I’m incredibly grateful to Alison Davies at Atlantic Books for a copy of How To Find Your (First) Husband by Rosie Blake in return for an honest review. How To Find Your (First) Husband was published by Corvus on 2nd June in paperback and e-book and is available to purchase from Amazon, Waterstones, Foyles and from all good bookshops.
You can also find my review of one of Rosie Blake’s other books How To Stuff Up Christmas by clicking here.
How To Find Your (First) Husband
Isobel Graves moved to LA determined to be the Next Big Thing. Instead, she is dressed as a giant prawn handing out fliers promoting a fish market. Rather than attending glamorous parties and dating exciting men, her evenings consist of watching box sets with her sort-of boyfriend, whose idea of romance is a late-night drunken text.
Where did it all go wrong?
When Isobel catches sight of Andrew Parker, her childhood sweetheart, in the background of a TV news story she feels it’s a sign. If she’d stuck with Andrew everything would have turned out better. Now she just needs to find him…Join Isobel as she travels from LA to Devon and to a remote Malaysian island in search of true love.
My Review of How To Find Your (First) Husband
Oh my goodness, I adored this book. Just occasionally there’s a novel that is a perfect embodiment of its genre and How To Find Your (First) Husband by Rosie Blake is just that – perfect. I’m always sceptical about books that are said to be ‘hilarious’ or ‘funny’ as I seldom find them so, but I really did laugh aloud at this romantic comedy. I think it was because the humour felt so natural and not at all self-conscious or contrived. Isobel’s asides to herself and the reader created an intimacy so that it felt like sharing an in-joke with a close friend. For me, Isobel’s mother was a great source of amusement.
With apologies to all Geography teachers everywhere, I loved the range of characters. This is a perfect example of show, don’t tell, to create the individuals, that all writers could benefit from reading. Characters are gradually uncovered so that we get to know them at the same time as Isobel. I think the fact that there are only half a dozen characters focused on helps this too. I felt sorry for Liz and Andrew in many ways and sympathised with Mel’s fears and insecurities. Iz seemed completely natural – a real person, not a fictional character and I was desperate for her to be happy.
The plot is fast paced and thoroughly entertaining whilst retaining a realism that makes the story all the more attractive. I simply did not want the book to end because I enjoyed reading it so much. I thought the premise that Isobel is looking for her childhood sweetheart worked exceptionally well and certainly rekindled a few memories of my own early immature loves.
Underlying what is essentially a light hearted beach read are some deeper themes – the protection of wildlife, knowing what we really want from life, not letting the past adversely affect our present and future – all of which enhance the reading experience. This isn’t to say that the novel veers from a deftly written escapist text, but that it has layers that reward further thought.
Having read the story I’m desperate to be on the beach. Rosie Blake conjures up setting so well, invoking all the senses so that I really was transported to an island paradise in Tioman. There is a clear distinction between LA, Cornwall and Malasia so that a real sense of place comes through.
If you’re looking for the perfect romantic comedy to take on holiday, look no further. How To Find Your (First) Husband is a simply wonderful summer read. When is the next Rosie Blake book due as I don’t think I can wait long to read it?
About Rosie Blake
Rosie is an author of comic commercial fiction. She spent her university years writing pantomimes based on old classics (highlight: ‘Harry Potter: The Musical’) and went on to write short stories and features for a range of publications including Cosmopolitan,The Lady, Sunday People, Best and Reveal magazines. She worked in television as a presenter on both live and pre-recorded shows in Bristol and London. She has written three novels and plans to write many more.
Rosie likes baked items, taking long walks by the river and speaking about herself in the third person. Her greatest ambition in life is to become Julia Roberts’s best friend.
Linda's Book Bag 
I’m reviewing this today too! Very funny book, also loved the character of Isobel’s mum.
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I absolutely adored it. The right book for me at the right moment I think!
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