THE THEORY OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER by KRISTIN BILLERBECK, *Review* Lone Star Book Blog Tour
THE THEORY OF
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
by
KRISTIN BILLERBECK
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: RevellNumber of Pages: 288
Scroll down for Giveaway!
According to Dr. Maggie Maguire, happiness is serious—serious science, that is. But science can’t always account for life’s anomalies, like 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.
“. . .the sweet will-they-or-won’t-they of Sam and Maggie’s courtship will please readers. . .
--Publishers Weekly
“Billerbeck returns with a light Christian chick-lit novel just in time for the summer beach-read season, taking on stereotypes of femininity, intellect, and worth within an exciting cruise-ship setting with plenty of sunshine and gelato.”
--Booklist
“Billerbeck’s latest is full of memorable characters and witty dialogue. . . .The overall story reminds the reader that sometimes happiness will find you, no matter what you may do to avoid it.”
--RT Book Reviews – Four Star Review
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.
I enjoyed some of the quotes so much, I even made a graphic of my favorite. Without giving anything away in this sweet romantic comedy, here is the Dr. Maguire quote I loved most:
If that quote resonates with you, too, I think you'll enjoy this book as well. Don't forget there's about a day left on the giveaway, so I hope you'll enter. 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!-
Kristin Billerbeck is the author of more than thirty novels, including What a Girl Wants and the Ashley Stockingdale and Spa Girls series. She is a fourth-generation Californian who loves her state and the writing fodder it provides.
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GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
GRAND PRIZE: Copy of The Theory of Happily Ever After + Bookish Beach Towel, Tumbler, & Book Sleeve
2ND PRIZE:
+ $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
3RD PRIZE:
+ $10 Starbucks Gift Card
(US ONLY)
August 22-31, 2018
CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
8/22/18
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Excerpt, Part 1
| |
8/22/18
|
BONUS Post
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8/23/18
|
Excerpt, Part 2
| |
8/24/18
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Review
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8/25/18
|
Playlist
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8/26/18
|
Review
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8/27/18
|
Scrapbook Page
| |
8/28/18
|
Review
| |
8/29/18
|
Author Interview
| |
8/30/18
|
Review
| |
8/31/18
|
Review
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