Maizy Grace Stewart’s dream career as an investigative journalist is in tatters when she comes too close to her subject while conducting an undercover operation. Maizy is determined her soft heart won’t betray her again and she plans to prove herself with a new opportunity with a Nashville newspaper. When the part time position won’t pay the bills Maizy looks for another role to bolster her income. Thankful for the first time in her life for her quirky name, Maizy applies for a job with Steeple Side Christian Resources, believing it will give her a shoe in to the position. Steeple Side only employs those born again and with a name reminiscent of the famous hymn surely they will believe she is one of them…..won’t they?
With her Dumb Blonde’s Guide to Christianity, Maizy sets out to transform herself in to the perfect Christian, bumper stickers, WWJD bracelet and KJV Bible included. Maizy doesn’t count on the appealing and penetrating gaze of Steeple Side’s managing editor looking beyond her outward appearance straight to her heart. When the newspaper wants Maizy to expose hypocrisy among Steeple Side’s employees, she is torn between resurrecting her journalistic career and following the seeds of hope her Steeple Side colleagues and God have planted in her soul.
Faking Grace takes a humourous and entertaining look at the cliches Christians too often engage in when the truth of God’s love and the freedom of His forgiveness can transform our lives. Tamara Leigh succeeds again in wrapping appealing characters and a fun storyline around deep truths that will challenge you as you laugh, agonise and love with Maizy Grace. Maizy and Jack steal the limelight with sparkling attraction, witty dialogue and authentic responses to betrayal, manipulation and pain. That being said, Tamara has used her minor characters well, establishing through them a true picture of imperfect and struggling Christians. I always know with a Tamara Leigh novel that I am going to fall in love with her characters, be challenged to be more authentic and to delight in the grace and joy God longs to bestow on us – Faking Grace is no exception!
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Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Perfecting Kate & Splitting Harriet
Interviews with Tamara in 2007 and 2008
Visit Tamara’s website
Buy Tamara’s books at Amazon or Koorong
Check back soon for my exclusive “Getting to know Tamara Leigh” interview
Giveaway
Thanks to Tamara’s generosity, I have a signed copy of Faking Grace to give away! To enter:~
1. Post a comment before midnight on Sunday 31st August, 2008
2. Share whom or what has encouraged you the most in your faith walk (not including the Trinity!)?
Don’t forget to leave contact details!
August 25, 2008 at 1:20 am
Definitely my super-MAMA! A widowed paraplegic, Mom raised the 4 of us without questioning God’s goodness. From Canada, to Africa, to the U.S., she carted us around and taught us to love God wholeheartedly.
August 25, 2008 at 2:50 am
A friend at church – always a positive attitude, sees the best in everyone, even in difficult situations.
August 25, 2008 at 4:19 am
My Mum has been a huge encouragement to me in my faith. She introduced me to Jesus and taught me so much about Him!I’d love to enter this giveaway, Rel.daniellecentral [at] gmail.com
August 25, 2008 at 7:26 am
I think all my family but I will single out my Grandad who always would quietly sit and discuss all things Godly with me and then later on with my husband when he became part of our family.
August 25, 2008 at 8:33 am
My parent’s have had a huge influence on my faith walk. No matter what they’ve been through, I’ve never seen them turn their back on God. Please enter me 🙂joyfuljewelz (at) gmail.com
August 25, 2008 at 2:10 pm
My mom was probably the biggest influence for me to just be the best I could for God. She was always there to encourage, no matter how dark the situation was. She was the best mom growing and she still is a great mom and awesome grandma for my kids.
August 25, 2008 at 2:10 pm
My mom was probably the biggest influence for me to just be the best I could for God. She was always there to encourage, no matter how dark the situation was. She was the best mom growing and she still is a great mom and awesome grandma for my kids.
August 25, 2008 at 2:41 pm
This sounds like my kind of read. I’d love to enter please. 🙂My dad would have to be the biggest influence in my Christian walk. He and my mum were children’s church pastors when I was little, then went on to mission school, we then went on the missionfield where my parents worked for a Christian publisher and started their own church, and through it all my parents showed me how great God could really be. Even when things went really bad and my dad was killed on a missions trip, I’d been given enough strength through my dad’s example and teaching that I was able to maintain my Godly course in life. -Rebekahlittleminx at cox dot net
August 25, 2008 at 3:30 pm
I was blessed with Christian parents, so it would have to be their influence. While many Sunday School teachers, youth ministers and Bible college professors influenced me, it was my parents who were faithfully involved in church and modeled their belief in our home.Thanks for the giveaway!cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net
August 25, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I hope Canadians can enter? My DH is my biggest support in my faith :).This sounds like a very funny book!
August 25, 2008 at 5:26 pm
My husband has encouraged me the most; his love for others, his giving heart and his amazing insights into the Word of God. I am so blessed!worhty2Bpraised{at}gmail{dot}com
August 25, 2008 at 6:28 pm
I accepted Christ at age 26 and a friend named Mary P. encouraged me by giving me Bible verses to read and by simply “being there” whenever I had questions.
August 25, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Looking forward to this book! MY Mom has always been my best encourager in the faith and I hope to be the same for my daughter.
August 26, 2008 at 12:18 am
Sigh…still don’t have my copy, Rel….a godly jealousy doth beset me now:-)
August 26, 2008 at 3:16 am
Wow, that is hard. There have been so many people who have been influential in my faith. I guess I’d have to say my parents, though. Their faithful prayers and living out what they believed ultimately had a big impact in my life. I’m intrigued my your description and excited to read the book, one way or another!!
August 26, 2008 at 3:32 am
What a great review. Tamara Leigh’s books are fabulous. Like you said, I like the humor combined with deeper truths. Please enter me in your book drawing. I would love to win this book. Thanks very much…..Cindijchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
August 26, 2008 at 3:56 am
This comment has been removed by the author.
August 26, 2008 at 4:02 am
My Grandma and Mom have been a great encouragement in my life with Christ. Without having them here to talk through things or just be a good example for me, I don’t know what I would have done. Thanks for the chance to win:)carolynnwald[at]hotmail[dot]com
August 26, 2008 at 6:25 am
Oh please enter me! 🙂I think my parents have encouraged me most in my faith ~ they live a faith-in-action kind of life, being missionaries and encourage nothing less for myself.Them…and all those authors of Christian fiction whose books I have read over the years, beginning with Hilda Stahl, at the tender age of 9! Each book has brought with it its own unique story of faith.
August 26, 2008 at 7:36 am
I can’t wait to read this book so please enter me!There have been many people and events that have encouraged me over the years and it’s hard to pinpoint one. I think of a lady by the name of Lynne, who modelled Christ and was very wise and encouraging when I was a young christian. I was privelged to have her in my life again when I was just a new mum and definetly benefited from her real world faith.
August 26, 2008 at 2:04 pm
sounds like a great book!encouraged me the most:my grandmother, my pastor’s wife and a dear friend from church! I have been blessed to know many godly women!
August 27, 2008 at 8:27 am
My dad. He showed me God’s grace many times. I’d love to win the book!
August 28, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I have had many great influences in my life but a big one would be my Sunday School Teacher I had when I was in year three. To this day she still phones me, sends birthday and christmas cards and loves to come visit when I am in town. She has shown me the grace of a true godly woman.
August 29, 2008 at 1:20 am
Hands down, my friend Julie! She has the most contageous laugh and a personality that leaves you wanting more time with her. She is such an encourager and good listener too. She answers the phone at our church’s counceling center. She has talked many people out of taking their own life, having an affair, sleeping with their boyfriend and so much more. She has a special effect on people. A gift from God and an inspiration to many!cmrobin at bellsouth net
August 30, 2008 at 3:12 am
I would have to say my dad. His childlike faith, unwavering committment and unconditional love and guidance have shown me a great example of the Father’s love for me. I have enjoyed Tamara’s other books and would love to win this one!
August 31, 2008 at 8:58 am
Having had the privilege of being brought up in a loving Christian home I would have to say the support and unconditional love of my parents would have been the greatest influence on my faith walk. Wendyb