Writing lovable characters is the key to any successful novel, and Tamara Leigh is a master of the craft. I couldn’t believe how quickly, or how deeply I became invested in the characters. SPLITTING HARRIET sank a hook in me on page one and led me along by the heartstrings.
Even in the prologue, the author had me glued to the pages. Just when I thought poor Harriet was in over her head, a tough old biddy comes to the rescue, armed with a stun gun. It was electrifying! The best part is, the book just kept getting better.
Well done, Tamara Leigh!
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Author Bio: Tamara Leigh’s first novel, Warrior Bride, was published in 1994 and was followed by six more bestselling, award-winning historical romances for Bantam, HarperCollins, and Dorchester. Leigh’s inspirational chick lit debut, Stealing Adda, was published in 2006 to great critical acclaim. Leigh has also written for Romantic Times magazine and been a guest speaker for WaldenBooks’s corporate conference. Leigh lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and two sons and enjoys time with her family, volunteer work, faux painting, and reading.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Once upon a time, I was a rebel. And I have the tattoo to prove it.Then there was the spiked hair–the shade of which changed monthly–“colorful” language that can’t be found in your everyday sixteen-count crayon box, a pack-a-day habit, less-than-modest wardrobe, and an obsession with guitar-trashing, drum-bashing music.
Did I mention I’m also a preacher’s kid? That’s right. And like the prodigal son after whom I modeled myself, I finally saw the error of my ways and returned to the fold.
Today my life is all about “lead me not into temptation.” When I’m not serving as Women’s Ministry Director at my father’s church, I’m working at Gloria’s Morning Café. I even have worthy goals, like saving enough money to buy the café, keep my Jelly Belly habit under control, and to never again hurt the people I love. No more parties. No more unsavory activities. And no more motorcycles! You’d think I was finally on the right track.
But since my dad’s replacement hired a hotshot church consultant to revive our “dying” church, things aren’t working out as planned. And now this “consultant” says I’m in need of a little reviving myself. Just who does this Maddox McCray think he is anyway? With his curly hair that could use a good clipping, tattoo that he makes no attempt to hide, and black leather pants, the man is downright dangerous. In fact, all that’s missing is a motorcycle. Or so I thought… But if he thinks he’s going to take me for a ride on that 1298cc machine of his, he can think again. Harriet Bisset is a reformed woman, and she’s going to stay that way. Even if it kills me!
PRAISE FOR SPLITTING HARRIET
"Tamara Leigh takes her experienced romance hand and delights readers with Chick Lit that sparkles and characters who come alive."
—kristin billerbeck, author of The Trophy Wives Club
"Can a rebel ever truly be reformed? This story of a prodigal daughter returned home proves God doesn't want us to rehabilitate ourselves; he just wants us to let him change our hearts. A soul-satisfying read, Leigh's vibrant story of forgiveness and grace is peopled with characters as colorful as a club-sized container of Jelly Bellys."
—SlRI L. MlTCHELL, author of The Cubicle Next Door
"Tamara Leigh delivers a thoroughly enjoyable story in Splitting Harriet. Harri dances off the pages and straight into our hearts with her hardheaded loyalty to the tradition-loving members of her church. Leigh digs deep as she delves into the inner workings of a church struggling with growth as seen through the eyes of its most compassionate and stubborn member. There's a Harri in each of us, which is why we love her so much."
—VIRGINIA SMITH, author of Stuck in the Middle
"Kudos to novelist Tamara Leigh. You'll fall in love with Harriet. She's quirky and slightly neurotic, a gal with a past who loves Jesus, snarfs jelly beans, and lives in a senior-citizen trailer park. Splitting Harriet raises the bar for Christian Chick Lit. This is a story with an edge, one that dares to go a bit deeper, yet entertains from beginning to end. Highly recommended!"
—annette smith, author of A Bigger Life and A Crooked Path
"'Splitting Harriet is every bit as clever as its title. With a cast of characters sure to make you smile, this book will not disappoint. Harriet's bad-girl past and imperfect-but-trying present make her relatable to the average woman who cringes at the rebellions of her own youth. If you're anything like me, you'll become as addicted to Harriet as she is to candy!"
—tracey bateman, author of Catch a Rising Star and Defiant Heart
"No split decision—Splitting Harriet is a fast, fun read. Harri is both as sweet as her Jelly Bellys and as forthright as a country waitress. Readers will cheer as Harri overcomes her fear of failure and of letting go to choose freedom, joy, and grace."
—sandra byrd, author of Let Them Eat Cake
"I love Harriet—prickly yet caring, full of self-doubt but trying, loving God but struggling. In other words, Harriet is just like us. You will love her too as well as the others at First Grace. Guaranteed."
—gale Roper, award-winning author of Fatal Deduction and Caught Redhanded
