Lasting Impression, A (A Belmont Mansion Novel) [Paperback]

Tamera Alexander (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2011 | Series: A Belmont Mansion Novel (Book 1)

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Alexander...has crafted a cleverly designed story line featuring an artist, Claire Laurent, who is forced to paint forgeries...Alexander does a lovely job of representing the historical details of this time in American history without letting the facts distract from a tenderly told love story.  -Publishers Weekly

"Tamera Alexander has once again written a novel rich in storytelling and history, peopled with living, breathing characters who made me laugh, and cry. Better than sweet tea on a veranda, A Lasting Impression is a winner. I want to live at Belmont!" --Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love

"Tamera Alexander paints vivid scenes, not with oils on canvas but with words on the page ... A lovely story, sure to please anyone who treasures a good romance." --Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author of Mine Is the Night

From the Back Cover

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.

"Tamera Alexander has once again written a novel rich in storytelling and history, peopled with living, breathing characters who made me laugh, and cry. Better than sweet tea on a veranda, A Lasting Impression is a winner. I want to live at Belmont!"--Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love

"Tamera Alexander paints vivid scenes, not with oils on canvas but with words on the page...A lovely story, sure to please anyone who treasures a good romance."--Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author of Mine Is the Night

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764206222
• ISBN-13: 978-0764206221
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (86 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,020 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of the critically acclaimed historical series-- Fountain Creek Chronicles (Rekindled, Revealed, and Remembered), and Timber Ridge Reflections (From a Distance, Beyond This Moment, and Within My Heart). Tamera's The Inheritance, the 2010 RITA Award winner and 2010 Christy Award finalist, was the first historical for the Women of Faith Fiction line. Tamera's deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose continue to earn devoted readers--and multiple industry awards.

These awards include the 2008 and 2009 Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, and the 2007 and 2010 RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance. Her books have also garnered the 2011 Booksellers Best Award, the 2010 HOLT Medallion, the 2010 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the International Readers Choice Award, and top praise from the Library Journal, among other accolades. Tamera's novels have been translated into four languages and continue to gain international recognition. Two of her novels are also being considered for movies.

After living in Colorado for seventeen years, Tamera has returned to her Southern roots. She and her husband now make their home in Nashville, Tennessee where they enjoy life with their two adult children, and Jack, a precious--and precocious--silky terrier.

Tamera's next release--A LASTING IMPRESSION, a Belmont Mansion novel--releases in November 2011 and is currently available for pre-order. She's already at work on the second book in that series.

Tamera takes steps closer to the Lord as she writes, and her greatest hope is for readers to take steps closer to Him as they read. She enjoys staying connected with readers and invites you to keep in touch through the contact page on her website listed below or through facebook and twitter.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tamera Alexander's Best Yet!!!, October 18, 2011

By 

Susan Snodgrass "Book Lover" (SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lasting Impression, A (A Belmont Mansion Novel) (Paperback)

Tamera Alexander has been a favorite author of mine since her first book. I proudly have each of her books in my personal library and I plan to continue. Her books are books I'll buy without ever reading the synopsis. I KNOW they will be good.

This book absolutely outstanding, from many perspectives: quality of writing, character depth, impeccable research and spiritual truths portrayed. She has completely outdone herself with this book and I eagerly look forward to the next in the series.

I will not go into any detail about the book so as not to ruin it for others who have not read the book. I will say that Alexander creates characters so real that the reader feels as if they know them, feels their pain and shares their joys. The events described in the book makes this reader feel as if she is there with Claire and Sutton when they experience such things as hiding clues for a treasure hunt, riding horses across the meadow, etc.

What set this book apart for me was the fact that it deeply ministered to me during a time of a devastating emotional blow to my family. Just hours after this event, I picked the book up to begin reading where I'd left off, and a paragraph hit me that spoke directly to my pain. Then, several passages later, the same thing happened. Again this happened near the end of the book. I definitely believe this was a God thing, in part because I'd picked up the book at a small mountain book store on a day trip to the mountains and they only had ONE copy, and this 2 weeks before the book's release!!! This was not a coincidence, in my opinion.

It is going on the shelf in my library along with those passages that ministered to me underlined, the first time I've ever underlined any passage in a novel. I believe that Tamera Alexander wrote this book by inspiration of the Holy Spirit because the grace, mercy and love of our dear Father in Heaven shines through this book from beginning to end.

Please do not hesistate to purchase this book. You will not be disappointed and you'll want to never let it get away from you!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Historical Delight, October 25, 2011

By 

Carrie (Madera, US, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lasting Impression, A (A Belmont Mansion Novel) (Paperback)

I'm not a big historical novel fan, unless the novel has great characters who come alive in my mind, vivid settings and compelling stories.

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander has all of the above. Set just after the Civil War in Nashville, A Lasting Impression is the story of Claire Laurent, a young woman with a talent for painting. Too bad her father forced her to paint forgeries which he sold in his gallery.

Clair has to flee the gallery and her home and ends up employed at the grandest mansion in Nashville, and in hiding from her father's business associate. She grows particularly close to another member of the household, a young lawyer who happens to be investigating rumors of fraudulent painting sales.

From it's beautiful embossed cover to the vivid descriptions of the art to the lovely prose, A Lasting Impression is a delight to read and savor.

I highly recommend it.

(NOTE: I received a free copy of A Lasting Impression to read and review. This did not influence my feelings or thoughts about the book. It's so good, I'd pay for it! And I will, since I plan to buy copies for friends and family member whom I know will it enjoy as much as I did.)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!!!, October 20, 2011

By 

Robin Lee Hatcher - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lasting Impression, A (A Belmont Mansion Novel) (Paperback)

"A Lasting Impression is a wonderful start to a new series. With writing that is rich and textured, Ms. Alexander paints a portrait of Belmont and Nashville after the Civil War that will pull you in and almost make you believe that you are living there yourself." -- Robin Lee Hatcher, best-selling author