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A Billion Reasons Why
There are a billion reasons Kate should marry her current boyfriend.Will she trade them all to be madly in love?Katie McKenna leads a perfect life. She has a fulfilling job, a cute apartment, and a wedding to plan with her soon-to-be fianc�, Dexter. She can think of a billion reasons why she should marry Dexter. He's everything she wants in a husband.And then in walks Luc DeForges, her bold, breathtaking ex-boyfriend. Only now he's a millionaire. And he wants her to go home to New Orleans to sing for a friend's wedding. As his date.But Katie made up her mind about Luc eight years ago, when she fled their hometown after a very public breakup. Yet there's still a magnetism between them she can't deny.Katie thought her predictable relationship with Dexter would be the bedrock of a lasing, Christian marriage. But what if there's more? What if God's desire for her is a heart full of life? And what if that's what Luc has offered all along?Katie and Luc dance off the pages of this book, making you fall in love with them and New Orleans. Full of surprises and romance. --Carolyne Aarsen, author of The Baby Promise
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2011
80 people are currently reading
1114 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Billerbeck
64 books616 followersAbout Kristin
I grew up with a strong sense of justice. I simply knew the way things should be. And since I’m not smart enough to be a district attorney, I am a novelist. My childhood was slightly confusing. I blame my parents for this. Oh heck, I’m going to blame them for everything. I think I would have turned out normal if it weren’t for them.
the billerbeck's
Okay, probably not. I am a fourth-generation Californian, and an American mutt, but identify most strongly with my Italian heritage. My mother’s family, of strong Norwegian/German descent, tried to teach me how to do things right. How to cook, clean, sew, budget accordingly – all the things a proper young girl should know to be a contributing member of society. I, however, failed miserably. For my 40th birthday, my grandmother gave me a cookie gun, so it’s clear she hasn’t given up on me yet! That is eternal optimism!
My dad’s Italian family taught me about the good life. The indulgent life. How to eat, shop and be merry. My Nana had very tiny feet and a penchant for shoes (she worked at the Emporium, no doubt to fund her shoe addiction). My afternoons at her house had no lessons, other than how to walk in her high heels, drape myself in her mink stole and drip myself with rhinestones. Tastefully, of course. I picked up on this lifestyle much quicker.
I graduated San Jose State University with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications (emphasis in Advertising), gave my life to Jesus during college and found my true love in a Christian Singles’ Group, which yes, I skewer in “What a Girl Wants”. He is German. Practical. And a Contributing Member of Society. I am still Italian, fluffy and an aficionado of fine shoes & handbags.
Together, we have four children and now it’s our turn to confuse them. The circle of life. Dysfunctional family style.
I grew up with a strong sense of justice. I simply knew the way things should be. And since I’m not smart enough to be a district attorney, I am a novelist. My childhood was slightly confusing. I blame my parents for this. Oh heck, I’m going to blame them for everything. I think I would have turned out normal if it weren’t for them.
the billerbeck's
Okay, probably not. I am a fourth-generation Californian, and an American mutt, but identify most strongly with my Italian heritage. My mother’s family, of strong Norwegian/German descent, tried to teach me how to do things right. How to cook, clean, sew, budget accordingly – all the things a proper young girl should know to be a contributing member of society. I, however, failed miserably. For my 40th birthday, my grandmother gave me a cookie gun, so it’s clear she hasn’t given up on me yet! That is eternal optimism!
My dad’s Italian family taught me about the good life. The indulgent life. How to eat, shop and be merry. My Nana had very tiny feet and a penchant for shoes (she worked at the Emporium, no doubt to fund her shoe addiction). My afternoons at her house had no lessons, other than how to walk in her high heels, drape myself in her mink stole and drip myself with rhinestones. Tastefully, of course. I picked up on this lifestyle much quicker.
I graduated San Jose State University with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications (emphasis in Advertising), gave my life to Jesus during college and found my true love in a Christian Singles’ Group, which yes, I skewer in “What a Girl Wants”. He is German. Practical. And a Contributing Member of Society. I am still Italian, fluffy and an aficionado of fine shoes & handbags.
Together, we have four children and now it’s our turn to confuse them. The circle of life. Dysfunctional family style.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
September 25, 2012
This was one of those books where I wanted to reach through the pages and slap everybody silly. That frustrating.
I pretty much hated every character in it. At least the main ones. I was hoping they'd all end up just like Paddy, run over by a train.
I decided to add more to my review, to explain my frustration. The characters in this book change their minds from page to page. So in one page Katie loves Dexter, in the next she doesn't. In one page her mom hates Luc, in the next she doesn't. Without anything happening, not like an action changed their minds.
And it goes on and on for the rest of the book. Katie whines about everything. And Luc's excuses are shady at best...really after 8 years you realize, oh, man, I should really call this woman who I love and tell her the truth. Was he in prison for 8 years?
I did not care for the writing of the book either.
Really, the only thing I liked is that Harry Connick Jr is mentioned...I love that guy.
I pretty much hated every character in it. At least the main ones. I was hoping they'd all end up just like Paddy, run over by a train.
I decided to add more to my review, to explain my frustration. The characters in this book change their minds from page to page. So in one page Katie loves Dexter, in the next she doesn't. In one page her mom hates Luc, in the next she doesn't. Without anything happening, not like an action changed their minds.
And it goes on and on for the rest of the book. Katie whines about everything. And Luc's excuses are shady at best...really after 8 years you realize, oh, man, I should really call this woman who I love and tell her the truth. Was he in prison for 8 years?
I did not care for the writing of the book either.
Really, the only thing I liked is that Harry Connick Jr is mentioned...I love that guy.
September 4, 2012
I must say, this was one of the most Frustrating books I've ever read. Don't get me wrong, there are things I liked in the book, namely:
- the ring, its symbol, relevance and all that
- Luc, he would most probably be the most patient character I've stumbled upon in a book even though he was rejected time and time again
- Jem, sweet brother and friend, if there was a sequel to it, it's his story I'd want to read
- Olivia, she would've made a better protagonist in the story than Katie ever will
However, there were more that I disliked here... which are:
- Katie!! damn, was she irritating or what? LOL! She was in denial for about 95% of the book. Katie, in this story, may be one of the most depressing characters EVER!!
- Katie's mother and friend: they were contradicting their words. one minute they were against Luc, next they were pushing Katie towards Luc. I mean, if they can't even make up their minds, they should have just minded their own businesses.... and even if it seemed that they were only being sarcastic and all, they weren't. it makes you think they were bitter and did not want Katie to have a happy ending at all. (poor Luc)
- the whole millionaire and billionaire banter between Katie and Luc. Like it ever made a difference in the plot. Sure, "billion" is in the title, but it really did not give much relevance...
- Dexter... ughhh! (in my opinion, he and Katie would've been just fine... because Luc deserved much better)...
but yeah, plot wise, it was alright, i guess.
- the ring, its symbol, relevance and all that
- Luc, he would most probably be the most patient character I've stumbled upon in a book even though he was rejected time and time again
- Jem, sweet brother and friend, if there was a sequel to it, it's his story I'd want to read
- Olivia, she would've made a better protagonist in the story than Katie ever will
However, there were more that I disliked here... which are:
- Katie!! damn, was she irritating or what? LOL! She was in denial for about 95% of the book. Katie, in this story, may be one of the most depressing characters EVER!!
- Katie's mother and friend: they were contradicting their words. one minute they were against Luc, next they were pushing Katie towards Luc. I mean, if they can't even make up their minds, they should have just minded their own businesses.... and even if it seemed that they were only being sarcastic and all, they weren't. it makes you think they were bitter and did not want Katie to have a happy ending at all. (poor Luc)
- the whole millionaire and billionaire banter between Katie and Luc. Like it ever made a difference in the plot. Sure, "billion" is in the title, but it really did not give much relevance...
- Dexter... ughhh! (in my opinion, he and Katie would've been just fine... because Luc deserved much better)...
but yeah, plot wise, it was alright, i guess.
March 21, 2011
I can give you a billion reasons why not to read this book. I'm surprised it was ever accepted for publication. It was trite, contrived and absolutely ridiculous. It is the worst book I've read in a long time. If it had been more than 200 pages I would have never finished. I couldn't have cared less about any of the characters. The analogies were sophmoric and I found several of the conversations hard to follow - they made no sense. I picked up the book because it was touted as a Christian romance. Well, the Christian element felt forced. There were only 3 pages out of the entire book that I didn't shake my head at. Save yourself some time - don't read it! I will never read another of this author's books again.
September 25, 2018
Relentless!
This book had me from the get go. The push and pull between Luc and Katie was flawlessly written. My favorite stories are those with a headstrong, stubborn woman running from a relentless, equally headstrong man. I love stories where love is furious and intense and confusing, but certain and true and lasting. These stories are the human reflection of the same relentless pursuit God shows his people, which is why I love Christian romance so much.
I adored their obsession with old movies and the music. I’ve always shared that love myself, which is probably a big part of why I connected to this story so well. But also, the secondary characters are real and fun and help the story move along more richly. I don’t know why I haven’t read anything from this author before, but I’ll definitely be reading a lot more!
This book had me from the get go. The push and pull between Luc and Katie was flawlessly written. My favorite stories are those with a headstrong, stubborn woman running from a relentless, equally headstrong man. I love stories where love is furious and intense and confusing, but certain and true and lasting. These stories are the human reflection of the same relentless pursuit God shows his people, which is why I love Christian romance so much.
I adored their obsession with old movies and the music. I’ve always shared that love myself, which is probably a big part of why I connected to this story so well. But also, the secondary characters are real and fun and help the story move along more richly. I don’t know why I haven’t read anything from this author before, but I’ll definitely be reading a lot more!
April 4, 2011
Book Review: A Billion Reasons Why by Kristen Billerbeck
Reviewed by Serena Chase
Marketing geniuses across the blogosphere have flapped a lot of jaw proclaiming that the subgenre known as “chick lit” is on its way out. When I first heard those rumors, I tore my clothes and spread ashes about my library. (Not really.) But as it turns out, these were just rumors. I am happy to announce that, while the bookstore shelves may have lost a little weight in this particular category, rumors of its demise it have been greatly exaggerated. Point in case: Kristen Billerbeck’s latest novel, A Billion Reasons Why.
With quirky, sarcastic characters and the use of fashion as an elemental, but freshly done ingredient, A Billion Reasons Why will appeal to diehard fans of “chick lit” as well as the larger audience of Inspirational Romance readers who will appreciate the new depth Billerbeck has brought to her storytelling.
THE SITCH
Katie McKenna is about to be engaged to a practical, solid Christian man whose goals and values seem to very much line up with her own. Only one thing is keeping Katie and Dexter from making their engagement official: nobody seems to know where her grandmother’s heirloom engagement ring has been hidden.
Enter Luc DeForges, Katie’s gorgeous ex-boyfriend, a multi-millionaire who has his own private jet, can work a fedora better than Neal Caffrey at a late-night showing of Casablanca, and just happens to know the location of Katie’s ring. But he’s not telling. Luc has come to ask Katie to sing at his brother’s 1940s-themed wedding, but what he really wants is to keep Katie from marrying the wrong man.
Katie can’t forget the humiliation she received at Luc’s hand years ago, but she knows that Luc is her ticket to getting her ring and she won’t marry Dexter without it. With Dexter’s blessing, Katie agrees to accompany Luc to the wedding in hopes of obtaining her ring.
There are a billion reasons why Katie should marry Dexter – and just as many that she shouldn’t let herself fall in love with Luc DeForges again. But the more Katie is around Luc, the more she remembers the joy her life used to hold. Katie begins to question whether having a life of safety is worth giving up a life full of life.
HOW IT HIT ME
Like Ginger Rogers’s tap heels across a polished ballroom floor: smooth, jazzy, and precise; sometimes seeming to float on air, but with enough attitude to keep my eyes glued to the page.
Kristen Billerbeck’s characters skillfully sashayed through a medley of 1940s-meets-21st-Century romance with the panache of a well-choreographed dance number. A fan of 1940s song and dance myself, I appreciated Billerbeck’s reference of classic lyrics and movie lines throughout the novel and felt they purveyed a classy sort of richness to this light romantic tale.
WHAT MADE ME SQUIRM
A moment of unexpected insight. (I prefer to avoid putting spoilers in a review, so I’m going to word this carefully and turn it into a teaser, instead.)
When a particular character’s one glaring deficiency among his many husband-worthy traits was revealed, I had cause to reflect and wonder upon several troubled relationships within my sphere of notice. Even after finishing the novel my mind returned to those thoughts many times in the following days. It made me a bit sad to realize how very rare (that particular trait—no spoilers!) is to find nowadays – even within the church. My hope is that all the single ladies out there will take that particular passage to heart before they say “I do.” (You’ll have to read the book to find out what trait that is.)
TO READ, OR NOT TO READ: THAT IS THE QUESTION
“Here’s looking at you (reading it), kid.”
My recommendation? Download a few Cole Porter tunes, find a good red lipstick, and curl up with this book. And if you happen by a hat display and feel compelled to buy a fedora afterward…? Well, don’t be too hard on yourself.
AND FINALLY, IN THE WORDS OF INIGO MONTOYA:
“No, there is too much. Let me sum up.”
A Billion Reasons Why by Kristen Billerbeck is one sweet read. This novel is sure to fill your mind with romance, your heart with song, and your NetFlix account with classic movie rentals.
This review first appeared at www.edgyinspirationalromance.com
Reviewed by Serena Chase
Marketing geniuses across the blogosphere have flapped a lot of jaw proclaiming that the subgenre known as “chick lit” is on its way out. When I first heard those rumors, I tore my clothes and spread ashes about my library. (Not really.) But as it turns out, these were just rumors. I am happy to announce that, while the bookstore shelves may have lost a little weight in this particular category, rumors of its demise it have been greatly exaggerated. Point in case: Kristen Billerbeck’s latest novel, A Billion Reasons Why.
With quirky, sarcastic characters and the use of fashion as an elemental, but freshly done ingredient, A Billion Reasons Why will appeal to diehard fans of “chick lit” as well as the larger audience of Inspirational Romance readers who will appreciate the new depth Billerbeck has brought to her storytelling.
THE SITCH
Katie McKenna is about to be engaged to a practical, solid Christian man whose goals and values seem to very much line up with her own. Only one thing is keeping Katie and Dexter from making their engagement official: nobody seems to know where her grandmother’s heirloom engagement ring has been hidden.
Enter Luc DeForges, Katie’s gorgeous ex-boyfriend, a multi-millionaire who has his own private jet, can work a fedora better than Neal Caffrey at a late-night showing of Casablanca, and just happens to know the location of Katie’s ring. But he’s not telling. Luc has come to ask Katie to sing at his brother’s 1940s-themed wedding, but what he really wants is to keep Katie from marrying the wrong man.
Katie can’t forget the humiliation she received at Luc’s hand years ago, but she knows that Luc is her ticket to getting her ring and she won’t marry Dexter without it. With Dexter’s blessing, Katie agrees to accompany Luc to the wedding in hopes of obtaining her ring.
There are a billion reasons why Katie should marry Dexter – and just as many that she shouldn’t let herself fall in love with Luc DeForges again. But the more Katie is around Luc, the more she remembers the joy her life used to hold. Katie begins to question whether having a life of safety is worth giving up a life full of life.
HOW IT HIT ME
Like Ginger Rogers’s tap heels across a polished ballroom floor: smooth, jazzy, and precise; sometimes seeming to float on air, but with enough attitude to keep my eyes glued to the page.
Kristen Billerbeck’s characters skillfully sashayed through a medley of 1940s-meets-21st-Century romance with the panache of a well-choreographed dance number. A fan of 1940s song and dance myself, I appreciated Billerbeck’s reference of classic lyrics and movie lines throughout the novel and felt they purveyed a classy sort of richness to this light romantic tale.
WHAT MADE ME SQUIRM
A moment of unexpected insight. (I prefer to avoid putting spoilers in a review, so I’m going to word this carefully and turn it into a teaser, instead.)
When a particular character’s one glaring deficiency among his many husband-worthy traits was revealed, I had cause to reflect and wonder upon several troubled relationships within my sphere of notice. Even after finishing the novel my mind returned to those thoughts many times in the following days. It made me a bit sad to realize how very rare (that particular trait—no spoilers!) is to find nowadays – even within the church. My hope is that all the single ladies out there will take that particular passage to heart before they say “I do.” (You’ll have to read the book to find out what trait that is.)
TO READ, OR NOT TO READ: THAT IS THE QUESTION
“Here’s looking at you (reading it), kid.”
My recommendation? Download a few Cole Porter tunes, find a good red lipstick, and curl up with this book. And if you happen by a hat display and feel compelled to buy a fedora afterward…? Well, don’t be too hard on yourself.
AND FINALLY, IN THE WORDS OF INIGO MONTOYA:
“No, there is too much. Let me sum up.”
A Billion Reasons Why by Kristen Billerbeck is one sweet read. This novel is sure to fill your mind with romance, your heart with song, and your NetFlix account with classic movie rentals.
This review first appeared at www.edgyinspirationalromance.com
March 28, 2011
If you know The Philadelphia Story starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, you'll have a good idea of the direction of the plot. This is definitely a Christian homage to the movie classic, especially with a background theme of black and white movies.
Katie McKenna is like a lot of us. She's made mistakes in her life, and has run in an attempt to remove herself from them. She's so determined to change that she has perhaps changed too much. She's a far cry from the apparent fun-loving woman she was at college. Katie is the Hepburn character.
Luc DeForges was her college sweetheart, who made a mistake in doing what he thought was the right thing at the time. The end result was Katie's humiliation, and now he's determined to make it right. He might be a millionaire, but he's learned that you cannot buy happiness. Luc is Grant's dashing character.
And then there's Dexter, Katie's unofficial fiance. Never was a character so misnamed. In The Philadelphia Story Grant's character was called C K Dexter Haven, and he went by Dexter. Whenever I saw the name in the book, I could only think of the younger sister in the movie crying, "Dexter, Dexter! You've come back!"
But this Dexter is harsh and totally devoid of fun and understanding. He says that he understands Katie's interests, but he doesn't share them or support her. Something which I've learned is vital in a marriage. He talks behind her back to their pastor, who gives him advice without counseling them together. The worst was when he told Katie she needed to consider being more of a Proverbs 31 Woman. That stung. P31 is one of my favourite Biblical passages and I strive to be like that woman. I believe you can be fun loving AND be a good homemaker. To be honest, I think Dexter needed to pay attention to that passage as well, particularly verse 28 because he completely fails to acknowledge the good she has done in her chosen vocation.
I don't recall having read any of Kristin Billerbeck's books before. I'd read reviews for this title, and picked it up at the library because it looked like a light and carefree Christian romance. It was definitely a good decision, and I'll certainly borrow more by Billerbeck if I see them on the shelves.
Katie McKenna is like a lot of us. She's made mistakes in her life, and has run in an attempt to remove herself from them. She's so determined to change that she has perhaps changed too much. She's a far cry from the apparent fun-loving woman she was at college. Katie is the Hepburn character.
Luc DeForges was her college sweetheart, who made a mistake in doing what he thought was the right thing at the time. The end result was Katie's humiliation, and now he's determined to make it right. He might be a millionaire, but he's learned that you cannot buy happiness. Luc is Grant's dashing character.
And then there's Dexter, Katie's unofficial fiance. Never was a character so misnamed. In The Philadelphia Story Grant's character was called C K Dexter Haven, and he went by Dexter. Whenever I saw the name in the book, I could only think of the younger sister in the movie crying, "Dexter, Dexter! You've come back!"
But this Dexter is harsh and totally devoid of fun and understanding. He says that he understands Katie's interests, but he doesn't share them or support her. Something which I've learned is vital in a marriage. He talks behind her back to their pastor, who gives him advice without counseling them together. The worst was when he told Katie she needed to consider being more of a Proverbs 31 Woman. That stung. P31 is one of my favourite Biblical passages and I strive to be like that woman. I believe you can be fun loving AND be a good homemaker. To be honest, I think Dexter needed to pay attention to that passage as well, particularly verse 28 because he completely fails to acknowledge the good she has done in her chosen vocation.
I don't recall having read any of Kristin Billerbeck's books before. I'd read reviews for this title, and picked it up at the library because it looked like a light and carefree Christian romance. It was definitely a good decision, and I'll certainly borrow more by Billerbeck if I see them on the shelves.
February 26, 2011
I never had the pleasure of reading anything by Kristin Billerbeck before, and wish someone had warned me that I would not be able to put this fun and quirky romance down. Before you sit down to read this novel, create yourself a nice cozy spot complete with a cup (or rather a thermos) of your favorite beverage and a snack or two, along with your favorite afghan to curl up with - all where you won't be disturbed, because once you start reading, you won't want to stop!
"A Billion Reasons Why" is one of those fantastic stories where humor is mixed with a very serious side. True to life - all the characters have a flaw or two - no matter how perfect they seem at first. The main characters, Katie and Luc, are well developed that will sweep you off your feet and have you itching to rent a few of Humphrey Bogart's and Katharine Hepburn's movies by the time you turn the last page.
Everything about this novel worked for me. Not only did it transport me to New Orleans where I could hear that southern drawl and smell crawdads cooking, but it had me practically dancing along with them through the 1940's! If there was ever a "perfect" romance or chick lit, this would have to be it. The only thing that made it even better was the wonderful Christian message that it delivered!
Make sure to add "A Billion Reasons Why" to your must read pile. It comes highly recommended!
"A Billion Reasons Why" is one of those fantastic stories where humor is mixed with a very serious side. True to life - all the characters have a flaw or two - no matter how perfect they seem at first. The main characters, Katie and Luc, are well developed that will sweep you off your feet and have you itching to rent a few of Humphrey Bogart's and Katharine Hepburn's movies by the time you turn the last page.
Everything about this novel worked for me. Not only did it transport me to New Orleans where I could hear that southern drawl and smell crawdads cooking, but it had me practically dancing along with them through the 1940's! If there was ever a "perfect" romance or chick lit, this would have to be it. The only thing that made it even better was the wonderful Christian message that it delivered!
Make sure to add "A Billion Reasons Why" to your must read pile. It comes highly recommended!
January 6, 2016
I had such high hopes for this book! I was mislead by the synopsis and everything on goodreads because I didn't know it was a Christian novel. I have never read one before and I don't the book against it but the plot, dialogue, and everything was just so mundane and slow. I couldn't get past how dry and stale the characters were and how their dialogue seemed heavily forced and not natural. Some of the dialogues didn't even make sense! One character would go on and on about how another character was horrible but then halfway through the scene, the character would be boasting about the character they were just making fun of? Like huh? Final recommendation: Skip this read folks.
February 20, 2011
I read this book nearly straight through. I had to sleep, but it was hard setting this story aside to do that. For some reason this story appealed to me more than most. Maybe it was because of the whole need for healing from the past, or maybe it was the desire to fully love rather than settle for safe. Whatever, the reason, I loved this story. I didn't want to do anything but read it until I got to the last page. Some great points were made throughout the story about the sacrifice of love and how sometimes what seems right and save is really manipulation. On the other hand what sometimes seems like manipulation really is true love. I know, it's confusing, so you have to read the book to find out what I mean. It was pretty profound in that respect.
I enjoyed the minor themes in this book and how Luc became instantly likable the day he fed that sweet child in her classroom sweet potatoes and ended up wearing some of it. I loved how the author showed the intense emotion that comes from having such a strong bond to someone that was never meant to be broken. Yeah, eight years was a long time for him to wait, so I could see where it would baffle her. It kind of baffled me, too, but then again, I fell in love with Luc myself so I was pretty blinded from the get go. :) And unlike heroines from other novels Billerbeck has written who are snarky, I found this heroine, Katie, to be quite lovable, too. They truly made a great couple. I agreed with all of the people in her life. They wanted to protect her, but at the same time they wanted to see her bloom, too, and be who God made her. And that wasn't what she had chosen for herself.
The setting for this story was pretty romantic, too. I enjoyed the cultural experience and I dare say it made me want to go to New Orleans to check out the town for myself. That was very well done. I think the setting totally added to the romance. So did the old money theme that is often prevalent in the south. That was great. All in all I found this book highly entertaining and very romantic. There wasn't a lot of smooching but what did occur was definitely something to savor. I highly recommend this book for romance lovers. It's a great getaway for the mind and a perfect beach read. Oh, and it made me have a greater appreciation for the 1940s swing than I thought possible.
I enjoyed the minor themes in this book and how Luc became instantly likable the day he fed that sweet child in her classroom sweet potatoes and ended up wearing some of it. I loved how the author showed the intense emotion that comes from having such a strong bond to someone that was never meant to be broken. Yeah, eight years was a long time for him to wait, so I could see where it would baffle her. It kind of baffled me, too, but then again, I fell in love with Luc myself so I was pretty blinded from the get go. :) And unlike heroines from other novels Billerbeck has written who are snarky, I found this heroine, Katie, to be quite lovable, too. They truly made a great couple. I agreed with all of the people in her life. They wanted to protect her, but at the same time they wanted to see her bloom, too, and be who God made her. And that wasn't what she had chosen for herself.
The setting for this story was pretty romantic, too. I enjoyed the cultural experience and I dare say it made me want to go to New Orleans to check out the town for myself. That was very well done. I think the setting totally added to the romance. So did the old money theme that is often prevalent in the south. That was great. All in all I found this book highly entertaining and very romantic. There wasn't a lot of smooching but what did occur was definitely something to savor. I highly recommend this book for romance lovers. It's a great getaway for the mind and a perfect beach read. Oh, and it made me have a greater appreciation for the 1940s swing than I thought possible.
October 11, 2016
I checked this book out from the library looking for an easy fun read. I loved this book. Katie and Luc's love of the 1940's is awesome! My favorite time period is probably the 40's so I really really enjoyed the retro theme. I didn't know that this book was set in New Orleans which I also loved. For some reason when books are set in New Orleans it makes them more interesting and fun to read.
Anyways, on to the characters! When you first meet Katie you are introduced to a slightly boring teacher. Once you realize she's suppressing her true character and that her true character is actually a fun 40's loving lady she becomes much more interesting. I really liked Katie. Her love for singing matched my own, her love of dancing made me wish I could dance, and her love of the 40's is my dream come true. From the start you can tell she is a kind woman, working for a special needs school and all, and later, when you are introduced to the rest of her character, you realize she can become a dazzling starlit.
Luc on the other hand is interesting from day one. His true character is shown throughout the entire character. He is a kind, gentlemanly, stubborn, and persuasive. It is very clear to the readers, from the very beginning of the book, how much he loves Katie. He encourages Katie to sing, dance, and love the 40's the way she used to. Luc also contains a love for the 40's that rivals Katie's. I really like Luc, but maybe that's because I have always enjoyed the funny gentlemanly guys.
The plot was mostly about Katie making decisions. Honestly I loved the plot, although there were many parts where I wanted to scream at Katie because I knew she was doing the wrong thing. I guess all the ups and downs ended up making the book more fun to read, so when I finished reading the book I came out liking it (a lot).
The romance between Katie and Luc is meant to be (if only Katie would see that), and I was hanging on the edge of my seat waiting for them to finally be together. The end was perfect, though it left me wanting more books. In fact the only bad thing about this book is that it isn't part of a series.
I would definitely read a sequel, especially if it was about Luc's brother Jem and Katie's roommate who a I can't remember the name of.
I don't think there was any inappropriate content, so this doesn't need a warning.
Anyways, on to the characters! When you first meet Katie you are introduced to a slightly boring teacher. Once you realize she's suppressing her true character and that her true character is actually a fun 40's loving lady she becomes much more interesting. I really liked Katie. Her love for singing matched my own, her love of dancing made me wish I could dance, and her love of the 40's is my dream come true. From the start you can tell she is a kind woman, working for a special needs school and all, and later, when you are introduced to the rest of her character, you realize she can become a dazzling starlit.
Luc on the other hand is interesting from day one. His true character is shown throughout the entire character. He is a kind, gentlemanly, stubborn, and persuasive. It is very clear to the readers, from the very beginning of the book, how much he loves Katie. He encourages Katie to sing, dance, and love the 40's the way she used to. Luc also contains a love for the 40's that rivals Katie's. I really like Luc, but maybe that's because I have always enjoyed the funny gentlemanly guys.
The plot was mostly about Katie making decisions. Honestly I loved the plot, although there were many parts where I wanted to scream at Katie because I knew she was doing the wrong thing. I guess all the ups and downs ended up making the book more fun to read, so when I finished reading the book I came out liking it (a lot).
The romance between Katie and Luc is meant to be (if only Katie would see that), and I was hanging on the edge of my seat waiting for them to finally be together. The end was perfect, though it left me wanting more books. In fact the only bad thing about this book is that it isn't part of a series.
I would definitely read a sequel, especially if it was about Luc's brother Jem and Katie's roommate who a I can't remember the name of.
I don't think there was any inappropriate content, so this doesn't need a warning.
March 14, 2011
I loved the book! Well that is pretty strong, but I really liked the book. I read it in under two days. It was a breath of fresh air type of book after you've been reading a bunch that are heavier in subject or history. This is one of those light love stories that are fun to read. The author even had me laugh out loud a few times. A delightful romp of a book. This is about a school teacher of autistic children who is engaged to be married to a fellow who is serious, involved in the church, everything she thinks she should look for in a man for a stable husband and father for her children to be but she doesn't love him. She is still in love with a man back in New Orleans who she embarrassed herself with by declaring her love and asking him to marry her back when he graduated from college. She didn't know the microphone was on. She had gone so far that she gave him her virginity, was sure he loved her, and he turned her down! In front of everyone who mattered in town. Ergo, she wants staid and secure now or so she thinks.....
Here is the information from the back of the book: There are a billion reasons Kate should marry her current boyfriend.
Will she trade them all to be madly in love?
Katie McKenna leads a perfect life. Or so she thinks. She has a fulfilling job, a cute apartment, and a wedding to plan with her soon-to-be fiance, Dexter.
She can think of a billion reasons why she should marry Dexter…but nowhere on that list is love.
And then in walks Luc DeForges, her bold, breathtaking ex-boyfriend. Only now he's a millionaire.
And he wants her to go home to New Orleans to sing for her childhood friend's wedding. As his date.
Katie made up her mind about Luc eight years ago, when she fled their hometown after a very public breakup. Yet there's a magnetism between them she can't deny.pbrbrPKatie�thought her predictable relationship with Dexter would be the bedrock of a lasting, Christian marriage. But what if there's more? What if God's desire for her is a heart full of life? And what if that's what Luc has offered all along?
Here is the information from the back of the book: There are a billion reasons Kate should marry her current boyfriend.
Will she trade them all to be madly in love?
Katie McKenna leads a perfect life. Or so she thinks. She has a fulfilling job, a cute apartment, and a wedding to plan with her soon-to-be fiance, Dexter.
She can think of a billion reasons why she should marry Dexter…but nowhere on that list is love.
And then in walks Luc DeForges, her bold, breathtaking ex-boyfriend. Only now he's a millionaire.
And he wants her to go home to New Orleans to sing for her childhood friend's wedding. As his date.
Katie made up her mind about Luc eight years ago, when she fled their hometown after a very public breakup. Yet there's a magnetism between them she can't deny.pbrbrPKatie�thought her predictable relationship with Dexter would be the bedrock of a lasting, Christian marriage. But what if there's more? What if God's desire for her is a heart full of life? And what if that's what Luc has offered all along?
March 14, 2013
Katie McKenna is a special education teacher who has given up on her past as a singer in New Orleans. Giving up that past means that she's decided to marry a man from her church in an effort to erase the memories of a passionate relationship gone bad back home. But when her ex shows up and invites her to sing at his brother's wedding, Katie finds that she is confronted with a choice between the passion of old and the stability of the present.
There is plenty of romance in the story, particularly for anyone who enjoys the movies and music of the 1940s. I thought the references to the old classics were sweet, and they made the story much more entertaining. The writing style is very good, with plenty of imagery to help the reader become more involved in the story. And you can't beat New Orleans for the setting of a novel.
The major thing that didn't quite work for me was the characterization. There seemed to be so many inconsistencies in several of the main characters. Is Dexter passionless and predictable, or is he a sweet guy who sends roses every week? Does Eileen like Dexter or not? Does Eileen like Luc or not? And Katie's mother seems to flip flop so much you'd think she was a beach sandal. Issues like these made the story less enjoyable for me
I will say, however, that the main characters were fun to read, particularly Luc.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes simple romances with interesting plots and settings. It's an easy, fun read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Goodreads First Read book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
There is plenty of romance in the story, particularly for anyone who enjoys the movies and music of the 1940s. I thought the references to the old classics were sweet, and they made the story much more entertaining. The writing style is very good, with plenty of imagery to help the reader become more involved in the story. And you can't beat New Orleans for the setting of a novel.
The major thing that didn't quite work for me was the characterization. There seemed to be so many inconsistencies in several of the main characters. Is Dexter passionless and predictable, or is he a sweet guy who sends roses every week? Does Eileen like Dexter or not? Does Eileen like Luc or not? And Katie's mother seems to flip flop so much you'd think she was a beach sandal. Issues like these made the story less enjoyable for me
I will say, however, that the main characters were fun to read, particularly Luc.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes simple romances with interesting plots and settings. It's an easy, fun read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Goodreads First Read book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 25, 2015
Awful! I am a dedicated reader. I will read books with bad plots. I will read books with eh-so-so grammar. I will read just about anything. I don't ever stop reading a book, I finish it, no matter how awful. But this? This was truly awful. And that's not easy to say, because I write. I don't ever want to criticize another authors work that way.
I stopped at chapter two. The book was unbelievable, literally.
The prologue looked promising.
Chapter one was a mess. The character hears her exes voice, but then acts as if nothing is going on and she didn't notice him until other people point him out. Wait, didn't you just hear his voice? In a classroom of you and two other women?? Why did you have to see your co-workers pointing at him to know he was there?? And then they start to slow dance in the classroom, which has the co-workers as well as special needs students. And then he carries her out over his shoulder. Really???!!!
And then in chapter two, she tells said ex "I never explained that you were my ex." but on the VERY NEXT PAGE she states "... he knows about you being my boyfriend all through collage and of course. . . the rest of it. But he doesn't know you're a billionaire in the tabloids!"
Again... seriously? The contradiction was too much. And the new boyfriend knows who your ex is, but doesn't realize that he's the same guy on the tabloids in the supermarket??? Give me a break.
I feel like the author wanted this dreamy love story, and tried too hard. I sadly will add this to my very very short list of books that I couldn't even finish.
I stopped at chapter two. The book was unbelievable, literally.
The prologue looked promising.
Chapter one was a mess. The character hears her exes voice, but then acts as if nothing is going on and she didn't notice him until other people point him out. Wait, didn't you just hear his voice? In a classroom of you and two other women?? Why did you have to see your co-workers pointing at him to know he was there?? And then they start to slow dance in the classroom, which has the co-workers as well as special needs students. And then he carries her out over his shoulder. Really???!!!
And then in chapter two, she tells said ex "I never explained that you were my ex." but on the VERY NEXT PAGE she states "... he knows about you being my boyfriend all through collage and of course. . . the rest of it. But he doesn't know you're a billionaire in the tabloids!"
Again... seriously? The contradiction was too much. And the new boyfriend knows who your ex is, but doesn't realize that he's the same guy on the tabloids in the supermarket??? Give me a break.
I feel like the author wanted this dreamy love story, and tried too hard. I sadly will add this to my very very short list of books that I couldn't even finish.
May 4, 2012
Luc broke Katie’s heart and humiliated her in her home town years ago. She is now a Special Ed teacher and almost engaged to Dexter who is safe. Out of no where Luc shows up at her school and demands she come home to sing at his brothers wedding. Katie has vowed to move on and not let him get to her again. Will a trip home to New Orleans cause her billion reasons why to evaporate under the hot New Orleans sun or will she find true love once again?
This was a fun book I enjoyed it a lot. It’s the kind of romance novel that makes you feel all warm and fussy inside. I enjoyed seeing Katie who starts out kind of dead inside just living day to day return home and find herself again. There are parts of this book that seem a little hard to believe but the book is kind of magical almost a Cinderella feel which makes it fun to read. I did not feel though like I got to know Luc as well as Katie his feelings seemed more of a mystery and it took a while to understand his side of things. Over all a fun book with a good Christian base. This is a book I could see myself picking up and reading again just because it brings out the romantic in me!
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this book from the publisher through BookSneeze to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
This was a fun book I enjoyed it a lot. It’s the kind of romance novel that makes you feel all warm and fussy inside. I enjoyed seeing Katie who starts out kind of dead inside just living day to day return home and find herself again. There are parts of this book that seem a little hard to believe but the book is kind of magical almost a Cinderella feel which makes it fun to read. I did not feel though like I got to know Luc as well as Katie his feelings seemed more of a mystery and it took a while to understand his side of things. Over all a fun book with a good Christian base. This is a book I could see myself picking up and reading again just because it brings out the romantic in me!
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this book from the publisher through BookSneeze to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
January 18, 2011
I had heard, but never read anything by the author of A Billion Reasons Why until picking up this book and was pleasantly surprised!
Being an aspiring author I look for aspects of books that captivated me. The dialogue! It’s a lesson in precision, subtext, quick wit and emotion, giving the reader an effective glimpse into the mind of the character speaking. I laughed more than once at Katie and her best friend Eileen as she tried to keep her in line.
There is a subtle faith message woven through the book; one I appreciated. It’s one of those books that I could probably read several times to absorb its full impact. Katie’s struggles are especially well thought out and anxieties increased through the book. Letting go…and letting God seem to be the theme, though never in an overt way.
My one thought about the book is I am unsure about Luc. He was a suave hero that made more than just Katie’s heart dance, but I never really got a clear glimpse into his beliefs. I would have liked to dig a bit deeper into him.
But I was still pleased with my first experience with this author’s work. Its quick witted, sprinkled with dry humor and a romance leaving you longing for more. I enjoyed it!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
Being an aspiring author I look for aspects of books that captivated me. The dialogue! It’s a lesson in precision, subtext, quick wit and emotion, giving the reader an effective glimpse into the mind of the character speaking. I laughed more than once at Katie and her best friend Eileen as she tried to keep her in line.
There is a subtle faith message woven through the book; one I appreciated. It’s one of those books that I could probably read several times to absorb its full impact. Katie’s struggles are especially well thought out and anxieties increased through the book. Letting go…and letting God seem to be the theme, though never in an overt way.
My one thought about the book is I am unsure about Luc. He was a suave hero that made more than just Katie’s heart dance, but I never really got a clear glimpse into his beliefs. I would have liked to dig a bit deeper into him.
But I was still pleased with my first experience with this author’s work. Its quick witted, sprinkled with dry humor and a romance leaving you longing for more. I enjoyed it!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
May 27, 2011
Despite the fact that the beginning of this book is rushed and slightly doesn't make much sense, their are still bits of this book that are worth reading. An entertaining story is half the book, which is a good thing.
In the first few chapters, I wasn't sold AT ALL on the fedora wearing, breaking out into swing dancing at any moment 'hero'. It didn't endear me to who Luc was at all. However slowly, the story does start to take speed after getting past the 2nd or 3rd chapter, and it turns into a light read. Still better written than most Christian fiction.
And just when I had had enough of the 'no I can never choose love again' defiance..it stops. So I commend the book for that. The real fun in this story, definitely begins once Katie gets to New Orleans. I think you start to love and respect the main characters more in the light of the New Orleans culture. Except, Dexter..he is completely annoying. But he is suppose to be..
Their are some cheesy--this can't be real-- type bits in the story line. However, the story is still entertaining and super sweet. I love all the Swing Time and 40's references. And the culture of the book is done well too.
In the first few chapters, I wasn't sold AT ALL on the fedora wearing, breaking out into swing dancing at any moment 'hero'. It didn't endear me to who Luc was at all. However slowly, the story does start to take speed after getting past the 2nd or 3rd chapter, and it turns into a light read. Still better written than most Christian fiction.
And just when I had had enough of the 'no I can never choose love again' defiance..it stops. So I commend the book for that. The real fun in this story, definitely begins once Katie gets to New Orleans. I think you start to love and respect the main characters more in the light of the New Orleans culture. Except, Dexter..he is completely annoying. But he is suppose to be..
Their are some cheesy--this can't be real-- type bits in the story line. However, the story is still entertaining and super sweet. I love all the Swing Time and 40's references. And the culture of the book is done well too.
June 15, 2018
I like her other books, but this one was just terrible. I mean 8 years apart? It should have been like 2 to be a somewhat believable story. Dexter's character doesn't even seem real or a worthy competition for Luc. You know how the story will end from the back cover. The answers are all so obvious that (as the below reviewer said) it makes you want to slap them. And so repetitive. They say the same things over and over again. It could have been about 2/3 the length and a better book. It wasn't funny or particularly moving. I did like the idea of the New Orleans and 40s vibe, though it felt a bit forced.
May 29, 2013
Uniquelly Irish!!! One of the books that I loved so much that I read and reread it, I probably can retell it with all the details.. Lol.
I know she humiliated and pushed him a lot but I would have done the same thing to pay for,ohh so terrible, public humiliation. I
This book made me fall in love with swing-dance era.
Very captivating story line, stubborn and witty characters, full of wisdom irish momma, and ofcourse passionate love that still is in flames after 8 agonizing years...
I know she humiliated and pushed him a lot but I would have done the same thing to pay for,ohh so terrible, public humiliation. I
This book made me fall in love with swing-dance era.
Very captivating story line, stubborn and witty characters, full of wisdom irish momma, and ofcourse passionate love that still is in flames after 8 agonizing years...
May 18, 2015
A little far fetched and predictable, but a fun summer read about Katie. She had a history with Luc, a multimillionaire who she hasn't seen in years, after an embarrassing scene at his graduation. His brother is getting married so he comes to get Katie to sing at the wedding. She's almost engaged to someone completely different and more predictable. Should she marry someone who is safe and predictable or someone she's been madly in love with??
July 29, 2013
Cheesy and I loved it.
March 8, 2013
It was an okay read that I read last August. I was on vacation, wanting to relax a little. This book isn't a heartstopper or life changer so explains the lack of stars. But it was okay.
June 18, 2015
Honestly, this book was horrible. It was cheesy and predictable. The characters were annoying and hard to relate to. It was boring. I had to force myself to keep reading to finish it.
March 13, 2018
3.5 stars Very funny and atmospheric . I want to visit New Orleans now . I liked it but I didn't LOVE it .
January 23, 2018
Lame! Lame! Lame! Seriously, I couldn’t even finish the book. Don’t waste your time.
November 1, 2018
I picked up this book due to the recommendations I have found here in Goodreads. And because of that, I really, really wanted to like it. There were many times that I had wanted to just walk away from it, but decided to plug along.
Unfortunately, my initial negative thoughts on the book never diminished as I plugged through it.
I think the premise is good. The location was also good. Can't beat a good N'awlins backdrop (the term used in the book). I think the characters had some good notes to them too.
However, I just felt the execution were all wrong.
For starters, I read this book in the large text format. Not sure if that made the difference, but I felt the editing was all wrong. Was their even any editing done? The flow of the paragraphs were all wrong to me. I felt like the scenes and dialogues jumped without an easy flow. The main characters would be talking about something deep and heavy and then all of a sudden, without any explanation to their reactions or inner turmoil, the conversation quickly changes into lighthearted or mundane. I saw this a lot with Katie and Luc and then Katie and her Mam.
I don't like too much inner dialogue in my books. I like a good combination of dialogue and inner thoughts. However, in this instance, I felt it there wasn't enough inner dialogue. And that also played a big part in the character development.
I also didn't like some of the characters. The best friend Elise was one of them. She was so adamant that Katie not give Luc a second chance that it made me feel like she was trying to control Katie's life. Who is she to act like that? And then at the end do a 180 degree turn and say that she knew all along that Katie will not love any other guy than Luc. What???
I also have a pet peeve with names. I feel like since this is a book where people can misread terms like names, you should have ones that are at least easy to say. So my question is, how do you properly read Luc. Is it like "Luke" or "Lus". I mean the letter c can be pronounced a few different ways. I don't like it when we have a main character with such a weird name. Let's stick with the normal ones people.
I also felt like the book was very disjointed. The way the readers are taken from present to past and back again was a bit odd. There wasn't even any transition. One paragraph you are at present and then with just one sentence you are now in the past. I had to reread many paragraphs just so I can grasp the change of events.
Anyways, I don't like to give harsh criticisms as I know writing books are hard work. But as a reader, I did not fully embrace Katie and Luc's story because of the execution. Sorry.
Unfortunately, my initial negative thoughts on the book never diminished as I plugged through it.
I think the premise is good. The location was also good. Can't beat a good N'awlins backdrop (the term used in the book). I think the characters had some good notes to them too.
However, I just felt the execution were all wrong.
For starters, I read this book in the large text format. Not sure if that made the difference, but I felt the editing was all wrong. Was their even any editing done? The flow of the paragraphs were all wrong to me. I felt like the scenes and dialogues jumped without an easy flow. The main characters would be talking about something deep and heavy and then all of a sudden, without any explanation to their reactions or inner turmoil, the conversation quickly changes into lighthearted or mundane. I saw this a lot with Katie and Luc and then Katie and her Mam.
I don't like too much inner dialogue in my books. I like a good combination of dialogue and inner thoughts. However, in this instance, I felt it there wasn't enough inner dialogue. And that also played a big part in the character development.
I also didn't like some of the characters. The best friend Elise was one of them. She was so adamant that Katie not give Luc a second chance that it made me feel like she was trying to control Katie's life. Who is she to act like that? And then at the end do a 180 degree turn and say that she knew all along that Katie will not love any other guy than Luc. What???
I also have a pet peeve with names. I feel like since this is a book where people can misread terms like names, you should have ones that are at least easy to say. So my question is, how do you properly read Luc. Is it like "Luke" or "Lus". I mean the letter c can be pronounced a few different ways. I don't like it when we have a main character with such a weird name. Let's stick with the normal ones people.
I also felt like the book was very disjointed. The way the readers are taken from present to past and back again was a bit odd. There wasn't even any transition. One paragraph you are at present and then with just one sentence you are now in the past. I had to reread many paragraphs just so I can grasp the change of events.
Anyways, I don't like to give harsh criticisms as I know writing books are hard work. But as a reader, I did not fully embrace Katie and Luc's story because of the execution. Sorry.
August 24, 2023
Katie McKenna thinks she’s over Luc DeForges. Moved on. Done. Finito. Following their public breakup in college, she vowed she would never fall for a man like Luc again. Long-term pragmatism and not short-term romance was the practical way to approach marriage and a life partner.
But when Katie is “almost engaged” to an unromantic, predictable man eight years later, Luc reappears from her distant past to ask her to sing for his brother’s 1940’s big band-style wedding in New Orleans. Luc’s a multi-millionaire now. A billionaire, if the tabloids are to be trusted. Logic tells her the idea is stupid, even emotionally dangerous. But against her better judgment, she goes, and must face whether her current relationship is worth not experiencing the love she used to share with Luc.
Anyone who knows me knows I love the music of yesterday. Big band. Swing. The birth of ‘50s rock-and-roll. To find a heroine in a contemporary romcom who actually knows more about another era’s music and pop culture than today’s and loves it maybe even more than me? That’s a rare find. And when the hero wears a fedora and a suit jacket everywhere…in the twenty-first century? You don’t have to tell me twice. (Yes, as a matter of fact, I was totally picturing Luc as Frank Sinatra. Come on. He was a blue-eyed, fedora-wearing guy. Who else was I supposed to picture him as? 😉)
With that being said, I could relate a lot to Katie. Maybe not in the love triangle bit, since I’ve never been in a relationship. But I know what it’s like to want stability. I know what it’s like to try to people-please. I know what it’s like to think about hiding your true personality or your unique preferences because they’re not what your friends think are hip or cool.
Luc, however, is another story. I did appreciate how he wanted Katie to pursue the things she loved and not shut her down because of it. What bothered me is that sometimes he didn’t seem to want to take “no” for an answer. So he’s a multimillionaire and has more at his disposal to pursue a woman with than the average guy. A private jet. The ability to obtain an original Ginger Rogers gown. Great. That doesn’t give Luc a reason to try to woo a woman who’s already in a relationship, no matter how incompatible the couple may seem to him. And that doesn’t give him a reason to try to manipulate Katie’s emotions instead of respecting her wishes. I never felt like he was a character I could put all my trust in.
As a whole, I thought A Billion Reasons Why was a fairly good story. New Orleans was the perfect setting for a jazzy story like this one, and the characters were unique for the genre. Is it my favorite Kristin Billerbeck novel? Probably not…Perfectly Dateless still holds that position, but this one comes pretty close.
But when Katie is “almost engaged” to an unromantic, predictable man eight years later, Luc reappears from her distant past to ask her to sing for his brother’s 1940’s big band-style wedding in New Orleans. Luc’s a multi-millionaire now. A billionaire, if the tabloids are to be trusted. Logic tells her the idea is stupid, even emotionally dangerous. But against her better judgment, she goes, and must face whether her current relationship is worth not experiencing the love she used to share with Luc.
Anyone who knows me knows I love the music of yesterday. Big band. Swing. The birth of ‘50s rock-and-roll. To find a heroine in a contemporary romcom who actually knows more about another era’s music and pop culture than today’s and loves it maybe even more than me? That’s a rare find. And when the hero wears a fedora and a suit jacket everywhere…in the twenty-first century? You don’t have to tell me twice. (Yes, as a matter of fact, I was totally picturing Luc as Frank Sinatra. Come on. He was a blue-eyed, fedora-wearing guy. Who else was I supposed to picture him as? 😉)
With that being said, I could relate a lot to Katie. Maybe not in the love triangle bit, since I’ve never been in a relationship. But I know what it’s like to want stability. I know what it’s like to try to people-please. I know what it’s like to think about hiding your true personality or your unique preferences because they’re not what your friends think are hip or cool.
Luc, however, is another story. I did appreciate how he wanted Katie to pursue the things she loved and not shut her down because of it. What bothered me is that sometimes he didn’t seem to want to take “no” for an answer. So he’s a multimillionaire and has more at his disposal to pursue a woman with than the average guy. A private jet. The ability to obtain an original Ginger Rogers gown. Great. That doesn’t give Luc a reason to try to woo a woman who’s already in a relationship, no matter how incompatible the couple may seem to him. And that doesn’t give him a reason to try to manipulate Katie’s emotions instead of respecting her wishes. I never felt like he was a character I could put all my trust in.
As a whole, I thought A Billion Reasons Why was a fairly good story. New Orleans was the perfect setting for a jazzy story like this one, and the characters were unique for the genre. Is it my favorite Kristin Billerbeck novel? Probably not…Perfectly Dateless still holds that position, but this one comes pretty close.
February 19, 2011
Original post at One More Page
Ah, marriage. And engagement. Two things that I never really thought much about up until my brother got married. Now it feels like everyone around me is getting engaged or married. How many old female high school friends have changed their surnames (or at least, added their husband's surnames to their names? How many friends in high school and college have I seen change their status from "In a Relationship" to "Engaged"? Sometimes they take me totally by surprise, too, only because they seemed so timid and shy back when I know them and now they're getting married and starting their own families. It doesn't make me want to get married yet (well, maybe a teensy part of me wonders -- just a small part, because hello, I don't even have a boyfriend yet), but it makes me realize that maybe I am at that particular season of my life where everyone around me is getting married and I'm...not.
Talk about a chick lit novel. I knew my life can be qualified as a chick lit novel.
That may be one of the reasons I decided to read Kristin Billerbeck's newest novel for Valentine's weekend. Kristin Billerbeck wrote the Ashley Stockingdale series, one of my favorite Christian novel series, and I was thrilled to be able to request a copy of her newest book, A Billion Reasons Why , from Booksneeze.
Katie McKenna has been burned. Badly. She loved Luc DeForges with all her heart eight years ago, but he rejected her publicly, causing her to run away to build herself up again, even going to California shortly after her father died. Katie has found a new life in California with her best friend, teaching special kids. She was also about to be engaged to Dexter Hastings, a simple and stable man who wants to settle down and have a family like she does -- basically everything that Luc is not. However, in comes Luc again, now a multimillionaire and still with an oozing charisma that Katie could not resist, asking her to sing for his brother's wedding.
Truth be told, this felt a little bit harder to read to me compared to Ashley Stockingdale. The Ashley novels read a lot like Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series but with a geeky and Christian flavor. A Billion Reasons Why brought me into the world of New Orleans and 40's music and movies, things that I am not too entirely familiar or fond with. This definitely had the author's style, though -- the over thinking heroine, the hot guy who knew the right words, the other, somewhat boring guy, the in-your-face best friend and the somewhat crazy mothers. I had a hard time following the story and though, because I was plunged right into the action from the start. I spent almost half of the book wondering what exactly Luc did that embarrassed Katie? It also felt that some characters were quite inconsistent with their affections, like Eileen, Katie's best friend. She would rag on Luc then rag on Dexter, and she was really getting annoying at some point. Sometimes some of the characters felt a bit one-dimensional, particularly the one touted as the antagonist. It was an automatic dislike for the character from the very start. I think from the blurb alone, you know what's going to happen and who Katie is going to choose, and it really didn't give me much of a thrill when things unfolded in the book.
I wasn't quite sure if I liked the book when I finished it because the entire story didn't gel with me too much. I didn't feel much of a deep connection with any of the characters, and the story, while cute and interesting, didn't really give me too many "awww" or "aha" moments unlike the Ashley novels. Interestingly enough, I found that the book made much more sense a few days after I read it. I don't know if it's just me, but I think Luc's pursuit of Katie is the point. She was almost content with being someone she had to learn to love eventually than with someone she was in love and has loved ever since. Luc pursued her relentlessly despite all the people against him, not because he was afraid of losing her but because he knew what he wanted her. That makes all the difference in the world. He loved Katie and he wanted Katie, and he would do anything just to win her heart all over again to make up for the past mistakes. I especially liked what Katie's Mam told her, which is a pretty good advice for everyone, IMHO:
And this:
Stability and good faith in a relationship is good, but without love, what's the use? And I don't think you can call it true love without the commitment and stability and faith.
A Billion Reasons Why isn't my favorite novel from Kristin Billerbeck, but it's a good book that talks about the complications of relationships and love and makes you think of your own convictions in that life aspect. It didn't make me want to get married anytime soon (heh), but it does make me want to go and pick up all the other Billerbeck novels I've missed. :)
Ah, marriage. And engagement. Two things that I never really thought much about up until my brother got married. Now it feels like everyone around me is getting engaged or married. How many old female high school friends have changed their surnames (or at least, added their husband's surnames to their names? How many friends in high school and college have I seen change their status from "In a Relationship" to "Engaged"? Sometimes they take me totally by surprise, too, only because they seemed so timid and shy back when I know them and now they're getting married and starting their own families. It doesn't make me want to get married yet (well, maybe a teensy part of me wonders -- just a small part, because hello, I don't even have a boyfriend yet), but it makes me realize that maybe I am at that particular season of my life where everyone around me is getting married and I'm...not.
Talk about a chick lit novel. I knew my life can be qualified as a chick lit novel.
That may be one of the reasons I decided to read Kristin Billerbeck's newest novel for Valentine's weekend. Kristin Billerbeck wrote the Ashley Stockingdale series, one of my favorite Christian novel series, and I was thrilled to be able to request a copy of her newest book, A Billion Reasons Why , from Booksneeze.
Katie McKenna has been burned. Badly. She loved Luc DeForges with all her heart eight years ago, but he rejected her publicly, causing her to run away to build herself up again, even going to California shortly after her father died. Katie has found a new life in California with her best friend, teaching special kids. She was also about to be engaged to Dexter Hastings, a simple and stable man who wants to settle down and have a family like she does -- basically everything that Luc is not. However, in comes Luc again, now a multimillionaire and still with an oozing charisma that Katie could not resist, asking her to sing for his brother's wedding.
Truth be told, this felt a little bit harder to read to me compared to Ashley Stockingdale. The Ashley novels read a lot like Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series but with a geeky and Christian flavor. A Billion Reasons Why brought me into the world of New Orleans and 40's music and movies, things that I am not too entirely familiar or fond with. This definitely had the author's style, though -- the over thinking heroine, the hot guy who knew the right words, the other, somewhat boring guy, the in-your-face best friend and the somewhat crazy mothers. I had a hard time following the story and though, because I was plunged right into the action from the start. I spent almost half of the book wondering what exactly Luc did that embarrassed Katie? It also felt that some characters were quite inconsistent with their affections, like Eileen, Katie's best friend. She would rag on Luc then rag on Dexter, and she was really getting annoying at some point. Sometimes some of the characters felt a bit one-dimensional, particularly the one touted as the antagonist. It was an automatic dislike for the character from the very start. I think from the blurb alone, you know what's going to happen and who Katie is going to choose, and it really didn't give me much of a thrill when things unfolded in the book.
I wasn't quite sure if I liked the book when I finished it because the entire story didn't gel with me too much. I didn't feel much of a deep connection with any of the characters, and the story, while cute and interesting, didn't really give me too many "awww" or "aha" moments unlike the Ashley novels. Interestingly enough, I found that the book made much more sense a few days after I read it. I don't know if it's just me, but I think Luc's pursuit of Katie is the point. She was almost content with being someone she had to learn to love eventually than with someone she was in love and has loved ever since. Luc pursued her relentlessly despite all the people against him, not because he was afraid of losing her but because he knew what he wanted her. That makes all the difference in the world. He loved Katie and he wanted Katie, and he would do anything just to win her heart all over again to make up for the past mistakes. I especially liked what Katie's Mam told her, which is a pretty good advice for everyone, IMHO:
You know, Katie, you can plan so nothing goes wrong in life. But something will, and it won't be what you expected to go wrong. So make sure you're with someone who will help you bail the water out of the boat, not someone who will blame you for the hole. (p. 188)
And this:
Love isn't safe. And whoever you love will hurt you. It's part of the human experience. No one is perfect...people make mistakes. The secret is to focus on what they do right and decide what quirks you can live with. (p. 284)
Stability and good faith in a relationship is good, but without love, what's the use? And I don't think you can call it true love without the commitment and stability and faith.
A Billion Reasons Why isn't my favorite novel from Kristin Billerbeck, but it's a good book that talks about the complications of relationships and love and makes you think of your own convictions in that life aspect. It didn't make me want to get married anytime soon (heh), but it does make me want to go and pick up all the other Billerbeck novels I've missed. :)
January 18, 2018
What I liked about this story is the setting. It reminded me of why I loved living in Louisiana...the people, the food, the music, the architecture, the live oaks. The very air feels like a living, breathing thing...you step outside and it embraces you in a warm hug, dances around you, plays with strands of you hair :-)
The characters were frustrating with all their back and forth, but I loved the passion you could feel between Katie and Luc and how well he gets her ( the old 40's movies, the singing, the dancing). They were made for each other.
One of my favorite characters was probably the most minor character: Katie's Mam's husband, Rusty. In the few scenes he's in, I got the sense that he was the down home, salt of the earth kind of guy. He works hard, loves his wife, and treats Katie like his own. You can't go wrong with a man like that.
The characters were frustrating with all their back and forth, but I loved the passion you could feel between Katie and Luc and how well he gets her ( the old 40's movies, the singing, the dancing). They were made for each other.
One of my favorite characters was probably the most minor character: Katie's Mam's husband, Rusty. In the few scenes he's in, I got the sense that he was the down home, salt of the earth kind of guy. He works hard, loves his wife, and treats Katie like his own. You can't go wrong with a man like that.
April 21, 2022
I enjoyed this! It was cute. It wasn't the deepest book ever, but, you know what? It does not have to be. Sometimes we just need a light, fluffy romance and that is just what this was.
This was easy to read and I actually read it pretty quickly (I'm usually a little slow.) I loved Katie's fixiation with the 1940s, it was just an interesting character trait and reminded me of myself and my fixiation on the 60s and 70s.
I loved the pop culture references (such as the many mentions of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, or a character being described as a "walking Jimmy Buffet song")
This was easy to read and I actually read it pretty quickly (I'm usually a little slow.) I loved Katie's fixiation with the 1940s, it was just an interesting character trait and reminded me of myself and my fixiation on the 60s and 70s.
I loved the pop culture references (such as the many mentions of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, or a character being described as a "walking Jimmy Buffet song")
October 2, 2018
There are a billion reasons why to love this story
I just read this story for the second time and I loved it just as much as I did the first time around. Quirky Katie and Luc just grab my heart. And Katie has a problem we are so often. She's willing to settle in order not to get hurt which we know will hurt even worse. I love the fast pace and quick wit in the writing. I'll probably wait a bit and read this for a third time
I just read this story for the second time and I loved it just as much as I did the first time around. Quirky Katie and Luc just grab my heart. And Katie has a problem we are so often. She's willing to settle in order not to get hurt which we know will hurt even worse. I love the fast pace and quick wit in the writing. I'll probably wait a bit and read this for a third time
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