When it's all about the Best Man

Reviewed by Phee Paradise

Swinging on a Star
By Janice Thompson

I like books about regular Christians living to please the Lord. If you do too, you’ll enjoy Swinging on a Star. It doesn’t have any big drama or mystery and the characters aren’t struggling with the sins of the flesh or the pride of life. But there’s plenty of action and humor. The Rossi family loves the Lord, but they are a bit quirky and some of their acquaintances make them look normal. Their exploits will keep you entertained to the end.

Bella Rossi has just taken over her parents’ wedding facility and has begun producing theme weddings. Her biggest challenge is a medieval wedding in a week and a half. To get it done she has to contend with her quirky family, the weather, and most of all the best man. He’s a Hollywood superstar and has to be hidden for a week so the paparazzi won’t spoil the wedding. Hiding him provides enough humorous situations to give Bella gray hair. Add to that a trio of Southern busy bodies and some bad weather, and Bella’s big event looks like it’s doomed.

The story is humorous and lighthearted, but the relationships are genuine and so is the characters’ faith. Through the circumstances of the story, each character grows in important ways. Bella is stable and grounded, but she also recognizes her faults and works to correct them. She appreciates her family and the love that surrounds her.

I think you’ll like the Rossis, so set aside some time to enjoy their escapades.

Pros: Warm characters and funny situations written in a relaxed voice.

Cons: Many of the situations seemed contrived, which made them less funny. Instead of laughing, I sometimes found myself criticizing the characters for doing stupid things.

Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the book:

In this latest release from 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.


About the author:

Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and native Texan. An experienced wedding coordinator herself, Thompson
brings alive in her books the everyday drama and humor of getting married. She is the author of Fools Rush In and lives in Texas.