Hilarious Contemporary Christian Romance Delivers to My Female Funny Bone!

I loved the light-hearted, contemporary, fun new novel by Kristin Billerbeck, called The Scent of Rain. It was an amusing, yet often touching, look at the life of a young woman gone awry. I suppose that sounds like an issue many books are centered around; however, I felt this book very original and Billerbeck’s writing style humorous and emotive.  Alright, quite honestly, she was more than amusing and humorous….she was completely hysterical!!  If you like authors like Rachel Hauck or Jenny Jones, you’ll love Billerbeck.

The main character, Daphne Sweeten, had me falling in love with her quirky personality from the beginning. The mishaps happening to her were presented in a light-hearted way that made me laugh out loud quite a few times.  When Daphne is left at the altar after leaving her top-notch job in Paris as a perfumist (she creates perfume using her educated sense of smell), she has to start a new job in Dayton, Ohio (of course I loved this, I’m from Ohio) at a factory that makes household cleaning goods for middle-class americans. She is their “nose” and they hope she will help them increase profits. But the drama surrounding her ex-finance, her nose itself, her new job, and a growing attraction to her new boss could prove fatal if she doesn’t get a grip on life before it spirals out of control. 

I could picture and relate to Daphne on many levels, yet I admired her ability to “keep moving” even when things were going so terribly wrong for her. I also really liked Jesse, Daphne’s newest boss and friend. I love male characters who have compassion, decent decision-making, family ideals and basically, a heart. If all men could be like Jesse, the world would be a much better place!

I loved how creative the author was in giving her character a new type of career that isn’t often used in an newer setting (how often are things set in Dayton).  It made the book unique and original and her sense of humor really came through at just the right times. The book was very well-written and so much fun. I will certainly want to read more from Billerbeck.

This christian fiction is clean (that means no sex, cussing or violence).  Though it can teach that God is in control and sometimes works in mysterious ways not always easily understood, it also isn’t preaching to the reader in any way (unless they are open to it and can use it as an example for their lives).  It is a good modern, slightly romantic book anyone could enjoy.

The Scent of Rain Synopsis~

When deprived of her most prized sense, Daphne discovers a life she never expected, right under her nose.

Daphne Sweeten has left Paris – and a career she loves – in order to marry a man she loves even more. But when he stands her up on their wedding day, Daphne’s left reeling. Trained as a professional “nose” or perfume creator, Daphne soon realizes that her sense of smell has somehow disappeared too.

In the days following she moves to Dayton, Ohio, to take on a job creating fragrances for household products. Without her sense of smell, she must rely on her chemistry skills, and hope her handsome new boss, Jesse Lightner, doesn’t notice before she can figure out how to get it back.

Despite her desire to return to Paris, she can’t deny the way Jesse makes her feel. But when Daphne approaches former contacts, she learns her missing ex-fiancé has somehow snagged her old job.

As Daphne and Jesse work on a signature scent for their new line, she feels God at work in her life as never before. And the promise of what is possible is as fresh as the scent of rain.

Kristin Billerbeck, Author Bio~
(in her own extremely funny sense-of-humor)

I grew up with a strong sense of justice. I simply knew the way things should be. And since I’m not smart enough to be a district attorney, I am a novelist. My childhood was slightly confusing. I blame my parents for this. Oh heck, I’m going to blame them for everything. I think I would have turned out normal if it weren’t for them.
	Okay, probably not. I am a fourth-generation Californian, and an American mutt, but identify most strongly with my Italian heritage. My mother’s family, of strong Norwegian/German descent, tried to teach me how to do things right. How to cook, clean, sew, budget accordingly – all the things a proper young girl should know to be a contributing member of society. I, however, failed miserably. For my 40th birthday, my grandmother gave me a cookie gun, so it’s clear she hasn’t given up on me yet! That is eternal optimism! My dad’s Italian family taught me about the good life. The indulgent life. How to eat, shop and be merry. My Nana had very tiny feet and a penchant for shoes (she worked at the Emporium, no doubt to fund her shoe addiction). My afternoons at her house had no lessons, other than how to walk in her high heels, drape myself in her mink stole and drip myself with rhinestones. Tastefully, of course. I picked up on this lifestyle much quicker.
I graduated San Jose State University with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications (emphasis in Advertising), gave my life to Jesus during college and found my true love in a Christian Singles’ Group, which yes, I skewer in “What a Girl Wants”. He is German. Practical. And a Contributing Member of Society. I am still Italian, fluffy and an aficionado of fine shoes & handbags. Together, we have four children and now it’s our turn to confuse them. The circle of life. Dysfunctional family style.

You can find out more about all of Kristin Billerbeck’s novels (plenty I didn’t even know about I’ll be looking at) at www.kristinbillerbeck.com and she can be found on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date information.

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I was given this book by Thomas Nelson publishers in return for an honest review. I am required to let you know.