Book Review: "Faking Grace" by Tamara Leigh

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.

This book made me both laugh and ponder at what the average person thinks it takes to become a Christian. I really liked how this book outed all the typical stereotypes of Christianity. All the material symbols that supposedly show how Christian one can be were portrayed in this book. From the fish symbol, to the cross jewelry, to the taped on bumper stickers, Maizy went all out to show others how Christian she was by the way she looked. I chuckled at her attempts to try to fake being a Christian, especially by the things she would say. At the same time though, it made me think about all the people out there who do act in this way. Are their feelings sincere or is it just a show? I would love to get a job working at Steeple Side. It sounds like a really great company to work for and I really enjoyed how it showed that Christians can have fun and be normal too. I really appreciated the scene when Maizy confronts her grandmother and her attitude towards Maizy's mother. Not that I enjoy it when elderly folks get told off, but it was one of those situations where the person is wrong is set right and in a forceful manner. I think that there are a bunch of people who actually do need to read parts of The Dumb Blonde Guide's to Christianity for refresher tips!

While I enjoyed the book, this was probably the least chick lit-ish out of Tamara's recent books. There just seemed to be more romance in this book. I also felt the storyline to be a bit predictable as I knew what was going to happen about halfway through the story. It didn't bother me because I was having fun reading Maizy's story but nevertheless I figured about the plot rather quickly. So while this book was a great read, Splitting Harriet is still probably my favorite of her books. However this was a great book to read and I highly recommend it. It's a really good book to quell all the rumors of Christian stereotypes and hopefully put them to rest one day.

Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh is published by Multnomah (2008)