A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander
Publisher: Bethany House
Publish Date: October 15, 2011
Paperback, 424 pages
Fiction, Historical, Christian, Romance
ISBN: 978-0764206221
Fiction, Historical, Christian, Romance
ISBN: 978-0764206221
My Review:
Wow talk about being sucked right into a book. Ms. Alexander managed to transport me right into post-Civil War Nashville within a few pages of A Lasting Impression. And the only reason it took a few pages is the book starts off in New Orleans.
Right from the start I was enraptured by Claire Laurent. So much tragedy has struck her life, yet she manages to keep rolling with the punches. And yes she has done wrong but only because she had to and now she is trying to make a better life for herself in Nashville. I like that Claire has a conscious and that it keeps telling her that she must tell her secret. But of course, the story would not be a book if she told her secret right off.
I also really liked Sutton. He is trying to put his life back together after tragedy as well. He has no land, not much money and not much to fall back on besides his job with Mrs. Acklen. However he finds himself falling for Miss Laurent as time passes. But he has obligations and then there is that niggling bit of doubt about her as well. Sutton is a good strong male and I liked that about him. He's at a place that he doesn't have much besides his job helping Mrs. Acklen but he enjoys that and he enjoys his time with Claire. He also likes that Claire seems to see him for who he really is and she is one of the few people who really does.
The romance element was the obvious part of the story, but there is so much more to it than that. I felt like each chapter I was unwrapping a present finding a new one beneath full of new surprises. I loved learning new things about the Belmont mansion and about it's mistress, Mrs. Acklen. The intrigue of Claire's secret following her around is always there too, and the reader is always wondering when that will come into play. There are lots of delightful scenes of romance, happiness and some of sadness and all contribute to the overall feeling of this book. It has the feel of a sweeping saga wrapped up in a pretty cover.
A Lasting Impression held my interest through the whole book. I would often read 100 pages in a sitting with my two boys yelling and carrying on in the same room with me, yet I still felt like I was in Tennessee with the Acklens, Sutton and Claire. It sweeps you away and doesn't let you down until you finish the last page. And then the characters and places still stay with you after you close the book. And you know with me, that is the mark of a good book. This is my first Tamera Alexander book and I love finding new historical authors to read and she will surely be added to my list.
With wonderful themes of honesty, forgiveness and love of others, a plot that moves the book along quickly and characters I could identify with, A Lasting Impression did just that - it made a lasting impression on me. And it's not one I will soon forget. Claire, Sutton, the Acklens, Cordina, Eli, Zeke and many others will be remembered for quite some time as this delightful book continues to replay itself in my head.
My Rating: 5.0/5.0
About the Book:
A fake. A forger. More than anything, Claire Laurent longs for the chance to live an authentic life, to become the woman she wants to be. And she'll be given that choice. But will it come at too costly a price?
Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville only a year after the War Between the States has ended, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe. She considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But after he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged the man. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville's society, Claire believes her dream to create a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach--but only if her fraudulent past remains hidden.
The Federal Army has destroyed Sutton's home and confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him and to right a grievous wrong reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined--as well as the woman he loves.Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves--and each other--for who they really are.
About the Author:
Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious--and precocious--silky terrier.
For more information please visit www.tameraalexander.com
Link to buy the book:
While Tamera and her book, A Lasting Impression, are traveling across the country virtually (with a few international stops as well!), she will be hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway (11/4 - 11/15) and preparing for a lavish Southern-Style Facebook Party (11/15) (dripping with hospitality, of course). She will be giving away Southern Food Baskets, books, and an array of other fabulous freebies! Don't miss a minute of the fun. Swoon!
Read what the reviewers are saying here.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Brand New Kindle Fire (shipped as soon as it releases)
- A copy of A Lasting Impression and 3 other special books Tamera wants you to have (for Kindle)
Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 15th!
FTC Information: I received this book through Litfuse Publicity for an honest review.
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