Once Upon a Moonlight Night

The Bella Novella Collection

by Janice Thompson

It's going to be a star-studded night at Club Wed. . .literally! Bella Neeley's at it again, this time coordinating a celestial-themed wedding for a local female meteorologist and her groom, a quirky astronomer/scientist with his own TV show for kids. Scheduled the week before Christmas, this outdoor event is sure to wow guests and paparazzi alike. If the bride's predictions are right--and when is the famed meteorologist ever wrong?--temperatures will be in the upper 60s on this starry, starry night. Will it be clear skies ahead, or will stormy weather threaten to spoil the big day? Join Bella for a Christmas wedding you'll never forget!

Genres: Christian, Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Christian Fiction, Christmas

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 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 3 out of 5]

About this book:

“It's going to be a star-studded night at Club Wed. . .literally! Bella Neeley's at it again, this time coordinating a celestial-themed wedding for a local female meteorologist and her groom, a quirky astronomer/scientist with his own TV show for kids. Scheduled the week before Christmas, this outdoor event is sure to wow guests and paparazzi alike. If the bride's predictions are right--and when is the famed meteorologist ever wrong?--temperatures will be in the upper 60s on this starry, starry night. Will it be clear skies ahead, or will stormy weather threaten to spoil the big day? Join Bella for a Christmas wedding you'll never forget!”


Series: Book #1 in the “Bella Novella Collection” series set after the “Weddings by Bella” series (Reviews coming at a later date).


Spiritual Content- A few Scriptures are quoted & mentioned; Church going; Witnessing; Many talks about God, trusting Him, & praying; Some ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Set during Christmas times; Many mentions of God & Jesus; Mentions of prayers, praying, prayer warriors, & prayer meetings; Mentions of those & events in the Bible; Mentions of churches/chapels, church going, music, & services; Mentions of Christmas & the nativity; Mentions of blessings & being blessed; Mentions of Heaven; A few mentions of Methodists & Charismatics; A couple mentions of thanking God; A couple mentions of a bird quoting Scriptures; A couple mentions of faiths; A mention of a miracle of biblical proportions; A mention of missions;
*Note: A few mentions of pagans.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, an ‘idiot’, and two forms of ‘shut up’; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); A bit of eye rolling; Mentions of secrets & deception; Mentions of divorces; A few mentions of alcohol; A few mentions of tattooed makeup; A mention of jealousy; A mention of not having to shoot a horse; A mention of vomit;
*Note: Mentions of Disney, characters, & movies; Mentions of singers, celebrities, & TV shows; A few mentions of PBS; A mention of an alien’s spaceship.


Sexual Content- eight cheek kisses, three barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and eight semi-detailed kisses; Noticing (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Touches, Cuddling, & Embraces (up to semi-detailed); A few hints of a married couple spending a romantic evening together with lots of kissing; a ‘babe’s and two ‘sexy’s; Mentions of couples kissing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of kisses, kissing, & wanting to kiss; Mentions of a honeymoon & honeymooners; A few mentions of a husband leaving his wife for another woman; A couple mentions of PDA; A mention of married couple needing to get a room; A mention of Bella calling her husband ‘hunky’ and ‘delicious’; Love, being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of lingerie & unmentionables; A few mentions of parents being intimate or lack of bedclothes (no details); A couple mentions of rainy days being for making babies.

-Bella Neeley
1st person P.O.V. of Bella
147 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
While the Bella series is not my favorite of Miss Janice’s many books and series, it was an important series to her writing career and I did mostly like them. Like in that original series, there are some comments or hints that I’m not overall thrilled with since they are married and like to kiss. This novella still had the classic humor & Spiritual Content that every Janice Thompson book has, though, so that was great! :)


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*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.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun story! For awhile it looked like Bella's parents' childish clashes over supper and deception about the solution were going to take it down to a three-star, and that really didn't get solved—but there was a strong message about Jesus being the only salvation and the real Reason for the Season, which was so well done that it added a star.

Clean, except for some persistent innuendo. Okay for older teens as long as they are sure about the difference with lies/deception/truth.

[Grace Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like reading stories about Italian families. *Sigh* I have been watching Cake Boss for a while now and really like it. In some ways this book seem to like the fictional version of Cake Boss but more about weddings instead.

There were a few things I had a problem with in this story. I thought some of what was going on was a little, well, a little too perfect. Sure there was some drama happening. Like all the stuff going on at the dinner table about the poorly made food. I mean, really? The drama here really made me upset. The mom was doing her best, but she isn't the world's finest cook, so what? Does that mean her husband can say the things he said about her and her cooking? Get a life man. Or get cooking lessons and cook yourself something to eat.

Then there was the main character Bella and her husband D.J.. Look, I realize that Bella spends way too much time working, and yes, she needs time off. But those times when she is talking to you about what she is doing, her passion, she is telling you because she loves you and wants you to know about the things that are special to her. She wants you to be part of her. I get it. You want her to also spend time with you, talking about the things you like. BUT!!! Be supportive. Which you were, at times.

Sorry about that. Time share what I really loved about this book!

Justine. I just loved her. There were times that she could have come off as a little annoying. But at the end of the day, she was just an excited bride-to-be with a happy exterior. No, literally, she was happy. Well, of course she was! Why shouldn't she be happy if she is marrying the guy she loves? The weather girl and the science guy. A cute couple. She didn't even get that mad when the Splendora sisters kept saying the wrong things about her. I love that about her. I only wished we could get to know her better and maybe get to know her husband-to-be as well.

The other thing I really love about this book, is the wedding! A celestial wedding with a full moon, stars, a telescope, snow, and a cake that was so beautiful I was thinking Cake Boss again and could almost taste it. Yummy! And her dress! It sparkled when it caught the lights making the sparkles look like stars. Beautiful!

For those of you who don't know, I love, love, LOVE astronomy, things in space, the heavens above!!!! So even though I am not really into guys, if I do ever find Mr. Right, then this is my dream wedding to have. The only thing I would add to addition of everything, is to put sci-fi books and/or movies on each table for the guests to have. But that's just me.

Really though, the wedding in this book, IS THE BEST PART!!! It was so beautiful, I felt like I could see every part of it. It may have came out a little too perfect, (like there was something that really could have added a lot of drama if it was added), but who cares? This is a fluffy read, and I loved it.

Content In Book:

The book is pretty clean. But here are a few things I remember.

1. Kissing. There was one scene that they were kissing in bed, but it wasn't overly descriptive.

2. Talking about women's underwear. They were buying it, however there was one part where the character was thinking about the woman in the underwear and being intimate with her husband. Not descriptive and it didn't last long.

3. A talk about someone's parents being divorce.

Who I Would Recommend This Book Too:

Those who like stories about Italian families. Those who like stories about weddings and the makings of them. Romance lovers.

Will I Read The Next Book in The Series?

Maybe. Though I really love this book, it was because of the space-like theme the wedding had. The next book (Tea for Two), I believe takes place in a Victorian-theme wedding during or around Valentine's Day. I might pick it up someday, but we will wait and see. =)

[Linda Matchett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as a fun, quick read, but was disappointed that there wasn’t more of a plot. Despite being a large cast of characters, each one was unique and well-developed, and with one exception I was able to keep them straight in my head. The writing was clever and snappy, and the description of mealtimes had me salivating even though I’m not a foodie. I could relate to Bella who is a workaholic yet recognizes that it’s a problem that she needs to solve. I love that she loves her husband so much, and she realizes how blessed she is in her marriage. I didn’t care for Bella’s father. He was self-absorbed and his behaviors were allowed to happen when he constantly belittled his wife about her cooking. I would have liked to see him get some sort of comeuppance. The Splendora trio made me laugh, from their outrageous outfits to their over-the-top personalities. Justine the weather-girl-bride was also quirky and fun. I would recommend the book for those who like “kissing books.” It is a sweet romance, with the “married love” activities being handled off-stage.

[Pattisue · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is always fun and laughter in Bella’s world. “When a girl is raised in a wacky Italian family, she can always count on drama around the dinner table.” Bella is busier than ever with her wildly successful Club Wed venture, her adoring husband, and her growing family. Rossi family drama keeps life interesting and Bella dreams of quiet night at the Neeley house. “Casa de la Neeley is her place of refuge.” Weather theme humor and antics abound in this fun novella. Despite disaster after disaster, Bella always pulls through in the end with her family at her side. “if anyone had told this little Italian girl that she’s grow up to marry an east Texas cowboy and have four rambunctious children, she would have said they were nuts.” I love the foundation of faith and family. Bella is like every working mom trying to juggle her responsibilities and quality time with her husband and children. As she finds a balance, she gets her priorities straight. Of course, the Splendora Sunshiners (Sisters) steal the spotlight.

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book! It’s a novella, but it felt more like a whole book. Characters were well defined, plot was complete, nothing to wonder after it was over, and flowed perfectly.

I’m Italian, so I had the best time relating to this boisterous, loving Italian family. It felt so much like the weekend I just spent with my nieces at a beachfront condo, swapping family stories, laughing uproariously, and eating to the bursting point. The Rossi family was all that and more. They were so cute with each other, and this large family were such a delight.

Bella, her husband DJ and their four little ones were the best characters. Everyone helped with the wedding planning business.

Fun, God centered story!

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. While I enjoyed the storyline a lot and and Christian theme of salvation in it, I found it quite odd that it had both that and the lying and deception that the mother did with the dinners. That being said, overall I did think it was a good fun read. And I hope there's another in the series.

The narrative was well done.

I received a free copy of this audiobook and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.

[Linda Rutland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this crazy family. They are such fun. Bell's wedding business gives us plenty of new characters but if you've read the others in this series these stories don't lack for fun, interesting and sometimes wacky characters. And you just have to live her gorgeous hunk of a husband. I love this authors sense of humor and her love of family.

[Edwina Cowgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and Fun

This book was engaging and fun to read! The humor that Janice infuses into her stories is lighthearted and makes the reader want to read more of her stories. The Rossi family is this book is a close-knit family and one you will love. I am a wedding coordinator and I thoroughly enjoyed the wedding aspects of the book. I highly recommend this book!

[Mama Bear's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story featuring Bella Neeley and her quirky family. I like how the author ties in the characters from her other books as a check-in on their lives. I am glad that Janice Thompson is bringing back Bella as a main character in some additional stories.

[MaryEllen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story
I think the dad takes his criticizing of his wife too far. Some of the science is a bit off. (Hard to see stars when the moon is bright.)

Aside from that, the fantastic characters and the realistic plot points in the story make it a fun story.

[Liz 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely reintroduction to Bella’s life

Wholesome family book again from Janice, entertaining and easy to read. Was nice to meet the main character Bella but this time as a wife and mother.

[Pam Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet story

It’s relaxing to read a story that isn’t a roller coaster of conflicts- just a good story with a good message.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening pages of this book was so heartfelt with the Rossi family sitting around the table eating . The description of the food was so good, I could smell the sauce and almost taste the delicious Italian cuisine. I loved reading how the family gets together to share meals and make memories.

Bella is a wonderful character who runs Club Wed. She is a busy person and sometimes puts her family on the back burner. Will she realize that she needs to slow down a little? It is nice to see how supportive her husband is and I thought he was an amazing character. In fact all the characters were so much fun I think I would like to join the Rossi family.

Bella really has her hands full when a local TV Meteorologist asks Bella to make her wedding special by having it at night under the stars. . The bride sure does have some over the top requests which made for an entertaining story. The Splendora Sisters make an appearance in the story and I have to say I would invite them over anytime. They are funny, full of energy and make you feel right at home. As the wedding gets closer things seem to start to unravel a bit. Will the weather be perfect for an outdoor wedding at night ? Can all the food be made in time? The wedding cake was detailed so incredibly perfect I could see the sparkles on the cake and imagine the taste of the light and fluffy goodness.

I loved how the author used this story to remind us that our plans may not be God's plans for us. We get frustrated when things don't work out and become upset. I loved how the story centered around family and being content with what we have. Sometimes we need to slow down and enjoy our families and appreciate them. The Rossi family worked together through every obstacle and I loved the closeness they shared.

The day has arrived for the big wedding and you can feel the excitement as everyone scrambles to make this a wedding that the bride will never forget. Will Bella pull off the perfect wedding? Grab a copy of this fun story and find out what happens "Once Upon A Moonlight Night."

[Kristie Weiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

I love this series. It was wonderful to see the continuation of the Rossi Neely family. Christian romance at its best. Looking forward to the New books in this series.

[Laura]

ONCE UPON A MOONLIGHT LIGHT is a sweet novella based around Ms. Thompson’s famed The Club Wed series. This is book one in the novella collection, following Fools Rush In, Swinging from a Star, and It Had to be You. I enjoyed getting updated in Belle’s and DJ’s life and Belle’s quirky Italian family, and watching a December wedding go from planning to execution in a big, grand way. God even showed up for it.

I love the quotes by the famous (or infamous) people at the beginning of each chapter, including one from Dr. Seuss. “The storm starts, when the drops start dropping, When the drops stop dropping then the storm starts stopping.” Or one by Mark Twain, “Everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it.”

This isn’t a romance (most of Ms. Thompson’s books are), but instead, more of a women’s fiction comedy.

If you like wedding stories, you’ll want to read ONCE UPON A MOONLIGHT NIGHT. 4.5 stars.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure Bella is my favorite book character of all time, and I was more than excited to find out Janice Thompson has brought us back into her life. In this first installment in the novella series, Bella is back to doing what she does best - pulling off impossibly perfect wedding ceremonies.

We also get to connect with DJ and the rest of Bella's crazy family. I was excited to see Hannah, Gabi, and Scarlett also included in this series, and know their stories get to continue for us.

I thought this was such a fun story and a great way to kick off the new series. Although this could be read as a stand alone, I really suggest you go back to the beginning of the Bella books to really appreciate all the characters and how they play into each other's lives.

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

a change of pace story. a very involved Italian families supporting their relationships n livelihood surrounded by food, looking after children, helping out at weddings. Bella n DJ have 4 young children n they go about raising their kids, plus Bella works as a wedding co-ordinator n DJ is in construction. The story is written how this family function with meals together n helping each other out. The outside characters in the story are delightful, dreamy, forever on the phone but I did very much like the Splendora Girls. I reckon they would be a delight in any community.

[JaneReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

So fun to reconnect with Bella and her family again. I have read all the other books featuring her and enjoyed them. I didn't feel the same connection with Bella this time though, I felt like she had become such a workaholic her family and relationships were suffering. However she does learn to the importance of slowing down and making time for herself and family. This time Rosa and Laz have gone on vacation and mealtime is suffering due to them being away. This creates a lot of funny moments. Absolutely loved the Splendora Girls. They always add entertainment.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another Weddings by Bella book, and it does not disappoint. The characters are charming, and the family dynamics are to behold. It's interesting to see what happens when a major couple of the family goes on vacation leaving the rest of the family without a cook. That may not seem too bad to you and me. But if you're Italian and used to lots of good food, frozen lasagna just won't cut it.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming Christmas Story!

This is a super cute read perfect for the holidays and all the hustle and bustle that go with. I totally identified with Bella and feeling overwhelmed and not having enough time and energy for my hubby and others with all of life going on. Time goes so fast. Do yourself a favor and take break and slow down with this charming story!

[Wilani Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read. I love the characters in this series. What I love about this author is the way she mixes humor into the story along with an inspirational thread. It is always just the right mix. I look forward to reading more books in this series. Each can stand alone, but the reader will enjoy it so much more if they go back and read all the books.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once upon a moonlight night

A very funny book, enjoyed it so much. Like visiting family again. Loved Bella and how hard she works and she can always plan a great wedding no matter what comes her way. Rosa and Laz go on vacation, they are the cooks of the family, so it is very interesting at meal time. Nothing like a new Bella book from Janice Thompson, look forward to the next one.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was nice to read again about Bella and her endearing family.
I loved all the characters and the setting of Galveston.
You are always guaranteed a good read when you read a book by Janice Thompson

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally delightful novella. Moves quickly but covers lots of bases. Humorous and godly at the same time. Love all the characters and it was pure joy to be reading such a fun story. Highly recommend.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner

Janice Thompson continues to delight readers with her Bella books and this story is no exception. You get a little love, romance and a large dollop of Christian faith mixed in with a loud, loving Italian family.

[Lynda Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reading!

I really enjoyed reading this author and definitely will look for more by her. I do recommend this book. The characters were realistic as was the entire book. I loved meeting and getting to know Bella and her family.

[Jen Houg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story featuring Bella Neeley and her quirky family. I like how the author ties in the characters from her other books as a check-in on their lives. I am glad that Janice Thompson is bringing back Bella as a main character in some additional stories.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always delightful to return to Bella's world.

[Alisha Grant]

cute bella story though her dads negative comments when something did not go his way n not seeing how they hurt his wife - sad