Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas

by Sandra D. Bricker

So what if she can't hook a fish? This city girl has a plan to snag something else...and his name is Justin. Lucy Binoche is reasonably attractive, intelligent, and fit. She has French lineage and better-than-average hair. So why is she nearly 30 and still single? Justin Gerard is the rugged hottie new to her church's singles group. When he signs up for a camping trip in the Ozarks, Lucy loses no time writing her name on the line beneath his. Theres only one problem Lucy's idea of "roughing it" is suffering through a long line at Starbucks. She assumes she can rely on the grace of God and the assistance of her friend to get through. But at the campsite in Snowball, Arkansas, Lucy bungles everything she attempts as she tries to impress Justin. She can't fish, hike, or ride a horse; caves make her hyperventilate; and hot-air balloons make her ill. Soon, events are snowballing out of control. Will Lucy pretend to be someone shes not just to snag a boyfriend? Or will she discover someone who loves her just as she is?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Christian Romance, Fiction

361 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Sandra D. Bricker was an entertainment publicist in Los Angeles for more than 15 years, where she attended school to learn screenwriting and eventually taught the craft for several semesters. She became a best-selling, award-winning author of Live-Out-Loud Fiction for the inspirational market, authored books such as the Jessie Stanton novels, and was best known for her Emma Rae Creation series. Over the years, as an ovarian cancer survivor, she spent time and effort toward raising awareness and funds for research, diagnostics, and a cure. Sandra lived in Toledo, Ohio before her passing in 2016.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.


4/15/2015-
“Like the other Sandra D. Bricker books I've read, I was laughing a lot while reading this book. I really enjoyed the Spiritual Content and the ending was good. Three and a half stars.”

2/7/2020-
Mentioned in a recent video that I would be unhauling this book because when attempting to re-read it, I couldn't get into it.


*Main Content-
Minor cussing (dumb, idiot, sheesh, shut up, stupid, and sucker).
Not-detailed kisses, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, and four semi-detailed kisses; 'Hot' and 'Gorgeous' are used when referring to a guy; A mention of Lucy saying that Justin looks like a male underwear model; A mention of gay guys.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time for reading this book. The first time, I found it to be a very funny read, and I can certainly see the elements where I would have found it so. This time around, I cried my way through it. I think I found different elements in it that touched me differently. That's the mark of a good book for me, that it makes one both laugh and cry.

Lucy is a very misguided woman, who can't see the Lord's blessings right in front of her face. Matt is her best friend, but also secretly adores her. At the end of the book, it's mentioned that they can't see that they are in love with one another, and it's true! However, this book is the story of the journey that shows them that they do love one another.

I loved seeing all the mishaps that Lucy got into trying to be someone that she wasn't. I loved how Matt was supportive of Lucy, even when she was doing something that went against what he wanted. It was a great story of friends to lovers, without that pesky sexual aspect. It is a Christian romance, and God does take a pretty prominent place in this book, but all in all it was a great read!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it was my friend Lorie who added the 'Love Finds You' series to her GoodReads page. The premise of the 'series' is that each book (they are stand-alone novels as far as I can tell) is set in a different town in the States, each with a whimsical-sounding name. This particular novel is about a girl who wishes to find the man God wants her to marry, and thinks she's found him in a handsome newcomer to her Church singles group. What follows can only be described as purely adorable as Lucy braves elements that she'd rather not touch with a 10-foot pole as she tries to catch Justin's eye on the singles group's outdoor adventure in Snowball.
I really enjoy Christian fiction, because invariably, I find an element taught in the books that I need to remember. This time around, the lesson for me was to learn how to listen to what God is saying to me. Sometimes, I need to do better to just 'be still and know that (He is) God'.

[Bethany Hewston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cliche love triangle plot, but still super cute! Lucy feels more like a lovesick teenager than a thirty-year-old to me though. XD Still, it was a fun read, and I laughed several times. Perfect for needing a lighthearted read with excellent Christian elements. :)

[Bridgette]

Couldn't get into the storyline so I am choosing to set it aside unfinished.

[Miralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy Bioche has a problem, or so she thinks. She's pushing 30 and not married, with no serious boyfriend in sight. Her best friend Matt has been a big brother forever, but he's not boyfriend material. Lucy makes a decision--one that will impact her life forever. She and Matt head off for a week long, Christian singles retreat in the Ozark mountains even though she HATES outdoor activities. Why? A gorgeous new "hunk" started attending her church and he's definitely the outdoors type. If only Lucy can fit in his world, she's convinced they'll be a perfect fit. After all, he's drop dead handsome and a Christian, so what more could she ask?

The next week isn't at all what Lucy expects, as she meets one disaster after another. God is trying to get her attention and bring her focus back to what really matters. Being true to herself and true to what God wants for her life, but the lure of catching Justin keeps getting in the way.

This was such a refreshingly FUN book, but Sandra did an excellent job weaving in some sound Biblical truths, as well as down to earth common sense. The combination was perfect...not too silly, and not too serious or 'preachy'. I highly recommend this book to Christian fiction lovers, or anyone who wants to spend a few hours grinning, chuckling and following the romantic antics of a very believable young woman as she tries to discover what really DOES matter in her life.

[Lauralee Bliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm an outdoorsy person, so I was eager to read this book. It started out interesting, but then when everything under the sun happen to this girl at camp it became just a little unbelievable. But still it's a sweet story with a nice conclusion. I liked the journal entries and a recipe put in for good measure.

[CarolynB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like anything by Sandra Bricker. Her stories are always so amusing and so romantic. This one is no exception. Although it was a little predictable, I still enjoyed reading to find out how Ms. Bricker was going to resolve the tension between the group of singles spending a week together at a Christian retreat center. 4 stars.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different than usual for this series, but still good...though there was too much wasted space!

[Jack Vasen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells a complete story and could stand alone. It is part of the Love-Finds-You series by different Christian authors, but other than the array of unique places, there is no tie between the stories.

I Love Lucy. But at first, I didn't like this Lucy much. However, the story made me think of the classic comedy about the woman who goes from one comedic disaster to another while plotting to do things her way. For so much of the story this Lucy's campaign to win the man of her dreams seemed selfish and immature, but she grew on me. I almost gave up when she broke Cindi's computer, but each disaster, worse than the last, was an exaggeration for laughs.

It doesn't take much to figure out where the story is going. The plot outline is very simple. I can't say there are any surprises nor is there any major conflict. I did like the ending. How they came together was sweet.

The prayer journal entries that separate each chapter are cute even if most of them are Lucy telling God how to work things out.

This is a Christian book. The preaching isn't tedious and most of it takes place during the group's devotional times, or within Lucy's thoughts.

As an older adult, having been married 4 decades, the central theme was remote for me. It did revive some memories of the days before marriage, and I think this book would really resonate for young Christians facing those doubts about whether they are doomed to remain single forever.

I'm a little disappointed in a couple of scenes that involve kissing and Lucy's reactions. It's not that I mind the kissing. What I mind is that a reader might conclude that the author is suggesting the metaphorical fireworks resulting from the kissing, or lack thereof, might be a reasonable way to judge a romantic relationship.

Mature themes: not even close. Other than a couple of kisses there's no sex, no violence and no alcohol.

[Barbi Huhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still LOVE this series! Each book is individual but the same theme throughout.
In this book, we meet Lucy and her best friend, Matt, and the rest of the singles group from their church in Little Rock. They head off on a weeklong church retreat full of adventure. Lucy is determined to fall in love with Justin, a very good looking fellow who recently moved to the area. Lucy ends up rooming with Wendy, a beautiful, perfect preschool teacher who Lucy sees as competition.
Lucy attempts to participate in the outdoorsy activities and she’s definitely not an outdoors type of gal. What happens next is at times funny and also heartbreaking.
The way things work out in the end are beautiful and heartwarming!

[Spring Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I will confess that even though I did, most ardently, want to smack the heroine, Lucy…a few times…across the face…with my shoe…she still managed to be mostly lovable. But seriously! Way to ruin the lives of everyone else around you whilst getting everything on earth you want, you selfish girl! But she did make me laugh with all her outrageous antics, and I can see why Matt was taken with her; and what quality woman wouldn’t fall stupidly in love with him? By and large, it was a sweet story. Well, Sandra D. Bricker, it seems you have a new fan.

[Wanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, cute little love story, but not my thing, so I put it down half way through. This is more like a Christian Harlequin Romance. All fluff and no substance. If that's your thing, then Sandra Bricker is a great author and you would probably be happy with this book. It is less than 300 pages, so a relatively short read. This is one in the series of "Love Finds You In" books.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a funny book! Lucy finds herself in so many situations of her own making that it is just comical. If you love christian fiction that will keep you laughing, this is a good book. Not too much cheesy love story but a bit mixed in with some good lessons as well. It was a light and easy read.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not my favorite of the Love Finds You collection, but a sweet story at the end. It felt rather slow, but it could be presenting itself that way due to my aversion to people who pretend to be something they aren't.

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knížku mám roky doma a teprve teď jsem se odhodlala si ji přečíst. A bylo to přesně to, co jsem zrovna potřebovala. Vtipná, slušná romantika s křesťanským přesahem. Po zklamání s Hospůdkou v Praze, jsem si tenhle příběh opravdu užila. A celou dobu jsem si říkala, proč jsem ji nečetla dřív.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story of love.

[Amy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christian love story.
Minimal violence. No sex. Mild language.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute Christian romance story. Predictable ending.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series but not a series. I love all the ones I have read.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable but cute (squeaky clean, a bit preachy)

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Was A Good Book. But I Thought Lucy Was A Train Wreck. She was afraid of Everything. And was a drama Queen. But At Least She hot it right and married her best friend. 💜

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

May be a 3.5 stars.

[Tamra Muir · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lacks a plot.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was cute. Includes a few recipes as well

[Rhoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Such real and honest dialog. I rarely re-read books, but this will be one I do!

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

Knew how the story would end immediately so it made the book boring.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good Christian Romance book

[Michelle Lunsford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty quick read, and fairly predictable, but written well enough that I enjoyed it a lot. I like the way Bricker wove faith into the narrative and the characters. In the genre of Christian romance, this one definitely rates heavier on the faith-based material than some other authors I've read, but I felt it came across as believable on not overly 'preachy'. Bricker did a good job of portraying how, for a believer in Christ, the desire to be faithful and the actual living out of that faithfulness don't always mesh perfectly. But if one keeps coming back to God and listening to how he speaks through scripture and the voices of his people, then one can grow in faith and grace.

[Cadee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I like this book because it shows that even in hard times you should trust the Lord because he has your life in mind."- Cadee age 13.