"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 now 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 truly are."(from the publisher)
my thoughts:
Tamera Alexander's A Lasting Impression was a delightful historical romance set in the beautiful Belmont Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee. Beginning in a New Orleans French Quarter art gallery, Claire Laurent is forced by her father and scheming uncle to use her artistic talent to create forgeries. When a tragedy forces her to flee her home, her uncle sends her to Nashville to meet up with a "business partner" -- and from there, things go awry. With no one to turn to for help, she overhears a conversation that sets her on the path of seeking a position at Belmont as an assistant to the famous society matron, Adelicia Ackland. Claire hopes to put her past behind her and start a new life...
A very charming love story unfolds between Claire and handsome attorney Sutton Monroe, set against the backdrop of the luxurious Belmont Mansion. Lavish entertaining, beautiful sculptures and artwork, and opportunities to use her artistic talents in her position as Mrs. Ackland's assistant, Claire feels she has finally found a place of acceptance.....but her past constantly haunts her, and her greatest fear is that her secret past of illegal art dealing will be revealed and cost her to lose all that she holds dear.
Loved this well-written and inspirational romance! Claire and Sutton made a very cute couple and brought out the best in each other. I especially enjoyed visiting Tamera Alexander's website and viewing the photos of the mansion (then and now) and the art pieces mentioned in the novel. Looking forward to reading the next installment in the Belmont Mansion series.
4/5 stars
Title: A Lasting Impression (Book #1 of The Belmont Mansion series)
Author: Tamera Alexander
2011
Bethany House Publishers
430 pages
genre: Christian historical romance
5 comments:
I'm so glad you enjoyed this one!
Hi, Ruth! Have you read it? They made a cute couple. :)
This sounds great...I've been wanting to try this author so maybe I will start with this one!!
This looks good and man is that dress on the cover gorgeous!
Sounds good and the cover is good too!
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