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Head Over Hills

Stealing Adda

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WRITER’S BLOCK, NIBBLED NAILS, PLAGIARISM, OH MY!
AND DID I MENTION ROMANCE?

Life for Adda Sinclaire, New York Times best-selling author and historical romance writer extraordinaire, reads more like a country song than a breathless, bodice-bursting affair. For starters, she has no romance in her own life. That might have something to do with the fact that her husband—correction, ex-husband—ran off with Stick Woman, whom everyone knew would never be more than a mid-list author anyway. To add insult to injury (and another verse to the country song), her ex not only took their dog but gave it to Stick Woman. If that isn't enough, Adda has come down with a horrible case of writer's block, finds herself gifted with a Bible that is determined to speak to her, and is the unwitting target of a romance cover model's misdirected advances. Just when she catches her breath—and quite possibly the eye of a certain fabulously good-looking man (ahem…her new editor)—her arch-nemesis gives the pot one final stir.

NOTE: Stealing Adda, an inspirational novel, was originally released by NavPress in paperback. Featuring a new cover, it is now available for the first time as an ebook.

464 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2006

70 people are currently reading
382 people want to read

About the author

Tamara Leigh

70 books967 followers
Tamara Leigh signed a 4-book contract with Bantam Books in 1993, her debut medieval romance was nominated for a RITA award, and successive books with Bantam, HarperCollins, and Dorchester earned awards and appeared on national bestseller lists.

In 2006, the first of Tamara’s inspirational contemporary romances was published, followed by six more with Multnomah and RandomHouse. Perfecting Kate was optioned for a movie, Splitting Harriet won an ACFW Book of the Year award, and Faking Grace was nominated for a RITA award.

In 2012, Tamara returned to writing historical romance with the release of Dreamspell and the bestselling Age of Faith and The Feud series. Among her #1 bestsellers are her general market romances rewritten as clean and inspirational reads, including Lady at Arms and Lady of Conquest. In late 2018, she released Merciless, the first book in the new AGE OF CONQUEST series, followed by Fearless and Nameless, unveiling the origins of the Wulfrith family. Psst!—It all began with a woman. Watch for Heartless in Spring 2020.

Tamara lives near Nashville with her husband, a German Shepherd who has never met a squeaky toy she can’t destroy, and a feisty Morkie who keeps her company during long writing stints.

Connect with Tamara at her website www.tamaraleigh.com, Facebook, Twitter and [email protected].

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5 stars
229 (42%)
4 stars
172 (31%)
3 stars
114 (21%)
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20 (3%)
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6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,277 reviews2,112 followers
November 25, 2015
Really, really slow start. And it doesn't help that Adda is not a very nice person who thinks she's perfectly justified. I admit I only made it about 5% or so, but since I was still waiting for it to start and Adda was such a turnoff I decided to give it a rest.
Profile Image for Tara.
339 reviews
January 8, 2015
I think this review might be able to be summarized with one word...er, name...Nick. I've loved all of Ms. Leigh's heroes. She has such a talent for writing strong, likable male characters. But since all the other ones I've read are from the medieval period, I thought that might be half the reason they are so strong. Because the time period lends itself to extremely strong, masculine characters. Sometimes when it comes to contemporary novels, it's hard to write a really strong character without him coming off too cocky. But Ms. Leigh nails this one in the head. I LOVED Nick. And I loved Adda. Her sarcasm, habit of forgetting her purse, and love/collection of nail polish were both things I can relate to. :) And I loved Nick and Adda together.
Another thing I thought was really well-done, was the storyline of Adda starting out as an unbeliever, but finding her way to Christ. Flowed naturally, and while it was definitely a prevalent part of the story, it wasn't overdone in a preachy way.
I am so glad, and pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed this first contemporary I've read of Ms. Leigh's as much as her medieval books. Here's hoping her other contemporaries will be re-released soon!
If you're a fan of contemporary/ Inspy romances, do yourself a favor and read this one! I could hardly put this one down! Nick. Chocolates. Enough said.
511 reviews
April 22, 2019
Get ready for some major gushing!! Before I start my review, I just have to say that I haven’t read a Tamara Leigh book that I have not loved! Medieval is not my favorite time period, but every one of her medieval stories that I have read is amazing! To me, that is a mark of a very talented author. This book, which is contemporary, is absolutely one of my favorite books ever! It just hit all the right spots for me!

First off, the humor - perfection! I laughed out loud so many times during this story. In fact, there is an acronym that I will now always think about when I’m reading books and that’s all I can say - spoilers. Oh! And I will always think about this story when I hear the word goo!

Adda is such a great character. I loved loved loved how she found God and how she transformed and grew throughout this book. Tamara does a great job with showing how even though we really want, and try, to do the right things, old habits can be hard to break. I also like that Adda’s changes were not super quick. That made it more believable to me.

Then there’s Nick! Wow! Great male character! Without going into spoiler territory, I’ll just say this, I loved his honesty to Adda at the end of the story. I thought I knew what was going to happen, and while the outcome was what I thought, the way it happened was not. I really liked that it was not the normal cookie cutter way to end the story.

This is definitely going on my keeper shelf - in fact, I might just have two paperbacks (one old and one new), the kindle version, and the audio version. And let me just say, this is one of the best narrated books I have listened to.

Profile Image for Lorie.
101 reviews4 followers
August 25, 2011
This was a definitely FUN romance. (Just a coincidence I got two romances in a row - romance is not my preferred genre.) But this one stood apart because the heroine (a best-selling romance novelist herself) is exceedingly witty, irreverent, sometimes snarky, and real-life. It was a delightful break to read this novel. I identified with the heroine quite a lot.

For those who wonder why I read so much Christian literature, it's because that's almost the only place one can find clean reads anymore. I do not feel improved or enlightened in any way to read profanity, obscenities, explicit sex or gratuitous blood and guts. I wish there were a way to download an e-book, and do a word search-and-replace turning all the swearing into less obnoxious expressions. NO, all you "realistic" authors out there, not everybody has as vile a mind as your characters do. That is not REAL LIFE as we know and live it. As Orson Scott Card once told me "You can leave out the swearing, and readers won't even notice it's gone." TRUE!!
Profile Image for Christy.
299 reviews91 followers
April 2, 2011
Ok, it's time to officially add Tamara Leigh to my list of favorite authors! I love her stories, her style, and her fabulous sense of humor. Her books fall a little bit into the chick-lit genre and a little bit into the romance genre, but by the time I finish one, I'm a fan of the "I-don't-care-what-you-call-it-it's-so-good-I-wanna-read-it-again" genre. (Wow, what a mouthful!)

I became a fan of Tamara's right after reading Splitting Harriet (which was just as great of a read as this one). But before reading this book, I honestly had no clue that Tamara Leigh had once been a successful, mainstream romance author. After I read Stealing Adda (along with a few book reviews of it, too), the light bulb went off in my head that this book very easily could've been her journey through the world of writing. Everything was so spot on--the deadlines, the writing conferences, the agent phone calls, the best-seller lists, the red pen of death from the editor--that I felt like I was in the midst of all that drama right beside Adda.

But let me tell ya...that just barely scratches the surface about how great this book was! I cannot believe how many times I could not stop laughing! And I'm not talking about a little chuckle, either. I'm talking about LOL funny! Adda had these very "unique" names for people (mostly for people she didn't like) that summed them up to a T. "Stick Woman" was a personal favorite of mine, as well as Adda's friend, "Puffer"...better known as Joyce. "Prim" and "Improper" stole the show a few times, too. :o)

As great as the humor was, the romance was enough to make me weak in the knees. Goo.... (you'll know what I mean after you read it for yourself). :o) "Chocolates" was every girl's dream guy, even if he had a tendency to be non-committal a good portion of the time. The chemistry between him and Adda was the kind that would have you imagining fireworks in the background...it was that good!

But seriously....this book is the kind of book I would give to someone that wants a great story, but maybe they're not a Christian. It showed the journey from non-believer to believer in a very real way that wasn't preachy or "church-ey." Instead, the Christian characters that were featured had a genuine faith that was just part of their personality. They weren't trying to witness every 5 minutes, or saying "I'll pray for you" all the time. They lived their faith by example instead of trying to cram it down your throat. What a refreshing change. :o)

So, with all that said, I think there should be a Tamara Leigh Fan Club, and I very seriously doubt that I would be the only member! Anyone else wanna join? (Er....maybe we should ask Tamara what she thinks first.....)

5 Stars (as if you had to ask) :o)
Profile Image for Stephany.
1,033 reviews54 followers
August 3, 2010
This book was simply amazing. Sometimes, it takes me a while to get into chick lit books, because of all the background the authors build, but not so with this story. I was hooked by the first chapter and it just got better and better.

The story revolved around New York Times best-selling author Adda Sinclaire as she struggles with a journey of faith & moving over to a new publishing house with a very handsome publisher. Throughout the story, you learn more about Adda's past, which includes a cheating ex-husband (the woman he cheated on with was her biggest rival). Nick, her love interest, also has his own demons he still struggles with as they learn how to love each other in spite of their baggage.

What I liked most about this story was how the author didn't sugarcoat non-Christian behaviors, even including curse words (which she used the word BLEEP for). She really talked about the raw side of faith and the journey everyone goes on to find God.
Profile Image for Nicole.
868 reviews77 followers
June 7, 2020
An absolute delight to read!
I laughed out loud and thoroughly enjoyed this read!
Adda is just a character that you can relate with and root for!
I loved the glimpses into the world or writing and publishing and it gives me a new appreciation for the work that authors put in to bringing us books!
I loved the scenes with Adda and Nick, just so good!
I do wish we got to see a bit more of her spiritual journey, but it developed gradually and that was a unique way to portray how some people come to faith.
So much fun! So very good!
Profile Image for Beth | Faithfully Bookish .
932 reviews239 followers
March 10, 2022
I literally could NOT put this book down. Adda's journey (Prim and Improper, too) wrapped its way around my heart. Leigh brought these characters (fictional and fictional fictional) to life and pulled me right into the story. I love all the bookish angles and Adda's honest approach to faith. Nick and Sophia are simply delightful and Bejing won me over the moment he appeared on the page. I highly recommend this book and look forward to enjoying it again in the future.
Profile Image for Becky of Becky's Bookshelves .
674 reviews90 followers
May 15, 2024
Stealing Adda by Tamara Leigh is the first in the Head over Heels series. I have read the author’s medieval books, but this was my first time reading one of her contemporary novels and I was not disappointed. Her story is one you do not want to miss.

Adda Sinclair is having a bad year. She has writer’s block, has lost her dog, and her ex-husband ran off with another writer. Her life is complicated, but she still has her sense of humor.

I adored Stealing Adda! The story was funny, fresh, and had all the feels. It was fabulous to walk through life with Adda, a successful writer. The author had the ability to truly help you walk in her shoes, making her endearing to you. I loved seeing how Adda navigated her writing career, romance, and faith journey. I was very invested.

This was my first book of 2023 and it was the perfect start to the new year. This incredible redemptive story reminded me to look to the One who holds the future in His hands. I highly recommend Stealing Adda!
Profile Image for Rosanne Lortz.
Author 26 books205 followers
June 10, 2019
Adda Sinclaire writes medieval bodice rippers, but her own life is devoid of romance. Her husband has run off with a rival romance writer, taking the dog and sucking all the joy out of Adda's life. To make matters worse, Adda has a horrible case of writer's block and must make the difficult decision whether to ask for a deadline extension or turn in an old novel from her dusty rejection drawer.

Unsure where to turn, Adda starts reading her Bible and questioning what exactly God is doing in her life. Instead of blaming her ex-husband and her nemesis for everything, she realizes that her own behaviors have been selfish and demeaning. Thus begins the slow hard change of learning to believe and trying to change.

When Nick, Adda's new editor, starts to take a personal interest in her, she begins to hope that love is once again possible. His level-headed input helps her navigate the pitfalls of switching publishers, and his honest critique makes her question exactly what material is appropriate in a romance book. But can their fledgling relationship survive when accusations of plagiarism surface? And when it comes to an out-and-out legal tussle over the truth, how exactly ought a Christian to handle things? 

This book is a contemporary romcom that has the ring of truth to it. Adda's obsession with nail polish and flighty habit of losing her purse make her stand out as a character. The author is clearly familiar with the intricacies of the publishing field, and Adda's gradual conversion experience has an authentic feel to it. While Nick is an important catalyst and a stand-up guy, the book is more about Adda and her journey of spiritual growth.

Although I typically prefer historical romance (which is where I encountered Tamara Leigh in the first place), this is one of the most enjoyable chick lit books I've ever read. Recommended. 
Profile Image for Becky of Becky's Bookshelves .
674 reviews90 followers
January 14, 2023
Stealing Adda by Tamara Leigh is the first in the Head over Heels series. I have read the author’s medieval books, but this was my first time reading one of her contemporary romance novels and I was not disappointed. Her story is one you do not want to miss.

Adda Sinclair is having a bad year. She has writer’s block, has lost her dog, and her ex-husband ran off with another writer. Her life is complicated, but she still has her sense of humor.

“And isn't one of life's greatest tragedies waking up one morning and asking one's self what if?”

I adored Stealing Adda! The story was funny, fresh, and had all the feels. It was fabulous to go through life with Adda, a successful writer. The author had the ability to truly help you walk in her shoes, making her endearing to you. I loved seeing how Adda navigated her writing career, romance, and faith journey. I was very invested in the story and so glad this was my first book of 2023. It was the perfect start to the new year.

This incredible redemptive story reminded me to look to the One who holds the future in His hands. The romance, banter, and humor kept me very engaged. I highly recommend Stealing Adda!
Profile Image for Jes Drew.
Author 82 books526 followers
July 3, 2019
This book was really relateable, from an author point of view. And also terrifying from the same point of view. But, like Leigh's other rom-coms in the series it's laugh-out-loud funny and sweet. Unfortunately, the protagonist and the hero both being divorcees kind of messed up the romance for me a bit. Still read it in, like, two days though.
Profile Image for Laura A. Grace.
1,925 reviews288 followers
December 1, 2019
Fun read! Was looking for something different and would say this delivered. I didn't always love Adda's character, but I found her to be a snarky, fun heroine who has a personal and real growth through the book. Also, found her spiritual journey to be relatable and enjoyed that. Also, really liked Nick's character! Overall, glad I read it and found it to be a fun story.
Profile Image for Carla Laureano.
Author 23 books913 followers
August 10, 2012
I know I've read a good book when it can make me rethink all my "don't likes." I don't particularly like chick lit, not a fan of first person storytelling, and present tense makes me want to tear my hair out. Usually.

I got about halfway through the book before I realized any of that was going on, because I was so absorbed in the story. What's there not to like? Leigh nails writer's angst perfectly (complete with the creative stall tactics). She's created a very likeable, snarky, realistic character in Adda. (Let's face it. We all know that no matter how successful we get, we'll still be worried our skirts are tucked up in our pantyhose.) And well, just take my word on Nick. You ladies will like him.

Anyone who has followed my reviews or knows me in person can tell you I almost never give five-star reviews. But "Stealing Adda" is truly inspy chick-lit/romance done right. Off to check out her other books.


Profile Image for Donna.
1,349 reviews25 followers
January 22, 2015
Not my favorite setting (modern/contemporary) and a bit religious but a humorous and excellent read. I Don't really care for the way this is written... Heroine constantly talking to herself and to the reader can get a bit confusing at times but it grew on me. The religious part is handled very well and never feels overly preachy as many "inspirational romances" tend to do. It is more of a self reflection moment here and there as she asks how to become a better person and if there is a God... What would he want her to do. Yet, she very humanly, struggles with forgiving.
202 reviews7 followers
January 10, 2009
So far of the books I have read from this author this is my favorite. It was funny and the characters seemed real. Many times with Christian fiction the characters almost seem too good to be true but the main character in this book is flawed. I really enjoyed watching her go through trials and trying to find her way. I could picture myself being friends with this character which isn't always true in books. I would highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Andi Tubbs.
963 reviews80 followers
July 23, 2014
This was such a fun relaxing read. I don't know how I missed it when it was published, but I am so glad that I read it. The spiritual element was subtle yet perfect for the story.
If you are looking for a fun, relaxing read; grab this book. You won't be sorry.
Profile Image for Christie.
412 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2009
I really loved this book. Not only was it funny and romantic, it was honest. Tamara Leigh is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
42 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2020
Tamara Leigh is my new favorite author.

Yes, I have others and I'll remain faithful to them; however, none of my previous favorite authors present stories across multiple romance genres (Medieval Historical, Contemporary and Fantasy). Though Fantasy has never been of interest to me the preview of Dreamspell included in this title has planted a seed. One I'm sure will bear fruit into full satisfaction with plot, characters, dialog and conclusion as Tamara always delivers.

I laughed out loud multiple times, which is not an easy feat to attain from me. (Life's been hard and stoicism bears it's own fruit; which brings to mind a few scriptures but this review really isn't about me but about the book, Stealing Adda. Whew!) I found Adda VERY relatable on multiple levels and I'd list those here except it'd become about me again. So, without further digression I conclude that I'll be recommending Tamara Leigh AGAIN to anyone who'll listen to me.

Thank you again, Tamara, for an exceptional read!
Profile Image for Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner.
1,450 reviews83 followers
December 7, 2023
While Stealing Adda is the first in the Head Over Hills series, each book stands alone. I have read the fourth book in the series, Splitting Harriet, and I am unsure how the books are connected.

Stealing Adda has a very slow start. Adda is not a Christian, struggles with labeling people, and finds herself in a tough spot. Her character is an enigma, and I had a hard time relating to her.

Nick is the same, just hard to understand and relate to. Their romance is a slow burn, complicated by their business relationship.

There were some cute moments, some humor, and a thread of forgiveness. Adda is on a faith journey, but the religious parts of the story are not pushy or contrived.

Overall, for me, just an okay read.
33 reviews
July 16, 2019
A Fun Read

As is usually the case with Ms Leigh's books, you get introduced to characters that are "real". Nick and Adda have baggage. Adda and her family have scars. Even Birgitta has obvious problems...oops, I almost said "Stick Woman".
Throughout this book, you will find that God works in the lives of those He calls. By an unselfish act of an obedient young man, by obeying the call to pray for a friend "right now", or by encouraging words or Scripture verses when a searching soul is in need.
Be a Josh, Elizabeth, or Sophia when God calls you to action.
120 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2020
I wasn't so sure about this contemporary story at the beginning. I love Tamara Leigh's period books and this one was definitely written in a different style. Improper and Prim really annoyed me enough that I almost quit reading. However, I am so glad that I continued. I loved the little insights into a writers world and reading about Adda's journey through personal and spiritual development. Although some of the situations Adda found herself in were of the predictable nature, they also felt like they fit with this particular heroine.
Profile Image for Sherri.
366 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2018
A good Christian message!

Stealing Adda has a good Christian message wrapped up in an interesting storyline. I was glad to see Tamara Leigh handles a contemporary novel as well as historical novels. Nick is definitely swoon-worthy as he can’t seem to resist Adda, even when he truly doesn’t wants to. Adda’s ability to always get herself into trouble was endearing and I could certainly relate to her.
Profile Image for mary Ethington.
335 reviews
February 5, 2018
It does have a slow start and for a while I listen to the audio version and couldn’t decide if I like the voices or not. One minute I would and the next I couldn’t stand it. The voice of Adda came across so prim and stuck up. Plus every word was so punctuated that it was slow and somewhat annoying. However, once the book got going and I was reading it, I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to know what would happen. It was good and I loved the moments with Nick.
Profile Image for Megan Besing.
Author 6 books155 followers
April 10, 2018
Loved the dialogue and tension

This was my first story by this author.(super late to the party) and I will be reading more! The dialogue-great. Characters-felt real, with real problems. Tension and conflict-A+. The only thing i'd think to complain about was at first the hero doesn't seemed too concerned that the heroine isn't a Christian, even though he's interested in here. But of course that issue is resolved eventually.
Profile Image for Teresa Snyder.
706 reviews27 followers
June 30, 2019
I really wanted to like this book, or like it more than I did. Honestly, I struggled from the beginning. It had some really good sections, and some not so good. The last fourth of the book was the best, but even it lacked closure. The epilogue, disappointing. The bonus section, equally disappointing.

Hopefully the next book in the series will be better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews

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