Janice Thompson's Fools Rush In ~ Reviewed

Fools Rush In
by Janice Thompson
ISBN: 9780800733421
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell; 1 edition (September 1, 2009)
Language: English

Product Description:

Bella Rossi may be nearing thirty, but her life is just starting to get interesting. When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding planning business, Bella is determined not to let them down. She quickly books a "Boot Scoot'n" wedding that would make any Texan proud. There's only one catch--she's a country music numbskull because her family only listens to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Where will she find a DJ on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his Keith Urban? When a misunderstanding leads her to the DJ (and man) of her dreams, things start falling into place. But with a family like hers, nothing is guaranteed. Can the perfect Texan wedding survive a pizza-making uncle with mob ties, an aunt who is a lawsuit waiting to happen, and a massive delivery of 80 cowboy boots? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding? Book one in the Weddings by Bella series, Fools Rush In is fun, fresh, and full of surprises. Readers will love the flavorful combination of Italian and Tex-Mex, and the hilarity that ensues when cultures clash.

Review:

5/5 Stars

Contemporary Romantic Comedy is the genre that author Janice Thompson's new series Weddings by Bella falls within and boy does she know how to write it well. "Fools Rush In", book #1 is a heart beating, goosebump raising, giggles under cover read. I was able to read this in less a day, which considering my teething, growth spurt experiencing, 3 month old daughter is quite the feat. *wink*

Bella Rossi is a New Jersey Italian relocated with her whole family to the shores of Galveston, Texas and she never envisioned falling for a true to earth eastern Texan cowboy, but that might just be what God has in store. The pages of this novel are grin cracking fun. I was amused by so many segments that I would re-read them aloud to my husband. If you are in the mood with something contemporary with a romantic pulse and an under your breath chuckling in the corner of the bookstore comedy then I suggest you pick up this story immediately. Within the first few pages you'll have a taste and know what type of book is in store and that's not even to mention the delving into yourself spiritual elements as well to boot!

Reviewed by: Margaret Chind


Bonus Review:

Janice hooked me from the very first sentence, “If Uncle Lazarro hadn’t left the mob, I probably wouldn’t have a story to tell.” Ok, she’s got my attention, what about yours?

I didn’t realize how many similar events in my Italian up bringing were very much like Bella’s, a grandmother who came from Italy and spoke broken English (only her dog could understand her), to many of the quotes like,"‘as long as there is life, there is hope…familiar sayings brought comfort on a chaotic day when I needed to believe, needed to hope.” Janice’s’ book brought back memories and family drama of my own Italian/American up bringing..

I loved how author described family gatherings and the food. It was always about the food. :D At my house it was about making the spaghetti sauce. We had to be trained in making the family recipe. In Bella’s world it was about the Pizza. Bella’s uncle owns a pizza shop and he’s always looking for new ideas and names for his creations.

Janice had many funny scenes like the pizza bake off. Bella brings over a cowboy and her uncle pits him against Bella’s x-boyfriend Italian stallion. Her cowboy friend says this to Bella, “B-but, I’ve never made a pizza in my life,” D.J. Stammered. “Wouldn’t even know where to start.” I could read the fright in his eyes. My invitation hadn’t included the words, “Bring your dueling pistols.” I’d simply asked him to come for some pizza.

This was a fun romantic comedy I’d love to see made into a movie. It reminded me of My Big Fat Greek Wedding—Full of family, fun and romance. Thanks for the memories Janice!!

Nora St.Laurent
Christian on-Line Columnist