Love

Book Review: A Bouquet of Love by Janice Thompson

A Bouquet of Love
By Janice Thompson
Rating: 4/5
Book 4 of Weddings by Design series
Revell – Fiction / Contemporary Romance

After her large Greek family moved from Santa Cruz, California to Galveston, Texas, to open up another restaurant, Cassia Pappas lands her dream job in a flower shop owned by the Rossi family, her family restaurant’s competition. Being part of the family restaurant has always been a part of her life, but Cassia’s love for flowers and floral design has her excited to go to work. Meeting a Greek Adonis named Alex Rigas doesn’t hurt either. Since Alex’s family grows and supplies the flowers for the shop, he and Cassia are constantly thrown together, and they cannot deny the attraction to each other. Will her overbearing and controlling father find out about her friendships with the Rossis? Can she help her father see the truth about how similar they all are?

I’ve been a fan of Janice Thompson for a while and this story did not disappoint. I loved the floral design angle because I grew up wanting to work with flowers. I loved all the fun and quirky characters. The characters are endearing and hilarious. I loved getting to catch up other characters from her previous books too. She’s created such a fun world and even makes me want to go visit Texas – a place this California girl has never been. I also enjoyed the Judy Garland thread throughout the story – such a refreshing perspective. As I read the book, I thought the story read like a movie – after reading that Thompson is a screenwriter, my reaction made a lot of sense.

I definitely recommend this book to those who love romantic comedies like My Big Fat Greek Wedding and love to smile/laugh their way through books.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for a review.

GET IT: Inspy Kisses Collection #1 on sale for $0.99 Kindle edition!


So I just received an email from one of my favorite authors, Camy Tang, and she contributed to this brand new novella, Inspy Kisses, First Kisses! Yay! For a limited time, the novella is only $0.99 for the Kindle or other e-book version of preference, so get on it! Also, if you purchase the book, you can send a FREE copy to a friend aka send a kiss! Details can be found here.

From the website:

Enjoy this collection of love stories with a theme of FIRST KISSES. The First Kisses collection includes:

From New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling Author Linda Goodnight comes a new historical romance The Rambler’s Bride
In 1870’s Kansas, Widow Esther North will do most anything to save her land from her powerful cousin and the coming railroad-even kiss a stranger! The kissing cowboy, Jericho North is bent on revenge from his brother’s widow, and the will hidden in his pocket is all he needs to make it happen. But he hadn’t reckoned on a baby…and neither he nor Esther had reckoned on love.

From USA TODAY and Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author Janet Tronstad comes a new retro romance Lovebirds at the Heartbreak Cafe   
Janet pens a brand-new Retro Café Sweet Romance starring a 1950’s truck driver (Buddy) and a waitress (Penny) who both have enough trouble without everyone in Webster’s Crossing thinking they are falling in love.

From #1 Amazon Bestselling author Debra Clopton comes a new contemporary romanceHer Mule Hollow Cowboy   
Rescuing a beautiful cowgirl from being trampled has professional bull rider, Cliff Masterson, dreaming of romance, home, hearth and that first kiss…but Maddie Rose has had enough people in her life leave and she’s not willing to risk her heart on a rambling cowboy—Sparks fly when these two are near. Can the Matchmakin’ Posse of Mule Hollow help this couple find their happily ever after?

From #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Margaret Daley comes a new romantic suspenseDeadly Hunt   
All bodyguard Tess Miller wants is a vacation. But when a wounded stranger stumbles into her isolated cabin in the Arizona mountains, Tess becomes his lifeline. When Shane Burkhart opens his eyes, all he can focus on is his guardian angel leaning over him. And in the days to come he will need a guardian angel while being hunted by someone who wants him dead.

From fan favorite Camy Tang comes a new romantic suspense Necessary Proof   
Alex Villa became a Christian in prison, and because of his efforts to help stop a gang producing meth in Sonoma, he has been set up for the death of a cop. Can computer expert Jane Lawton find the evidence that will prove his innocence before the gang eliminates them both?

From fan favorite Lacy Williams comes a new contemporary romance Kissed by a Cowboy   
Former shy-girl Haley Carston is back in Redbud Trails, Oklahoma, to care for her dying aunt. She didn’t count on cowboy Maddox Michaels, her high school crush and the man who might just bring her dreams of marriage and family back to life…

Watch the trailer!

Getting Back in the Saddle

I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed playing on a worship team. It’s always an experience! I’m fascinated by the dynamics of each team which are different. I believe that everyone has a different way that they express worship to God. We need each other’s expression and when we come together to worship, watch out! I got to play with DCF in the large group and in my core group. I just recently played for Davis Christian Assembly, which was a whole other experience.

The way each person worships is unique. And God is forever faithful to show up when we make room for Him to move.

Recently, I had a vision of how much God the Father loves us. I saw this young boy who was dirty from playtime (as boys seem to be). He runs up to his father who has open arms. The father doesn’t tell the son to clean up first. He doesn’t shrink away from his son. The father welcomes the son’s hugs and the son just wants to tell his father about his day. God the Father wants to welcome us into His arms, but many times we feel we are too dirty and must be perfect and holy before we can embrace Him. God the Father loves us – He is not going to turn away from us. Jesus’ blood cleanses us – not us – not me!

Washed
You took all my hurt
You took all my pain
You washed it all away
You took all my guilt
You took all my shame
You washed it all away

By Your blood
By the blood of the Lamb

You washed it all away

Now I’m free to know this joy
Now I’m free to know this love
Now I’m free, I’m free