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Unexpected Wedding
When life takes a startling turn, is their bold decision an answer from God, or a
serious detour from his perfect will?
Rocky Lionakis has been a wheelchair user since a fall in college. He plays bass guitar in Cornerstone Fellowship’s worship band, and shares his testimony every week with the campers at Towering Pines summer church camp. At peace with his chair, he has settled into a boring but successful career in technology—until stunning camp counselor, Gia Rinaldi, enters his life and turns it upside down.
Lifelong preacher’s kid and occasional wild child Giavanna Rinaldi has always learned things the hard way. With a trail of bad choices in her wake, she has finally grown up and found her niche as a student of Christian child psychology. She returns to Camp Towering Pines where she’s worked since high school, but unsettling dreams and an unexplained illness lead her to a harrowing discovery.
Will Rocky and Gia’s budding romance survive her trauma? And is their bold decision an answer from God, or a serious detour from his perfect will?
Unexpected Wedding was originally published 2014. This version has been updated and edited, but the core story remains the same.
serious detour from his perfect will?
Rocky Lionakis has been a wheelchair user since a fall in college. He plays bass guitar in Cornerstone Fellowship’s worship band, and shares his testimony every week with the campers at Towering Pines summer church camp. At peace with his chair, he has settled into a boring but successful career in technology—until stunning camp counselor, Gia Rinaldi, enters his life and turns it upside down.
Lifelong preacher’s kid and occasional wild child Giavanna Rinaldi has always learned things the hard way. With a trail of bad choices in her wake, she has finally grown up and found her niche as a student of Christian child psychology. She returns to Camp Towering Pines where she’s worked since high school, but unsettling dreams and an unexplained illness lead her to a harrowing discovery.
Will Rocky and Gia’s budding romance survive her trauma? And is their bold decision an answer from God, or a serious detour from his perfect will?
Unexpected Wedding was originally published 2014. This version has been updated and edited, but the core story remains the same.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2014
19 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Carla Rossi
17 books36 followersSweet romance from a witty transplanted Texan who’s a mountain girl at heart.
Writing funny stories with a bit of snark, celebrating life & family, always looking for a good brownie.
Carla Rossi is a multi-published, award-winning author as well as an editor, cancer survivor, life-long musician, speaker, and writing teacher. She has been writing sweet romance and inspirational romance since 2007. Carla lives north of Houston with her husband. She has three grown children, three grandchildren, and an extremely helpful Maine Coon Muse Cat.
Writing funny stories with a bit of snark, celebrating life & family, always looking for a good brownie.
Carla Rossi is a multi-published, award-winning author as well as an editor, cancer survivor, life-long musician, speaker, and writing teacher. She has been writing sweet romance and inspirational romance since 2007. Carla lives north of Houston with her husband. She has three grown children, three grandchildren, and an extremely helpful Maine Coon Muse Cat.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 29, 2014
I just finished this phenomenal book. I loved the strong hero, Rocky. He lived a full life despite his disability. He was strong, masculine, virile and treated the heroine,
Gia, with such tenderness and respect. I loved Gia also! She was a strong lady who had been through a lot of trauma, yet came out a stronger person. There was a strong element of faith without being preachy. This is the first time I have read a book by this author, but I will definitely be reading more! I am now going to start reading the first book in the series :) Definitely recommend!
Gia, with such tenderness and respect. I loved Gia also! She was a strong lady who had been through a lot of trauma, yet came out a stronger person. There was a strong element of faith without being preachy. This is the first time I have read a book by this author, but I will definitely be reading more! I am now going to start reading the first book in the series :) Definitely recommend!
May 15, 2014
Gia Rinaldi has made a lot of mistakes and bad choices in her life. She spends her summer months as a counselor at the Towering Pines summer church camp. While there she encounters disturbing dreams and an unexpected illness that will change her life. Due to this she will have to leave her duties at the camp. Gia feels she is being led to work with kids and get a degree in child psychology but wonders how she would be able to do this. She meets Rocky Lionakis at camp where he is giving his testimony. Rocky has been wheelchair bound since a terrible accident he had while in college. Without accepting any help he is at peace and has adapted very well to the wheelchair. Rocky plays the bass guitar in a band at his church. Gia is the child of a preacher but her relationship with her parents is strained.
Carla Rossi has written a delightful inspiring romance with humor, faith, obstacles and struggles while touching on sensitive issues. The story is well written with characters that seem so real. I love how Carla brought Gia and Rocky together and how their relationship evolved. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
Carla Rossi has written a delightful inspiring romance with humor, faith, obstacles and struggles while touching on sensitive issues. The story is well written with characters that seem so real. I love how Carla brought Gia and Rocky together and how their relationship evolved. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
July 15, 2014
Unexpected Wedding by Carla Rossi is a story about Rocky and Gia and how they meet, have a first date, and get married after only knowing each other a few weeks. It is in a way a modern day marriage of convenience story. Rocky, due to an accident is an athlete in a wheelchair. Gia, a camp counselor who enjoys her job of working with children, met Rocky at the camp in a very unconventional way. From the start the sparks fly. After a really great first date, Gia receives some devastating news from her doctor. Not wanting to face her parents due to a long resentment, Rocky swoops in and she begins to rely on him. However, he believes the best way he can take care of her is by marriage. After that decision is made they marry within a couple of days to the surprise of Rocky’s friends and much to the surprise and hilarious reaction of both of their parents. This was a sweet tale dealing with some difficult subjects of two people deciding to love each other through thick and thin. They just both really need to tell each other that. I received this book from The Book Club Network, (TCBN) and the opinions are my own.
July 16, 2014
Unexpected Marriage by Carla Rossi is about two people who meet while working at a summer camp. Rocky is a strongly independent man who has learned to adapt to life in a wheelchair. At time he appears to be, almost, too independent.
Gia is the daughter of an evangelical minister. She became a rebellious teen who then became an adult that had trouble believing in herself or trusting others.
Both of these adults met and filled holes that the other had within their hearts. Along their paths they had to learn to trust in God more than themselves.
This is a book worth celebrating. As I read it I found myself recommending it to others, even before finishing it. Rossi made me feel as if Gia and Rocky were friends, yet I know their lives, after the book ended, would go on successfully.
I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest and fair review.
Unexpected Wedding
Gia is the daughter of an evangelical minister. She became a rebellious teen who then became an adult that had trouble believing in herself or trusting others.
Both of these adults met and filled holes that the other had within their hearts. Along their paths they had to learn to trust in God more than themselves.
This is a book worth celebrating. As I read it I found myself recommending it to others, even before finishing it. Rossi made me feel as if Gia and Rocky were friends, yet I know their lives, after the book ended, would go on successfully.
I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest and fair review.
Unexpected Wedding
May 18, 2014
Baggage threatens to cripple all.
Gia and Rocky meet at camp. It's instant attraction, but both parties bring their share of baggage. Rocky is afraid to let people do too much for him, and is fiercely independent. He needs to prove he can still do for himself, even though he is in a wheelchair. Gia is classically beautiful, but with a background of a pastors'(plural) kid's family and a mega church at that, hurts piled up and resentment is deep. Circumstances and desire conspire to cause Gia and Rocky to wed, but will they be able to withstand the pressures that their different backgrounds, needs, and hurts require? Can they look to God for their own personal healing so they can impart healing for each other, or will they tear each other apart in their efforts for self-survival and healing? Secondary characters are a surprising hoot and add quite the touch of humor to a book somewhat fraught with friction and anxiety of unsettled relationships.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
Gia and Rocky meet at camp. It's instant attraction, but both parties bring their share of baggage. Rocky is afraid to let people do too much for him, and is fiercely independent. He needs to prove he can still do for himself, even though he is in a wheelchair. Gia is classically beautiful, but with a background of a pastors'(plural) kid's family and a mega church at that, hurts piled up and resentment is deep. Circumstances and desire conspire to cause Gia and Rocky to wed, but will they be able to withstand the pressures that their different backgrounds, needs, and hurts require? Can they look to God for their own personal healing so they can impart healing for each other, or will they tear each other apart in their efforts for self-survival and healing? Secondary characters are a surprising hoot and add quite the touch of humor to a book somewhat fraught with friction and anxiety of unsettled relationships.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2014
Gia has lots to over come from her past. Men have always disappointed her. Can she ever learn to forgive and trust again? She is a fun, matter of fact kind of gal. Gia has a heart to serve God and children. Even when past mistakes threaten to over take her can she see God has a plan even in the pain. Will she let Rocky know how she really feels?
Rocky has had to overcome a terrible accident do to some ill placed choices. He has no intention on needing help from anyone, especially the beautiful Gia. Will he be able to be all she needs? Can he show her how he feels without scarring her away. What will happen if all is lost?
I enjoyed this book very much. It deals with some hard issues and has wonderful dialogue between characters. I would recommend this book to contemporary romance (which could be true) readers. I was given this book from bookfun.org (The book club network) for my honest opinion.
Rocky has had to overcome a terrible accident do to some ill placed choices. He has no intention on needing help from anyone, especially the beautiful Gia. Will he be able to be all she needs? Can he show her how he feels without scarring her away. What will happen if all is lost?
I enjoyed this book very much. It deals with some hard issues and has wonderful dialogue between characters. I would recommend this book to contemporary romance (which could be true) readers. I was given this book from bookfun.org (The book club network) for my honest opinion.
May 16, 2014
Unexpected Wedding is an absolutely wonderful book
Gia had huge problems to deal with, she had to learn to forgive and move on. She had to learn to trust again.
It was wonderful to see how she grew in the Lord
Rocky is a really cute character who wanted to be a knight in shining armor while in his wheelchair, and who had no clue on how to ask a girl for a date, or even to marry him.
This is a really wonderful book that deals with hard issues well
I received this book from the publisher by way of tbcn for my honest review
Gia had huge problems to deal with, she had to learn to forgive and move on. She had to learn to trust again.
It was wonderful to see how she grew in the Lord
Rocky is a really cute character who wanted to be a knight in shining armor while in his wheelchair, and who had no clue on how to ask a girl for a date, or even to marry him.
This is a really wonderful book that deals with hard issues well
I received this book from the publisher by way of tbcn for my honest review
April 9, 2014
I have yet to read something from Ms. Rossi that I did not thoroughly enjoy. One of my favorite things about her writing is that the characters are so real. We can recognize the people in our lives in this cast of characters, as with all her characters. I would highly recommend any of her books for their humor and spiritual message. She shows us hope through any situation, through grace and forgiveness.
April 25, 2014
In Unexpected Wedding, Carla Rossi tackles two tough subjects. Only the best kind of writer can turn date rape and a hero in a wheelchair into a five star romance with a Happy Ever After! With Carla’s trademark humor, she tackles these sensitive topics, turns Rocky into a dreamy hero and even shows us how no prisoners-taken, wisecracking heroine, Gia, can find her way to healing, too. A must read and a keeper!
May 5, 2014
Unexpected Wedding by Carla Rossi is a delightful, quick read. This contemporary inspirational romance has witty dialogue even as it deals with sensitive issues. I read it in one evening and enjoyed the story a lot. If you read Heartsong Presents or Love Inspired books you will love Unexpected Wedding. I received a copy from the publisher by way of The Book Club Network in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend this book.
July 28, 2014
Unexpected Wedding is a fast, enjoyable read. Two people meet working at a summer camp meet under a difficult situation. They both have sensitive issues to deal with and end up helping each other out. There are hard issues being dealt with in a loving, Christian way. I enjoyed the book tremendously and would recommend it to teen and older as a to be read this summer.
I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 6, 2014
Unexpected Wedding was a great romance but so much more. A book most people can relate too. Everyone has made mistakes in their lives and this book is a great reminder that God is waiting to heal us. Highly entertaining but yet more. A book I would recommend to my friends. Never read the first book, Unlikely Praise, but now I want to read that one as well.
I received this book for free from BookClubNetwork in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book for free from BookClubNetwork in exchange for my honest review.
April 15, 2014
Romance, humor, obstacles, and lessons in faith are perfectly woven in this page turner. Rocky and Gia are delightful characters facing struggles bigger than life. I laughed, then cried, then laughed again. The author crafted the perfect balance of faith and scripture. I look forward to more from Carla Rossi and look forward to reading this again, and again!!
June 7, 2014
I love that the author was willing to write a story were the main character has a disability; this kept me turning the pages. I was rooting for this couple and enjoyed seeing how they related to each other. God is truly amazing.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of The Book Club Network for my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of The Book Club Network for my honest review.
September 4, 2014
I loved this story! The strength of the characters and the way they are so real about their circumstances is beautiful! This story really makes you feel like you're right there on the sidelines cheering them on. Honestly I just wanted to reach in and hug them sometimes! Great story, Carla!
May 1, 2019
Unexpected Wedding was a beautiful surprise! Filled with funny little zingers, and deeply-felt emotion, the romance between Gia Rinaldi and Rocky Lionakis unfolds. I loved how the humor offset the pain and mistrust Gia carried. I don't think I've read anything by this author before but if this book is anything to go by, her stories are well worth the time.
Gia Rinaldi's distrust of all men runs deep. Starting with her father, the men in her life have always let her down. When she discovers that the nightmares she's been having have some basis in fact, her world is rocked yet again. Rocky's interest in her is a balm to her wounded spirit, but can she really dump all of her junk into his wheelchair and expect him to carry it for her?
Rocky Lionakis has been wheelchair bound since an accident in college. It has been a while since he's met a woman who sees him and not the chair, but Gia does. As he shares his story at the camp where Gia works, he finally works up his courage to ask her out. When their first date goes extremely well, he is devastated when she tries to cancel the second. Something is going on with Gia, but will she trust him with her truth?
I loved both of these characters! Gia has fought to come back from her youthful rebellion, and just when she has turned things around, she gets news that slams her back into her past. Rocky sees a woman who is willing to accept him, disability and all, and let him care for her instead of the other way around. It's a gift he doesn't intend to squander.
Read this for the giggles. Read this for the deep feelings. Most of all, read this because it's GOOD! I highly recommend!
Gia Rinaldi's distrust of all men runs deep. Starting with her father, the men in her life have always let her down. When she discovers that the nightmares she's been having have some basis in fact, her world is rocked yet again. Rocky's interest in her is a balm to her wounded spirit, but can she really dump all of her junk into his wheelchair and expect him to carry it for her?
Rocky Lionakis has been wheelchair bound since an accident in college. It has been a while since he's met a woman who sees him and not the chair, but Gia does. As he shares his story at the camp where Gia works, he finally works up his courage to ask her out. When their first date goes extremely well, he is devastated when she tries to cancel the second. Something is going on with Gia, but will she trust him with her truth?
I loved both of these characters! Gia has fought to come back from her youthful rebellion, and just when she has turned things around, she gets news that slams her back into her past. Rocky sees a woman who is willing to accept him, disability and all, and let him care for her instead of the other way around. It's a gift he doesn't intend to squander.
Read this for the giggles. Read this for the deep feelings. Most of all, read this because it's GOOD! I highly recommend!
August 24, 2024
Great story
Two broken people become a ministry to help others, especially youth.
She has counseling training & some tough experiences in her past. He is in a wheelchair. This story shows how they came to be a team to help others.
Two broken people become a ministry to help others, especially youth.
She has counseling training & some tough experiences in her past. He is in a wheelchair. This story shows how they came to be a team to help others.
August 10, 2025
Book 2
The second book includes humorous conversions which are balanced with faith testing situations. I enjoyed how the worship team supported Gia and Rocky.
The second book includes humorous conversions which are balanced with faith testing situations. I enjoyed how the worship team supported Gia and Rocky.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews