Blog Tour: A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander was absolutely fantastic! Set in Nashville's Belmont Mansion after the Civil War, I loved reading Claire and Sutton's story. Claire is grieving the loss of her mother when her father dies and her beloved uncle betrays her. Alone in a new city, she receives unexpected help in finding a job at the Belmont Mansion as the personal liaison to Mrs. Adelicia Acklen (a true character!) Meanwhile, Sutton is trying to make his own way in life - grieving his father's death, emotionally supporting his mom, and trying to save his family's land and honor. His suspicions of Claire and her suspect timing at Belmont soon give way to affection and friendship.

Claire and Sutton were phenomenal characters. Once I got to know Claire a bit, I really connected with her. And Sutton was just . . . dreamy. (Is that cheesy or what?!) I really did love their relationship, and the way you could feel their romance. In spite of all the proper ways of interacting, their affection for one another was nearly tangible (in a good, clean way). Even when they weren't sure if they were supposed to be together or not.

I was completely enthralled by the Belmont Mansion. The incredible wealth and beauty of the mansion and grounds were inspiring. The way that Tamera describes it made me feel like I was actually there. I'm definitely going to have to check it out soon. (I'm sure Hubs will love that! Grin!)

I'm fairly certain that I was born in the wrong time period. The thought of living during the late 1800s / early 1900s is absolutely fascinating to me. The dresses, the parties, the mansions, the proper etiquette. Sigh. It would be so fun to experience that . . . just for a day or two maybe.

While I had trouble getting into the book at first (maybe I was just in a weird mood??), I wasn't ready to put it down when I reached the last page. Tamera, I can't wait to read more about the Belmont Mansion. Any chance you could write faster?!

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House and Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my fair and hones review.


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.