by admin | Apr 26, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Janice Thompson scores another winner with “Every Bride Needs a Groom”! Often humorous and sweetly romantic, this novel nevertheless delivers when it comes to practical and spiritual wisdom. Janice is a pro when it comes to turning serious matters of faith into an enjoyable confection that is easy to digest!
At first glance, Katie Fisher seems to be the typical young woman whose life revolves around planning her dream wedding. The groom may just be a required component in order to make the event complete. Convinced that her long-time beau is about to pop the question, Katie enters and wins a contest for a designer gown. That’s when her love life takes a decided downturn. Needing some space, Katie follows through with fittings for the dress. She wants to do the right thing but is prevented from telling the truth at every turn.
The characters in “Every Bride Needs a Groom” were perfect for the story but at the same time, none of them were perfect. Many of them had very human faults and hiding the truth was a prevalent one. Even Katie’s sweet grandma Queenie had unresolved issues that came to the surface before the story was done. Now Brady was almost too good to be true – dedicated to his mama and sweet and understanding with Katie. But – – what gal wouldn’t love to snag a guy like him ( if such a person actually exists)?
“Every Bride Needs a Groom” is a fun-filled story that is just right for a relaxing afternoon read. Humor abounds and may even reach near slapstick levels a time or two. The romance is sweet and most issues are resolved satisfactorily by the conclusion. It is a great story about the power of forgiveness and trusting God to guide your life.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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?
“Every Bride Needs a Groom is one to savor over and over. This compelling tale keeps you hooked and ignites your heart. What an intriguing way to visit the culture of a small central Texas town.”–Eleanor Clark, award-winning author; motivational speaker; and Fairfield, Texas, resident
“Thompson launches a new bridal series with a contemporary, joyful Cinderella story that is filled with good humor and old-fashioned Southern style. Readers will fall in love with Katie and the rest of the well-drawn Fisher clan. This swoon-worthy tale will appeal to aficionados of humorous romances by Rachel Hauck and Lisa Wingate.”–Library Journal
Read an excerpt from “Every Bride Needs a Groom” HERE.
Where to Purchase
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 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.
by admin | Nov 15, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Historical, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The sixth novella in The 12 Brides of Christmas series, “The Gingerbread Bride” is short, sweet, and funny. So far this novella is the most humorous one and had me laughing almost throughout. I am having a delightful time reading the various Brides of Christmas stories and look forward to the rest of them.
Maddie is in love with Harlan but is too impatient to wait for him to reciprocate. In order to hurry him up, she procures a “love potion” but panics when she discovers Harlan has eaten the entire plate of gingerbread she made with the “potion”. The results are hilarious but to tell more would give away the entire story.
Even with its humor, “The Gingerbread Bride” has a very important lesson about waiting on the Lord rather than trying to rush things through one’s own efforts. I remember Abraham having to learn a similar lesson.
This book was provided for review by Shiloh Run Studios.
Maddie Sinclair loves Harlan Calhoun, but feels like she can’t get his attention, so she visits an eccentric woman in the Ozark Mountains for an herbal mixture—a love potion—that she bakes into a batch of gingerbread cookies. When Harlan suddenly proposes, Maddie is torn by guilt and confusion. Is this true love or just the herbs talking?
Purchase a copy of
The Gingerbread Bride HERE.
More About The Gingerbread Bride with Amy Lillard
Amy Lilliard’s first historical novella starts out with a common problem but her heroine Maddie seeks an unusual solution in The Gingerbread Bride.
Maddie’s weakness is lack of trust in God. As a result, “she’s so desperate to find love that she grows impatient and takes matters into her own hands.”
The results, of course, backfire in a curious way involving a Christmas gingerbread man.
Set in Arkansas‘ Ozarks following the Civil War, The Gingerbread Bride features a zany young woman, the voice of reason in her younger sister and a lonely young man, Harlan, invited to Christmas dinner.
Amy enjoyed writing the story because of the close relationship between Maddie and her sister Grace. “It made me miss my own sisters. We don’t live close, but we always have each other’s back—even when we mess up,” she said.
A history major in college, Amy was always intrigued by this time period, “a nation rebuilding, still growing and pushing westward, settled, but still a little wild.”
During the writing of the novella she researched the location and period clothing, but also mistletoe traditions and when they started, Christmas trees in America, Christmas cookies, and wedding cakes.
“The idea that everyone is one of God’s children grew out of the story itself,” Amy added.
Christmas in the Lilliard household involves a big meal served around a fancy set table.
”But what makes the celebration different from year to year is we tend to invite anyone and everyone to come eat with us. It seemed natural to me that the pastor would invite Harlan to dinner. He has no family close and needs to be with others on Christmas Day. Family can mean so much more than those joined by blood or marriage.”
Amy has enjoyed working on The Twelve Brides of Christmas Collection. “I feel so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful and talented group of authors. I have made some great friends.”
Who is Amy Lilliard?
Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess. Amy is a native of Mississippi who currently lives in Oklahoma with her husband and son.
For more information about Amy, please visit her website: amywritesromance.com
You can also find Amy on Facebook and Twitter.
by admin | Aug 19, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
One thing I can count on when I open a novel by Janice Thompson is that I will be entertained. Her trademark sense of humor never fails to make me laugh and I can be sure to expect a sweet romance that will probably have a few hurdles to overcome before the happy ending. “A Bouquet of Love” met all my expectations 100% and I read through it in an afternoon.
In this particular novel, I did find that all the fun, humor, and romance helped to sweeten a strong dose of reality based medicine that made me stop in my tracks and examine myself. I know without a doubt that it was a message I needed to hear and it would probably be relevant to many if not most other Christians. How often do we go merrily through our days without realizing how our unloving attitudes toward others affects our testimony? Janice brought that across quite plainly through one of her characters as she confronted her husband about his behavior. I am thankful for the talent that enabled Janice to convey so much truth in such a palatable way.
As always, I enjoyed meeting up again with so many favorite characters from previous novels from more than one series. Love those gals from Splendora. I am afraid to say more because I don’t want to spoil the story for other readers. I will say that as long as Janice will keep writing her books, I will keep reading them. If you haven’t discovered her funny and romantic novels yet, don’t wait another day to read one. I think you will be a forever fan.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She didn’t expect to fall in love–but roses aren’t the only thing blooming on Galveston Island
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 boisterous Greek family–especially her father–has other ideas. They’ve all relocated to Galveston to open up a new family restaurant located on the Strand–directly across the street from iconic pizza place Parma John’s–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 this former Rossi’s good graces!
Still, at least Alex, that hot delivery guy from the nursery, is always hanging around the flower shop . . .
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 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.
by admin | Jul 29, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor
MY REVIEW:
I missed the movie when it was in theaters locally but since I enjoy Tricia Goyer’s books, I thought I’d give this one a try. Oh – My – Goodness! This book was so funny yet so true. It has been many years since I had young children or teens in the house but I could so relate to the mothers in this book. There is so much truth in Allyson’s statement to her husband (paraphrased)”I’m living my dream – how come I’m not happy?”
“Mom’s Night Out” was filled with slapstick humor that had me laughing out loud yet by it’s end the three women had come to realize what was really important in their lives. I absolutely loved this book and sincerely hope that the movie will be available on DVD soon so I can watch it.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by B&H Fiction through NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Moms’ Night Out is a novelization of the hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life—where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right.
All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms’ night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours—what could go wrong?
Chronicling one night out gone awry, three harried moms, their husbands, a sister-in-law with a misplaced baby, a tattoo parlor owner, a motorcycle gang, and a bewildered cabbie all learn to embrace the beautiful mess called parenting. This book spotlights the unfulfilled expectations and serial self-doubts many moms feel . . . then reassures us that the key is raising kids in a loving home. Mom’s Night Out is an endearing, true-to-life comedy.
The MOMS’ NIGHT OUT film features Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy), Sean Astin (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond, The Middle), Alex Kendrick (COURAGEOUS), Robert Amaya (COURAGEOUS), Andrea Logan White (REVELATION ROAD), Kevin Downes (COURAGEOUS), and platinum-selling country recording artist Trace Adkins (THE LINCOLN LAWYER).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and “Lead Your Family Like Jesus,” (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children. You can find out more about Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com.
Find out more about Tricia and her books at http://triciagoyer.com.
by admin | May 16, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingRise and ShineRiver North; New Edition edition (May 1, 2014)by
Sandra D. BrickerABOUT THE AUTHOR:
For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television’s hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.
The author says that it was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer. “I’m a Christian woman, first and foremost,” she says. “So it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch the Love Finds You line.”
Sandie’s real-life role as cancer survivor has parlayed into her steadfast commitment to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Spearheading a series of devotionals for Summerside Press (such as the popular His Grace is Sufficient…Decaf is Not), the author has stipulated that a portion of each contributor’s proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
“Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with raising funds for my pet projects … and still pursue my writing dream,” says Bricker, “well, that’s the best of all worlds, as far as I’m concerned!”
And one of the author’s pet projects is animal rescue, evidenced by the special bond she has created with one particular formerly-abandoned puppy — a red-haired collie with “killer brown eyes and the heart of the class clown.”
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Shannon Malone thought she’d found her happy ending when she married Edmund Ridgeway, but a diving accident on their honeymoon left her in a coma. Waking up to the news that she’s thirty years old would have been daunting enough . . . but she also learns that Edmund has lost his interim battle with cancer and the world has marched on without her. Her gorgeous doctor, Daniel Petros, seems to know everything about her and becomes Shannon’s tour guide into a whole new world of madness where reality television has taken over the planet and everyone’s life appears to revolve around a tiny screen on their cell phones!
As Shannon struggles to navigate through the changes-both in the world and in her-she also must discern real memories from imagined ones. Did she really ever wear capri pants and entertain in her living room, or was that Laura Petrie from her favorite classic TV show? And where is her beloved dog, Freeway? Oh, wait! That was Jonathan and Jennifer Hart’s dog, not hers.
Shannon’s three elderly aunts flit through her life in true Sleeping Beauty style with her well-being always a priority. And Edmund’s sister Millicent descends like the Evil Queen she is, trying to extract Shannon from any claim on the Ridgeway family fortune. When a tornado moves through town and Shannon is knocked unconscious, will Daniel’s kiss awaken her once and for all?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Rise and Shine, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy Sandra Bricker’s fun approach to romance and Rise and Shine was no exception. Loosely based on the classic fairytale “Sleeping Beauty”, this particular modern tale features Shannon who has just woken from a ten-year coma following an accident that took place on her honeymoon. Not only must she adjust to all the changes that have taken place in the world while she slept, but she learns that her husband has also died during that time. Meanwhile, Dr. Daniel Petros has watched over her all those years and intends to honor the promise he made to Shannon’s husband.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved the characters from Shannon’s delightful aunts to the dreamy Dr. Daniel. The story was a reminder about how much has actually changed in our daily lives over the past ten years, especially in the form of modern technology. The frequent references to classic TV shows were fun, especially how they affected Shannon’s memory as they were played while she was in her coma. An excellent example of forgiveness was the icing on the cake.
Rise and Shine was fun and easy to read as well as appropriate for all ages.
by admin | Aug 24, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Janice Thompson’s newest series Weddings by Design takes her readers back to Galveston where new characters interact with familiar friends from her earlier Weddings by Bella series. In “The Icing on the Cake”, the Rossi family and the fantastic trio from Splendora play supporting roles for Scarlet Lindsey and Bella’s brother Armando shows up as a primo character. Can a romance be possible between the self-conscious, overweight baker and the handsome Italian bad boy?
“The Icing on the Cake” is filled with light-hearted banter and an abundance of humor in this delightful new romance. I love the way Janice manages to work in references to classic music, movies, or TV shows because it adds an extra dimension to the story – especially to those of us who actually remember those days. Scarlet’s identification with “I Love Lucy” adds just the right spice to her character. Overall, this book was loads of fun but it contained just the perfect touch of soul-searching and a strong message of faith – not to mention a romance that was just right.
I hate to give away too much about a story so I will avoid that by not even hinting at what happens. I will say that the scene near the end that took place at the talent show was so touching that it had me in tears. “The Icing on the Cake” is a great book that spends some time examining self-esteem issues and the importance of finding one’s self-worth and confidence in the Lord.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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.
“Not only does Janice Thompson know how to spin a delightful tale, she knows weddings and wedding cakes. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes, take a big bite of this sweet, romantic story. It will leave you laughing and looking for the nearest confectionary!”–Lisa Wingate, bestselling author of Firefly Island and The Prayer Box
“Janice Thompson has done it again! From characters that will jump right off the page and into your heart to a story that had me laughing even as I cheered them on, The Icing on the Cake is a sweet treat. I urge you to indulge–you won’t be sorry!”–Kathleen Y’Barbo, bestselling author of The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series
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, as well as Picture Perfect. She lives in Texas. Visit www.janiceathompson.com for more.
