Review: Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh

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.

My Review: I'm almost hesitant to write this review. Earlier this year, I read Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh and did not give it a very good review. I chalked it up to the subject matter being in conflict with my personal beliefs and tried my hardest to go into Faking Grace with an open mind. While there were certainly aspects of this book that were cute, overall, it just didn't really do anything for me.

First of all, this is a very Christian book. I doubt anyone that's not a Christian (or even of the evangelical Christian mindset) would enjoy it or even understand the humor. (and while I understood the humor, I didn't laugh out loud once) I review a lot of Christian fiction and some books have broader appeal than others. This isn't one of them.

It was also a little slow going and I found it very easy to put down. Additionally, some plot twists seemed a bit contrived to me.

I do give Tamara props for tackling the difficult subject of grace, especially in a Chrisitan company. How many of us hear stories out of Christian companies and the falling outs they have? So it was interesting in that regard.

Also, I'm noticing a new trend in having Brit heroes. And I'm all for that! Send them my way! :)

If you have enjoyed Tamara Leigh's previous books, you might enjoy this one as well. If you want to try Christian chick lit, though, I recommend Susan May Warren's Josey series, Penny Culliford's Theodora series, or Camy Tang's Sushi series as better places to start.