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A Question of Destiny

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Lucy O’Brien is about to be given ten million dollars and a chance to live a life she never imagined. Will this new found wealth be Lucy’s undoing, or can she rise above the temptations within high society and choose to become a nobler version of herself? And will the solitary Andrew Whitfield—a man who watches over Lucy as she adapts to her new lifestyle—cause her to close the door on her dreams or be the key that opens the rest of Lucy’s destiny?

386 pages, ebook

First published October 29, 2014

106 people are currently reading
452 people want to read

About the author

Anita Higman

97 books144 followers
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over forty books published. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art.
A few of Anita’s favorite things are good movies, fairytales, traveling, gardening, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
Feel free to drop by Anita’s website at anitahigman.com or connect with her on her Facebook Reader Page at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnitaH.... She would love to hear from you!

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5 stars
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79 (20%)
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17 (4%)
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12 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
November 4, 2014
A Question of Destiny
By: Anita Higman
Wow, Anita has did it again. She has herself another winner in A Question of Destiny. I cold not wait to start reading another book by Anita Higman. I caught myself laughing and even tears in my eyes a few times. Lucy O'Brien's life is about to change. She is caught doing a heroic deed helping a widow woman being attacked on the street. While Lucy runs to help the woman her boyfriend runs off and leaves her. Ian Chalmer decides to give Lucy ten million dollars for her good deeds. She loves to help the homeless and the shut in. Andrew Whitfield gives Lucy the news from Ian. Andrew is to tag alone with Lucy for a while till she adjust to her new life. Will the high society accept Lucy into their circle? Will this money change Lucy and her destiny. Lucy and Andrew get to know each other while he is watching over her. Is there a chance for Lucy and Andrew? Andrew has some secrets that he has not even told Ian. Lucy has a mom and some friends, how will they take Lucy's new life. What would happen if you was given ten million dollars, would it change your life? I loved A Question of Destiny and I am sure you will too. I want to say that I am very proud to be a part of Anita Higman's Backstage Pass Team. Thank you Anita for another awesome book .
I was given a copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given.
Profile Image for Diana Montgomery.
844 reviews9 followers
November 26, 2014
A Question of Destiny
By: Anita Higman

I love Anita's books. Always great characters you fall in love with and no exception in " A Question of Destiny ". Lucy has been given ten million dollars for saving a wealthy man. Now that would be such a life change. Then thinking everyone else in the world would want to be your best friend. Lucy has the kindest heart she wants to help all the pour, but Ian knowing people would want to take advantage of her puts Andy his associate with her to help her to choose wisely. But will money make her change who she really is? Will Andy play a bigger role in her life? Awesome book its a page turner and won't want to stop once started. Anyone who likes a good clean romance will love it.
Profile Image for Tina .
780 reviews
August 25, 2015
A Question Of Destiny***** e-book by Anita Higman

Lucy O'Brien's life is about to change—in a really big way. Just days before while walking down the street with her boyfriend, she witnessed an elderly woman being attacked. Without thinking of her own safety Lucy runs to help the woman and her boyfriend runs the other way.

Multimillionaire, Ian Chalmer, reads about Lucy's heroic action and decides to give her ten million dollars! He sends his assistant, Andrew Whitfield to inform her of his gift. For awhile Andrew is to help Lucy to adjust to the wealth she has been given. Lucy feels she is dreaming but does make a plan as to what she will do with so much money.

Can Lucy remain true to her Christian values or will she become a far different woman? What of Andrew, will the closeness they feel develop into something deeper? Will Andrew's secrets hold him back from the growing attachment he feels for Lucy? Are Lucy's new friends really her friends or are they after her money?

I enjoyed the way the characters interacted with each other. Loved the humor woven throughout the story. Lucy has choices she must make and learn forgiveness; surprises and restoration of family come about in unique ways. God's love for each of the characters and us are clear in this fun story.

~~I received an e-book copy of this book from the author for my honest review~~
Profile Image for Linda.
452 reviews30 followers
November 15, 2014
What a bargain! This is a great little novel and such a deal at less than a dollar! Anita Higman has crafted an engaging story with an intriguing premise: what would be the impact of sudden wealth on the life of a humble young woman dedicated to helping others? I immediately connected with Lucy as she tried to navigate the new world thrust upon her as she simultaneously tried to figure out what aspects of her old life to keep or upgrade, with relationships proving to be the most challenging. Andrew Whitfield and his boss fascinated me, and the remaining characters were spot-on; some were completely irritating while others garnered my sympathy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found that it gave me much to ponder as I wondered how I would react, were I in Lucy's position. Grab a copy of this book for your Kindle or Kindle app today!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an electronic copy of this book free from Anita Higman. 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.”
Profile Image for Beth.
805 reviews370 followers
December 29, 2014
A Question of Desitny is a lighthearted tale with an intriguing "question" at it's core. Though the story line is somewhat fantastic, I thought Higman brought up some really interesting questions about how money can change people - not just those that have the money, but their friends thoughts toward them. I really enjoyed watching Lucy navigate through the waters of becoming suddenly wealthy and all of the emotions that go along with it. In the character of Lucy, Higman created a quirky, lovable characters, and I liked the little nuances in her personality.

Higman always has a unique way with words that is oftentimes quite humorous. The plot is more centered on the progression of her life after becoming a millionaire, rather than intense action, but it flowed along nicely and suited the story overall. As in Higman's usual fashion, you can expect a happily-ever-after, but only after a journey that is at times both funny and poignant.
Profile Image for Shannon.
663 reviews
March 25, 2017
Enjoyed the story and had an interesting premise. I had two minor-ish issues. First, I was put off by the weird pacing - the first half of the book is in about a week, we miss two months where apparently everyone was in cold storage while Lucy planned a party, then we wrap up in another week or so with all emotions and baggage neatly tied. Also the magically missing makeup with Mal seems to happen sometime as well as a house that sold, jobs we quit without ever mentioning it, furniture that is magically stored for someday or just disappears - she didn't decide which - and many, many other details we miss any but a perfunctory mention of. When do these things happen? We get like 3-5 days of actual events here.

Second, everyone's growth and changes are so stinking sudden! We are slowly going to talk about anyone then BAM, they are this or they are that and they now are this and now are that. No real meaty story to build up and show character's changes or life revelations (that while a not so fun life back story, are just not as shocking as they are built up to be - read: Andy's story or Martin's story).

My one real disappointment in the book was a lack of any actual financial "rubber hit the road" kind of talk. Yep, she got a bundle of cash, yep, she has some feelings about it, yep, everyone is not good, yep, everyone is good now. What the heck did you do with $10M? Who did you talk to? What did you fix? What did you donate? Did she ever meet with advisors to perpetuate the income? Just had SO much more that could have been fleshed out here!

For a clean fun romance it works, for a story about $10M...not so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Michelle Morgan.
254 reviews3 followers
November 15, 2014
A Question of Destiny by Anita Higman
Contemporary, Christian, Romance
They say your life can change in a second. Lucy and her boyfriend are waking down the street when they see an elderly woman being robbed. She takes off after the robber while her boyfriend tucks tail and runs for the hills. For humble Lucy O’Brien her good deed turned into a 10 million dollar reward. Her destiny is forever changed.
Ian a multi-millionaire decides to reward Lucy for her good deed and her service to the community. But he has an ulterior motive. He would love nothing more than to play match maker to his friend and personal assistant Andy. Andy has been Ian’s loyal employee, friend and like a son to him. He would do anything to help Ian. So when he is asked to be a mentor of sorts to Lucy of coarse he say‘s yes. Lucy had no idea how crazy her life will become. She now has a choice as to her destiny.
Faith is interwoven through this fantastic story. She can chose forgiveness, restoration of family, and love. She also has the chance to bless others or spend it on herself. I highly recommend this novel; it is well worth your time.
Wow another 5 star book by Anita Higman. A Question of Destiny is a fun and fast paced read. The author has done a great job of making this light read entertaining. It is well written with characters you are sure to fall in love with. I am hoping there is a sequel to follow.
I want to give a high-five to the author Anita Higman and publisher for bringing compelling Christian books that are entertaining and give hope to the reader with stories of faith. I was provided with this book in exchange for my honest review and I am so grateful the authors and publishers generosity.
Profile Image for Kay.
506 reviews13 followers
November 20, 2014
A Question of Destiny is an easy, fun read, though it deals with some deep questions and dilemmas. The main characters are heart-warming—sometimes in spite of themselves, which is definitely the case with Andrew, who is all business. He is not your typical romantic lead, so it is fun to see how he grows into the part.

Lucy, the heroine—in more ways than one, is smart, funny, and generous. She is able to see past the façade of people she encounters, and she attempts to meet them in the place of their needs. This propensity can get her into dangerous situations.

When Lucy receives a windfall, she is excited, but introspective. Her biggest fear is that she will somehow change and become less of the good and caring person that she is. She wonders if she will become complacent and satisfied with only throwing her money at societal problems and causes without becoming personally involved.

A Question of Destiny is most assuredly a story of love—old and new. It’s a romance and much more. If you are looking for an easy read that has substance to it, I hope you will choose to read this charming story.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.
Profile Image for Katrina Epperson.
615 reviews
November 11, 2014
Wow!!! What a wonderful story of chance.
Anita Higman brings us a contemporary romance that has strong, well developed characters and a storyline that will draw the reader in from page one.
What would you do if suddenly you were handed a lot of money? How would you spend it? Would it change who you are deep down inside?
This is precisely what happened to Lucy. Lucy is a wonderful, young woman who works at a bakery, but was raised that no matter how much or how little you had volunteer work was important. She foils a crime in the making and it makes the news. An wealthy, elderly gentleman who has no heirs sees something in Lucy during the tv interview that strikes a cord with him and decides for her valiant behavior he will gift her with 10,000,000.00 dollars, no strings attached. Lucy is now faced with more problems than she could imagine. Soon Lucy sees how easily it is to side tracked from their purpose.
I loved this book. Most people thinks nothing can steer them from their goals, but this story shows just how easily it can happen. I would recommend this book to anyone. I was given this book by the author for a honest and unbiased review which is above.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,879 reviews209 followers
November 19, 2014
A Question of Destiny is a great story! It is a contemporary novel about a young woman who is rewarded generously for an act of heroism. It is full of interesting characters and brings up very valid questions about how wealth affects those who have it.

I really liked Lucy and Andy. They both have some very painful issues from their past that affect the way they deal with people and situations. Watching both of them grow was enjoyable in this story. They were definitely imperfect people trying their best to follow what God had in store for them.

This book flowed very nicely and kept my interest from start to finish. The back story regarding the divorce of Lucy’s mom and dad addressed some deep issues and I was glad to see how things progressed with them. Definitely an enjoyable story with Anita Higman’s trademark humor flowing gently through it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

This review will post on my blog on 11/20/14 at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
Profile Image for Marilyn Johnson.
601 reviews
November 14, 2014
Lucy O’Brien is an opinionated, caring, loving, christian girl. She does the right thing even though her life was put on the line. Because of her doing what is right she is given ten million dollars from a multimillionaire, with no strings attached. Lucy is worried this money will change her in ways she does not wish. Can she accept it and still stay true to God and her self? When, Andrew Whitfield, steps into her life, can she help him see the fun side of life and keep her heart from loving him?

Andrew Whitfield, does whatever his multimillionaire boss, Ian Chalmer, ask. When he asked him to keep an eye on Lucy for a few months he is not so sure he wants to do that. She has touched places in his heart he does not want touched. Can he do what his boss says and keep his heart hard?

I loved the characters and dialogue throughout this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good clean contemporary christian romance. I was given a copy of this book from the author for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
516 reviews20 followers
November 3, 2014
What a fun romance novel this is!! Lucy is given the dream of a lifetime when Ian Chalmers gives her $ 10,000,000 when he sees her save a woman's purse from a stranger on the street. Her life is turned upside down, but will it change her? Will she and Andrew find love in each other's arms or will she choose to live like the "rich and famous"? It was fun to imagine that this dream was mine as I read the book and I wondered how I would react if given such a fortune. Lucy finds forgiveness and many other special wonders along the way as she creates a new life for herself. The story is set in Texas and I lived in Texas for three years while my husband attended seminary so it was quite nostalgic to remember the warm weather year round and the beauty of Texas as I read. I rate this book 5 stars and highly recommend it to readers.
I received a free kindle version of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Britney.
768 reviews12 followers
November 10, 2014
Anita Higman has shared another great story in A Question of Destiny! Lucy O’Brien is a woman who always thinks of others and gives of herself. Andrew Whitfield is a man who enjoys his solitude. When Andrew’s boss, Ian Chalmers, gives Lucy an extraordinary gift, their lives change in ways they never imagined.

I really enjoyed the way this story unfolded, as Lucy navigated her new wealth and Andrew navigated his new relationships. I found the characters very endearing and really liked seeing them grow emotionally and spiritually. There are so many wonderful themes that are woven through this delightful story. I loved and highly recommend A Question of Destiny!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
Profile Image for Betti.
1,373 reviews38 followers
November 20, 2014
Do you believe in destiny? When Lucy jumped in to help a perfect stranger, she certainly was not thinking about the ramifications of her actions, other than that it would help change the outcome. Change it did – in ways she never would have expected. Another stranger stepped up and offered her a great deal of money. How her life would change and who suddenly appeared in the picture, are just some of the fantastic storyline. What would you do if you were offered enough money to change your life and that of others? Don’t miss this story of love, renewed relationships and the results of the willingness to help others.
Profile Image for Melissa.
286 reviews62 followers
January 1, 2015
I loved this story! Lucy gets a big suprise when she receives ten million dollars for doing a good deed! After she gets kind of used to the idea of having money to do things that she has always wanted to do, she begins to help others ( including her family ). She is a very giving person and I like that about her!
The man that helps her thru the process of getting adjusted is Andrew. He is a gentle and caring man. They form a wonderful friendship while getting to know each other.
6,155 reviews
November 19, 2014
A Question of Destiny is a fun read. I found it to be funny at times. I think the character, Lucy, was my favorite. I enjoyed her and the predicament she finds yourself in. Great story. Five stars.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,354 reviews13 followers
April 28, 2016
This was a difficult book to finish. The phrases were full of cliches, the characters were stereotyped, and the story line itself was over the top.
Profile Image for Book Wyvern.
558 reviews7 followers
November 16, 2020
Well…I finished it. It took me over a month, of setting it down and leaving it alone for a couple of days every now and again, but I finished it. I did not receive this as an ARC, I downloaded this for free back in 2016 but only now got to reading it. This was…not up my alley and that’s my fault for just downloading this book because I wanted to fill up the alphabetical pages in my first book journal.

I think I’ve figured out that I can’t really get into normal, slice of life romances. I’ve been spoiled by the paranormal romances or action books or something other than ‘boy meets girl’ that has been played out over and over again. It’s like how I am with Hershey chocolate, I can’t just eat Hershey chocolate by itself, it needs something else with it. Like almonds.

This story is just so full of metaphors and I got tired of it very, very quickly. Which, one of the lines in this book is just…when I read it, I had to stop and…cringe. ‘He blushed as pink as a freshly stubbed toe.’ Excuse me?? I’m sorry, what? That doesn’t make me think of this guy blushing as cute, doesn’t make me go ‘awww, that’s cuuuute.’ No…That makes me think of pain and misery and anger.

The decisions used in writing the book this way concerns me. I feel like it’s just very surface level, there’s no emotion behind anything. Honestly, I almost wished that this was a completely sappy romance instead of what it was. It felt like a Hallmark movie, but one that puts the relationship on the ways side. The story hardly focuses on it at all.

Character development is just almost non-existent in this story. Make-ups are glossed over, the audience doesn’t get to see a lot of it, the connection between the main love interests is hardly focused on and emotions are mainly metaphors instead of delving deep into how the person feels instead.

I couldn’t get myself interested into it and it just feels so forgettable. In fact, I had to write the review right after reading it because I was afraid I was going to forget everything I wanted to say because the story itself is so forgettable.

Thank you for reading my review.
Profile Image for Loraine.
3,450 reviews
July 20, 2019
This was a quick, easy to read, enjoyable, contemporary Christian romance. If you are old enough to remember the TV show "The Millionaire," it was a similar premise. Multi-millionaire business tycon, Ian Chalmers sees the news report of Lucy O'Brien, a young woman, who observes a purse snatcher grab an elderly woman's purse. She chases him down and makes a citizen's arrest. Ian is so moved by her care and concern for the elderly woman that he gifts Lucy 10 million dollars through his assistant, Andrew Whitfield.

The premise of the story is how will this money affect Lucy's life and how will it affect friends and family's attitudes toward her. Higman did an excellent job of making this story feel realistic and showing how Lucy dealt with her feelings, her conscience, and what God wanted her to do with this windfall. I loved the role that Andrew played and how this gift changed the lives of Lucy, Andrew and Ian forever.
Profile Image for Genia.
382 reviews5 followers
September 16, 2017
The story started so good, I thought it would be a solid 4 stars.
But it became ridiculous when the father entered the picture. His reason to return was unattached to reality. No real explanation why he returned exactly when she got a big sum of money. The father had suffered with depression, but they pictured it not in the best way. They did mention he went to therapy and took medication from time to time, but his solution was a strict whole food diet and exercise. Which can be helpful, however I feel like they showed it as the "ultimate solution". In addition, Lucy said that it's too bad they didn't know that it's the solution earlier, which isn't very realistic because it's one of the first suggestions to people who suffer with mental health problems.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Felicia.
210 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2018
What a feel good, fairytale type story. I enjoyed this story throughout. I loved the topics discussed such as the struggles with money, family matters & the effects of divorce, as well as romance and sometimes having to make difficult decisions.

This book also inspired me in wanting to/feeling like I need to help others. I want to be like Lucy, with her compassionate and giving spirit! I would be interested in reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Jan.
Author 1 book8 followers
September 1, 2020
Lucy is given 10 million dollars because a rich man saw her stop a thief from stealing an old woman's purse. He wants to see what she'll do with the money so he sends his hunky assistant to watch over her.
Super simple premise, but important subject. What would you do if someone gave you 10 million dollars?
Lucy is a little unusual when it comes to deciding for herself. And of course, she ends up with the hunky guy.
Profile Image for Dystopian Mayhem  .
683 reviews
March 2, 2023
This is both an inspiring and an enjoyable read, I was emotionally invested right from the beginning and all the way to the end. The characters are very interesting and their development is smooth and realistic. The book didn’t focus on romance, but there were many argumentative moments that discussed many issues we have nowadays. Nonetheless, the romance is there and it’s really romantic and so sweet, and the humor is a good bonus.
Profile Image for Melody.
672 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2017
Eh

Eh, it was just ok. Parts of it were just too mushy, but there were some good, realistic moments that I enjoyed. And I liked the idea that she wasn't exactly comfortable being given so much money and didn't want it to change her. I don't really know what else to say... it was just ok.

3 1/2 stars.
65 reviews
September 1, 2017
Winning $10 million doesn't spoil this girl!

I REALLY enjoyed Mrs Higman's book. It was light, yet had meaning. Lucy was a very interesting and funny character. Being given $10 million dollars is something one dreams about. But here, we can read about someone actually doing it, AND yet, it doesn't ruin them. How great is that?
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
456 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2018
Lucy is caught doing a brave, good deed and someone that sees it gives her $10 million. She is basically trying to figure out how to spend it without losing herself. But really this is a Christian romance. It is a little too simplistic and kinda cheesy for me. Certain problems (like with her best friend) were alluded to and then suddenly they were solved without any real development. Only okay.
Profile Image for Katy.
165 reviews4 followers
September 20, 2017
Cute book

This was a fun light read. I liked the main characters. It felt a little jumpy in a few places. It all wrapped up like a neat little package which is nice but I would have enjoyed more conflict or meat to the story.
168 reviews
April 24, 2018
This was a great book to read. It held your interest and kept you reading to find out what happens. It also made you think how would you react if someone suddenly gave you a lot of money. It was great that the Lord led her to help the people in need like the homeless and shut ins. She also was able to make her Mother's and her dream come true. A wonderful ending where all worked out for everyone's good.
Profile Image for Andrea Waggoner.
8 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2017
Enjoyable book!

Liked the characters, plot and plan to read more from this author! I was intrigued from the beginning and it had me looking forward to reading every day
7 reviews
September 3, 2017
Loved the story and the characters.

God works in our lives more than most people believe. The question is whether we have the wisdom and courage to listen and learn.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews

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