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.

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 new author to me, and I will be reading more of her work. This a story of romance and giving yourself the grace to look inside yourself. January is on the run – from herself basically. And she has a secret she is keeping from those around her. She had not planned on meeting a handsome and talented musician. She also had not planned on meeting someone who would make her take a hard look at herself. This book is an artful work of Christian Fiction that will pull you in and make it hard to set this book down until you reach the conclusion of January’s hunt….for herself.

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.

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.

I loved this amazing contemporary Christian novel by new-to-me author Tammy Gray with believable characters you want to know more about and an inspiring story that I couldn't put down and really didn't want it to end when I got to the last page. I felt an instant connection to January Sanders and enjoyed her dynamic with the other characters especially her Aunt Doreen and Dillon Kyle. If you enjoy well-crafted fiction that will leave a smile on your face and warm your heart, don't miss "Love and A Little White Lie". I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

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!

January (Jan) does not believe in God, but lands a job as a temporary assistant at a large community church. Being a christian is not a requirement, but she feels guilty. As she navigates dating a guy in the church band, having unsettling emotions for one of her aunt’s landscapers, and evaluating her past relationships (with stepdads and boyfriends) she excels at her job and starts to make connections in the community. Readers may toggle between sadness, giving grace, and exasperation for her choices, as they wait to see how she grows and discovers true worth. This novel is written in first person, making it feel more personal in both the smile-inducing and tearful moments.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for the e-galley. My reviews and opinions are my own.

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.

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.

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!

I adored this realistic glimpse of ministry life and the heroine’s struggle in her faith. I loved the chemistry between the hero and heroine-how they became friends first, this book had all the feels! You won’t be disappointed!

January moves to her aunt's property following a breakup and ends up taking a job at her aunt's church. She keeps her lack of belief a secret, but soon finds herself deeply immersed in the spiritual community.

Soon she meets Cameron, the church's guitarist and there's an immediate connection. Despite his deep investment in his beliefs she continues to keep her secret.

I loved seeing the connection between January and Cameron. I have a new book crush.
Insert Dillon, the landscaper who works at her aunt's home with his dad. He's cynical and blunt, but there's just something that makes you think there's hope.

This is an engaging novel as I couldn't wait to find out how things were resolved. I loved seeing the different relationships build. I loved being able to relate (I'm in a mixed-faith relationship but knew it from the moment I met my husband. It's unfamiliar to see it in a book and seen as a possibility instead of a no way no how scenario.

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 gets 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 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 was 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 received a copy of this book from Bethany House vía NetGalley and this is completely my honest and unbiased opinion.

An absolutely brilliantly written novel by one of my favorite Christian authors! Humor, wit, and emotional depth abound in this sweet contemporary love story. So glad to see this stand-alone will be turned into a series! Gray is deserving of all praise and accolades received on this one! An easy 5-stars!

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.

First person point of view took awhile to feel comfortable, but proved to be an excellent choice for conveying the story.

Strong prose. The characters come alive with real heart break, challenges, weaknesses, foibles and fun.

Satisfying ending. I wondered how the author could get us there, but she did it.

At times, I found January’s lies, immaturity, and preconceived notions annoying, but her discovery of genuine people who are saved by grace, not perfection captured the essence of her conversion.

The romance proved to be a sweet, deep connection that I truly appreciated.

I plan to read this one again. Highly recommended.


I received a copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own and provided of my own volition.