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Choosing Providence #1
Leveling Up
He’s not comfortable in her world, but she wants to be a part of his.
Debbie “Widow” Wheeler has everything money can buy except the one thing she wants most: a family of her own. Tired of waiting for the right man to come along, she decides to forgo marriage and become a foster mother. Her plans are right on track when she runs into Austin Reed. Too bad he wants nothing to do with her.
Single dad, Austin Reed, works hard to provide for his children, so it irritates him when Debbie offers his talented daughter opportunities he can’t. She easily wins the trust of his children, but Austin isn’t so easily swayed. She’s everything he’s learned to hate; wealthy, impulsive, and gorgeous.
Their tenuous friendship is put to the test when Austin’s ex-wife shows up, threatening to take the kids. Desperate to protect his children, Austin asks Debbie to be his fake fiancé. It’s all too easy to play their roles convincingly, and before long, their engagement feels very real. But when the boundaries of their relationship are tested, they’ll have to make the choice between pride or love.
Debbie “Widow” Wheeler has everything money can buy except the one thing she wants most: a family of her own. Tired of waiting for the right man to come along, she decides to forgo marriage and become a foster mother. Her plans are right on track when she runs into Austin Reed. Too bad he wants nothing to do with her.
Single dad, Austin Reed, works hard to provide for his children, so it irritates him when Debbie offers his talented daughter opportunities he can’t. She easily wins the trust of his children, but Austin isn’t so easily swayed. She’s everything he’s learned to hate; wealthy, impulsive, and gorgeous.
Their tenuous friendship is put to the test when Austin’s ex-wife shows up, threatening to take the kids. Desperate to protect his children, Austin asks Debbie to be his fake fiancé. It’s all too easy to play their roles convincingly, and before long, their engagement feels very real. But when the boundaries of their relationship are tested, they’ll have to make the choice between pride or love.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2022
188 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Jill Burrell
12 books286 followersJill Burrell is an author of sweet, small-town romances full of faith, hope, and family.
She has always been an avid reader, and romance has always been her favorite genre. If she’s not writing or folding laundry her head is usually in a book.
When her father told her, “I’ve got a story I want you to write,” she didn’t think she’d ever actually do it. But after twenty years of being a stay-at-home mom with seven children, the idea of writing and publishing a book sounded less terrifying than entering the workforce again. Boy, was she wrong!
She has always been an avid reader, and romance has always been her favorite genre. If she’s not writing or folding laundry her head is usually in a book.
When her father told her, “I’ve got a story I want you to write,” she didn’t think she’d ever actually do it. But after twenty years of being a stay-at-home mom with seven children, the idea of writing and publishing a book sounded less terrifying than entering the workforce again. Boy, was she wrong!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 13, 2025
This was a great Contemporary Christian fiction book, book one in a continuing series. The story was believable and the characters heartwarming. The ML's character flaw was a constant aversion to wealth. There was a lesson learned concerning pride to humility, but not until just about the very end. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series, as it looks like some of the other characters have different beliefs, character flaws, etc. I was able to read a copy of this book via Overdrive, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
July 7, 2023
God this book. The MMC is in my top 10 most hated MMCs in all the books I've ever read. I just won't classify this as 2,5 stars or less because of the FMC. Austin was a freaking hypocrite, he was always making her feel bad for her wealth and hated when she used her money on him and his kids but when he needed help, he saw no problem in using her for that exact reason. He was putting his pride and the fact that she had more money than him so she could provide better than him ahead of his kids. It got to a point that things were just ridiculous. They all loved Debbie and he saw she was nothing like his ex wife and all the other rich people he knew but he still pushed her away at every turn. For him, being able to provide for his family with his money was more important than his and his kids feelings. It was so stupid and just a retrogade thinking. The woman can be wealthier than the man, that doesn't change how they feel. But he couldn't see past the fact that he was the "man of the house" and he was the one that should provide, not her. Like hello???!!!! What century are you in? It was so f*cking frustating. And then we have Debbue, that is the most selfless woman to ever exist, she does nothing for herself, all she does is for others and he throws that to her face. Him saying he loved because of the way she was generous but then not liking her money. Sir, she can be generous because she has money. My God, she deserved so much more, anyone but him. He made her feel bad so many times when there was no need for it. That woman was a freaking angel, I am not even exagerating. She used her money to make good, to help people that truly needed it because it made her happy too but what he saw was a woman who had money and that was it. He couldn't see past that. Only at the very end, does he finally relent. That pissed me off, she deserved someone who loved her truly and wholy, and it didn't look like he loved her like that, not to me. What pissed me off the most at the end was when he goes to apologized and gives her his bank statements for her to pay in a show of making her see that he doesn't care if she helps him, he only wants her. Are you freaking kidding me? I understand what he's trying to do but I do not approve at all. I would have shoved those papers down his throat. I hated him. She was perfect and he didn't deserved her, in any universe. He should had freaking grovelled after what he put her through. Because when they broke up, did he not only broke her heart, but he broke his kids too and that I can't forgive. He loved his kids so much that he couldn't see past his own nose to understand that the kids needed her and wanted even if he didn't. This was bullsh*t and I am pissed off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2023
I was pleasantly taken by surprise more than once reading this one. The plot wasn't pressed flat by the weight of overused tropes—she even managed to avoid "the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding"!
The antagonist was painfully believable.
A few of the interactions between the two main characters pushed my comfort boundaries, but were never crude or crass, that's not what I mean at all. I'm just an introvert and Debbie's lack of verbal constraint gave me mild second-hand embarrassment.
In general, Debbie was incredibly realistic and the situations that she got thrown into never felt contrived. The interactions with the kids, her siblings/parents, his ex, etc., etc., were refreshingly realistic and I hope some of them never happen to me—I'd honestly have let the cleaning company handle some of the kitchen messes, lol!
I lost track of how many times it "wasn't the first time she'd thought about [the same plot point]" or how many times he had to focus on keeping his hands to himself. The heat level was warm without exceeding my comfort threshold.
The antagonist was painfully believable.
A few of the interactions between the two main characters pushed my comfort boundaries, but were never crude or crass, that's not what I mean at all. I'm just an introvert and Debbie's lack of verbal constraint gave me mild second-hand embarrassment.
In general, Debbie was incredibly realistic and the situations that she got thrown into never felt contrived. The interactions with the kids, her siblings/parents, his ex, etc., etc., were refreshingly realistic and I hope some of them never happen to me—I'd honestly have let the cleaning company handle some of the kitchen messes, lol!
I lost track of how many times it "wasn't the first time she'd thought about [the same plot point]" or how many times he had to focus on keeping his hands to himself. The heat level was warm without exceeding my comfort threshold.
March 7, 2025
Loved it, my first time to read a book by Jill Burrell.
Debbie a wealthy widow, move to this small town. Sees a painting and wants this person to paint a mural for her. She ends up being a student. Debbie goes over to the girls house and Mets her and asked if she would paint for her. Her dad Austin, a single father lets her know that he depends on Savannah to cook and watch her brothers when he works late. Debbie volunteers to do that. Austin doesn’t like rich people that like to throw their money around. Debbie just wants children. So they try it out. Austin feels weird coming for dinner when he gets there it’s crazy Noah a foster child came and they can’t find him, Austin with new eyes come in and finds him. Then dinner ends up all over the floor it’s one thing after another. But they all work together, nice to see it all come together. She ends up taking the boys to their soccer game, she takes them swimming she is really good with his family and he marvels at her. She is taken with him too.
The book moved on nicely, the characters were great…great story.
Debbie a wealthy widow, move to this small town. Sees a painting and wants this person to paint a mural for her. She ends up being a student. Debbie goes over to the girls house and Mets her and asked if she would paint for her. Her dad Austin, a single father lets her know that he depends on Savannah to cook and watch her brothers when he works late. Debbie volunteers to do that. Austin doesn’t like rich people that like to throw their money around. Debbie just wants children. So they try it out. Austin feels weird coming for dinner when he gets there it’s crazy Noah a foster child came and they can’t find him, Austin with new eyes come in and finds him. Then dinner ends up all over the floor it’s one thing after another. But they all work together, nice to see it all come together. She ends up taking the boys to their soccer game, she takes them swimming she is really good with his family and he marvels at her. She is taken with him too.
The book moved on nicely, the characters were great…great story.
May 8, 2022
Widow Debbie is finally being the real her after after morphing into a trophy wife for her husband, her changes include finally perusing becoming a foster parent as well as trying to adopt a child. The last thing either Debbie or Austin expect is to run into each other nor feel a spark between them or meeting again due to his daughter Savvy. I really liked both Austin and Debbie along with Austin's kids Cody, Dallas and Savvy they all gel so well together but Austin has a lot to get over in regards to how much money Debbie has as well as Debbie learn to not be so impulsive when wanting to help and learn how to Rangel children. This was a great story with characters you love and love to hate, with moments of heartbreak, joy and plenty of fun.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2022
I love, love, love when a "villian" from a book gets their own HEA. It makes my romance loving heart so full. And Debbie was irritating to the nth degree in the Finding Providence series. I just wanted her to find her own man and good news, Austin is 👌👌
I love that we learned a little of what made Debbie tick and to learn her back story. I loved how big of a role family played in this book, right down to not perfect children. Ever read those books with single parents and the kids are just perfectly scripted, never mess up? That did not happen here and I appreciated it. There was plenty of character growth and swoony moments. The kisses were top notch and I am looking forward to seeing more of Austin and Debbie in the rest of these books!
I love that we learned a little of what made Debbie tick and to learn her back story. I loved how big of a role family played in this book, right down to not perfect children. Ever read those books with single parents and the kids are just perfectly scripted, never mess up? That did not happen here and I appreciated it. There was plenty of character growth and swoony moments. The kisses were top notch and I am looking forward to seeing more of Austin and Debbie in the rest of these books!
June 12, 2022
Adorable kids with a great love story!
This was such a charming story! The characters were adorable and endearing. I loved the children in the book, they were written so well. Debbie was an amazing woman. I loved how she gave her whole heart to those close to her. Austin had a lot of insecurities to deal with but they worked it out together. This is a book that I could read again for sure. But mostly I would love to see this as a movie for the interactions with those adorable kids and scenes with the EX. I can’t wait for the next in the series!
Rating: PG, Clean, sweet romance
This was such a charming story! The characters were adorable and endearing. I loved the children in the book, they were written so well. Debbie was an amazing woman. I loved how she gave her whole heart to those close to her. Austin had a lot of insecurities to deal with but they worked it out together. This is a book that I could read again for sure. But mostly I would love to see this as a movie for the interactions with those adorable kids and scenes with the EX. I can’t wait for the next in the series!
Rating: PG, Clean, sweet romance
November 9, 2022
Jill Burrell is a new author to me and what a pleasure this book was to read. Debbie has all the money she could ever need but not the family she wants so badly. Austin has a family but financial difficulties as he tries to pay off his ex-wife's debt and some medical bills. They are thrown together by circumstances but have some issues. He is too proud to get involved with a wealthy woman and she
has trouble controlling her impulse to help. It was a good story with the children as strong characters.
has trouble controlling her impulse to help. It was a good story with the children as strong characters.
April 1, 2023
This is a sweet clean romance with lots of heart. Debbie is quite the character. She defies stereotypes and doesn’t fit in any mold. She’s just Debbie. Austin has pigeonholes to spare and he has Debbie pegged, doesn’t he? Unfortunately for him, Debbie keeps going counter to his expectations. She isn’t who he thought but it might take losing her to convince him she’s the real deal. Savannah, Dallas, Cody, Noah, Nic and Lucia as well as Debbie’s family make for a colorful cast. Great story. I look forward to reading other books in this series.
July 29, 2023
This is the third book I have read by Jill Burrell and just like the other two, this one was a well rounded story.
The story was realistic as were the characters, especially the children. The things they did and the situations they got themselves into were true to life and the parents' reactions were just as real.
I found the story rich & fulfilling and I look forward to reading the rest of the series, as well as any of Jill's other books & series.
This author is quickly becoming one of my favourites!
The story was realistic as were the characters, especially the children. The things they did and the situations they got themselves into were true to life and the parents' reactions were just as real.
I found the story rich & fulfilling and I look forward to reading the rest of the series, as well as any of Jill's other books & series.
This author is quickly becoming one of my favourites!
April 16, 2022
Debbie was not a popular person in the Finding Providence series, but I felt a bit of sympathy for her and wondered if someone would pull her to one side and motivate her to drop her facade and become who she she really is. Ms Burrell delivers another entertaining story and I can hardly wait to see what flows from her pen next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2022
This book has been on my TBR list for a while and I just hadn't gotten to it yet. I'm really glad I actually read the previous series (Finding Providence) first because it gave so much more depth to Debbie and the things she has been through. Some of the things that Debbie faced hit so close to home for me as I dealt with similar health issues and what it would mean for me and my family and with the fostering. I loved the kids and how much both Debbie and Austin love them.
May 21, 2024
Ok
What can I say? Debbie sure has changed from the other books, for the better. She comes across as a truly lovely, warm-hearted, caring, compassionate, generous, giving person. Cannot believe how badly things go for her to begin with, with Noah and Austin's kids' first meal there. Austin, in my opinion was horrid. He is as bad as what he says he hates most, in the other extreme. The kids are lovely. So, Austin detracted from the enjoyment for me.
What can I say? Debbie sure has changed from the other books, for the better. She comes across as a truly lovely, warm-hearted, caring, compassionate, generous, giving person. Cannot believe how badly things go for her to begin with, with Noah and Austin's kids' first meal there. Austin, in my opinion was horrid. He is as bad as what he says he hates most, in the other extreme. The kids are lovely. So, Austin detracted from the enjoyment for me.
April 8, 2022
Leveling Up is a joy to read! It is a slow-burn, kissing-only romance that is full of LOVE. The storyline focuses on family, telling the story of two MCs who have huge hearts. I highly recommend this great read!
The epilogue transitions to the next book in the series…. And I can’t wait to read it!!! .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The epilogue transitions to the next book in the series…. And I can’t wait to read it!!! .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2022
This was a very entertaining story with sweet characters in a great storyline that I enjoyed. The story had me laughing at times in. I loved Austin and Debbie together they were wonderful characters with a great chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2022
Leveling up is a good, sweet and delightful story that warmed my heart and made me smile.
Debbie is a strong woman that wants to give her love, Austin has a few hang-ups that holds him back. Together they navigate through the up the ups and downs to share the love they have.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Debbie is a strong woman that wants to give her love, Austin has a few hang-ups that holds him back. Together they navigate through the up the ups and downs to share the love they have.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2022
I have never read anything by Jill Burrell before, what a truly wonderful story. How would you react if a fairly new aquaintence asked you to be his pretend fiance to keep custody of his children? So many twists and turns. Love the plot, the setting, and a wonderful cast of characters. I will be reading much more from Jill Burrell!!
November 4, 2022
Really good.
I loved the focus on family and the author did a really good job writing the children. I've read several books which featured young children (cute kids sell right?) but the kids were super fake and artificial. This one is brilliant, wonderfully natural and doesn't try to make the kids super precocious or anything.
Definitely recommended
I loved the focus on family and the author did a really good job writing the children. I've read several books which featured young children (cute kids sell right?) but the kids were super fake and artificial. This one is brilliant, wonderfully natural and doesn't try to make the kids super precocious or anything.
Definitely recommended
May 23, 2024
How to become a family
Debbie has an unusual history with 2 past marriages, inherited wealth and fertility issues that make it impossible for her to have children of her own. Chance encounters in a grocery store lead to more tan she ever hoped for if only the money issues can be resolved. You can't help cheering for her. More valuable than wealth, she has a heart of gold!
Debbie has an unusual history with 2 past marriages, inherited wealth and fertility issues that make it impossible for her to have children of her own. Chance encounters in a grocery store lead to more tan she ever hoped for if only the money issues can be resolved. You can't help cheering for her. More valuable than wealth, she has a heart of gold!
July 14, 2025
"Most people looking at Debbie with her big house and fancy car might think she had everything. But there were some things money couldn’t buy—Debbie should know. Those were the things Debbie wanted most. Tears filled her eyes as she gripped her mom’s hand. “I want to level up.”
such a great book! More review to come!
such a great book! More review to come!
April 16, 2022
What a great story. It is in your best interests to tell the truth. The crashes at the grocery store had me laughing so very hard. Both main characters had been hurt, deeply. They stuck to their thoughts of how to help others. And what a difference they made in peoples lives
April 18, 2022
This was an entertaining, slow burn romance, with sweet characters and an enjoyable storyline. Seeing the characters come together was great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2022
Leveling Up by Jill Burrell is a good, and enjoyable sweet small town romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2022
Enjoyed reading this sweet funny story about two very different people who with time find they have more in common than they thought. She wants a family and he has one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2022
This was such a wonderful love story. I enjoyed it very much. The storyline was spot on and was well executed. You have action, drama and adventure and love all in one book. loved the characters, I enjoyed this book can't wait for their next one. I recommend it.
June 23, 2023
I loved reading this story. A woman wanting a family and a man that has a family but doesn't trust a lot of certain people. When these two met it's a struggle for both of them to trust each other. Until they finally realized that they need each other and fall in love.
August 22, 2023
Wonderful Story!!
I was so glad that Debbie got her happily ever after. She had a wonderful heart under all the bluster and pretentiousness. All she wanted was a family and to give all the love in her heart.
I was so glad that Debbie got her happily ever after. She had a wonderful heart under all the bluster and pretentiousness. All she wanted was a family and to give all the love in her heart.
September 7, 2023
Wonderful read
This is not what I normally read. I was looking for something clean with a solid story and a happy ending. I found it. This book was hard to put down the farther along I got in it. This really is a wonderful family story with relatable characters.
This is not what I normally read. I was looking for something clean with a solid story and a happy ending. I found it. This book was hard to put down the farther along I got in it. This really is a wonderful family story with relatable characters.
August 7, 2025
Money isn't what makes the world go round.
Debbie just wants a family and to help others. Austin just wants what is best for his kids and to get financially stable but despises rich people like Debbie. I love how they met and how they sorted out their problems.
Debbie just wants a family and to help others. Austin just wants what is best for his kids and to get financially stable but despises rich people like Debbie. I love how they met and how they sorted out their problems.
August 14, 2025
A wonderful humorous read
Really enjoyed this book,never read this author before but it was funny, well written, great characters I laughed so much would recommend it anlook forward to reading the series.
Really enjoyed this book,never read this author before but it was funny, well written, great characters I laughed so much would recommend it anlook forward to reading the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews