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 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 truly are.
Review:
A Lasting Impression was a lovely romantic story, and easy, though somewhat predictable read.
The setting was what I loved most about the story. Tamera Alexander creates the story in the dramatic Belmont estate. The dramatic way Alexander described Belmont transported me right into her story. I loved how she uses the actual Belmont Mansion in Nashville to draw inspiration. While the story is fictitious, it is quite easy to imagine the plot unfolding before you.
The characters developed wonderfully in the book. Adelicia Acklen was definitely my favorite character. Drawing upon the real Adelicia Acklen, Alexander has made this character especially come alive for myself. Claire Laurent and Sutton Monroe were also great characters. I was very glad to see that their characters develop with as the story continued.
I found the story somewhat far-fetched and predictable. While the setting and characters were amazing, I found the actual story somewhat lacking. The plot moved slowly, with a lot of build-up to a very short climax. I was disappointed that the story wasn’t a little more down to earth and realistic.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. The story had Christian elements, and good themes, such as telling the truth, healing from hurt and suffering, and finding your way.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
