Swinging on a Star by Janice Thompson

One of the benefits of joining ACFW is that I’ve gotten to know of a lot of writers that I didn’t even know existed. One of those authors is Janice Thompson. While I don’t believe I have ever met Janice but I’ve learned from the ACFW Bookclub, Loop, and Facebook that she is a funny, funny lady in real life. Therefore I knew, when given the opportunity to review her latest book, Swinging On a Star, that I wanted to jump at the chance.

While I once again violated my “If I haven’t read the preceding books in a series – don’t review the most recent, “ this time I really didn’t mind. While Swinging on a Star isn’t exactly stand-alone its clear that most of the events of book one were tied up. Therefore I never felt lost, confused, though I did miss a bit of what was obviously Bella’s growth in the first book.

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 surround the wedding, Bella’s not sure she’s going to make it through. Add her star struck sister and feuding aunt and uncle, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster – and a lot of laughs

I will admit, because I hadn’t read the first book, I wasn’t all that invested in Bella and DJ’s relationship; so when Brock showed up I really didn’t care much where Janice had decided to go. And of course I won’t tell you what happens. But the last couple of chapters? Total grins on my face.
It takes a lot to get me to laugh out loud In a book – but Janice forces me to laugh – even in public. I appreciate that Bella actually hears God’s prodding voice in several situations. Bella’s spiritual walk feels very authentic.

Oh and that Renaissance wedding? If I ever get married; I know what theme I want now….

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 lives in Texas.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet. For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com

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

FCC Disclaimer: This book was provided to me free of charge for the purposes of a review. No promise of a positive review was given nor implied (though I was pretty sure I would love the book before I ever recieved it)