Saturday night Tamara Leigh won the Book of the Year award for Splitting Harriet, one of my favorite books from last year. This week I’ve been reading her latest release, Faking Grace. Faking Grace is a delightful read, that is more than chick lit. As with Perfecting Kate and Splitting Harriett, Leigh dives below the surface to point out flaws and challenges in faith — this time tackling cultural Christianity. But unlike some who too easily slide into a preachy mode, Leigh writes with a style that leaves me wincing as I laugh because Grace’s thoughts and actions can mirror mine too closely.
This book is filled with real-life characters facing real-live challenges. Embrace faith or compromise? Act like a Christian or actually live it? Pick up this book the next time you are looking for a novel that entertains while making you think. I have a feeling I’ll return to this one over and over and think about it long after I close the cover.
Synopsis:
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