Perfecting Kate [Paperback]

Tamara Leigh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 20, 2007

Kate’s Creed: Thou shalt embrace singledom and be unbelievably, inconceivably happy.

YEAH, RIGHT.

Kate Meadows is a successful San Francisco artist looking for a nice, solid Christian man. So when not one, but two handsome bachelors enter her orbit in rapid succession, her head is spinning just a bit. Michael Palmier is a hunky and famous makeup artist who actually seems to be flirting with her–rather than her physically flawless housemate, Maia. Trouble is, he keeps handing her business cards from various beauty professionals and plastic surgeons. Is he trying to stamp out every last bit of self-esteem she has?

Then there’s Dr. Clive Alexander, good-looking enough to be mistaken for Brad Pitt, who sends Kate’s pulse skittering every time he comes near. Too bad he’s only interested in her work–and doesn’t think she’s much to look at. It’s enough to send a girl running for her paint-splattered, relaxed-fit jeans and swearing off men altogether! But after undergoing a makeover from Michael’s staff, Kate can’t be oblivious to the admiring glances men throw her way. Maybe she should try contacts…consider some fancy dental work…and you know, that mole really could stand to go. The question now is, what kind of work will Kate do on herself…and who exactly is she trying to please?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

While Leigh adheres a bit too closely to the conventions of Christian romance fiction, her main character, Kate Meadows, charms and entertains as she chronicles her dates, work deadlines, self-improvement kicks and hormone replacement therapy. Like most Christian romance heroines, she has a sad backstory and a long list of insecurities. And like most Christian romance heroes, her leading man is serious, mysterious and very handsome. After enduring the requisite series of fiascoes and misunderstandings, during which the leading man becomes more and more taken by the heroine's quirky pluck, both decide to move past their private pain and potentially deal-breaking incompatibility and live happily ever after. Kate narrates this formula well enough, and her specific health struggles do add intrigue. Readers will also appreciate the authenticity of Kate's faith, but may groan when her leading man apologizes for initially rejecting her, having concluded that she is a "woman who can give me far more than she can't." Also off-putting is the "cured" gay man who, along with several other characters, is constantly critiquing every aspect of Kate's physical appearance. Still, Kate's love-hate relationship with a series of cosmetic procedures makes for a fun read, especially for Christian women who will appreciate the spiritual lessons Kate learns as she seeks physical transformation. (Feb. 20)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

“If Bridget Jones could get her act together, lose her Diary and pick up a Bible, she still wouldn’t be half as charming as Kate Meadows in Tamara Leigh’s Perfecting Kate. Leigh has crafted a heroine who is both winsome and wistful, engaging the reader from the first line and inviting us to tag along on her transformational journey. Every woman will hear a bit of herself in Kate’s voice — sometimes I wondered just how much time Leigh spent eavesdropping in my bathroom.”
- Allison Pittman, author if Ten Thousand Charms

“Journey with quirkey, sweet Kate Meadows as she confronts issueds all women face: balancing her career, love life, and the pressure to be perfect — inside and out. Tamara Leigh’s Perfecting Kate will have you turning the pages.”
- Rachel Hauck, author if Lost in NashVegas

“Women worldwide can easily empathize with the realistic, heartfelt characters in Tamara Leigh’s Perfecting Kate. Her story is sassy, classy, and fun — in a word, perfect!”
- Betsy-ann.blogspot.com

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 406 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (February 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590529278
• ISBN-13: 978-1590529270
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1.1 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #325,949 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars LIght Hearted Romance, May 21, 2007

By 

Barbara Warren - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Perfecting Kate (Paperback)

Kate Meadows is a strong Christian, a successful artist, and just getting over a bad romance. She's sworn off men. In fact she swears off them at least twice a year. Then she meets Dr. Clive Alexander, who wants her to paint a mural for the children's burn unit. Sparks fly, as the two clash over almost everything. Kate has better luck with Michael Palmier, make-up artist to the stars. He says he loves Kate, but every time she sees him he hands her a different business card from a different expert who can make her look better. He wants her to have the gap between her teeth fixed, removed a mole, highlight her hair, change from glasses to contacts. Where does a girl draw the line?
Most of us would like to change something about the way we look, so it's easy to relate to Kate. Without being preachy, Tamara Leigh drives home the point that God loves us just as we are. A very entertaining story, clever and fun.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfecting Entertainment, April 16, 2007

By 

K. Harris (Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Perfecting Kate (Paperback)

Tamara Leigh has done it again! Great characters, a fast-moving plot, and an inspirational message. Leigh's writing is packed with humor, page-turning entertainment, and characters you would love to have as a best friend.

"Imperfect" women of all ages will identify with Kate Meadows -- and fall in love with Dr. Clive Alexander. I identified personally with the final scene, which celebrates families created through adoption.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfecting Kate, February 24, 2007

By 

DOUGLAS B ROUNTREE "Lu Rountree" (Hendersonville Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Perfecting Kate (Paperback)

Shallow but True.....I love the cover! Kate's story is a beautiful story of triumph over trouble. The characters were well developed and there were just enough twist to keep me emotional throughtout my journey of Perfecting Kate. I look forward to the next Hair raising, eye brow lifting, heartthrob story by Tamara Leigh. I wish you great success as you paint the canvas for your next creative piece of work!

Lu
Hendersonville Tennessee