A Bouquet of Love - A Review

Published - August 2014, Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group
Series - Weddings By Design Book 4
Author - Janice Thompson
Title - A Bouquet of Love
Format - ebook, paper
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Cassia Pappas loves flowers. She loves to work with them and create beautiful bouquets of color and to figure out what blooms would make a bride's day extra special. Yet when her father moves their large family from California to Galveston to open his Greek restaurant, Cassia finds herself stuck in the shop assisting with the making of gyros. When she is given the opportunity to work in the flower shop that Bella Neely sends her brides, Cassia is thrilled. Especially when it puts her in close contact with handsome delivery man Alex Rigas. The problem? Cassia's father doesn't want her to work there. And then there's the war he has declared on the Rossi family because they own the popular pizza place Parma John's. Will the Greek/Italian feud be the end of the friendships Cassia has begun with Bella and the rest of the Rossi clan? And will Cassia and Alex find a way to bridge the gaps and find their happily ever after?

Whenever I see a Janice Thompson book appear in an email of review requests, I know that I HAVE to request it. Because I know that I will be in for a delightful funny read. And I'm never disappointed. This book was no exception. It was a delightfully funny read. As well as being a fast read. It it was one I didn't have to think deeply about while reading and I could really just sit back and enjoy the story.

I loved the humor in the book. I really enjoyed catching up with Bella and the gang and getting to meet more of the Splendora characters. One thing I did find interesting was that though Cassia wanted to live her own life, she loved her father too much to completely disrespect him or his plans. I loved, though, how when he finally realized what he was doing to his family that he really did try to change.

I enjoyed Alex as well. I loved how he fit right into the craziness that was Cassia's family.

I found this to be a very enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book by Janice Thompson.

I received the Kindle version of this book for free from Revell Books via NetGalley for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of romantic comedies, chick lit, Janice Thompson

Rating - 4 stars

The Dream Dress - A Review

Publisher - Revell Books, a division Baker Publishing House, available February 2014

Series - Weddings by Design book 3

Author - Janice Thompson

Title - The Dream Dress

Format - ebook, paper

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Gabi Delgado longs to be more than just a "material girl" at the high end bridal shop on Galveston Island. She spends her nights sketching and creating her own designs of bridal gowns. Unfortunately for Gabi, her boss only sees her as an alterations specialist. When a handsome reporter from Texas Bride magazine arrives at the bridal shop to do a feature story on the designs created by Gabi's boss, he soon discovers Gabi's talent and decides to feature both Gabi's designs and her boss's. The more time that Gabi spends with Jordan (the reporter) the more that sparks fly between them. Not only is Gabi attracted to him, she's drawn to his faith. Add in Bella Neeley, the Splendora Sisters, two best friends, and a Spanish grandmother, Gabi soon finds herself willing to take a chance and soar on her own.

As always, I know I'm in for a humorous adventure anytime I pick up one of Janice Thompson's books. This one is no exception. I loved all of the characters, especially Gabi. I also loved all of the Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers references and quotes. Janice has a way of creating characters that yearn for something more, and then gently delivering a solid faith message.

Jordan was such a sweet heart. I loved that Gabi kept thinking of him as Prince William. I also loved the constant references to Cinderella. I know fairy tale retellings are a big thing right now, and this is not one. But I could still see the elements of a simple Cinderella story. I wish the Club Wed, the Parma John's pizzaria, Scarlet's bakery were real spots on Galveston Island that I could visit on my next trip to the Island. But they're not. I have to content myself with visiting them over and over through both the Weddings by Bella series and this one, Weddings by Design. I am eagerly looking forward to book 4.

I received the kindle version of this book for free from Revell Books via NetGalley for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of chick lit, romantic comedy, Janice Thompson, Rachel Hauck, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, Abby Gaines

Rating - 4 stars

The Icing on the Cake - A Review

Scarlet Lindsay's dreams are coming true. Her bakery is booming in it's new location on Galveston's popular street. Her best friend is getting married and Scarlet is planning a dream cake. She's also the baker that Bella Neely consistently recommends to her brides. So everything is great right? And what could go wrong? A lot evidently. First an Italian heartthrob, Bella's brother Armando, breezes into town and melts Scarlet's heart. Then there's her overbearing Aunt Willy. Oh and a cake competition on the Food Network. Plus the troubled teen at Scarlet's church and the talent show. Will Scarlet figure out that sometimes God's plan is better than all of hers?

I've read quite a few books by Janice Thompson and each one has been a delight. They always make me laugh. With Icing on the Cake, readers are introduced to a delicious bakery - if I could gain weight just by reading, then I've probably gained 10 pounds - where the owner, Scarlet, is very self conscious about her body image. She thinks she's fat. One thing that I ABSOLUTELY loved about Armando was that he never saw Scarlet as fat. In fact, he worked hard to build her image up. As always, the gang from Splendora is a treat to reconnect with. As is the large Rossi family. Filled with humor and lessons of learning to not judge and to trust (to name a few), Icing on the Cake will delight readers. I always know I'm in for a treat when I read one of these chick lit books. I am eagerly awaiting the third book in the series.

I received the Kindle copy of this book for free from Revell Books via NetGalley for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Janice Thompson, chick lit, romantic comedy, romantic comedy movies like Legally Blonde, Sweet Home Alabama, Never Been Kissed, Mary Connealy, Becky Wade, Rachel Hauck

Rating - 4 stars

Available August 2013 at your local bookstore from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Picture Perfect - A Review

Hannah McDermott wants to be Galveston Island's premiere wedding photographer and the one that Bella Neely refers to her brides. The problem? That spot is currently held by the handsome Drew Kincaid. As Hannah deals with a bridezilla,  she and Drew find out that they have more in common than just photography. Toss in the Italian Rossi family, the gang from Splendora, a best friend, and a movie star, and Picture Perfect will delight the reader with humor and grace.

It was so much fun to revisit Bella and the gang at Club Wed in this brand new series. I actually enjoyed seeing how Hannah struggles with her feeling of inadequacy and seeing Bella (who struggled with some of those same feelings in the Weddings by Bella series) talk Hannah through those issues. I found Drew to be delightful. While this particular book wasn't quite as funny as some of the other ones in either the Weddings by Bella series or the Backstage Pass series, I did find myself thoroughly enjoying it. It was a fast read for me.

I received the Kindle edition for free from the publisher, Revell Books via NetGalley for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of romantic comedy, Krista McGee, Mary Connealy, and chick-lit.

Rating - 4 stars

Available February, 2013 at your favorite bookstore from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.