Swinging on a Star

Weddings by Bella #2

by Janice Thompson

Bella Rossi's life is nearing perfection. She's got the perfect guy, she's running a successful business, and she's about to plan her most ambitious wedding yet, a Renaissance-themed fairy tale come true, complete with period costumes and foods, horse-drawn carriages, and even a castle. There's just one hitch. The best man just happens to be Brock Benson, Hollywood's hottest and most eligible bachelor. Oh, and did we mention he's staying at the Rossi house to avoid the paparazzi?
With all the pressure surrounding this wedding, Bella's not sure she's going to make it through. Add her starstruck sister, her feuding aunt and uncle, and a trio of large, sequined church ladies with even bigger personalities, and you've got a recipe for disaster--and a lot of laughs. This hilarious romantic comedy is sure to delight both fans and new readers alike.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian, Christian Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

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

[Janice Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the "Weddings by Bella" series. I hope you enjoy it, everyone!

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the success of her first themed wedding – a country-western extravaganza – Bella Rossi has taken on an even bigger challenge. She must plan an elaborate, authentic, Renaissance style wedding, complete with a castle and moat. As if installing a temporary castle wasn’t enough, the wedding party happens to feature one of Hollywood’s hottest stars, Brock Benson, as the best man. In an attempt to remain anonymous so the paparazzi can’t crash the ceremony, Brock takes up residence with Bella’s family, and she struggles to keep that secret while reassuring her adorable, cowboy-boyfriend D.J. that the presence of a Hollywood star in her home won’t threaten their developing romance. If she can pull off the Renaissance fairy tale, it could be Bella’s highest profile, most successful event yet. But when wedding and Hollywood drama collide with family drama – in particular, her Aunt Rosa’s debut on the Food Network – the distractions test Bella’s faith and confidence. With the legendary Rossi family antics under the glare of a national spotlight, and a tropical storm en route, Bella must pull out all the stops to stay on track and prevent her biggest wedding yet from turning into a paparazzi photo-op.

Swinging on a Star picks up shortly after the conclusion of Fools Rush In, and I highly recommend reading that volume first in order to be properly introduced to Bella’s whacky and lovable family. Though the series bears Bella’s name, Thompson has created a true ensemble cast and one grows to care about the misadventures of each member of Bella’s circle of family and friends. Star serves up a second helping of all the elements that I loved in the first book, starting with Thompson’s clear appreciation of classic pop standards. Each chapter bears a song title, and since I’m a big fan of the Great American Songbook and Rossi family-favorite vocalists Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, I loved seeing how the title and lyrics of the songs relate to the events of each chapter. I also appreciated the Rossi family’s love of good cuisine, and how it’s poised to go national with Aunt Rosa’s pending appearance on the Food Network. Thankfully, Thompson chose to incorporate real hosts and shows into the novel, which adds a dash of pop culture realism to storyline.

I have to admit, it took me a bit longer to get into Stars than it did with Fools Rush In. Bella’s tendency to worry and overanalyze came off a bit overdone, but as the story delves more deeply into the wedding preparations and the family drama that turns around. Bella is taken to the edge, culminating with an overnight stint in jail, and back again as she learns about relinquishing control and placing her trust and faith in a never-changing God. Thompson also tackles the misleading nature of appearances, with Brock being a prime example, his Hollywood polish hiding a broken life in need of purpose. Bella’s mostly innocent tendency to “prejudge” people and circumstances is beautifully turned around when the people she wouldn’t necessarily expect are the ones who rally ‘round to spring her from jail. Star also satisfies my desire from its predecessor to get more of an insider glimpse into what it takes to create a themed wedding. I loved seeing Bella pull off the Renaissance fairy tale for her clients – the descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was part of the party. And the way D.J. and Bella’s relationship develops over the course of this wedding adventure is a treat – D.J. is the perfect embodiment of “everyday” heroism, and by the end of the book he manages to pull out all the stops in wooing Bella in a truly swoon-worthy fashion.

Filled with humor, heart, and very flawed people just trying their best to live out their faith, Swinging On a Star is a sweet, frothy confection of a read sure to leave you craving some of Rosa’s legendary Italian cooking. Book three, It Had to Be You, releases in May.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last week I saw the movie, Guys and Dolls with Frank Sinatra and Marlin Brando for the first time. I loved the music. It was fun to see these actors together in a musical. While I was reading Swinging on a Star I felt as if I were transported into a Frank Sinatra movie with a bonus feature. Janice talks about the Lord in the most natural way in her book; you won’t see that in any movie Frank Sinatra or Marlin Brando made. I’m so thankful to have received a review copy of this book.

Janice’s chapters names are so much fun too---Young at Heart, Something Stupid, Love and Marriage, Call Me Irresponsible, and My Kind of Town are just a few of their names. All are Frank Sinatra hits that fit into the theme of this entire book. I think Janice just might have a thing for Frank Sinatra and his music!! I’m just saying.

Bella is a wedding planner and prepares for her biggest gig yet—a medieval wedding, complete with castle and mote. I was swept up into this wonderland that reminded me of the movie Enchanted, were a princess is in search of her prince charming in the real world. Bella is trying to create an enchanted wedding event from Medieval times. Marian the bride had desired a wedding like this all of her life. Bella was the only one who could see her vision and create this fairy tale atmosphere. Hey if you have the money you can create Castles, horse drawn carriages and have everyone dressed in period gowns at your wedding. I would have loved to have seen this wedding and sampled Bella’s Aunt Rosa’s food.

I had so much fun reading about this amazing wedding and all Bella went through to pull it off. The best man just so happens to be the academy award winning actor Brock Benson, who is trying to hide out from the paparazzi. But Aunt Rosa’s garlic bread has won and the Food Network’s camera crews were on their way to film Rosa at work in her home. Can they hide Brock? Can Bella pull off the wedding of a life time? Stay tuned.

I enjoyed the comedy, romance, the quirky family and their relationship drama’s which reminded me of some of my relatives. I enjoyed how these characters find love not only with each other but with God. Here’s the message for our heart along this wild fairy tale adventure—so many great nuggets like this, “…figuring out that we’re all royalty. We’re God’s kids. So, the whole princess theme is very real. That’s why it resonates with women so deeply. We’re waiting for Prince Charming to sweep us away, of course, but that’s just a symbol of God sweeping in and loving us in spite of our flaws…He only sees that we’re his little princesses.”

I enjoyed this story and special nuggets Janice gave me, I know you will too.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first book in this series "Fools Rush In" was cheesy, but cute enough to get through with minimal eye-rolling. This book, however, was 10X as cheesy and my eyes are permanently scarred from the rolling. Yes, it is Christian fiction - HOWEVER, I am a strong Christian, surrounded by other strong Christian, and none of us talk this way! The Christian-ese was totally overdone. Surely there is a way to have a novel about a family of faith without overdoing the cheesy language! The story is predictable and unbelievable all at the same time. I'll probably end up reading the next book though - I'm a sucker for seeing a story all the way through to the end. :(

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think it was possible for Janice to top her last book, Fools Rush In, which made my top fiction list for 2009. Well, I liked this story even better, so it's definitely making my top fiction list for 2010. Swinging on a Star was incredible. There were enough romantic moments to make even the stodgiest woman swoon. And the kisses were to-die-for romantic. Did I mention that D.J. is probably the hottest hero ever? Mainly because he lives his faith from the inside out and he's so genuine! Granted, I know he's just a pretend person, but I feel like the characters in this book are people I actually know.

There are so many funny one liners in this story that I found myself laughing quite a bit. And as far as surprises go, this story was loaded with them. The author also does an amazing job of torturing her characters and showing crazy Italian drama like nobody's business. I grew up with people just like the Rossi's so I loved them all. I really want this series to be like one of Karen Kingsbury's series, then it will go on and on for six books or more. I can't get enough of Bella and her amazing weddings. The details are so rich and fun. I feel like I am participating the whole time. It's cool that the only character whose point of view you are in is Bella's for both books, but the author makes is so smooth you can't tell you are in first person and you feel like you know the other people as if you were in their heads even though you aren't. The only other author who does this very well is Kristin Billerbeck. Great job, Janice!

This amazing novel had many spiritual and emotionally insightful moments about human behavior and people in general that, IMHO, puts this series light years above the rest of Christian fiction in terms of takeaway value. The author delves into many truths, is frank about the Christian faith, and she warms your heart at the same time. It didn't feel preachy, but totally natural given the way this family interacts with each other. And Brock, now there was a hottie to be reckoned with. I enjoyed getting to know him, too. My eyes misted on several occasions as I got to know him and other characters better. I ended the story with a satisfied sigh. That, to me, makes for a perfect story. Janice has a unique voice that is snarky in a fun-loving way and isn't mean at all. She really knows how to deliver on all accounts and I'm loving this series because of it. Highly recommended.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Swinging on a Star did not live up to the first book. I was actually disappointed in it.

Short review: It was just okay. There is a lot of drama, some unnecessary scenes, choppy, forced dialogue, and just cheesy in places.

On the bright side, it is nothing but a fluffy read.

[Rachel Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, strong 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this as a book two! It wasn’t like a “wow” book, but overall really good. So much faith content and just a blessing to read

[Margaret Metz · Rating 5 out of 5]

couldn't wait to get my hands on this book ever since I finished "Fools Rush In." I knew it was going to be just as good, if not better, when I read "If Aunt Rosa hadn't landed that gig on the Food Network, I probably wouldn't have ended up on the national news. And if their pesky camera crew hadn't shown up at our house on one of the most important days of my life, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have been hauled off to the Galveston County jail."

Now any book that starts off with the main character talking about how she landed herself in jail ~ and due to the Food Network no less ~ you know has got to be interesting, especially when you know the Rossi clan. :o)

It's rare for a sequel to stand up to the original in movies. This book more than stands up to the first. We see Bella move from the first blush of love with her handsome cowboy to thinking about whether their love is the kind that will last and the difference between love and attraction. More than one romance blooms in this book and though Janice does a great job at making us laugh, she also grabs our hearts and makes us care about these people. My teenage son wants to lodge a formal complaint about how many times I said "awww" while reading this book. :o)

The author manages to tickle our funny bone, stir our hearts, challenge us not to judge others based on... anything and encourage us to dare to do anything put on our hearts. It's all tied up in a fabulous package of memorable characters who live long after the cover is shut. Treat yourself, you'll be glad you did.

Make sure you've eaten something first, otherwise you'll get hungry while reading all about Aunt Rosa's cooking. You'll have to get up and make yourself a snack. Then you might get food on the pages and then where would you be? lol

[Christy Trever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swinging on a Star by Janice Thompson is the second book in the Weddings by Bella series. Bella is back, along with the rest of the raucous Rossi family. This time she is planning a grandiose medieval wedding complete with castle, moat, authentic food, and traditional style clothing for all attendants and guests. That's stressful enough, but Bella's Aunt Rosa has been selected by the Food Network for a segment that will be filmed the day before the medieval wedding. Now throw in a best man, umm I mean first knight, who is the equivalent of George Clooney, and life is about to get crazy for Bella. Thank God for D.J. her steadfast and handsome cowboy boyfriend who keeps her grounded and feeling loved. Readers can't help but fall in love with the antics of the Rossi family. Mama, who's obsessed with opera; Papa, who complains about all the cheese in Aunt Rosa's spectacular meals; Uncle Laz who owns the local pizzeria and battles Rosa daily about who's the better crooner: Sinatra or Martin; and Sophia, who falls in and out of love daily. Plus a trio of Full Gospel ladies who love their sequins and cruises! Thompson has filled this book to overflowing with delightful and funny characters who will keep readers laughing. Bella is sweet and almost perfect, but her faith is what makes the reader root for her to succeed and get her man.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to say here and now I simply adore Bella and her quirky Italian family!
The struggles aren’t over for Bella in her wedding planning business. A medieval wedding is in the works and nothing must stop this wedding. Not the food network showing up to film Aunt Rosa, not the neighbor kid on the roof taking pictures and not even the best man living with her family- and did I mention he is a hot Hollywood movie star, trying to avoid paparazzi? And the struggles aren’t going to end any time soon, because Bella just might be coordinating a wedding from a jail cell!
I loved this second book in the Weddings by Bella series. This wonderful cast of characters are a blast to spend time with and you can ALWAYS expect the unexpected, which I just love! There wasn’t as much humor in this book as the first, but I still enjoyed it for the sake of the story and it kept me smiling and at one point howling! (Not going to tell- you have to figure it out!) I just so hope that there is more coming in this series, I don’t know what I would do if this isn’t! Guaranteed, read this on and the first, Fools Rush In, and you will fall in love with the Rossi clan every bit as much as I did.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review below image.


It was no secret that I really enjoyed reading Janice's first Weddings by Bella novel "Fools Rush In" and my opinion is no different with the second "Swinging on a Star". The romance is palpable and the giggles and chuckles are endless. This is the second novel in the series and though I highly recommend that you read the first one to really understand the family quirks, you could definitely appreciate this one alone. Every page radiates God's love and I love this book. I'm really eager for more series like this from Janice as well as the third book to this series.

Highly recommended for genuine good laughs.


*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*

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

[Just - The romance reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this 3.5 stars. The message was good, heart-warming and very positive, and we met the Rossi and Neeley families again, along with their friends and a few new characters. I found myself growing a little bored from time to time with Swinging on a Star. I wasn't so bored that I wanted to give up without finishing, but toward the end I started skimming.

I found that I enjoyed the first book in the series, Fools Rush In, better. But I look forward to reading book three to find out what happens next for the Rossi and Neeley families. Will there be more crazy weddings in their future?

[Angela Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute!!!! I love Guido -- the reformed once a gangsta chatty parrot. His first owner loved The Godfather. In the first book, Guido came to live with the Rossi's clan. By the end of this book (the 2nd), Guido is singing "Amazing Grace" and quoting Bible verses...and still calling people "Wise Guys!" :)

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good one that had me laughing. I love all the chaos that the wedding brought, from the logistics of it to a surprise celebrity. I found it funny how they managed to keep the celebrity under wraps for as long as they did. I thought it was great that not only the wedding couple got their HEA, but 2 more of them. It will be interesting to see what Bella does next.

[Rachelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Swinging on a Star... this book was too unrealistic, the events too dramatic, and the characters call each other "baby", which I despise. I was annoyed with many of the conversations, and the introduction of a second possible love interest, a celebrity, into the wedding business.

[Chloe H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

That last bit was SOOO CUTEEE

As much as I enjoyed those last few chapters, I really struggled to enjoy the rest of the book. It wasn't awful, and I'll always love the Rossis, but I was just... bored

And it felt really random. I majorly enjoyed the first book, and everything made me laugh. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood, but... Bella getting arrested? I mean, having celebrity stay at your house is pretty weird, but it's kind of normal for contemporary YA, but other things were just RANDOM.

I also didn't like Bella's reaction to those in jail. Of course, we should have mercy on all and should love people, and prison ministries are wonderful, wonderful things. But if you break the law, you should suffer the consequences of your actions. Not that Bella should have been in jail, but I feel like her response to those who were justly in jail showed that they shouldn't be in jail.

And I do appreciate the storyline with preaching the gospel to Brock (and what is with Bella's aversion to preaching to him? She mentioned that D.J. wasn't preaching to him as he tried to explain the gospel. We're literally commanded to preach the gospel?), but I just... I complain about this with every CF book I read, but the gospel they preach was missing some emphases, if not entire parts. Bella mentioned to the reader that D.J. wasn't condemning him, but... God does. If he's not in Christ, God condemns him. So, while WE should not necessarily condemn someone, we should let them know that God does.

I don't know. While I enjoyed certain parts, this was kind of a miss for me.

[Keira-- OLD ACCOUNT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bella Rossi's life is nearing perfection. She's got the perfect guy, she's running a successful business, and she's about to plan her most ambitious wedding yet, a Renaissance-themed fairy tale come true, complete with period costumes and foods, horse-drawn carriages, and even a castle. There's just one hitch. The best man just happens to be Brock Benson, Hollywood's hottest and most eligible bachelor. Oh, and did we mention he's staying at the Rossi house to avoid the paparazzi?
With all the pressure surrounding this wedding, Bella's not sure she's going to make it through. Add her starstruck sister, her feuding aunt and uncle, and a trio of large, sequined church ladies with even bigger personalities, and you've got a recipe for disaster--and a lot of laughs. This hilarious romantic comedy is sure to delight both fans and new readers alike.

3 of 5 stars
This was a clean romance book, and Janice Thompson's stories are always worth reading. This wasn't my personal favorite, but I don't actually know exactly why. I didn't love the whole 'Brock Benson' angle, and I also didn't feel like we spent near enough time with D.J., who I really enjoyed in the last book. I did really like the wedding planning part, and the medieval wedding was just awesome! It was fun to read about, and it may have been my favorite part of the book. Overall, I just didn't enjoy this one as much as I was hoping, however I'm excited to read the next one!

[Joy Crain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another adventure featuring the Rossi Family.


Bella Rossi is about to take on her biggest client yet. With a wedding rapidly approaching, Bella is determined the make this Medevil wedding one for the books. But, nothing ever comes easily. Not when the best man, Brock, is a movie star and needs to be hidden from the paparazzi. And Bella's boyfriend DJ isn't too happy about it. Mix in the hijinks from the entire Rossi clan and you get a laugh and loud funny book that you won't be able to put down.


I enjoyed this book immensely and recommend it for all ages.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a little better than the first book, but honestly this book just doesn't work. Is it a book about religion? Is it a book about the wedding industry? Is it a book about family? We'll never know, but what I do know is that I constantly feel like as the story starts taking off about one thing its like, "Oops! Forgot to tie that to God and faith somehow. Better insert some cheesy symbolic meaning." It just doesn't work, yet I find myself still reading this book? I also feel like the religious aspect was super forced in this book. Let the man breathe a little.

[Jennie Pendergast · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Texas couple falls more in love and lead Hollywood hunk to the Lord.

Loved being back with this couple again. Bella and DJ love continued to grow. Both had busy lives. Their family and friends were a lot of fun. They both new how to let their little light shine. In the end Bella happily ever after came. It even came for her aunt and uncle too. Hope Sophia finds someone to love her too. Looking forward to the next two in the series.

[Tam Car · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book but it just felt so contrived. The conversations felt a little choppy at the beginning but I found it better as I continued. And trying to imagine a Renaissance wedding ... so cheeseballs I had trouble doing it. Was okay for the most part but started skimming at the end. A book to read solely for entertainment, youre not likely to get much more out of it.

[Sarah Touchton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and inspiring

I enjoy Bella's adventures. Always something to give you a chuckle. They are as good as a Hallmark movie and I love that. If you want a book for the enjoyment and relaxation i highly recommended these books

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read

I really enjoy this series. It is a light and fun fluff read, but I enjoy the humor and the banter between characters, such as Laz and Rosa. I also like that it is clean, and I don't have to worry about what I'm reading.

[Bess · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Another quirky and hilarious read!
The story continues with Bella and her latest themed wedding, Renaissance, with a movie star as the best man!
DJ was just as sweet and cute as ever!
On to the next!

[Lianne Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best book I’ve read - too much detail in places where it wasn’t needed & very fluffy, but a good light read which was ideal as I was ill when I read & it didn’t take much effort. Will definitely read the others in the series & good to read Christian fiction

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I don't know why this one gave me a really hard time.

[Manna_Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humorous and wacky. A good light-hearted read. Even when the characters are bound to get into trouble, it's not in that unbearable Leave-It-To-Beaver kind of way.

[Shelli Mora · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though I enjoy the storyline, the Christian references and living with God was too much. The message would have been much more effective in smaller doses.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Total fluff, and kind of cheesy, but enjoyable.

[KANDI AULTMAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Great book. Can’t wait to read the final in the series. I can picture everything and everyone from the book. And I can feel God’s love.