Waiting on Wednesday #208: Every Bride Has Her Day

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Every Bride Has Her Day by Janice Thompson
Revell-May 17, 2016

About the Book

Another Delightful Romance from the Queen of Romantic Comedy
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.

Why I Want It

This author's books always provide a chuckle and it'll be fun to see how Katie's story continues.

Top Ten Authors Whose Books Will Make You Laugh

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I absolutely love books that make me laugh so this was definitely a fun list to put together! Though most authors have at least some humor in their books I tried to pick ones that when I think of that author funny is one of the very first things that come to mind!

#1. Melissa Tagg

#2. Jenny B. Jones

#3. Jen Turano

#4. Mary Connealy

#5. Karen Witemeyer

#6. Cathy Marie Hake

#7. Kelly Eileen Hake

#8. Janice Thompson

#9.Erynn Mangum

#10. Sandra Byrd

Every Girl Gets Confused by Janice Thompson

About the Book

Katie Fisher and Brady James may be a match made in heaven, but that doesn't seem to guarantee them a happily ever after accompanied by angelic choirs. In fact, the sounds being heard at the bridal shop where she works are on the contentious side lately, as a bride- and groom-to-be try to mediate the growing rivalry between their basketball-obsessed families in the middle of play-off season. On top of that, Katie's parents are nagging her to get out of Dallas and come home to tiny Fairfield where her former boyfriend Casey is waiting for her, ready to rekindle their relationship. Oy vey! What's a girl to do? And will she ever be able to wear that gorgeous wedding dress she won?

The breezy fun continues as Janice Thompson throws everyone's favorite small-town girl into big-city bridal chaos--and makes her choose between the love she thought she lost and the love she stumbled upon in the aftermath.

My Thoughts

Though this author's books have become a bit of a cookie cutter they almost always provide an enjoyable read and this one was no different. It was fun to catch up with Katie and Brady as well as all of the unique people in their lives. The crazy situations they all got themselves into provided a few laughs and kept me entertained. I'm looking forward to what the author has in store for these characters next.

Meet 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, as well as Every Bride Needs a Groom. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.com.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Waiting on Wednesday #179: Every Girl Gets Confused

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Every Girl Gets Confused by Janice Thompson 
Revell-October 6, 2015

About the Book

Katie Fisher and Brady James may be a match made in heaven, but that doesn't seem to guarantee them a happily ever after accompanied by angelic choirs. In fact, the sounds being heard at the bridal shop where she works are on the contentious side lately, as a bride- and groom-to-be try to mediate the growing rivalry between their basketball-obsessed families in the middle of play-off season. On top of that, Katie's parents are nagging her to get out of Dallas and come home to tiny Fairfield where her former boyfriend Carson is waiting for her, ready to rekindle their relationship. Oy vey! What's a girl to do? And will she ever be able to wear that gorgeous wedding dress she won?

The breezy fun continues as Janice Thompson throws everyone's favorite small-town girl into big-city bridal chaos--and makes her choose between the love she thought she lost and the love she stumbled upon in the aftermath.

Why I Want It

Janice Thompson's book always provide a good laugh!

Top Ten Authors That Would Be On My Syllabus If I Taught Humor 101

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

A fun back-to-school topic! I totally love books with humor and these authors are the best at it! I tried to pick just one book/series for each but it was just too hard so I stuck with just authors (except for the last two)!

#1. Melissa Tagg
#2. Jenny B. Jones
#3. Jen Turano
#4. Mary Connealy
#5. Karen Witemeyer
#6. Cathy Marie Hake
#7. Erynn Mangum
#8. Janice Thompson
#9. Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
#10. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Top Ten Book Titles That Get Songs Stuck in My Head

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

So right before I realized that this week was Freebie week I had been discussing with my sister the fact that some book titles got various songs stuck in my head. And when I saw that it was Freebie week I thought it would make a fun topic! So here are ten book titles and the songs that they get stuck in my head!

Book: Just Between You and Me by Jenny B. Jones
Song: Just Between You and Me by DC Talk

Book: The Art of Losing Yourself  by Katie Ganshert
Song: If I Lose Myself by OneRepublic

Book: When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason
Song: Heart Stops by David Dunn

Book: Take A Chance On Me by Susan May Warren
Song: Take A Chance On Me by ABBA

Book: It Had to be You by Susan May Warren
Song: It Had to Be You by Frank Sinatra

Book: A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade
Song: Ours by Taylor Swift

Book: Catch a Falling Star by Janice Thompson
Song: Catch a Falling Star by Perry Como

Book: Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson
Song: Fools Rush In by Elvis Presley

Book: A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert
Song: Broken and Beautiful by Mark Schultz

Book: After a Fashion by Jen Turano
Song: Always True to You Darling in My Fashion from Kiss Me Kate

Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson

About the Book
Small-town girl Katie Fisher is planning her 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? But when her boyfriend breaks up with her and takes a job in another town--the very same day Katie wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Should she claim her prize? And will the hunky former pro-basketball player who runs the swanky Dallas bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--catch on to her humiliation if she does?
Janice Thompson designs a romance sure to delight, with plenty of fish-out-of-water moments, a hilarious supporting cast, and more of the wedding biz world her readers adore.

My Thoughts
I can pretty much always count on Janice Thompson for a light and fun read and this book was no different! The characters were all a bit crazy which of course made them hysterical and lovable! I enjoyed watching Katie and Brady's relationship blossom and they were adorable. Though we only really got a teaser for it so I am glad the next book is a continuation of their story! I loved all of the random hi-jinks that occurred and the fun of seeing small town people discover and learn to love the big city. Everything about this book was fun, simple, and light and if you're in the mood for a laugh I definitely recommend it!

Meet 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.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Waiting on Wednesday #155: Every Bride Needs a Groom

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson
Revell-April 21, 2015

About the Books

Small-town girl Katie Fisher is planning her 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? But when her boyfriend breaks up with her and takes a job in another town--the very same day Katie wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Should she claim her prize? And will the hunky former pro-basketball player who runs the swanky Dallas bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--catch on to her humiliation if she does?

Why I Want It

This author's books never fail to make me laugh and this one sounds like it will be quite amusing!

Waiting on Wednesday #136: That's Amore

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

That's Amore by Janice Thompson
Revell-November 4, 2014

About the Book

In this wacky new tale, Bella and DJ move (temporarily) to Splendora Texas to open a new wedding facility. Of course, some crazy things happen along the way! You’ll see many of the characters you’ve grown to love, and meet a few new ones, too!

Why I Want It

I loved the Weddings by Bella series and enjoyed Weddings by Design so I am quite happy to get more Bella story!

Top Ten New Series I Want to Start

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I had a bit of trouble with this list! Pretty much all of the new series I would want to read that have come out in the past couple years I've already started. So I was left with upcoming series which was still a bit difficult since many authors I love are in the middle of series right now. Anyway, I only came up with eight but here are some new series that I cannot wait to read!

#1. Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman
#2. Walker Family by Melissa Tagg
#3. Waves of Freedom by Sarah Sundin
#4. A Class of Their Own by Jen Turano
#5. Men of Valor by Irene Hannon
#6. Beacons of Hope by Jody Hedlund
#7. Texas Crossroads by Amanda Cabot
#8. Brides With Style by Janice Thompson

Top Ten Series Enders I've Read This Year (So Far)

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I couldn't come up with anything for today's original topic so I made one of my own up! I just finished the final book in two amazing series and it made me wonder what other fantastic series I'd wrapped up this year!

#1. Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren (River of Time #5)

#2. Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg (Where Love Begins #2)

#3. A Love Surrendered by Julie Lessman (Winds of Change #3)

#4. A Love Denied by Julie Lessman (Daughters of Boston #3)

#5. A Match of Wits by Jen Turano (Ladies of Distinction #4)

#6. In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin (Wings of the Nightingale #3)

#7. Love's Fortune by Laura Frantz (Ballantyne Legacy #3)

#8. Revolutionary by Krista McGee (Anomaly #3)

#9. A Bouquet of Love by Janice Thompson (Weddings by Design #4)

#10. A Draw of Kings by Patrick W. Carr (The Staff and the Sword #3)

A Bouquet of Love by Janice Thompson

About the Book
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 Thoughts
I think this was my favorite from the whole series! It was such a fun read and I kept laughing out loud! The Pappas family was full of entertaining characters and it was hysterical to watch them interact with the Rossis, especially the feuding Laz and Niko! I thought it was so funny how almost all of the Pappas family members inadvertently became friends with Rossi's. Everything played out in the most amusing way and it was perfect!
Alex and Cassia were great too! I thought Cassia's Judy Garland kick was a really cool angle, even though she's not my favorite classic actress I did get most of the references which was fun.
I loved seeing all of the crazy characters from the previous books and they once again made for a fabulous cast. All in all this book was the perfect ending to a great series!

Meet 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.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Dream Dress by Janice Thompson

About the Book
A seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. When Jordan Spencer, the editor of Texas Bride magazine visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is devastated to lose her job in his very influential presence. Convinced she'll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement--especially from her friend Bella Neeley--to take a chance and start her business. And as she gets to know Jordan, she discovers that she may have to take a chance on love as well. Could it be that she'll have to design her own wedding dress soon?
As always, Janice Thompson delivers fun, laughter, and romance as she takes readers back to Galveston, Texas, to spend more time with their favorite quirky characters along with fabulous new ones.

My Thoughts
Another fun book from Janice Thompson! From the brief moments we saw Gabi in the previous book I knew I was going to like her story and I did! Having watched Say Yes to the Dress several times I had an idea of what went on behind the scenes of a wedding gown boutique but it was cool to get an even closer look at the craziness that the alterations specialist has to put up with!
Gabi was a great character and I loved how humble she was about her abilities and how dedicated she was to her work!
And I really liked Jordan! It was great how he didn't exploit the not so great things he learned even though he as a reporter he could have. I also really liked how he was constantly encouraging Gabi.
Gabi's mom and Mimi were fun new characters and I loved seeing all the characters from the Weddings by Bella series and the previous to books in this series again.
The Fred and Ginger references were fun and there were quite a few funny moments!
A great ending to another fun series!

Meet the 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 eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children's books and more. In addition, she enjoys editing, ghost-writing, public speaking, and mentoring young writers. Janice currently serves as Vice-President of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction 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 or www.freelancewritingcourses.com. Her Facebook page can be located here: https://www.facebook.com/JaniceHannaThompson

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Icing on the Cake by Janice Thompson

About the Book
Scarlet Lindsey's aunt Wilhelmina may be Texas's most popular cake baker extraordinaire, but she's also getting on in years. When Scarlet decides to take on the role of cake decorator at her cranky aunt's bidding, it's just the beginning of a series of misunderstandings and mishaps that will lead her to compete in a cake challenge on national television--and might even lead her to finding true love.
Fan favorite Janice Thompson is back with more wit, more weddings, and more of what her readers love best--bridal business drama. Bella and the gang are all here and readers will fall in love with the newest quirky characters straight from the creative mind of a fantastic storyteller.

My Thoughts

 I loved this book! Scarlet was fantastic and I felt I really could relate to her!It was great to see her become comfortable in her own skin! Having grown up on old TV show reruns I loved all of her I Love Lucy references and she just generally amused me.

Armando was great too. I hadn't had a very high opinion of him in all of the other books but he won me over in this one! It was awesome to get a look into what made him the way he was and I loved watching as he matured through the course of the book.

The baking aspect was fun and it was cool to get a behind the scenes look at all that goes into making a wedding cake!

I again thoroughly enjoyed having the characters from the Weddings by Bella series and Picture Perfect show-up and Scarlet's family was fun including her Auntie Willy!

All in all a great second book in a fun series!

Meet the 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 eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children's books and more. In addition, she enjoys editing, ghost-writing, public speaking, and mentoring young writers. Janice currently serves as Vice-President of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction 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 or www.freelancewritingcourses.com. Her Facebook page can be located here: https://www.facebook.com/JaniceHannaThompson

Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson

About the Book
Feisty wedding photographer Hannah McDermott has dealt with her share of difficult brides. But none can compare to the ultimate Bridezilla she's dealing with now. Still, she's trying desperately to impress Bella Neeley, Galveston Island's most sought-after wedding planner, so she can take the top spot in Bella's list of recommended photographers--a spot currently occupied by her arch-rival, Drew Kincaid. What she doesn't count on, however, is falling head over heels for the competition.

My Thoughts
After loving Janice Thompson's Weddings by Bella series I could not wait to read her new wedding series! Sadly it took me until now to finally get around to reading this first one, but thankfully it did not disappoint in the least!
Once again filled with the humor I've come to expect from Janice's books, a fun family dynamic, and a cute love story, this book had all the right ingredients for a great story!
I loved both Hannah and Drew and their romance was sweet even if it seemed that some parts moved a little fast. Their profession of photography was pretty cool and I loved seeing the little moments that they caught through their lenses.
I also loved the fact the Bella, DJ, the Rossi clan, and the Splendora sisters from the first series were in this book a lot! I knew that they were going to be in it but I thought it was going to be a lot minor than they were! I enjoyed their big family antics once again and it was especially fun when you mixed their big Italian family, the Splendora crew, and Hannah's Irish family!

So needless to say I loved this book and I immediately was ready to dive into book two!

Meet the 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 eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children's books and more. In addition, she enjoys editing, ghost-writing, public speaking, and mentoring young writers. Janice currently serves as Vice-President of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction 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 or www.freelancewritingcourses.com. Her Facebook page can be located here: https://www.facebook.com/JaniceHannaThompson

Top Ten Beach Reads

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

For me a beach read is a fun light book that makes me happy, so usually to hit all of those I turn to YA so this list will mostly be compiled of that genre.

#1. River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren
#2. Jenny B. Jones's books
#3. Hollywood Nobody Series by Lisa Samson
#4. Gallagher Girls and Heist Society Series by Ally Carter*
#5. Melanie Dickerson's books
#6. Melody Carlson's teen books
#7. Mary Connealy's books
#8. Shelley Adina's books
#9. Weddings by Bella Series by Janice Thompson
#10. Much Ado About Nothing by Shakespeare
*Not Christian but clean!

Top Ten Books When You Need Something Light & Fun

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

When I think "light and fun" I usually go to my young adult books so that will end up being the majority of this list! These aren't in any order!

#1 Hollywood Nobody Series by Lisa Samson
#2 The Charmed Life Series by Jenny B. Jones
#3 A Katie Parker Production Series by Jenny B. Jones
#4 Notes From A Spinning Planet Series by Melody Carlson
#5 Sweet Seasons Series by Debbie Viguie
#6 On the Runway Series by Melody Carlson
#7 Weddings by Bella Series by Janice Thompson
#8 Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg*
#9 Heist Society Series by Ally Carter*
#10  Gallagher Girls Series by Ally Carter*
Bonus: The River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren (Not exactly "light" but one of my favorite "happy" reads)
*Not Christian by completely clean!