Love and a Little White Lie - (State of Grace) by Tammy L Gray (Paperback)

The premise of this book was unique, and I thoroughly enjoyed accompanying January on her journey. Non-churched January is suddenly immersed in a Christian world, and it was a credit to the author to experience worship, fellowship, Bible reading, and answers to prayer for the first time from her perspective. It was also wonderful to see how January could make a difference in people's lives through her compassion, open-mindedness, and particular skill set, although she was not a believer. I think it was eye-opening for January. I loved the theme of grace and forgiveness being available for everyone, no matter what sins are in our past. I also appreciated seeing the Christian characters struggle, yet trust God in those difficulties. The author presented a balanced picture of the Christian life throughout this book. I recommend this book for readers of contemporary romance. Those with a heart for Texas and Christian culture will especially appreciate this book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

January Sanders seems to have a lot going against her. Her heart has been broken, she needs a job, she can be a bit sarcastic, and she is an ... atheist! She does, however, have a prayer warrior for an aunt so you can just imagine the change that is about to take place in her life. Jan is offered a job at Aunt Doreen's church, she meets not one, but two, fantastic men, and she witnesses God in action each and every day! Author Tammy L. Gray has created realistic characters and credible situations to show January Sander's journey to love and acceptance. It isn't without problems and uncertainty but isn't that often true in our own life journeys? This is the first book that I've read by Gray and I am anxiously looking for the next book in the State of Grace series. I recommend Love and a Little White Lie to all who enjoy contemporary Christian romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. A favorable review was not required and these are my own opinions.

How does an atheist end up working in a church? Jan needed a job, the church had an opening, and she pretended to be a Christian to get it. Jan’s life is a mess. She was jilted by the guy whom she thought was “the one,” she was broke, and she had to move in her aunt’s cabin. What could a small lie hurt, if it helped get her life together and back on her feet? All kinds of things can ripple out from a lie, unfortunately, Jan discovers this. Jan finds the church and the people in it, are radically different than what she had assumed. Even though she thinks writing messages to a non-existent deity is a waste of time, she is shocked to find the prayer requests are all read and cared about. Jan finally finds the perfect boyfriend. Except he works at the church, too, and he expects her to be a Christian. He tells her he can’t be unequally yoked—whatever that means. This story is modern, fresh and is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I found myself unable to put it down, and you will feel the same way, too! Although Jan can be a bit rough around the edges, this 5-plus star story is told from a Christian viewpoint. You will thoroughly enjoy this fish-out-of-water tale, and I recommend it to older teens and above. Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Love and a Little White Lie, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

Love and a Little White Lie, by Tammy L. Gray, is the first book in the State of Grace series. It is a thoughtful novel full of relevancy and meaning. Even while exploring difficult themes like loss and betrayal, Ms. Gray reveals her remarkable writing talent as she succeeds in creating a thoroughly compelling story that is redemptive, uplifting, and memorable. With characters that are truly authentic and vulnerable, plenty of moments of sweet romance, and a small town setting, this novel is utterly enjoyable and satisfying from the first page to the last. Love and a Little White Lie is a deeply moving and remarkably original novel. Within its pages, it unfurls a plot that is engaging and unexpected. It introduces the reader to well-developed characters who are very relatable and intriguing. As they reflect on their motivations and soften their hearts to unexpected possibilities and priorities, the characters endeavor to heal from choices that are heavy with shame and remorse. In their search for wholeness and purpose, they find support in each other as their wounded hearts begin to mend through the power of vulnerability, honesty, forgiveness, and trust. Their hope is renewed as grace is given the opportunity to flourish, and their faith is nurtured by the gifts of patience, mercy, and compassion. Love and a Little White Lie is a unique, contemporary tale of love, hope, faith and second chances. It is a meaningful novel that inspires even as it entertains. With an unforgettable plot, captivating characters, and thought-provoking themes, this well-written book is a must-read. I recommend it wholeheartedly. *I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

LOVE AND A LITTLE WHITE LIE is a story of a woman who is trying to find her way again after having her heart crushed, being estranged from her mother, and trying to figure out how much of her childhood she'll let influence her future. It's a story full of heart, friendships, family, faith, and some swoon-worthy romance. Highly recommended to Christian contemporary romance readers! I loved this book! I easily connected with January as she tries to fit the pieces of her life back together and deal, not only with her relationship with her mother, but also to figure out who she is, who she wants to become, and if she can open her heart to a God she doesn't believe in. I appreciated how the author let January be honest in her disbelief, but also to naturally start to feel things and be in denial until she could come to terms with it. I really liked seeing how the staff at the church she worked with, her aunt, and others weighed in on faith. They felt genuine and caring and not too pushy. I loved her aunt so much! I just about died laughing when a guy gives her the "talk" and she totally doesn't know what's going on! Christians do have their own language and way of doing things that can be very different from non-Christians. I didn't feel like any of the religious parts of this story were forced, which can be really hard to do in stories like this. I also appreciated that the author let January be consistent with her character. She didn't change overnight. She still had her flaws, her desires, and her history. And what a history she had, in all it's heartbreaking ways. Her story was beautiful, especially for being who she was after all she'd been through. There are two guys in this story, although I wouldn't call this a love triangle, who are very different from each other. I liked them both, but only one of them had my heart. I totally knew who was right for her from the beginning, but I enjoyed going on the journey with her as she figured that out herself. Plus they all had things they had to work on and go through to be in a place to make things work. In the end, was it what I wished for? This will be a top read for me this year. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end and can't wait to see what Gray writes next! Highly recommended to fans of the genre and readers who enjoy Becky Wade and Melissa Tagg. Content: Some making out and references to abuse, but nothing too detailed - would consider this clean. Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Book Review--Love and A Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray This is my first time reading a book by Tammy L. Gray and I have to admit when the opportunity was presented to me, I was hesitant because of the title. I am a stickler for honesty and the thought of reading a Christian book containing "A Little White Lie" just didn't sit well with me. However, I am glad I decided to take a chance and read it, as Tammy did a great job writing this story who's main character is not a believer and one who feels a little white lie is something that is no big deal. January Sanders is the main character, she doesn't believe in God, the reason being is that she was raised by an Atheist mother. She hasn't a clue what faith is, nor has she ever been in a church. Thus, when she finds herself facing a failed relationship, with no place to live or job prospect, she decides to call upon her Aunt, who happens to be a devout Christian, for help. This leads to her staying in a cabin on her Aunt's property and getting a job at a large Christian Church in the community, obviously not a job she'd have ever considered other than the fact she is desperate for work, thus enters the "Little White Lie". This decision is one which will change January's life in ways she can't fathom, however, before those changes come, she will have to walk through some hard times and make some hard choices that she never planned on making. This book was very interesting as I had never read a Christian book before where the main character was a non-believer. The characters were portrayed very realistically and I found I could relate to them easily. The book was an easy read, but my one drawback is that as I read there were some parts in the story that I found myself not quite agreeing with or questioning because of my own personal faith and beliefs in things, yet overall I would say this was a good read and I did love the ending. I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

I am an avid reader of Christian fiction but generally am drawn to Biblical/historical selections. However, after reading this sweet contemporary Christian story by Tammy L. Gray, I will be seeking out more books by this talented, new-to-me author. Told in first person, Love and a Little White Lie is the tale of January Sanders, who takes a temporary job in her aunt’s church although she herself is not a believer. In seeking to move on in her life after some difficult blows, January finds far more than she had expected: the ability to heal and forgive, openness to love, and God’s welcoming grace. The author’s warm, witty writing style and great character development quickly brought me into the story, which has a very personal, relatable feel and held my interest to the end. I would love to read more about January and the other characters in this uplifting, engaging book. I received an advance copy of Love and a Little White Lie from the publisher through NetGalley, but the opinions I have expressed are entirely my own. I heartily recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique inspirational story or who needs a reminder that God offers second chances.

Love and a Little White Lie is the first book I have read by Tammy L. Gray. It won't be my last. What an enjoyable read. The author has a playful writing style that she pairs with a redemptive aspect that brings a bit of humor and faith-filled truths to the reader. The characters are engaging. I was quickly caught up in their stories. January has come to her aunt for solace and healing from a broken relationship. Although an agnostic, she is hired to work at a Bible-believing church. The fun begins as she tries to understand what all the church jargon is, and how to hide her lack of knowledge, her lack of faith. I liked the romantic tension the author has added as Jan begins relationships with two different guys. Which of these relationships will last? As so many men have left disappointed and deserted her in the past, will Jan be able to trust either one of them to fully know and love her for who she is? Readers who enjoy the contemporary romance genre and stories that remind us there is One who knows us and loves to give us second chances, will not want to miss this book. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

This is my first book from Tammy L. Gray and now she’s one of my favorite authors! I totally fell in love the story, the characters and their growth, the unpredictable plot, the funny and dramatic moments... It’s definitely a book where I laughed out loud and cried up next. It’s emotional, realistic, heart tugging. I really couldn’t put it down, and I was so glad when I learned (I wasn’t totally aware) that this is a series and we’ll get to know the story of other characters as well! That’s, by the way, another thing I loved, the secondary characters are also so loveable and relatable that you feel part of the community and friends. I really can’t wait for her to write another character’s story! Jan (for January) is as unique as her name is. I loved her personality: quirky and witty, flawed, yet with a heart of gold that yearns to help others. She is completely heartbroken after a failed relationship with a total jerk. Her relationship with her mom is not good to say the least and her dad is out of the picture. So when her aunt Doreen invites her to stay with her while she gets recovers and heals from the blow, She gladly accepts. Aunt Doreen is the real motherly figure she has always lacked. She even get’s Jan an interview for a temporary job at her church. Which is great, because she needs to busy herself to forget, but is not at all great, because she’s not a believer, she’s agnostic in fact! So, she gets the job because the church’s team is overloaded, but she omits a tiny detail in her interview (they obviously assume she’s Christian if she’s applying for a job there), that is her lack of faith. This not so tiny issue will be the start of God wooing her into believing in Him, through more than one instrument in her life. I loved that many little things and dialogues with different characters made her question her firm non believing status. It was a beautiful sight to behold, the way she gradually opens up to faith in God and then in Jesus. It’s not an immediate change, like a lightning bolt. I liked that it was gradual and done in a natural non forced way. It was she who came to finally realize that the Higher Power she denied, not only existed, but loved her and forgave her in an unconditional way! But it was her journey that made the book so good, and all the people that intervened. I especially loved Aunt Doreen, so motherly, yet respectful and never pushy, with an air of fredoom and openess that was really attractive. Then there was the love triangle. Cameron, the gorgeous guitarrist she’s immediately attracted to. With a kind and innocent heart, a beautiful soul that worships God with his music, yet still looking for his real calling in life. Then there was Dillon, the brooding and rough around the edges architect that was working for her Aunt Doreen, with his blunt honesty and penetrating gaze, who seemed to know everything about her past and brokeness and who had his fair amount of grief to deal with and yet to heal himself. This book is pretty rich: character growth, inspirational message about opening up to God, about loving oneself, about forgiveness and redemption. Read by Jan’s point of view makes it so easy to understand her and love her as she goes on her journey, not without guilt, to healing in a way she never expected. I liked that her relationship with her mother is an issue that is not left behind, and I liked how it wrapped up at the end. Nothing is perfect, as nothing in life is, which makes it more relatable, but you can see there’s always kindness and a positive light in these people. I truly enjoyed this story, Jan’s journey to faith, and I definitely recommend it to anyone. Even if the story centers around the church’s life, it didn’t feel preachy at all. Very relatable and ordinary. I’m surely about to search for Tammy’s other novels and can’t wait for the next one in this series!

Loved....can I say loved again. I’m late to the party reading this author but definitely want to read more. I loved how the brokenness of January is shown ugliness and all and how God makes beauty out of those ashes of ruin. Broken people make broken decisions that can lead to destruction, but God has a plan and the road can have many twists, turns, and tears, but it changes courses when hearts become pliable and are molded and made into what was intended. Finding a person you can break down walls with, cry the hurts away on, and find healing within can be more than you ever asked for. January thinks she can only rely on herself and what she can do, but life is a journey and this is a journey you won’t want to miss being a part of. This book is amazing from the whimsical cover to the words within that can be life changing. It shows that God never gives up on us and is patient to court us. #mustread #keeper I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

3.5 stars "I can't believe it. Me, January Sanders, only daughter of Cassidy Burch, who is a self-proclaimed atheist and currently on husband number four, is now a part of organized religion." Against all odds, "Jan" January Sanders has landed a part time job as a ministry assistant in a large and extremely active community church. Grieving the loss of a failed relationship, homeless, and virtually penniless, January is extremely thankful for her aunt and uncle's hospitality; allowing her to live in a small cabin on their beautiful venue-property; meanwhile January wonders how long it will take for her co-workers to realize that she is living a lie. Fortunately, or unfortunately, January promptly meets two very different sort of men; the very last thing that she wanted, or even needed, to do. One carries a recipe for instant attraction, while the other has an uncanny ability to peer deep within her troubled soul. While one makes her feel alive again, the other reminds her that she is utterly broken. And then there's the matter of her mother. There are characters in this book who are perfectly poised to communicate powerful messages; God does answer prayer, He is big enough to handle our doubts and our fears, His ways are higher than ours; His love is unconditional. For the timeless question remains, "What must I do? . . ." It just took a little more time than I expected, for them to say it. What a liberating story! "And despite how dark it got, I'm glad I did, because now I know my faith is mine and not anyone else's." I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

A captivating story about January, who moves to her aunt’s ranch after a terrible breakup and takes a temporary job in a place she would have never imagined, a church. She acts that part showing compassion to others along the way, but never expects to fall in love with the people there. A great book that takes you through the highs and lows of self-discovery, budding romance, true love, and the fallouts of little white lies. Tammy L. Gray’s writing is so picturesque and you feel like you are being transported into the story and living it out among the characters. Overall, a book that I would highly recommend, especially for the lover of romance stories. Looking forward to reading the next books in the State of Grace series. “It’s time for me to ask the hard questions. To face my own doubt and stop spending my life tossed back and forth by the wind. It’s time I stop pretending and figure out who I really want to be.” I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

"No need to simplify the exceptional. January is a great name. Means 'month of the wolf’, you know." Tammy L Gray, once again, has created a beautifully and soulfully written contemporary romance that will make you laugh, cry, hurt, and rejoice in a span of 368 pages. She truly is a master artist who can drape the canvas of her pages with raw, real, unencumbered emotions that will pull you in and not let go. There are themes to ponder - of forgiveness, reconciliation, letting go of fear, owning faith and making it personal, and surrendering all the anger, disappointment, failures and frustrations to the One who will willingly carry and love us. There are delightfully funny and poignant commentaries about the church as an organization and the broken yet grace-filled people who make up the church spoken through the first person present-tense narrative of unchurched January (Jan). I've been a Christian for most of my life so Jan's thoughtful observations about the church leadership and the daily grind of church administration are enlightening and sometimes quite humorous. Jan's narrative has a way of making you feel like you're right there with her through the entire book and her fun, quirky cleverness, along with her huge and tender heart, will have you wanting to be her best friend. Her emotional and spiritual journey is rocky, but to finally meet the mature, grounded woman that emerges through the heartbreak, self-realization, repentance, and courage is worth the rollercoaster ride next to Jan. Cameron is a gifted but frustrated musician who's still working out his calling in life. He's incredibly sweet, thoughtful, innocent, and sheltered and truly every young woman's dream. Dillon is a gifted architect who's angry at God for how his life has unraveled in the past year but does have a softer side that comes out as he and Jan become friends. Their banter is so awesome and witty that they had me laughing out loud with tears. There is a group of Cameron and Dillon's friends who have grown up in town and in the church together, somewhat reminiscent of friends from the author's previous Bentwood series, and I'm hoping she is planning to expound on these secondary characters in future books. Oh, and the music! The power and the beauty of the Spirit within worship music is so vividly painted throughout the book that it gave me goosebumps every time Cameron played. If you enjoy well-written contemporary romance with depth and heart-rending emotions, you need to read this book. You won't be able to put it down. I received a copy of the book from the author and Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.