Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh

Maizy Grace Stewart is a journalist who longs to be an investigative reporter. When she gets fired from her job at a Seattle paper, she welcomes the chance a friend offers her to move to Nashville. She gets stuck working as a Lifestyles reporter, but has hopes it will lead eventually to her dream job...and to full-time status.

With escalating bills, she needs another part-time job to tide her over as she waits on a promotion. When she sees a position open at Steeple Side Christian Resources, this seems perfect. After all, she became a Christian one summer at church camp, so how difficult could it be? Neglecting to add her current & past work experience is just so they won't think she is over-qualified. And, she can remember to answer to Grace.; it sounds more Christian, and it really is part of her name. So with her useful reference guide, The Dumb Blonde's Guide to Christianity, Maizy is positive she can convince everyone that she is the perfect Christian...even Jack Prentiss, the managing editor at Steeple Side.

The conflict arises when the newspaper asks her to investigate Steeple Side and her new friends. Will she have what it takes to be an investigative reporter this time or will she fully embrace her new faith and find true grace.

My review: This was a fun book to read, but also one that made me examine myself a bit too. I was literally laughing out loud during the early pages of the book as Maizy made sure she both looked and sounded like an authentic Christian...even down to car accessories. Many of us probably try just as hard to keep up appearances to others rather than being honest. Maizy also learned to be working more on her relationship with God and with the people placed in her life. Sometimes the pace lagged a tiny bit, and it was somewhat predictable, but the delightful characters and development of Maizy from faking Grace to authentic Maizy Grace is well worth the taking the time to read this. Faking Grace is perfect for those times you just want to relax with an enjoyable book.

Read an excerpt from Faking Grace here.

Disclaimer: "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Tamara Leigh began her writing career in 1994 and is the best-selling author of fourteen novels, including Splitting Harriet (ACFW Book of the Year winner and RITA Award finalist), Faking Grace (RITA Award Finalist), and Leaving Carolina. A former speech and language pathologist, Tamara enjoys time with her family, faux painting, and reading. She lives with her husband and their sons in Tennessee and can be found at www.tamaraleigh.com - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=17218#sthash.ntzDKMTO.dpuf
 Tamara Leigh began her writing career in 1994 and has written 14 novels. A former speech and language pathologist, she enjoys time with her family, faux painting, and reading. She lives in Tennessee with her family. Tamara's website is www.tamaraleigh.com


All she wants is a job. All she needs is religion. How hard can it be?

Maizy Grace Stewart dreams of a career as an investigative journalist, but her last job ended in disaster when her compassion cost her employer a juicy headline. A part-time gig at a Nashville newspaper might be her big break.

A second job at Steeple Side Christian Resources could help pay the bills, but Steeple Side only hires committed Christians. Maizy is sure she can fake it with her Five-Step Program to Authentic Christian Faith–a plan of action that includes changing her first name to Grace, buying Jesus-themed accessories, and learning “Christian Speak.” If only Jack Prentiss, Steeple Side’s managing editor and two-day-stubbled, blue-jean-wearing British hottie wasn’t determined to prove her a fraud.

When Maizy’s boss at the newspaper decides that she should investigate–and expose–any skeletons in Steeple Side’s closet, she must decide whether to deliver the dirt and secure her career or lean on her newfound faith, change the direction of her life, and pray that her Steeple Side colleagues–and Jack–will show her grace. - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/workid.php?work=99641#sthash.oXCptQKZ.dpuf
All she wants is a job. All she needs is religion. How hard can it be?

Maizy Grace Stewart dreams of a career as an investigative journalist, but her last job ended in disaster when her compassion cost her employer a juicy headline. A part-time gig at a Nashville newspaper might be her big break.

A second job at Steeple Side Christian Resources could help pay the bills, but Steeple Side only hires committed Christians. Maizy is sure she can fake it with her Five-Step Program to Authentic Christian Faith–a plan of action that includes changing her first name to Grace, buying Jesus-themed accessories, and learning “Christian Speak.” If only Jack Prentiss, Steeple Side’s managing editor and two-day-stubbled, blue-jean-wearing British hottie wasn’t determined to prove her a fraud.

When Maizy’s boss at the newspaper decides that she should investigate–and expose–any skeletons in Steeple Side’s closet, she must decide whether to deliver the dirt and secure her career or lean on her newfound faith, change the direction of her life, and pray that her Steeple Side colleagues–and Jack–will show her grace. - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/workid.php?work=99641#sthash.oXCptQKZ.dpuf

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

CWIMA National Music Showcase for Women

Christian Women in Media Association will be having their 3rd annual National Music Showcase for Women in Nashville on Saturday, July 20th. Christian female artists and bands have the opportunity to perform live on stage in front of top music people in Nashville! The purpose of the Showcase is to give Christian female artists not only a platform to perform, but to become known and to honor God with their gifts and talents. Earlier this year, CWIMA opened the contest for entries, and 8 finalists were selected. On July 20th, in an event open to the public, these finalists will perform in front of 3 celebrity judges. The public is invited to attend this concert and there will be an awards ceremony. This event will be held at Christ Church 15354 Old Hickory Blvd. Nashville, TN.

For a just a sample of the talent, watch video clip here

The Executive Director of this annual event is Erica Lane, a prolific vocalist and songwriter from Nashville. Lane has a passion for mixing rich, musical tradition with modern originality. She is a classically trained singer/songwriter who has mastered the art of fusing contemporary pop with sweeping ballads and romantic orchestral impressions. Lane's music has been featured in nearly a dozen film and television soundtracks, and her original "Believe In America" is featured as the theme song for the syndicated political talk show, Be The People. Lane has also starred in a family friendly reality TV series, Inspired Ambition. Her most recent release, Royalty, is a prime example of the beautiful lyrics and magnificent blend of both familiar and original melodies to create a powerful ballad. For more on Erica Lane, go to her website at EricaLane.com.

Guest Judges:

 
Ayiesha Woods is a Grammy-nominated contemporary Christian musician. Her musical style is a wonderful mixture of a variety of genres, including soul, rock, pop, and urban. She had already received 3 Caribbean Gospel Music Awards before Woods was signed to Gotee Records after Toby McKeehan heard her song, Crazy, while visiting in Jamaica. She had been praying for a way to serve God and reach people with her music, so this was an answer to those prayers.


Andrew Patton is President and CEO of Patton House Entertainment LLC. With more than 20 years experience in marketing and promotion, he has been involved with the careers of too many artist to mention; 3 of my favorites on the list, though, are Casting Crowns, Newsboys, and Rush Of Fools! In 2013, Andrew unveiled the Patton House Music Institute.  This is a specialized one-on-one program that teaches and also creates artists into well-rounded entertainers. Patton, in partnership with some top professionals, personally works with highly specialized, unique one-on-one program for artists not only teaches but also creates the foundation that artists need to build upon their dreams. His website is Patton House Entertainment.com


Roger Ryan is a Dove and Grammy-nominated producer whose considerable experience and work has run the full spectrum of the industry, including Music Director for Cece Winans. Ryan majored in Piano Performance at Oakwood College and continued his graduate studies in Music Arranging before beginning his career as a producer.  A skilled composer and performer, Ryan has also taken on the role as a music teacher, conducting music and producer workshops in a variety of cities. Providing an alternative way for musicians to develop their talent and bring it to a wider audience is one of Roger's goals. To learn more, visit his website at AfterTouchMusic.com

You can buy tickets for the CWIMA National Showcase for Women HERE





Monday, July 1, 2013

MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle


Are you ready for some fresh veggies? Summer has arrived and it is time for some fresh produce.....from Big Idea Entertainment! VeggieTales®: MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle is going to be ready to be picked up by the end of this month!!

MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle features the Veggie gang in a make-believe land where ancient Scotland and ancient Rome are in the midst of the silliest prank feud of all time, where the tools of battle are pies and water balloons. This latest adventure will feature Larry the Cucumber as MacLarry, Bob the Tomato as MacBob, and Mr. Lunt as the mischievous Pompous Maximus.

The lesson we are going to learn this time is about getting along with others! We need to learn that one young because it is a lesson that grown-ups need to remember also. Larry the Cucumber stars as MacLarry, a misfit inventor who is stuck in the middle of the silliest battle ever between two tribes of perpetual pranksters! When the biggest prank of the century is unleashed, the feuding tribes are in danger of being overcome by the stinkiest cheese in the land! Will MacLarry realize that his God-given talents may be just what is needed to save them from the rotten cheddar?? Watch the trailer:




The whole family can follow along on Facebook, TwitterInstagram and Pinterest. When you visit the MacLarry landing page, there's the trailer and fun activities for the kids to enjoy. You don't want to miss out on this one, so preorder TODAY by clicking here!