On Valentine’s Day 2013, my best friend, Kay Malone, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her journey over the next couple of months was grueling and painful to watch. I spent countless hours at her bedside, both in the hospital and in her home. She passed away the day after Mother’s Day, just two months before this book was due to the publisher.
At this very same time my daughter was expecting her third baby, little Jenna Reese. Complications set in, and we wondered if the baby would make it. On the day after Kay passed away, we received news about the baby that terrified us. We wondered if Jenna would survive. Thankfully, she arrived with few issues and is thriving today. Praise God!
In the midst of all this, I was dealing with perplexing health issues of my own. The exhaustion didn’t help. In the back of my mind (as I drove from hospital to hospital, funeral to NICU), I kept thinking, I have a book due in a few weeks. But how in the world could I possibly write a romantic comedy? It seemed impossible!
Then something remarkable happened: this story unfolded like a gift from the Lord. I found my spirits lifted, my hope restored, and my joy reignited, all because of a wacky story about a nutty Greek family. By the time it was completed, I felt sure I’d penned one of my all-time-favorite books. I couldn’t help but think of Kay as the story came together. I know she would’ve loved this one. And I know she would have whispered, “Keep going, girl! You can do this!” as I wrote, wrote, wrote.
I miss my sweet friend. But as I gaze into the eyes of sweet baby Jenna, I’m reminded of the circle of life. Somehow in the midst of the battles, we can still experience joy, even in the mourning. Perhaps as you read Cassia’s story, you experienced some of that joy yourself. That is my prayer.
Acknowledgments
To my sweet friends Karen and Matt Bailey and Radonna Gideon, who walked with me through the valley of the shadow in the weeks before this book was written. I couldn’t have made it through without your prayers.
To my precious daughters. You got me through so much in the weeks leading up to this book. Bless you.
To Jenna. You are the light of Nina’s life and bring joy to us all.
To my editor, Jennifer Leep. You are a precious friend and strong advocate.
To my copy editor, Jessica English. What a hard worker you are! I depend on you so much and you never let me down.
To my agent, Chip MacGregor. You are my literary hero.
To my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Take care of my BFF until I get there.
Award-winning author Janice Thompson enjoys tickling the funny bone. She got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage, and she has published over ninety books for the Christian market. She has played the role of mother of the bride four times now and particularly enjoys writing lighthearted, comedic, wedding-themed tales. Why? Because making readers laugh gives her great joy!
Janice formerly served as vice president of Christian Authors Network (CAN) and was named the 2008 Mentor of the Year for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). She is active in her local writing group, where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing. In addition, she enjoys public speaking and mentoring young writers.
Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. Her tagline, “Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters!” sums up her take on life.
She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. She does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all. You can find out more about Janice at www.janiceathompson.com or www.freelancewritingcourses.com.
Books by Janice Thompson
* * *
WEDDINGS BY BELLA
Fools Rush In
Swinging on a Star
It Had to Be You
BACKSTAGE PASS
Stars Collide
Hello, Hollywood!
The Director’s Cut
WEDDINGS BY DESIGN
Picture Perfect
The Icing on the Cake
The Dream Dress
A Bouquet of Love
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Janice Thompson, A Bouquet of Love
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