This is a breakthrough novel for the award-winning Samson, whose exuberant prose, zany characters and willingness to tinker with some cherished boundaries of Christian fiction make this story memorable. One of the most enjoyable characters is Cristoff, an epileptic, celibate gay man who loves Kay Arthur Bible studies and old movies with equal passion. He's best buddies with Lillie Bauer (think
My Best Friend's Wedding), or "Tiger Lillie" as she's nicknamed, a big-bosomed, size-16 Hungarian Episcopalian asthmatic who celebrates her birthday each year by bungee jumping in an evening gown. Together, she and Cristoff run Baltimore's most offbeat business, Extreme Weddings and the Extremely Odd Occasion. The perspective snaps briskly back and forth between Lillie and her little sister, Tacy, married to the rather one-dimensional fundamentalist Rawlins McGovern, which adds intriguing tension to the plot—and some spiritually spooky moments. Samson pushes the boundaries of sexual innuendo and spirituality farther than in her earlier work, which gives her writing more authenticity. Those with weak stomachs will find a few short paragraphs about the crucifixion gruesome, and Samson's writing occasionally drifts over the top ("The humidity of the estuary coats my throat, wrapping my tongue in the taste of summer's end and the dark settling of the day"). However, this talented novelist isn't afraid to take risks, and she gets more inventive with each book.
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“Reading
Tiger Lillie is like bungee jumping in a prom dress–breathless, extreme, elegant, a mixture of freefall reflection and being jerked back to heart-stopping reality! I was completely captivated by Lisa Samson’s quirky and colorful characters, so tender and down-to-earth, but bold and dangerous when one they love is threatened. You’ll never forget
Tiger Lillie.”
–Neta Jackson, author of
The Yada Yada Prayer Group novels
“Lisa Samson has done it again! A superbly told story that immediately captivated me with its loveable and quirky characters. The intricacies of relationship between two completely different sisters provide an intriguing and captivating read–a story that becomes a real page-turner toward the end! Way to go, Lisa!”
–Melody Carlson, award winning author of
Finding Alice,
Crystal Lies and Diary of a Teenage Girl series
“Like sprinkles of paprika on a sea of sour cream,
Tiger Lillie’s colorful characters catch the attention and tantalize the taste buds. I read this novel in one sitting, but I’ll not soon forget the cast of flavorful characters–Lillie and Tacy and Christoff and Gordon. Lisa Samson writes with surprising honesty, genuine love, and indefatigable hope. Make time for this one–you’ll love it!”
–Angela Hunt, author of
The Awakening “Many writers in the genre of Christian fiction shy away from characters who stray too far outside ‘safe’ conservative lines. Thankfully, Lisa Samson seems to understand that to breathe life into wonderfully flawed characters is to paint a refreshingly honest and compelling picture of the foibles and follies of the human experience. In
Tiger Lillie, she does just that. Brilliantly.”
–Constance Rhodes, founder of FINDINGbalance.com and editor of
The Art of Being: Reflections on the Beauty and the Risk of Embracing Who We Are
“Wow! What a book! Strong, courageous characters, compelling storyline, hidden truths that jump out and grab you–all in Lisa Samson’s marvelous and unique voice. Loved it! Loved it!”
–Gayle Roper, author of
Winter Winds, Autumn Dreams, Summer Shadows, and
Spring Rain
“Nobody writes like Lisa Samson. Not even Lisa Samson! That’s because each of
her novels is different, exposing yet another aspect of her literary talent.
See for yourself in
Tiger Lillie, a fresh and wonderful addition to her unique
body of work.”
–James Scott Bell, Christy Award-Winning author of
Breach of Promise and
A Certain Truth
“Lillie and Tacy, two sisters brimming with
joie de vie, delight and then draw us into their life and death struggle with darkness.
Tiger Lillie provokes thought as it tugs the heart.”
–Lyn Cote, author of
Winter’s Secret“
Tiger Lillie showcases Lisa Samson’s unique ability to write in-your-face fiction. Her vivid characters reach out and grab, providing a contrast between the self-centered mind and the dedicated heart of those who claim His name. This is her best book yet!”
–Lois Richer, author of
Dangerous Sanctuary
“Lisa Samson creates the most wonderful, quirky characters, ones that jump off the page and into your heart.
Tiger Lilly kept me up way too late reading. Lisa’s voice is unlike any other writer out there, and she’s addicting. If you haven’t discovered this phenomenal writer yet, you’re in for a treat with
Tiger Lilly.”
–Colleen Coble, author of
Without a Trace and
Beyond a Doubt
