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| Faking Grace |
Faking Grace
by Tamara Leigh
Tamara Leigh; 2nd Edition (September 24, 2015)
Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****
Discovering grace and faith while faking it!
Take a deep breath before you begin reading the
effervescent ‘Faking Grace’, because once you do you’ll inhale it so fast and
laugh so hard, you’re liable to choke! This entertaining, heart-warming, and at
times quite emotive tale, showcases a young woman’s jarring journey into what being a
genuine Christian is all about.
Maizy Grace works part-time at a Nashville newspaper with
aspirations to become an Investigative Journalist, but until she gets her big
break, Maizy needs a second job to help pay the bills. So when she spies a
part-time position at Steeple Side Christian Resources for a ‘committed
Christian’, Maizy decides to brush up on how to look the part by reading ‘The
Dumb Blonde’s Guide to Christianity’. What ensues is a hilarious and priceless
comedy of blunders as Grace fakes her way into employment and then strives to
maintain the façade on the job.
Providing a thorn in her side is the handsome Brit and
Managing Editor Jack Prentiss, whom she first meets in the parking lot while
attempting to straighten her Christian bumper sticker. That’s right, she’d only
taped it on! Do his smirks and sarcasm mean he can see through her religious
accessories, Jesus catch-phrases, and overly conservative fashion? If he
doesn’t expose her as a fraud, then her own guilt might just do it. Things then
go from bad to worse when Maizy’s newspaper boss insists that if she is to get
ahead in journalism, she must dig up dirt on the staff at Steeple Side. As
Maizy’s affections for Jack and her co-workers deepen, will it result in
costing Maizy her new friends or her coveted career at the newspaper?
I’m in author-awe every time I read something by Tamara
Leigh. A master wordsmith—her skill at penning stories rife with wit and vibrant dialogue, is
unparalleled and a pleasure to read! As per usual, I fell in love with the
quirky and endearing characters that graced the pages. But the fundamental message
of personal integrity in ‘Faking Grace’, I believe is a great wake-up call for
us all to get real before each other and God! Highly recommended!
~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~
Leaving Carolina: Southern Discomfort Series: Book One
Newly Released, 2nd Edition - November 25, 2015
'They say you can take the girl out of the South, but you can't take the South out of the girl. This girl begs to differ.'
Click on the title here to read more: Leaving Carolina
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FAKING GRACE is available for purchase at: Amazon
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment below for an opportunity to WIN an e-book copy of 'Faking Grace! Leave your email so that we may contact you if you are the winner, but use (at) and (dot) to protect against spammers.
NOELA, Thank you for this FABULOUS review! FAKING GRACE sounds like a fun read. How often do we in our own lives fake it till we make it?! I am looking forward to reading this one. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks heaps Caryl! You're so right... I think we all often fake it to an extent at times, but hey as long as we eventually make it! ;) I'm pretty sure I fake at being a writer often, lol. Seriously though, it's an awesome read Caryl and you will love it!!
DeleteSounds like a "needs to read." Hope to win!
ReplyDeleteGpk1946 (at) gmail (dot) com
Haha yes Phyllis... This definitely fits into the category of a 'needs to read' book! All the best!!
DeleteYowsa! Thank you for the kind, heartfelt review, Noela! You made my day :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome!! :) Great to hear, thanks Tamara! And thanks for writing such wonderful stories, too!! Hugs!
DeleteThis sounds like a delightful read and I have never read Tamara's books! Glad to have discovered her. I love humour in books, especially when you laugh out loud and everyone around looks at you funny :-)
ReplyDeleteIt is essential that we learn to laugh at ourselves!
My Email is: info(at)melonyteague(dot)com
Melony, I think I can safely say that once you read one of Tamara's books, you'll be wanting to read them all!! :) And yes, in this particular collection of stories... There are quite a few laugh out (really) loud moments that will have people turning to stare! :-) I so hope you get to read this or another of Tamara's in the near future!
DeleteMelanie, I know all about people looking at me funny when I'm reading. Oh, and when I'm writing in public--just can't resist trying out those expressions I fasten on my characters' faces. Silly me :)
DeleteThanks for the delightful review, my cohort. Sounds like such a fun read! What's so sad are the Christians who truly DO fake it -- live it for show, but their hearts are far away from God. I have met a few of those in my life. Quite a few, but I'm not their judge. Glad I'm not!
ReplyDeleteThank you sweet cohort! :-) This book was honestly such a pleasure to read, and extremely satisfying and inspiring, as well. I know all to well what you mean, sadly. As the Bible says, 'you'll know them by their fruits..'
DeleteI've heard wonderful things about her books, especially the Age of Faith series. I have an author friend who positively raves over her! I've got to read her books soon! Thanks for sharing your thoughtful review!
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant at gmail dot com
Heidi, I'm with you in wanting desperately to read Tamara's Age of Faith series... I keep waiting for that elusive spare time to devote to this series!! Thanks Heidi and all the best!
DeleteThank you, Heidi! I hope you'll give the first book in the Age of Faith series, The Unveiling, a try. It's free now :)
DeleteNOELA!!! I just discovered Tamara Leigh recently and LOVE her work, so toss my name in the hat for this one as well. LOVE the cover and LOVE the blurb, but it's YOUR seal of approval that closes the deal!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Julie
JULIE, thank you so much, and I must make an important correction in the review... YOU my friend are one who clearly parallels Tamara in vibrant dialogue and wit!! Your name is in the hat!! :-) Hugs!
DeleteAww, thanks, Julie! Very honored :)
DeleteI haven't read one of Tamara Leigh's books before. After reading your review I can't wait to get a copy. I can imagine the misadventures awaiting me while reading the book. Thank you for the chance to win this book.
ReplyDeletephoneticpanda(at)gmail(dot)com
You'll absolutely love it, Kathy, and I think will find it easily exceeds any expectations!! Have fun!! :-)
DeleteI rarely enter a book drawing and never for a contemporary story--but this sounds so compelling I have to throw in my hat! belovedfranklin at msn dot com
ReplyDeleteI feel honored and blessed that I was able to inspire you Darlene, to read Tamara's 'Faking Grace'!! Here's hoping for a win!
DeleteI am not familiar with Tamara Leigh's writing but I sure would love to win this so I could become a fan. The description of this book makes it pretty certain that it would be very easy to do. Thanks for a fabulous review.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stella! And yes, I'm certain that you would immediately become a fan of Tamara's once you read this fabulous book!! :-)
DeleteOh, forgot to leave my email. spotts06 at comcast dot net.
ReplyDeleteThanks, got it!
Deletethis book sounds like a delight to read! having read 3 of Tamara Leigh's books, I know she is an excellent choice of author. i especially love the time travel book. I would dearly love to add this book to my shelf of Tamara's books. :) redhvn56 at bellsouth dot net.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is a delight Jo-An and I so hope you get to read this one soon, too!! I adore Tamara's writing and only wish I had more time to read ALL of her incredible stories. One day!! :-)
DeleteThank you, Jo-An! So glad you enjoyed Dreamspell. It's my "sleeper" book and very dear to my heart. Blessings ~ Tamara
DeleteI do enjoy a book that makes me laugh. This sounds fantastic.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Me too, Mary!! I loved how I was just happily reading and suddenly I'm laughing out loud! There was one part in particular I kept laughing every time I thought about it. Too funny! Such a great story. All the best, Mary!
DeleteGreat review. I love a book that makes me laugh. I seem to be looking for more books like that lately. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com
ReplyDeleteThanks Jan, and hey, don't we all need to laugh SO much more these days?!! This one will definitely do it for you!! :-) Blessings!
DeleteWonderfuk review, Noela. This certainly needs to go on the 'to read' list!! Hope I win :)
ReplyDeletebettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks so much Betti! Yes, this is one for the 'Must read' list even! lol I hope you win too!! How I wish we could gift everyone with this book!
DeleteYour beautiful fun review made me smile, Noela - as does the cover and blurb of "Faking Grace". Thank you!! And WOW - with raves from both you and Julie Lessman, (and Darlene Franklin wanting to read this book as well), I definitely must become acquainted with Tamara's writing!!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah Bonnie, take it from us lol, Tamara Leigh is definitely one to get acquainted with!!! :-) Thanks, mate!
DeleteWonderful review! I haven't read this author but I think it's time I did. Love a book that makes me laugh.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win this book.
pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com
Thank you Pam! Oh yes, you will love Tamara's books!! And this particular series of books, are some of the funniest out there! All the best!
DeleteNoela, another wonderful review! You hit me with all the right words....so funny, I might choke? Well, in that case, I'm all in! I smiled the whole way reading through your review. So please put my name in the hat. Laughing Annie, justcommonly (at)gmail (dot)com
ReplyDeleteJust don't be eatin' when you're reading this book, that's all I'll say Annie!! ;) Haha glad I could make you smile. Tamara will not only make you laugh and smile, she might even bring on a few tears. But it all makes for an awesome and memorable read! Blessings to you!
DeleteHello Noela. Great review. Of course you always give us great reviews. I would love to win Tamera's book. I agree lots of Christians seem fake by the way they act except on Sundays. Not good examples, but as you said GOD is the judge. I often remember the scripture that says GOD would rather us be cold than lukewarm. A hard one to swallow, but HE knows us better than we know ourselves. Sending (((Hugs))) to my special OWG girls. For some reason I've been having a hard time finding all of my favorite blogs. And, not been on as much as I used to be. Take care my sweet friends. GOD bless each of you. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
ReplyDeleteI've been missing you Maxie, so glad you found your way back! Big hugs!! I love the scripture you quoted, it is a strong one but so important! I find that there are two groups of 'fakers'... One where the person doesn't know God personally at all and is just using Him and Christian-speak for gain. And then the other group that you mentioned... who maybe need a bit of revival in their spirits! I love how Tamara's book is already making us talk about and think on these things.. God bless you sweet Maxie!!
DeleteI have wanted to read these books by Tamara Leigh for quite some time, but have allowed other books to take precedent. I even had one checked out from the library at one point, but failed to read it before it needed returning. The new covers and your review have given "Faking Grace" a much needed boost. I think the previous covers didn't do them justice.
ReplyDeletetlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com
DeleteThank you Terrill, that's awesome to hear! I completely agree about the covers... These new ones are so striking and definitely grab one's attention!! And please take it from me, these books of Tamara's are most definitely worth the read! :-) All the best!
DeleteYay, Terrill! So glad to hear you like the new covers. They were fun to put together with my cover designer. Have a lovely day!
DeleteSounds like a great read. I love the cover. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.
ReplyDeleteIt is Kim, and I hope you get to read it soon!! Agree about the cover! Blessings!
DeleteI've not read any of Tamara's books, but this sounds fun!
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
It sure is, Patty, and I sincerely hope you get to read and enjoy it soon!! All the best!
Delete