120,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

We're Moving! 🚚 We’ll be closed Fri, Sat & Sun. Pick up before 5pm tonight from our cute Rawiri bookshop!

The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association

Brief Description
‘I absolutely loved this… I don’t think I’ve ever related to a story more… I laughed and cried… A really great read!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sade Sodipo is ready to meet ‘the one’ and finally fulfil the Nigerian Dream. So far God hasn’t performed that little miracle quite... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2499
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

‘I absolutely loved this… I don’t think I’ve ever related to a story more… I laughed and cried… A really great read!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Diverse Later in Life Inspirational Christian Romance Novel for 2026

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

‘I absolutely loved this… I don’t think I’ve ever related to a story more… I laughed and cried… A really great read!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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…

A must read romance novel for anyone looking for inspirational, kisses-only romance which looks at themes of faith, culture, and love.

Readers are loving The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association:

Oh give me more of these Aunties please. Can I shrink them and carry them in my pocket at all time to just bring out and make me cackle… Adore this… Fun, adorable and hilarious… Touched all the good places in my soul… I loved it so much’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A must-read for anyone who believes love doesn’t have an expiration date' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Sade’s story made me laugh, made me ache, and made me proud … a feel-good, soul-touching story with Nigerian aunties, romance, and plenty of wahala.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'So funny and flirty!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

'A soulful, engaging read with just the right amount of wahala.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I loved how Nigerian it made me feel. It was all so relatable’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A warm, witty and refreshingly grown-up story about love, family and the pressures of cultural expectations … A heartfelt and engaging read, full of charm and relatable moments.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I absolutely loved this book. I’m a 36 yr old Christian, 1st gen Nigerian in the USA, single woman and I don’t think I’ve ever related to a story more.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'That’s what I appreciated most about this story: it’s romantic, yes, but it’s also deeply grounded in self-respect, boundaries, and community.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Sade is such a departure from typical characters in contemporary books – she is a very successful Black woman who is 50.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘No ordinary love story… Sade's journey will strike a chord — and the nerve — of anyone who's done time in the singleton trenches.’ Chioma Okereke, author of Water Baby

'Utterly charmed by this poignant and witty exploration of love, singlehood, and the Nigerian matriarch.' Frances Mensah Williams

'Sometimes reflective, sometimes sobering, but always hopeful, The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association is an artfully rendered celebration of love, heritage and the essence of belonging.’ Callie Browning, author of The Girl with the Hazel Eyes

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008703301

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 July 2025

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: One More Chapter

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 368

About the Author

Ola Awonubi was born in London to Nigerian parents. She grew up and attended school in Brighton and lived in Nigeria before returning to England in 1992. An avid reader, she enrolled in writing classes and went on obtain an MA in Creative Writing at the University of East London. Her short stories have first prize in both the National Words of Colour competition and the Wasafiri New Writing Prize 2009. This is her first historical novel.

More from Romance

View all
  • Eldritch
    New Release
    Eldritch
    From the author of Nocticadia comes the sequel to Anathema, a spellbinding gothic dark fantasy about a shunned woman who is forced beyond the mortal realm's forbidden boundary, into a terrifying world of cursed souls and grotesque creatures. In the grimly captivating sequel to Anathema, Maevyth and Zevander must navigate the perilous mortal lands to deliver Zevander from the clutches...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $2800
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Midnight Curfew
    New Release
    Midnight Curfew
    The Jaeger family return in the brand new queer, dark romance from New York Times bestselling author Penelope Douglas, in which two rivals must fight their forbidden and burning attraction to one another. Summertime is quiet in southern Florida. In the humidity, the streets are empty, and the nights are still—perfect for a little mischief while the police aren't looking....
    Paperback
    $2299
    Elsewhere:
    $2800
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    Psychotic Obsession
    From USA Today bestselling author and TikTok sensation comes the steamy, emotional dark romance spin-off that everyone is talking about!'Filled with TENSION, HEARTBREAK and ELECTRIC CHEMISTRY. This one will tear your heart right out of your chest before tossing it back in and sewing you up' No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Brynne Weaver'Leigh Rivers is THE QUEEN OF...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Taming The Heart
    New Release
    Taming The Heart
    Taming The Heart is a steamy, forbidden-love cowboy romance and the third book in the CRIMSON RIDGE series by internationally bestselling author Elliott Rose. Being hired by a ranch for the summer sounds picture-perfect, right? Except your new boss is your every fantasy come to life—oh, and he's already accidentally seen your favourite "toy." I've always been a free spirit....
    Paperback
    $2000
    Elsewhere:
    $2800
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    Shield of Sparrows
    Accolades: AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - Feature film now in development at Amazon MGM Studios with John Wick screenwriter Derek Kolstad attached - Amazon Best Romantasy Books of the Year 2025 - Apple Books Fantasy & Paranormal Romance Novel Best Sellers 2025, #27 - Audible Top Ten Best Romantasy Listens of 2025 - Indigo Best Fantasy Books...
    Paperback
    $6499
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    The Love Hypothesis
    The Love Hypothesis is the global phenomenon and debut novel from TikTok sensation, Ali Hazelwood. It is now available in a beautiful movie tie-in collector's edition featuring exclusive artwork from the Amazon movie starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, plus two bonus chapters from Adam's point of view. As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The Deal
    Welcome to Briar U! Get ready for your newest obsession . . . Discover the addictive world of the Off-Campus series from The Queen of Hockey Romance, Elle Kennedy! Read The Deal now for the perfect fake-dating romance! She's about to make a deal with the college bad boy . . . Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell
    New Release
    I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell
    What could go wrong on a road trip to Hell? ⭐ corporate hell vibes ⭐ only one bed ⭐ a road trip through the underworld ⭐ forced proximity ⭐ slow burn romance 'A delirious, clever romp of a book. Best time I've had with a book in ages!' JENNA LEVINE Brie Benson lives life in survival mode, right down to...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Foxx
    New Release
    Foxx
    The third in a motorcycle dark romance series from self-published sensation and author of the beloved Silver Pines series, Paisley Hope. Aiden Foxx runs the Disciples of Sin motorcycle club with strict control and zero tolerance for weakness. A former Navy SEAL turned outlaw king, he lives by one rule - trust no one. Then Mia Tyler walks into his...
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2800
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The Someday Garden
    New Release
    The Someday Garden
    The BRAND-NEW magical rom-com from Ashley Poston, bestselling author of The Seven Year Slip, now!💖 ‘Ashley Poston writes really beautiful love stories with just a sprinkling of magic’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Proud to say that I've never met an Ashley Poston book that wasn't a five-star read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ * Sophie Drear never expected to fall in love. But over a summer in...
    Paperback
    $2000
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Tempting Venom
    New Release
    Tempting Venom
    Tempting Venom is the third in a dark hockey romance series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Legacy of Gods series. When two ruthless enemies collide. My name is Preston Armstrong, and I'm the most depraved bastard you'll ever meet. I take what I want, ruin what I don't, and live exactly how I please....
    Paperback
    $2299
    Elsewhere:
    $2800
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    Restitution
    From USA Today bestselling author and TikTok sensation comes the gripping, steamy dark romance series that everyone is talking about!'Filled with TENSION, HEARTBREAK and ELECTRIC CHEMISTRY. This one will tear your heart right out of your chest before tossing it back in and sewing you up' No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Brynne Weaver'Leigh Rivers is THE QUEEN OF...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships Monday

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.