Janice Hanna's Blog, page 14

The Day the Mountain Crumbled

It start out like any other day:

Bake a multi-tiered cake as a gift for a local foster kids’ ministry. Construct the cake. Load the cake in the back of the SUV. Headed to venue.

What started out as ordinary ended up as anything but when I made a (slow, carefully-executed) left-hand turn onto the feeder of the Grand Parkway.

I heard the crash and my heart sank. I could immediately picture the beautiful four-tiered Frozen/winter-themed cake smashed to bits in the back of my vehicle. I pulled into the nearest parking lot and opened the rear of my SUV to discover the top three tiers had separated from the bottom and were laying on their side. My winter mountain had crumbled, and there was nothing I could do about it. The children at the apartment complex would never see the cake I’d spent hours working on for their Christmas party.

Or, would they?

As I stared at the mess in front of me, I realized the top three tiers were probably repairable. I’d have to turn the car around and head home to tackle the job, but I had plenty of time. Showing up with a smaller cake wouldn’t really be that big of a deal, anyway. When I arrived home, I decided the bottom cake might also be fixable, so I filled a big hole with buttercream (Shh! Don’t tell!) and stuck the stairs and toy figures on top. Voila!

When I arrived at the venue a short time later, the kids were delighted with my two cakes. They never knew (or cared) that my original masterpiece had crumbled. Instead, they dove in and ate cake. . .and lots of it!

Maybe that’s how the New Year has kicked off for you. Maybe you built “mighty mountains” in your mind for 2018. Maybe you’ve already witnessed some crumbling. Never fear! God can take our messes and turn them into messages. Just add buttercream and serve with a smile!

2017 Beauty and the Beast Review

WARNING: SPOILER ALERTS (plural)!

Folks, let me start with a serious heads-up that this post contains multiple spoiler alerts. If you’re trying to decide whether or not to take your child to see this movie (or wondering if you should go) read at your own risk. The following thoughts are 100% my own. I didn’t borrow information from any other website or individual. I will go topic by topic, so that everyone is clear where I’m headed.

1). MOVIE ADAPTATION/FILMING

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure how you could take an animated movie as perfect as the 1991 version of Beauty and the Beast and adapt it using real people. I couldn’t imagine how characters like Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, etc. could possibly be portrayed in effective manner. From the minute the characters first filled the screen, all of my “wondering” disappeared. I found myself caught up in what was (to my way of thinking) one of the most visually brilliant movie openings in the history of movie openings. No kidding. Over 150 people were used in the opening scene and every single one had a place. Everything fit together like a remarkable, breathtaking puzzle. As the story progressed (particularly as it moved to the beast/castle scenes) I realized the rest of the cast worked, as well. Speaking of the cast. . .

2). ACTORS/CHARACTERIZATION:

BELLE/EMMA WATSON: Again, I didn’t think Disney could top the original. I love, love, love the original Belle (her voice, in particular) and doubted Emma Watson, even before I saw her in action. My concerns were in vain. She was darling and her voice sounded like crystal/glass. So pretty. Yes, she was not the same Belle. Her inflections, tone, (even the pauses in the placement of lyrics) were different. But I didn’t mind. She made it her own. My favorite Belle line was a new one (in Paris) where she says “Take me home” (referring to the castle). Her attachment to (and love for) the Beast was much clearer in this version and I actually felt her growing attachment to him as her fears melted away, replaced by admiration and eventually love. Another truly great line came after the Beast saved her life. She said, “I need you to do something for me. I need you to stand up.” Until she spoke, you half-anticipated she would run away; instead, she chose to save him, in return.

FATHER/KEVIN KLINE: This was my biggest surprise! I didn’t even realize Kevin Kline was in the movie, but I loved him in this role. As you might recall, the animated version plays the father off as a bit of a buffoon. Not so, in this version. Belle’s papa is a loving, tender man who adores his daughter and would do anything for her. (He’s also got a bittersweet backstory, which we learn as the story goes on.) I adored the new song, How Does a Moment Last Forever. Wow.

 

BEAST/DAN STEVENS: I must admit, I came into this film with a crush on Dan Stevens, so I expected the best. . .and I wasn’t disappointed. I have even more admiration for him after learning that he had to perform on stilts in order to have the added height (to tower above Belle). I have no idea how the costume/makeup department pulled it off, but I actually felt like I could see Dan’s facial expressions through the hairy getup. I loved the backstory of the beast best of all. I felt I understood his motivations (what drove him to become an angry/unkind young man) after seeing his story from childhood. I was particularly thrilled to hear his (new to the story) song, Evermore.

GASTON/LUKE EVANS: Okay, I’ll admit it. I couldn’t imagine how they could find someone to play such an over-the-top, arrogant, puffed up jerk. . .and keep him likeable at the same time. One of the things I loved most from the animated version was Gaston’s exaggerated characterization. And his muscles, of course. Luke Evans looked and acted the part. This version took his characterization a bit further and you REALLY got to see who the real beast in this story was. I still enjoyed the Gaston song, of course. I’ve always loved that scene. I grew to hate the man when he turned on Belle’s father, which leads me to my next character. . .

 

LEFOU/JOSH GAD: I knew about “the controversy” (i.e. the reason so many Christians have decided not to see the movie at all) before viewing, so I was prepared to be shocked over the portrayal of this character (to come away feeling that Hollywood was trying to shove an agenda down my throat). I barely remember LeFou from the original movie, but (in retrospect) realize he was always Gaston’s “attached at the hip” sidekick. Same here, only LeFou really lived up to his name (the fool) delivering some funny, funny lines. Did he come off as effeminate? Yeah, a few times (including the last couple minutes of the movie, where you see him dancing from a lady’s arms into the arms of a fella). Did it seem like the kind of thing that would twist a child’s mind? Um, no. It was all SO silly and over-the-top that no child would find it an endorsement of a lifestyle; rather, the buffoon character you’ve come to expect in every musical comedy. (SIDE NOTE: If you REALLY want to twist the child’s mind, make him/her sit through the scary wolves scene.) I found it interesting that LeFou delivered the key line (takeaway) of the story when he came to the realization that the man/friend he’d always adored was truly a beast and not a good man at all. I was horribly impressed with LeFou’s character arc/growth, which began the moment he realized Gaston was intent on hurting Belle’s father. In other words, LeFou’s thinking began to change/morph as he realize just how bad Gaston really was. This was a terrific lesson for kids, (one you didn’t find in the original movie). So many times people see others bullying/hurting people and don’t speak up. LeFou had to face the fact that his friend was capable of something truly evil. . .and this left LeFou with an obligation to (at least try to) change his friend’s mind.

MRS. POTTS/EMMA THOMPSON: I’ll be honest, I was really, really sad NOT to hear Angela Lansbury’s voice coming out of Mrs. Pott’s mouth. But Emma Thompson really grew on me, all the way through. She did a LOVELY job on her song, Beauty and the Beast. Angela Lansbury (who’s 92) is probably beaming with pride for her. It was so delightful to see her come to life at the end of the movie!

 

 

LUMIERE/EWAN MCGREGOR: I’ve been a fan of Ewan McGregor for years but couldn’t picture him in this role! I’ve always seen him as leading man material, and you barely saw him (other than the animated version. . .which is kind of a waste of a handsome face, if you ask me) BUT he did a fantastic job. It was rather bizarre to see an actual candlestick come to life!

 

 

ENCHANTRESS/HATTIE MORAHAN: I don’t want to give too much away here, but look for a l-o-t more about this character in the 2017 version of the movie.

There were many other castle characters to comment on, but I’ll stop with these. They all did a spectacular job.

3). CHANGES

NEW SONGS: The new film did an amazing job of giving us the same story we’d grown to love in 1991 and yet offer more/new additions, as well. The new songs were remarkable. Truly. I found myself completely captivated by every single one. Because they were new and fresh, I felt like I’d received bonus material.

BACKSTORY: This film did a far better job of telling Belle and Beast’s respective backstories.

TAKEAWAY: The 1991 version was a cute/compelling story but the takeaway wasn’t completely clear. This film left NO doubt in the viewer’s mind that exterior appearances can be deceiving. Best of all, this version really drove home the point that the Beast needed and wanted change. This part of the story was so beautifully done that it brought tears to my eyes. I couldn’t help but see some spiritual parallels. God can take a heart—black with sin—and completely reverse the darkness IF that person is willing to change.

BREAKING THE CURSE: I have to confess, the whole “prince comes back to life” part of the 1991 film has always left me breathless, but this version of the story brings the whole castle and everything in it back to life in such a way that I wanted to burst into tears (in a good way). There’s nothing like restoration, reconciliation, and a second chance at life to make the heart want to sing. You could feel the healing, the joy, the excitement as restoration took place. (Made me want to shout hallelujah!)

4). COSTUMES

Where do I start? Belle’s costume in the opening scenes was perfect! That yellow dress. . .wow! And the townspeople had remarkable period costuming, especially the three flirtatious ladies who couldn’t keep their eyes off of Gaston. In the opening ball sequence, all of the ladies were dressed in white ball gowns. I found it breathtaking. Nothing, though, topped that opening scene where you saw all of those vibrant colors merged together in one scene/song. Actually, now that I think of it, ONE costume topped all: Beast’s dinner ensemble in a dashing shade of blue. I can honestly say the beast looked handsome in that getup.

5). THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR IF YOU’RE TAKING KIDS

SCARY MOMENTS: I’ve already mentioned the LeFou controversy above. I honestly don’t think it’ll be an issue with kids. I DO, however, think that the scenes with the wolves will terrify children. I watched a mom usher her little girl (who was probably four) out during a particularly gruesome scene. Let’s face it, folks: there’s just no way to bring these scenes to life without making them terrifying. Also, Gaston’s character is meaner in this version, starting with his treatment of Belle’s father. One of the most frightening scenes in the movie was near the end—the fight scene between Gaston and the Beast. I knew how it would end, but still found myself holding my breath!

6). FAVORITE MOMENTS

OPENING NUMBER: By far, my favorite moments came in the opening with Belle’s song. I simply couldn’t believe the filmmakers managed to take that near-perfect scene and bring it to life in such a way that I felt I was in the village with Belle and her neighbors. I was particularly impressed with the overlapping of lines as dozens of characters chimed in.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC MOMENT: Look for it.

FATHER/DAUGHTER IMAGES: I loved the opening scene with Belle and her father and the new song really complemented the scene.

MUSIC BOXES: Look for them. They’re intricate and beautiful.

BACKSTORY: Belle’s mother and the Beast’s mother. . .we get to see the impact these women had on their children.

BE OUR GUEST: I’ve been a Busby Berkley fan for over 40 years and was tickled pink to see Busby-esque blocking throughout the scene. The 1991 version used this style/method, too, but the new film took me right back to 42nd Street!

REFERENCES TO SHAKESPEARE: They’re in there.

TRANSFORMATION: I appreciated the moment of transformation when the castle and its inhabitants received new life.

HUMOR: I thought the new funny lines were a hoot.

BEAST’S SONG: Wow. Just. . .wow.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

All in all, I highly recommend this movie for adults and older kids. It’s visually stunning, the music is breathtaking, and the characterization is lovely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Miracle of Martha’s Vineyard

As a consummate cruiser and lover of all things coastal, I’ve visited many scenic locales over the years. From the breathtaking teal waters of Grand Cayman to the sparkling pink sands of Bermuda, I thought I’d seen it all. Still, nothing could have prepared me for what I witnessed firsthand during an impulsive three-day getaway to Martha’s Vineyard this past fall.

In many ways, I did not choose the Vineyard; it chose me. I certainly had no prior attachment to this quaint island, short of news stories about the rich and famous who vacationed there. In fact, I’d never even been to Boston, its near neighbor to the north. When I was blessed with the opportunity to write one of the books in the Mysteries of Martha’s Vineyard series I couldn’t resist a little research trip. What a trip it turned out to be!

By way of backstory, I am a full-time caregiver for my mother, 81, who has Alzheimer’s, stage six. We live in the Houston area, a galaxy far, far away from Martha’s Vineyard. Mom has always loved to see the world and, until this past summer, was my ever-faithful traveling companion. By the fall, however, her condition had deteriorated to the point where I knew she couldn’t handle the trip. Family members offered to care for her while I slipped away for three days of R&R with my good friend and fellow author, Crystal Barnes.

Turns out, Crystal’s skills far exceed book work. She excels in the art of navigation and served as the perfect sidekick to guide me to the various locations on the island. We started with the lighthouse at West Chop in the town of Tisbury. As I stared at the romantic storybook cottage nestled under the shadow of the impressively tall lighthouse, I dreamed of what it would be like to live in such a place. I could almost picture my characters traveling from room to room in this cozy house. From the craggy shore just beyond the cottage, I took note of the sunlight rippling off of the expansive waters of the harbor. They set the imagination to flight. What would it be like, I wondered, to enjoy that view every day? To travel the narrow, winding streets of the Vineyard, canopied by arching trees overhead?

Crystal and I made it our task to visit every lighthouse on the island. Many are over 100 years old and have stood the test of time. The storms of life have not taken them down, though a couple are weathered in appearance. These sturdy structures served as a reminder that my situation back at home, no matter how difficult, would not leave me upended. With God giving me his strength, his tenacity, I could shine my light as brightly as ever, no matter how tough the storm. The winds, though ferocious at times, would not take me down.

Crystal and I journeyed through the interior of the island, rich with farmland. Here, we almost forgot we were even on an island. The twisting road straightened out, and served as a reminder that even in the very center of my situation God could give me the ability to forget the jagged edges and focus on the straight and narrow path He had placed before me.

This comfortable road emptied out on the island’s far west end where we witnessed the most startling view yet, the Gay Head cliffs at Aquinnah. There we located our final lighthouse, completely different in color from all of the others. While the others rose pristine and white, this one stood dark and foreboding.

From the magnificent scenic overlook, we caught our first glimpse of the waters below, where the Vineyard Sound converged with the Atlantic Ocean. We could literally see the spot where the water changed colors at the point of their seamless merger. Neither was muddied by the other. Each body of water had a beauty all its own. Yet, in their intertwining, the point of intersection, the waters took on a color that simply defied explanation.

Not that we wanted our gaze to linger for long. There was far too much to see on the other side: a grassy perch tipping out onto rugged cliffs that hovered over a breathtaking white sand beach, begging for footprints.

In this majestic spot, I could literally feel God’s presence. I could picture Him at creation, his fingertip carving out the picturesque cliffs, the whisper of his breath causing ocean waves to rise. If the God of creation could make something beautiful out of all of this with just a word, just a touch, what could He do in my life? If He could take two bodies of water and merge them into one, could he somehow merge the carefree years of my pre-caregiver life with the overwhelming burdens of my current situation? Would He choose to craft them into a scene as beautiful as the one in the waters below?

Crystal and I traveled from Aquinnah back to Tisbury where we had lunch at the sweetest little bakery I’d ever seen. I knew this place would have to play a role in my story, and so it has. There we nibbled on yummy sandwiches and sweet treats as we scrolled through our photos, sighing all the while.

We hated to leave the island but had to board our ferry by mid-afternoon. As we pulled away from this special island, I was overcome by feelings I’ve never before experienced. How could you love a place you’d never even known until now? Suddenly, I could hardly wait to get back to Martha’s Vineyard.

In the months since returning to Texas, God has shown me that the message of Martha’s Vineyard was much more than I once thought. He is teaching me that this season of my life, difficult as it might be, can be filled with as many exquisite memories as those I carried away from the island. I never pictured myself visiting Martha’s Vineyard. Likewise, I never anticipated being a caregiver to someone whose memory is as foggy as the morning skies over the cliffs at Aquinnah. But God, with just a whisper, will guide me through each jagged place. And this miraculous journey I’m currently taking with the woman who gave me birth, will, I would imagine, overwhelm me with unexpected points of beauty, much like those I experienced on Martha’s Vineyard, an island that forever holds a special place in my heart.

Love is in the Air!

Love is meant to be share year-round, but there’s something about the month of February that puts us in the mood to share that love in a special way. For some (like myself) gift-giving includes homemade sweets (cookies, cakes, and cupcakes). For others: cards, gifts, and lots of quality time.

I’m very excited about February, and not just because I get to bake over 500 Valentine’s cookies for customers. (Yes, you read that right.) I’m excited, because I’ve come up with a delightful way to share love with you, my readers.

I’m hosting a giveaway on my Facebook author page! A special drawing will take place on the final day of February, but you can join the fun, starting February 1st. Every day I will be posting a new, fun question from one of my books. Answer that question and your name will be entered into the drawing. It’s that simple.

What will I be giving away? That’s the fun part! I’ll be giving away two dozen hand-painted, airplane-shaped sugar cookies. Yum! 

Why a plane, you ask? Because I’m celebrating the release of my latest multi-author collection, Love is in the Air, which just released on kindle. Grab your copy while the collection is just 99 cents.

Can’t wait to hang out with you on my Facebook author page. How sweet it is, y’all!

Are We in Oz Yet?

Oh, my sweet, sweet reader-friends. I feel like I’m in a whirlwind! I can hear the chant of the Munchkins from Munchkinland in my ears. This past week or so has been a blur, an absolute blur. . . SO many things happening all at once. I’m at a loss to cover each new thing adequately, so I’m going to make a tidy little list. Hopefully it won’t overwhelm you, as well!

1). My final Revell book, Every Bride Has Her Day, released this week. This is the third and final book in the Brides With Style series. (The first two books are Every Bride Needs a Groom and Every Girl Gets Confused.) I’m beyond blessed for the eight-year run with such an amazing company. Grateful, too, that my readers have been there with me every step of the way. I’m blessed to have had the best editors, the best marketers and the best cheerleaders that the CBA (Christian Bookseller’s Association) market has to offer.

2). My latest historical collection, Lone Star Love, officially launched this morning. I’ve merged forces with four of the best historical authors I know: Kathleen Y’Barbo, Crystal L. Barnes, Vickie McDonough and Marcia Gruver. Together we’ve come up with a book you’re sure to love with five historical romances set in the Lone Star State. Please head over to Amazon to pick up a copy. And while you’re at it, why not join us for a week-long launch party on Facebook, where we’re giving away daily prizes.

 

3). My latest contemporary collection, Table for Two, is doing well. This restaurant-themed collection is one of my favorites ever. I’m a food-lover, so that might have a little something to do with it. You’ll love the stories by the other authors in the collection: Kathleen Y’Barbo, Traci Hilton, Carol Moncado and Lynette Sowell.

 

4). My latest contemporary romantic novella collection, Toss the Bouquet, is doing great! It’s not often that I get a book deal with Harper Collins, so I’m tickled pink, trust me! The other ladies in the collection are amazing romance authors. You’ll love the stories by Amy Matayo and Ruth Logan Herne and I hope you enjoy mine, too.

 

5). Speaking of merging stories, I’ve merged a few. . .with myself! You might’ve noticed that I’ve done several “seasonal” collections and have just added another to the mix. I’ve put three of my summer-themed stories into one collection and titled it Summer Love. Inside, you will find Sweet Charity, Cotton Candy Clouds and Love me Tender, all wonderful summer reads. You’ll have to check it out!

 

6). On the non-fiction front: I’m so thrilled to let my writing buddies know that DIY Author has released my writing text, Write and Sell Your Novel. Years and years of teachings have been merged into this one very comprehensive book. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist or just trying to learn more about marketing, you’ll appreciate this book, which is available in print and ebook.

 

7). One of my older Revell books, Stars Collide, is currently FREE on kindle. I still adore this story. It brings back so many memories of living and working in L.A. (Did you guys know that I did that? Yep! The summer between my freshman and sophomore year in college my dad moved our family to L.A. so that he could get into the movie business.) I love my time in Tinseltown and I hope it shows in this (now free) book!

 

8). I’m in a BRAND NEW Mail Order Brides collection with eight other authors. You’ll love these nine stories of mail-order love from Forget me Not Romances. Many of you have probably already read my story in the collection (Mismatched in Texas) but don’t let that stop you from buying the book. There are eight other stories to enjoy, after all!

9).  Bella lives on in the Bella Novella series! Three novellas have already released and the fourth is set to release on July 15th. Snag your copies of Once Upon a Moonlight Night, Tea for Two and Pennies from Heaven now and go ahead and pre-order That Lucky Old Sun, which will download automatically to your kindle on July 15th. (Chaos still consumes Bella’s world!)

 

10).Finally, I’m SO excited that one of my very first romantic comedies, a little novella called I Think I Do, has just released with Winged Publications. Tickled to see this little book online as a stand-alone. It’ll be in print soon but is already available in ebook form. If you hurry on over to Amazon to snag you’re copy you might just be the first sale!

 

On top of all this, I’m still promoting several of my older books and a couple of other important collections, Immeasurably More and Frontier Hearts.

ONE MORE FUN BIT OF NEWS:

I recently compiled several of my baking recipes, tips and tricks into a cookbook. Folks who sign up for my newsletter will receive the cookbook. . .absolutely free!

For those who want to know what’s coming next, I’m about to dive into a brand new series about service dogs. Those who know me know that I absolutely adore all-things-canine. The series doesn’t have a name yet, but I hope to sell it to a traditional publisher soon. More about that later.

What’s the Deal, Lucille?

If you pay any attention to the goings-on at Amazon, you’ll notice that a lot of authors are merging books into collections/anthologies. These are great deals for readers. Most collections are just .99! Wow. “What’s up with that?” many are asking. “Why would so many authors give away stories for just .99 per collection?” Doesn’t make any sense, does it? Wouldn’t an author have to be a little cray-cray to do this? 

I can’t speak for other authors, but the method behind my madness is simple: this is a fun and inexpensive new way to get my stories into the hands (and hearts) of readers who wouldn’t otherwise know my name or my books. Bargain-hunting readers pick up the collections at Amazon not really know who or what they’ll find inside. Many times they’re surprised to find amazing authors they’ve never even heard of! The collections I’ve chosen to join are filled with authors I love and respect, so I feel comfortable pitching the collections to my readers. And I hope to gain new readers, too! Hopefully, by the time these new-to-me folks have bounced their way through my story in the collection, they’re ready to click the link I’ve provided at the back to direct them to my other books. If so, I’ve won over new readers!

So, what collections am I in at the moment? Which books do I recommend? Here’s my current list (and thanks in advance for hopping over to Amazon to check them out)!

Currently sitting in the #1 spot in Amazon’s Collections and Anthologies section you’ll find my most recent collection, Table for Two! If you’re keen on candy, coffee, baked goods, BBQ and/or Mexican food, you’ll surely love this restaurant-themed collection with several of my favorite writing buddies. Mmm! The stories will have you hankerin’ for good food. . .and love!

 

 

Another best-selling Amazon collection, one I’m very proud of, is Immeasurably More. In this six-in-one anthology you can join six bestselling contemporary Christian authors on unique journeys that paint vivid portraits of God’s immeasurable love and grace. What precious stories these are! I’m so blessed to add my story to the mix.

 

 

I’m so very blessed to have one of my Texas historicals in another best-selling collection, Frontier Hearts. Rarely do I have a chance to showcase my historicals, so this was a real treat. As you can tell from the title, these six stories are all western romances. The authors are amazing and their individual novels are beautifully written. I highly recommend this frontier-themed collection.

 

Finally, I want to recommend a fun multi-multi-multi-author collection titled Forget Me Not Romances. My story is in the second volume. If you want to have a lot-lot-lot of novels in one file, this is the collection for you! Ten authors, ten stories, one low price. You can’t beat that, now can you? And you’re sure to fall in love with the stories from the other authors, as well.

 

 

 

INTRODUCING A BRAND NEW COLLECTION, NOW AVAILABLE!

Introducing Mail Order Brides: Sometimes Love is Only an Advertisement Away. In a time when men outnumbered women, and women sought one of the only avenues available to them, mail order weddings were prominent out west. Nine authors came together bringing you everything from full length to short story, from springtime to Christmas. Settle back and enjoy a simpler time when men and women met through letters.

 

That’s it for today, readers! I’m so tickled to offer you multiple products for amazingly low prices. Hopefully you’ll get hooked on some of my author-friends and will grow to love and support them, as you’ve done for me.

What’s keeping you? Head over to Amazon to snag your copies today!

Introducing a Yummy Restaurant-Themed Collection!

I don’t often get this giddy over a book’s release, but I can’t seem to help myself this time.The four other authors in this collection are all friends and we’re buzzing with excitement over these yummy restaurant-themed stories! Okay, okay…maybe we’re buzzing because of the caffeine in Kathleen Y’Barbo Turner’s coffee-themed story. Or perhaps we’re hyped up because of all the sugar in my candy-themed story. Maybe we’re still on a rush from Carol Moncado’s bakery tale. Or perhaps we’re hung over from all of the Mexican food and BBQ in Lynette Sowell and Traci Tyne Hilton’s stories. But the point is, we’re excited! Table for Two has gone live. (Picture me doing the happy dance.)

We’ll start our “World’s Yummiest Launch Party” on Monday, April 25th in a brand new Facebook group, Come to the Table. We invite you to join us in this exciting group for five days of table fellowship. (Monday through Friday, April 25th – 29th). We’ll talk food, faith and fiction, three things we love! I’ll kick things off on Monday, with a resounding “candy” theme. (Yum! Think taffy, chocolate, caramel and lots of other sweet treats!) Carol will host on Tuesday with a day of bakery treats. Lynette will take Wednesday and will have you hankerin’ for Texas BBQ before the day’s over. Kathleen will chime in on Thursday with some fun coffee posts. Then, on Friday, Traci will share some great posts about Mexican food. Mmm! (Can we say chips and salsa, y’all?) All you have to do is respond to the yummy pics that show up in your newsfeed. Post food pictures of your own, or even recipes! Those who post will be entered in the daily drawings.

For today, hop on over to Amazon to snag a copy of Table for Two. Only .99 for five stories! (You can’t beat that) If you’ve already read my story (Salt Water Taffie), just skip it and go straight to the others. And please, please, please (with sugar on top) pray about leaving a review. These collections do SO much better if we get some lovely reviews.

Get out those knives and forks, readers. You’re gonna need ’em!

Are you Dying to Read?

If so, then I have the answer for you!

The reviews are in: Everyone is Dying to Read this collection of Christian cozy mysteries!

Enjoy the following FIVE stories for one low price:

Pounced by Christy Barritt
Deadly Neighbors by Cynthia Hickey
Hard to Find by Traci Tyne Hilton
The Wedding Caper by Janice Thompson
Deadly Business by Susette Williams

Introducing. . .Toss the Bouquet

I have an exciting announcement! Harper Collins has just released a fun three-in-one bridesmaid collection titled Toss the Bouquet and one of my stories is included. Enjoy All Dressed up in Love by Ruth Logan Herne, In Tune with Love by Amy Matayo, and Never a Bridesmaid by yours truly!

To celebrate the release of the book, Ruth, Amy and I will be hosting a Facebook launch party on April 4th at 7:00 P.M. Central time. You’ll have a chance to chat with the authors and ask questions as time permits. There will be book giveaways as the event progresses and a grand prize/giveaway at the end. The event will run as follows: 7:00 – 7:30 Central (hosted by Ruth Logan Herne), 7:30 – 8:00 Central (hosted by Amy Matayo), 8:00 – 8:30 Central (hosted by Janice Thompson). At 8:30 we’ll announce the grand prize winner. Please share this event with all of your friends who love inspirational romance.

For now, hurry on over to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online retailers to snag your copy (print or ebook) of this great collection. Then feel free to help spread the word on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. Happy reading, y’all!

Get the Scoop!

Thanks for stopping by my blog! As you can see, I’ve recently gone through a huge makeover here at janiceathompson.com, and with that comes a brand new blog!

In time, you will find things like blog tours, updates, and special info here, but for now, just let me say “Welcome!”, and I look forward to talking to you soon.