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 her home, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe, who shows her kindness by not turning her in to authorities. But when he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged him. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville society, Claire believes her dream of creating a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach—but only if her past remains hidden.
The Federal Army destroyed Sutton's home, confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him 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 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.
My thoughts:
It's so difficult to find a starting point in describing how positively beautiful this book was. It was rich, lush, majestic, breathtaking--so many things that, if I were to actually see everything from it in person, it would all leave me speechless. And if that wasn't enough, just to know that part of the story was based on an actual historical figure and place, not to mention set in my home state...well, I couldn't get enough quick enough! I soaked in every single thing--the magnificent Belmont mansion, the overwhelming collection of artwork, the gradual friendship, then romance, between Claire and Sutton--that when I read the last page, I literally felt full, like I had just enjoyed the most delicious meal in a 5-star restaurant.
I can't imagine what Tamera has in store for book 2, but you better believe that I will make a return trip to Belmont Mansion! In fact, the next time I'm in the Nashville area, I hope-hope-hope that an actual trip to the mansion can work it's way into the travel plans...how much fun would that be?! :o)
4 Stars
Southern? Without a doubt!
Sass? No
**Many thanks to Bethany House through Litfuse for providing a copy for review.
***
Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party from Tamera Alexander!
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!
Looks and sounds like a lovely read. I just picked it up, so hopefully in the next couple of weeks, I'll get to read this one. =)
ReplyDeleteI, too, loved this book! Tamera Alexander's work is so beautiful. :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteI did want to ask since you didn't mention it in your review - what made you decide to give it 4 stars instead of 4.5 or 5 stars? I was just curious. :)
~Amber
Hey, Amber...
ReplyDeleteI didn't want to muddle up this review with the negative, so I just left it out. But the reasons why I gave it 4 stars were two-fold.
One - the italics. They were everywhere! (Sorry, I couldn't resist!) But truly, I got so tired of seeing them. They were necessary, of course, when describing the art pieces, as well as points in the story where the characters are thinking to themselves. But other than that, they seemed to be everywhere, and as a reader, I would've been able to get the emphasis in most places without them.
Two - the length. It really could've been much shorter, and still a great story.
Christy,
ReplyDeleteGotcha. :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts! And I appreciate that you wanted to focus on the positive in your review. :)
~Amber
Congratulations! You've been given The Versatile Blogger Award at Griperang's Bookmarks! You can read more about this here:
ReplyDeletehttp://griperangsbookmarks.blogspot.com/p/my-life-outside-of-book-reviews.html