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The Theory of Happily Ever After
According to Dr. Maggie Maguire, happiness is serious science, as serious as Maggie takes herself. But science can't always account for life's anomalies--for instance, why her fiancé dumped her for a silk-scarf acrobat and how the breakup sent Maggie spiraling into an extended ice cream-fueled chick flick binge.
Concerned that she might never pull herself out of this nosedive, Maggie's friends book her as a speaker on a "New Year, New You" cruise in the Gulf of Mexico. Maggie wonders if she's qualified to teach others about happiness when she can't muster up any for herself. But when a handsome stranger on board insists that smart women can't ever be happy, Maggie sets out to prove him wrong. Along the way she may discover that happiness has far less to do with the head than with the heart.
Filled with memorable characters, snappy dialogue, and touching romance, Kristin Billerbeck's The Theory of Happily Ever After shows that the search for happiness may be futile--because sometimes happiness is already out there searching for you.
Concerned that she might never pull herself out of this nosedive, Maggie's friends book her as a speaker on a "New Year, New You" cruise in the Gulf of Mexico. Maggie wonders if she's qualified to teach others about happiness when she can't muster up any for herself. But when a handsome stranger on board insists that smart women can't ever be happy, Maggie sets out to prove him wrong. Along the way she may discover that happiness has far less to do with the head than with the heart.
Filled with memorable characters, snappy dialogue, and touching romance, Kristin Billerbeck's The Theory of Happily Ever After shows that the search for happiness may be futile--because sometimes happiness is already out there searching for you.
277 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2018
193 people are currently reading
1506 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Billerbeck
63 books613 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 205 reviews
May 2, 2018
I received this book for free from the publisher (Revell Books) in exchange for an honest review.
Typically I really like chick lit and rom-coms, but I didn’t really like this one.
My main issue with this book was the characters. The main character, Maggie, was pretty annoying for the first half of the book. All she would do was complain about her life over and over again. It got way too repetitive. Maggie’s two best friends were annoying too, especially Haley. I could not stand Haley at all. She acted like a spoiled brat and was not a very good friend, in my opinion. The male characters were slightly better. I really liked Sam, but I thought Brent was just okay.
I also found the book to be too short. I felt like towards the end, the story was just starting to take shape. The book definitely could have benefitted from some more fleshing out.
In regards to what I liked, I enjoyed the premise of the book. The singles’ cruise was a clever idea.
I also liked the references to Disney princesses. There were nods to Beauty and the Beast (at one point Maggie even dresses up as Belle) and one reference to Frozen (pg. 168-“I needed to find solace in another Disney princess and follow her advice: let it go”).
Overall, the book would have been more enjoyable if the characters were less bothersome.
For more book reviews, be sure to check out my blog: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/
Typically I really like chick lit and rom-coms, but I didn’t really like this one.
My main issue with this book was the characters. The main character, Maggie, was pretty annoying for the first half of the book. All she would do was complain about her life over and over again. It got way too repetitive. Maggie’s two best friends were annoying too, especially Haley. I could not stand Haley at all. She acted like a spoiled brat and was not a very good friend, in my opinion. The male characters were slightly better. I really liked Sam, but I thought Brent was just okay.
I also found the book to be too short. I felt like towards the end, the story was just starting to take shape. The book definitely could have benefitted from some more fleshing out.
In regards to what I liked, I enjoyed the premise of the book. The singles’ cruise was a clever idea.
I also liked the references to Disney princesses. There were nods to Beauty and the Beast (at one point Maggie even dresses up as Belle) and one reference to Frozen (pg. 168-“I needed to find solace in another Disney princess and follow her advice: let it go”).
Overall, the book would have been more enjoyable if the characters were less bothersome.
For more book reviews, be sure to check out my blog: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/
May 15, 2018
Ok, this book is adorable. I was a little hesitant about starting it but it didn’t disappoint. This book was so much fun to read and it literally had me laughing out loud at times. I tried to read only a couple chapters at a time so that it would last longer, lol. That’s how much I enjoyed this.
I honestly love the idea of having a book being set on a cruise. I mean, how fun is that? Maggie and her two friends definitely all had their own personalities but despite their differences, they had such a fun and real friendship. While I really enjoyed all of the characters, Maggie was probably my favorite, even though her life was a mess at times. She definitely was a little whiny and got to the point where all she wanted to do was sit in the couch and watch chick flicks, but I honestly didn’t mind that. It definitely added to her character and made her that more humorous. I don’t read many chick flick books, but this one had me grinning from beginning to end.
The romance in this book was also really sweet. There was Sam who she constantly was debating with and then Brent who wanted her to forget about her job for a little bit and have some fun. I honestly loved the times she spent with Brent. He took her out to have some “adventures” and guys it was great. XD There was also a ball at the end and it perfectly wrapped up the book. *heart eyes*
I also loved the different movie references put in here. Movies/ tv shows such as When Calls the Heart, The Phantom of the Opera, and Beauty and the Beast are mentioned. XD
Obviously, this is chick flick and with that does come with some stuff that I don’t really care for. The girls are frequently thinking that the men look sexy, there are a lot of jokes about bikinis, etc. This book is definitely appropriate but it has little stuff like that throughout it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! With the being said though, I normally like chick flicks so that may be part of it. This is definitely a chick flick so if you like those then I definitely recommend this one!
* I received a free copy of this book by Revell in exchange of my honest review. All thoughts are my own and I’m not required to write a positive review.”
I honestly love the idea of having a book being set on a cruise. I mean, how fun is that? Maggie and her two friends definitely all had their own personalities but despite their differences, they had such a fun and real friendship. While I really enjoyed all of the characters, Maggie was probably my favorite, even though her life was a mess at times. She definitely was a little whiny and got to the point where all she wanted to do was sit in the couch and watch chick flicks, but I honestly didn’t mind that. It definitely added to her character and made her that more humorous. I don’t read many chick flick books, but this one had me grinning from beginning to end.
The romance in this book was also really sweet. There was Sam who she constantly was debating with and then Brent who wanted her to forget about her job for a little bit and have some fun. I honestly loved the times she spent with Brent. He took her out to have some “adventures” and guys it was great. XD There was also a ball at the end and it perfectly wrapped up the book. *heart eyes*
I also loved the different movie references put in here. Movies/ tv shows such as When Calls the Heart, The Phantom of the Opera, and Beauty and the Beast are mentioned. XD
Obviously, this is chick flick and with that does come with some stuff that I don’t really care for. The girls are frequently thinking that the men look sexy, there are a lot of jokes about bikinis, etc. This book is definitely appropriate but it has little stuff like that throughout it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! With the being said though, I normally like chick flicks so that may be part of it. This is definitely a chick flick so if you like those then I definitely recommend this one!
* I received a free copy of this book by Revell in exchange of my honest review. All thoughts are my own and I’m not required to write a positive review.”
November 29, 2017
I absolutely adored The Theory of Happily Ever After from first page to last. Billerbeck’s signature humor made me laugh again and again, and her memorable characters stole my heart. Don’t miss this one!
April 10, 2018
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have absolutely no clue what I just read. And that's not a good thing. The story line is bland and the characters annoying. From the main character who's complaining got old by chapter one to her best friends who I wouldn't want to hang around with under any circumstances ever.
These so-called "Theories" of Happily Ever After are annoying as the main character does absolutely nothing but sulk for 90 percent of the book. Even the witty writing could not save this book.
I don't recommend this one.
I have absolutely no clue what I just read. And that's not a good thing. The story line is bland and the characters annoying. From the main character who's complaining got old by chapter one to her best friends who I wouldn't want to hang around with under any circumstances ever.
These so-called "Theories" of Happily Ever After are annoying as the main character does absolutely nothing but sulk for 90 percent of the book. Even the witty writing could not save this book.
I don't recommend this one.
May 25, 2018
I wanted to love this book and I really thought that I would but unfortunately that was not the case. I love the cover of the book and the setting is a cruise ship which is one of my favorite scenes to read about.
The plot was decent…a woman who wrote the book on happiness gets dumped and falls into a slump filled with Hallmark movies and gelato. Her friends convince her to go on a singles cruise, where of course, she meets men. I wasn’t a fan of how the plot was executed…there was a lot of emphasis on Maggie’s research and a lot of scientific/psychology talk that I became very bored with. I also found the writing style to be difficult…it wasn’t an easy read, something about it didn’t flow well.
I also found the characters to be exhausting and unlikable. I had a hard time rooting for any of them.
I did find the faith content to be good and appreciated how it was included in the book.
Overall, this just wasn’t the book for me. I enjoy the occasional cute chick-lit, but this one just didn’t do it for me.
My Rating: 2 stars
I received this book from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The plot was decent…a woman who wrote the book on happiness gets dumped and falls into a slump filled with Hallmark movies and gelato. Her friends convince her to go on a singles cruise, where of course, she meets men. I wasn’t a fan of how the plot was executed…there was a lot of emphasis on Maggie’s research and a lot of scientific/psychology talk that I became very bored with. I also found the writing style to be difficult…it wasn’t an easy read, something about it didn’t flow well.
I also found the characters to be exhausting and unlikable. I had a hard time rooting for any of them.
I did find the faith content to be good and appreciated how it was included in the book.
Overall, this just wasn’t the book for me. I enjoy the occasional cute chick-lit, but this one just didn’t do it for me.
My Rating: 2 stars
I received this book from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 16, 2018
I’m torn. There were parts of this book I really liked. The premise of it—a science of happiness expert whose still searching for happiness herself—was great. And being in a situation singles cruise had the set up for some funny moments. Also, it’s written in first person and I love that. The problem is that I didn’t love Maggie. I found her annoying at times and repetitive. Kind of wanted to shake her. Wanted to shake her friends, especially Hailey, too. I really liked Sam though. And loved the deeper, spiritual message although I think it got lost a bit with the drama between Maggie, Hailey, and Sam.
April 24, 2018
I adore Kristin Billerbeck's books, and this book is quintessential Billerbeck! Loved the fun dialogue and the cruise setting. Highly recommend it!
August 26, 2018
1/5 stars.
In concept, this book should have been amazing. A researcher of happiness loses her so-called happily every after and her friends get her to board a singles cruise where she eventually meets her real happily ever after. Amazing, right?
Not if you include these elements:
- "Best friends" who not only DO NOT have her best interests in heart, but blatantly chase after the man she clearly has an interest in. And then insults her when she tries a different avenue for her career
- An emotionally abusive ex-fiancee
- An emotionally abusive set of parents
- A "twist" about late sister that comes way too late in the game that suddenly explains all of the Maggie's's odd behavior (in a superficial armchair-psychology manner)
- A twist about the ex-fiancee????
- Sudden, forced and incessent references to God and religion. I thought this was chick-lit, not Christian-lit?
- This quote: "It irritated me that I'd fall for a woman smarter than me again....it annoyed me that I couldn't fall for a nice, unsuspecting, cookie-making, casserole-carrying woman from church." Are smart women unable to be nice or be good at cooking? Are women from church unintelligent? Why wouldn't a man be interested in a woman smarter than him? I HAVE SO MANY ISSUES WITH THIS QUOTE. I've never seen so much toxic masculinity, insecurity and misogyny in so few words.
I honestly don't know how I finished this book because there was so much wrong with it. The only thing I enjoyed were the little quotes from her book at the beginning of each chapter, but those are obviously out of context if this entire book is a true representation of this character's/author's perspective on happiness, strong women, relationships, men, etc.
Also, this author's writing is like metaphors on crack. Sometimes, less is more. This time, it definitely would've been.
In concept, this book should have been amazing. A researcher of happiness loses her so-called happily every after and her friends get her to board a singles cruise where she eventually meets her real happily ever after. Amazing, right?
Not if you include these elements:
- "Best friends" who not only DO NOT have her best interests in heart, but blatantly chase after the man she clearly has an interest in. And then insults her when she tries a different avenue for her career
- An emotionally abusive ex-fiancee
- An emotionally abusive set of parents
- A "twist" about late sister that comes way too late in the game that suddenly explains all of the Maggie's's odd behavior (in a superficial armchair-psychology manner)
- A twist about the ex-fiancee????
- Sudden, forced and incessent references to God and religion. I thought this was chick-lit, not Christian-lit?
- This quote: "It irritated me that I'd fall for a woman smarter than me again....it annoyed me that I couldn't fall for a nice, unsuspecting, cookie-making, casserole-carrying woman from church." Are smart women unable to be nice or be good at cooking? Are women from church unintelligent? Why wouldn't a man be interested in a woman smarter than him? I HAVE SO MANY ISSUES WITH THIS QUOTE. I've never seen so much toxic masculinity, insecurity and misogyny in so few words.
I honestly don't know how I finished this book because there was so much wrong with it. The only thing I enjoyed were the little quotes from her book at the beginning of each chapter, but those are obviously out of context if this entire book is a true representation of this character's/author's perspective on happiness, strong women, relationships, men, etc.
Also, this author's writing is like metaphors on crack. Sometimes, less is more. This time, it definitely would've been.
May 29, 2018
Some thoughts at page 135: Friends who talked to me like Maggie's do, or who demonstrated the juvenile lack of respect that hers do would no longer be friends.
Just sayin.. .
Particularly since they wangled themselves free cruises by riding on her coattail, using her as their cash cow. Without permission, and by coercion, let me point out.
I'm really kind of blown away by how inappropriate this behavior is--in an inspirational too!
*****
After reading: Man, her friends were unbearable. I would have dumped them...goodbye, and good riddance, don't call and don't let the door hit you..., if I were her. I'm always annoyed by main characters who've never learned to set boundaries, or deal with difficult people, and Maggie is horrid at this. She remains so throughout (no growth or learning life lessons), so I have little faith in her continued happiness even with her (fairly unconvincing) romance and 'happy ending'.
Just sayin.. .
Particularly since they wangled themselves free cruises by riding on her coattail, using her as their cash cow. Without permission, and by coercion, let me point out.
I'm really kind of blown away by how inappropriate this behavior is--in an inspirational too!
*****
After reading: Man, her friends were unbearable. I would have dumped them...goodbye, and good riddance, don't call and don't let the door hit you..., if I were her. I'm always annoyed by main characters who've never learned to set boundaries, or deal with difficult people, and Maggie is horrid at this. She remains so throughout (no growth or learning life lessons), so I have little faith in her continued happiness even with her (fairly unconvincing) romance and 'happy ending'.
July 6, 2020
I can always count on Billerbeck to deliver a solid romance with nuanced characters and witty repartee. Add to this family issues, sister relationships, and money drama, and this story has it all. I devoured this one, and you will too!
April 4, 2018
For starters, I will admit that one thing I liked about this book was it discussed the duality of wanting to be a tough, modern woman while also feeling the need to keep secret the fantasies of wanting to be romanced, to be wooed, to fall in love and enjoy it. I admired that big picture effort. However.... I really did not like everything I had to peel back in order to get there, especially since chick lit has never been a top 5 favorite genre for me. Even less so when it has been poorly edited.
So here are three reasons I narrowed down for why I did not like this title:
First and foremost, it is wrought with references to gelato and rom-coms. Especially Hallmark movies. So. Many. Hallmark. Movies. The whole post-breakup “wallowing with a tub of ice cream on the couch watching cheesy romance” is incredibly cliche. I felt like I was gaining weight and losing brain cells just reading about it. Every. Other. Page. (Hyperbole alert: she doesn’t actually do it the whole book, but the references continue til the very end and are equally nauseating.)
Secondly, the men are blatantly chauvinistic, and her opinions toward them are hot and cold, but not in a realistic way. It is as though the chapters betray very clearly that they were written at different times because they carry such strikingly different voices from our protagonist.
Finally, the science on which her work is based is not very scientific. One minute she’s insisting she can prove something, while the next minute she is shaking her hands and insisting “Well, it’s not like we can really prove it.” This was probably the biggest disappointment, seeing as the author went to the work to start each chapter with quotes from her protagonist’s book and I actually found the potential behind the science interesting. To be truthful, most of her science is based on the stereotypes women tell themselves about being happy and quick fixes, and the obstacles she comes upon are based on stereotypes women hear from the world. So it’s an unveiling of something more to happiness, but without enough evidence in the book to substantiate the science as a university grade field, it just didn’t work for me.
So like I said, I think the good intent was there but the delivery fell flat.
*I received a copy for review from the publisher through Booklist.
So here are three reasons I narrowed down for why I did not like this title:
First and foremost, it is wrought with references to gelato and rom-coms. Especially Hallmark movies. So. Many. Hallmark. Movies. The whole post-breakup “wallowing with a tub of ice cream on the couch watching cheesy romance” is incredibly cliche. I felt like I was gaining weight and losing brain cells just reading about it. Every. Other. Page. (Hyperbole alert: she doesn’t actually do it the whole book, but the references continue til the very end and are equally nauseating.)
Secondly, the men are blatantly chauvinistic, and her opinions toward them are hot and cold, but not in a realistic way. It is as though the chapters betray very clearly that they were written at different times because they carry such strikingly different voices from our protagonist.
Finally, the science on which her work is based is not very scientific. One minute she’s insisting she can prove something, while the next minute she is shaking her hands and insisting “Well, it’s not like we can really prove it.” This was probably the biggest disappointment, seeing as the author went to the work to start each chapter with quotes from her protagonist’s book and I actually found the potential behind the science interesting. To be truthful, most of her science is based on the stereotypes women tell themselves about being happy and quick fixes, and the obstacles she comes upon are based on stereotypes women hear from the world. So it’s an unveiling of something more to happiness, but without enough evidence in the book to substantiate the science as a university grade field, it just didn’t work for me.
So like I said, I think the good intent was there but the delivery fell flat.
*I received a copy for review from the publisher through Booklist.
March 21, 2018
I really liked the premise of this book. Self-help author falls apart, gets forced on a cruise by her friends, finds love hate with the man of her dreams who has Big Secrets. Seemed very similar to Breathing Room which is a favorite I reread fairly often.
I wish the description of the book had been a little more explicit that it had Christian overtones. It's fine to read when it's done well but the religious themes were wedged in with a fairly heavy hand (jamming a Bible into a character's hand then prolonged wondering about why it's there... really?) that became distracting. It was neither this though nor the first-person-narrative that dropped this down a star for me. It was a fairly pleasant if unexciting read except that it pitted the narrator against her friend for the interest of a man. Just, no. And, ew, can we just get rid of that trope already?
For those that don't mind that trope or spots of Christianity or first-person narrative, this is generally a light and fluffy read that you would probably enjoy.
I wish the description of the book had been a little more explicit that it had Christian overtones. It's fine to read when it's done well but the religious themes were wedged in with a fairly heavy hand (jamming a Bible into a character's hand then prolonged wondering about why it's there... really?) that became distracting. It was neither this though nor the first-person-narrative that dropped this down a star for me. It was a fairly pleasant if unexciting read except that it pitted the narrator against her friend for the interest of a man. Just, no. And, ew, can we just get rid of that trope already?
For those that don't mind that trope or spots of Christianity or first-person narrative, this is generally a light and fluffy read that you would probably enjoy.
September 20, 2018
The Theory of Happily Ever After was a cute contemporary read. I liked both of the MCs, however the friends were a bit annoying and I didn't like how they treated Maggie like a child at times.
The romance was sweet. I liked how it progressed and it was interesting how the story took place on a cruise ship.
All in all, a really good read. I recommend The Theory of Happily Ever After if you enjoy contemporary romances.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*
The romance was sweet. I liked how it progressed and it was interesting how the story took place on a cruise ship.
All in all, a really good read. I recommend The Theory of Happily Ever After if you enjoy contemporary romances.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*
January 14, 2020
This book was filled with quirky characters, humorous incidents, and a sweet romance. But even with its setting on a cruise, it was extremely true-to-life. In between all the laughing and swooning, there was also some weeping and stressing out. This poor woman is going through a lot of disappointments all at once- and she's never truly grieved the problems from her past. But everyone seems to want to force her to move on before she can finish getting over things. So she does, while everything keeps falling apart around her. Poor thing. But the good doctor is every bit as resilient as that book she's supposed to write and everyone is just too hard on her, including herself. Except for Sam. Sam deserves a medal. Especially for the part where he's always getting her desserts...
Review first published on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
Review first published on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
May 20, 2018
Chick Lit has become less rare than a decade ago, but it’s still around. It’s been a few years since Kristen Billerbeck gave us her brand of chick lit, so learning she had a new book coming out, just in time for summer vacations, had me excited.
The concept of The Theory of Happily Ever After is interesting. A scientist who wrote a best-selling book about happiness based on research who is anything but happy dragged on a cruise by her two best friends? What could go wrong?
Well, it turns out plenty can go wrong, including a lot of drama. I mean, Maggie has some just plain bad luck on the ship. But she’s got her best friends with her and the attention of two good looking men.
There were a few laugh aloud moments but I saw the potential for a few more than were missed. The biggest missed opportunity in this book was development of some of the supporting characters. One of
Maggie’s friend’s starts acting like a middle school mean girl while the other bosses them around. In fact, more often than not, Maggie’s friends come across more bossy than concerned or supportive.
And then there’s the whole issue with the rehashing of about five topics continuously throughout the stories. I mean, I get it, Maggie likes Hallmark movies (for the same reason most of us like Hallmark movies, by the way).
While there were some aspects of this book that could have been better examined by leaving out a mention or two (or ten) of aforesaid Hallmark movies, there is a strong theme of finding what brings you happiness, of not letting others decide what you want in life, and of grieving loss instead of burying it.
Over all, The Theory of Happily Ever After had some high points and some low points for me which equals an average read. It also left a few unanswered questions about Maggie’s friends which makes me wonder if we’ll be seeing them again in future books.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
May 14, 2018
Some women are meant to be rescued and romanced. Others, like me, are meant to take notes.
Yay, Kirstin Billerbeck is back! I was a little apprehensive about starting this since picking up a new Kristin Billerbeck novel is sort of like meeting your idol from childhood - will it stand the test of time? I adored Billerbeck's novels in high school and since then her books have been hit or miss with me, but this one was definitely a hit. I loved Maggie and her struggle between wanting both intellect and love. The setting of the cruise ship was great, and I found myself laughing out loud with some of the senarios Maggie found herself in - including her little quips along the way. I definitely related to her and rooted for her. I did find her friends to be a little harsh - I understand that they have her best interests are heart, but they're not always the kindest. I'm wondering if this book will be a part of a trio - one for each friend.
Friends besides, it was a great escapist read, and reminded me of my love for chick lit when it's done right - strong characters, a charming hero, and the reminder that it's ok to be who God created you to be.
Everything with me is a test on some level, which is the most likely reason I'm still single. I'm like an eternal four-year-old, always trying to figure out what makes people tick and asking "Why?" instead of just letting them be. Girl, I feel you.
Yay, Kirstin Billerbeck is back! I was a little apprehensive about starting this since picking up a new Kristin Billerbeck novel is sort of like meeting your idol from childhood - will it stand the test of time? I adored Billerbeck's novels in high school and since then her books have been hit or miss with me, but this one was definitely a hit. I loved Maggie and her struggle between wanting both intellect and love. The setting of the cruise ship was great, and I found myself laughing out loud with some of the senarios Maggie found herself in - including her little quips along the way. I definitely related to her and rooted for her. I did find her friends to be a little harsh - I understand that they have her best interests are heart, but they're not always the kindest. I'm wondering if this book will be a part of a trio - one for each friend.
Friends besides, it was a great escapist read, and reminded me of my love for chick lit when it's done right - strong characters, a charming hero, and the reminder that it's ok to be who God created you to be.
Everything with me is a test on some level, which is the most likely reason I'm still single. I'm like an eternal four-year-old, always trying to figure out what makes people tick and asking "Why?" instead of just letting them be. Girl, I feel you.
June 3, 2018
I laughed through 95% of this book. Maggie was a dramatic as a woman scorned should be and she is socially awkward at it and in life. She reminded me of a female Sheldon from Big Bang Theory, always looking at the science not the emotions. Though she has a hard time realizing her theory is still plausible, she does start to loosen up. Her friends taking her on a single cruise had me picture a cat trying not to get wet. Maggie was a fun character in my mind and how I read her.
I think the romance was nice, Maggie was able to truly get her feet wet in this dating world again. It was fun to have her people watch and interact with others on the ship. When she gives her talk, she lights the room on fire... literally. I loved Sam the man of no science and not wanting to be on the ship either. Both him and Maggie do a lot of growing and opening up in this book, it makes me want to see more!
I think the romance was nice, Maggie was able to truly get her feet wet in this dating world again. It was fun to have her people watch and interact with others on the ship. When she gives her talk, she lights the room on fire... literally. I loved Sam the man of no science and not wanting to be on the ship either. Both him and Maggie do a lot of growing and opening up in this book, it makes me want to see more!
Read
May 3, 2018After not have written a book for some time. Billerbeck hs knocked it out of the park with this come back book.
I was a fan of Maggie's from the start. Billerbeck writes so that they humor pours off the page.
I really loved that she made a reference to DJ Tanner. You must read the book to see what she had to say about DJ.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
I was a fan of Maggie's from the start. Billerbeck writes so that they humor pours off the page.
I really loved that she made a reference to DJ Tanner. You must read the book to see what she had to say about DJ.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
April 2, 2018
The Theory of Happily Ever After is a romantic comedy with a hidden, tender heart.
Maggie might be a doctor on the science of happiness- and she has a bestseller to prove it- but that doesn’t mean she has all the answers. So when her fiancé leaves her for another woman, she is unsure how to move forward. Overwhelmed with the choices she must now make to direct her future research, resume her employment in the same place as her ex, and finish (or actually start) her next book, she finds that ice cream and movies are the only cure. Until her friends drag her on a cruise for singles where, surprise, Maggie is to be a guest speaker. Can Maggie prove to her friends, the handsome stranger who challenges her research, and ultimately to herself that she has the power to change her life and choose what she wants?
I found that I had to really dig deep to enjoy this book. It has an excellent message and a tender heart buried underneath all the distractions and complications, but it took a bit of perseverance to uncover it. I could cope with the endless putting down of herself and whining that Maggie frequently engages in. Sometimes everyone needs to indulge in a little wallowing, right? I could look past the repetition of stating the same things over and over (the word gelato or ice cream is used over 20 times in just the first few chapters. So what if Maggie is eating ice cream. Who cares????!!). I could overlook the friend-shaming and competition over a man’s interest between friends. But the woman shaming, the “dumb and willing” labels of another woman who we know nothing about was just plain juvenile and unnecessary. Yet underneath all that is a story about a woman who is seriously hurting- not from heartbreak over a broken engagement, but from a grief that runs much deeper and from an upbringing that taught her to doubt herself and chase success rather than fulfilment. It was this story of Maggie finally realising the power she has over her own future that I enjoyed.
The Theory of Happily Ever After is an inspirational story and references to Christianity, church and God are sprinkled throughout. Yet the characters remain distinctly human - flaws, jealousy, judgment, mistakes, and all. The setting - a cruise along the Mexico coastline - is a lighthearted setting for this lighthearted novel and plenty of hilarity ensues, mostly at Maggie’s expense.
Sometime inane, sometimes downright ridiculous, The Theory of Happily Ever After is a lighthearted examination of moving forward, finding the right you and following a new path for your life, even if it means standing up to your friends, family, and everything you have been taught all your life. And while a happy ending might not be a solution to problems in the real world, it’s fun (if a little chaotic) to join Maggie on her journey to a happy ending.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
Maggie might be a doctor on the science of happiness- and she has a bestseller to prove it- but that doesn’t mean she has all the answers. So when her fiancé leaves her for another woman, she is unsure how to move forward. Overwhelmed with the choices she must now make to direct her future research, resume her employment in the same place as her ex, and finish (or actually start) her next book, she finds that ice cream and movies are the only cure. Until her friends drag her on a cruise for singles where, surprise, Maggie is to be a guest speaker. Can Maggie prove to her friends, the handsome stranger who challenges her research, and ultimately to herself that she has the power to change her life and choose what she wants?
I found that I had to really dig deep to enjoy this book. It has an excellent message and a tender heart buried underneath all the distractions and complications, but it took a bit of perseverance to uncover it. I could cope with the endless putting down of herself and whining that Maggie frequently engages in. Sometimes everyone needs to indulge in a little wallowing, right? I could look past the repetition of stating the same things over and over (the word gelato or ice cream is used over 20 times in just the first few chapters. So what if Maggie is eating ice cream. Who cares????!!). I could overlook the friend-shaming and competition over a man’s interest between friends. But the woman shaming, the “dumb and willing” labels of another woman who we know nothing about was just plain juvenile and unnecessary. Yet underneath all that is a story about a woman who is seriously hurting- not from heartbreak over a broken engagement, but from a grief that runs much deeper and from an upbringing that taught her to doubt herself and chase success rather than fulfilment. It was this story of Maggie finally realising the power she has over her own future that I enjoyed.
The Theory of Happily Ever After is an inspirational story and references to Christianity, church and God are sprinkled throughout. Yet the characters remain distinctly human - flaws, jealousy, judgment, mistakes, and all. The setting - a cruise along the Mexico coastline - is a lighthearted setting for this lighthearted novel and plenty of hilarity ensues, mostly at Maggie’s expense.
Sometime inane, sometimes downright ridiculous, The Theory of Happily Ever After is a lighthearted examination of moving forward, finding the right you and following a new path for your life, even if it means standing up to your friends, family, and everything you have been taught all your life. And while a happy ending might not be a solution to problems in the real world, it’s fun (if a little chaotic) to join Maggie on her journey to a happy ending.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
August 29, 2025
I really enjoyed the beginning and ending of this book making it 3 stars… but somewhere in the middle it lost me. Getting repetitive and the FMC being annoying honestly. Kathleen was the best character in my opinion.
I liked the Faith aspects to the story but at some points it kind of felt like an afterthought addition if that makes sense. I can’t decide if I would recommend this book or not 🤷🏻♀️
I liked the Faith aspects to the story but at some points it kind of felt like an afterthought addition if that makes sense. I can’t decide if I would recommend this book or not 🤷🏻♀️
May 25, 2018
Even though I skimmed over some parts because it was SO repetitive, this book made me laugh, it made me want to keep reading, and there were parts of the main character's personality I could relate to.
4.5
4.5
August 30, 2018
The main character, Dr. Maggie Maguire, in The Theory of Happily Ever After is a complete mess. But all is not lost for this scientist and best-selling author on the science of happiness. Unfortunately, before she can find her true happiness, she must experience complete despair and heartbreak.
While Maggie is an annoying mess for a large portion of the book, her character is a little too relatable for comfort. I must admit that I am the first to bury my head in the sand and hope that trouble will mysteriously and effortlessly disappear. News Flash: it usually doesn't, as Maggie finds out.
The singles cruise that Maggie's friends, Kathleen and Haley, drag her on is an interesting touch and provides the main backdrop for the overall story. Can true happiness be found in a fabricated happy environment in only a few days? Read The Theory of Happily Ever After to find out for yourself. But don't be surprised if not everything goes as you expect or predict. While Maggie's caustic attitude toward pretty much everyone is aggravating, the reasons for her meltdown and subsequent bad attitude are anything but predictable. What I like most about this story is that it is a humorous reminder that still waters run deep. We don't always know what's going on in people's heads, especially those we think we know so well.
The writing style is interesting as it is heavily laden with Maggie's internal ruminations. We spend a lot of time in Maggie's head, so maybe that is why I wanted her to snap out of it already. Dr. Maggie Maguire is the perfect example of the perils of over thinking, over analyzing, and over criticizing. The good news is that happily ever after is alive and well, but the path getting there is often filled with pitfalls and second guesses.
I thoroughly enjoyed the little 'excerpts' from Dr. Maguire's book, The Science of Bliss, because they provide thought-provoking, scientific tidbits of advice on happiness. But can we extract the secret to happiness using cold, hard scientific facts? Isn't love unpredictable and blind and messy and typically non-compliant with our expectations? For Maggie and probably most us, the answer would be a resounding Yes, but that doesn't mean we can't set the stage to let happiness naturally flow into our lives. Maggie's friends have the best intentions, but I have to say that their constant pushing and prodding to get Maggie back on track annoyed me to no end.
Let's talk about romance. Maggie has been dumped, almost at the alter. We find that out right away. Who doesn't lament the loss of the fairy tale? On that note, two incredibly attractive men are aboard the same singles cruise as Maggie and her friends, setting the scene for romance, jealousy, explosions, excitement, and, ultimately, Maggie's revelation that happiness has been hers for the taking all along.
It's not tagged as such, but The Theory of Happily Ever After has a Christian influence, but it's not overly preachy. The Christian aspect fits smoothly with the characters and the overall concept of finding happiness.
***
"I can tell you from my own valuable research that coffee definitely evokes happiness."
While Maggie is an annoying mess for a large portion of the book, her character is a little too relatable for comfort. I must admit that I am the first to bury my head in the sand and hope that trouble will mysteriously and effortlessly disappear. News Flash: it usually doesn't, as Maggie finds out.
The singles cruise that Maggie's friends, Kathleen and Haley, drag her on is an interesting touch and provides the main backdrop for the overall story. Can true happiness be found in a fabricated happy environment in only a few days? Read The Theory of Happily Ever After to find out for yourself. But don't be surprised if not everything goes as you expect or predict. While Maggie's caustic attitude toward pretty much everyone is aggravating, the reasons for her meltdown and subsequent bad attitude are anything but predictable. What I like most about this story is that it is a humorous reminder that still waters run deep. We don't always know what's going on in people's heads, especially those we think we know so well.
The writing style is interesting as it is heavily laden with Maggie's internal ruminations. We spend a lot of time in Maggie's head, so maybe that is why I wanted her to snap out of it already. Dr. Maggie Maguire is the perfect example of the perils of over thinking, over analyzing, and over criticizing. The good news is that happily ever after is alive and well, but the path getting there is often filled with pitfalls and second guesses.
I thoroughly enjoyed the little 'excerpts' from Dr. Maguire's book, The Science of Bliss, because they provide thought-provoking, scientific tidbits of advice on happiness. But can we extract the secret to happiness using cold, hard scientific facts? Isn't love unpredictable and blind and messy and typically non-compliant with our expectations? For Maggie and probably most us, the answer would be a resounding Yes, but that doesn't mean we can't set the stage to let happiness naturally flow into our lives. Maggie's friends have the best intentions, but I have to say that their constant pushing and prodding to get Maggie back on track annoyed me to no end.
Let's talk about romance. Maggie has been dumped, almost at the alter. We find that out right away. Who doesn't lament the loss of the fairy tale? On that note, two incredibly attractive men are aboard the same singles cruise as Maggie and her friends, setting the scene for romance, jealousy, explosions, excitement, and, ultimately, Maggie's revelation that happiness has been hers for the taking all along.
It's not tagged as such, but The Theory of Happily Ever After has a Christian influence, but it's not overly preachy. The Christian aspect fits smoothly with the characters and the overall concept of finding happiness.
***
"I can tell you from my own valuable research that coffee definitely evokes happiness."
August 31, 2018
I recall when many books I read began each chapter with a quote. It set the tone for me and made it fun to guess what was going to happen next. Authors don't tend to do it as much anymore, I suppose because it really is a good deal of work to find just the right one. So I was delighted when I saw that THE THEORY OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER set its chapters this way. Even more fun was that the quotes were straight from our girl, Dr. Margaret K. Maguire. The question though--more in Maggie's mind than mine--was whether Maggie could teach her happiness and resiliency theories to a ship full of folks on a singles cruise. Was she, in fact, happy? Or was she a fraud?
Maggie begins her journey in a bit of a mess, the reason for her self-doubt. But she begins her cruise with two handsome strangers, one a bit taciturn (Sam) and one who's not the kind you take home to Mama (Brent). If this sounds like another PRIDE AND PREJUDICE retelling, don't worry, the story diverges after this initial set up. As you would expect with a romantic cruise for the setting, mayhem with these fellows and with Maggie's girlfriends ensue, leaving the reader to wonder exactly how Maggie will ever make it through her nightmare. I loved rooting for her throughout and think you will, too, she's a likable gal with more to her than meets the eye.
What I didn't expect though, was actual happiness theory woven in, such as with the chapter quotes. I found myself also hoping for Dr. Maxwell to give me the answers to this thing in life that we Americans believe is our Constitutional (and God) given right: the pursuit of happiness. As Maggie's story deepened, a poignant moment caught me and held on for a bit, while I thought about the deeper meaning in my own life. I love a book that does this.
Thank you Revell books and Kristin Billerbeck for the review copy in exchange for my honest review. Revell, I'm trusting your gently faith-based brand more with each book I read; keep them coming!
Maggie begins her journey in a bit of a mess, the reason for her self-doubt. But she begins her cruise with two handsome strangers, one a bit taciturn (Sam) and one who's not the kind you take home to Mama (Brent). If this sounds like another PRIDE AND PREJUDICE retelling, don't worry, the story diverges after this initial set up. As you would expect with a romantic cruise for the setting, mayhem with these fellows and with Maggie's girlfriends ensue, leaving the reader to wonder exactly how Maggie will ever make it through her nightmare. I loved rooting for her throughout and think you will, too, she's a likable gal with more to her than meets the eye.
What I didn't expect though, was actual happiness theory woven in, such as with the chapter quotes. I found myself also hoping for Dr. Maxwell to give me the answers to this thing in life that we Americans believe is our Constitutional (and God) given right: the pursuit of happiness. As Maggie's story deepened, a poignant moment caught me and held on for a bit, while I thought about the deeper meaning in my own life. I love a book that does this.
Thank you Revell books and Kristin Billerbeck for the review copy in exchange for my honest review. Revell, I'm trusting your gently faith-based brand more with each book I read; keep them coming!
May 27, 2018
The Theory of Happily Ever After was such a fun cute book to read. The concept that the study of happiness is a science and the whole background of being on the singles cruise ship was just a different and enjoyable setting.
Dr. Maggie Maguire is the star of the science of happiness except, she is not happy and hasn’t been for some time. She was supposed to get married, but her fiancé has left her and is marrying someone else. So not only her life but her career hinges on her writing and studying the science of happiness. Maggie is depressed and has two favorite forms of escapism. In steps her two best friends to help and off on a cruise she goes where she is the main speaker.
While trying to salvage her career and life she meets a couple of different men. One was a very happy go lucky guy, Brent, and then there was Sam, who put me in the mind of a modern day Mr. Darcy. Lots of chaos ensues and if you are looking for a rom-com with heart this would fit that bill.
This story made me laugh in many places and made me sigh with how romantic it was. This was a very enjoyable story.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Dr. Maggie Maguire is the star of the science of happiness except, she is not happy and hasn’t been for some time. She was supposed to get married, but her fiancé has left her and is marrying someone else. So not only her life but her career hinges on her writing and studying the science of happiness. Maggie is depressed and has two favorite forms of escapism. In steps her two best friends to help and off on a cruise she goes where she is the main speaker.
While trying to salvage her career and life she meets a couple of different men. One was a very happy go lucky guy, Brent, and then there was Sam, who put me in the mind of a modern day Mr. Darcy. Lots of chaos ensues and if you are looking for a rom-com with heart this would fit that bill.
This story made me laugh in many places and made me sigh with how romantic it was. This was a very enjoyable story.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
June 23, 2018
I have to start off with the cover of this book. It is so cute and different! I liked the colors and felt that it really pinpointed the feel of this book overall.
The Theory of Happily Ever After is definitely a unique book. I don’t think I’ve ever read another book that had a scientist who specialized in the field of happiness science. I loved the idea of this book and was often grinning at the antics of the characters. However, as much as I wanted to love The Theory of Happily Ever After, it just wasn’t for me.
Maggie’s friends annoyed me more often than not. That may have been part of the intent, but I really started to not like them the further I got into the story. Maggie is a great character, but her internal thoughts took up a lot of the story at times, and I felt like it slowed the story down too much.
I did enjoy the dialogue between Maggie and Sam. I also loved the growth in Maggie’s character as she understood more about herself and her relationship with God. I also loved the realism in these characters. Their insecurities and the tangles of life are very down to earth, and I appreciated that.
However, as much as I wanted to, I couldn’t quite get into the flow of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
The Theory of Happily Ever After is definitely a unique book. I don’t think I’ve ever read another book that had a scientist who specialized in the field of happiness science. I loved the idea of this book and was often grinning at the antics of the characters. However, as much as I wanted to love The Theory of Happily Ever After, it just wasn’t for me.
Maggie’s friends annoyed me more often than not. That may have been part of the intent, but I really started to not like them the further I got into the story. Maggie is a great character, but her internal thoughts took up a lot of the story at times, and I felt like it slowed the story down too much.
I did enjoy the dialogue between Maggie and Sam. I also loved the growth in Maggie’s character as she understood more about herself and her relationship with God. I also loved the realism in these characters. Their insecurities and the tangles of life are very down to earth, and I appreciated that.
However, as much as I wanted to, I couldn’t quite get into the flow of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
May 17, 2018
The Theory of Happily ever after is a fun comedy romance story by Kristin Billerbeck. Dr. Maggie Maguire has written a best seller on finding happiness and is under contract to write a second book. She is dumped by her fiance and co-worker and spend the next couple months at home watching TV. Her friends and publicist book her as a speaker on a “New Year, New You” cruise to the Gulf of Mexico. Her friends have to drag her from her home to get to the cruise. One of the first people she meets is a handsome man, Sam, who feels intelligent women can't be happy.
This was a fun book to read, to take you away for a while. While the story line is the typical man and women meet, don't like each other then quickly fall in love, the author has written the story with fun comedy. With this story, Maggie and Sam have both lost someone they love and are having trouble moving on with their lives. This story does a good job of showing that how we respond to our struggles affect others in our lives. I would recommend this story to those who enjoy contemporary romance.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. This is my honest review.
This was a fun book to read, to take you away for a while. While the story line is the typical man and women meet, don't like each other then quickly fall in love, the author has written the story with fun comedy. With this story, Maggie and Sam have both lost someone they love and are having trouble moving on with their lives. This story does a good job of showing that how we respond to our struggles affect others in our lives. I would recommend this story to those who enjoy contemporary romance.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. This is my honest review.
June 10, 2018
Light, fun Christian chick lit.
Some parts of this I enjoyed, I always love a books set on a cruise! And the male protagonists are decently well drawn.
What didn't really work for me were the female relationships. I felt like Maggie's friends treated her like a small child most of the time, not trusting that she was intelligent enough to make her own choices with her career and her relationships. I particularly did not like Haley.
I thought the "twist" with Maggie's ex wasn't fully explored emotionally, and the part with her sister was almost an afterthought. Overall, the book tried to be both women's fiction and chick lit but didn't really achieve either one well. Billerbeck is best when she sticks with the lighthearted books, that's what I have loved from her in the past.
Not a terrible read, but not the best either.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Some parts of this I enjoyed, I always love a books set on a cruise! And the male protagonists are decently well drawn.
What didn't really work for me were the female relationships. I felt like Maggie's friends treated her like a small child most of the time, not trusting that she was intelligent enough to make her own choices with her career and her relationships. I particularly did not like Haley.
I thought the "twist" with Maggie's ex wasn't fully explored emotionally, and the part with her sister was almost an afterthought. Overall, the book tried to be both women's fiction and chick lit but didn't really achieve either one well. Billerbeck is best when she sticks with the lighthearted books, that's what I have loved from her in the past.
Not a terrible read, but not the best either.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
May 17, 2018
2.5 stars ⭐️
I had a love/hate relationship with this book to be completely honest. I think my biggest issue with this book were the characters, unfortunately I felt like most of them were flat and irritating. The main character Maggie complains through the whole book and I mean the whole entire book about her life and has this woe is me attitude that in the beginning was fine but after a while was so repetitive that I simply didn’t care anymore. Her friends were horrible and couldn’t even see why they were her best friends, they literally had no redeeming qualities about them. Sam was the only character that I kinda cared about and even he wasn’t a spectacular character.
I did like the overall premise of the story and her friends bringing her on a singles cruise to get over a recent breakup but what I wanted to be a fun/light hearted read ended up being more of a headache then anything.
Also this book is listed as Christian Fiction and while I didn’t know that when I started reading it, I felt like God and the references were literally thrown in randomly to be classified as a Christian Fiction book. I honestly don’t even think God or faith was mentioned until 3/4 of the way through the book, so personally it felt like an afterthought and a totally confusing one at that.
Overall this book was just way too problematic for me to really enjoy. I thought I would fly through it and instead I trudged though it.
I did receive this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.
April 15, 2018
This book was fun. I laughed out loud long and hard a time or two. Even though Dr. Maggie Maguire is a happiness scientist, she’s not very happy herself, and this makes her wonder if she’s a fraud. Her friends force her to take a singles’ cruise, not telling her she’s the speaker, to get her out of her funk. While her friends do some amazing things for Maggie, at times they are brutally harsh with her. I found that hard to take. The fact that someone Maggie has just met seems to get her more than they do is just plain sad.
Maggie is so beaten down, she doesn’t feel she’s worth loving. Two men, who may be polar opposites, show an interest in her. I loved Brent’s fun, outlook on life and appreciated Sam’s observant thoughtfulness. Both help Maggie grow in their own ways. But which one is a keeper? Or will Maggie return to grieving her ex-fiance?
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and it will definitely not be my last. I enjoyed the quirky characters and the great descriptions and colorful imagery. It was a treat. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Maggie is so beaten down, she doesn’t feel she’s worth loving. Two men, who may be polar opposites, show an interest in her. I loved Brent’s fun, outlook on life and appreciated Sam’s observant thoughtfulness. Both help Maggie grow in their own ways. But which one is a keeper? Or will Maggie return to grieving her ex-fiance?
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and it will definitely not be my last. I enjoyed the quirky characters and the great descriptions and colorful imagery. It was a treat. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
January 24, 2022
This one felt like a doozy. The setting feels like it could be a fun rom-com but it falls wildly flat. Character development was lacking and it felt like we were living the same day over and over in the story. The movement was slow. And when there was movement, it wasn’t that exciting. The main character and her two friends were annoying and honestly not great examples of healthy friendships. We finally start getting some shape to the story and then boom, it’s over. This had the potential to be a cutesy rom-com read but the bothersome characters and boring story development made this a book I was just trying to finish.
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