Swinging on a Star by Janice Thompson blog tour stop here! (Plus review!)

A light but satisfying series debut that will appeal to fans of Kristin Billerbeck. — Library Journal

Janice Thompson returns with another hilarious tale in the Weddings by Bella series with Swinging on a Star. In this latest release from Thompson, Bella Rossi's life is nearing perfection. She's got the perfect guy, she's running a successful business, and she's about to plan her 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 just one hitch. The best man just happens to be Brock Benson, Hollywood's hottest and most eligible bachelor. Oh, and did we mention he's staying at the Rossi house to avoid the paparazzi?

Swinging on a Star
by Janice Thompson
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3343-8
January 2010, $14.99

About the book:

With all the pressure surrounding this wedding, Bella's not sure she's going to make it through. Add her starstruck sister, her feuding aunt and uncle, and a trio of large, sequined church ladies with even bigger personalities, and you've got a recipe for disaster—and a lot of laughs. This hilarious romantic comedy is sure to delight both fans and new readers alike.

My review:

I didn't think it was possible for Janice to top her last book, Fools Rush In, which made my top fiction list for 2009. Well, I liked this story even better, so it's definitely making my top fiction list for 2010. Swinging on a Star was incredible. There were enough romantic moments to make even the stodgiest woman swoon. And the kisses were to-die-for romantic. Did I mention that D.J. is probably the hottest hero ever? Mainly because he lives his faith from the inside out and he's so genuine! Granted, I know he's just a pretend person, but I feel like the characters in this book are people I actually know.

There are so many funny one liners in this story that I found myself laughing quite a bit. And as far as surprises go, this story was loaded with them. The author also does an amazing job of torturing her characters and showing crazy Italian drama like nobody's business. I grew up with people just like the Rossi's so I loved them all. I really want this series to be like one of Karen Kingsbury's series, then it will go on and on for six books or more. I can't get enough of Bella and her amazing weddings. The details are so rich and fun. I feel like I am participating the whole time. It's cool that the only character whose point of view you are in is Bella's for both books, but the author makes is so smooth you can't tell you are in first person and you feel like you know the other people as if you were in their heads even though you aren't. The only other author who does this very well is Kristin Billerbeck. Great job, Janice!

This amazing novel had many spiritual and emotionally insightful moments about human behavior and people in general that, IMHO, puts this series light years above the rest of Christian fiction in terms of takeaway value. The author delves into many truths, is frank about the Christian faith, and she warms your heart at the same time. It didn't feel preachy, but totally natural given the way this family interacts with each other. And Brock, now there was a hottie to be reckoned with. I enjoyed getting to know him, too. My eyes misted on several occasions as I got to know him and other characters better. I ended the story with a satisfied sigh. That, to me, makes for a perfect story. Janice has a unique voice that is snarky in a fun-loving way and isn't mean at all. She really knows how to deliver on all accounts and I'm loving this series because of it. Highly recommended.

Thank you Revell for providing this fun book for me to review! Blog tour brought to you by...

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 http://www.revellbooks.com/.