From Christy and RITA Award-winning author Tamera Alexander comes a novel about the difference between knowing who you are- and knowing who you want to become.
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.
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.
My Thoughts-
I have a special place in my heart for Nashville, I’ve even visited the Belmont Mansion, therefore I had high hopes for this book. Tamera Alexander did not disappoint! Not only did the Belmont Mansion come to life, but the characters that grace the pages of A Lasting Impression became real in my mind. I was taken back to 1860‘s America. I rode the carriages through old Nashville, walked the grounds of Belmont with Sutton, and painted with Claire. While reading, I was reminded that God is truly in control, even when we may not feel worthy of His love in our lives.
As usual with Tamera Alexander’s writing, A Lasting Impression is full of history and great storytelling. Since reading her Timber Ridge Reflections series last year, she has become one of my favorite authors. This book is the first in the new three-book Belmont Mansion Southern historical series, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next two when they’re released.
If you love Christian, historical fiction, don’t pass this book by.
I was provided a free copy of A Lasting Impression through Bethany House Publishers, and I am not required to give a positive review. My opinions stated are 100% my own.
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