Every Bride Has Her Day by Janice Thompson (Review)

Series: Brides with Style (Book 3)

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Revell (May 17, 2016)

ISBN-13: 978-0800724016

Katie Fisher is ecstatic. Pro basketball star Brady James has proposed, and she can't wait to start planning their life together. She's confident she'll make it down the aisle this time--but it still may be easier said than done. A high-society Houston bride has Katie and the Cosmopolitan Bridal team scrambling to get the perfect dress done in time for her spectacular wedding. Meanwhile, Katie finds herself bombarded with everyone's competing visions regarding her own special day--and she's beginning to worry that her own ideas will get lost in the crossfire. Will she ever manage to settle all of the details for her perfect day? Or will bridal shop chaos and overzealous friends and family make a mess of everything?

Fan favorite Janice Thompson gives readers what they've been clamoring for: another funny, romantic romp with a Texas twang.


My Review:

This was a fun Christian chick lit book. It is third in the Brides with Style series. The plot is continuous throughout the series with Katie and Brady being the main characters so I recommend reading them in order. You will enjoy this book more. Poor Katie just wants to marry her sweetheart, Brady. Unfortunately when you get married everyone has an opinion on what your wedding should be like. Her well meaning people include the people she works with at the Bridal shop, her church family, her family, and her future mother in law. The secondary characters are hilarious. The author really developed the personalities of them. The backbone of the story is Katie and Brady. They are both down to earth people even with Brady being a famous pro basketball player. Katie is a small town girl who moved to Dallas, the big city, to work.  There are many laugh out loud moments in the book. The spiritual element is there and developed even with the book being mostly light hearted. I enjoyed reading it. Recommended.






Inspirational author Janice Thompson also writes under the name Janice Hanna. She got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over 100 books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historical, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children's books and more. In addition, she enjoys editing, ghost-writing, public speaking, and mentoring young writers. She was thrilled to be named the 2010 Barbour/Heartsong Author of the Year, with three books on the top ten list for that house. Janice is active in her local writing group, where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing. Her online course, "Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer" (www.freelancewritingcourses.com) has been helpful to many who want to earn a living with their writing. Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. She does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all. You can find out more about Janice at www.janiceathompson.com. Sign up for her newsletter to be in the know about her books: http://janiceathompson.com/newsletter-sign-up/. When you do, you'll be directed to a link to a free cookbook: Nina's Cakes, Cookies and Candies (Janice's own recipes).

Janice's Facebook page can be located here: https://www.facebook.com/JaniceHannaThompson. She would love to hear from you!


Review copy provided by Revell in exchange for an honest review.

Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson (Review)

• Series: Brides with Style (Book 1)
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Revell (April 21, 2015)
• ISBN-13: 978-0800723996

Somewhere in a sea of tulle and taffeta, satin and crepe, Katie Fisher needs to find a key ingredient of the perfect wedding--the groom.
Small-town girl Katie Fisher is busy planning her fairy-tale wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? Anyway, she's sure he'll be getting down on one knee any time now. And a one-of-a-kind designer dress doesn't just fall out of the sky right when you need it.

But when Katie's boyfriend takes a job in another town and breaks up with her--on the very same day she wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Dare she go to Dallas to claim her prize? And will the hunky pro basketball player who runs the beyond-swanky bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--discover her humiliating secret if she does?

My Review:

This book starts a new series, Brides with Style, by Janice Thompson. This was a light fluffy predictable Christian chick lit romance book. It was a fast read and held my attention from the beginning. It was definitely over the top. It is set in a small town in Texas called Fairfield and part takes place in Dallas. It has all the crazy family members. The book is not really realistic but if you suspend belief its enjoyable. The supporting characters and her family were interesting. There was a side plot of what happened between her grandmother and Aunt Alva years ago. As is this author's style the chapter titles have special meaning. In this book they are based on of Loretta Lynn songs. So overall a quirky funny southern chick lit book. I enjoyed reading this book but it is not my favorite. Weddings by Bella is still my favorite series. If you enjoy this genre then you might like this book.  






Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series, the Backstage Pass series, and the Weddings by Design series. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.com

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A Bouquet of Love by Janice Thompson (Review)

• Series: Weddings by Design (Book 4)
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Revell (August 19, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800721551
• ISBN-13: 978-0800721558

Cassia Pappas has found herself in a nearly impossible situation. She wants to spend her time immersed in her new job at a Galveston Island floral shop, arranging blooms and brightening occasions with her lovely creations. But her huge Greek family--especially her father--has other ideas. They've all relocated to Galveston to open up a new family restaurant location on the Strand--directly across the street from the Rossis' popular pizza place--and they want Cassia's full participation.

To make matters worse, as Cassia is trying to develop a strong professional relationship with Galveston's premier wedding coordinator, Bella Neeley, her own father is intent on stealing all of the Rossi family's faithful customers. Not exactly the best way to get into Bella's good graces!

Still, at least Alex, that hot delivery guy from the nursery, is always hanging around the flower shop . . .

Fan favorite Janice Thompson gives readers one more romp with Bella, Galveston, and the bustling wedding biz in the final installment of her popular series. Anyone who loves quirky families, loads of laughter, and tender romance will find themselves hooked.

 My Review:

This was a cute funny Christian chick lit book. It was a little reminiscent of the movie my big fat Greek wedding. Cassia is a grown woman but in her Greek culture traditionally she belongs at home with her father until marriage. Her father is very strict and expects all his children to help out in the family business, a Greek restaurant. He is a tyrant almost with his wife and children and obsessed with the business doing good. He has a vision that God wants them to move from California to Galveston, Texas so they do. It is a culture shock. When her father realized their new business is across from an island favorite pizza place he declares war. The only problem is the Rossi family is all over the place and the other members of his family do not agree with the war. Slowly all the family but him becomes friends with at least one of them. Cassia gets a job as florist which is her dream job but her boss is a Rossi by marriage. While working at the florist shop Cassia gets close to Alex the delivery guy. The sparks fly in an innocent way between them. It was a romance sweetly done. Everything comes to head and the ending is explosive. Highly Recommended. 







 Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect, The Icing on the Cake, and The Dream Dress. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.com

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Icing on the Cake by Janice Thompson (Review)

Series: Weddings by Design (Book 2)

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Revell (August 15, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0800721534

Scarlet isn't sure if she has just the right ingredients for true love--or utter disaster
Scarlet Lindsey is busy making her dreams come true. She's moved her bakery to a prime spot on Galveston's most popular street, she's planning an extravagant cake for her best friend's wedding, and she has a great relationship with Bella Neeley, the island's most popular wedding coordinator. Business is booming and Scarlet is enjoying the ride.

But when Bella's dangerously handsome brother Armando breezes into her life, Scarlet is faced with a sticky situation. Should she stay with the safe, sweet guy who's been a fixture in her life for years? Or will this brash Italian hunk melt her guarded heart?

Fan favorite Janice Thompson is back with more wit, more weddings, and more of what you love best--bridal-business drama laced with laughs.

My Review:

I loved this book. This was a great Christian chick lit book. I read it in one afternoon. Scarlet is an slightly overweight baker who is getting known for her awesome cake designs. She moves into a new store owned by her Aunt in Galveston, Texas. She loves Lucille Ball and when she does not know what to do next she asks herself what would Lucille do. This is book in the Weddings by Design series so I remember Bella and her family. The book is mainly Scarlet's story but Bella's family is in too so it really pulls everything together to read them in order. Armando made me slightly fall in love with him too. I loved how Scarlett and Armando's relationship develops over the book. The sparks fly in a good way. I identified with Scarlett and her body issues. I have them too and most women. She is beautiful and does not even realize it. The author did a good job developing the characters and plot. There is a good amount of humor in the book along with some serious moments. Highly Recommended. :)






Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect. She lives in Texas.
Visit www.janiceathompson.com for more information.

Available August 2013 wherever Baker/Revell books are sold.

Review copy provided by Revell/Baker in exchange for an honest review.

Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson

 

 

 

 

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Revell (February 15, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0800721527

 

 

 

 

She's trying to focus on her future. How can one man make everything feel so . . . fuzzy?
Hannah McDermott has a successful photography studio. She'll soon be featured in Texas Bride magazine. And she has a celebrity client whose Galveston ceremony will be her ticket to the top spot on wedding coordinator Bella Neeley's list of recommended photographers. But it could all come crashing down around her because of one man: archrival and photographer extraordinaire Drew Kincaid.

As the competition between Hannah and Drew heats up, Hannah is surprised to find that it's not the only thing getting more intense. She can't get the handsome man out of her thoughts--or even out of her line of sight--and the job of her dreams is turning into a nightmare. Will everything she's worked for slip out of her hands? And can she see past her pride to find a picture-perfect love?

With contagious humor and a cast of quirky characters, Janice Thompson gives you crazy bridal-business drama, sweet romance, and a satisfying dose of laughter.

My thoughts:
I thought this was an interesting start to a new series. It had the author's trademark light funny chick lit style to it with a faith base. I have also read the Weddings by Bella and Backstage Pass series. The characters and plot were unique and held my attention. Recommended to fans of this genre.

About the Author

Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series. She lives in Texas.

 

Available February 2013 wherever Revell/Baker books are sold.

 

Thank you Donna at Revell for my review copy.

The Director's Cut by Janice Thompson (Review)

The one thing she can't direct is her heart.

Tia Morales is used to calling the shots. She's the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide, and her life on the set is calculated and orderly. Well, most of the time. Life outside the studio is another matter. If only she could get other people to behave as well as her stars do! When she starts to have feelings for handsome cameraman Jason Harris--with whom she's been butting heads for months--it's enough to send a girl over the edge. Will she ever learn to let go and take life--and love--as it comes?

Full of the humor and crazy family dynamics Janice Thompson fans have come to love, this colorful story gives you an inside look at Hollywood and a healthy dose of romance. If you want more of Bella, DJ, Brock Benson, and other favorite characters from Janice Thompson, you'll love the Backstage Pass series.


My Review:
This is the third book in the backstage pass series. Several characters from the previous books make an appearance in this one so it is nice to catch up with them but this book can be read alone too. All of the stories are engaging and funny. I espically like the main character in this one, Tia. I can identify with her control/OCD tendacies. lol I love the romance between her and Jason. I am sorry to see this series end. I throughly enjoyed reading each one. Recommended. :)



A special message from the author:
A very special "Hello!" from author Janice Thompson. I'm excited about The Director's Cut because I lived and worked in the Los Angeles area years ago and enjoy reminiscing about my experiences while there. (Yep. I was involved in the movie business back then!) Writing this story gave me the opportunity to share my experiences as a director. No, I don't direct a Hollywood sitcom. I wear my director's hat at a Houston-area Christian theater, where my cast members know me as "Ms. Janice." One of them, an actress/co-director named Erin, served as inspiration for a character in The Director's Cut. I'm excited about this book, in part, because the story gave me the opportunity to re-introduce Brock Benson, a character from the "Weddings by Bella" series. What fun, to add him to the Stars Collide cast! I'm also tickled because this story ties the whole "Backstage Pass" series to my (previously published) "Weddings by Bella" series and permanently links the two. Look for more to come, readers! The characters you've grown to love live on in an upcoming series. I can't wait!


Thank you Donna at Revell/Baker books for my review copy.

“Available June  2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Paperback: 296 pages

Publisher: Revell (June 1, 2012)

ISBN-13: 978-0800733476

Stars Collide by Janice Thompson (Review)

Paperback: 324 pages

Publisher: Revell (January 1, 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-0800733452

About the book:
Kat Jennings and Scott Murphy don't just play two people who are secretly in love on a television sitcom--they are also head over heels for each other in real life. When the lines between reality and TV land blur, they hope they can keep their relationship under wraps. But when Kat's grandmother, an aging Hollywood starlet with a penchant for wearing elaborate evening gowns from Golden Age movies, mistakes their on-screen wedding proposal for the real deal, things begin to spiral out of their control. Will their secret be front-page news in the tabloids tomorrow? And can their budding romance survive the onslaught of paparazzi, wedding preparations, and misinformed in-laws?

From the sound stage to a Beverly Hills mansion to the gleaming Pacific Ocean, Stars Collide takes readers on a roller-coaster tour of Tinseltown, packing both comedic punch and tender emotion.

My Review:
Stars Collide is a really cute funny Christian fiction book. I loved how each chapter has a unique heading. Kat's grandmother is a hoot even though she has the beginnings of Alzheimer's. Kat is a wonderful granddaughter in how she takes care of her and treats her with great respect even when she is not happy with her actions. I liked how Kat and Scott interact and their dialogue. All of the characters were interesting and the plot unique. The book flew by and I enjoyed reading it. It is the beginning of a new series called Backstage Pass. Kat and Scott are stars in a hit TV show so we get an insider look at the set and their lives. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Recommended. :)




Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thank you Donna at Revell for my review copy.

It Had to Be You by Janice Thompson (Review)

Paperback: 330 pages
Publisher: Revell; Original edition (May 1, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0800733445


About the book:

Bella couldn't be happier that her long-feuding Aunt Rosa and Uncle Lazarro have finally admitted their love for one another and are getting married. Their forties-style wedding is sure to be a night to remember. But when the Rossi house begins to fill up with family from Italy--and an old mobster from New Jersey--life starts to get complicated. Will Lazarro's friend from the past drive the happy couple apart once more? And will Bella ever have time to think of her own rapidly-approaching wedding amidst the chaos? Full of laugh-out-loud humor, plenty of Italian passion, and a bit of Texas gumption, It Had to Be You is the satisfying conclusion to an entertaining series.

My Review:
I greatly enjoyed the third and final book in the Weddings by Bella series. In fact the whole series is good. This book has more of the author's trademark humor and quirky characters. Even though a lot happens in this book it flows well and comes to a satifying conclusion. The characters are plot are unique and interesting. I think the books should be read in order to get the full effect of this last one. Highly Recommended.



About the author:


Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and native Texan. An experienced wedding coordinator herself, Thompson brings alive in her books the everyday drama and humor of getting married. She is the author of Fools Rush In and Swinging on a Star. She lives in Texas.



Available May 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.





Review copy provided by Donna at Revell. Thank you. :)

Swinging on a Star by Janice Thompson (Review)

There's a fine line between ambitious and crazy.

Bella's just not sure where it is.

Bella Rossi's life is nearing perfection. Not only does she have the perfect guy, but she's also running a successful wedding-planning business and is about to plan its most ambitious wedding yet--a Renaissance-themed fairy tale come true, complete with period costumes and foods, horse-drawn carriages, and even a castle. There's only one hitch. The best man just happens to be Hollywood's hottest and most eligible bachelor, and he's showing an interest in Bella. Oh, and did we mention he's staying at her house to avoid the paparazzi?

With all the pressure surrounding this wedding, Bella's not sure she's going to make it through. Add her starstruck sister and her feuding aunt and uncle, and you've got a recipe for disaster--and a lot of laughs.

Endorsements

"If you enjoy weddings, Italian cuisine, and stories filled with humor and romance, you're going to love Swinging on a Star."--Anita Higman, award-winning author, Love Finds You in Humble, Texas

"Swinging on a Star has more layers of love than Aunt Rosa's lasagna. A sweet romance that sizzles and simmers on every page."--Allison Pittman, author, Stealing Home

My Review:
I loved this book. It is even better than the first and I did not know it was possible. Fools Rush In is the first in the Weddings by Bella series. You could read this separate but you would be missing out. They are so funny and unique. The plot and characters are well developed and interesting. It is different from everything else out there right now. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Highly Recommended. :)

About the Author:

Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and native Texan. An experienced wedding coordinator herself, Thompson brings alive in her books the everyday drama and humor of getting married. She is the author of Fools Rush In and Swinging on a Star. She lives in Texas.

For more information about Swinging on a Star and to get your copy, click here.

“Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2009)
ISBN-13: 978-0800733421

About the Book:

Bella Rossi may be nearing thirty, but her life is just starting to get interesting. When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding planning business, Bella is determined not to let them down. She quickly books a "Boot Scoot'n" wedding that would make any Texan proud. There's only one catch--she's a country music numbskull because her family only listens to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Where will she find a DJ on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his Keith Urban?

When a misunderstanding leads her to the DJ (and man) of her dreams, things start falling into place. But with a family like hers, nothing is guaranteed.

Can the perfect Texan wedding survive a pizza-making uncle with mob ties, an aunt who is a lawsuit waiting to happen, and a massive delivery of 80 cowboy boots? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding?

Book one in the Weddings by Bella series, Fools Rush In is fun, fresh, and full of surprises. Readers will love the flavorful combination of Italian and Tex-Mex, and the hilarity that ensues when cultures clash.

My Review:

This is a funny book filled with quirky interesting characters. Bella's Italian family moved from New Jersey to Galveston Island in Texas when she was a child but they never really became Texans. They listen to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in the Rossi house. When Bella took over the family wedding business she decided to start offering theme weddings. Her first one booked is a Country-Western theme. She has no idea about country music so she sets out to find a deejay. What follows is a humorous novel filled with mistakes and family, and faith. The food descriptions will make your mouth water and I already love Italian food and language. Each chapter has title from a Sinatra/Martin song. I enjoyed every page. Recommended.