‘Ozark Weddings: Three-In-One Collection’ by Anita Higman and Janice Thompson – Book Review

One of my favorite authors of late is Janice Thompson. She and Anita Higman (who is a new favorite after reading this book!) have teamed up to compile a book featuring three stories based in Arkansas, 'Ozark Weddings.'

Here is the synopsis of this novel:

The Hills are Alive with the Ring of Romance…And love is challenging three women to soar to new heights of hope and faith in the Ozark Mountains. Larkspur Wendell hates to see anyone not enjoying life. So when a solitude-seeking neighbor moves in, she’s compelled to get to know him. Everett Holden moved into a small town to work in peace and quiet. But his neighbor seems to have an entirely different agenda. Will Larkspur’s attention bring him out of his shell or drive him in even deeper?

Painfully shy Clair O’Neal suddenly finds herself attracting two different men – image coach Glenn Yves and musician Hudson Mandel. Both are drawn to her unassuming presence and inner beauty. Can a vulnerable Clair trust either of them with their heart?

Nori Kelly’s biological clock is a ticking time bomb. But the only one seemingly interested in her is Zachary Martin, a tried and true member of the “geek” squad. Is this nerd her only hope of defusing her volatile situation?

Will these three women find their true loves amid this myriad of males – for better or for worse?

Here are ‘Dear Readers’ notes from each author:

        Dear Readers,

It is such an honor to share Ozark Weddings with you. All three love stories are set in the beautiful state of Arkansas. I hope these novels give you many hours of entertainment, but I also pray your heart will be lifted up in the process, and you will come away knowing the love and hope that God offers us through His Son, Jesus. Please visit my website at www.anitahigman.com and drop me a note. I would love to hear from you.

Anita Higman

Dear Readers,

It is with great delight that Anita and I offer our readers these lyrical and romantic stories. These three Arkansas-based tales were crafted to captivate your imagination and to offer you a glimpse of this amazing state where hot springs flow and rivers sing. Beyond that, however, we hope you are captivated by the love stories…not just the ones between the hero and heroine, but the eternal story, which is sung over us each day by the very One who created us to love and be loved. He alone is worthy of our praise.

Janice Thompson

This book is a compilation of three previously published books; ‘Larkspur Dreams,’ ‘The Love Song,’ and ‘Castles in the Air.’ I really liked this book. I preferred ‘Larkspur Dreams’ and ‘Castles in the Air’ over ‘The Love Song,’ but there all were endearing and sweet. I enjoyed the fact that the main character in the previous story is mention in the next story – that was fun!

I really liked the main character of Larkspur Wendell in ‘Larkspur Dreams;’ I like her world view. Here she is describing her new neighbor, Everett Holden III:

Turning to her new neighbor, Lark couldn’t help but notice God had been quite charitable with his appearance. He had a striking presence with his hazel eyes, short brown locks, and a “surely he must lift weights” kind of build. Hmm. Early to mid-thirties, same as me. Same medium height. But who wears a suit to move in? And his tie look liked it would work equally well as a tourniquet. Lark also took note that Mr. New Guy held the bow on the sack of brownies as if he were holding the tail of a dead skunk. (p. 7)

Another amusing scene is when Picasso, Lark’s pet duck (!!) escapes from her backyard. Lark is all dressed up for an evening out, and she is a little perturbed:

Then she remembered a trick she’d used with her first pet duck. Yes. She needed the convincing boom of the megaphone on the bottom shelf of the entry closet, and clopped back down the driveway. Lark flipped the switch on the horn, and it squeaked to life. Suddenly like magic, she remembered the roar of the crowd from college – the students she’d revved up to a feverish pitch. The rush of winning. She wondered if she still had it in her. She lifted the megaphone to the mouth and announced, “Okay, Picasso. This is Lark speaking. Let’s bring yourself on home now. You can do this, Picasso. Let’s go. Let’s go. Let’s go.”

As if on some unexplainable cue, Picasso stopped in mid-waddle in the center of the street. He turned around, lowered his head, and began his descent from rapture. Skelly [her neighbor] turned around, shrugging his shoulder at her. Then he laughed until his whole body quaked. (p. 48)

The main character in ‘The Love Story,’ Clair O’Neal, was a sweet and lovely lady who loved her Lord:

Her thoughts shifted to the banks of the Arkansas River. She closed her eyes and pictured the Lord taking her by the hand and leading her to the very edge of the water, to sit in peaceful solitude and enjoy the view. Her heart swelled at the thought of it. God – the Maker of the Universe – wanted to spend time with her. To draw her to a quiet, intimate place. To call her His beloved, just as Ima had done. To wash away the pain from the past in the mighty rivers of His love.

“God, my Father…” She started to whisper a prayer but stumbled across the word Father. Visions of her stepfather came to mind right away, but she pressed them back and forged ahead. Clair poured out her heart to the Lord, thanking Him for all of the marvelous changes in her life over the past several days. She prayed for His guidance regarding the bookstore, and for His will concerning her new friendships.

Afterward, she felt the strangest sensation – as if the Lord had swept into the room and lifted her into His arms. For the first time in a long while, she truly felt as if she could conquer all of the demons of the past. (pp. 170-171)

I was particularly drawn to ‘Castles in the Air,’ as the main character, Nori Kelly, owns a candy store; I have a friend who also owns a candy store. Early on in the story was an encounter with Nori Kelly and her neighbor as described from her perspective:

Oh no. She noticed her neighbor, Zachary Martin, emerge from his apartment as if he’d been waiting for her.

“Greetings.” He appeared to study the floor.

“Hi.” Nori wondered why Zachary was the only one in the known galaxy to greet people that way.

He raked his fingers through his short brown hair, which made a couple of his locks rise up like antlers.

Nori squelched a chuckle. She knew he was stalling, trying to think of something to say. If she hadn’t been so tired, she would have given him a few rounds of chitchat. Instead she jangled her keys to give him a hint.

Zachary stuffed his fists in his pockets, making his polyester pants rise even higher. His white socks emitted a glow as if lit by a black light. “Hope your evening has been….good…so far.”

“I think it has been…so far.” Nori smiled, sliding her key into the lock.

“The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there’s a 20 percent change of snow tonight.” Zachary stroked his palms together.

“It’s already snowing.” Nori tried not to have a condescending tone.

He shuffled his feet. “Oh.” (p. 240)

I also loved this conversation between Nori and her candy store manager, Lizza, after Zachary had left the store:

Lizza tied another peach satin ribbon around a miniature box of gumdrops. “Zachary seems like a lonely guy. Makes me want to bundle him up and stick him in my pocket for safekeeping.”

“Yeah, maybe.” Nori helped Lizza stack the dainty boxes on a display table.

“I don’t know. I always say that about people who look sort of lost. Like he doesn’t know the secret.”

“What secret?” Nori asked.

“That every person is wondrously hand-designed by God. I think the reason people don’t turn out so well sometimes is because no one has ever told them that.”

Nori thought if she told Zachary that he was wondrous, he would never stop pestering her. Hmm. But was he bothering her? She no longer knew for sure. In fact, this time she’d felt nervous and tongue-tied.

“And like I said, I think he’s charming.” Lizza gave the top box a little pat. (p. 252)

Nori also had a sweet encounter with her Lord at The Chapel in the Woods:

Nori knelt at the altar. Without holding anything back, she poured her heart out like a child – emptying all the joys and worries and hopes to her Father, her Friend, and her Savior.

After a long moment of reflection and then a prompting in her spirit, she prayed. “Forgive me, Lord, for desiring that tight little circle of love to always be about romance and not about You. I acknowledge You as the Lover of my soul and the Someone who cares for me far more than any husband ever could. Help me never to forget these truths and to love You first, above all.”

And then Nori wept. And waited. And listened. The Lord came near and comforted her. After some time had passed, she rose from the bench, feeling refreshed. (p. 338)

I have read several books by Janice Thompson: ‘Swinging on A Star’ (my review is here), ‘Allegheny Hopes’ (my review is here), and ‘It Had to Be You’ (my review is here). This is the first time I had the opportunity to read Anita Higman’s work. It is hard to know who wrote what, so I will assume that I am a new fan of Ms. Higman!  I thank Anita for providing the book to me, and for introducing me to her work – well done to both ladies!

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Barbour Publishing and generously provided by Anita Higman.

‘It Had to Be You’ by Janice Thompson – Book Review

The latest book that I have read is one that I have been waiting for for quite a while – ‘It Had to Be You,’ Book Three in the ‘Weddings by Bella’ Series, written by Janice Thompson.  I had read Book Two in the series, ‘Swinging on a Star’ and loved it; you can read my review here.

To recap – the series involves us in the lives of the Rossi family from Galveston Island, Texas.  The main character, Bella Rossi, is a twenty-something wedding planner who has just taken over Club Wed, the family business after her parents have run it very successfully for many years.  Bella has decided to take the business in a different direction – planning themed weddings.  The Rossi family is a loving, friendly – and boisterous – Italian family, most of whom live under one big roof.  Bella’s mama, Imelda, is an opera singer who is always well put together.  Her pop is lactose-intolerant – a real hindrance in an Italian family!  Her sister, Sophia, follows in her mother’s footsteps.  Aunt Rosa, the sister of Bella’s mama, is a wonderful cook who had been featured on ‘The Food Network.’  Uncle Lazarro, the brother of Bella’s papa, owns a pizzeria named Parma John’s.  A handsome cowboy/construction company owner who will soon be a part of the Rossi clan is D.J. Neeley, Bella’s fiancé. 

Bella has the pleasure and the joy of planning the wedding of her Aunt Rosa and her Uncle Lazarro; they will have a forties-style swing dance-themed wedding.  They both live in the Rossi household; they had fought like cats and dogs, until a few months prior to their wedding.  All of a sudden, all of the pent-up feelings of love emerged, and they decided to spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife. 

In addition to the stateside Rossi clan, the family members still in their native Napoli, Italy, flew over for the wedding, including Imelda and Rosa’s twin sisters, Bertina and Bianca, fifty-somethings who still dressed identically!  Also joining the festivities was Pop’s brother Emilio, accompanied by his much younger trophy wife, Francesca; they had just been married, which was news to the U.S. family members. 

Also included was Salvadore Lucci, Uncle Laz’s long-time friend from Atlantic City, who had arrived in a stretch limousine – just as had his parrot, Guido, who had been delivered to the Rossi household for safe keeping in that same stretch limo sometime prior in order to avoid some personal issues.  He came to Galveston Island to attend the wedding and to retrieve his bird; Laz had been teaching the parrot songs, sermons and Scriptures with the intent to win Sal to the Lord.  He came complete with a questionable background; had he really been a member of the Mob?  He also created quite a battle within the family when he voiced his less-than-positive opinion of Aunt Rosa to her intended…

Bella learned a valuable lesson as she overextended herself the week before her wedding, and had to rely on the help of her friends and family to complete the preparations.  She discovered that her worth was not based on her performance:

“Yes, I need God’s grace, but I need to grace myself sometimes, too.  I think I’ve been too hard on myself.  Been running in performance mode to prove my worth – to myself and others.  But this week I had a reality check.  God wants me to stop ad smell the roses.  To enjoy the people in my world and to remember how much more important than are the projects.  To thank him every day for my health and to take better care of myself.” (p. 314)

Mrs. Thompson, who has a Freelance Writing Course (you can read more about it here) lives in Texas herself and has personal experience as a wedding planner (both as a business and with her four daughters), spares no expense in the details.  As with ‘Swinging on a Star,' I enjoyed the fact that each chapter is named after a song title – ‘You Make Me Feel So Young,’ ‘Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah,’ ‘Moonlight Serenade,’ etc… 

There were a plethora of weddings and engagements to end this book – some expected and some unexpected!

I found  ‘It Had to be You’ to be a fun and enjoyable read!  Each book in the ‘Weddings by Bella’ series, stands alone, but they are so much fun, you will want to read all of them!  The first book in the series is ‘Fools Rush In,’ which is on my ‘Wish List’!

Mrs. Thompson writes with comedy, heartfelt compassion and a strong love of the Lord.  Here’s a perfect example from the last page of the book:

My, how far we had come.  And we had a certain Splendora cowboy to thank for it all.  Well, one cowboy and the Lord, who had clearly arranged all of this from the get-go.  Why had he brought our two families together, merging D.J. and me into the first Tex-Italian duo in our family’s history?  Only one reason I could think of – to add a little spice to our lives.

But oh, mama mia!  What a lovely spice! (p. 326)

I really loved the two books that I have read in this ‘Weddings by Bella’ series.  According to Janice, this is the last book in the series.  I certainly hope she starts up a new series featuring the new D.J./Bella Neeley household!

You can order this book here.

This book was provided to me for review purposes by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Interview with Author and Writing Instructor, Janice Hanna Thompson

I have had the pleasure of reading two of Janice Thompson's books - 'Swinging on a Star' and 'Allegheny Hopes;' I will shortly be reading and reviewing her latest, 'It Had to Be You.'


This very gifted author has a Freelance Writing course.  Here she is explaining what is included in it:





Janice has offered us some additional information on this valuable course:

Janice, could you tell us a little about your new venture?

Of course! Thanks for asking. On April 20^th, 2010, I debuted my new writing course “Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer” at www.freelancewritingcourses.com. The sole purpose of this venture is to teach struggling freelance writers how to earn money with their writing. Here’s how it will work: students can purchase one lesson (for $24.95) or all ten (for $199). They don’t have to feel compelled to buy the whole package, though they will get a package price, if they do. Each lesson will include an audio file and a video power point presentation of me teaching the lesson (available with just a click of the mouse), a corresponding audio script, a downloadable worksheet,  a bonus feature, and full access to the site’s forum, where I will meet with authors for some group mentoring (at designated times). Right now there are ten lessons, but eventually those ten lessons will become ten separate categories with multiple lessons in each. For example, the current lesson on magazine article writing will eventually have multiple other lessons underneath it—all meant to teach writers how to make money writing articles. People who take these courses will have the benefit of meeting other freelancers in the forum and can also chat with me about their projects. Best of all, the site will continually grow. New, fresh material will always be available. (I’ll be recording new lessons routinely.) I’m so excited, because I know that struggling freelancers can and will learn how to make money with their writing.

What prompted you to set off on this new adventure?

For years I’ve been writing novels and non-fiction books. I’ve been so blessed to have over fifty books published, as well as dozens of magazine articles and even a movie script. It’s been quite a ride. . . and it’s not ending anytime soon! I’m currently contracted through 2011. The longer I’m in this business, however, the more I’m aware of the basic need of the average freelance author to make “better” money. Sure, many of them eventually sell books. They get advances and royalties, (though, not often in the range they had hoped). As a full-time freelancer, I’ve faced this myself. Several years ago, I found myself hollering, “Where’s the money?” I made up my mind to find as many creative ways as I could to bring in money as a freelancer. I’ve learned so much since then, and want to share what I’ve learned with others, so that they can benefit, too.

Why are you so passionate about teaching others how to make money with their writing?

I meet so many struggling writers. So many are just hoping and praying to sell a book. They pour all of their energies into that venture. Most don’t realize that they could be making money much sooner if they would explore other avenues (besides just books). The possibilities are endless. If I can share what I’ve learned about the money-making aspects of writing, then I’ve helped another struggling writer on his or her journey.

Tell us a little about your own writing.

As I mentioned above, I’ve written just about everything! Most of my writing is for the Christian market, so my stories have a clear faith element. Lately I’ve been writing romantic comedies, (most recently the “Weddings by Bella” series), but I also enjoy writing mysteries, kid’s stories, historicals and more. I continue to write magazine articles, because they provide a great financial supplement. I’m also very excited about my many write-for-hire projects, because a huge chunk of my income comes from those. 

What has it been like, supporting yourself full-time as a freelancer? Is there really money to be made?

As I mentioned, there was a time (back in 2007) when I wasn’t sure I could do it. At that time, I hadn’t set any real goals for myself. That all changed in the fall of 2007 when I began to strategize about the future of my writing. Instead of worrying about the challenges I faced, I got busy and put together a plan. I began to look for non-traditional ways to earn money with my writing. . .and it worked! That’s not to say I’ve “arrived,” but I have managed to support myself full-time from that point till now.

I would think that the writing industry would be very competitive. Why do you want to see others succeed? Aren’t you shooting yourself in the foot when you hand off potential freelance jobs to other authors?

The writing industry is competitive, but that doesn’t mean I am! Sure, I want to make a name for myself, (most writers do), but I’m equally as interested in training up other writers to be the best they can be. Why?  I believe that Christian writers have been called by the Lord to spread His love through their writing. How will they get the word out if someone doesn’t show them the ropes? I love to see others succeed because we’re all one big happy family and we care about each other.

I know that you worked for several years as a writing teacher at a school of the arts. Could you share a little more about that?

From 1996 – 2001 I taught creative writing at a Houston area school of the arts that catered primarily to home-school students. What a blast I had! (Truly, these were some of the best years of my life.) Several of my students traveled with me to national writing conferences (like Mount Hermon and ACFW), and a few went on to be published in various genres. My students will tell you that I was the most creative teacher on the block. I was always looking for a new, fresh way to teach the writing craft. My writing lessons have been compiled into a text, which I titled, “Creative Writing for the Christian Student.” It is available to freelance writing course participants. I love stirring up the creative gifts in my students! I hope that shows in these lessons!

If you could list one of the biggest frustrations that freelance writers face, what would that be?

The biggest frustration of all is this: Some markets don’t want to pay. This is especially true when it comes to the Internet. It’s so challenging to make a living when you can’t figure out who pays and who doesn’t! But that’s why I created this course! There are so many markets that do pay, and many of them are relatively untapped. Freelancers can earn money. . .they just have to discover where the money is! (And I plan to help them in that journey!)

You’ve said there’s money to be made. . .but where? What avenues are available to freelancers?

At www.freelancewritingcourses.com, students will explore multiple areas where they can earn 

money with their writing. Lessons include:

·   Setting Career Goals

·   Magazine Article Writing

·   Write for Hire Work

·   Marketing and Public Relations

·   Becoming a Public Speaker

·   Becoming a Creative Writing Teacher

·   Making Money as an Editor

·   Writing and Selling the Non-Fiction Book

·   Writing and Selling the Novel

·   Secrets From the World of the Pros

Each lesson will cover a host of possibilities and will give real, practical suggestions.

You’ve mentioned other lessons that aren’t yet available. Could you share a few here?

Sure! Each of the ten topics listed above will eventually become its own course (with multiple lessons in each). I’ll be heading back into the recording studio soon to cover the topic of magazine articles more thoroughly. I’ll also record lessons covering all aspects of fiction writing. We’ll talk about passive vs. active writing, plotting, characterization, and much more. I’ve also got a host of lessons coming up related to non-fiction books. We’ll delve into specific topics related to write-for-hire work (my favorite!) and will share a host of lessons on marketing and PR. Hang on for the ride! Participants in these various courses will get the tools they need to work as a pro in the industry.

How, exactly, will these courses work?

When participants sign up and pay, they will be granted access to the “inner sanctum” of the site, where they can view the various components of the lessons, (the audio file, audio script, worksheet, power point and forum). I would suggest folks start with the first lesson (Setting Goals) and go from there. They can print up a copy of the worksheet and follow along with the audio and power point presentation. Then, at a designated time, participants can meet with me in the forum to discuss the topic at hand. I love the fact that this is all so user-friendly and participants can work at their own pace.

If you could tell beginning freelancers one thing, what would it be?

Don’t give up. Keep going and keep looking for creative ways to make money. Examine new markets. Learn all you can about the industry. Become friends with editors. The potential for money-making is there, but much of it is relational.

Why do you feel so strongly about stirring up the gifts?

There’s a scripture I love where the apostle Paul speaks to his young protégé, Timothy: “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (II Timothy 1:6 NIV) The King James version uses the words “stir up the gift” instead of “fan into flame the gift.” The idea is the same. Gifts need stirring and fanning. As a published author, I make it my goal to “stir the gifts” of those hoping to be published (or hoping to be published in more markets). I know that these lessons will stir people up. I could sense it as I recorded them. Changing lives. . .and encouraging writers. . .what could be better?

I understand you won the 2008 American Christian Fiction Writers “Mentor of the Year” award. Could you tell us more about that? What role does mentoring play in your life and how will you incorporate mentoring into your online writing courses?

I have a theory about mentoring. I believe that everyone should have someone they’re mentoring and someone they’re being mentored by. If we ever think we’re too “big” to be mentored, we’re in trouble! And it’s imperative that we pour into the lives of those who are learning the writing craft, especially if we’re published and/or doing well in the industry. I’m tickled that I received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award. I can think of nothing better to be remembered for than mentoring others, to be quite honest. Writing books is great, sure. And getting my name out there is fun, too. But if I don’t mentor. . .if I don’t pass along what I’ve learned, then my writing is nothing but selfish pleasure. I don’t ever want to be known as a selfish author. I want to be known as a giver and an encourager. My prayer is that people who take this course will see my heart for all writers to succeed and earn money doing what they love!

Janice, where else can people find you on the web?

My freelance writing courses site: http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com

My book-related website: www.janiceathompson

My blog: http://janicehannathompson.blogspot.com/

My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson?ref=profile

My facebook reader’s page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Janice-Hanna-Thompsons-Readers-Page/303537684650?ref=ts

ENDORSEMENTS:

What writers are saying about Janice’s course:

“I've taken a number of classes since starting on this journey of writing, but Janice's course on freelance writing has been the most helpful. Full of tips, suggestions and her own writing experiences, Janice's course has something for everyone.  If you are considering signing up for her writing lessons, I urge you to do so. You won't regret it!” – Edwina Cowgill, American Christian Fiction Writers member.

I've not only had the pleasure of taking online classes from Janice, but also attending seminars. I love the practical working knowledge she teaches because I was able to put much of it into practice immediately. From the classroom to real life in a snap, Janice Thompson gives the steps, the encouragement, and the simplicity to help any writer become self-sufficient. Would I tell you to take her courses? ABSOLUTELY! You will grow the ability to earn money with your writing! Every writer's teacher, Janice Thompson. -

Angie Breidenbach, Author of Creative Cooking for Colitis, ACFW PR Officer, Mrs. Montana International 2009

I participated in Janice’s online course in January of ’10. I found her to be very thorough and very concise in her explanations. She also took pains to offer lots of feedback and make it interactive.  I know her classes will be great! – BK (Brenda) Jackson