Never a Bridesmaid by Janice Thompson

Mari Hays’s excitement at the news of her sister’s engagement is quickly extinguished when she learns she will be at the end of a long line of bridesmaids. And what’s even worse is Sienna Jameson, the person Crystal has chosen as her maid of honor, is not a good choice. The woman is self-absorbed and not dependable. Determined to help her sister create her dream wedding, Mari puts aside her disappointment and throws herself into dress fittings, cake tasting, and shower planning since Sienna seems to be more interested in capturing the attention of the best man. Mari can’t help but admire handsome Derrick Richardson, a professional baseball player, who seems to take an interest in her. Is there a happily ever after in Mari’s future with this kind-hearted man who knows she’s truly the maid of honor?

I’ve seen Janic e Thompson’s name kicked around a few times on a Christian fiction group on Facebook and I have two of her books loaded on my Kindle but have not yet read them. After reading this novella in the May installment in Zondervan’s Year of Wedding series, I’m ready to crack one of those open. This story was lighthearted and enjoyable. The scene where Mari is baking cookies with Derrick and his mother is fun and endearing. Written from Mari’s perspective, the reader gets great insight into both Mari’s and Crystal’s past. I’m not usually a fan of these books when the two characters are just meeting, but this one was an exception. Mari’s natural tendency to serve her sister, including talking to her when she’s stressed out to the point of wanting to end things, makes her more likable. This one is a keeper!

Preorder your copy (available April 28) here.

***Booklook Bloggers and Zondervan provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.