A sweet romance with infertility representation and #OwnVoices Orthodox Judaism :) This is my first read from Heidi Shertok and it won't be my last! I was so excited to get an advanced copy on NetGalley. ❤️
Title: Unorthodox Love
Author: Heidi Shertok
Narrator: Caitlin Thorburn
Pub Date: July 11, 2023
Audio Length: 13 hr. 14 min
Genres: Rom-Com, Romance, Comedy, Sweet Romance
Tropes: enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, virgin vs. experienced, workplace romance, fake relationship
Representation: Yes! Infertility and Orthodox Judaism
OwnVoices: Yes, Orthodox Judaism
Character/plot: Character Driven
Feeling: Lighthearted, Sweet, Humorous, Tender, Gentle
TW/CWs: This is a sweet romance. Some cursing. Infertility.
Romance: Sweet, Kissing Only
She once said the whole point of getting married is to have kids so I'd be lucky if anyone was interested in me. Then patted my hand as if to soften the blow.
What was he about to say? That I was seen as damaged, less than, not good enough?
A person is more than their reproductive organs . . . you are so much more than that . . . you're more than whole. you're perfect.
We all have our hardships and our struggles, but we're all Godly souls. And my job as his mother is to love him unconditionally . . .And our job as Jews is to see the Godly spark in everyone, not to judge each other.
Things I adored:
⛪️ Faith in a Rom-Com
✡️ Learning about Orthodox Judaism
🚺 An infertile FMC
🪄 NO magic cures!!!
🙌 Amazing rep!
👩❤️👨Gentle & Sweet Love Story
👨👩👦👦 Family Centered
😂 Funny Banter
I absolutely adored this book! It's not often that you find a romantic comedy novel that centers around infertility and does an outstanding job at handling these issues. I loved the representation in this novel and getting to learn more about orthodox Judaism. But for me, the real magic was being able to relate and connect to a character like Penina. I thank the author for not downplaying or avoiding the emotions that come with infertility while also giving readers lots of swoon and humor. I absolutely loved how she handled what it was like to date as someone who faces infertility. Brilliant! Add in faith aspects and a man who not only wants Penina to see her worth, but also wants to support her faith, and this easily became one of my favorite listens of the year!
Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher, author, and narrator for an advanced copy of this audiobook! All opinions are my own.
*Please note: I listened to the audiobook (which was amazing) so I have tried to annotate the quotes as best as possible :)
#virgintrope
#officeromance
Discussion Questions
Spoonie Discussion Questions
Did you enjoy the infertility representation?
yes
no
it's complicated
What infertility books would you recommend?
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What was your favorite part of this story?
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Book Lover Discussion Questions
Which part made you laugh most?
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Did you feel it was plot or character driven?
plot
character
mixed
Which part did you find most relatable?
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Do you like office romances?
yes
no
depends
What was your favorite characteristic about Sam? about Penina?
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