A Billion Reasons Why

Katie McKenna had resolved to live a quiet life, marry a practical Christian man, and leave all her “worldly” desires behind. Since moving to California, she’d made it her goal to live life logically and for the Lord. She has the perfect life—a fulfilling job, a cute apartment, and a wedding to plan with her soon-to-be fiané, Dexter.

But then in walks Luc DeForges, the handsome ex-boyfriend who’d broken her heart. After graduating college and rejecting Katie, Luc cornered the organic food market and became one of the most eligible multi-millionaire bachelors. But now he’s back and asking her to go home to New Orleans to sing at his brother’s wedding. She hasn’t fallen victim to her emotions since leaving New Orleans, and she’s invested too much to give into them now.

When Luc was in his element, there was nothing like it. His excitement was contagious and spread like a classroom virus, infecting those around him with a false sense of security. Katie inhales deeply and reminds herself that the man sold inspiration by the pound. His power over her was universal. It did not make her special.

Katie’s boyfriend, Dexter, is a practical man. As Katie’s roommate Eileen offers, “Katie, no matter how many entries you put in that book, Dexter is not going to be a romantic. I mean, fine, you’re going to marry him. He’s a good man. I just don’t want you to be disappointed. No matter how many junior high school hearts you draw next to his name, Dexter is going to order you what the Internet says is the proper gift for each anniversary. He’ll probably have a program created that does it for him.” But Dexter is safe. He’ll be a good dad. He’s very intellectual. He’s punctual. He’s everything she needs in a husband.

And Dexter will propose as soon as she gets her grandmother’s ring from her mom. And Luc will provide her with a free trip home for just that purpose. Plus, she needs to go home to New Orleans. It’s her last chance to find out why Luc tossed her from his life like a banana peel off the back of her father’s pickup. Love is a decision. A choice. All the leading experts said so, and she’d decided she would love Dexter in a way that honored and respected him. The way she’d loved Luc left her worn out and depleted, like an empty air mattress. Then what use was she? She’d get her ring and closure as well. Then nothing would stand in the way of her life with Dexter.

But what if God has more in store for her? What if God’s desire for her is a heart full of life? Can the passions she had as a young woman, which led to many of her past mistakes, still have a place in her life?


I have read a few books by Kristin Billerbeck one being Split Ends. So when I had a chance to read one of her books again, I jumped on it. I needed a really good fast book to read. I knew that once I read this book that I would want to read. Well I have read a few great books the last few weeks, but nothing that made me want to just pick an other book and read. Well the book was a good book, and it did just that. I wanted to read it all right away. Plus by the time I was done I wanted to find an other book to read right away. The only thing was like a friend said "the book is predictable." Yeah some of it was. But who care? If its a good well written book who cares if it is a little predictable? I can't wait to read another book by Kristin Billerbeck.

I'm still trying to figure out why some people don’t like Christian romance novels. This was my first Billerbeck novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it! However, I will admit that I did feel a little bit of a disconnect from the character because I’m not a huge fan of movies made in the 40′s.

One thing I can appreciate about this book is that it shows that there’s more to New Orleans than Mardi Gras! Having never been, I yearn to experience the culture and diversity (as well as the good food) of NOLA. I guess on second thought, the story does seem a little bizarre…being that I don’t think of swing, nor do I think of people with Irish heritage when I think of New Orleans. *Side note: Why is it that the cover shows a brunette when the character in this story had red hair?

Katie is a special education teacher who gave up being a singer in New Orleans. Luc, who publicly rejected her years ago, invites her back to sing at a wedding. Of course, she can think of a billion reasons why she shouldn’t go, but there are a few issues in her life for which she seeks closure.

Being a multi-millionaire, Luc’s cocky attitude was no surprise. Since he was so used to getting what he wanted, he used his charisma to do whatever it took — gifts, romance, and even stooping as low as bad-mouthing Dexter — to get her back. Of course, Katie’s bossy best friend and mother have their own opinions about the two beau’s, which always complicates matters. However, her mother’s choice morsels still linger with me:

“You know, Katie, you can plan so nothing goes wrong in life. But something will, and it won’t be what you expected to go wrong. So make sure you’re with someone who will help you bail the water out of the boat, not someone who will blame you for the hole.”

Later, Dexter (and I wonder if the author chose this name because it elicits the stereotype of a dull person) shows his face in NOLA, which causes her to question how he fits into her life.

We’ve all been in Katie’s shoes at one point or another. Do you follow your heart or do you follow your mind? And how are both reconciled?

Sassy. Witty. Charming. This is chick-lit.

Disclosure: We received this free book to review from B&B Media Group. All opinions are our own and we are not obligated to provide a favorable review.