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 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.
Excerpt
“I can’t believe you’re the one who took Jack’s parking space! How cool is that?”
Cool? “It was only a chance meeting.”
“Yeah, but why didn’t you say something yesterday? Here I was giving you the lowdown on Jack Prentiss, and you didn’t say a word about meeting him.”
“Maybe she had good reason not to say anything,” says a decidedly British, decidedly amused-at-my-expense voice.
By the way, that was an anvil that just dropped through me, and I wouldn’t be surprised if those within a fifty-foot radius felt its impact.
“Jack!” Jem emits sheer delight as she turns to face the dark blond man who is on a fast track to becoming my nemesis.
“Hello, Jem.” Head tilted where he stands inside the cafeteria doors, he looks me over. And I look him over, noting that yesterday’s shadow has been shaved clean, making the lightly blemished skin of his jaw more pronounced and setting off those nice cheekbones. As for the rest of him… I suppose he’s decent enough—no jowls, no slouch, no paunch. In fact, he looks fit, though not in a he-man way. He’s probably a jogger.
He shoves a hand at me. “I suppose we ought to formally introduce ourselves. Jack Prentiss, Men’s Publications.”
I slide my hand into his, and there’s that citrus-y scent again. “Grace Stewart, Linda Stillwater’s new editorial assistant.”
He squeezes my hand. “Right across the hall.”
“Yes.” Right…across…the hall.
As he releases my hand, Jem steps near him. “So what’s this about Grace having a good reason for not telling me the two of you met in the parking lot?”
“You mean after you gave her the lowdown on Jack Prentiss?“
She giggles. The tip of my nose warms. And Jack’s eyes return to me—smug, as if he knows my secret. Which he doesn’t. I think. I hope. Should I pray?
Oh, God. And I really am talking to You. Though it’s true I’m being a little deceptive, I’d appreciate it if You’d get me out of this. In fact, if You do, I’ll crack open that new Bible tonight.
Review
Tamara Leigh is normally my go-to author for medieval romance, but what fun it was to pick up this older contemporary romance/chick lit release and while away a few hours with her in a completely different setting! And while the story may at first appear to be merely poking fun, it actually continues that time-honoured tradition of using humour to disarm people into contemplating a serious question: do you walk the walk, or merely talk the talk? Maizy is about to become an expert on that particular topic!
In true chick lit style, this story is all about Maizy figuring herself out and getting out of the pickle she’s landed in, and her budding romance with Jack Prentiss is only one of the relationships complicating this process. There’s Jem, Maizy’s new co-worker at Steeple Side, and Tessie, her long time friend, mentor, and landlord, not to mention columnist at Maizy’s other place of employment. No matter what she does, Maizy’s about to disappoint one of them. And what a time for her grandmother to decide to visit!
Through it all, Maizy learns exactly what grace is all about; that as Christians we’re not perfect, just forgiven. But it’s not the easiest lesson to learn, even if it is ultimately wrapped in a yummy British accent!
Basically, this was a delightful way to spend a few hours, and I look forward to catching up on the one book in the series I’m yet to read very soon!
I purchased my own copy of this novel. As always, this review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Other Books in the Series
About the Author
Tamara Leigh signed a 4-book contract with Bantam Books in 1993, her debut medieval romance was nominated for a RITA award, and successive books with Bantam, HarperCollins, and Dorchester earned awards and places on national bestseller lists.
In 2006, the first of Tamara’s inspirational contemporary romances was published, followed by six more with Multnomah and RandomHouse. Perfecting Kate was optioned for a movie, Splitting Harriet won an ACFW Book of the Year award, and Faking Grace was nominated for a RITA award.
In 2012, Tamara returned to the historical romance genre with the release of Dreamspell and the bestselling Age of Faith and The Feud series. Among her #1 bestsellers are her general market romances rewritten as clean and inspirational reads, including Lady at Arms, Lady of Eve, and Lady of Conquest. In winter 2018/2019, watch for the new AGE OF CONQUEST series unveiling the origins of the Wulfrith family. Psst!—It all began with a woman.
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.
Connect with Tamara: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
I am a proud card-carrying member of the Tamara Leigh fan club, but hang my head in shame that I haven’t read her Head Over Heels series. I own every one of her medieval books, so I must remedy this soon especially since these covers are just a delicious as her other books. Thanks for sharing your review and reminding me to get them soon!
Always happy to give book reminders!