Every Bride Needs a Groom

Brides With Style #1

by Janice Thompson

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?
Janice Thompson designs a romance sure to delight, with plenty of fish-out-of-water moments, a hilarious supporting cast, and more of the wedding biz world her readers adore.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Christian, Christian Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance

368 pages, Paperback

First published April 14, 2015

About the author

Welcome to the wacky, wonderful world of inspirational author Janice Hanna Thompson, where romantic comedy rules the day! I hope you love to laugh, because I make it my goal to tickle your funny bone at every turn in my light-hearted tales.

Whether you’re looking for inspirational romance, quirky cozy mysteries, light-hearted historicals or fun books for younger readers, you will find it here. You will also find an abundance of non-fiction books, guaranteed to ease life’s burdens.

Why do I focus on the light-hearted stuff? Because life is hard! My readers lead busy, chaotic lives and need those special “Calgon, Take Me Away!” moments! Providing “Love, Laughter and Happily Ever Afters” brings me great delight. Lest you think it’s all fluff, think again!

Woven between the lines of each cheerful tale you will find the ultimate love story, one guaranteed to stir your soul and get your heart fluttering. Talk about a real happily ever after! There’s something for everyone on my site, so settle back in your chair, grab a cup of Earl Grey tea, and get ready to discover a light-hearted approach to life!

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

2023 reread: Three thoughts from my reread: 1.) Brady is an absolute doll and I love them together so stinkin’ much. 2.) Chapter 25, my friends, I was squealing more than a piglet. 3.) I just love when an author name drops characters from prior series. I felt like Buddy the Elf, “Hannah and Drew??! I know them!”


About this book:

“Somewhere in a sea of tulle and taffeta, satin and crepe, Katie Fisher needs to find a key ingredient of the perfect wedding—the groom.
Small-town girl Katie Fisher is busy planning her fairy-tale 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 Brides magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? Anyway, she’s sure he’ll be getting down on one knee any time now. And a one-of-a-kind designer dress doesn’t just fall out of the sky right when you need it.
But when Katie’s boyfriend takes a job in another town and breaks up with her—on the very same day she wins her dream dress—her world is turned upside down. Dare she go to Dallas to claim her prize? And will the hunky pro basketball player who runs the beyond-swanky bridal shop—yeah, you read that right—discover her humiliating secret if she does?”


Series: Book #1 in the “Brides with Style” series. Mentions characters from the author’s other series, “Weddings by Bella” and “Weddings by Design”.


Spiritual Content- A couple Scriptures are mentioned & remembered; Prayers & Thanking God; Church going; Talks about God, Jesus, praying, & waiting on God; 'H's are not capital when referring to God; Katie’s grandmother has a bit of a problem with the Presbyterian church in town, but it’s not because of their doctrine *Spoiler* She is in love with the Reverend of the church so goes out of her way to avoid him and the church *End of Spoiler*; Many mentions of God & waiting on Him; Many mentions of prayers, praying, Thanking and Praising God, blessings over food, & a prayer group; Many mentions of churches, church going, pastors/reverends, sermons, services, hymns, worship, a Sunday school class, youth groups, & denominations (Baptists, Charismatics, Lutherans, Methodists, Pentecostals, & Presbyterians); Mentions of Heaven & angels (including a couple mentions of others hoping something in particular will be in Heaven); A few mentions of a Bible college & a Bible study; A couple mentions of Christians; A couple mentions of blessings; A mention of a church camp; A mention of a devotional; A mention of purgatory; A mention of not being sure if something is a blessing or a curse (teasing);
*Note: A couple mentions of a man being called the devil himself or at least, a distant cousin; A couple mentions of a man looking like a Greek god; A mention of the devil thriving on bitterness; A mention of a buffet being “something of a religious experience” in the South; A mention of someone who has passed away watching over his loved ones.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, a ‘give a rip’, a form of ‘shut up’, a ‘stupid’, a ‘sucker’, a ‘suck it up’, two ‘doggone it’s, two ‘ever-lovin’’s, three ‘heck’s, three ‘idiot’s, three ‘shoot’s, and four ‘duh’s; A mention of curses (on TV); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Seeing a loved one pass out (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of deaths of parents (including from a car accident & from a fire); Mentions of crime, burglars, arrests, & jail/prison; Mentions of pain & injuries; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of throw up, other bodily functions, & manure; A few mentions of grief (parents, a father, & a husband); A few mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of lies & lying; A few mentions of hatred; A few mentions of virgin cocktails & wine; A couple mentions of divorces; A mention of a woman’s husband passing away in Afghanistan (military); A mention of a wife leaving her husband; A mention of drugs; A mention of a saloon; A mention of a man being called an “old fart”;
*Note: Every chapter starts with a quote by a singer, actor, poet, or other celebrity figure & many other ones are mentioned throughout the story (Dorothy Hamill, Faith Hill, Diane Keaton, Nicolas Cage, Jack Nicholson, Conway Twitty, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Kenny Chesney, Johnny Cash, Steve McQueen, Herb Caen, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Doris Day, Ann-Margret, Petula Clark, Georgia O’Keeffe, Katharine Hepburn, Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Immanuel Kant, Kate Bosworth, Patrick Geddes, Annie Baker, Gary Allan, Freddy Fender, Albert Camus, Jeremy Renner, Chris North, Naomi Judd, Robert Redford, Jamie Lee Curtis, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Margaret Mead, Twiggy, Quentin Tarantino, Brandon Routh, Shania Twain, & Lawrence Durrell); Mentions of stores, restaurants, & other places (Brookshire Brothers, Dairy Queen, Clinique counter, Curves, & an Exxon station); Mentions of movies & a TV show (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Coal Miner’s Daughter, Sybil, Guiding Light, & Dancing with the Stars); Mentions of car brands & other brand names; Mentions of sports teams; Mentions of a man saying that marriage is like an “institution”, being “tied down”, and “the old ball and chain”; A few mentions of fictional characters (Barbie, Ken, Mary Poppins, & the Wicked Witch); A few mentions of social media & other sites (Facebook & Skype); A couple mentions of plastic surgery; A mention of the Food Network.


Sexual Content- Two cheek kisses, a nose kiss, three forehead kisses, six not-detailed kisses, three barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and a semi-detailed kiss; Remembering kisses & touches (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Flutters, Tingles, Nearness, & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Flirting, Blushes, Winks, & Staring; Noticing (including muscles, up to semi-detailed); a ‘babe’; Katie calls Brady’s cologne and smile “yummy” a few times; Many mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends, dating, dates, breakups, exes, & broken hearts; Mentions of kisses, kissing, married couples kissing, & seeing others kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of flirting, swooning, blushes, & winks; A few mentions of cheating; A few mentions of a player and womanizer; A few mentions of a guy’s yummy cologne; A couple mentions of a purity ring & the reminder to stay chaste until marriage; A mention of a TV show with “nasty bedroom scenes”; A mention of having to fast-forward through a scene in the movie because it was “so, well, you know”; A mention of a TV show where a man had seventeen wives (the person who brought it up thinks he went to jail in the end); A mention of Katie wondering if one of her brothers would ever take serious interest in the opposite sex; A mention of a crush; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: The cover shows a young woman in a strapless dress & shows a bit of cleavage; Mentions of bosoms/busts, buxom women, figures, & sizes; A few mentions of some men liking “girly things” or design wedding dresses or the different materials (including being concerned about a guy who liked taffeta & a father being concerned that he wasn’t a manly enough influence on his youngest son); A couple mentions of thinking a couple is going to have 2.5 children; A couple mentions of hot flashes; A mention of the battle between the sexes (of not understanding the other); A mention of male menopause; A mention of a woman with a large bottom; A mention of a woman not liking a reverend wearing a robe because it reminds her of a dress.

-Katie Fischer, age 24
1st person P.O.V. of Katie
351 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Four Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Four Stars (and a half)

Oh. My. Goodness! I laughed so hard I was crying! Oh my goodness! Ahhh! And Bella & Hannah are even mentioned! (Goal this year: Review the Bella series!) Miss Janice pulls off the best plots and makes them even more hilarious than you expected! Oooh! This was just so good! I can’t wait read book #2 coming out in October! Miss Janice’s tagline is perfect: “Love, Laughter, and Happy Ever Afters!” Y’all better believe I’ll be quoting that!

2023 reread: Three thoughts from my reread: 1.) Brady is an absolute doll and I love them together so stinkin’ much. 2.) Chapter 25, my friends, I was squealing more than a piglet. 3.) I just love when an author name drops characters from prior series. I felt like Buddy the Elf, “Hannah and Drew??! I know them!”



Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this review.

[Rachel Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5*
Oh. My. Stinkin. Goodness.
This book was so much fun!! And there was no major miscommunication-so-I-am-not-gonna-talk-to-you-and-I’m-also-gonna-have-a-bad-attitude-about-it
That was long, but it’s didn’t have that. Obviously, the miscommunication is the main point, but it went extremely well! Brady is the guy!! Katie is so funny and sweet. Loved it so much! And I LOVE the wedding dress aspect.

Content: many mentions of kissing (none of it is detailed, you just know)

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all of the national tragedies the last few weeks, I needed a light read to escape a bit. This really fit the bill for me but without being vapid or stupid. I really enjoyed this romantic comedy with a side of tragic and all of the family issues that were covered.

Only thing I disliked was her crazy friend who found it impossible to control those crazy kids!

I’m eager to read the rest of the series.

[Maria Pierron · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to write a Janice Thompson book in 7 Easy Steps:

1. Begin with a short, single girl whose crazy family is incredibly in touch with their Greek, Italian, Mexican, or Southern small-town heritage.
2. Your male love interest must be compared to Adonis at some point (preferably the first time the single girl lays eyes on him).
3. Her mother and father must be deeply in love.
4. For some added spice, throw in an elderly romance (hopefully including the main character's maiden aunt or widowed grandmother, or crabby uncle). These two must have been in a relationship in their younger years, broke it off, and suddenly reconnected in their Golden Years.
5. Mention Bella Neely.
6. All female characters must love Brock Benson, Dancing with the Stars, old movies, and rich food.
7, and the most important step: NO CHARACTERS MAY REMAIN SINGLE AT THE END OF THE BOOK.

[Alayna | Literarily Persuaded · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all this book is sweet than honey. I haven’t read a book that delightful in quite some time, and it’s worth every minute spent reading and rereading pages!

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love books with humor and romance? Love a heroine who is small town adorable discovering the big city? How about a hunky hero that is out of place yet perfect? If you love all of these, then you have to read Every Bride Needs a Groom.

Katie Fisher has big city dreams for her wedding. Now she's won a contest for a dream, designer dress. The only problem? Her groom decided he didn't want to be groom. All her dreams seem to be on hold...while she wonders how to tell the designer that she can't really claim the prize after all.

The story is a delightful romp through a bridal shop with all the fun you would expect from a Janice Thompson story. The hero is a fish out of water and yet perfect! The interplay between the two is laced with humor, fireworks, and more.

I don't usually like straight romance, but I adore this author's. Her books sing with a humor that has me giggling and a spiritual truth that hits home. The hero and heroine are always surrounded by a great cast of secondary characters...and there's always at least one that keeps me longing for the next book to come out already so I discover her story. This story is multi-layered with change happening in multiple characters.

[Sarah L · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️
This book was so funny!! I really enjoyed it.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every Bride Needs a Groom is the first book in Janice Thompson's new series, "Brides With Style", and a good read if you're looking for a light, chick-lit story with some humor. I felt like the first half of the book moved slowly and it didn't grab my attention...but I really started to enjoy the book towards the end.


For the most part I liked the characters, although there were times things they said/did rubbed me the wrong way. I thought the ending was cute and not what you expect when starting Every Bride Needs a Groom.



All in all, a nice read. I liked the story.
*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.*

[Rhys-Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book somewhat, but it wasn’t everything I hoped it would be. While fluffy books have their place, I was looking for more depth from this one. The rather too perfect characters and lack of Christian content made this a fairly disappointing read for me.

This book’s premise was intriguing, but it didn’t go in the direction I wanted it to. Katie’s thoughts, feelings, and relationship with the Lord were ignored in favor of mediocre humor and romance so cheesy and unrealistic as to make even the devoted rom-com reader nauseous. What bothered me most was Katie’s disappointing character arc and the dearth of Christian content–just because characters are Christian and prayer and church are mentioned doesn’t mean something is a Christian book. This could have been a far more powerful story if it focused on Katie’s relationship with God and how she grew closer to Him despite losing her boyfriend and longing for romance. Instead, it ended up reinforcing the idea that a woman–or a man, really–needs romance and marriage to have a happy and fulfilled life.

Also, the amount of side characters who ended up together in this book was disgraceful. Seriously, you can write a romance without also including romance subplots for every one of your side characters. It’s unrealistic, unnecessary, and unappealing to myself and hopefully some other readers.

I had high hopes for Brady, the hero of this novel, but found him another of the most disappointing aspects of this book. He was too flawless of a character, with an uninteresting personality, and the story didn’t make me want him and Katie to end up together–I didn’t care about either of them.

Regarding the plot, I was so annoyed at all the times Katie tried to say she and Casey had broken up, then was interrupted or lost her nerve. She should have said it right away instead of waiting half the book, and her reluctance made the story feel contrived.

As I neared the conclusion of this book, the word “saccharine” came to mind. Saccharine hero and heroine, saccharine plot, saccharine setting, with absolutely no substance, depth, or realism. Chapter 32 especially made me cringe more than any book I can remember.

While Every Bride Needs a Groom isn’t terrible, it had some problems in my eyes. However, other readers might enjoy it more if they enjoy fluffy contemporary romance novels.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars...

I find it hard to believe that Katie can be THAT ok with the breakup after 7 years with the guy. Also - she meets someone else pretty fast and falls in love very quickly. It seemed like a rebound relationship to me. I didn't see much chemistry between the two of them either. They had a couple of conversations and that was it. Love.

The male love interest I found to be rather dull. He just seems too perfect. He doesn't have any flaws, he's understanding and sweet, and of course, REALLY good looking. I didn't really care for him. Katie was okay, but I couldn't stand her family. The mother and grandmother were complete control freaks and the weird feud between the grandmother and the grandmother's sister was a weird side plot that didn't need to be there.

I also find it odd that EVERY character in the book has to have a love interest. Even the secondary characters. Even the characters who aren't even in the book that much. It felt a bit like Noah's Ark with everyone pairing off.

Overall, I didn't hate this book, but it wasn't my favorite either.

[Anna |This Curly Girl Reads| · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ {Quick Review)
This is my first by this author, and I did enjoy it! I really liked Katie and Brady. Jan Thompson nailed the small town community sentiments in such a cute/funny way. There are many other loveable characters in both Fairfield and Dallas. Lori Lou is a bit over the top 😂 but as a mom of many, I actually felt for her most of the times (except trying to push Katie into doing things).

The romance was sweet, though the end had a lot of kissing…all of a sudden. At least it wasn’t extremely detailed. It’s a clean story, with the exception of a few innuendos/suggestive comments from or about married couples if I remembers correctly (I am reviewing after finishing all three books—the other books actually had more of that which I don’t prefer.)

Cute. ✔️Funny. ✔️Light read.✔️

[Izzy Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ personally
I saw this book recommended and thought I would give it a try since I recently got KU free for 3 months! 😊 I was pleasantly surprised and I really enjoyed it!! CANNOT wait to read more of Janice Thompson’s books!!! 😁 Brady is soooo sweet and I really loved them together!!!

[Talita :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy it, it was funny and things happened fast.
But I had expected that one specific happened at the end of the book.
So I give it ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Hadassah Buie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious! Much funnier than I was expecting.

[Margaret Chind]

Review below image:



It's about time I dived into another contemporary romance with Janice Thompson! While it seems I must have missed a few titles of hers in the last year (9-month old baby preoccupation maybe?) I'm delighted to have my hands the first in a new series! Also you should stay tuned, as I'm going to be going through my Janice archives for both contemporary and historical novels to add them to my review database to be more easily found in searches and archive lists!

On other days, you might catch me thrilled about the Marvel Cinematic Universe with all the overlapping stories. But on days like today you'll find me thrilled about the Brides in Texas or Galveston Weddings novelized universe! (Okay, so perhaps novelized is not quite the right word, but you get the point right?) Janice has written a handful of delightful series and over a dozen books that all intersect. Some with complete side by side stories and others with just a mention of previous beloved characters. Well we have another here with a mention even of Bella! If you haven't read the Weddings by Bella series, you definitely should put it on your list. Each novel from Janice can easily be read and stand alone on it's own merit, but they are so fun and full of laughter and joy that you'll want desperately to read more and luckily she's racking up quite the book list to allow you do so!

Every Bride Needs a Groom is laugh-out-loud worthy and full of friendships. My goodness doesn't all of these books need to be made into a TV series. I know I'd watch it! Every girl dreams of her fairy tale wedding a little bit right? Well our character Katie is a little over the top obsessed with it and has the boyfriend, but no proposal. Yet she enters to win the dress of her dreams in preparation... and then he breaks up with her to follow his career elsewhere. Hmm... Disaster in the making? Or a set up for a creative and inventive plot to keep the pages turning and the grin on your face? What do you think? ;)

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

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie Fisher is busy planning her wedding. It doesn't matter that her long term boyfriend hasn't proposed yet, she's still dreaming of her big day. When her cousin tells her to enter an essay into a contest sponsored by the Texas Bride magazine with the prize being a wedding gown designed by premier designer Nadia James, Katie enters. She never expected to win. She also never expected her boyfriend to breakup with her on the same day that she wins the gown. Heading to Dallas and the prestigious bridal shop, Cosmopolitan Bridal, Katie is determined to not accept the gown. But her plans have a way of going awry once she meets the shop employees and the handsome pro-basketball player turned bridal shop manager, Brady James. As she and Brady begin spending more and more time together, Katie begins to wonder if she'll have a chance to wear the exquisite gown - someday.

I've always enjoyed reading Janice Thompson's books. I always know I'm in for a fun, humorous, lighthearted tale. This one didn't disappoint.

The first in a new series introduces a new cast of delightful characters. The similarities to the Rossi family are noticeable to readers who have read the Weddings By Design and Weddings By Bella books, but a new reader would easily be able to pick it up and find it delightful. There is the large family, the elderly women in town who know everything (much like the Splendora Trio), the family business, and the cast of characters that can steal the show.

I'll admit that it took me several chapters to get into the book, but once Katie had won the dress, I was hooked. I loved the ladies at the bridal shop. I loved their code names for all of the different brides. I also loved how they each wanted to see Katie's dreams come true. And that they wanted the best for Brady. It was also fun to have cameos from Jordan Singer of Texas Bride and photographers Hannah and Drew. I love when authors pull other characters into their new books to share a small glimpse into their lives.

I loved how Brady and Katie seemed to be great together. They each could tell what the other needed.

I'm looking forward to seeing how their romance develops in the next book.

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

Recommended to fans of Janice Thompson, romantic comedies, Mary Connealy, contemporary romance

Rating - 4 stars

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janice Thompson in her new book, “Every Bride Needs a Groom” Book One in the Brides with Style series published by Revell introduces us to Katie Fisher.

From the back cover: Somewhere in a sea of tulle and taffeta, satin and crepe, Katie Fisher needs to find a key ingredient of the perfect wedding–the groom.

Small-town girl Katie Fisher is busy planning her fairy-tale 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? Anyway, she’s sure he’ll be getting down on one knee any time now. And a one-of-a-kind designer dress doesn’t just fall out of the sky right when you need it.

But when Katie’s boyfriend takes a job in another town and breaks up with her–on the very same day she wins her dream dress–her world is turned upside down. Dare she go to Dallas to claim her prize? And will the hunky pro basketball player who runs the beyond-swanky bridal shop–yeah, you read that right–discover her humiliating secret if she does?

Don’t you just love the title, “Every Bride Needs a Groom”? I believe for someone to be a bride a man has had to propose first. Katie now has the dress but the man she thought was going to propose left her. Now she has to go and get the dress but what is she going to do with it? Janice Thompson kicks off her new series with a bang. It really does look as though all is lost and Katie is going to have to suffer some real humiliation and shame. However God is involved in this story and He never wants us to have that, instead He wants for us to experience joy and victory. This book is all about family. All the characters are likable and Ms. Thompson has a way of bringing you into the story and making the characters lives very real. This is a very enjoyable read and I am 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.”

[E.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful read filled with genuine laughs, sweet romance, and what every girl dreams of: the perfect wedding dress!

Katie Fisher grew up in a small town and is accustomed to routine. When she takes a chance and enters a contest meant for brides and wins, she has to face the reality of what happens when dreams get ahead of real life.

I found Katie to be charming, her family to be hilarious, and the circumstances the characters face to be delightful. I can relate to Katie, being from a small town myself, and enjoyed the growth that comes with figuring out whether to stay where you're comfortable or to take a risk on something new.

There were a few things that seemed a little...far fetched to me (I won't mention them so I don't spoil anything) but I tried to just take them in stride with the story. I also wish I could have seen more details about the handsome pro-basketball player, but I have suspicions on why there wasn't more about him in this particular book.

I liked the secondary plot involving Katie's family as well. Janice really pulls off the close family dynamics and adds quite a bit of humor that pulls you along. I would say that I felt there was a bit too much telling vs. showing in my opinion. Granted, we're in Katie's point of view the whole time so it's only natural, but I would have loved less "and then we talked about" statements.

All in all, it was a delightful, easy read. Lighthearted and fun with just enough romance to pull you along but enough plot to keep you going as well. I'd recommend this to fans of comedy, romantic comedy, and romance.

Rating: 4*

Originally posted on my blog: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2015/12...
__________________________
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

[Kim - Inside the Wong Mind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Bride Needs A Groom
by Janice Thompson
Rating: 4/5
Book 1 of Brides with Style
Revell – Fiction | Contemporary Romance

Katie Fisher is ready to get married to her long-time boyfriend and settle down in the small town where she’s grown up. Who would ever want to live in the big city? This Texas girl is sure her boyfriend is going to propose soon since he’s been making a couple trips to Dallas – possibly to buy a ring? With her cousin’s urgings and after reading the fine print, Katie enters a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win a custom designer bridal gown. However, when her boyfriend breaks up with her and moves away, Katie is devastated and confused, but her essay about her perfect dress and wedding for the contest wins her the dress and a photoshoot/interview with the magazine. Should she come clean about her lack of a groom and wedding date? Will Katie ever be able to find someone to wear the dress for? Will the manager of the bridal boutique – a pro basketball player helping his mother – allow her to keep the dress? Can they spin the story for the magazine?

I absolutely loved this story by Janice Thompson. I love her characters because they are always so fleshed out. She creates characters that are endearing and authentic. I also love how she incorporates characters from her other books into the story so I can catch up with them. As a woman, I can definitely relate to planning the fairytale wedding and I didn’t want to put the book down to see what happened next. I loved all the small town antics and definitely felt like I would love to live there. I also enjoyed the side story with the grandmother, which had me laughing and crying at times.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a light, clean, fun romance.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really, the only way I can describe Every Bride Needs a Groom is that it’s very Texas. It’s very Texas, and very quirky. It’s also got one of those titles that makes you want to hide the book when you’re reading it in public. Once I got past the quirkiness, though, the book was okay, though it was too indulgent for me to really like it.

The book’s silliness isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but Thompson seems to go out of her way to make sure almost every situation Katie is in is one that goes potentially crazy. And from the shenanigans at the bridal shop to a family dinner, all the conversation in response to said crazy situations are snappy and witty, as if everyone in this town (or in Katie’s family) just knows exactly what to say at exactly the right moment. And Lori Lou was one of the most unrealistic characters for me, simply because I just didn’t buy the 24/7 “crazy kids” moments.

The plot and romance are incredibly predictable, and not even the charm and chuckles of the novel can overlook that. I mean, I’m all for indulgent, sweet romance, but I also like it to be coupled with a good plot and good characters. Katie and Brady were cute, but that was it. The book was fun, but it never goes beyond that. Every Bride Needs a Groom was, for the most part, really shallow and my enjoyment got less and less the further into the book I read. It’s a cute, fun book, but it’s also one of those books that will be instantly forgotten the moment you put it down.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie expects her boyfriend of 8 years to propose any time now. So when a contest to win a tailor made wedding gown comes up, she enters. But the day she wins the dress, she loses the guy. What's a bride to do? Well, she wants to come clean but every time she tries, someone else tells her it's okay, that she doesn't have to. After all, the contest didn't say she had to have a groom.

The story is about being open minded to try new things. Small-town girl goes to the city for fittings and interviews and such. Everywhere she turns, someone in her life is showing up and trying to complicate things. Her three brothers are interesting. Her grandmother is a little odd and interesting, even her parents get in on the adventure of trying something new and unexpected.

The story was entertaining, it kept me chuckling. And it kept me cheering for Katie to find that one true love that wants her for who she is. And I loved Brady, the son of the designer making Katie's dress.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars! A cute, sweet and fun read!

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better than the last novel I read by this author. The narrative made sense. The characters were on the bland side (better than the over-the-top from the other series.) The story was not believable, but that is to be expected in this type of romance. The Christian elements were ecumenical. The characters didn't live their faith, except maybe the boyfriend who was unfortunately two-dimensional. The ending was too tidy (maybe the author is setting up for books about the other characters?) This author splits her dialogue with mundane physical movements. (A pet peeve of mine.) The dialogue lacked sparkle. But it was very clean. Thanks for that. The main romance was somewhat sweet and it was a quick read. I'm sure it will appeal to many Christian Romance readers.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable start to a new series! This is one that will definitely need to be read in order. Janice creates the funniest, most down home, lovable characters ever! If you like her other stories, you'll like this one too. Keep an open eye for familiar names too ;) I do have a little trepidation that the next book may end up turning into a love triangle based on the title alone but I'm hoping not. Also while this book wrapped up nicely, it wasn't the total wrap up package as there's a #2 coming out later.

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was filled with humor and romance, a fantastic combination!

[Karen]

I wasn't sure I could love another character as much as I love Bella, but Katie Fisher has stole my heart! In this first book in the newest series, we get to meet the Fisher family from Fairfield. They are full of love, family, and deep-rooted traditions. Getting to know Katie as she headed off to Dallas was all kinds of fun. I have been looking forward to this book for a while, and it lived up to all my expectations.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

[Crystal Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janice Thompson is great at making folks laugh. Every Bride Needs a Groom has a great cast of lovable, fun characters, and heart-stirring plot. But who wouldn't have fun tossing a pro-ball player into the head seat at a wedding dress design shop? Better yet, tossing a gal without a groom into the middle of a wedding dress photo op. A wonderful story you'll love. I read it in one night.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, but not laugh out loud; comical, but not lacking seriousness; this novel will keep you wondering how the main character will keep herself out of trouble next. Thankfully, you never have to wait long to find out the mysterious troubles she keeps finding herself in. I have rated this novel a four because unfortunately it did not hold my complete attention.

[Chanae · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought I’d give this book a try as the description said it was funny, and I was wanting a quick light and funny romance. Unfortunately it wasn’t funny, and it was too sickly sweet and predictable.

[Becky of Becky's Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun story. I enjoyed the humor and the romance. Highly recommend.