Tamera Alexander
(Bethany House)
ISBN: 978-0764206221
November 2011/432 pages/$14.99
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:
For more information please visit her website.
MY THOUGHTS:
Oh. My. I don't even know where to begin to write a review that can do justice to Tamera Alexander's latest masterpiece. When I opened this book, I knew I was in for a treat, and I still managed to be overwhelmed by it. Tammy is truly one of the most gifted authors I have read, and A Lasting Impression is her best novel yet. Just as a black and white sketch is only a faint depiction of a painting, the summary above can only give a glimpse into the outline of this book. Tamera Alexander brings life and color to these characters and this setting, not with brush and palette, but with words painted across the page. I found myself having a tug of war as I read: wanting to practically inhale the book to discover what happened next, yet also wanting to linger and stretch it out, making the story last as long as possible. Her characters practically step off the page - they are that well-portrayed. Claire's heartaches and fears, as well as her hopes and joys, are palpable, and I felt every one of her emotions as I read. Mrs. Adelicia Franklin Acklen made me sit up straight and proper; she was quite intimidating. And I absolutely quaked whenever Mrs. Routh, the housekeeper, walked into the room! That woman made my heart pound! The historical detail and the setting are richly depicted and neither heavy nor laborious, as some historical fiction novels can be. In fact, several times as I read, I found myself stopping to reread a portion because the prose was so breathtaking. Yet it never felt overdone or as if Tammy had just dumped a thesaurus onto the page! Beautiful spiritual truths are woven seamlessly into the story and give it a depth which makes it more than simply a pleasant read. Deceit, despair, forgiveness, redemption, faith, trust, and love make this an incredible novel. I think this is the first book I've ever read that I've been sorely tempted to immediately begin again reading Chapter One as soon as I turned the final page! I reflected on the characters and the message of the book for days; it definitely made A Lasting Impression on me!
[Sigh. Insert dunce cap. I just went to get the link for the interview with Tamera Alexander that I did this summer in Atlanta and discovered, to my horror, that I never posted it! (Bangs head against wall!) Tammy is a sweetheart. I will get that transcribed and posted as soon as I can. After I get out of the proverbial corner.]
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!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
i'd love this book...i've followed on FB and am eager for the tour.
ReplyDeletedon't beat yourself up about the interview. you did find it and we will get to read it so, no harm no foul.
;)
Thanks for the heads up on the contest and FB party. I entered. This one sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteLinda, this sounds like a great book! I'm already signed up for the Facebook party on the 15th. See you there...Kd ~ www.KdQuilts.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful review, Linda! :) I, too, loved this book - Tamera is indeed quite talented!!
ReplyDelete~Amber
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteWe had fun at the Party tonight and I am looking forward to Tuesday for a repeat performance! Yes, you did write your interview from Atlanta. [re: Read my article here in Christian Fiction Online Magazine!] Kathleen
Tamera Alexander
Honestly, if I can’t see it, I can’t write it. It’s like a movieTamara Alexander happening. And sometimes—this happened at a couple of the scenes in Within My Heart—there are moments where the creativity, sleep level, whatever it is, aligns, and the movie starts playing out. I just can’t type fast enough. I see the characters, I hear them saying things, and it’s like I’m trying to keep up. Obviously, I know it’s coming from the creative bent or that muse or whatever. It happened at the end of The Inheritance. I was writing and thought, I honestly don’t know what to do with this scene at the very last. I know what needs to be done, but I don’t know how to get there. And all of a sudden this character unexpectedly walked around the corner. I thought, That’s it! And in those moments—I always used to pull an empty chair up beside me—I would just lean over and say, “Thank you, Lord!” because I had no clue what was going to happen here, but apparently He did! And God just gives you those.