Dear Readers, Janice
Thompson is one of my longtime, dear friends. We both live in Texas ,
but she’s in the Houston
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
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
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)
- AmazonEvery Bride Needs a Groom (Brides with Style Book #1): A Novel - Kindle
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