The Dream Dress (Weddings by Design Series #3)
4.7
19
5
1
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780800721541 |
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| Publisher: | Baker Publishing Group |
| Publication date: | 02/18/2014 |
| Series: | Weddings by Design Series , #3 |
| Pages: | 336 |
| Sales rank: | 797,520 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.90(d) |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
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The Dream Dress (Weddings by Design Series #3)
4.7 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
19 reviews.
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You do not need to ask for my opinion, you can see it written all over my face. This book is great. I haven't even doubted Janice Hanna Thompson's talent for writing once. She really created and amazing book and I believe you all should read this book. It was a true page flipper and if you have read this author's books before you know how funny they can be. All ages could read this. It is truly that awesome. I am only thirteen and I loved this book. This book also included Bella again which is absolutely awesome! If you haven't read Janice Hanna Thompson's other books, I would recommend to highly give that a try. Thank you so much for reading my review. Enjoy the rest of the day.... reading this book. :)
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Janice Thompson in her new book, “The Dream Dress” Book Three in the Weddings by Design series published by Revell returns us to Galveston Island and into the life of Gabi Delgado.
From the back cover: Big dreams take big leaps of faith . . . but what if you trip on the way?
A lowly seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own original dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. But when Jordan Singer, reporter forTexas Bride magazine, visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is humbled in his influential–and unnervingly handsome–presence.
Convinced she’ll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement–especially from her friend Bella Neeley–to take a chance and start her business. And as she gets to know Jordan, she discovers that she may have to take a chance on love as well.
Gabi Delgado is a dress designer who daily works hemming and altering other designer’s wedding dresses for soon to be brides. To take a person with the talent to design dresses and turn her into a seamstress is a lot like bottling an active volcano. Sooner or later something is going to blow. Welcome back to Galveston Island and a whole new set of characters to go along with Bella and her Italian family from the Weddings By Bella series. Jordan Singer is a reporter for Texas Brides magazine and when he meets Gabi here comes the beginning of the blow. During the course of this story we watch her grow and mature and step into her destiny one step at a time. Plus there is also dancing involved. This book is all about embracing who you are and who God called you to be. All the characters are likable and Ms. Thompson has a way of bringing you into the story and making the characters lives very real. Have fun by looking at the chapter titles they are all either Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies or song titles. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Guys. I don't know what it is about this series or this author. It started with the Weddings by Bella series. I was absolutely hooked. There wasn't even a reason why I loved it so much, because it wasn't my usual type of read, but I just did. I fell absolutely, completely in love, and that love has continued to her spin-off series, Weddings by Design. While Bella's series was all about, well, Bella, each book in the Design series has a different MC, and I loved that just as much.
Gabi is an alterations girl by day, closet wedding dress designer by night. She doesn't dare tell her boss, the infamous Demetri *insert pretentious sounding something here*. Until the day she gets humiliatingly fired, in front of a (very cute) reporter, no less.
One of the reasons I like this series so much is the people. I mentioned how I loved Bella's series, and it was most in part to the absolutely crazy, lovable, mixed-up family she had. So I love how the author brings all those people back in. It might seem a little crazy at times (in fact, I would definitely recommend reading Weddings by Bella before this one because of all the people), but that is just part of the charm. I LOVE culture, especially when talking about food ;). So each new MC bringing in her own culture and differences makes it that much more special, and Gabi is no different. I love the family aspect in each story, and absolutely adored Mimi Carmen.
Gabi herself was such a cute character. She was hard-working and sweet and loyal, and just wanted to do what she loved. And Jordan...can someone say sa-woon? I will say, the romance seemed a bit underdeveloped in this one. It seemed to just...happen without any reason or substance. I know that all the romances in this series have seemed to happen really fast since they only got one book instead of three, but this seemed faster than most.
This book had plenty of moments that just made me laugh. Demetri and his "Fab Five", the Splendora Sisters (Lord, help us all), even Guido the parrot has his moment (yes, he's in this book too). I loved Bella, and how she was a part of this one, as well as Scarlet and Hannah from the first two books.
I realize that some people might have problems with this book, in how cheesy it can come across, how everything works out just perfectly, how Gabi's fascination with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers is overdone, especially considering Scarlet did the same thing with Lucy in The Icing on the Cake. And, even I will admit that this is all true. But I don't care. This book just made me really, really happy. I have no doubts about giving it the rating I did, because when it comes down to it, this book did exactly what a book is supposed to do. It entertained, it made me laugh, it made me swoon, it made me just all-around happy.
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I Love the weddings by design series. And this one did not disappoint either. Great story about Gabi and great seamstress who loves to design wedding dresses and Jordan the editor of Texas Bride. You get to see Gabi discover herself and watch her dreams come true, with Jordan encouraging her along the way. Add in Bella and the rest of thw Rossi clan along with the Splendora Sisters and you have funny and heart warming read.
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Love this series. And love that Gabi finally gets to realize herdream.
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Janice Thompson has done it again!!! With her wit, charm, and delightful skill as a storyteller Thompson has ended another wonderful and delightful trilogy Weddings by Design. In this final book, we meet wedding dress designer Gabi. She is a wonderful character who dreams of someday being more than she is. With a wonderful cast of characters to help Gabi along, including our beloved ones from the Weddings By Bella series, she starts on a journey of self worth. She learns that her Father in heaven is always there for her, she learns what true loves really looks like, and she learns that dreams can come true. If you want a funny, wonderful, heart-warming story read the entire series Weddings By Design. This ending book is perfect! As always, I can't wait for more by this great author!
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Another quirky, fun-loving, release from Thompson!
Whenever I need a pick-me-up I run straight to Thompson's books. In moments I'll be laughing my head off while cheering on whoever I'm reading about. In The Dream Dress we get to know Gabi, someone we met in The Icing on the Cake. I love all the many angles of the wedding business and, though my favorite is probably photography, I did like getting into Gabi's head and watching her create. Create is such a lovely word, isn't it? Moving on...
My heart broke for Gabi over and over again. The poor girl didn't get any breaks! However, the reoccurring reference to Cinderella might have made me smile once or twice- only because I saw the truth of it. I felt like Gabi's story is a perfect example of overcoming one's past, letting old wounds heal, and leaning on the Lord for strength. This is what makes The Dream Dress my new favorite but stick around because it will probably change again. Haha!
As far as male leads go, Jordan was great. He always showed up when Gabi needed a boost and when she needed a little nudging toward God. Something else I really liked about he and Gabi's relationship was how it began with friendship, stepped toward innocent flirting, and then danced to a deeper relationship. ;-)
This brings me to the close. I'm always happy and excited to read one of Thompson's books and this one was no disappointment. I hope we get to visit Galveston again soon!! I recommend this book to romantic comedy lovers out there. Aside from a few winks to the wedding night and some kissing, Thompson keeps the book clean.
I received this book from Revell in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!!
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The first book by Janice Thompson I read was Fools Rush In. It is from the Weddings By Bella series which is the precursor for this series. My whole book club loved it because it was so widely appealing. It had depth and humor.
This new series, Weddings by Design, and in particular The Dream Dress continues that great writing style of Janice's that we have all come to love and expect. This particular book focuses in on Gabi Delgado, a wanna be wedding dress designer consigned to being the alterations girl at a prestigious salon.
Gabi is somewhat patiently biding her time trying to work her way up to being a designer. The situation seems pretty bleak but she is determined. Then one day along comes Jordan Singer, a reporter from a well known magazine, and her world turns upside down.
This book strikes just the right cord. There are new characters to get to know, family members that you want for your own, and old friends that you can catch up with from past books. The women at Haute Couture Bridal are an interesting group and the boss Demetri Markowitz keeps everyone hopping. Gabi's grandmother, Mimi Carmen, is an absolute delight. Who wouldn't want a grandma like that? Bella and the whole crew at Club Wed are so much fun to be around. Makes you want to be part of the family.
I really think that you can read The Dream Dress as a stand alone title. But if you want my experienced opinion you really should read the whole Weddings by Design series. Actually you should absolutely indulge yourself and go back and start with the Weddings by Bella. You won't be disappointed . . . I promise!
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
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Inspirational author Janice Thompson returns with the third book in her, Weddings by Design series, The Dream Dress. When it comes to Weddings, Thompson knows what she's talking about. Having been a former Wedding planner herself gives her stories an authenticity that is missing from other books of this kind. Thompson uses over-the-top situations to create humor in her writing and readers will find themselves smiling often when reading her books. Thompson's inspirational message is weaved throughout the story assuring that readers not only entertained but have the opportunity to grow spiritually as well.
What I liked:
Every time I pick up a book by Janice Thompson I know a few things already. One, it will be a fun read, with lots of humor and two, it will have a clear cut message. In her latest book, The Dream Dress, Thompson again goes back to her roots as a wedding planner and brings readers a story about a young woman with a dream. A dream of being a wedding gown designer. Unfortunately, Gabi doesn't understand her own worth and can't believe that she will ever attain her goal. The messes she finds herself in as she works at hemming and stitching gowns designed by others is often enough to make readers laugh out loud, but it is clearly the underlying message of faith that is the love story of this novel.
Don't get me wrong, Gabi's Mr. Right comes in the form of a reporter from Texas Bride magazine, named Jordan. And these two make a wonderful couple. They are sweet together, supportive of each other and ultimately they find their way together. But the story of how Gabi comes to the realization of God's love in her own life is the back bone of the book. I could see a lot of myself in Gabi's character and I believe other readers will as well. She is easy to relate to because we have all had moments of low self esteem in our lives and this is a character that will speak to others. I loved the fact that Thompson didn't try to water down her story to make it fit into a certain kind of mold. She told it with simplicity and clarity and I loved the way it turned out.
I also enjoyed the characters from Thompson's other series, Weddings by Bella making an appearance as well. It was nice to see them again and gave readers who follow the author a chance to catch up with some old favorites. Also I think it provided some page time to the relationships between women that can be so special. All of the women in this series are inter-related in some way and I loved seeing them interact and draw strength from each other. I think writing about friendships is so meaningful.
What I didn't like:
Some of the situations that Thompson writes about are a little too over the top for me. Not that they couldn't happen in real life, it's just that the possibility of so many of them happening to the same set of characters seems a bit far fetched once in a while. But if I just let myself go and enjoy the read no matter what happens, little things like that, just kind of fade into the background.
Bottom Line:
This story made me laugh. It made me nostalgic for a close female friend. It made me think about God's love in my own life and how having confidence is so important. In other words, it touched me on many levels and it definitely tickled my funny bone. A very good book by an exceptional inspirational author.
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The Dream Dress by Janice Thompson
Gabi Delgado dreams of being a dress designer, she has the talent but not the confidence. Her boss is a nightmare to work for and fires her at the drop of a hat and then expects her to come back at his beck and call. It seems all the men in her life have let her down, how can she be expected to give her all to a heavenly father when the earthly guys have proved unworthy. Life for Gabi takes an upward turn when Jordan Singer a reporter for Texas Bride Magazine, does a feature article on Haute Couture Bridal the shop she works for and one of there bride’s. With the help of Jordan and good friend Bella, Gabi’s spirit soars and her view of God the Father and men in general become increasingly positive.
This is the first book I have read by author Janice Thompson. I found her writing style to be easy to follow and enjoyable. I fell in love with this storyline. With each book I read I find the author leaves a little part of herself or himself behind. In this case it was the story of creation that touched a part of my inner most being. Like never before I understand the teaching of creation and how God is in the business of creating. With the help Holy Spirit, He stirs within each of us and gives us the ability to create too. I give The Dream Dress five stars. I highly recommend it to all readers who enjoy contemporary, romance, and Christian fiction.
I want to thank the author Janice Thompson and publisher for bringing good clean Christian books like this one to readers like me. I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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Wow, I just love stories with a wedding theme, and I am just nearly 100% positive this one is my favorite. I loved re-visiting old friends like Bella, the Rossi family, and the Splendora Sisters. They seem like family, you just relate to each one of them. This story was over the top with romance. Jordan was one romantic guy and he knew how to woo his girl. I love everything about this story. A great story that I read until the wee hours of the morning to finish. Just cannot say enough how much I enjoyed the story, it was awesome. Definitely 5 stars from this reviewer! This book was provided by Revell for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
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As expected, Janice Thompson delivers a sweet romance with plenty of humorous moments in The Dream Dress. I'm loving this series all about weddings. It's making me remember fun moments of my own season of wedding planning—which was so fun!
Gabi is a talented wedding designer, and it was fun to see her friends rally around her to encourage her to follow her dreams. Jordan was a great guy as well, and he matched Gabi well. I laughed out loud when reading the scene when Gabi's grandmother mistakes Jordan Singer for the Singer sewing machine repairman! So funny!
My biggest complaint was that there didn't seem to be much conflict within the story or the relationship. There were no angsty moments or times when I wasn't totally sure how a situation would be resolved.
Overall, though, I enjoyed my time with Gabi, Bella, and their friends. Readers who enjoy sweet romantic comedies will definitely enjoy this story! [4 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from Revell Books in exchange for my fair and honest review.
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Gabi Delgado, the protagonist for this Christian fiction, easily connects with readers. She's an unappreciated, talented, single lady who is working in a Cinderella-like situation. While others in the shop work in an ample space, Gabi works in a cramped closet.
Her Prince Charming, Jordan, a reporter for Texas Bride magazine is introduced early in the novel, and the author takes the time necessary for romance to build.
Gabi's dream models are Hollywood's dance stars Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Jordan incorporates them into the most romantic date ever. The expected plot includes a happily-ever-after ending. I liked this; it's a fun, sugar candy for the brain book.
Thank you to Lanette Haskins at Baker Publishing and Revell Books for my copy.
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THE DREAM DRESS by Janice Thompson is an interesting Inspirational Contemporary Romance. #3 in the "Weddings by Design", but can be read as a stand alone with re-appearing characters. "The Dream Dress" is a classic Janice Thompson tale of love, laughter, faith, forgiveness, family and romantic tension.
Gabi Delgado dreams of owning her own original dress designs.
Jordan Singer is a reporter for the Texas Bride magazine.
With engaging, lovable characters and an interesting storyline, you can't go wrong with "The Dream Dress". A quirky, fun read that will leave the reader in awe. If you enjoy weddings, designs, laughter and a plain old great read than you are in store of a treat with "The Dream Dress". And of course, you get to visit with Bella Neeley and her family some more too. You must take a leap of faith for your dreams to come true. And you just may find love along the way.
Loved this tender, sweet romance! Received for an honest review from the publisher.
*Coming in February from Revell Books*
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
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This is the first book I have read by Janice and I really liked it. I love her light style. But in saying that the message in the book is anything but light.
First of all, if you enjoy any of those wedding shows on TV you will love reading this book. You will feel like you are getting a sneak peak into those bridal salons.
Gabi wants more and deserves more. She has been overlooked many times in her life, mostly by men. This has given her a warped idea of how men treat women and she has lumped all men into the same category. It began with her dad walking out on her and her mom when she was a kid and now she works for a man how doesn't see her true abilities.
Then she meets Jordan and he throws everything she thought she knew about men out the window. He's kind and see's her and her talent. He's nothing like the other men in her life.
Everyone around Gabi see's her talent but she is in denial about her ability to really go on her own and become a designer. I can totally relate to this. I never felt like I was much of a piano player. I was good at singing and that was it, I even had a professor speak some very negative things to me. But when God gives us gifts He won't let us hide them. Now I am a worship leader who sings and plays, I write music for the plays my students do and play them during the performance. I never sought out those opportunities but God guided me to them. And that is what he does with Gabi...but you'll have to read the book to see how He accomplishes that.
There is a strong spiritual thread that I did appreciate, but it could come across a bit preachy sometimes and maybe a bit contrived. However, I didn't feel that this took away from the story at all. It is a great book I flew right threw.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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Gabriella Delgado has a lot of issues to work through. She is a seamstress for a high end wedding dress designer but a closet designer herself. Her biggest passion is designing dresses to make brides beautiful for their wedding. Working for Demetri Markowitz is just a way to pay the bills. She longs to haver her abilities recognized but is also terrified they will be. She lacks the confidence that her designs are good enough. She also carries burdens from her past because her father walked out on her and her mother and she feels all men are the same. Forgiveness is a big part of this book as Gabi needs to finally forgive her father for walking out and Demetri for never giving her the recognition she deserves.
_________________Book Quote_________________
"Forgiving someone--even when it doesn't make sense--is the best gift you can give yourself."
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Thankfully, when Gabi meets Jordan Singer, a reporter for the Texas Bride magazine, her viewpoint on men starts to change. If you have ever known the perfect hero for a story, Jordan is it. He is the perfect guy from top to bottom, inside out. So handsome and thoughtful and I think I'm in love. The scene at the theatre was breathtaking and just so RIGHT and fitting given the layout of this book. Gabi's friends referred to her as having a "Cinderella Complex" and the entire story had a Cinderella feel to it. She is also a huge Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers fan and that played a big part in the story also. Each chapter title was a Fred and Ginger movie or song title, tipping it's hat to the legendary dancing duo.
The story was fun and flirty, even hilarious at times with spiritual lessons woven all through the pages. It wasn't overly done but perfectly blended into the story. I love how the author took normal situations and explained them Biblically. What seemed to be a normal occurrence soon became a human version of a story from the Bible. Like the story of Cinderella. I would never have related that to our relationship with God but now I can see the similarities between the two.
_________________Book Quote_________________
"...There's really only one thing that lasts forever, Gabi."
"What do you mean."
"I mean your relationship with your real Father. It can last forever if you accept his invitation to the ball."
Now she'd lost me entirely. "The ball?"
"Speaking symbolically here." A tiny smile tipped up the edges of Bella's lips. "He's extended a special invitation to you, Gabi, whether you know it or not."
"He has?"
"Yes." She nodded and her eyes pooled. "I'm talking about the very best sort of happily ever after you could ever imagine. But it all hinges on one thing--you have to accept."
"Accept... the invitation?"
"Accept the one who offers it."
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So much spiritual wisdom wrapped up in one little book. I truly loved that. I also loved the romance that blossomed between Gabi and Jordan. It built slowly over the course of the story but ended with a bang. Like an instrumental when it hits the high notes. It left me sighing and saying a breathless "Ahhh". Another thing that stands out are the characters. I have never read the previous books in this series but I already love the cast of characters. From Mimi Carmen to Demetri Markowitz, they were all amazing and I hope to return to visit them again. I adore Gabi's description of Mimi Carmen, "Half Spanish diva, half buttercream frosting." And she was too. You will fall in love with the endearing, and sometimes eccentric, characters. They are half the charm of this book and the very thing that will draw you back to this series. Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, I can't wait to go back and read the previous books and, hopefully, future ones as well. If you like fun-filled, fairytale romances loaded with little gold nuggets of spiritual wisdom, you'll love this book. It took my mind on a journey to the dream wedding I've yet to have. Read it and take your own journey. Highly recommended!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher for my honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone and are honest and forthright. If I recommend a book it's simply because I liked it. I received no monetary compensation for this review.
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It is not a good idea to read The Dream Dress in a public place. Unless you want people looking at you like you are crazy. It starts off with a lot of laugh out loud moments. Oh my goodness! This is the first book I have read by Janice Thompson. I had no idea how funny her books were. The character of Gabi and her friends were hilarious. What a fun movie this book would make. If you need some humor in your life, you need to pick up this book.
Highly recommended. 5 stars.
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