and did not hop in bed with a man [even the uber-Conservative Focus on the Family said something like 99% of American Christians have premarital you-know-what and I doubt it is any different elsewhere]. Even better she was shown in a real quandry–wanting, but not wanting to disobey her faith. She also has thought through her beliefs and knows she will not accept being “unequally yoked” by marrying a non-believer.

Her faith never becomes preachy or judgy of others. It does not enter into politics. She is not perfect–don’t worry. She just isn’t a goody two-shoes or Pollyanna. She’s a well-educated woman who has considered her faith and holds it dear. She is very much “in the world” but also very much “not of the world.”

It was, however, truly wild that she was CofE or Anglican [USA: Episcopal] . I cannot even imagine this in the American Episcopal Church!! This is far more non-denominal Christian Church than any mainline American denomination. Given that even fewer people bother going to church in the UK I really thought this was good-amazing!

The only thing I found hard to believe was that she’d been in her church forever but had no clue who a certain guy was. That was a little hard to believe.

This was a fun novel and I highly recommend it to anyone–but especially to my Christian friends. It is written at a somewhat higher level than much of American Christian fiction.

One funny cultural aside: When Sade’s mother tells her at a wedding to which all ladies have worn traditional dress that there is a “women in the toilets tying head cloths for [pound sign] 5” I cringed and immediately saw a traditionally dressed woman standing IN the toilet tying head wraps. The UK and Commonwealth all say “the toilets” to mean the restroom. We American’s clutch our pearls in horror at that!

My Verdict
4.0
A good read!

I listened to the audio version of this book, but the Kindle version is only $2.99

The Marriage Monitoring Aunties Assocation by Ola Awonubi

P.S. This is why my Goodreads TBR is so long. I read about a fun or interesting book, go to find it, can’t get it from the library and don’t have an Audible credit [or it isn’t in audio] so I just leave it on the list for later.

[Carlina Kinch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book.

This was a nice change of pace for me when it comes to reading. I enjoyed this book. I loved getting to know more about Nigerian culture, I loved the main character. I'm just off on the book. I've read a lot of books that are first person narrative, but for some reason this book just seemed like it was written as a journal if I'm being honest. It's not, its completely not, but that's the impression I got. It's not bad, honestly it might have flowed a little better if it has been written that way. Most moments just feel like they're being recanted in the past tense. Nothing wrong with that all, it's just how it felt.

I had fun with this story, but everyone is so abrasive except for Remi, and honestly Jimi. Every conversation that is held is always referencing Sade's lack of relationship status even with her friends. I get the point of the book, but the only true fun without relationship talk was with Jimi, and if I'm being honest the most real talks were held with her work colleague, not her friends or family (except Remi). In regards to Jimi, it bothered me that he was the one to put in all of effort, to see Sade, and spend time with her, despite the fact that planning literally is her job and all she talks about is wanting to spend time with him. She brushes him off for long periods of time, well he tries and tries to spend time with her, where he's honestly kind and courteous and completely open with her about his life. Until she finally tells him that despite all the wonderful things he's done she can't compromise on her morals and faith. Which is awesome I love that she doesn't! But he gives a lot and parts of the story I just wish she wouldn't have reacted the way she did. I did love the ending however, that made up a little bit.

I know this sounds like a bad review, I know that completely. But it's just truthful, however despite all that I said this book sucks you right in. And you can't put it down. I don't know how to explain it but it does, and I really enjoyed getting to read it despite all that I've said. I would have still picked it and read it even if I didn't have the privilege of being able to read an e-arc version of it. There's just something about the desire to have your dreams come true no matter your age that feels wonderful and right coming from this book.


Thank you so very much again for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book!

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

Ola Awonubi’s The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association is a refreshing and much needed addition to contemporary romance, with rich cultural depth and an FMC we don’t often get to see: a 50 year old Nigerian woman navigating love, faith, family, and identity on her own terms.

What I loved most about this book was the representation. From the vibrant portrayals of Nigerian culture to the hilarious (and often overbearing) aunties who form the unofficial “marriage monitoring” committee, the story brings a colorful and authentic perspective that feels both familiar and eye opening. While the aunties can be abrasive, they’re rooted in cultural expectations, and their meddling felt lovingly realistic, even when it crossed into uncomfortable territory.

Sade is a standout main character. She’s strong in her convictions, deeply faithful, and beautifully human in her vulnerability. Her struggles with infertility, the aftermath of a myomectomy, and the emotional weight of menopause are handled with grace and honesty, topics that are so rarely addressed in fiction, especially in romantic contexts. I deeply appreciated the open and respectful way these challenges were represented.

Faith plays a central role in Sade’s life, and it’s another area where this book shines. Her commitment to waiting until marriage, her daily prayer life, and her unshakeable values add depth to her character and underscore the importance of spiritual compatibility in relationships. Watching her navigate her feelings for Jimi—who doesn't initially share her level of devotion—added complexity to the romance.

That said, the romance was where I felt a bit let down. While Jimi had potential, the chemistry between him and Sade didn’t fully leap off the page for me. There’s one pivotal conversation about faith where Jimi’s reaction felt dismissive, and I honestly thought Sade might be better off without him. While he does redeem himself later in the story, I couldn’t quite shake the feeling that their connection lacked the emotional spark I was hoping for.

Still, if you are looking for a heartfelt, culturally rich, and faith driven story about love later in life, with a closed door approach to romance, this book will resonate with you. It’s both entertaining and deeply meaningful, offering representation we need more of in this genre.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ola Awonubi, and One More Chapter for the eARC of this book.

[Lo-La Soda-Pereira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review O'clock 😁☺️ - The Marriage Monitoring Aunties' Association by Ola Awonubi (my bookclub fiction for the month)

I really enjoyed this story! It is warm, funny, and full of heart. Ola Awonubi gives us something we rarely see, a romantic story centred on a 50-year old single woman, Sade, who isn’t desperate for love but open to it. She is living life on her own terms while juggling faith, cultural expectations, and the ever-watchful eyes (and unsolicited advice 😅) of The Monitoring Aunties’ Association.

The book felt so real, that blend of love and pressure, where aunties mean well but sometimes do the most. The conversation about her hair (“men love long hair”) had me laughing and rolling my eyes! 😂 Sade is 50!!! Leave her alone!

But beyond the humour, this story dives deep into faith, timing, identity, and joy, especially the kind we find when we stop measuring our lives by society’s timeline.

And the audiobook? Perfection. The narration was expressive, funny, and heartfelt. I genuinely looked forward to listening every day.

Ah, the Aunties! Including those who just got married five minutes ago and are now dishing out advice like pepper soup on a rainy day 😅. It made me laugh, but it also made me reflect, on how women sometimes pressure other women under the guise of care. Ola Awonubi captured that beautifully, funny yet thought-provoking.

Sade completely stole my heart, strong, funny, grounded in faith, vulnerable yet self aware. She is proof that you can be content and hopeful at the same time.

Sade's Mom, Aunty Remi and the Bishop triangle was hilarious! A glimpse into the dating shenanigans of senior citizens 😁

The ending? Like a warm hug. Not flashy, but satisfying. I still secretly wanted a BIG Nigerian wedding scene so I could tie gele and join the Thanksgiving dance 😂💃🏾

My Verdict: 8/10, highly recommended and a book for my Shelf, a Go-to on slow/boring days.

The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association is for everyone who has ever felt “monitored” by society, family, or tradition yet still chose to live boldly and joyfully anyway.

[Treasure · Rating 4 out of 5]

***************ARC Review*****************

Trope: Christian novel, mature love , strangers to lovers

General thoughts : This story is necessary.
It’s not only young ladies that get pestered to get married in the African community.
Older ladies do too and their pressure is even worse.
Sade’s story was well written and felt realistic. The drama was understandable and the ending was heartwarming.
If you loved reading Yinka, Where’s your husband then you will love this book too!

Book overview :
Sade is a successful project manager , who is in her early 50s. The one thing, she is passionate about is becoming a mother and this hasn’t become a reality yet.
Her younger cousins and nieces are getting married whilst, she is still waiting upon Gods will in her life.

Unfortunately her health is reminding her that her chances of becoming a mother is become less and her mother and aunties aren’t helping either. They remind her every chance they get that she isn’t getting any younger and that she made a mistake focusing on her career rather than finding a husband.
In their minds, she hasn’t accomplished a thing without being married or having children.
Sade’s identity is deeply rooted in her faith and doesn’t want to sidestep this just to please her family.

She unconventionally meets Jimmy , an ex football player , physiotherapist and her mom’s bishop son, during one of her lunch breaks. He is her type but isn’t fully committed to Christianity. He is intrigued by Sade and would like to get to know her.

Will Sade uphold her standards or will she give in to the societal pressures?

Read the story to find out!

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book—more serious women’s fiction than rom-com—featuring Sade, a 50-year-old Nigerian single woman. It’s a story about cultural pressure, the journey to self-acceptance, and finding oneself.**
There are some very funny moments and some very serious ones. I would have loved more scenes with the aunties, and I had some issues with Sade’s mother—a woman so obsessed with the white-dress-husband-children ideal that she forgets to accept and love her older daughter.
It’s a Christian book, as Sade’s faith plays a significant role in giving her hope and shaping her moral foundation.
I’m not Christian, but I was raised Catholic in a Latin country, and Sade’s mother reminded me of one of my mother’s cousins, who was so obsessed with women’s relationship status that she would check if I had a ring every time she saw me (even at funerals). I solved the issue by telling her I had become a nun.
I appreciated the depiction of Nigerian cultural and social expectations, and at times I laughed because some traits reminded me of Italian culture—even if they’re less common now.
It’s a good book: well-written and intriguing. I wasn’t a fan of the ending, but I enjoyed Sade’s character.
I recommend it if you’re looking for a book that offers both a serious reflection on women’s roles and some light-hearted fun.
Recommended
Many thanks to One More Chapter and Rachel’s Random Resources for this digital copy. All opinions are my own.

[Vaishnavi M · Rating 4 out of 5]

One liner review: funny, sad, sometimes upsetting, mostly engaging and swoon-worthy : ⭐⭐⭐⭐

✨ Sade is fifty years old, unmarried and a dreamer. She dreams of having a loving man, kids of her own and a happily married ever after. But life has other plans for her and she must navigate them before her dreams turn into reality.

✨ The story deals with a lot of real life struggles and conversations which are different from typical romantic novels.

✨ The story deals with problems that women face in their reproductive health, so many of which are still not discussed or researched properly in the medical field, it talks about the experience of getting surgery done, recovery and family support which felt very realistic.

✨ It talks about the dilemma of wanting to have kids and a family but not being defined only by that aspect, an aim to strike a balance between career and family life. Sade faces a lot of unwanted heat towards her because society is not welcoming towards older unmarried women without children, they're seen as women without purpose and wasting their lives.

✨ The romance is swoon-worthy, not in a typical head over heels way but more organic and slow. I felt the story was a little dragged in the end with Sade constantly battling about her faith and her desires to start a family life at 50 which was a little repetitive but all in all it was a refreshing read!