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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This book is in turn funny and deep. In Love & a Little White Lie, Tammy L. Gray takes readers on an emotional journey along with January because there’s a little of all of us in January.
She doubts herself, God and others in her life but she is also tender-hearted toward people. She’s struggling to find her place after a devastation and puts herself out there. Yes, sometimes her journey is three steps forward, two steps back but no matter her pace, she is moving in the right direction.
Between her wit and her uncanny ability to notice things others don’t, January is a well-rounded, memorable character. But it’s her journey that resonates the most in this beautiful story of love that quietly waits for the recipient to realize it’s always been there.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
3.5 rounded up. I wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. Unfortunately, both the romance and the. the conversion story fell flat for me. Although not doctrinally heavy, the conversion story overshadowed the romance. Neither man in January’s life fully accepted her until she embraced Christianity. Dillon was more supportive of her faith journey and let her take it at her pace, but for me, there was something off about his timing for admitting there was a romance and her conversion.
I put this book down several times and probably wouldn’t have picked it back up had I not committed to review it. Readers whose brand of Christianity includes mega-churches may appreciate the book more than I did as I had a hard time seeing the overworked staff doing so much of the ministering work that the members should have been doing by loving their neighbor. Ironically January was living more of a Christian lifestyle (visiting the sick, compassion for the lonely) than some of the church employees.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion, which is my own.
I thought this was a fantastic book! I thought it was different from anything that I’ve read in a long time. The first-person perspective of a non-Christian living in a Christian world was realistic and even comical at times.
January (Jan) would be an easy character to not like because of her deception, however she tries to do so much good that I did like her. I loved how she worked behinds the scenes in the life of a nurse at the nursing home where she was reading to one of the residents. I also loved the resolution with that nursing home character she was reading to!
I thought the portrayal of Jan’s feelings and thoughts about Cameron were realistic and very compatible with her character throughout the story. I thought it was realistic that Cameron was so enamored with Jan that he overlooked the red flags she was throwing up.
I thought the first part of the book was good, but I loved the last half and stayed up much later than I should have to finish the book because I had to find out what happened!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Love And A Little White Lie is the first book I’ve ever read from author Tammy L. Gray and while I absolutely love her writing style I have to say this book isn’t really for me. The whole premise of this book is that the main character, January Sanders, gets a job at a church and she’s not a Christian. I know obviously the intent is that she will get saved but to me that is just a wee bit odd. And it’s not done in a she’s searching for faith kind of way. I don’t know… I’ll give it another read at some point just in case I was having on off day and I will definitely check out other books by this author. If a storyline like that is something you are interested in then grab yourself a copy of Love And A Little White Lie. It’s available from most Christian Retailers!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely LOVED this book. I loved so much about it, but it wasn’t predictable. It was real and the author did a fantastic job at making the characters feel real. They had issues and problems and faults and weren’t perfect. The emotion was absolutely beautiful and this book had some amazing powerful moments. The couple I wanted to be together didn’t end up together, but the love in this book is outstanding and it’s so beautifully handed. This author is amazing and this book really touched me. I was able to relate to many of the characters and it also made me miss being more involved in church. I don’t read as much as I used to, and this year, I’ve started reading again. But this book was the FIRST one this year that was able to literally transport me into the story and make reality slip away and disappear. Fantastic job!
I love everything about this book. After my first hour of listening to/reading this book, I was completely hooked. There was so much depth and so many incredible characters — and I hope we will be meeting many of them in future spinoffs from the story. But, oh, how I love Dillon and January!
This story could not be more true to life… Life in its many varied stages and personalities of the Christian life. It truly warmed my heart to meet these different characters and recognize them from within the true body of Christ.
The audible narration was also perfectly done.
Again, I just loved this book and and I am just so blessed that Tammy L Gray has found her way back to writing again.
This was such a fun book! It’s lighthearted with serious moments too, as Jan struggles with feeling lost after her breakup, move, and job change. Her job at a church, combined with her skepticism towards faith and her unfamiliarity with “Christianese,” provide some humor as well as heartfelt moments. The two heroes in the story also make things a little unpredictable, and I really enjoyed the witty dialogue and writing style.
Some Christian fiction can come across as cliche, cheesy, or preachy, but that’s not the case here. I love the way Jan’s questions about faith are explored – her story was portrayed in a genuine, authentic way. I’m looking forward to reading more of Tammy L. Gray’s books!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Where in the world have I been? Under a rock? I feel like I have missed out on all Tammy L. Gray’s other books! This was my first time reading one of her books and I thoroughly enjoyed her straightforward writing style. This book is probably the first in a series if I had a guess, and I am very happy with that prospect.
Tammy L. Gray writes this story from a first-person perspective and it was fascinating. I loved the raw emotions, and actions of the characters; they felt real and not cushioned by the reader’s expectations. January is a very well-developed character whom I could totally relate too (I mean honestly, how many of us have not dressed up for someone we hoped to impress and had less than satisfactory results?). But January takes it all in stride and turns her misfortunes around without even realizing that she is doing it. I also really enjoyed the slow build romance in this story, it was not the focus, but it was a great side-benefit.
The setting of this book was in Texas, which was awesome, as I know many of the places that were mentioned in this book. It was just the right amount of small-town charm mixed with the feeling of being apart of something bigger. I enjoyed the offhanded humor and the amazing message of accepting people as they are and letting the Lord work. Truly a great portrayal of the gospel. I could not put this book down!
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the great story-line, the real and edgy characters, and for the underlying themes throughout the whole book! I highly recommend picking this book up to read.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
One Lie = A Better Life?
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. The 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.
This is a wonderful Christian romance. It is very inspirational and made me laugh and cry. This showed how some people can work through grief and losing someone. I liked this church and the people in the congregation. Each of these characters has many ways that they change. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Everyone needs an Aunty Doreen in their lives; someone to always show the undiluted love of Christ. And that’s what transformed January’s life; a love and home to belong and a foundation to be trusted. I loved how God used her in the most beautiful of ways despite her aversion to Him. I most especially loved how he brought people into her life in unique ways to nudge her to Himself.
The love, the patience, forgiveness in this book is beautifully remarkable and sweet.
You might shed a few tears reading it.
I loved the flow of the story, the realness of the characters, the church setting was beautiful and welcoming.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
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.
Love and a Little White Lie, was a really enjoyable read. I am not normally a huge fan of the first person point of view, but that really worked for me in this book. I loved watching the growth of January throughout the book. This was the first book I believe that I have read from this author, and I loved it. I would definitely recommend it to others.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and was under no obligation to leave a good review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
When I pick up a book by Tammy L. Gray, I know I’m going to be in for an emotional roller coaster ride, and this one was no exception. I love the way she creates broken, flawed, endearing characters with messy lives and puts them into settings and circumstances where they can grow, heal, and come out the other side as better people. The three main characters, January Sanders, Cameron Lee, and Dillon Kyle each have their own backstory and their own healing and growing to do.
I connected with January from the first and her story just kept getting more and more absorbing as she became immersed in her temporary job at her aunt’s church and met the people of her town. The secondary characters in this story are a vital part of it and added so much charm, humor, and depth.
Gray is a master at weaving inspirational messages organically into her stories. The tender messages of forgiveness, grace, and redemption are uplifting and add depth and dimension to an already absorbing tale. Her powerful writing never fails to amaze me, and her stories never fail to drag me through a gamut of emotions. Enough humor and witty banter is included to give a great change of pace amidst the angsty, more emotional parts. I’ve read and loved all of her books. This one is definitely bound for my keeper shelf and is one I’m sure I’ll read again.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. All 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!
I really enjoyed January’s journey. It unfolded in a believable way and the characters were so hard to leave! I didn’t want to put the book down or for it to end. I am very excited that this is the first book in a series, so I get to read about more of these characters in books to come. My favorite quote of the book came from Aunt Doreen when she said, “Prayer is not about changing your situation, although sometimes God grants those requests. It’s about changing your heart.”… January learned a lot through this book and I learned a lot too, while reading it. I don’t want to give a way too much for the romance side of this book, but I was thrilled with the ending! I loved Love and Little White Lie and highly recommend it! I received a copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.