Dear Readers, Janice
Thompson is one of my longtime, dear friends. We both live in Texas ,
but she’s in the Houston
area and I’m in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We’ve spent many special times
together, and we’ve prayed each other through a lot of things, both good times
and hard times. We started writing for the same publisher over a decade ago.
And we’ve grown in our writing skills.
Now she writes
romantic comedy. Every Bride Needs a
Groom, her latest book, is one of my favorites. I loved, loved, loved the
characters, and I’ve been in the places where the book is set. It was so true
to the Texas
setting. And I laughed so much during this book. I know you will, too.
Only one person can
win the free book. If you’re not the one, you need to get your hands on the
book somehow. It’s a bright, funny story that will lift you up.
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
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?
Welcome back, Janice.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I’m a Christian author from the Houston area. I’ve been writing for about
twenty years now and have over 100 books (both fiction and non-fiction). I’m
pretty passionate about my family. I have four daughters, four sons-in-law and
eight grandchildren (so far). No doubt we’ll have more in the next few years.
How did you become
interested in writing?
My mother is a voracious reader. I grew up going to the
library. My dad (who passed away in ’06) loved stories. He wrote screenplays
and country-western songs. I believe I got my passion for stories from both of
my parents. I started writing in 1994 and my first book was published in 2000.
It’s been quite a ride!
What compelled you to
write a book on this subject?
The idea for Every Bride Needs a Groom came from my
agent, Chip MacGregor. He told me a story about a friend of his who took over
his mother’s bridal shop while she was going through cancer treatment. I
thought the idea of a man running a bridal shop was clever (especially a
reluctant man) but needed a different angle. In my story, Brady James (the
hero) is a pro basketball player (Mavericks) and can’t play because he blows
out his knee. He ends up at Cosmopolitan Bridal to help his mother, dress
designer Nadia James. Along the way he meets (and falls for) the heroine,
Katie.
What is the main
theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are
there any other themes present in the book?
The primary theme is that life doesn’t always work out the
way you think: sometimes it works out better. There are also several other
themes: big town versus small town, homebodies versus road-trippers, and so on.
Are there some
specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after
reading your book?
I hope they learn that people are capable of change, even
when they think they’re not. I also hope they learn to laugh as they read this
fun-loving story.
What makes your book
different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?
Probably the thing that sets most of my books apart from
others in the market is the humor. I love to pull from the fun things in life
and add comedic bits to my stories to give readers “Calgon, take me away”
moments.
How does the book
intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?
I’m at an interesting place in my writing journey. I was
called to write in the ’90s and have been faithfully responding to that call
ever since. That said, things have been moving so fast that it’s hard to keep
up. Part of my current “call” is to spend more time taking care of myself and
less time racing toward the deadline. That means I’ll probably be cutting back
a bit.
Do you have a
favorite Scripture verse?
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we
ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him
be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever
and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
When you are not
writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?
I love to bake cakes and cookies. I spend several hours a
week designing both. I love the cakes, but the specialty cookies (hand-painted)
are my favorite!
As we close, is there
anything else you would like to add?
It is possible to follow your dreams. I’ve had the dream of
being a published author for many, many years and trusted God to open the right
doors in the right time. He’s done just that! He’s closed quite a few, too,
which is always hard, but learning to trust (even in the tough times) has been
part of the journey that I wouldn’t trade.
Where can my readers
find you on the Internet?
Facebook: JaniceHannaThompson
Website: www.janiceathompson.com
Twitter: booksbyjaniceThank you, Janice, for sharing this book with us. It's always a joy for me to share your stories with my blog readers.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Every Bride Needs a Groom - Christianbook.com
Every Bride Needs a Groom: A Novel (Brides with Style) - Amazon
Every Bride Needs a Groom (Brides with Style Book #1): A Novel - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
34 comments:
Angela in KY would love to win.
I love Janice Thompson's books! I didn't realize she was a Texan, either.....
Tammy G.
East Texas
I'm a Texan through and through, Tammy! I was born in Houston and have lived here most of my life. :)
sound like a great book! Shelia from Mississippi
This sounds like such a fun story. Why can't you win the perfect dress even if you aren't with the no longer perfect guy anymore. Sounds like the one running the store just may be the right one.
Linda in California
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
From one Texan to another, this book sounds great!!!!
Melanie Backus, TX
I enjoy the humor in Janice's books. I've seen photos on Facebook of some of the cakes and cookies she decorates. She is quite talented. Thanks for this interview and the chance to win
Every Bride Needs a Groom
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Kansas
Without the groom asking the bride to marry him, there wouldn't be a wedding.
Great title, looking forward to reading it.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Sorry about that. The computer is faster than I am.
I live in Florida
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
This sounds like a real winner. The cover is so pretty and I love wedding stories.
I would love to have a chance to read this.
Deanne Pattersin in Pennsylvania
The scripture that came to mind when I read this post was Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" Things don't always go my way and sometimes God does redirect my path, but I know in the end He has it all worked out perfectly! Also Jeremiah assures me of that too "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" He's in control and thank goodness for that because I always mess things up on my own!
Thanks for sharing about your book. It would be interesting to read about a man helping run a bridal dress shop :-)
Did it again, forgot both my email and where I'm from...lol!
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
Trixi in OR
A very interesting interview thank you. The cookies sound delicious.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I live in downeast Maine. Beautiful place, but winter lasts a bit too long! :). ewe_r_merritt(at) yahoo(dot) com
A man running a bridal store? Oh my! That sounds like such a fun read already. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
Loraine in TX
I love Janice's books!! The first one I ever read was her Bella books and laughed out loud so many times! Looking forward to reading this one!!
Beth in Montana
Sounds like a fun book! I love some humor with my romance.
Patty in SC
Sounds like the kind of book I would very much enjoy. I live in VA.
Oh, yes. I love Janice's books. thanks for the chance to win
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
I love Janice's books! Thank you for the chance to win.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
I live in Indiana.
Enter me in this awesome giveaway!! Can't wait to read your book.
Conway, SC.
That cover is BEAUTIFUL!
Sierra
Indiana
Love her books! Thanks for the giveaway!
Melissa O from NC
This sounds like a fun book!
Becky in Michigan
Looks fantastic! Please enter me!
Blanch NC
Would love to win Janice's book. She doesn't live far from me in Pasadena, Texas. Thanks for the giveaway,
Maxie from Texas. > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
I love Janice's books and would love the chance to win. I live in VA.
Wow! Over 100 books, that's impressive! Sounds like a great story, thanks for the chance to win.
Rebecca in Oregon
I always enjoy Janice's books and always love anything written about Texas. Thank you. Judy C. in Southwest Louisiana.
The cover really catches your eye! This sounds like such a good book!
Beth from IA
I've been wanting to read this book. A friend of mine read it and enjoyed it. It sounds great!
~Alisha L. in Florida
Deanna from Nebraska thinks this is a book for the TBR wish list :)
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