Book Review: Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson

Book description:

Small-town girl Katie Fisher is planning her wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? But when her boyfriend breaks up with her and takes a job in another town--the very same day Katie wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Should she claim her prize? And will the hunky former pro-basketball player who runs the swanky Dallas bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--catch on to her humiliation if she does?

My Review:

I've read several of Janice Thompson's wedding themed books and enjoyed each one. Every Bride Needs a Groom is no exception. Katie Fisher and the small town she lives in are a breath of fresh air. Her family is a hoot. From her countrified brothers to her wayward aunt, they each add another layer of entertainment to the story. I think I smiled the entire time I read this delightful story. The fun didn't stay in small town, Fairfield, Texas. When Katie traveled to Dallas and met the crew at the high-end bridal shop, the comedy continued. The whole concept of a pro-basketball player working in a wedding shop is funny and almost believable. If you enjoy romantic comedy, pick up a copy of Every Bride Needs a Groom. It's a five-star read!

Disclosure:I received a free copy of Every Bride Needs aGroom from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review.

Words

Fritillaria thunbergii ©Penny Frost McGinnis

Spring Beauties

Sessile Trillium ©Penny Frost McGinnis

Large-flowered Trillium ©Penny Frost McGinnis

 Every spring 














I'm excited to find flowers sprouting and blooming. God never disappoints. He's created some of the most interesting and beautiful plants. It'd been a long time since I wandered through the woods in spring. Discovering the trillium (above)was like finding a treasure. My husband and I spotted them the first week we hiked but they hadn't bloomed. This week they spread their color.  

As an added delight, I found a Jack-in-the-pulpit (below, right). Easy to miss because of their leaf-like appearance. Then we ran across the lovely, whimsical plant (two bottom pics) with cup-like blooms and curled tendrils. If anyone knows the name, please let me know. Enjoy the pics. I had fun taking them. 
All photo ©Penny Frost McGinnis

 

The River Roared

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The water rushed over the dam of the East Fork of the Little Miami River. As the turbulent torrent roared by, my husband remarked about the incredible power of water. We've seen heavy rain cause rivers to rise out of their embankment and create  flooding so strong it carries houses and trees away. As we watched the water teem between the banks I was reminded of the amazing power of God.

Much like the vigorous water that rushed over the dam, the power of the Holy Spirit flowed through believers in Rome. Instead of destruction, his power carried hope. God's power changes still lives. He can move mountains if we have faith. As his spirit moves through my life, I'm filled with his peace and joy. Praise God for his mighty power.

Another Poem for National Poetry Month

Summer in the South 

by Paul Laurence Dunbar 

The oriole sings in the greening grove 
As if he were half-way waiting,
The rosebuds peep from their hoods of green, 
Timid and hesitating. 
The rain comes down in a torrent sweep 
And the nights smell warm and piney, 
The garden thrives, but the tender shoots 
Are yellow-green and tiny. 
Then a flash of sun on a waiting hill, 
Streams laugh that erst were quiet, 
The sky smiles down with a dazzling blue 
And the woods run mad with riot.

What a beautiful poem from a talented poet.

Do you have a favorite poem or poet? Who?

Let Them Sing!

Taken at Withrow Nature Preserve © Penny Frost McGinnis

Opening Day

opening day

the bats swing

baseball's in bloom


Does anyone else enjoy baseball? The Reds started the season with a win today. I've watched the Reds play since I was a little girl and still love the game. When I'm fortunate enough to attend a game in person, I love to watch the people along with the game. It's one of the most relaxing activities on my list.


What do you like to do to relax?