A Bouquet of Love by Janice Thompson

Overview: She didn't expect to fall in love--but roses aren't the only thing blooming on Galveston Island

Cassia Pappas has found herself in a nearly impossible situation. She wants to spend her time immersed in her new job at a Galveston Island floral shop, arranging blooms and brightening occasions with her lovely creations. But her boisterous Greek family--especially her father--has other ideas. They've all relocated to Galveston to open up a new family restaurant located on the Strand--directly across the street from iconic pizza place Parma John's--and they want Cassia's full participation.

To make matters worse, as Cassia is trying to develop a strong professional relationship with Galveston's premier wedding coordinator, Bella Neeley, her own father is intent on stealing all of the Rossi family's faithful customers. Not exactly the best way to get into this former Rossi's good graces!

Still, at least Alex, that hot delivery guy from the nursery, is always hanging around the flower shop...

ISBN-13: 9780800721558
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 8/19/2014
Series: Weddings by Design Series , #4
Pages: 352

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My Review: Wow, this was a great read! I have not read any books by Janice Thompson, so I didn't know what to expect. I was not disappointed. As many bloggers and reviewers have already stated, this book brings to mind the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. It is filled with the humorous adventures of two large families, competing with each other to be the best. It is also packed with biblical life lessons that the characters have to overcome and accept. The author does a great job of mixing faith with life, making the story believable without being over-the-top preachy.

I loved the characters! Cassia Pappas appeared a little wishy-washy to me at first, but as I got into the story, I understood. Cassia is struggling with her loyalty to the plan she believes God has laid out for her and her loyalty to her family. Her humor and passion for what she does really draws me to her as a character. Alex Rigas is a sweet, southern gentleman. I loved him from the beginning. While he's a more subtle male lead that I'm used to, he is no less important. His steadfastness and strength helps Cassia overcome her situation, and makes me admire him. The secondary characters, Babbas and Mama Pappas, as well as the Rossi family, makes the story interesting and fun.

As I said above, the author mixes life lessons and faith in this fun, fast-paced story. These characters have to learn to trust God to help them overcome jealousy, bitterness, and most of all: living what you preach. I loved this story and recommend it to anyone who wants to read a fun, fast-paced love story with great principles mixed in.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Revell Reads blogging program in exchange for my honest review.**

About the Author: Award-winning author Janice Thompson also writes under the pseudonym Janice Hanna. She got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over ninety books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more. In addition, she enjoys editing, ghost-writing, public speaking, and mentoring young writers. Janice formerly served as Vice-President of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), where she has finaled multiple times in the prestigious Carol Awards.  She was thrilled to be named the 2010 Barbour/Heartsong Author of the Year, with three books on the top ten list for that house. Janice is currently the vice-president of her local writing group, Writers on the Storm, where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing. Her online writing courses have been helpful to many who want to earn a living with their writing. She also shares her love of writing in her monthly column at CFOM (Christian Fiction Online Magazine). Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. She does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all. You can find out more about Janice at www.janiceathompson.com or www.freelancewritingcourses.com.

 A DOZEN WACKY FACTS ABOUT AUTHOR JANICE HANNA THOMPSON