Dreamspell by Tamara Leigh

Synopsis:~

A time to live. A time to die. A time to dream.

Sleep disorders specialist Kennedy Plain has been diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor. When her research subject dies after trying to convince her he has achieved dream-induced time travel and her study is shelved, she enlists herself as a subject to complete her research. But when she dreams herself into 14th-century England and falls into the hands of Fulke Wynland, a man history has condemned as a murderer, she must not only stay alive long enough to find a way to return to her own time, but prevent Fulke from murdering his young nephews. And yet, the more time she spends with the medieval warrior, the more difficult it is to believe he is capable of committing the heinous crime for which he has been reviled for 600 years.

Baron Fulke Wynland has been granted guardianship of his brother’s heirs despite suspicions that he seeks to steal their inheritance. When the king sends a mysterious woman to care for the boys, Fulke is surprised by the lady's hostility toward him--and more surprised to learn she is to be his wife. But when his nephews are abducted, the two must overcome their mutual dislike to discover the boys' fate. What Fulke never expects is to feel for this woman whose peculiar speech, behavior, and talk of dream travel could see her burned as a witch. 

My take:~

Adored for her contemporary chick lit flavoured inspirational fiction, Tamara Leigh proves she is equally at home in the 14th century with her self published time travel romance, Dreamspell.  Tamara commenced her writing career penning medieval romance novels for the general market and her talent for historical romance is on display in this substantial and engaging story.  Fulke captures the imagination from the get go as he faces the hangman's noose for a heinous crime, a medieval warrior with a captive heart.  Kennedy is an intriguing woman, facing death of another kind, daring to dream of a life beyond her consciousness.  While cheating death in one world by travelling to another, Kennedy faces danger of an equally unrelenting nature as rumours she is a witch take flight.  Dreamspell is a novel of deep passion while remaining a clean read but unlike Tamara's contemporary novels, you will not find an overtly spiritual message.  Tamara's considerable gifts for character development, historical detail and palpable attraction with garner her devoted readers in this genre.  Fulke and Kennedy engaged me completely as they battled fear, attraction, betrayal and heartache and their journey will appeal to fans of Lisa Bergren's River of Time series and Linda Windsor's medieval romances.  Like Siri Mitchell, Tamara shows she can make the transition from romantic comedies to historical romance with ease and I am confidant Dreamspell will be the first of many successful historical novels from this gifted writer.

With thanks to the author for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Buy Dreamspell for your e-reader or PC for the introductory price of $2.99
Review of Restless in Carolina and Character spotlight on Bridget & J.C.

Review of Leaving Carolina and Character spotlight on Piper & Axel

Review of Nowhere, Carolina and Character spotlight on Maggie & Reece

Interview with Tamara

Visit Tamara's new look website (she has great recipes, too!)
Buy Tamara's books at Amazon or Koorong

Coming soon from Tamara Leigh

One of my favourite authors, Tamara Leigh, is soon to release her first self published ebook, a medieval time travel romance called Dreamspell.  I've had the privilege of reading Dreamspell and can say you are in for a special treat!  Fulke is one appealing hero :)  Though Tamara is well known in the CBA for her spirited contemporary romances, she is equally at home writing medieval romance novels, the genre in which she first published in the ABA.

Tamara has a fabulous new website which combines her love of writing with the joy of cooking ~ be sure to check out the great recipes!  I'll let you know when Dreamspell is available and I'll post my review at the same time, too.

A time to live. A time to die. A time to dream.

Sleep disorders specialist Kennedy Plain has been diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor. When her research subject dies after trying to convince her he has achieved dream-induced time travel and her study is shelved, she enlists herself as a subject to complete her research. But when she dreams herself into 14th-century England and falls into the hands of Fulke Wynland, a man history has condemned as a murderer, she must not only stay alive long enough to find a way to return to her own time, but prevent Fulke from murdering his young nephews. And yet, the more time she spends with the medieval warrior, the more difficult it is to believe he is capable of committing the heinous crime for which he has been reviled for 600 years.

Baron Fulke Wynland has been granted guardianship of his brother’s heirs despite suspicions that he seeks to steal their inheritance. When the king sends a mysterious woman to care for the boys, Fulke is surprised by the lady's hostility toward him--and more surprised to learn she is to be his wife. But when his nephews are abducted, the two must overcome their mutual dislike to discover the boys' fate. What Fulke never expects is to feel for this woman whose peculiar speech, behavior, and talk of dream travel could see her burned as a witch.

Character Spotlight ~ Tamara Leigh's Bridget Pickwick Buchanan & J.C. Dirk with giveaways

Bridget & J.C.

Tamara Leigh has written some of my favourite characters, especially her leading men!  Enjoy meeting J.C. and the lovely Bridget :)


Over to you, Tammy:~

Brief physical description

Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan is the 5’6” 33-year-old heroine of my new novel, Restless in Carolina. This tree huggin’, animal lovin’, ever grievin’ widow has pale green eyes and long blonde dreadlocks—yes, dreadlocks, but this part of her “widow’s weeds” comes undone early on in the story.

Then there’s my 36-year-old hero, J.C. Dirk, an environmentally conscious developer with a secret agenda. If I may say so myself, this guy is attractive. At 5’9” he’s buff and broad-shouldered, has light brown hair, bright green eyes flecked with gold, and occasionally sports the lightly stubbled look.

Actor/famous person

I’ve gone back and forth on the actress I believe best represents the character of Bridget and have landed on Elizabeth Mitchell of the television series “Lost” and “V”. Thought Elizabeth’s eyes are blue and Bridget’s are green, they share the same sparkle.

As for J.C., here’s looking at Simon Baker of “The Mentalist” series. In fact, Bridget even likens J.C. to the actor. See, my little gal might be up to her elbows in composting, but she does watch television from time to time.

Strengths and weaknesses

Bridget has two outstanding strengths: devotion to family—not only her departed husband but her extended family—and disregard for materialism. However, both strengths translate into weaknesses when she perseverates on them (i.e. clinging to grief over the loss of her husband).

Like Bridget, J.C.’s strength lies in his devotion to family. Unfortunately, his weakness is that of holding grudges and his determination to personally render justice.

Quirk (if any)

Bridget is the queen of quirks. So where do I start? She has a pet possum that can’t quite get the “playing possum” thing right, is overly protective of personal space, resents technology (though it does have its uses), is hypersensitive to perfumes and colognes— Enough already!

J.C.’s quirk is the high energy that makes him overly expressive, restless, and, at times, noisy (key and coin jangler).

Your inspiration for the character

Though I don’t come close to being a stereotypical tree hugger, I believe my concern for the environment is the seed out of which Bridget grew…and grew. I didn’t want her character to be on the extreme end of environmentalism, but I wanted her to exhibit a greater concern than my own—the kind that daily manifests itself regardless of inconvenience.

Background to the story

Restless in Carolina is the third and final book in my Southern Discomfort series. It tells the story of the last female cousin, Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan, who has taken four years—and counting—to come to terms with being a widow. When it falls to Bridget to entice an eco-friendly developer to buy her family’s estate in order to keep it out of the hands of those who would ruthlessly exploit it, she hunts down J.C. Dirk whose green property developments have earned him national acclaim. What she doesn’t know is that J.C. has his own agenda that could mean the end of everything she’s worked for…and break her recovering heart.

Tammy ~ as always, I love your spotlights and your characters :)  And choosing an Australian actor for J.C. is a plus for me!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Restless in Carolina

Review of Leaving Carolina and Character spotlight on Piper & Axel

Review of Nowhere, Carolina and Character spotlight on Maggie & Reece

Interview with Tamara

Visit Tamara's website
Buy Tamara's books at Amazon or Koorong

Restless in Carolina by Tamara Leigh

Synopsis:~

Tree-huggin', animal-lovin' Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan is on a mission. Well, two. First she has to come to terms with being a widow at thirty-three. After all, it's been four years and even her five-year-old niece and nephew think it's time she shed her widow's weeds. Second, she needs to find a buyer for her family's estate-a Biltmore-inspired mansion surrounded by hundreds of acres of unspoiled forestland. With family obligations forcing the sale, Bridget is determined to find an eco-friendly developer to buy the land, someone who won't turn it into single-family homes or a cheesy theme park. 

Enter J. C. Dirk, a high-energy developer from Atlanta whose green property developments have earned him national acclaim. When he doesn't return her calls, Bridget decides a personal visit is in order. Unfortunately, J. C. Dirk is neither amused nor interested when she interrupts his meeting-until she mentions her family name. In short order, he finds himself in North Carolina, and Bridget has her white knight-in more ways than one. But there are things Bridget doesn't know about J. C., and it could mean the end of everything she's worked for.and break her heart.

My take:~ 

Ah, the joy of reading a Tamara Leigh story!  Restless in Carolina, the final in her Southern Discomfort trilogy, has each of the hallmarks of her contemporary romance novels, witty dialogue, unique and arresting characters and an engaging storyline.  Bridget Pickwick Buchanan struggles to overcome her grief from losing her beloved husband, as her family and friends urge her to move on with her life.  Her passion for the environment motivates her to seek out J.C. Dirk, a man who peaks her interest in a way no man has since she lost Easton.  Their interaction is authentic and energising as is the involvement of all the quirky Pickwicks, with their conflicting agendas and motivations. Cameos from Piper and Axel, Maggie and Reece are a nice touch and Uncle Obe's ongoing journey for forgiveness comes full circle.  Tamara's books are always a real treat and I hope you enjoy discovering them all soon.

With thanks to Multnomah for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Leaving Carolina

Character spotlight on Piper & Axel

Review of Nowhere, Carolina

Character spotlight on Maggie & Reece

Interview with Tamara

Visit Tamara's website
Buy Tamara's books at Amazon or Koorong

Coming in mid 2011 from Waterbrook Multnomah

Check out these books, coming from Waterbrook Multnomah in mid 2011! Click on the links for more.

I'm so looking forward to reading Tamara, Kristen and Gayle's books and Meg Moseley's When Sparrows Fall has me intrigued.

How about you? Any hitting your wishlists?




Departures by Robin Jones Gunn

These two stand-alone stories packaged as one book describe the summer vacations of Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen the summer before they met in England, as described in the final Christy Miller Series book. Fans of the series will love this extra glimpse into a summer skipped over in the other books, and new readers will get an introduction into the lives of both girls.

May, 2011

Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

A suspenseful duel between light and darkness exploring how monsters are not born and what happens when they are created. When Trevor MacDaniel rescues a boy from a mountain lion, he forms a bond with Natalie Reeve, the boy’s aunt and a sculptor whose unique gift is also a disability. Drawn by the heroic story of the boy's rescue on the news, a twisted mind recognizes its adversary in the first responder, and begins to reenact the nightmare that created him, hoping and praying each time for a different outcome.

May, 2011

Too Rich for a Bride by Mona Hodgson

In this charming historical romance, Ida Sinclair comes to the western mining town of Cripple Creek to establish her career. As the business-savvy Sinclair sister, Ida has never wanted to settle down. Instead of love, she craves success. But while searching for one, she just might find the other.

May, 2011

When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley

When an accident forces widow Miranda Hanford to rely on a brother-in-law she’s only met once as a temporary guardian for her six children, he brings tension and unexpected emotions into their ultra-conservative lifestyle in the remote Georgia woods. They’ve been long-enmeshed with a church community that now feels more oppressive than nurturing, and now the church’s charismatic but controlling leader is determined Miranda's family will move with the church to another state. He knows what she is hiding--a secret that could cause her children to be taken from her. Reaching for a new life, new love, could cost her everything, but does Miranda have any other choice?

May, 2011

The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer

Twelve-year-old Jaimie Piper is running from the evil man. Crockett Grey is celebrating the anniversary of his daughter’s death by getting completely drunk. Their lives collide on a dark night when a deadly fire and false accusations send them in search of the truth. Crockett’s one hope of getting his life back is by uncovering the mysterious secrets of Jaimie’s past and her strange gift. But it isn’t long before the secrets he uncovers lead him to a darker conspiracy, secrets guarded by the highest seat of power inthe world—the Vatican.

June, 2011

Breath of Angel by Karyn Henley

Breath of Angel immerses readers in a fantasy land of angels and humans, shape shifters and sylvans, where warring brothers have destroyed the only portal to heaven and stranded tortured souls on earth, and only one young woman--a chantress--half angel and half human, can restore it.

June, 2011

The Dragons of Chiril by Donita K Paul (previously released as The Vanishing Sculptor)

Return to the world of the dragon keepers, whe

re the fate of three missing statues will determine the fate of the world. Tipper, a young emerlindian woman, has been responsible for her family since her sculptor father disappeared. To make ends meet, she’s had to sell off the artwork he left behind. When at last her father returns, Tipper discovers that separating three special statues has unbalanced the foundation of her world, and she must act quickly to set things right—and save her father’s life.

June, 2011




The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y’Barbo

Charlotte Beck wants to go to college, but her father would rather she get married. Alex Hambly's aristocratic family is in financial trouble, and he has two options: either sell off the family's Colorado silver mine or marry a rich heiress. Charlotte's father makes them a deal: he'll allow Charlotte to

go to college and be the instrument of Alex's financial salvation on one condition--that they agree to get married. They agree that they'll have the marriage annulled as soon as possible and go back to their own lives. Except soon Alex isn't sure he wants the annulment. He sets out to woo his wife for real, and Charlotte suddenly finds that her marriage has become very inconvenient indeed.

June, 2011

Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory

When Nick finds an invitation to dinner “with Jesus of Nazareth” amidst clutter on his desk, he can’t wait to see what prank his colleagues are pulling this time. The normally confident, cynical Nick soon finds himself thrown off-balance, drawn into a conversation with a baffling man who comfortably discusses everything from world religions to the existence of heaven and hell. And this man who calls himself Jesus also seems to know a disturbing amount about Nick’s personal life. As the evening progresses, their conversation touches on life, God, meaning, pain, faith, and doubt—and it seems that having Dinner with a Perfect Stranger may change Nick’s life forever.

July, 2011

A Day with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory

Exasperated by her husband’s sudden new obsession with Jesus after a strange dinner invitation, Mattie Cominsky views an out-of-town business trip as a welcome opportunity to reflect on their marriage—and decide if it’s time to end it. Aboard the plane, Mattie is relieved to find herself seated next to a passenger who shares her scorn for religion. After she confides her husband’s unexpected turn, their conversation soon leads to a fascinating exploration of spirituality, God, and the quest for connection. Mattie’s skepticism warms to the perceptive insights of this stranger, and she finds herself confronting the unspoken longings of her soul. As his comments touch on personal issues he couldn’t possibly know about, she begins to wonder if she’s misjudged not only Nick but also the God he now claims to believe in.

July, 2011

Restless in Carolina by Tamara Leigh

A sassy southern novel about a plucky widowed crusader bucking convention to go green and finding love is truly eco-friendly. Opossum-toting environmentalist Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan refuses to stand by while her family's estate is sold to the highest bidder. She things J.C. Dirk, an eco-friendly developer, can help her—but he has his own motives for getting involved. What neither Bridget nor J.C. count on is falling for each other--or the obstacles that keep them apart.

July, 2011

Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper

Once again murder, mystery, danger, and romance stalk the quiet New Jersey shore town of Seaside, and this time former cop Greg Barnes finds himself in the middle of the chaos whether he wants to be or not. When a young waitress at Carrie Carter's small cafe disappears, leaving clues in her Sudoku book, Carrie and Greg attempt to not only find her but uncover whatever is frightening her. As if dodging dangerous people and digging up carefully hidden secrets aren't enough, Carrie's mother shows up after an absence of more than fifteen years.

There may be a time for every purpose under heaven, but Carrie and Greg wonder: When will it be their time?

July, 2011

Character Spotlight ~ Tamara Leigh's Maggie Pickwick & Reece Thorpe

Maggie Pickwick & Reece Thorpe

I adore Tamara Leigh and her books! Nowhere, Carolina is the second book in her delightful Southern Discomfort series and tells the story of Maggie Pickwick, a single mum determined to atone for her past mistakes, including one Reece Thorpe!

Over to you, Tammy:~

Brief physical description

Maggie Pickwick is the 5’11” 31-year-old heroine of my new novel, Nowhere,Carolina. This gavel-pounding auctioneer has long, fiery red hair and blue eyes, is of medium build, and is well endowed. A real looker.

As for the man who captures her heart, that would be the enigmatic Reece Thorpe. My 31-year-old hero has careless black hair that exerts its will over him, brushing his brow, ears, and the collar of his shirt any which way it cares to. And then there are his dark green eyes with thick, short lashes. And mustn't forget his toothpick-chewing habit--it is part of his look, after all.

Actor/famous person

Who, oh who, comes to mind for Maggie Pickwick? That would be Julianna Margulies. Their eye color may not match and Julianna's hair leans more toward dark brown, but the intensity of her looks matches my vision of Maggie.

As for Reece, I hate to be cliche, but Dylan McDermott fits the bill quite nicely, thank you. Need I say more?

Strengths and weaknesses

Maggie’s strength lies in her determination to make the best possible life for her daughter, Devyn. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to lies of omission that...well, you'll see.

Reece's greatest strength is his faith, though it does teeter when he learns what Maggie is up to.

Quirk (if any)

The most noticeable quirk belongs to Reece who, as mentioned earlier, has a toothpick chewing habit (having graduated from pencils).

Maggie's quirk is less noticeable in that she is obsessed with improving her vocabulary in order to be taken more seriously than she was as a high school cheerleader. Armed with her Daily Word Calendar for Highly Successful Career Women, she is always looking for ways to incorporate words like amalgamate, deleterious, and legerdermain into her conversations.

Your inspiration for the character

I'm not exactly sure where Maggie sprang from. In the first book, I need

ed a nemesis for her cousin, Piper, and there was Maggie. Maggie who would have a long road to travel from spoiled cheerleader to responsible single mother.

Background to the story

Maggie Pickwick is a lifetime away from her days as head cheerleader and the mistakes she made in highschool. Twelve years later, this single mom has traded pompoms for an auctioneer's gavel, popularity for peace and quiet, and strives to be a good example for her daughter, Devyn. She's keeping it together just fine, too--until an old flame moves back to her little North Carolina town.

Renowned artist Reece Thorpe wants nothing to do with Maggie--not after what she did in high school--but he might also be Devyn's father. Fed by her own pride and fear for her daughter's happiness, Maggie finds herself on a slippery slope of white lies as she attempts to convince Reece that she's changed. But the truth has a way of making itself known, and now Maggie's past and present mistakes could ruin her chance at love.

Thanks so much, Tammy ~ I always love having you visit. Excited about Bridget's story!

On Monday, the spotlight shines on Maggie Brendan's April McBride & Wes Owen from A Love of Her Own

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Nowhere, Carolina and Leaving Carolina

Character spotlight on Piper Wick & Axel Smith

Interview with Tamara

Visit Tamara's website

Buy Tamara's books at Amazon or Koorong

Thanks to Tammy's generosity, I have two signed copies of Nowhere, Carolina to giveaway ~ one to an Aussie reader and one to a US reader! To enter, fill in the form below.

Nowhere, Carolina by Tamara Leigh

Synopsis:~

Maggie Pickwick is a lifetime away from her days as head cheerleader and the mistakes she made in high school. Twelve years later, this single mom has traded pompoms for an auctioneer’s gavel, popularity for peace and quiet, and strives to be a good example for her daughter Devyn. She’s keeping it together just fine, too—until an old flame moves back to her little North Carolina town.

Renowned artist Reece Thorpe wants nothing to do with Maggie—not after what she did to him in high school—but he might also be Devyn’s father. Fed by her own pride and fear for her daughter’s happiness, Maggie finds herself on a slippery slope of white lies as she attempts to convince Reece that she’s changed. But the truth has a way of making itself known, and now Maggie’s past and present mistakes could ruin her chance at love.

My take:~

Nothing brings me more delight than to pick up a brand new Tamara Leigh novel because I know that in the pages I will find enchanting characters, a meaningful story with an uplifting message and Tamara's distinctive and intelligent humour. Nowhere, Carolina steps it up a notch with Maggie struggling to make amends for her wild and defiant youth, determined to prove she is now a responsible mother and member of the Pickwick community. The return of her high school sweetheart, Reece Thorpe brings Maggie's past mistakes into dramatic focus leaving her dissembling in a misguided effort to protect her daughter, Devyn. Honest, witty and captivating, Tamara's first person voice is unparalleled in Christian publishing and I can't wait to read more of her stories.

With thanks to the author for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Leaving Carolina

Character spotlight on Piper Wick & Axel Smith

Interview with Tamara

Visit Tamara's website

Buy Tamara's books at Amazon or Koorong

Come back on Thursday for Tammy's character spotlight on Maggie & Reece and a fabulous giveaway

Character Spotlight ~ Tamara Leigh's Piper Wick & Axel Smith

Today the spotlight shines on........Piper Wick & Axel Smith


There is something fabulously entertaining and engaging about Tamara Leigh's novels and her latest, Leaving Carolina, has it in spades! Axel Smith is one of my all time favourite leading men so I couldn't wait to see how Tamara saw him :)

Enjoy this insight:~

Brief physical description

Piper Wick (formerly Pickwick) is the 5’3” 30-year-old heroine of Leaving Carolina. She has short, fiery red hair and blue eyes. Though she struggles to maintain a good weight, she has attained a degree of fitness by running and watching her food choices. Her one downfall—pickled corn fried in butter J

Then there’s blue—and I do mean BLUE!—eyed Axel Smith. My hero is 35 years old, 5’10”, and well built. In contrast to his military years, he wears his long, sandy-colored hair in a ponytail. No tattoos, but he does have a goatee and a moustache. He also has a limp, but I’m not telling why J

Actor/famous person

If Piper resembles any actress, I would say it’s Amy Adams.

As for Axel, think Russell Crowe in Master and Commander. My, he looked good with that ponytail.

Strengths and weaknesses

Piper’s strength—determination—is sometimes her weakness. Whereas that particular quality helps her to make a new life for herself outside of the South, it makes it difficult for her to return to her hometown and accept that the past is truly in the past (and to make amends where they need to be made).

Axel’s greatest strength is that when he meets Piper, he has already worked through the weaknesses that held him back spiritually—bitterness and unforgiveness. Because of the example he sets, Piper is able to work through her own struggles.

Quirk (if any)

Two quirks: Piper’s pickled corn obsession (of course, the poor thing hasn’t had any since she shook the Pickwick dust from her feet 12 years ago) and her intense awareness of body language that goes with the job (public relations specialist).

Your inspiration for the character

My mother, Zola, is where Piper began, though not where she ended. My mother longed for a bigger life outside of her little North Carolina town, and when she finally did make it out west, the only time she went back was for brief family visits. Still, it’s true that you can take the girl out of the South, but you can’t take the South out of the girl. And that’s why the South is in Zola’s daughters. And one of them—me—lives in Tennessee J

Background to the story

Piper Wick left her hometown of Pickwick, North Carolina, twelve years ago, shook the dust off her feet, ditched her drawl and her family name, and made a new life for herself as a high-powered public relations consultant in LA. She’s even “engaged to be engaged” to the picture-perfect U.S. Congressman, Grant Spangler.

Now all of Piper’s hard-won happiness is threatened by a reclusive uncle’s bout of conscience. In the wake of a health scare, Uncle Obadiah Pickwick has decided to change his will, leaving money to make amends for four generations’ worth of family misdeeds. But that will reveal all the Pickwicks’ secrets, including Piper’s.

Though Piper arrives in Pickwick primed for battle, she is unprepared for Uncle Obe’s rugged, blue-eyed gardener. So just who is Axel Smith? Why does he think making amends is more than just making restitution? And why, oh why, can’t she stay on task? With the Lord’s help, Piper is about to discover that although good PR might smooth things over, only the truth will set her free.

Thanks, Tammy! Loved this look at Piper and Axel and can't wait to do it all over again for the sequel :) Hope you are writing quickly - LOL!!

On Thursday, the spotlight shines on Melody Carlson's Hope Bartolli from Love Finds You in Sisters, Oregon!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Maizy Grace Stewart from Faking Grace

Reviews of Leaving Carolina, Faking Grace, Splitting Harriet and Perfecting Kate

Interview with Tamara

Visit Tamara's website

Buy Tamara's books at Amazon or Koorong

Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh & signed giveaways!

Synopsis:~

Piper Wick left her hometown of Pickwick, North Carolina, twelve years ago, shook the dust off her feet, ditched her drawl and her family name, and made a new life for herself as a high-powered public relations consultant in LA. She’s even “engaged to be engaged” to the picture-perfect U.S. Congressman Grant Spangler.

Now all of Piper’s hard-won happiness is threatened by a reclusive uncle’s bout of conscience. In the wake of a health scare, Uncle Obadiah Pickwick has decided to change his will, leaving money to make amends for four generations’ worth of family misdeeds. But that will reveal all the Pickwicks’ secrets, including Piper’s.

Though Piper arrives in Pickwick primed for battle, she is unprepared for Uncle Obe’s rugged, blue-eyed gardener. So just who is Axel Smith? Why does he think making amends is more than just making restitution? And why, oh why, can’t she stay on task? With the Lord’s help, Piper is about to discover that although good PR might smooth things over, only the truth will set her free.

My take:~

Tamara Leigh sets the standard in chick-lit for the soul and has raised the bar once again with Leaving Carolina. Infused with genuine wit, emotional depth and always appealing main players, this novel entertained and delighted from beginning to end. Tamara has an intuitive gift for the first person voice and it is on full display as her inimitable Piper Wick attempts to keep her carefully constructed life from falling into disarray. Piper's conscience comes in the rather attractive yet marred form of enigmatic gardener Axel Smith, a singularly intriguing character and now one of my favourite leading men. Tamara's trademark snappy dialogue, palpable attraction and spiritual message make this a blissful read. Leaving Carolina is the first in Tamara's Southern Comfort series and the knowledge of more Pickwick tales to come made my day!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Maizy Grace Stewart from Faking Grace

Reviews of Faking Grace, Splitting Harriet and Perfecting Kate

Interview with Tamara

Visit Tamara's website

Buy Tamara's books at Amazon or Koorong

Giveaway

Thanks to the lovely Tamara Leigh I have two signed copies of Leaving Carolina to give away! One to an Aussie reader and one to a reader from North America.

To enter:~

Post a comment by Sunday 20th September with an AUS or USA to identify your location

Tell me which eye colour appeals to you most in a guy you are reading about ~ piercing blue or unfathomable brown?!

Once you read Tammy's book, you will know why I asked this!!

Friendship Friday ~ What do you value in your close friendships with other women?

Tamara Leigh

Yesterday I was beautifully reminded of one of the things I most value in friendship. This is it: A friend who misses me when I don't make it to church for whatever real or lazy reason keeps me away, who gently encourages me, who lets me know she's here for me, and when she says she'll pray for me, means it. In this case, that friend would be Kendra :) And I thank you, my Australian friend, for your friendship as well.

Stealing Adda ~ Perfecting Kate ~ Splitting Harriet ~ Faking Grace ~

Leaving Carolina - Sept,09

Candace Calvert

The freedom to be honest and vulnerable, with no need for protective pretense. Because these sisters have “been there,” too.

RX: Hope
The Mercy Hospital Series
Critical Care

Final cover for Tamara Leigh's Leaving Carolina

Those of you who have been keeping tabs on Tamara Leigh's upcoming novel, Leaving Carolina, the first in her Southern Discomfort series, will know it has been through some transition with covers. Here's a look at the final cover which I love! How about you?

Having had the privilege of a sneak peek at this book, I know you are going to adore it! Vintage Tamara :)

Look for it in September, 2009 from Waterbrook Multnomah.

Piper Wick left her hometown of Pickwick, North Carolina, twelve years ago, shook the dust off her feet, ditched her drawl and her family name, and made a new life for herself as a high-powered public relations consultant in LA. She’s even “engaged to be engaged” to the picture-perfect U.S. Congressman Grant Spangler.

Now all of Piper’s hard-won happiness is threatened by a reclusive uncle’s bout of conscience. In the wake of a health scare, Uncle Obadiah Pickwick has decided to change his will, leaving money to make amends for four generations’ worth of family misdeeds. But that will reveal all the Pickwicks’ secrets, including Piper’s.

Though Piper arrives in Pickwick primed for battle, she is unprepared for Uncle Obe’s rugged, blue-eyed gardener. So just who is Axel Smith? Why does he think making amends is more than just making restitution? And why, oh why, can’t she stay on task? With the Lord’s help, Piper is about to discover that although good PR might smooth things over, only the truth will set her free.

Character Spotlight ~ Tamara Leigh's Maizy Grace Stewart

Today the spotlight shines on.................................................Maizy Grace Stewart

Oh, how I love the delightful Tamara Leigh - herself, her writing and her wonderful characters! In fact, while I was tidying my books the other day I couldn't help just reading a few of my favourite chapters of Splitting Harriet when I should have been cleaning - oops! Anyway, while I am impatiently waiting for her next book, enjoy this insight into the quirky Miss Maizy Grace from Faking Grace.

Thanks, Tammy:~


Brief physical description

Maizy Grace Stewart is a 26-year-old multi-highlighted brunette who goes Marilyn Monroe blond who goes back to brunette who ends up Elvira-black thanks to a well-meaning friend who flunked beauty school and—

Well, it’s complicated. Anyway, this hazel-eyed cutie looks a bit like actress Amy Smart, stands at 5’6”, and has an embarrassing laugh that ends on a purr when she’s especially tickled. Jack Prentiss, our hero, is fascinated by that laugh.

Speaking of Jack, this 5’11” green-eyed Brit bears a striking resemblance to that new James Bond fellow—Daniel something or other.

Rel:~ Tammy, you make me laugh! That would be Mr Daniel Craig!

Strengths and weaknesses

Maizy’s strength lies in her kind-hearted tendency to give everyone the benefit of a doubt. Unfortunately, it proves a weakness when she applies it to the wrong person and loses her job as an investigative journalist. Maizy emerges from this experience disillusioned and determined to prove she has what it takes to become a top journalist no matter the cost to innocent bystanders. Or so she thinks…

Quirk (if any)

Oops, I already spilled on the purr. Does Woofer qualify as a quirk? If ever a dog could be called a quirk, it would be Maizy’s black-and-tan, peg-legged, stub-tailed mutt that may or may not be a Miniature Pinscher/Shih Tzu mix. That little guy really needs an attitude adjustment. I mean—come on!—jealous of Maizy’s sweet little old grandmother? Well, not exactly sweet, but she is little and old. And she is in danger of outstaying her welcome.

Your inspiration for the character

Though I had the basic story frame and the first few chapters written for Faking Grace, it wasn’t until the associate pastor of our church preached on “Cultural Christianity” that I put my finger on where Maizy was in her spiritual journey and where she needed to be. Much to her surprise, the poor thing was a “Cultural Christian”—calling herself a Christian more because it was expected of her than because of any real turning toward God. That did not sit well with my heroine, and so the journey began.

Background to the story

It seems that many Christians, including the person in my mirror, present their best face to other believers for fear the real face that reflects their struggles might bring into question the depth of their faith. That was the jumping off point for Faking Grace, with the goal being to show that though Christians can be as fallible as non-Christians, what has the potential to set them apart is how they deal with their struggles and circumstances. And—boy!—did Maizy get a lesson in how to be real. And grace. Lots of grace.

Thanks for inviting me to join you, Rel!

A blast, as always Tammy ~ thank you! We'll be sharing the cover and synopsis for Tammy's late, 2009 release soon and I think you will love it :)

Next Monday the spotlight heads back to Ancient Egypt to check out Pharoah's Grand Vizier, Hemiunu from T L Higley's latest Ancient Wonders novel, City of the Dead. Intriguing stuff!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Faking Grace, Splitting Harriet and Perfecting Kate

Interview with Tamara

Visit Tamara's website

Buy Tamara's books at Amazon or Koorong