Every Bride Has Her Day - A Review

Published - May 2016, Revell Books
Series - Brides With Style Book 3
Author - Janice Thompson
Title - Every Bride Has Her Day
Format - ebook, paper
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Katie Fisher and Brady James are finally engaged and eager to start planning their big day. But their friends at the bridal shop all want to plan something else for them. As does their families. Will Katie's own ideas get lost in the mix? Will she stand firm with her ideas and have the day she's always dreamed about, or will her family, Brady's family, and their friends spoil it for them?

I always know that when I see Janice Thompson's name on a book that I'm in for a sweet funny story. I was proved right once again. This is the third book in the Brides With Style series and they do need to be read in order.

Having followed Katie and Brady's love story of the past two books, I was thrilled to get to the book with their wedding. Of course knowing the cast of characters, their happily ever after wasn't going to be simple.

I loved the secondary characters, from Queenie and the WOPers to the girls at Cosmopolitan Bridal. They make for some delightful bits of conversation. Of course there are misunderstandings, but I love how they get worked out.

I'd love to see a story done on Jane, as she was the only one who hasn't yet had a happily ever after.

I look forward to Janice's next book.

I received this book for free from Revell via NetGalley in order to review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of romantic comedy, Janice Thompson, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, weddings

Rating - 4 stars

Every Girls Gets Confused - A Review

Published - October 2015, Revell Books
Series - Brides with Style Book 2
Author - Janice Thompson
Title - Every Girl Gets Confused
Format - ebook, paper
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Katie Fisher is loving her job working at Dallas's elite bridal store. And she's loving every minute she spends with her hunky boyfriend, Mavericks player, Brady James. She's got her man and she should have a happily ever after right? Yet Katie's life never goes the way she plans. For starters, the bridal shop has become almost a war zone with hard-to-please brides and their opposing basketball loving families. Plus her parents want her to move back to the tiny town of Fairfield where her former boyfriend wants to rekindle their romance. And then there's Brady. Katie knows that there's something going on with him that he's not sharing with her. As he seems to pull away, Katie tries hard to let him have his space. After all, she's sure he loves her, right?

Janice Thompson's books always make me laugh. I was so delighted to read this one. This is the second in the series, and they do need to be read in order. One of the things that I love about Janice's books is that each chapter has a title or a quote from a singer or actress. In this book, they are either Doris Day song titles or phrases.

First there's Katie. She's a fun narrator. I'm enjoying watching her grow more into her character in this book. Brady is a sweetheart.

But for me, it's the supporting cast of characters that really make this book shine. From the workers in the bridal shop to Katie's crazy relatives, these are the characters that had me laughing and giggling my way through the book.

I'm looking forward the the conclusion to this series when it comes out next year.

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 comedies, Janice Thompson, weddings, Denise Hunter, Melissa Tagg, Becky Wade, Sandra Bricker

Rating - 4 stars

Every Bride Needs a Groom - A Review

Published - April 2015, Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group
Series - Brides with Style Book 1
Author - Janice Thompson
Title - Every Bride Needs A Groom
Format - ebook, paper
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Katie Fisher is busy planning her wedding. It doesn't matter that her long term boyfriend hasn't proposed yet, she's still dreaming of her big day. When her cousin tells her to enter an essay into a contest sponsored by the Texas Bride magazine with the prize being a wedding gown designed by premier designer Nadia James, Katie enters. She never expected to win. She also never expected her boyfriend to breakup with her on the same day that she wins the gown. Heading to Dallas and the prestigious bridal shop, Cosmopolitan Bridal, Katie is determined to not accept the gown. But her plans have a way of going awry once she meets the shop employees and the handsome pro-basketball player turned bridal shop manager, Brady James. As she and Brady begin spending more and more time together, Katie begins to wonder if she'll have a chance to wear the exquisite gown - someday.

I've always enjoyed reading Janice Thompson's books. I always know I'm in for a fun, humorous, lighthearted tale. This one didn't disappoint.

The first in a new series introduces a new cast of delightful characters. The similarities to the Rossi family are noticeable to readers who have read the Weddings By Design and Weddings By Bella books, but a new reader would easily be able to pick it up and find it delightful. There is the large family, the elderly women in town who know everything (much like the Splendora Trio), the family business, and the cast of characters that can steal the show.

I'll admit that it took me several chapters to get into the book, but once Katie had won the dress, I was hooked. I loved the ladies at the bridal shop. I loved their code names for all of the different brides. I also loved how they each wanted to see Katie's dreams come true. And that they wanted the best for Brady. It was also fun to have cameos from Jordan Singer of Texas Bride and photographers Hannah and Drew. I love when authors pull other characters into their new books to share a small glimpse into their lives.

I loved how Brady and Katie seemed to be great together. They each could tell what the other needed.

I'm looking forward to seeing how their romance develops in the next book.

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

Recommended to fans of Janice Thompson, romantic comedies, Mary Connealy, contemporary romance

Rating - 4 stars

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.

Hello Hollywood - A Review

Athena Pappas is the head writer for the popular Stars Collide sitcom. When the producers bring in comedian Stephen Cosse to help boost the show's ratings, Athena feels threatened. Sparks fly immediately between Stephen and Athena, especially when her large Greek family is added into the mix. Will the two learn that it's better to write romances for their characters than their own lives?

I have read the others in the Backstage Pass series and loved them. This one was no exception. This is book 2, and having read book 3 before reading one and two, I was already prepared for the outcome of the happy ending. What made this book so entertaining was how the characters got to that happy ending.

I read the Kindle version for pure pleasure. Recommended to fans of romantic comedies, Denise Hunter, Jenny Jones, Sandra Bricker, Karen Witemeyer.

Rating - 4 stars

Stars Collide - A Review

Kat Jennings and Scott Murphy are the leads on the popular sitcom Stars Collide. On the show, they play a couple in love. But, there's a secret - they're not just in love on the show, they really are head over heels for each other in real life. As the pair struggle to keep their real life romance out of the pages of the Hollywood gossip magazines, they discover that sometimes it's ok to let life happen.

This is the first book in the Backstage Pass series. I'd read the third one a while back and loved it. Even though I already knew the ending, I still enjoyed going back and seeing how Kat and Scott actually got together. Filled with hilarious supporting cast members and antics, I laughed and laughed while reading this book.

I read the Kindle edition for pure pleasure. If the book is still free, I highly recommend downloading it.

Recommended to fans of romantic comedy, Denise Hunter, Mary Connealy.

Rating - 4 stars

Stars Collide Giveaway Winner

Using Random.org to select the winner, the winner is:




Loraine Ertelt!!!!!


Congratulations. I've just emailed you for your address.

There will be another chance to win a book, or two, in September.  

Giveaway

It's time for another giveaway!

Today I'm giving away the paperback copy of Stars Collide by Janice Thompson.

About the book (from Amazon) - 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.



This is book one in the Backstage Pass Series. I recently downloaded this for free on the Kindle and so I want to share with one lucky reader.


How to enter: A valid email address must be included in one of your comments. Use form myname(dot)number(at)hotmail(dot)com

• One entry for leaving a coment on this blog telling me your favorite TV show.
• Extra entry for leaving a separate comment telling me you follow my blog & how you follow it (GFC, Networked blog, email, etc)
• Gain an extra entry for each comment you leave on any of my book reviews. Find them here. You can do this daily.
• Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Include in your tweet my handle @DawnJanis. Also this can be daily as long as you come back and leave a comment that you tweeted.

I'll pick a winner next Sunday, Aug 25th, after my 8pm CST conference call. I can only ship US.

Fools Rush In - A Review

Bella Rossi has taken over her family's wedding business. She's busy planning her first themed wedding - a Boot Scootin' Wedding. Between knowing nothing about cowboys, Western decor, and country music, she's got her work cut out for her. Add into the mix her pasta-loving Italian family, a bird that needs to be reformed, an ex-boyfriend who hasn't figured out she's moved on, and a handsome cowboy that makes her melt, she's starting to wonder if she's taken on more than she can handle. But evidently God has a sense of humor as He gently shows Bella all her worries are for naught.

After reading one of Janice Thompson's Backstage Pass series, I knew I had to read this one. Especially since I'd gotten it as a free Kindle download. This book is hilarious. I felt at times that Bella's family was straight out of one of the Italian mafia movies, only in a good way. I'll be quickly adding the rest of the series onto my reading pile.

I read the Kindle edition when it was a free download.

Rating - 4 stars

If this book is still free on the Kindle and you've not gotten it yet, I highly recommend it. I haven't laughed this hard in a long time.

Director's Cut - A Review

Tia Morales is the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide. On the set, she's the one calling the shots and in control. Yet her life off of the set is anything but controlled. Her family has their own problems and somehow Tia's in the center of them all. Yet when she admits to herself that she's got feelings for camerman Jason Harris, she finds herself out of her comfort zone. Will she let down her guard long enough to let love in? Or will she fight a tug-of-war battle with the God of the universe who wants to show her who is really in control?

I've never read anything Janice Thompson has written until now. Yes this is the third book in the Backstage Pass series, but I didn't have to read the others to know what was going on. This book had me laughing so much. Of course it took me until chapter four to realize that the chapter titles were really television shows. Tia struggles with the same things that so many of us struggle with, and that is allowing God to take control of our lives and for us to let go. Yet the moment that she comes to the realization that she needs to let go, it was beautiful. While I do wish that there was more of the romance between Jason & Tia in the story, overall the book was a great read. It's a romantic comedy that teaches some good lessons.


I look forward to reading both the Weddings By Bella Series and the other books in the Backstage Pass series.

This book is available in June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell Publishing Group, a division of Baker Publishing. 

I received this book for free from Revell for the purpose of reviewing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating - 4 stars

Extra goodies from the publisher
The author, Janice Thompson has spent time in Hollywood as a director. This blog post tells of some of her experiences.  

Also Family Fiction magazine has published an article about the Backstage Pass series. The article can be found here.