The Theory of Happily Ever After

by

Kristin Billerbeck

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Revell

Date of Publication: May 1, 2018

Number of Pages: 288

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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.

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 unforgettable characters, snappy dialogue, and touching romance, 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.

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Praise

“. . .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

What in life makes you happy? There are many possibilities but only you can know what works for you.

Maggie is having a hard time figuring out what makes her happy and if you look deeper into her history/childhood you will understand why she has such issues. I’m amazed she is as stable as she is considering she lost a sister and her parents’ personalities appeared to have done a 180 when they lost their other daughter. While it is understandable, I can’t imagine growing up in that sort of family. Maggie’s behavior/thoughts are hard to take because she is one hot mess, but when you realize that this story takes place over a week,it is a little easier to understand and accept because you can’t have a complete turn around in just a few days, or at least not the kind that Maggie needs especially after wallowing for two months in her apartment with the Hallmark Channel and gelato!

Maggie’s two best friends, Haley and Kathleen, are interesting characters and add a dynamic to this story. Haley does become unlikable later in the book all because of a man. I had a hard time with Haley’s attitude and was surprised that Maggie tolerated it at all. I appreciated some of Maggie’s observations about Haley, that perhaps she was spoiled because no one ever told her no because it helped make sense of Haley’s actions and comments. Kathleen is a hoot and apparently an adrenaline junkie. I admired that spunk and she rounded out the trio of friends nicely.

The story would not be complete without a couple of hunky men. Brent the bartender from Texas teaching a mixology class on the cruise, and Sam, the man that doesn’t think intelligent women can be happy. Let’s just say that statement doesn’t bode well for his happiness. But there is more to his story and he is immediately taken with Maggie. Because of his misstep at the beginning of the cruise and Maggie’s insecurities, it takes quite some time before they are on the same page. But the road to that place was interesting between Maggie’s desire to prove him wrong (she is a scientist after all) and Sam’s desire to get on her good side. I wasn’t sure whether I should root for Brent or Sam to end up with Maggie. Brent was great for the impulsive and daring side that I think Maggie wanted to have, but Sam was more grounded and has similar beliefs to Maggie.

There is a little bit of suspense too when it comes to the ex-fiance, Jake, and some of his actions back home. The one conversation that happens between Jake and Maggie explains a lot of Maggie’s insecurities. There are some twists regarding Jake but you’ll have to read the book to find out those details.

Overall this story has some laugh out loud moments, along with some thoughtful lines that gave me additional insight into all of the characters.

We give this 4 paws up!

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

2^ND PRIZE: Copy of The Theory of Happily Ever After

+ $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card

3^RD PRIZE: Copy of The Theory of Happily Ever After

+ $10 Starbucks Gift Card

(US ONLY)

  August 22-31, 2018

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