About the book: To create something that will last is Claire Laurent's most fervent desire as an artist. It's also her greatest weakness. When her fraud of a father deals her an unexpected hand, Claire is forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville, only a year after the War Between the States has ended. Claire's path collides with that of Sutton Monroe, and she considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But when they meet again and he refuses to come to her aid, she realizes she's sorely misjudged the man. Trading an unwanted destiny for an unknown future, Claire finds herself in the middle of Nashville's elite society and believes her dream of creating a lasting impression in the world of art may finally be within reach.
All that Sutton Monroe holds dear lies in ruin. He's determined to reclaim his heritage and to make the men who murdered his father pay. But what he discovers on his quest for vengeance reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined.
Set at Nashville's historical Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America in the 1860s, A Lasting Impression showcases the deep, poignant, unforgettable characters that set Tamera's stories apart and provides an inspiring love story that will capture readers' hearts and leave them eager for more.
My Review: Tamera Alexander is one of my favorite authors! Her writing is stellar, and she is to be commended for creating a story that draws the reader in, making you feel completely immersed in the story. When I finished reading A Lasting Impression, I felt as if I had just returned from a trip to the Belmont Mansion, and spent a wonderful time with Claire, Sutton, Adelicia, Cordina, and the entire splendid cast of characters. I also appreciate the fact that the story line is so unique; I don't believe there's another story like it in the area of Christian Fiction. It's certainly a stand-out story -- one that I won't soon forget!
When I wasn't reading the story, I often found myself thinking of Claire and Sutton, and longing to get back to Belmont. Even though I had a hunch how the story would turn out, I still wanted to experience the journey of how Claire and Sutton would resolve their issues. As the book progressed, I found it harder and harder to put the book down. I was happy to see how everything played out, but I was also sad to leave Belmont, and the characters that I had grown to love. Thankfully, there are more books in this series, and I can't wait to pick up book two in 2013! I have no doubt that it will be just as captivating as the first!
With rich, colorful descriptions, Tamera brought the Belmont Mansion to life. The characters are likeable, real-to life, and ones that you come to care about as the story progresses. It was a joy to watch Claire's character change and grow, as she was so easy to relate to. I laughed and cried with her as she came to terms with her past, and through her determination to press on into the future that God had planned for her. The spiritual thread of the story was so well done, and was effortlessly woven into the story at a gradual and realistic pace.
The romance between Claire and Sutton was incredibly sweet and heartwarming! The romantic elements truly came to life because Tamera made me "feel" what the characters were feeling, without simply "telling" me. The love story was beautifully written, without being rushed, or forced. The romantic scenes were so well done, and there was just enough "heat" to take my heart skip a beat, and take my breath away.
I highly recommend this book with two enthusiastic thumbs up! Tamera has truly left "a lasting impression" on this reader, and I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series!
You can read the first two chapters of A Lasting Impression by following this link. You can also get more information about Tamera and her books at her website.
**Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing a copy of this book for review, in exchange for my honest opinion.***
What a great review, Michelle! I've yet to read A Lasting Impression, but after your praise, I'll have to see if I can find it at my local library. :) I haven't read much by Tamera Alexander, so look forward to getting more of a feel for her style. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christina! Tamera is a fantastic author! The other two books that I've read by her are The inheritance and Rekindled -- both of which are favorites. I have her other five books on my shelf, so I hope to read them this year--that's the plan anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great day, too!
Great review! I love the setting of this book, sounds like a wonderful story as well. I just got this one in the mail and can't wait to start reading it soon! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it as much as I did, Cathy!
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