January Sanders grew up believing karma was more reliable than an imaginary higher power, but after suffering her worst heartbreak in 29 years, she’s open to just about anything, including taking a temporary position at her aunt’s church. Keeping her lack of faith a secret, January is determined to use her photographic memory to help Grace Community’s overworked staff, all while scraping herself … herself off rock bottom. What she doesn’t count on is meeting the church’s handsome and charming guitarist, who not only is a strong believer, but has also dedicated his life to Christian music. It’s a match set for disaster, and yet January has no ability to stay away, even if it means pretending to have faith in a God she doesn’t believe in. Only this time, keeping secrets isn’t as easy as she thought it would be. Especially when she’s constantly running into her aunt’s landscape architect, who seems to know everything about her past and present sins and makes no apologies about pushing her to deal with feelings she’d rather keep buried. Torn between two worlds incapable of coexisting, can January find the healing that’s eluded her or will her resistance to the truth ruin any chance of happiness?
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I absolutely loved this book and that’s no little white lie! I smiled, laughed, and shed a tear (or several) while reading Tammy Gray’s latest State of Grace novel. Contemporary romance is not my usual genre of choice, but this story was wonderful. Some books I feel as if I’m almost slogging through them, but am determined to finish; this book I didn’t want to end. Truly an enjoyable read that touched my heart. Add it to your TBR stack.
This is the first book I have read by Tammy L Gray, and I was blown away by her creativity!
Gray develops her characters beautifully and gives them personalities and thoughts that we can relate to – almost everyone can probably identify with at least one character. The relationship dynamics were beautiful. I was sad about the way one character ended, but it is contemporary fiction and the way ended is very believable.
The plot moves along at a brilliant pace and kept my attention throughout the entire book.
One of my favorite things about the book is in the acknowledgment section. Gray did not have to be so open and raw about how she was feeling with her books, but her honesty is one of the things that make her a wonderful writer!
I plan to read many more books by Tammy L Gray!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
When I started this story I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy it, but I did. I connected with the characters easily and really hope more stories will be written.
Wow! What a novel! I just kept chuckling as I read as so many different aspects of contemporary church life were woven into the novel. The overworked minister, who the more he does, the more he is given to do. The edgy worship band. The Christian speak and acronyms. When you add only daughter of an atheist to the staff to help organize the overworked minister, it does get funny.
I just loved the book, especially with the sweet romance that had me really wondering what would happen. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I am freely writing a review – all thoughts and opinions are my own. I highly recommend it and cannot wait to read the next book by the author!
My Thoughts
“Love and a Little White Lie” is not what I was expecting, I thought it would be more of a comedy, not quite so … Attention-grabbing on the subject of faith. I took forever to get around to reading it, and I now wish I had read it right away, it was just that good.
January Sanders was a heroine I actually liked from the beginning, I didn’t agree with her beliefs, which made me glad I liked her, the journey of learning about God and faith is one that shows God’s love in a simple and pure way.
There were so many little things that made this book so, hmmm, I’m not sure what, because it was good, near to perfect and I cannot wait for more books from Tammy L. Gray!
The romance was one that I enjoyed very much and I loved the ending to the story.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher/review company. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Tammy L. Gray has written a beautiful, powerful, and inspiring story in her novel Love and a Little White Lie. This story is about January, or Jan as she sometimes prefers to be called, and her struggle with heartbreak and coming to know and accept herself so that she can know and accept God. This is a very down to earth and easily relatable story for readers. The development of the plot and characters and the tie into going from not believing there is a God (how could there be with everything that’s happened in Jan’s life), to coming to understand that even in the bad times, God is there. This story is one that will leave a lasting impression on the thoughts and hearts of readers. They will not want to put it down till the turn of the last page. And possibly not even then.
Series: State of Grace
Genre: contemporary, romance, Christian
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication date: August 4, 2020
Number of pages: 352
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, and authors, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited OR pre-ordered/purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Every book that I’ve read by Tammy Gray has spoken to some part of me. This book is no exception. I read the first page and I was hooked.
I don’t necessarily like the title (this book is Christian fiction, should have nothing to do with lies, even the little white kind). But…I do like the main character, January. She captivated me, she is so very relatable. She admits quite openly at the beginning of the story that she is not a Christian. And yet, she finds herself working at a church. Surrounded by God’s people, seeing God at work in all kinds of ways..And, because this is a romance, falling for an amazing Christian man.
This story is humorous, yet thought provoking. Fun, and also serious. I enjoyed seeing Jan’s growth. Her seeking, and then her realizations. So much truth in these pages.
In this book, Tammy Gray shows us the journey of one lost soul. A journey that probably each of us can relate to, in some way or other.
Saying all of this, I found this book to be a well written story, filled with romance and not a little drama. If you like contemporary romance, why not give it a try?
My rating – 3.5 out of 5 stars
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This is the first book I’ve ever read by Tammy L Gray, and it will NOT be the last. I loved getting to know January throughout this book a watching her journey through this book. The wonderful characters in this story drew me in immediately and I loved watching them all interact with January as they helped to shape her journey. I especially loved meeting two men who had quite an impact on this story (and I’ll say no more than that so I don’t accidentally give anything away).
This is a beautiful story that I highly recommend and I can’t wait to see what happens in Book 2 (and who it’s about!)!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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.
I have read all of Tammy’s books over the years, and I seriously count down the days until she releases a new book. I enjoyed Love and a Little White Lie so much! Even the title is fantastic, I was hooked from the very first chapter. January is such a relatable character, as I feel we have all been in her shoes in a way when healing from past wounds. Tammy has a way of putting the character’s journey in Christ so eloquently into a story, including the stumbles and obstacles. I experienced all the emotions in this book, I cried, laughed, felt scared for her and in the end I felt love. I 10/10 recommend this book to all!
Wow! This was definitely not one I was expecting but it was so real and relatable I enjoyed reading it. I love January’s honest and sincere search for the truth and the fact that she worked at knowing what was true. She had a beautiful heart and had been through a lot.
I loved the characters that shaped January’s journey to faith quietly and consistently. I loved the friends that didn’t let her wallow in her grief and self pity and I love that when she found out the truth for herself she knew it was real.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine
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 as 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 Jan’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.
My full review is available can be found on my blog, Older & Smarter?
This was a beautiful story of one woman finding out who she is and her place in this world. January Sanders has been looking for her worth and love in men. She has been heartbroken her whole life with stepdads and boyfriends. After her latest heartbreak, Jan decides to stay with her aunt Doreen.
Aunt Doreen is a Christian and Jan is not. But Doreen gets Jan a temporary job at her church. I liked seeing through Jan’s eyes, an unbeliever getting a good dose of the church life. The things she doesn’t quite understand and she is even a more unique character by the way her mind works. Everybody just assumes she is a Christian. I mean why wouldn’t she be, she works at a church and she is involved in outreach.
I enjoyed the lovely way that the author showed how Jan was lovingly pursued by the man who truly loved her. That part of the story mirrored how she was pursued by the God who loved her. The one that was always there and saw her for all her flaws and strengths. That saw her.
This story definitely took a different path than what I was expecting and I enjoyed every heartfelt, emotional word of it. I hope we get some of the other character’s stories as well.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray! January Sanders’ character and spiritual journey are as unique as her name. It is unusual in Christian Fiction to find a lead female character who remains a staunch atheist through most of the book. As the story progresses, January constantly learns more about herself and her character develops until the end. Undergirding January’s character growth were themes of truth, pain, and owning one’s faith.
As for the romance in Love and a Little White Lie, there is a love triangle with two good guys. Both guys received ample page time and I kept switching between #TeamDillon and #TeamCam. While I prefer love triangles with a clearly superior choice, the romantic tension between January and both men kept me devouring this novel all the way to the beautiful ending.
Love and a Little White Lie introduced me to Tammy L. Gray’s writing and I will be reading more of her work. 4.5 Stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Love and a Little White Lie is such a delightful book and a real page turner. The characters are great and relatable with traits that make them seem so real. January Sanders did not grow up going to church and is in fact agnostic. She was raised by her mom and a few step dads have marched through her life. She is close to her mom’s sister, Doreen, but the two sisters are estranged. When Jan follows a boyfriend to Texas from Georgia and things go downhill, she reaches out to her Aunt Doreen. Doreen owns a wedding venue on the property where she and her husband live. She sets Jan up in a bridal cabin that is never used and then gets her a job at her church even though she knows Jan’s views on God. This is tricky for Jan to keep her lack of faith a secret but she quickly meshes into her job; she evens finds Cameron, a guy from the praise band, that she can relate to and have fun with. Kyle is another guy that she meets through her aunt and uncle; she and Kyle clash like crazy. There is a lot of chemistry there.
What was so special to me was how Jan is drawn to people that need a little help, whether a patient in a nursing home or her overworked and unhappy boss and his wife. She feels the pain of others.
Even though she doesn’t believe in God, in many ways, she shows grace to others that is special. Jan is funny, loving, witty, and quick to make others feel comfortable. She lives dangerously when her relationship grows with Cameron and the sparks fly with Kyle. I have to say that I was hoping that she would end up making the right choice in the boyfriend department and I was happy with how things turned out. This is a lovely story of the power of how God works in people, even when they might not want it to happen. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary ARC from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
Wow! What word would I use to describe this novel? Authentic. That’s the word. This author definitely studies people, their relationships, places, the way we all interact. This book may be the clearest picture I have had painted for me in words that describe various people making their way through life.
The quirky, sarcastic humor that flew between Dillon and January added fun, laced with truth, to the story. I loved the dynamic between these two characters. This story was written in first person narrative, so the reader experienced everything from January’s perspective. This narrative was perfect for this novel. It was imperative that the reader experience Jan’s journey from start to finish, sharing with the reader exactly what she thought of men, falling in love, people who believe in God, the workings of a large church, and so much more.
I loved Jan’s journey and I loved the way I felt like I got to know her, Dillon, Cameron, Darcy, and even Jan’s Aunt Doreen. And I can not even express my happiness in finding out that this novel is the first in a series. I only discovered this as I was about to write my review. I am so ready to return to this community and dive into another story that I can hardly wait. Love and a Little White Lie was the first book that I have read by this author and I loved it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I am so glad Tammy L Gray decided to write another book.
I feel like it is almost impossible not to like a character named January. She introduces herself as Jan by the way, mostly because she can’t deal with not really having an explanation of why her mother named her after the most boring month of the year. And here, might give just a hint on her complicated relationship with her mother.
I adored this book because Tammy L Gray does not shy away from the messiness of life — the brokenness and traumas that all affect our self-worth. And through her pen, she weaves redemption and hopes so true that they are sure to nudge anyone who can relate to the pit the characters find themselves in.
Well done! I am so looking forward to the next book 🙂
There was so much to love about Love and a Little White Lie! I’ll try to sum up, but you really should just read it IMMEDIATELY! Truly, Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray is one of my favorite books this year, and it will be etched on my heart as a forever favorite for eternity!
The setting of Love and a Little White Lie was superb! With the majority of the story taking place either at a wedding venue and revolving around a large church and its various ministries, what’s not to love? The characters were fun and authentic, showing the struggles with waiting, trust, or even anger at God – all things that Christians experience. The love triangle naturally introduced characters for future books without feeling forced, showing in its aching perfection how different people can move in and out of someone’s life. Additionally, the hate-to-love romance with it’s Luke and Lorelai vibes made me downright giddy!
Last but not least is January! I loved January! LOVED! Why? Sooo many reasons. She was raw and real and sarcastic. I loved her first person point of view, and I loved her journey to God. I loved that the author dared to give readers an authentic character who not only didn’t believe in God but also didn’t make moral decisions like she’d grown up in the church. The church environment was an entirely new experience to January, and her preconceived ideas where blown out of the water as she encountered God’s love in the world around her! In light of her past traumas, this made her courageous decision to trust God all the more beautiful. Furthermore, January’s journey is a powerful example on how to show the love of God to someone who doesn’t love God themselves!
Five Stars ~ Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray is a forever favorite! This is the first book in the author’s A State of Grace Series, and I am looking forward to the next book!
Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.
January needed a job and a fresh start. Why did it matter if her new position at a church was inconsistent with her feelings on faith. So she didn’t believe in God? Would that really make a difference? Her aunt knew the truth, but did anyone else really need to know?
This book was about January’s transformation into being worried about herself (which she had to do from an early age for survival purposes) into a woman who cared for others. There are also elements of grief and about the process of learning to let go of loss and of disappointment.
Learning to be truly real with those around us is another element in this book. This transparency came to play into the romance element as well. January learned that hiding how she really felt was going to be a deterrent to having a thriving relationship. (The last few chapters in this book are SO good!) Healing finally took place in several relationships once the truth was disclosed. Forgiveness cannot happen unless those who are injured and those who offended both speak the truth in love.
I read this book through NetGalley right after it was released. Thanks to Bethany House for keeping the review option open a bit longer. All opinions of this book are my own.
Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray is a contemporary Christian romance. While a light sweet romance is fun to read, a full contemporary Christian romance is not my usual fare. So why did I love this book? Because it’s not your typical contemporary Christian romance.
First off, January Sanders, the main character, is an agnostic. She doesn’t believe in a god. However, after a particularly bad break-up, she goes to live with her aunt and Aunt Doreen is a strong Christian who uses her influence to help her niece get a job interview at her church. While January promises not to lie, she also doesn’t offer to disclose her view of God and is subsequently hired.
That ‘little white lie’ begins a journey of questions, pain, healing, and answers. First January is attracted to the church’s lead guitarist and worship leader, Cameron. A charismatic man who has choices of his own to make, but welcomes January’s advice. Advice he doesn’t realize is coming from someone who doesn’t believe in the God he worships.
January also discovers other church members who need a little help. Or maybe a friend. I loved how she wants to see good come in their lives. Meanwhile she also has her job to do, doing various tasks for the pastor she was hired to assist. An old, crabby man who is overwhelmed by work and life.
Then there is her aunt’s landscaper and his son, Dillon. I loved Dillon right from the start. Direct, hurting, and questioning God, he seemed the most authentic Christian I’ve read about in a contemporary Christian romance. Honestly, from about the one-third mark in the story, I began rooting for him and couldn’t wait to read another scene in which he appeared.
Whether January, Cameron, or Dillon’s story turns out the way a reader hopes is for you to decide. Personally, I couldn’t put the book down and stayed up way my bedtime to finish it. I find it a rare Christian romance that is willing to show the truly messy side of a walk with God, which makes this one of my favorite novels of the year.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.