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Kristin Billerbeck has been one of my favorite authors since I fell in love with Ashley Stockingdale several years ago. I was super-excited about the opportunity to review her latest novel, A Billion Reasons Why.
Katie's ex-fiance comes back into her life asking for a favor after nearly a decade-long absence. As she heads back to her hometown of New Orleans, she must face her family and her past and decide if she will continue to live in bondage to her past failures or move forward and live the life God has in store for her.
A Billion Reasons Why lived up to all of my expectations and was absolutely delightful! Kristin's style pulls readers in from the very first page. I always feel like I'm friends with the characters by the end of her books. I found that I absolutely could not put the book down once I started it! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys chick lit!
5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from The B&B Media Group in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Book
Katie McKenna had resolved to live a quiet life, marry a practical Christian man, and leave all her “worldly” desires behind. Since moving to California, she’d made it her goal to live life logically and for the Lord. She has the perfect life—a fulfilling job, a cute apartment, and a wedding to plan with her soon-to-be fiancĂ©, Dexter.
But then in walks Luc DeForges, the handsome ex-boyfriend who’d broken her heart. After graduating college and rejecting Katie, Luc cornered the organic food market and became one of the most eligible multi-millionaire bachelors. But now he’s back and asking her to go home to New Orleans to sing at his brother’s wedding. She hasn’t fallen victim to her emotions since leaving New Orleans, and she’s invested too much to give into them now.
When Luc was in his element, there was nothing like it. His excitement was contagious and spread like a classroom virus, infecting those around him with a false sense of security. Katie inhales deeply and reminds herself that the man sold inspiration by the pound. His power over her was universal. It did not make her special.
Katie’s boyfriend, Dexter, is a practical man. As Katie’s roommate Eileen offers, “Katie, no matter how many entries you put in that book, Dexter is not going to be a romantic. I mean, fine, you’re going to marry him. He’s a good man. I just don’t want you to be disappointed. No matter how many junior high school hearts you draw next to his name, Dexter is going to order you what the Internet says is the proper gift for each anniversary. He’ll probably have a program created that does it for him.” But Dexter is safe. He’ll be a good dad. He’s very intellectual. He’s punctual. He’s everything she needs in a husband.
And Dexter will propose as soon as she gets her grandmother’s ring from her mom. And Luc will provide her with a free trip home for just that purpose. Plus, she needs to go home to New Orleans. It’s her last chance to find out why Luc tossed her from his life like a banana peel off the back of her father’s pickup. Love is a decision. A choice. All the leading experts said so, and she’d decided she would love Dexter in a way that honored and respected him. The way she’d loved Luc left her worn out and depleted, like an empty air mattress. Then what use was she? She’d get her ring and closure as well. Then nothing would stand in the way of her life with Dexter.
But what if God has more in store for her? What if God’s desire for her is a heart full of life? Can the passions she had as a young woman, which led to many of her past mistakes, still have a place in her life?
About the Author
Kristin Billerbeck is a successful novelist from northern California. She has authored more than 30 novels, including the Ashley Stockingdale series and the Spa Girls series. She is a leader in the Chick Lit movement, a Christy Award finalist, and a two-time winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award. She has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times.
Ah; I love Billerbeck! I can't wait to read this one!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post! I didn't know she had a new book out. I also really enjoyed the Ashley Stockingdale series and look forward to reading this one very soon!!
ReplyDeleteHey Brooke! Just "stopped by" today to see what you've enjoyed recently. I got a couple of bookstore gift cards and some money for my birthday, so I was hoping to find a couple of things to look for at the bookstore. After reading this review, I think I need to find something by Billerbeck! I've never read any of her books. Thanks for the review!
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