The Dream Dress (Weddings by Design #3) by Janice Thompson

Jan 15, 2019 Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) rated it liked it

Shelves: own, read-reviewed

About this book:

“Big dreams take big leaps of faith . . . but what if you trip on the way?
A lowly seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own original dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. But when Jordan Singer, reporter for Texas Bride magazine, visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is humbled in his influential--and unnervingly handsome--presence.
Convinced she'll ...more

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Feb 06, 2017 Shantelle rated it it was ok

Shelves: romance, read-in-2017, reviewed, christian-fiction, adult, contemporary

The Dream Dress wasn't my favorite, but there were a couple really sweet moments. I also didn't appreciate the "kiss on the first date" things. But again, none of the kisses were really descriptive and sensual, which is always a nice surprise.

This wasn't my type, but I really liked Picture Perfect, so I look forward to reading more of Janice Thompson's weddings tales! *smiles* ...more

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Mar 03, 2014 Linda rated it it was amazing

Janice Thompson writes such delightful books, and her Weddings by Design series is pure fun! The first two books, Picture Perfect and The Icing on the Cake were just what their titles implied, and this third novel charmed me as well. Galveston, Texas is once again the setting for a story about a seamstress whose job is making other brides' dreams come true but who wonders if her own dreams will ever materialize. Thompson deftly combines authentic conflicts and struggles with humorous, laugh-out- ...more

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Jul 20, 2013 Melanie rated it liked it

Shelves: review-books

Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3JR1I6B...
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...

The Dream Dress was a nice contemporary romance novel; one I think fans of the genre will enjoy. I'm not a huge fan of the genre (though there have been a couple that I've loved -- including Picture Perfect).

The story was good, but it was one I could have easily set aside for a time. For some reason it didn't completely capture my attention until the last part (which was really go Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3JR1I6B...
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...

The Dream Dress was a nice contemporary romance novel; one I think fans of the genre will enjoy. I'm not a huge fan of the genre (though there have been a couple that I've loved -- including Picture Perfect).

The story was good, but it was one I could have easily set aside for a time. For some reason it didn't completely capture my attention until the last part (which was really good!). There were some things in The Dream Dress that I didn't care for: how Gabi kept thinking of Jordan as Prince William for the first so many chapters (it was probably supposed to be funny, but it just bugged me), when God was referred to as Daddy God, how nearly everyone loved Gabi's designs and gushed about them to others (just didn't seem believable to me), and Demetri's "accent" was slightly annoying.

As with the first two books in this series, I loved the wedding aspect to the story and I especially liked how this book dealt with wedding dresses! :) I also liked how Hannah and Scarlet were in The Dream Dress a lot. It was so neat to see how things were going in their lives. Jordan was a great new character. Things he did/said made me chuckle quite a few times. ;)

So, while The Dream Dress isn't my favorite in the Weddings by Design series, I did end up enjoying it. If you tend to like light contemporary romance novels, you might enjoy The Dream Dress.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.* ...more

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Jul 31, 2013 Dawn rated it really liked it

Shelves: review-copies, kindle-book, kindle-freebies, read-in-2014

Gabi Delgado longs to be more than just a "material girl" at the high end bridal shop on Galveston Island. She spends her nights sketching and creating her own designs of bridal gowns. Unfortunately for Gabi, her boss only sees her as an alterations specialist. When a handsome reporter from Texas Bride magazine arrives at the bridal shop to do a feature story on the designs created by Gabi's boss, he soon discovers Gabi's talent and decides to feature both Gabi's designs and her boss's. The more Gabi Delgado longs to be more than just a "material girl" at the high end bridal shop on Galveston Island. She spends her nights sketching and creating her own designs of bridal gowns. Unfortunately for Gabi, her boss only sees her as an alterations specialist. When a handsome reporter from Texas Bride magazine arrives at the bridal shop to do a feature story on the designs created by Gabi's boss, he soon discovers Gabi's talent and decides to feature both Gabi's designs and her boss's. The more time that Gabi spends with Jordan (the reporter) the more that sparks fly between them. Not only is Gabi attracted to him, she's drawn to his faith. Add in Bella Neeley, the Splendora Sisters, two best friends, and a Spanish grandmother, Gabi soon finds herself willing to take a chance and soar on her own.

As always, I know I'm in for a humorous adventure anytime I pick up one of Janice Thompson's books. This one is no exception. I loved all of the characters, especially Gabi. I also loved all of the Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers references and quotes. Janice has a way of creating characters that yearn for something more, and then gently delivering a solid faith message.

Jordan was such a sweet heart. I loved that Gabi kept thinking of him as Prince William. I also loved the constant references to Cinderella. I know fairy tale retellings are a big thing right now, and this is not one. But I could still see the elements of a simple Cinderella story. I wish the Club Wed, the Parma John's pizzaria, Scarlet's bakery were real spots on Galveston Island that I could visit on my next trip to the Island. But they're not. I have to content myself with visiting them over and over through both the Weddings by Bella series and this one, Weddings by Design. I am eagerly looking forward to book 4.

I received the kindle version of this book for free from Revell Books via NetGalley for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of chick lit, romantic comedy, Janice Thompson, Rachel Hauck, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, Abby Gaines

Rating - 4 stars ...more

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Feb 05, 2014 Michelle Woods rated it it was amazing

The Dream Dress is the third in the “Weddings by Design” series. Gabi Delgado works in a wedding dress boutique drawing up designs of her own as she works hemming and altering other’s designs for their brides to be. Ultimately, she dreams of designing dresses in her own line some day. But until then, she is working for an unrelenting boss who does not see her value.

Jordan Singer is a reporter who has come to the bridal shop to write up an article for the Texas Bride magazine. The attraction is t ...more

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Feb 23, 2014 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it really liked it

Shelves: inspirational-romance

THE DREAM DRESS by Janice Thompson is an interesting Inspirational Contemporary Romance. #3 in the "Weddings by Design", but can be read as a stand alone with re-appearing characters. "The Dream Dress" is a classic Janice Thompson tale of love, laughter, faith, forgiveness, family and romantic tension.

Gabi Delgado dreams of owning her own original dress designs.

Jordan Singer is a reporter for the Texas Bride magazine.

With engaging, lovable characters and an interesting storyline, you can't go wr ...more

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Jul 25, 2013 Melissa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, 5-stars, janice-hanna-thompson, genres-2014

Janice has done it again! "The Dream Dress" is a heartfelt and humorous story that I loved reading. I loved the character of Gabriella and identified with her in many ways. Her lack of relationship with her dad and the effect that her parents splitting up had on her mom is very similar to my life. That made the book so relatable for me. It was so fun to read Gabbi's story. I also loved the tie ins with Fred & Ginger. If you love good clean fun with lots of humor, this is the book for you! ...more

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Dec 31, 2018 Rachel Marie rated it really liked it

Guys. I don't know what it is about this series or this author. It started with the Weddings by Bella series. I was absolutely hooked. There wasn't even a reason why I loved it so much, because it wasn't my usual type of read, but I just did. I fell absolutely, completely in love, and that love has continued to her spin-off series, Weddings by Design. While Bella's series was all about, well, Bella, each book in the Design series has a different MC, and I loved that just as much.

Gabi is an alter Guys. I don't know what it is about this series or this author. It started with the Weddings by Bella series. I was absolutely hooked. There wasn't even a reason why I loved it so much, because it wasn't my usual type of read, but I just did. I fell absolutely, completely in love, and that love has continued to her spin-off series, Weddings by Design. While Bella's series was all about, well, Bella, each book in the Design series has a different MC, and I loved that just as much.

Gabi is an alterations girl by day, closet wedding dress designer by night. She doesn't dare tell her boss, the infamous Demetri *insert pretentious sounding something here*. Until the day she gets humiliatingly fired, in front of a (very cute) reporter, no less.

One of the reasons I like this series so much is the people. I mentioned how I loved Bella's series, and it was most in part to the absolutely crazy, lovable, mixed-up family she had. So I love how the author brings all those people back in. It might seem a little crazy at times (in fact, I would definitely recommend reading Weddings by Bella before this one because of all the people), but that is just part of the charm. I LOVE culture, especially when talking about food ;). So each new MC bringing in her own culture and differences makes it that much more special, and Gabi is no different. I love the family aspect in each story, and absolutely adored Mimi Carmen.

Gabi herself was such a cute character. She was hard-working and sweet and loyal, and just wanted to do what she loved. And Jordan...okay, actually, I wasn't as impressed with this love interest as I was with some of the others. (You know, I wasn't super impressed with Drew either, although Armando then made up for that.) He wasn't as swoony, and the romance seemed a bit underdeveloped in this one. It seemed to just...happen without any reason or substance. I know that all the romances in this series have seemed to happen really fast since they only got one book instead of three, but this seemed faster than most.

This book had plenty of moments that just made me laugh. Demetri and his "Fab Five", the Splendora Sisters (Lord, help us all), even Guido the parrot has his moment (yes, he's in this book too). I loved Bella, and how she was a part of this one, as well as Scarlet and Hannah from the first two books.

I realize that some people might have problems with this book, in how cheesy it can come across, how everything works out just perfectly, how Gabi's fascination with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers is overdone, especially considering Scarlet did the same thing with Lucy in The Icing on the Cake. And, even I will admit that this is all true. But I don't care. This book just made me really, really happy. I have no doubts about giving it the rating I did, because when it comes down to it, this book did exactly what a book is supposed to do. It entertained, it made me laugh, it made me swoon, it made me just all-around happy.

This review first appears on The NerdHerd Reads ...more

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Jul 30, 2020 Myra Hill rated it really liked it

What I Liked:

The conflict. Jordan wasn't too far off when he described Gabi's situation as a Cinderella story. It was an interesting and engaging conflict that I enjoyed reading about!

The heroine. She was flighty, but sweet. I enjoyed reading about her adventure very much!

What I Disliked:

How quickly Gabi adapted to Christianity. I dont want to go too far into this for fear of spoilers, but let's just say the thing with her father was... really unrealistic. It bugged me.

The leading man. Yes, he ...more

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Jun 15, 2020 Kathy rated it it was amazing

Gabi is the alteration girl at a premiere Wedding dress shop. But she designs dresses in her spare time and dreams of designing and making wedding dresses on her own someday. She meets women who become friends, then cheerleaders who help build her confidence, so when her boss fires her for the second time, she goes out on her own. This book is about forgiveness, God’s plans for us, and love. I really liked it, and as I read, I realized I have read at least some of the previous books.

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May 14, 2020 Sherry Grussing rated it did not like it

Shelves: i-own-it

I literally threw this in the trash can. How bitchy do you have to be to constantly bring up how 'fat' women are in your book? Heaven forbid if she is a 3X like her mom and grandma. Size 14 is not necessarily a Plus Size (Poor things. They want to look pretty too.) And the singing group, a small, "I mean LARGE group". How tacky. Shame on you, Janice Thompson. ...more

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Aug 22, 2017 Susan Skarness rated it it was amazing

Surprising twists and turns. I enjoy a pleasant easy read.

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May 27, 2019 Lisa rated it it was ok

Shelves: romance, fiction, chick-lit, christian-fiction

It was too sweet. Too much talk about being and becoming larger in body.

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Sep 19, 2019 Maria Wiseman added it

Shelves: reviewed

I couldn't do it. I couldn't make it through this. I've ranted about Janice Thompson books on other reviews, so go read those if you want to. ...more

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Oct 15, 2019 Malory rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Good read!

Another good read! Awesome theme on forgiving others, moving forward, taking chances, romance, friendships, and all! Would definitely recommend this one as well!

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May 17, 2020 Sarah rated it liked it

3.5 stars. Not my favorite in the series, but it has the same funny, quirky feel as the others. Loved the Fred & Ginger and bridal dress themes.

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Feb 15, 2014 Wanda rated it it was amazing

Gabriella Delgado has a lot of issues to work through. She is a seamstress for a high end wedding dress designer but a closet designer herself. Her biggest passion is designing dresses to make brides beautiful for their wedding. Working for Demetri Markowitz is just a way to pay the bills. She longs to haver her abilities recognized but is also terrified they will be. She lacks the confidence that her designs are good enough. She also carries burdens from her past because her father walked out o ...more

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Feb 28, 2014 Debbie Lester rated it really liked it

Inspirational author Janice Thompson returns with the third book in her, Weddings by Design series, The Dream Dress. When it comes to Weddings, Thompson knows what she's talking about. Having been a former Wedding planner herself gives her stories an authenticity that is missing from other books of this kind. Thompson uses over-the-top situations to create humor in her writing and readers will find themselves smiling often when reading her books. Thompson's inspirational message is weaved throug ...more

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Jun 19, 2013 Rissi rated it really liked it

Shelves: most-anticipated, review, blog-tour, 2014

As her author bio says, pulling the hilarity out of situations is indeed Janice Thompson’s specialty. She writes with a unique flair all her own that has cumulated in a series of books centered on one event; weddings. This book tells the story of wedding dress designer extraordinaire, Gabi Delgado. Or at least the wanna-be designer who is instead working in the shadow of and under a tyrannical boss that is more than a little threatened by his “material girl” when, suddenly by a twist of unavoida As her author bio says, pulling the hilarity out of situations is indeed Janice Thompson’s specialty. She writes with a unique flair all her own that has cumulated in a series of books centered on one event; weddings. This book tells the story of wedding dress designer extraordinaire, Gabi Delgado. Or at least the wanna-be designer who is instead working in the shadow of and under a tyrannical boss that is more than a little threatened by his “material girl” when, suddenly by a twist of unavoidable events she becomes the designer everyone wants – particularly when it takes one of his top clients away from him. Things go from bad to worse when the reporter – Jordan Singer – assigned to write a piece on Demetri’s designs and successes also takes an interest in Gabi’s work and decides to feature her along with Demetri.

What little girl hasn’t at some point dreamt of dressing up in a white gown and standing across from the man she loves? Probably all of us at some point and manifested in that dream is Thompson’s unique spin from all angles of weddings. That’s what I've liked most about this series – Janice covers each perspective. From the wedding planner to the bakery, the photography to the flowers, the designer to the bride, no angle is left out of the equation! Like many of the novels before it, Gabi’s world is conflicted by something personal and the trigger for her was the abandonment of her father. Her past affects her present and future, especially when it comes to easily trusting men and as a result, Gabi has allowed her boss to expect the unreasonable of her and often scurries to do his bidding… until she finds her voice and in that moment, we realize that Gabi’s transformation is more than just outward.

A sign of the author is also the strong female presence – we don’t just have a wide array of female characters (varying from different stages in life), the female mind is explored very realistically. I think this is Thompson’s most “girl power” novel to date. Its male lead gets little time on the pages, which means that instead of being heavy on the romance (which can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the kind of reader you are), The Dream Dress is a kind of coming-of-age story done in a funny, comedic sort of way. The women aren’t just cookie-cutters; they read as genuine, realistic characters. Fans of Janice Thompson are going to really enjoy this next-to-last installment – there’s more with Bella Neeley and her crazy gang, we catch up with Hannah, Scarlet and of course, get to know Gabi, the girl whom we may have underestimated. Hilarity, classic movies and a dream wedding gown is just the beginning The Dream Dress is another sweetheart of a book – with Janice Thompson’s signature flair written all over it.

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Feb 26, 2014 Karen rated it really liked it

As I was preparing to write this review, a scene from the movie Pretty Woman kept flashing into my mind. The scene is at the beginning and end of the movie and has a guy asking the people around him about their dreams. "Welcome to Hollywood. Everybody has a dream. What's your dream? What's your dream? Hey, Mister, what's your dream?

One of the reasons I love Christian fiction is that it's never just about the story. Because the authors are led by God, there's always an underlying message that sp As I was preparing to write this review, a scene from the movie Pretty Woman kept flashing into my mind. The scene is at the beginning and end of the movie and has a guy asking the people around him about their dreams. "Welcome to Hollywood. Everybody has a dream. What's your dream? What's your dream? Hey, Mister, what's your dream?

One of the reasons I love Christian fiction is that it's never just about the story. Because the authors are led by God, there's always an underlying message that speaks to me. Sometimes I don't want to hear it, but it's there. I know for most people, especially writers that are just starting out, they are not working their "dream job". They are working the job that will pay the bills, but every night they go home and write. Not because they have to, but because it's a passion that builds up inside of them until nothing else matters but the story that's in their head screaming to come out. Your dream job is the one where you say I get to instead of I have to. So...what's your dream?

Our heroine, Gabrielle Delgado, was right there. She had a job in her dream industry, but she made alterations to other people's designs. She had pictures that just floated out of her head onto paper, but she had to help pay the bills for her, her mother, and her grandmother, so she worked at her not so dream job in a not so fabulous environment for an entirely not so fabulous boss. But as happens from time to time when God says you're ready, circumstances conspire to get her out of her comfort zone and into the place where God designed her to thrive. With the help of some very good friends, family, and a very persistent reporter, Gabi moves into where God wants her to be.

Now that I have waxed philosophical, let me tell you what I liked and didn't like. I thought the story was good. Anyone who has read any of my reviews know that I'm not a big fan of first person stories mainly because I usually don't think like the heroine in the story; however, Ms. Thompson was able to make me forget that. I thought some of it was a little cheesy, but all in all, it was a fun story. I think the only little thing I didn't like was that I didn't know where it was set. I knew it was in Texas and it was on some sort of Island, but not being familiar with Texas Geography, I didn't connect it with Galveston. In all fairness to the author, she did mention that the dress shop was Galveston's finest, but I just didn't put two and two together. So, just in case you miss it when you read the book. This book is set in Galveston and it's an island. There! Now you know! :-)

All in all, a good book, which I would probably read again and would recommend that you read at least once.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Baker Publishing Group's book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa... : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. ...more

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Mar 18, 2014 Mercedes Cordero rated it liked it

When reading a Janice Thompson book the reader should be aware of one thing: the author strives to make you laugh. It is clear that one of her main focuses while writing is to come up with funny dialog, fun scenes and quirky characters. Although not necessarily my type of humor, I have to admit that I smiled my way through the book and laughed at times. It is a very lighthearted, sweet romantic comedy.

Gabi is a very likable main character; it’s very easy to identify with her. She’s very talented When reading a Janice Thompson book the reader should be aware of one thing: the author strives to make you laugh. It is clear that one of her main focuses while writing is to come up with funny dialog, fun scenes and quirky characters. Although not necessarily my type of humor, I have to admit that I smiled my way through the book and laughed at times. It is a very lighthearted, sweet romantic comedy.

Gabi is a very likable main character; it’s very easy to identify with her. She’s very talented, caring and sweet, but, at the same time, she is very much unaware of how talented and valuable she is. The people around her recognize her worth, but she is afraid to see it, to acknowledge it, and come out of her comfort zone. She sees herself as the Ginger to her boss’ Fred; always as good but forever in his shadow.

And along comes Jordan, a very cute reporter who can also see Gabi for who she is and admires her for it… my kind of guy. He is very romantic, maybe a little over the top, but still very likable, just like Gabi. But as cute and adorable as the main characters might be, Mimi Carmen, Gabi’s grandmother, steals the show every time she’s in a scene. She’s witty, and fun and charming and delightful and I could go on and on because I loved her character and her storyline. Even her enchiladas made my mouth water and I don’t like Mexican food!

The rest of the characters were all equally entertaining, especially Demetri, Gabi’s boss. My only problem with the female secondary characters in particular was the fact that they sounded and acted too immature for their age and situations. In trying to write conversations between friends, the author tended to write them too young for their age and they ended up sounding like teenagers half the time. They are funny and amusing characters, but all together at the same time they were a bit much. And this is the same problem I had when I read Fools Rush In, by Thompson. Bella, the main character in that one and a secondary character in this one, was 29 years old at the time and behaved like a teenager. I was sad to see that that hasn’t change for her and her friends.

The story has a few misunderstandings, which led to some funny incidents. A few hits and a few misses, but entertaining overall and enjoyable. However, I find it frustrating when the author makes the characters play dumb; when a misunderstanding is just plain obvious, but the characters still don’t get it and have no idea what is going on. This happened, and I got a little desperate, but, I have to say and admit, Mimi Carmen made it all better.

Aside from the romance and the comedy, the story has a nice message of a young woman coming into her own, realizing she has something to offer, something of value, letting herself be loved and letting her resentment go. It has a great message of forgiveness in God, of Him working in our lives, no matter our situation (or age), and of God giving us the desires of our hearts. Any young woman can see herself in Gabi and be assured that in Christ, everything is possible.

3.5 stars

*I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. ...more

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Feb 24, 2014 Lisa Johnson rated it it was amazing

Title: The Dream Dress (Wedding by Design Book #3)
Author: Janice Thompson
Pages: 336
Year: 2014
Publisher: Revell
Each novel in the Weddings by Design series includes many comedic scenes written with flair by the author, Janice Thompson. Each book centers on a particular female character along with her specialty in the wedding business. The titles alone give a clue to the story written in the pages. For instance, The Icing on the Cake and Picture Perfect now join the latest publication, The Dream Dr Title: The Dream Dress (Wedding by Design Book #3)
Author: Janice Thompson
Pages: 336
Year: 2014
Publisher: Revell
Each novel in the Weddings by Design series includes many comedic scenes written with flair by the author, Janice Thompson. Each book centers on a particular female character along with her specialty in the wedding business. The titles alone give a clue to the story written in the pages. For instance, The Icing on the Cake and Picture Perfect now join the latest publication, The Dream Dress. These unique tales have chapter titles that coincide with the theme of a particular part of weddings. Here, in the third book, the chapter titles are from Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers’ movies with some of the quotes underneath are from Fred or Ginger’s life.
Light-hearted, faith-filled and family centered are the various threads that are woven in stories. They draw the audience in as the main Person all the books point too is the Lord. The humility of the main family featured in all the books, who runs a wedding business, is inspiring as they never lose sight that sharing about the Lord is foremost what they are called to do. Some of the characters don’t understand the nuances of a faith where talking to God is like talking to a friend even though no one sees Him. In this story, Gabrielle is being drawn to the love of God and because of Him she learns what can bring freedom to her captured heart.
At times I would burst out laughing either at the antics in the novel or it would remind me of something funny in my own wedding and married life. Each character is written by the tender heart of their creator/author. None of them are perfect in anyway which makes the book more alluring. Once in a while I enjoy these light-hearted, entertaining tales because they lighten my heart when real life can sometimes be very hard.
I hope you take time to read all three novels in the Weddings by Design series because you will absolutely enjoy them. You will come away with a bigger appreciation and knowledge of how much God loves and knows each and every part of you. When I turned the last page, I already began wondering if there would be another in the series along with who the main characters might be. So let you imagination fly as well as your heart!
My rating is 5 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...
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Aug 24, 2013 Margaret Chind rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Margaret by: Revell Reads

Shelves: revell, contemporary, romance, own, netgalley, netgalley-expired, texas, ebook-galley, hiatus

Review below image.

I thrive while reading Christian Historical Fiction, and Janice Hanna (aka Janice Hanna Thompson, Janice Thompson) can write in any genre, contemporary or even nonfiction and have my eyes and mind captured to the page. This time in the third book of the Weddings by Design series also related to two previous trilogies of Weddings by Bella followed by Backstage Pass.

It was bittersweet starting this book, and commonly today books end in trilogies. And… while this trilogy is Review below image.

I thrive while reading Christian Historical Fiction, and Janice Hanna (aka Janice Hanna Thompson, Janice Thompson) can write in any genre, contemporary or even nonfiction and have my eyes and mind captured to the page. This time in the third book of the Weddings by Design series also related to two previous trilogies of Weddings by Bella followed by Backstage Pass.

It was bittersweet starting this book, and commonly today books end in trilogies. And… while this trilogy is related to two other trilogies it is still hard to get enough of Janice’s stories. So… I was elated when I discovered there is to be a fourth book in the series! It’s a saga, not a trilogy!! Yay! A Bouquet of Love is set to publish in August 2014.

This book, this whole series!, has been an excellent distraction from life and if anyone can make me enjoy contemporary it’s Janice. I’ve loved the Galveston world of Bella and wedding friends since book one in the first series and now two series later I’m still enthralled and love them all from Weddings by Bella, to Backstage Pass, and now Weddings by Design each character is real enough off the page and entertaining to boot.

Gabi Delgado and Jordon Spencer might just be my favorite Galveston couple yet. So many innocent confusions and things to bring them together. Gabi is so quirky and melodramatic in a way that I can definitely relate and see bits of my personality. Especially in the since, that she is “completely normal” while the world around her is “off their rocker insane”. Getting to know Gabi and seeing her mold into the Club Wed family with characters I’ve come to know and love over the years of reading has been such a pleasure. :)

As I’m organizing my shelves I’ve noticed Janice Hanna Thompson seems to be taking up quite the amount of space. Her books are keepers. I have not just enjoyed but practically loved every book of hers in which I have read and I’m starting, a wishlist for those I’m missing.

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.

posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2... ...more

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Feb 11, 2014 Jalynn Patterson rated it it was amazing

About the Book:
A seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. When Jordan Spencer, the editor of Texas Bride magazine visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is devastated to lose her job in his very influential presence. Convinced she'll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement--especially from her fri About the Book:
A seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. When Jordan Spencer, the editor of Texas Bride magazine visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is devastated to lose her job in his very influential presence. Convinced she'll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement--especially from her friend Bella Neeley--to take a chance and start her business. And as she gets to know Jordan, she discovers that she may have to take a chance on love as well. Could it be that she'll have to design her own wedding dress soon?

About the Author:
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect and The Icing on the Cake. She lives in Texas. Visit www.janiceathompson.com for more information.

My Review:
Gabi's dream is to design her own dresses, but that is not what chosen job is at the moment. She works for a well-known designer, who usually pushes her to the brink of insanity. But with the news of a reporter coming, everyone is running around like crazy, all accept Gabi. She does help and usually helps to design the dresses but what does she care if a reporter is coming to write a story on her boss and not her. Well, that is how she felt until she laid her eyes on this man who looked as if he could be related to Prince William. After she seen him it was like she didn't remember his name, her name, or what she was suppose to be doing.

Jordan likes working as a reporter, but not a reporter for weddings. How does a guy like him, have what it takes to report that? But if denying this opportunity means the lost of his paycheck then he will gladly write about weddings. Upon arriving at a famous designers store, he is surrounded by talk of weddings and proposals. But the one thing that caught him by surprise is the beauty of one of the employees, and after talking to a friend of hers, he finds out that her ultimate dream is to be a designer but hasn't had a chance to start out on her own. What could be stopping someone like her?

**Disclosure** This was book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Revell. ...more

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Feb 22, 2014 Victor Gentile rated it it was amazing

Janice Thompson in her new book, “The Dream Dress” Book Three in the Weddings by Design series published by Revell returns us to Galveston Island and into the life of Gabi Delgado.

From the back cover: Big dreams take big leaps of faith . . . but what if you trip on the way?

A lowly seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own original dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. Janice Thompson in her new book, “The Dream Dress” Book Three in the Weddings by Design series published by Revell returns us to Galveston Island and into the life of Gabi Delgado.

From the back cover: Big dreams take big leaps of faith . . . but what if you trip on the way?

A lowly seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own original dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. But when Jordan Singer, reporter forTexas Bride magazine, visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is humbled in his influential–and unnervingly handsome–presence.

Convinced she’ll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement–especially from her friend Bella Neeley–to take a chance and start her business. And as she gets to know Jordan, she discovers that she may have to take a chance on love as well.

Gabi Delgado is a dress designer who daily works hemming and altering other designer’s wedding dresses for soon to be brides. To take a person with the talent to design dresses and turn her into a seamstress is a lot like bottling an active volcano. Sooner or later something is going to blow. Welcome back to Galveston Island and a whole new set of characters to go along with Bella and her Italian family from the Weddings By Bella series. Jordan Singer is a reporter for Texas Brides magazine and when he meets Gabi here comes the beginning of the blow. During the course of this story we watch her grow and mature and step into her destiny one step at a time. Plus there is also dancing involved. This book is all about embracing who you are and who God called you to be. All the characters are likable and Ms. Thompson has a way of bringing you into the story and making the characters lives very real. Have fun by looking at the chapter titles they are all either Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies or song titles. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ...more

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Feb 27, 2014 Sandra rated it really liked it

Janice Thompson created a story with an appealing heroine in The Dream Dress, the third book in her Weddings by Design series. The lighthearted style sets the pace for this Cinderella tale of a lowly seamstress whose prince is mistaken for a Singer sewing machine repairman by her Spanglish speaking grandmother.

Along with her dress forms, Ginger and (the mystery man), Gabi's greatest possession is the sketchpad that holds her own bridal designs. But the latest Bridezilla, a handsome reporter, and Janice Thompson created a story with an appealing heroine in The Dream Dress, the third book in her Weddings by Design series. The lighthearted style sets the pace for this Cinderella tale of a lowly seamstress whose prince is mistaken for a Singer sewing machine repairman by her Spanglish speaking grandmother.

Along with her dress forms, Ginger and (the mystery man), Gabi's greatest possession is the sketchpad that holds her own bridal designs. But the latest Bridezilla, a handsome reporter, and a tray of chocolate eclairs start her on the road to fulfilling both her personal and professional dreams. I'll let you read the book to figure out how all those things contributed.

Gabi longs for the father who will dance with her at her wedding, but he deserted the family when she was a child. She blames God for not stopping his abandonment. Will she ever accept the invitation to the greatest ball ever and the opportunity to dance in The Father's arms for eternity?

I liked the symbolism above and the somewhat quirky secondary characters. Mimi Carmen is a hoot. And Demetri, her boss,...well, I'd guess we've all had someone like him in our lives at one time or another. Jordan, her prince, is adorable and so romantic.

Gabi is an easy character to get behind. Because she wants to be more than "the material girl" at a posh Texas wedding boutique, she's like most of us who have a dream that seems to linger just beyond our fingertips. Sometimes, all we need is a little push.

I read every quote at the beginning of each chapter, something I don't always do, but hey, they were from Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. I found it a bit odd for so many young women to be fans of such old movies, but it was right up my alley.

The Dream Dress is an entertaining tale of dreams coming true and those we can miss if we're not careful.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This book came to me free from the publisher, Revell, with the hope that I would mention it on this blog. There was no requirement for me to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ...more

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Mar 06, 2014 Valerie Comer rated it it was amazing

The Dream Dress is the third book in Janice Thompson's Weddings by Design series, and follows the romance of Gabi Delgado who's a closet dress designer relegated to the alterations room of Galveston's Haute Couture Bridal Shop. On the side, she dreams of designing gowns of her own style for brides, like the one she's creating for her friend Scarlet (heroine of Icing on the Cake, Thompson's previous book in the series). Maybe one day her high-maintenance boss, Demetri Markowitz, will see she has ...more

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Feb 22, 2014 Melissa rated it it was amazing

This is the first book I have read by Janice and I really liked it. I love her light style. But in saying that the message in the book is anything but light.

First of all, if you enjoy any of those wedding shows on TV you will love reading this book. You will feel like you are getting a sneak peak into those bridal salons.

Gabi wants more and deserves more. She has been overlooked many times in her life, mostly by men. This has given her a warped idea of how men treat women and she has lumped all ...more

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Jul 05, 2013 Rosie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Another quirky, fun-loving, release from Thompson!

Whenever I need a pick-me-up I run straight to Thompson's books. In moments I'll be laughing my head off while cheering on whoever I'm reading about. In The Dream Dress we get to know Gabi, someone we met in The Icing on the Cake. I love all the many angles of the wedding business and, though my favorite is probably photography, I did like getting into Gabi's head and watching her create. Create is such a lovely word, isn't it? Moving on...

My hea ...more

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