This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Faking Grace
Multnomah Books (August 19, 2008)
by
Tamara Leigh
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After Tamara Leigh earned a Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology, she and her husband decided to start a family, with plans for Tamara to continue in her career once she became a mother.
When the blessing of children proved elusive, Tamara became convicted to find a way to work out of her home in order to raise the children she and her husband longed to have. She turned to writing, at which she had only ever dreamed of being successful, and began attending church. Shortly thereafter, her agent called with news of Bantam Books’ offer of a four-book contract. That same day, Tamara’s pregnancy was confirmed. Within the next year, she gave up her speech pathology career, committed her life to Christ, her first child was born, and her first historical romance novel was released.
As Tamara continued to write for the secular market, publishing three more novels with HarperCollins and Dorchester, she infused her growing Christian beliefs into her writing. But it was not enough, and though her novels earned awards and were national bestsellers, she knew her stories were lacking. After struggling with the certainty that her writing was not honoring God as it should, she made the decision to write books that not only reveal Christianity to non-believers, but serve as an inspiration for those who have accepted Christ as their Savior. Her inspirational romances are peopled with characters in varying stages of Christian faith, from mature believers to new believers to non-believers on the threshold of awakening.
Tamara Leigh enjoys time with her family, volunteer work, faux painting, and reading. She lives near Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, David, and two sons, Skyler and Maxen.
Two of her latest books are Splitting Harriet and Perfecting Kate.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
All she wants is a job. All she needs is religion. How hard can it be?
Maizy Grace Stewart dreams of a career as an investigative journalist, but her last job ended in disaster when her compassion cost her employer a juicy headline. A part-time gig at a Nashville newspaper might be her big break.
A second job at Steeple Side Christian Resources could help pay the bills, but Steeple Side only hires committed Christians. Maizy is sure she can fake it with her Five-Step Program to Authentic Christian Faith–a plan of action that includes changing her first name to Grace, buying Jesus-themed accessories, and learning “Christian Speak.” If only Jack Prentiss, Steeple Side’s managing editor and two-day-stubbled, blue-jean-wearing British hottie wasn’t determined to prove her a fraud.
When Maizy’s boss at the newspaper decides that she should investigate–and expose–any skeletons in Steeple Side’s closet, she must decide whether to deliver the dirt and secure her career or lean on her newfound faith, change the direction of her life, and pray that her Steeple Side colleagues–and Jack–will show her grace.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Faking Grace, go HERE
“Tamara Leigh takes her experienced romance hand and delights readers with Chick-Lit that sparkles and characters who come alive.” – Kristin Billerbeck, author of The Trophy Wives Club
“A delightful, charming book! Faking Grace has romance, truth, and a dollop of insanity, making Tamara Leigh a permanent addition to my list of favorite authors. Enjoy!”
– Ginger Garrett, author of In the Shadow of Lions and Beauty Secrets of the Bible
“Tamara Leigh does a fabulous job looking at the faults, the love, the hypocrisy, and the grace of Christians in a way that’s entertaining and fun. Maizy Grace is a crazy character I couldn’t help but like. I loved this book and highly recommend it!”
– Camy Tang, author of Sushi for One? and Only Uni
Tamara can be reached through the Contact link on her Website
MY REVIEW:
Maizy Grace is a fresh but flawed character who is desperate to make a name for herself as an investigative reporter. After one disastrous failure, she needs another part time job to make ends meet; however part of the job description requires that she be a Christian. Although Maizy became a Christian in her youth, she never followed through. She resorts to the “Dumb Blonde’s Guide to Christianity” for quick instructions so she can pass as a Christian well enough to get the job. The results are hilarious. Maizy’s deception is more difficult to pull off than she first imagined and she soon finds herself torn between her loyalties at the newspaper and her new job at the Christian publishing company. When she finds herself attracted to Jack who she suspects is on to her masquerade, the sparks fly.
Faking Grace is a witty, humorous, and insightful look at the misconceptions held about Christians, many of them perpetuated by Christians themselves. While it is a fun, humorous story, Faking Grace chronicles Maizy’s journey with a strong message of forgiveness and redemption. I would heartily recommend it.
The excerpts from the fictional “Dumb Blonde’s Guide to Christianity” were so good that I would love to see Tamara Leigh develop it into a stand alone version.
Come and visit some of those on this blog tour: Alexis at Ramblings From Life Amy at My Life Amy at Peek a boo ICU Andie at frommipov Angela at Angela Benson.com Angela at One Baby, Seven Dogs, and a Mommy April at Projecting A Betsy Ann at Betsy Ann “Writer at Large!” Bonnie at Bonnie Writes Brittanie at A Book Lover Camille at There is a season Camy at Camy Tang Cara at the law, books, and life Carolyn at Serenity CeeCee at Book Splurge Cheri at Kudzu and Koolaid Cheryl at Writing Remnants Christy at Christy’s Book Blog Dave at Dave Rhoades Dave at Novel Spotlight Dawn at Book Junkie Confessions Deanna at Deannna’s Corner Deborah at books, movies and chinese food Deborah at Comfort Joy Designs Debra at Soul Reflections Deena at A Peek At My Bookshelf Delia at Gatorskunkz And Mudcats Edyth at Great Reads by Jasmine Erin at Life Around Here Georgiana at Georgiana D Gina at Upon Reflection Gretchen at Inspire Me Heidi at Reviews by Heidi Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm Janna at Cornhusker Academy Jendi at Jendi’s Journal Jeni at Allen Family Circus Jenn at Adventures At Walden’s Pond Jennifer at So Many Books…So Little Time Jenny at Come Meet AusJenny Jessica at Praise, Prayers and Observations Jill at Christian Work At Home Moms Jim B. at The Bedford Review Jim T. at One Small Stone–CFBA Book Reviews Karen at Mommy of Three Karla at Ramblin’ Roads To Everywhere Kelly at A Disciple’s Steps Kim at Window To My World Krista at Welcome To Married Life Kristi at Stamped With Grace Kristinia at Loving Heart Mommy LaShaunda at See Ya On The Net Leah at Ponderings From My Heart Leslie at A Little Bit Of Sunlight Linda at Mocha With Linda Linda at Reading For His Glory Lori at journey in grace Mandy at Mommy Cracked Marcia at Writer-lee Margaret at Creative Madness Marilynn at Rhythms of Grace Melissa at Bibliophile’s Retreat Michelle at Edgy Inspirational Author Michelle at Just A Minute Nora at Finding Hope Through Christian Fiction Pam at Pam’s Private Reflections Pam at Daysong Reflections Pattie at FreshBrewedWriter Peg at Sips ‘n Cups Cafeteria Rachelle at Stifled Squeal Rel at Relz Reviewz Rhonda at Whatever… Rulan at Fiction Showcase Ruth at Booktalk & more… Ryan at loves to read Sabrina at Hijinks From The Heartland Shera at Froggy Reviews Stephanie at Punkin’ Press Sunny at Life In The Estrogen Sea Tabitha at 123pizza’s Weblog Takiela at Beauty 4 Ashes Tami at Tree Swing Reading Tiffany at Snapshots Of Life Tracy at Pix-N-Pens Victoria at Overlooked Orchid
