Splitting Harriet (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Romance author Leigh (Stealing Adda) mixes chick lit with a treatise on the need for change in traditional churches in her latest. Former wild child Harriet Bisset, 27, tries to keep to the straight and narrow. Between living in a senior citizens' trailer park, her part-time job as a women's ministry director at First Grace in Franklin, Tenn., and waitressing at Gloria's Morning Cafe (which she's saving to buy), she doesn't have time to get into trouble. But when the church hires hunky 30-something Maddox McCray, a former bad boy, as a consultant to help attract new members (translation: bring in the guitars, drum sets and programming), Harriet grapples with her own fears about risk and change. Some readers will disagree with Maddox's breezy assertion that today's Christians have different needs from past generations and that programming and contemporary music are the answer, especially when interest from young people in more liturgical traditions is on the upswing. Church marketing themes aside, Leigh crafts the expected romance, with all the tensions and tingles, adding splashes of fun with Harriet's Jelly Belly addiction and cat-sitting dramas. The novel's elderly characters sparkle, and readers will hoot when one old biddy takes out a no-good amorous lecher with a stun gun. (Nov.)
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Product Description

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!

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (November 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590529286
• ISBN-13: 978-1590529287
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #110,110 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun with Church Politics?!?, November 22, 2007

By	Kelly Klepfer (Iowa) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

I've never had more fun with church politics and upheaval. Did I say fun?

Yes. Anyone looking for an entertaining and possibly convicting story needs to look into Splitting Harriet. This read contains a quirky grouping of characters, play dates for cats, and internal angst centered around a church. Harriet, a one woman crusade, attempts to keep her church family intact while keeping her carefully controlled life under wraps.

A fair amount of romance, some inner generational girlfriend fun, and loads of twists and confusion make Splitting Harriet a quick and snappy read.

The twist on the usual chick-lit is realistic and the not so flattering revelation of the humanity that explodes in church inner workings and leadership is too.

I ended up enjoying my time with Harri, and was glad that things weren't so neatly sewn up that we don't have a reason to revisit her life down the road.

Chick-lit lovers, quirky character collectors and those who take church politics a little too seriously might want to look further into Harriet.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Splitting Harriet is a terrific read!!, November 26, 2007

By	Kimfurd "Kimfurd" (Alabama) - See all my reviews

I just finished this wonderful book today. It was the first time I'd read anything by Tamara Leigh, and I was truly impressed. She writes in a style that is whimsical and fun, but she doesn't miss the truth behind God's amazing grace in the life of the believer. Tamara touches on many true conflicts that exist within the body of Christ, and the fact that most of the time fear of change is the driving force behind that conflict. She also does and AWESOME job of showing the transforming power of God's love in our lives once we accept the gift of forgiveness He has so freely given.

A terrific read!! I would highly recommend this book to everyone!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dissecting Harriet, December 26, 2007

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

Harriet Josephine Bisset was a rebellious PK (Preacher's Kid) and now struggles to find forgiveness for her scandalous past. The cast of characters who parade through her present life provide the seasoning for Harri's stew. Not the least of which are two potential suitors vying for her attention, two grumpy cats and a neighborhood of retirees who watch over her as if she were a member of their own families.

Tamara Leigh provides a generous dose of romance, career challenges and familial friction for her protagonist to navigate throughout the tale. It's almost too much for twenty-seven year old Harri, who is floundering to find her true self. In the end, however, it's the real, if not predictable, Harri - a motorcycle riding, high-flying, risk-taker - who emerges victor in her schizophrenic tussle for peace of mind.

If that sounds dangerous for a Christian fiction work, give Splitting Harriet a spin around the block. You will be reminded that forgiveness is by grace, servanthood can come from weakness and, when it comes to God, our plans are subject to change - for the better.