Love in Theory

by Mary Henderson

He needed a wife. She needed to stay to open her business. Neither of them planned on falling in love.
When California scientist and surf-obsessed genius Mike Walker realizes his grandmother’s health scare might be her last chance to see him married, he does the only logical thing.
He proposes a fake relationship.
Enter Renata Valenti—a feisty Italian interior designer with big dreams, stubborn independence, and a visa that’s running out faster than she’d like to admit. Staying in the U.S. means everything. But love? That’s a risk she’s not willing to take.
What starts as a carefully crafted arrangement quickly becomes complicated as real feelings crash through their perfectly planned boundaries when Mike proposes, literally and figuratively, that they pursue a real marriage.
Because he doesn’t just want a wife for show.
He wants Renata forever.
But she’s not sure her heart is capable of giving him the kind of love he deserves, and he’s worried she will find out the secret he’s been keeping from everyone.
As faith, family, and a few too many undeniable moments blur the line between pretend and real, they’re forced to face the question neither of them expected.
What if this wasn’t a mistake, but God’s plan all along?
Throw in a group of inappropriate grannies and the friend group you’ve come to love from the rest of the series, and love and hilarity ensue.
A swoony, closed-door romance featuring fake dating, a marriage of convenience, found family, and a hero who falls first and falls hard. Perfect for readers who love funny, heartfelt stories where faith leads the way to forever. All the books in this series are stand-alone stories. However, due to recurring characters and fun inside jokes, they are best read in order.

280 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 15, 2026

About the author

Mary Henderson is an avid reader, loves to travel, and loves all things chocolate. Her first published book, Dream Big, Girl, has been used as a devotional and Bible study in both the U.S. and Honduras, where she splits up her time. She hosts an ongoing companion podcast, offering opportunities to expand on the themes found in her devotional. Her favorite hobbies are reading, diving, and spending time with her girl tribe from around the world. She believes in true love, the kind that books are written about, and believes that book boyfriends actually do exist in this world. Most days, you’ll find her either at the beach in Honduras or in her favorite café in San Diego, plotting her next adventure and dreaming of her next novel.

Reviews

[Rachel Hastings]

Reader received an advanced copy of book from the author.

Some marriages start with friendship, some with sparks, but this marriage starts with a fake proposal just to satisfy grandma?

Mike Walker is a brainy scientist who adores his grandma and will do anything to make her happy. Renata Valenti is a beautiful Italian interior designer who has come to town to visit her best friend for a month.

In order to avoid a blatant set up by his grandmother, Mike blurts out the news of a girlfriend. Renata agrees to be Mike's fake girlfriend while she is in town. Everything is going great until Mike proposes and Renata accepts. Can these two almost strangers pursue a real, God centered marriage?

Get ready to giggle, swoon, and root for these relatable characters. Mary Henderson beautifully incorporates the struggles many couples face as they pursue a relationship headed toward marriage. She weaves in scripture and biblical truths as she creates a wonderful love story.

I had the privilege of being a part of the ARC team. This story was incredible. Henderson had me giggling from the first page. I love finding novels that align with my morals and values. If you're looking for clean, faith filled romances then you must pick up this book!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Henderson is a contemporary romance literary genius. Love in Theory had so many special elements to it. Mary’s books deal with real world problems and this one is no exception. The way she captures how depression and anxiety affect someone’s life was so powerful. I think so many will be able to relate to the characters’ struggles and feel encouraged in their own walk. She was also able to weave in faith themes that will touch your heart and not come off as cheesy.

Even though there are some darker themes, there is also so much fun humor. There’s a hilarious group of old ladies that bring so much life to the story and there’s a friend group that is everyone’s dream friend group. We also can’t forget the Pride and Prejudice references!

The romance is sweet, respectful and closed door. You will not find any spice or smut in Mary’s books and it is such a relief to find authors you can trust in that way. She always has such green flag men in her stories as well and we need more of that in books!

Definitely put Love in Theory on your reading list!

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Reader

Miles and Ren are my favorite out of the Love series. The struggles, acceptance, and growth by this couple is something to strive for. I love the topics of depression, feelings of neglect, and not being "good enough" while being a Christian. It's not talked about enough, especially with the stigma behind it. Grammy and Mike's relationship are just as strong and important in this book. The love and bond they share is the same I shared with my grandfather and it meant everything to me. The granny squad are AMAZING! There should be a warning with this book that says don't eat or drink anything or you will choke. They are who I want to be with my friend group when I grow old. They are hilarious, fun, and cause so much trouble at the nursing home and the lads.
Thank you for allowing me to be on your ARC team for these books.

[Kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love in Theory by Mary Henderson is perhaps a girls fake dating dream.

What lengths would you go to keep your family happy? Well, Mike really tested that. In this one we have communication, we have balance, we have frinedship, and we have a give and a take. They built a relationship based on wanting something better for themselves. And only wanting the best.

If you want a instalove romance with faith built elements this is the one for you.

Thank you Mary Henderson for the free book.

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love In Theory is an amazing book by Mary Henderson!! This is a marriage of convenience book that had really sweet, funny, and faith filled moments. Mike and Renata are relatable characters, and I was really excited about this book and was not disappointed. The faith elements in the book were really great and helped me understand things better as well and learn alongside the characters. This is an amazing book!! 😁

[Deanna Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal! One of my most recent favorites. I loved the backstory of Renata, her process played out so beautifully. Grammy and the granny mafia had me laughing constantly. Mike was lovable but also real. The story flowed at a great pace and had me up late to read as much as I could!

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of an Advanced Reader Copy from Author

This was a very enjoable read! Grammy and her squad were definitely my favorite! Renata and Mike's relationship grew from strangers to love in a very believable way. Definitely recommend.

[Lesley Galvan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read! I love the faith spread throughout the book. This was my first book ever from this author and I will definitely be reading more from her!

-Feisty Italian Woman
-Marriage of Convenience
-“My Wife”
-He Falls First
-Faith themes
-Granny Mafia Squad!