EVERY BRIDE NEEDS A GROOM - Janice Thompson - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Janice Thompson is one of my longtime, dear friends. We both live in Texas, but she’s in the Houstonarea 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 Texassetting. 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: JaniceHannaThompsonWebsite: www.janiceathompson.comTwitter: booksbyjanice

Thank 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.
 - 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