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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A wonderful start to a new series!
I was so excited to see that Tammy L. Gray was releasing another book! It has been a while and I enjoy her writing very much!
What fun it was sinking into the pleasure of Love and a Little White Lie! It was the perfect blend of searching, snark, friendship, romance, and comfort.
January, or Jan as she preferred, was broken. Her life choices up to now were less than stellar and she had come to the end of herself. I loved her photographic memory and the quirky way it affected her. As a fan of the old series Psych, I cracked up to see her pick up on details that I would never have noticed and to make accurate assessments based on them. But I especially loved Dillon’s observation: that she took those “abilities” and to mean knowing about people meant that she knew people.
In Jan’s new position, her true heart of compassion came out. My heart melted when she saw the prayer request for the lady in the nursing home who was going blind and didn’t have anyone to read to her – therefore she began going to visit and read to her every day! I loved the way she was able to help turn people’s lives around for good, having no idea what she was doing as she bumbled her way around the foreign world of the church.
Cameron was all heart. His love for the Lord and the way he poured his heart out in worship was something amazing. And he treated Jan so well. Their instant attraction was sweet.
Then there was Dillon. What Jan assumed was simply his prickly personality ended up being so much deeper – he was dealing with a great deal of pain and loss. I loved Dillon’s frank honesty and that he spoke the truth, even when it hurt.
Jan’s search for peace led her to see her past from a different perspective and to realize the “imaginary higher power” she had never believed in wasn’t as imaginary as she had thought.
I am really looking forward to the next story in the State of Grace series! I’m guessing I know who it is about but won’t say more ’cause I don’t want to ruin any surprises for you!
Read my review of Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved everything about this book and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. The characters are fresh and relatable. I’ve seen a Ralph in every church I’ve ever attended. Cameron reminds me of my husband in many ways (guitar player, super sweet, smells like Irish Spring…. made me re-live 17.) Dillon is my favorite character. And January’s journey is so real. I love how she grows throughout the story and learns little things about who she really is and who she is becoming as she lives day to day. I love to get a book that I peg to be a typical romance and it turns out to be so much more. It’s definitely going on my shelf of books to be read over and over.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I loved this book. It’s plot was so unexpected that I had to keep reading to see what happens next. This is definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year! I’ll be looking for more books by this author and recommending this book to family and friends.
In Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray, January Sanders is living in a cabin on her aunt’s land in Texas after following her boyfriend to a new state and then going through a break up. January’s mom was an atheist and taught her to be a skeptic of faith. In spite of that, her Aunt Doreen helps her get a support staff job at Christ Community Church.
January is a likeable girl and I loved following her story through Love and a Little White Lie. Jan, for short, seems to go through very real struggles that could be faced today in this realistic contemporary novel. I liked how God used her to be an answer to prayer for several people around her in spite of her skepticism and struggles. It was interesting to see her eyes open to the guys around her–both Cameron and Dillon. Both her faith story and her romance story seemed so realistic. This book also left readers with a lot to think about in how people of faith relate to the world both within the church and those outside of the church. I laughed in a few places and I teared up once. It was a book that touched my emotions. I enjoyed Love and a Little White Lie a lot. The best thing is that this is the start of the State of Grace series so readers get to read and learn more about these characters. I already can’t wait for the next book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
One for the keeper shelf. A top-tier read. In the running for best book of the year—Those are a few of the thoughts I had as I read Love and a Little White Lie. It’s a romance, yes, but more than that it’s the story of God gently drawing someone to Himself.
When January arrives in town, she takes a job at a local church, even though she doesn’t believe in God. She needs the job, so she desperately tries to hide her lack of faith, which, of course, becomes complicated by both her attraction to the church guitarist and her genuine care for the Christians she meets.
January’s journey feels so genuine and relatable, and I couldn’t help but want the best for her. Woven into the story are themes of learning to trust, finding the strength to forgive, and summoning the courage to embrace faith despite the cost.
As for the romance, I don’t want to say too much about it except that it’s wonderful, especially as January comes to understand her own feelings. I may have reread a certain scene a couple times
I hope Gray writes a sequel; I’d love to check in on January again, and a couple side characters definitely need their own stories! This is a book I could actually see myself rereading (and I rarely reread—too many other books to read!), as it is that good. I give it my highest recommendation—this is a book not to be missed!
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Oh my goodness! Every time i read a book by Tammy Gray, it is better than the last one and this one is no exception! I loved every minute of it. The author has a way of making the characters believable and real and I enjoy that they are not the “cookie-cutter” Christians. They have real problems, just like all of us.
The romance is always my favorite part, and it was done so well! I loved the bickering/slow burn between Jan and Dillon.
I am hoping there will be a sequel involving Darcy and Cameron. Fingers crossed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This was my first book that I read from the author and enjoyed it. This is how evangelism happens, accepting others for who they say they are, doing life and walking alongside them.
January hits rock bottom and decides it is time for a change. She moves into a cabin on her aunt’s wedding-venue property and accepts a job at a church despite being a lifelong skeptic of faith.
What she does not count on is meeting a very handsome guitarist at church and sparks start to fly. Can she avoid her lie being exposed especially when a landscape architect pushes January into exposing feelings that she would rather keep buried?
A story that we can all relate to, seasons where we question God and wonder why things happen. Knowing that there is hope and God works through all things.
I highly recommend “Love and A Little White Lie.”
I received a copy of the book from the author/Bethany House in exchange for an honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
So much emotional depth in the characters!
Love and a Little White Lie was a breath of fresh air for me. It’s fresh, lively, and real. January’s first-person narration is engaging and pulled me in right away. I adored getting to know her and loved every moment experiencing her story. It is definitely a conversion story. A lot of the story takes place at a church, reminding readers that ideas are great, but unless there is someone to be the hands and feet, not much is going to get done.
January herself is funny and a bit self-deprecating. She’s pretty aware of her faults and foibles without being too self-aware, which I appreciated. She has lived her life based on the whims of others, not really for herself, and after a major heartbreak, has come to live with her aunt to catch her breath and figure out her next steps. As with any good story, things don’t flow quite as she anticipates as she tries to do things her own way, thinking that omitting truths will work out for her in the end. I admit that at first I had a bit of a hard time with her decision making, but as the story progresses, she does as well. She truly does come to the end of herself, and that’s where things get interesting.
Dillon is by far my favorite secondary character, though Aunt Doreen is a close second. I anticipate there was some set up for the next book with the other secondary characters, and I can see their stories being quite compelling, if one or both of them are the protagonists of the next book. The dialogue is full of wit, a dose of snark, and had me smiling on more than one occasion. The plot flows well and held my interest the entire time.
This is my third novel by Tammy L. Gray and, without a doubt, my favorite so far. I highly recommend it to fans of contemporary romance with a strong inspirational message.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a review, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
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.
When life sends non-believer January Sanders in a downward spin, she ends up living with her aunt Doreen and working at Doreen’s church. Tammy Gray’s Love and a Little White Lie, told from January’s point of view, is unusual in the Christian Fiction genre as we get a look at the inner thoughts of someone who has rejected faith as she is drawn to people who don’t share her views. However, we also get a glimpse into the workings of restoration in so many ways.
I love how Tammy Gray writes stories about less-than-perfect characters who grow throughout the story as they are brought into contact with other flawed, but real characters who help them on their journey.
I was a bit puzzled by the two guys that January was drawn to in the story, but Gray brought that part of the story to a satisfying conclusion as well. The romance in this story is a winner.
I highly recommend this book as well as other books by Tammy L. Gray.
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions in this review are my own.
A few years ago, I stumbled upon Tammy L. Gray as she was promoting her series, Bentwood. Charmed by her relatable and realistic narratives, I was devastated when I learned that Tammy was contemplating quitting. Thankfully, God intervened and sparked new inspiration that led to the creation of her latest novel, Love and a Little White Lie.
After years of failed relationships and endless disappointment, January Sanders seeks refuge on her Aunt Doreen’s property while she licks her wounds after the worst breakup of her life. With her life in shambles, January apprehensively agrees to take a job at her aunt’s church, despite being an agnostic. How bad can a little white lie hurt, right? Nevertheless, as January immerses in the community, sparking a romantic interest in one of the church’s musicians, she will learn that there are always consequences when it comes to withholding the truth.
Love and a Little White Lie is the perfect contemporary novel! Each chapter brought growth, love, revelation, and passion that many authors use to create narratives based solely on physical attraction; however, Tammy takes those emotions and introduces a spiritual aspect that powerfully transforms the story. I felt a piece of myself in each of the characters and appreciated the way this novel portrayed Christians as being imperfect, even making a few jokes at the stereotypes. On a few occasions, I had to hold back tears as the raw emotions exuded off the page!
Tammy L. Gray has made an epic return to writing, and this new book highlights the incredible things God has been doing in her life! A new season is upon her, and I know that this story is going to be the first of many more incredible books. If you enjoy clean romance, Christ-centered stories, and narrative you can relate to, Love and a Little White Lie is a book you don’t want to miss!
*I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House publishers through Netgalley, and this is my honest opinion.
I’ve loved every book Gray has written–some of which tugged at my heart more than others–but this… THIS was on a whole new level! I loved it!! It was honest, heartfelt, and sincere…witty, tense at times, and romantic (of course!)
The only bad thing about this book is that it had to come to an end eventually, and when it did, I felt like I’d lost a connection with a true friend (the main character, January.) I can’t wait to see what Gray writes next!
There are times when you read a book and it just moves you in a way that lets you know God was in that moment. This is one of those times. January is a woman full of pain and does not realize that the God who she does not believe in is guiding her to Him. I enjoy the inner dialogue that she has with herself. The humor, sarcasm and doubts made me connect to her more. Dillon is another character that comes off the page and grabs your attention. I love the friendship that they were slowing building with each other. You need someone in your life that will challenge you to be honest with yourself and push you to be better. You will swoon at some of their interactions. I wait in expectation of how this series and characters will evolve.
I received this book from the publisher and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
A must read! This book is real, raw and so relatable! Tammy has outdone herself!
4.5 Stars!
Per usual, this author delivered an honest and authentic portrayal of healing, restoration, and love. What started a little slow for me, ignited in the second half and ended in a powerful finale.
I’m going to be honest and say how I didn’t care for January throughout a portion of this story. Yet, the author manages to show an authentic gentling of her characterization as she slowly discovers a faith of her own through the steadfast and non-judgmental love of those around her, as well as bearing witness to the healing transformation of others.
While I’ve always enjoyed Gray’s writing and evocative story-telling, I especially enjoyed the strong faith thread in Love and a Little White Lie. Even without, this author consistently delivers stories with realistically broken characters who have to finally and ultimately rely on God for their healing and deliverance. All that and a very swoon-worthy romance, too!
After a two year break, Tammy L. Gray returns with the captivating tale of discovery. Gray is known for her fresh, dynamic characters with original storylines and this delightful gem is no different.
Love and a Little White Lie is written exclusively in January’s voice, the main character, which grants the reader profound insight into exactly who this woman is and what she battles. Gray’s exceptional writing quickly lures you into January’s world and challenges you with questions of identity, loyalty, and of course faith. The conflicts are modern yet timeless, authentic, and raw. The other lively characters are equally influential. Encounters with these “church” characters will stimulate questions like:
“Who am I when my church mask is ripped off?”
“Am I willing to expose my struggles to others?”
“Do I love like that?”
“Do I serve like that?”
“Do I give like that?”
The fluffy, cotton candy type romance books are no longer for me. I yearn for books that will mentally stimulate, deeply challenge, and nudge me to grow. Love and a Little White Lie is a refreshing, page-turning summer read that does exactly that.
Welcome back, Tammy!
Beautiful story! Love and a Little White Lie is an exciting story to read.
I like contemporary Christian romance novels, but can shy away from them because they can sometimes be a bit like a Hallmark movies and unrealistic. LAALWL is not this at all. It is very real to life, which makes the story more intriguing and fun. It shows the different struggles that people can go through in life and the different ways in which God can call to a person and challenge them. It was entertaining, beautifully structured, funny, and was not predictable, so there were some nice surprises while reading.
I would highly recommend reading this book. It is a good relaxing read.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
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.