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Tiger Lillie
Always the wedding coordinator, Lillie Bauer makes brides' dreams come true, but when it comes to her own love life, she's never the bride.
Fifteen years after the mysterious disappearance of her childhood sweetheart, Ted, Lillie --bungee-jumper, book addict, and delightfully offbeat coordinator of “extreme” high-concept weddings--is ready to find love again. As she boldly but reluctantly braves a disastrous dating scene, Lillie is caught between two images of married life-- the rich, lifelong partnership shared by her parents and the troubled marriage of her younger sister, Tacy.
Faced with long-buried feelings, fears for Tacy, and concerns about her father’s failing health, Lillie finds strength in an unlikely community of loved ones, including Cristoff, her epileptic, florist business partner; Pleasance, a sassy clothing designer; and her Hungarian Grandma Erzsébet. When Lillie stumbles across a danger that threatens those she loves most, she'll need more than friends and family to get through it– she's going to need a miracle.
Fifteen years after the mysterious disappearance of her childhood sweetheart, Ted, Lillie --bungee-jumper, book addict, and delightfully offbeat coordinator of “extreme” high-concept weddings--is ready to find love again. As she boldly but reluctantly braves a disastrous dating scene, Lillie is caught between two images of married life-- the rich, lifelong partnership shared by her parents and the troubled marriage of her younger sister, Tacy.
Faced with long-buried feelings, fears for Tacy, and concerns about her father’s failing health, Lillie finds strength in an unlikely community of loved ones, including Cristoff, her epileptic, florist business partner; Pleasance, a sassy clothing designer; and her Hungarian Grandma Erzsébet. When Lillie stumbles across a danger that threatens those she loves most, she'll need more than friends and family to get through it– she's going to need a miracle.
310 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2004
10 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Samson
64 books194 followersThe Christy-award winning author of nineteen books including the Women of Faith Novel of the Year Quaker Summer, Lisa Samson has been hailed by Publishers Weekly as "a talented novelist who isn't afraid to take risks." She lives in Kentucky with her husband and three kids.
Also, published under the name L.L. Samson
Also, published under the name L.L. Samson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 5, 2018
Years ago, I randomly decided to watch the Christian film C Me Dance. I usually like Christian cinema; over the years, I've enjoyed films ranging from To Save a Life to Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie. However, C Me Dance was absolutely awful; terrible acting, an inane plot, a preacher uttering a profanity...yeah, I don't think words can do justice as to what a train wreck it was. To this day, I consider it not only among the worst films I've ever watched, but also the absolute worst within the Christian genre, and I doubt any other flick will ever take that title. (If you've seen it, you know what I'm talking about.)
Well, this book is like C Me Dance, but in literary form. The characters, especially Lillie, spend too much time doing nothing; the out-of-order chronology was annoying; the sexual details were far too lurid for a Christian novel, and made me feel like I was reading a trashy harlequin instead; the story takes far too long to get anywhere; and, well...yeah, this whole thing was a big mess. I've read some really good books by this author, but she bungled it with this one. If you like reading about wedding planning, I'd suggest the Weddings by Bella series by Janice Thompson. Now, those are some fun novels!
Well, this book is like C Me Dance, but in literary form. The characters, especially Lillie, spend too much time doing nothing; the out-of-order chronology was annoying; the sexual details were far too lurid for a Christian novel, and made me feel like I was reading a trashy harlequin instead; the story takes far too long to get anywhere; and, well...yeah, this whole thing was a big mess. I've read some really good books by this author, but she bungled it with this one. If you like reading about wedding planning, I'd suggest the Weddings by Bella series by Janice Thompson. Now, those are some fun novels!
April 17, 2017
This is part of a reading challenge for me, and a new author. As I began I thought ok it's chick lit and Christian chick lit to boot. Neither are my normal genres. I was quite pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book and a pretty quick read. The main character, Lillie, is quite delightful & she has a bunch of quirky friends and an "out there" business. But that is not where my interest lay. Tacy her younger sister pulled at my heartstrings so much more & I REALLY wanted to know what happens to this poor gal:
"I felt myself at the bottom of a hole, no rope or ladder to ensure my release." She is trapped by a very controlling husband and copes through her faith. Can't say too much more or it would spoil the unfolding of the story. Let's say both of the sisters narrate this tale and there was a revelation in Tacy's narration that made me have an AHA moment.
"I felt myself at the bottom of a hole, no rope or ladder to ensure my release." She is trapped by a very controlling husband and copes through her faith. Can't say too much more or it would spoil the unfolding of the story. Let's say both of the sisters narrate this tale and there was a revelation in Tacy's narration that made me have an AHA moment.
May 13, 2011
This book was the result of my search for a novel that ends mostly well without being predictable and trite. At least somewhat literary but with a touch of romance. And clean without being overtly prudish. Tastey and tasteful but not empty calories. I was searching for a warm-bittersweet-chocolate-chip-oatmeal-cookie of a book.
The search is still mostly on. I can't just read Pride and Prejudice and These is my Words over and over can I?
That's not to say I don't recommend this book. It was clean. With just a touch of non-harlequin romance. Good characters. Not particularly literary, but not poorly written. My biggest complaint is that the writer, who is a Christian writer, spent just a bit too much time spouting religious philosophy. To her credit, she spreads the love among numerous sects, and I respect the differing points of view. I even enjoy hearing about them. The Christian circuit finds her edgy. But it was all just too much Praise the Lord for me. That said, I much prefer hearing Jesus' name spoken earnestly than crudely. If nothing else, this is a safe read.
I'll probably try another from the same author. But the search for the perfect cookie of a book goes on.
The search is still mostly on. I can't just read Pride and Prejudice and These is my Words over and over can I?
That's not to say I don't recommend this book. It was clean. With just a touch of non-harlequin romance. Good characters. Not particularly literary, but not poorly written. My biggest complaint is that the writer, who is a Christian writer, spent just a bit too much time spouting religious philosophy. To her credit, she spreads the love among numerous sects, and I respect the differing points of view. I even enjoy hearing about them. The Christian circuit finds her edgy. But it was all just too much Praise the Lord for me. That said, I much prefer hearing Jesus' name spoken earnestly than crudely. If nothing else, this is a safe read.
I'll probably try another from the same author. But the search for the perfect cookie of a book goes on.
February 16, 2017
Wow! What a book! It's sad to realize that this story is being lived out in one way or another by unknown millions, probably. But how wonderful to also know that we have a Savior who cares. I really loved the relationships that both Lillie and Tacy had with Jesus. The book is very compelling as I was never sure just how things would turn out. Lisa Samson is a true artist!
June 12, 2020
Edited: I changed it to two stars but then changed it back to three stars because to be fair it WAS hard to put down as the story progressed. But the more I think about it, the less I like this book.
Witty. Tragic. Quirky. Heartbreaking. Just some of the words that come to mind as I finish this novel. I only gave it 3 stars because the quirkiness and wordiness was off-putting to me. But I found it difficult to put the book down once I really got into the story. I was especially anxious to find out what happens to Lillie’s sister and found myself wondering why the title of this book did not also include her in some way!
(Oh and the cover of this book threw me off. It doesn’t seem to match the storyline.)
All in all, it was not my favorite book by this author and I was (and am) pretty upset and even disturbed by how the story ended for some of the characters.. But I’m still glad I read it. Many of the characters were interesting . I especially liked Lillie’s Father and her friend Cristoff. Gordon was pretty great too.
Witty. Tragic. Quirky. Heartbreaking. Just some of the words that come to mind as I finish this novel. I only gave it 3 stars because the quirkiness and wordiness was off-putting to me. But I found it difficult to put the book down once I really got into the story. I was especially anxious to find out what happens to Lillie’s sister and found myself wondering why the title of this book did not also include her in some way!
(Oh and the cover of this book threw me off. It doesn’t seem to match the storyline.)
All in all, it was not my favorite book by this author and I was (and am) pretty upset and even disturbed by how the story ended for some of the characters.. But I’m still glad I read it. Many of the characters were interesting . I especially liked Lillie’s Father and her friend Cristoff. Gordon was pretty great too.
December 11, 2023
I didn't love the main character Lillie, some of the things she said/thought about other characters. I finished it because I wanted to find out what happened with her sister Tacy, who is being abused by her husband Rawlins.
March 30, 2020
It's kind of a spiritual romance novel. I can't say I loved it, it's not my cup of tea, but it was good.
July 15, 2020
Fabulous book. I listened on audio (great narrator). It took a chapter or two to understand the characters, but it's super good. It was wonderful to laugh so much in the midst of the painful parts.
November 19, 2020
Pulled me in, but very slow moving, lacked details in the main plot line.
March 3, 2025
Enjoyable read. Suspenseful with down to earth characters.
October 7, 2010
I love Lisa Samsons books. She is a Christian Author, so when I sit down to read, I'm ready to see faith issues tackled.
Lillie is an admittedly overweight wedding planner who also has an extreme side - she loves extreme adventures - bungee jumping, catepult rides, etc. She still pines for Teddy, her one true love who vanished 15 year prior.
Her sister Tacy (Short for Anastasia) also has voice in this book. While Lilly is relating the tale, Tacy recounts her meeting of her husband, their courtship and the strange relationship that follows. We see current events through the mistakes of her past.
While Lillie works on slaying her own dragons, she and her family are desperately trying to help her sister, who is queitly calling for help.
Samson brings a full range of Christian characters to this book - a reformed homosexual, a former rock and roll star, a blind Episcopalian priest, a legalist caught in a cult situation, and so many more. It is set in her familiar Baltimore and surrounding areas - someday I might have to take a little ride up that way.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, my one criticism is that at times, large time frames are "jumped" through. While the story progresses, the characters seem to be right where they were 3 months ago. This is minor in the scope of the entire story - which I throughly enjoyed down to the last page. Samson has a flair for characters that seem authentic, that struggle with their own personas and seek God for the answers to their questions.
Recommend for those who love chick lit that has layers based in faith.
Lillie is an admittedly overweight wedding planner who also has an extreme side - she loves extreme adventures - bungee jumping, catepult rides, etc. She still pines for Teddy, her one true love who vanished 15 year prior.
Her sister Tacy (Short for Anastasia) also has voice in this book. While Lilly is relating the tale, Tacy recounts her meeting of her husband, their courtship and the strange relationship that follows. We see current events through the mistakes of her past.
While Lillie works on slaying her own dragons, she and her family are desperately trying to help her sister, who is queitly calling for help.
Samson brings a full range of Christian characters to this book - a reformed homosexual, a former rock and roll star, a blind Episcopalian priest, a legalist caught in a cult situation, and so many more. It is set in her familiar Baltimore and surrounding areas - someday I might have to take a little ride up that way.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, my one criticism is that at times, large time frames are "jumped" through. While the story progresses, the characters seem to be right where they were 3 months ago. This is minor in the scope of the entire story - which I throughly enjoyed down to the last page. Samson has a flair for characters that seem authentic, that struggle with their own personas and seek God for the answers to their questions.
Recommend for those who love chick lit that has layers based in faith.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2022
Wow, this book had it all: suspense, plot twists, quirky characters, true love and tragedy. Lisa Samson knows how to combine it all to make a great book, while raising questions about faith and life. I highly recommend this book!
May 12, 2010
Tiger Lillie is a Lisa Samson novel about some very quirky characters. The main two are sisters, Lillie and Tacy. Lillie is single, and is in business as an extreme wedding planner--the kind of person that people with too much money hire to put on a big show. Tacy married young, to a charming handsome and controlling man. Other characters include the gay best friend, a bridezilla, a blind Episcopalian priest and co-workers of various ilks.
This was an interesting story, and as usual, I enjoyed Samson's writing. At first I was going to say that I didn't find the characters believable, but on second thought, most of them were--it is just that when she described them, she described the abnormal things about them, and it isn't until you reflect further that you realize that most of us have something abnormal about us; but that we don't generally focus on that.
This was an interesting story, and as usual, I enjoyed Samson's writing. At first I was going to say that I didn't find the characters believable, but on second thought, most of them were--it is just that when she described them, she described the abnormal things about them, and it isn't until you reflect further that you realize that most of us have something abnormal about us; but that we don't generally focus on that.
March 5, 2012
Tiger Lillie came out in 2004. I heard really good things about it. I’ve read a few other Lisa Samson titles and I enjoyed them, I just never got around to Tiger Lillie. Until last week.
I could not put it down.
Lillie is a Strong Hungarian Woman, just like her mother and grandmother. She’s single, a little overweight, and the bean-counting partner in a wedding planning business.
Lillie’s struggles and feelings are real and pure. Even though I’m a Weak California Woman, Lillie’s emotions resonated with me.
Her sister is disappearing into a marriage to a control and religion freak. Her parents are getting older and distraught at the changes they see in the daughter who is slipping away.
I could not put it down.
Lillie is a Strong Hungarian Woman, just like her mother and grandmother. She’s single, a little overweight, and the bean-counting partner in a wedding planning business.
Lillie’s struggles and feelings are real and pure. Even though I’m a Weak California Woman, Lillie’s emotions resonated with me.
Her sister is disappearing into a marriage to a control and religion freak. Her parents are getting older and distraught at the changes they see in the daughter who is slipping away.
February 2, 2015
Tiger Lillie will crush your heart and make you feel all warm-fuzzy inside. And, Ms. Samson... oh, this lady will make me a lifelong fan.
This novel is unique and doesn't disappoint. It's vibrant, lovely, sweet, eccentric, funny, profound, and wildly purposeful.
This book is almost a five-star book. I'd give it 4.5 if I could. Occasionally the sentences get a tad too complex and seem to lose themselves in the words, and all the wealth and pomp around the characters seems improbable and a little weird, but I enjoyed it so much, besides, I know I'll even reread sometime down the road.
This novel is unique and doesn't disappoint. It's vibrant, lovely, sweet, eccentric, funny, profound, and wildly purposeful.
This book is almost a five-star book. I'd give it 4.5 if I could. Occasionally the sentences get a tad too complex and seem to lose themselves in the words, and all the wealth and pomp around the characters seems improbable and a little weird, but I enjoyed it so much, besides, I know I'll even reread sometime down the road.
January 15, 2008
Overall this was a pretty good book. I liked the story of the main character's sister much better than the main character, Lillie. It didn't quite end the way I had expected, but it was good. The main character had been single forever because of a big ordeal with a former fiancee. Then out of the blue this rock star guy falls in love with her in about 2 days--a little over the edge of reality, in my opinion.
May 29, 2009
i really liked this book. it's about two sisters, goes back and forth between the two telling their story. it's sad,funny and suspenceful. lisa samson is becoming one of my favorite authors, she is a christian author and deals with real life problems. her characters grow spiritually by going through tough situations.
August 5, 2016
Very rare do I give a book 5 stars, but I would have given it 10. It was the best book that I have ever read in the Christian genre. Lisa continues to challenge me to look at all areas of my Christian life. She is very spiritual, godly, and wise. This was a can't put down read! Keep writing Lisa! You are amazing.
June 10, 2016
What an interesting cast of characters! I really enjoyed the character development in this story. There were things I loved about this book and other things that just didn't fit. I can't deny the author's talent for writing, but there was something about the story as a whole that just didn't feel right. I can't even put my finger on it. Something is off. Still, it was entertaining.
September 26, 2016
Not my favorite from Lisa Samson. Both the characters and the plot fell flat. Surprising, given that she wrote this one around the same time as she wrote my two favorites: Songbird, and The Church Ladies. Samson is a gifted writer; if you want to test her waters, try one of those two instead of this disappointing novel.
March 31, 2008
Great characters, and I was especially impressed that Samson wasn't afraid to take on a gay Christian character.
July 4, 2017
Lisa Samson is my favorite author of Christian fiction and this is one of my favorite books. The characters are colorful and *real*.
July 23, 2008
i met lisa and her family at a conference before i read her books. her stories are almost as fun as she is.
July 28, 2008
Another great Samson book.
August 8, 2008
i really loved this book. it changed some important paradigms for me.
September 21, 2008
My first book by this author. I felt at the end of this book like I still had a lot of questions - many things unanswered. Quite a few extreme characters. Can't say I would recommend it...
April 16, 2010
Hard to get into at first, a little confusing. Very worth the effort.
June 5, 2011
This book is a little stilted and awkward, but it contains some beautiful jewels of wisdom! I want to read more by this author.
July 2, 2012
Didn't feel this one...like her others. it was s bit slow, but still love her work.
September 6, 2012
sorry i read it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews