The amazingly talented Tamara Leigh has more recently made a name for herself as a premiere medieval romance writer with readers anxious to get their hands on her upcoming novel, Fearless. It’s true, Tamara did begin her writing career writing such novels for the general market. But what some of you may not know is that Tamara began her foray into the Christian market penning the most brilliant contemporary romance novels. Stealing Adda was my first introduction to Tamara’s writing and I fell in love with her characterisation, quick wit, and engaging style. Each of her Head Over Heels stories are amongst my all time favourite romance novels and as they are getting an cover revamp, I’m thrilled to share their new ‘clothes’ here today!

Did you know Splitting Harriet won ACFW’s Book of the Year in 2008? And that Faking Grace was nominated for a RITA Award?

My dear friend is no slouch when it comes to writing remarkable women and uncommon men, both with meaningful vulnerabilities that keep them real. If you want to read my thoughts and see the original covers, click on my review links (can’t believe I’ve never reviewed Stealing Adda!), and if you want to add them to your TBR stack or wishlist, click on the book titles. If you are a fan of Becky Wade, Carla Laureano, and Melissa Tagg, you will love these smart and witty stories.

AND Stealing Adda and Perfecting Kate are both available in audiobook now, with Splitting Harriet and Faking Grace available soon – can’t wait!

What do you think of the new look covers?

STEALING ADDA

WRITER’S BLOCK, NIBBLED NAILS, PLAGIARISM, OH MY!

AND DID I MENTION ROMANCE?

Life for Adda Sinclaire, New York Times best-selling author and historical romance writer extraordinaire, reads more like a country song than a breathless, bodice-bursting affair. For starters, she has no romance in her own life. That might have something to do with her husband—correction, ex-husband—running off with her rival, Stick Woman.

To add insult to injury (and another verse to the country song), her ex not only took their dog but gave it to his new girlfriend. If that isn’t enough, Adda has come down with a horrible case of writer’s block, finds herself gifted with a Bible that is determined to speak to her, and is the unwitting target of a romance cover model’s misdirected advances.

Just when she catches her breath, and quite possibly the eye of a certain fabulously good-looking man (ahem…her new editor), her arch-nemesis gives the pot one final stir.

PERFECTING KATE

KATE’S CREED: THOU SHALT EMBRACE SINGLEDOM

AND BE UNBELIEVABLY, INCONCEIVABLY HAPPY.

YEAH, RIGHT.

Kate Meadows, a successful San Francisco artist, is this close to giving up on finding a nice, solid man with whom to spend her life. So when not one, but two eligible bachelors enter her orbit in rapid succession, it seems too good to be true. And it may be.

Michael Palmier, a nationally-known makeup artist, is actually flirting with Kate, rather than her physically flawless housemate. Trouble is, he seems more intent on doling out the business cards of beauty professionals and plastic surgeons than discovering Kate’s inner beauty. Is he trying to stamp out every last bit of self-esteem she has?

As for Clive Alexander, the good doctor sends Kate’s pulse skittering every time he’s near. Too bad the man is only interested in her work—and doesn’t think she’s much to look at. It’s enough to send a girl running for her paint-splattered, relaxed-fit jeans and swearing off men altogether. But after undergoing a makeover from Michael’s staff, Kate suddenly finds herself the recipient of admiring glances. Maybe she should try contacts, consider some fancy dental work, and—you know—that mole really could stand to go.

The question is, what kind of work will Kate do on herself? And who is she really trying to please?

My review of Perfecting Kate

SPLITTING HARRIET

ONCE UPON A TIME, I WAS A REBEL. 

AND I HAVE THE TATTOOS TO PROVE IT.

Did I mention I’m also a preacher’s kid? That’s right. And like the prodigal son after whom I modeled myself, I finally saw the error of my ways and returned to the fold. Today my life is all about lead me not into temptation. When I’m not serving as Women’s Ministry Director at my father’s church, I’m working at Gloria’s Morning Café. I even have worthy goals, like saving money to buy the café, keeping my Jelly Belly habit under control, and never again hurting the people I love. No more parties. No more unsavory activities. And no more motorcycles!

You’d think I was finally on the right track. But since dad’s replacement hired a hotshot consultant to revive our dying church, things aren’t working out as planned. And now this consultant thinks I’m in need of a little reviving myself. Just who does this Maddox McCray think he is? With curly hair that could use a good clipping, a tattoo he makes no attempt to hide, and black leather pants, the man is downright dangerous. In fact, all that’s missing is a motorcycle. Or so I thought. But if he thinks he’s going to take me for a ride on that 1298cc machine of his, he can think again. Harriet Bisset is a reformed woman, and she’s going to stay that way. Even if it kills me!

My review of Splitting Harriet

FAKING GRACE

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 they only hire committed Christians. Maizy is sure she can fake it with her Five-Step Program to Authentic Christian Faith. If only Jack Prentiss, Steeple Side’s managing editor and British hottie, wasn’t determined to prove her a fraud.

When Maizy’s newspaper boss pressures her to 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 colleagues—and Jack—will show her grace.

My review of Faking Grace

In 1993, Tamara Leigh signed a 4-book contract with Bantam Books, and her first medieval romance, Warrior Bride, was released in 1994. Continuing to write for the general market, three more novels were published with HarperCollins and Dorchester and earned awards and became national best sellers.

In 2006, Tamara’s first inspirational contemporary romance, Stealing Adda, was released. In 2008, Perfecting Kate was optioned for a movie and Splitting Harriet won the prestigious ACFW Book of the Year award. The following year, Faking Grace was nominated for a RITA award. In 2011, Tamara wrapped up her Southern Discomfort series with the release of Restless in Carolina.

When not in the middle of being a wife, mother, and cookbook fiend, Tamara  buries her nose in a good book—and her writer’s pen in ink. In 2012, she returned to the historical romance genre with Dreamspell, a medieval time travel romance. Shortly thereafter, she once more invited readers to join her in the middle ages with the Age of Faith series. Tamara’s #1 Bestsellers—Lady at Arms, Lady Of Eve, Lady Of Fire, and Lady Of Conquest—are the first of her medieval romances to be rewritten as clean reads.

Tamara lives near Nashville with her husband, a German Shepherd who has never met a squeaky toy she can’t destroy, and a feisty Morkie who keeps her company during long writing stints. And then there’s Boog, her grandpuppy…

Relz Reviewz Extras
All Things Leigh @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Tamara’s website
Buy at Amazon: Stealing Adda || Perfecting Kate || Splitting Harriet || Faking Grace