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Head Over Hills
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 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.
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.
380 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2008
About the author
Tamara Leigh
61 books950 followersTamara 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 appeared 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 writing historical romance 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 and Lady of Conquest. In late 2018, she released Merciless, the first book in the new AGE OF CONQUEST series, followed by Fearless and Nameless, unveiling the origins of the Wulfrith family. Psst!—It all began with a woman. Watch for Heartless in Spring 2020.
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 at her website www.tamaraleigh.com, Facebook, Twitter and [email protected].
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 writing historical romance 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 and Lady of Conquest. In late 2018, she released Merciless, the first book in the new AGE OF CONQUEST series, followed by Fearless and Nameless, unveiling the origins of the Wulfrith family. Psst!—It all began with a woman. Watch for Heartless in Spring 2020.
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 at her website www.tamaraleigh.com, Facebook, Twitter and [email protected].
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
April 2, 2020
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!
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!
September 25, 2008
The author does a good job at examining how the world looks at Christianity and the fact that everyone, Christans included, suffer from temptations and trials. What is different is the way these trials are handled.
I also found myself examining my own hypocrisy in my life. While I put on the right face when at church or other places in public, I find it easy to make all kinds of excuses as to why I am not faithful with my pray and personal study life. I fear that I am more of a cultural Christian than I would like to admit. Faking Grace has prompted me to make a renewed effort to incorporate my faith into every aspect of my life.
I would highly recommend this book! It is a quick and easy read with a wonderful message!
I also found myself examining my own hypocrisy in my life. While I put on the right face when at church or other places in public, I find it easy to make all kinds of excuses as to why I am not faithful with my pray and personal study life. I fear that I am more of a cultural Christian than I would like to admit. Faking Grace has prompted me to make a renewed effort to incorporate my faith into every aspect of my life.
I would highly recommend this book! It is a quick and easy read with a wonderful message!
May 16, 2022
Persistent insecurities and no-nonsense grandmas make this story oh so relatable.
December 29, 2015
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, emotive tale, showcases a young woman’s jarring journey into what being a real 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 rarely 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!
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 rarely 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!
November 28, 2009
This book was one I could barely put down! There were so many good plotlines and I couldn't help but cheer for both Grace and Jack during the whole book!
It is a Christian book so it follows Grace as she tackles investigative reporting while working at a Christian magazine. She pretends to be a Christian to get the job and when her job at the newspaper wants her to investigate the magazine, her growing faith conflicts. She starts to learn more about her co-workers at the magazine and realize they are real people with real problems. And, with the help from her meddling grandmother and Jack, she begins to understand the love of Jesus. Or try to, at least.
I really enjoyed this book and was a little bit sad to say good-bye to Grace and Jack at the end. The book also comes with discussion questions.
My favorite secondary character has to be Jem, of course. She was battling anorexia for the second time but, with her friends' help, she got into a "rehab" program and even managed to snag a boyfriend!
My least favorite character has to be Tessie, who was Grace's "mentor" and was the one who held a grudge against Jack and the Christian magazine. She was bitter, ruthless, and downright mean to Grace!
All in all, a GREAT read! I would recommend this book to anyone!
It is a Christian book so it follows Grace as she tackles investigative reporting while working at a Christian magazine. She pretends to be a Christian to get the job and when her job at the newspaper wants her to investigate the magazine, her growing faith conflicts. She starts to learn more about her co-workers at the magazine and realize they are real people with real problems. And, with the help from her meddling grandmother and Jack, she begins to understand the love of Jesus. Or try to, at least.
I really enjoyed this book and was a little bit sad to say good-bye to Grace and Jack at the end. The book also comes with discussion questions.
My favorite secondary character has to be Jem, of course. She was battling anorexia for the second time but, with her friends' help, she got into a "rehab" program and even managed to snag a boyfriend!
My least favorite character has to be Tessie, who was Grace's "mentor" and was the one who held a grudge against Jack and the Christian magazine. She was bitter, ruthless, and downright mean to Grace!
All in all, a GREAT read! I would recommend this book to anyone!
March 31, 2013
"Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." Shakespeare's timeless words are proven in the story of Maizy Grace Stewart, who lies about her religious beliefs to get a position at a Christian newspaper in order to uncover some gossip. Maizy isn't a good liar, though, and it isn't long until every fib she has told catches up with her. Like Splitting Harriet, another book by Tamara Leigh--whose real name appears to be Tammy Schmanski--this is a female-fronted romp through Christian culture that is sure to make many readers laugh and smile. Some discerning readers may take issue with the gossip-worthy material that is discussed throughout, though.
Score: 3.75/5
Score: 3.75/5
September 2, 2017
Minus the few inescapable cliches (meddling grandmothers, etc), I really enjoyed this book! I got some good chuckles out of it, and the outside-looking-in perspective of a group of Christians was different. I especially appreciated the very real look at how sin effects everyone. I'm so grateful to know there's grace for even me, and this grace was beautifully woven in to a story with quirky characters and a great story line. I'd recommend it!
December 24, 2016
While this book has all the hallmarks of being a great read, it just did not capture my attention. Therefore, I abandoned it. Life it too short to read things that don't grab you from the beginning. However, I don't want to sell it short, because I think many people would enjoy it immensely. I'm just not one of them.
October 11, 2018
Awesome!
I loved how Maizy's growth as a Christian was shown and Jem's involvement was great along with her own victory over some of the things in her life.
I loved Grandma Grace, I mean what a hilarious lady!
I loved everything and really didn't want it to end.
I loved how Maizy's growth as a Christian was shown and Jem's involvement was great along with her own victory over some of the things in her life.
I loved Grandma Grace, I mean what a hilarious lady!
I loved everything and really didn't want it to end.
July 4, 2019
This book was everything it needed to be. A rom-com (again with the rarity of a godly man pursuing a Christian woman, if you can suspend belief for a moment) that makes one laugh out loud and swoon simultaneously. It also challenges your faith as you consider, like her, if you are a cultural Christian, and displays how Christians are just like everyone else, only with grace. A lovely read.
May 16, 2022
Though cheesy sounding places, Faking Grace humorously addresses the commitment of Christians to being real and the hypocrisy that is also sometimes real in Christians.
September 1, 2016
“Desperate times call for Desperate measures” might be the mantra for Maizy Grace Stewart the main character in Tamara Leigh’s novel Faking Grace as she is most definitely desperate. Maizy is an investigative journalist whose lost her prominent job in Seattle and now has fallen to the depths of her journalistic career as she has a part time job with a Nashville newspaper writing lifestyle fluff pieces . A girl can’t pay the rent on a part time salary so here’s where the fun comes in- she finds another part time job that she is applying for where she would be working for Steeple Side Christian Resources- a Christian publication. Here’s the deal- they only hire committed Christians and well Maizy isn’t exactly what you would call committed. And so to solve her problem, she “brushes up” on Christianity by buying a copy of “A Dumb Blonde’s guide to Christianity” to make sure she can fake it effectively in order to land the job. After purchasing a“Jesus is my co-pilot” bumper sticker, and toning down her regular look from edgy to modest, she feels ready to play the part of a “committed Christian”. There’s only one little glitch in her plan- Jack Prentiss- the managing editor who happens to see through Maizy’s little charade (although now she has dropped the Maizy and is going by Grace- a more Christiany name). Perhaps one of the tip offs for Jack was Grace “taping” her bumper sticker onto her car for easy removal later. Anyway, Jack, with his cool British accent and suave demeanor is on to her and she knows it. It doesn’t help that he keeps popping up wherever she is and of course the relationship begins.
And then the conflict- Maizy (Grace) is asked to write an expose on her time at Steepleside by her other employer to show the hypocrisy that takes place there. Maizy is excited- her big shot to return to investigative reporting. But as she gets to know the people at Steepleside and sees both their strengths and their weaknesses she’s not so sure about this whole investigation thing. Will she really be able to stay “Faking Grace” or will she need to extend some and receive some as well.
In reading Faking Grace there are many hysterical moments as Maizy is trying to fake her way through the Christian world- trying to learn the lingo, talk the talk and even attend church. As she goes along and sees authentic people with authentic faith she is definitely drawn in to real faith in God and of course, it is life changing. A very poignant scene was when she was volunteering in a soup kitchen and helping to feed the people coming in and she was so touched by a woman who had nothing and yet could still thank God for his provision for her. That really affected Grace and will affect the reader as well. This was a great contemporary fiction novel with humor, poignancy, and imperfect people meeting their perfect God. Very enjoyable read!
4 stars
I was given a free copy of Faking Grace by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
And then the conflict- Maizy (Grace) is asked to write an expose on her time at Steepleside by her other employer to show the hypocrisy that takes place there. Maizy is excited- her big shot to return to investigative reporting. But as she gets to know the people at Steepleside and sees both their strengths and their weaknesses she’s not so sure about this whole investigation thing. Will she really be able to stay “Faking Grace” or will she need to extend some and receive some as well.
In reading Faking Grace there are many hysterical moments as Maizy is trying to fake her way through the Christian world- trying to learn the lingo, talk the talk and even attend church. As she goes along and sees authentic people with authentic faith she is definitely drawn in to real faith in God and of course, it is life changing. A very poignant scene was when she was volunteering in a soup kitchen and helping to feed the people coming in and she was so touched by a woman who had nothing and yet could still thank God for his provision for her. That really affected Grace and will affect the reader as well. This was a great contemporary fiction novel with humor, poignancy, and imperfect people meeting their perfect God. Very enjoyable read!
4 stars
I was given a free copy of Faking Grace by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 19, 2016
3.5...this one was cute, but I would have liked to see Maizy and Jack's relationship develop more. This was more of a story about Maizy "Grace" faking her Christianity to get a job, and then finding her way to true faith. A story in the end of grace and redemption...which was good, I was just expecting more romance.
I thought the struggles both Maizy and her co-workers had were real, and often those not dealt with in a healthy, honest way in the Church.
This is most definitely a Christian romance and is heavier in those elements than Ms. Leigh's other books I've read.
All in all an enjoyable read; I just enjoyed her other novels more. Guess they can't all be my favorite. :)
I thought the struggles both Maizy and her co-workers had were real, and often those not dealt with in a healthy, honest way in the Church.
This is most definitely a Christian romance and is heavier in those elements than Ms. Leigh's other books I've read.
All in all an enjoyable read; I just enjoyed her other novels more. Guess they can't all be my favorite. :)
July 11, 2011
Tamara Leigh writes from a place where true Christian's live. We're not perfect and we blow it more times than we all care to admit. She writes in such a way that you can identify and even laugh at it! This book was so incredibly fun. Maizy Grace is a wonderful character that I fell in love with. I totally recommend this book! Tamara Leigh has become one of my favorites since I began blog touring, and she will remain one. I give this book 5 stars out of 5!
October 22, 2009
Faking Grace is one of my ALL time favorite books! "Yours in Christ..." I LOVE a good, clean funny romance and Tamara absolutely delivers!
June 2, 2011
Starts out good - a few laughs right off the bat.
July 1, 2019
Maizy Grace wants to make it big as a journalist, but after her last news job imploded, she can't land more than a part time position at the local newspaper . Hesitantly, she takes a second job at a Christian publishing company, piling on the religious bumper stickers and Christianese to convince the people there that she's a born again believer. Despite her employment under false pretenses, she begins to find friends among her co-workers and gets tricked into attending church with the handsome but suspicious Jack Prentiss. Along the way, she discovers that Christians are people too, and people that she likes hanging out with. When her boss at the local paper asks her to do a feature article critiquing the Christian publishing company, Maizy Grace must decide where her loyalties lie and discover that no matter her past mistakes, there is grace and forgiveness in Jesus.
This book was a cute Christian romcom without a whole lot of substance to it. The message that "Christians aren't perfect people, they're saved sinners" came through loud and clear. I didn't find either Maizy or Jack particularly well-developed as characters, but the book had a lot of funny moments in it.
This book was a cute Christian romcom without a whole lot of substance to it. The message that "Christians aren't perfect people, they're saved sinners" came through loud and clear. I didn't find either Maizy or Jack particularly well-developed as characters, but the book had a lot of funny moments in it.
April 29, 2018
I’m Head Over Heels for this series
I have to admit I had my doubts about this book at the beginning. I really did not like Maizy but she won me over by the end. Since I love a good British accent, Jack had my approval from the beginning. The quotes from the dumb blondes’ guide to Christianity was a nice humorous touch that nailed our hypocrisy more than once. For me, this is another 5 star rating for a great book from Tamara Leigh. She manages to show God’s grace for our weaknesses with a touch of amusement and authenticity.
I have to admit I had my doubts about this book at the beginning. I really did not like Maizy but she won me over by the end. Since I love a good British accent, Jack had my approval from the beginning. The quotes from the dumb blondes’ guide to Christianity was a nice humorous touch that nailed our hypocrisy more than once. For me, this is another 5 star rating for a great book from Tamara Leigh. She manages to show God’s grace for our weaknesses with a touch of amusement and authenticity.
May 6, 2018
Super religious
This book is extremely religious, but I found myself liking it a lot. The grandmothers in the story just cracked me up. The dumb blondes guide to Christianity probably should have been offensive, but I found it funny. The characters had depth to them, each struggling with real life. I read a lot of books, and I like clean reads. At first, I thought this went a little overboard on the religious front. This is nothing like Leighs other books.
Content: Clean
Language: Clean
Religious: Definitely, Christian.
Happy reading.
This book is extremely religious, but I found myself liking it a lot. The grandmothers in the story just cracked me up. The dumb blondes guide to Christianity probably should have been offensive, but I found it funny. The characters had depth to them, each struggling with real life. I read a lot of books, and I like clean reads. At first, I thought this went a little overboard on the religious front. This is nothing like Leighs other books.
Content: Clean
Language: Clean
Religious: Definitely, Christian.
Happy reading.
January 20, 2020
I really liked this book. It gives us all pause to think about our own Christian walk and what decisions we make in our daily lives. If you like faith-based books with humor and food for thought, you will love this one. Sidenote: I would love to read the book she's referencing; The Dumb Blonde's Guide to Christianity. I presume this is a made-up book, but I'm definitely going to search for it.
January 28, 2018
Good. I think I preferred the others in the series but this one compared and held up pretty well.
March 30, 2018
2.5 stars
April 17, 2018
Another hit by Tamara Leigh!
October 23, 2018
Great Christian chick-lit.
Read
June 1, 2020This book just took first place as my favorite light hearted romance! Loved it! Wholeheartedly recommend!
October 20, 2021
3.5 stars
March 11, 2022
A great, fun, entertaining and humorous read!
October 31, 2024
This is a fun read, while it has an serious underlying message, it also has engaging characters who make it believable.
October 16, 2016
Sweet. Cheesy. Romance. Conversion story. Clean. Would read another like it.
July 8, 2020
HILARIOUSLY convicting! I've read every one of Tamara Leigh's medieval books, and know what a fantastic writer she is, but had no idea how funny and 'on-point' she would be writing contemporary books. I was laughing out loud reading almost every single page. Maizy owned me with her guide to Christianity and then her grandma popped into town and the laughter amped up even more with their action and banter back and forth. And, Jack with his delicious British accent is the perfect swoon-worthy man for Maizy.
But, lest you think it's all laughter and levity, Tamara makes the reader seriously ponder whether they are just talking the talk (Christian-ese) or walking the walk. It made my reflect on my own Christian life and how I'm living (or not living) that needs to be adjusted so I'm more like Christ and less like me.
Now on to buy the rest of the Head Over Heels Collection!
But, lest you think it's all laughter and levity, Tamara makes the reader seriously ponder whether they are just talking the talk (Christian-ese) or walking the walk. It made my reflect on my own Christian life and how I'm living (or not living) that needs to be adjusted so I'm more like Christ and less like me.
Now on to buy the rest of the Head Over Heels Collection!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews