Kristin Billerbeck has been credited for introducing chick-lit to the Christian book market. When chick-lit was no longer considered a hot commodity in adult fiction, Billerbeck went on to pen a couple of novels for the YA market (where the chick-lit style is still in demand). She now returns to adult fiction with A BILLION REASONS WHY, a light-hearted romance. This is not exactly the chick-lit her readers have become accustomed to, but I have to start by saying there are a billion reasons why you should pick up this book.
Eight years ago, Katie McKenna was publically rejected by her one true love, multi-millionaire Luc DeForges. She moved away from her hometown of New Orleans, giving up her career as a singer and dancer to become a special needs teacher in California. She has rebuilt her life and is even anticipating an engagement to Dexter, a sensible choice for a husband. He is safe, stable, and has all the qualities she's been looking for.
Luc shows up and asks Katie to come back home to sing at his brother Ryan's (also Katie's former dance partner) wedding. Katie is torn. Besides still harboring a grudge about being humiliated eight years ago, Katie doesn't quite trust herself with the charming and irresistible Luc. With Dexter's blessing, she eventually agrees to go, convincing herself she is only going back as a favor to Ryan and to retrieve her grandmother's wedding ring so Dexter can finally propose. She is also determined to find closure in her and Luc's relationship once and for all.
This story is basically one long game of tug-of-war between Katie's heart and mind. In her head, she knows Dexter would be the practical choice. But her heart is drawn to Luc, who knows her inside and out and loves her for who she is. Luc seems sincere as he professes his adoration, but self-preservation, not to mention her stubborn pride, prevents Katie from letting down her guard and trusting that Luc