BKMT READING GUIDES
Fools Rush In (Weddings by Bella Series #1)
by Janice Thompson
Paperback : 336 pages
0 club reading this now
0 members have read this book
Introduction
Bella Rossi may be nearing thirty, but her life is just starting to get interesting. When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding planning business, Bella is determined not to let them down. She quickly books a "Boot Scoot'n" wedding that would make any Texan proud. There's only one catch--she's a country music numbskull because her family only listens to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Where will she find a DJ on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his Keith Urban? When a misunderstanding leads her to the DJ (and man) of her dreams, things start falling into place. But with a family like hers, nothing is guaranteed. Can the perfect Texan wedding survive a pizza-making uncle with mob ties, an aunt who is a lawsuit waiting to happen, and a massive delivery of 80 cowboy boots? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding? Book one in the Weddings by Bella series, Fools Rush In is fun, fresh, and full of surprises. Readers will love the flavorful combination of Italian and Tex-Mex, and the hilarity that ensues when cultures clash.
Excerpt
If Uncle Lazarro hadn't left the mob, I probably wouldn'thave a story to tell.
Okay, so he wasn't actually in the mob, he only sold vacuum
cleaners to a couple of guys who were. In the '70s. In Atlantic City, New Jersey. Before I was born.
But still, mob ties are mob ties, right? And we Rossis certainly know how to take a little bit of yeast and puff it up into a whole loaf of bread-which means we've managed to elevate Uncle Lazarro's story to folklore status. And why not? As my mama always says, "A little extra spice never hurts the sauce, just gives it more flavor." ... view entire excerpt...
Discussion Questions
1). Bella and D.J. become acquainted after a "happy misunderstanding" related to his name. Has a "happy misunderstanding" ever led you to a new relationship (friendship or romance)?2). Bella lives with a very large and rambunctious family. What would your life be like if you lived with so many wacky family members under one roof? Think of both the positives and the negatives.
3). Bella lives on Galveston Island, which has been hit by several major hurricanes (including the "big" one in 1900 and Ike in 2008). At the onset of this story, the island is in recovery mode. Have you ever been in recovery mode in your own life after a catastrophic "storm"? If so, how did you recover?
4). This story features the merging of several denominations (Catholic, Methodist, and Charismatic). When you think about the Lord bringing down the walls between denominations, how does that make you feel? What can you do to keep the doors of communication open with friends and loved ones who attend different churches (or no churches at all)?
5). The "sisters" from Splendora look different than Bella, but they are kindred spirits on the inside. Think of a time when you forged a relationship with someone who was your polar opposite. What did the two of you learn from each other?
6). What did you think of Sister Twila's beauty secrets? Do you have any that you could add to the list?
7). The interaction between Rosa and Laz is strained (and boy, do they love to bicker), but there is a strange undercurrent there that speaks of deeper feelings. What do you think about the real relationship between these two?
8). Bella is a little insecure and wonders if she will be able to take on the role of wedding coordinator without driving the family's business into the ground. Has life ever presented you with an opportunity to do something so big that you worried you might fail? If so, how did it work out in the end?
9). D.J. has a heart of gold and gets along with everyone. What can we learn from someone like this?
10). Bella and D.J. have very little in common, and yet they seem to be perfectly suited to each other. Why is it that opposites attract?
11). Humor is a great way to overcome life's obstacles. How has the Lord used humor to get you through some of the challenges you have faced?
12). Think about the role Guido played in this story. Do you really think it's possible for the Lord to use a pet to "speak" into someone's life?
13). If you had to choose between Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, who would you choose?
Notes From the Author to the Bookclub
A Note from the author to BookMovement members: I am so blessed to be living my dream! The life of a Christian author is a fun life, filled with adventure. And writing about quirky characters like the Rossi clan is the icing on the cake. Light-hearted stories are my very favorite, so readers will find the Weddings by Bella series loaded with comedic elements. And Mama Mia! The potential for romance is everywhere, especially with a hunky cowboy like D.J. and an Italian beauty like Bella! More than anything, I love to share the heart of our loving Father in a way that twenty-first century readers can relate to. I hope readers laugh their way through my stories, but I also pray they find the nuggets of truth I've sprinkled throughout.Book Club Recommendations
Recommended to book clubs by 0 of 0 members.
Book Club HQ to over 88,000+ book clubs and ready to welcome yours.
Get free weekly updates on top club picks, book giveaways, author events and more