Book 1 in the blockbuster historical series from USA Today bestselling author Tamera Alexander . . .
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. … 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 historic 1850s 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.
Well written, with descriptive prose.
Post-Civil War Tennessee is a beautiful and difficult backdrop for this novel based at the historic Belmont Mansion. Ms. Alexander writes characters so well that I could feel them lifting out of the pages and living out their story before me. With lots of deep, internal growth, I loved how she handled the ending, bringing all the drama to a satisfying ending. After enjoying this novel and even though it was longer than my preference, I will definitely look for more books by Tamera Alexander.
She is one of my favorite writers.
This was an excellent book. The way the author combined history and fiction to create a God-honoring story that drew me in as a reader and wouldn’t let go was nothing short of impressive. The characters were believable and true to the time period.
Considering how long the book was and how slow some parts were, the ending felt a little rushed, but the conclusion was satisfying.
I look forward to reading more books by Tamera Alexander.
Love Tamera Alexander’s books especially this series set at Belmont Mansion in post Civil War Nashville. I enjoyed the continuity of the characters throughout the series!
I loved this book. It was romantic, historical, and entertaining…a real page turner!
I really like this author. This is a great book.
The characters are great , was sent in a real place in the1850’s .the Belmont mansion. The Mansion becomes a character in it self.
Another well-written story by Tamera Alexander. She has such a gift for creating believable people and enhancing historical characters to “fit” right in to the story. I can’t wait to read the next one!
A wonderful story with some suspense and likable characters. An all around good book.
A very unique and intriguing story. Written in the times just after the Civil war, this story is about the beautiful Belmont estate and those who were associated with it. Very interesting storyline.
Loved this story! Tamera Alexander’s stories are wonderful.
I wavered a bit between three and four stars. While I found myself easily liking Sutton and Adelicia, it was a strange disconnect with Claire for a good portion of the book, which was odd since it was predominantly her story. Perhaps it was the nature of her story which revolved around secrecy (not a spoiler since most of the book is spelled out in the book’s description), but I felt like I couldn’t really get to know her until the late chapters. The last hundred pages of the book swept me along, to which that fourth star owes itself entirely. I enjoyed the lessons Claire learned but I wish I could have invested myself in her character sooner. I am looking forward to two more visits with Belmont either way, curious to see who else will find itself wandering this estate and how their stories will play out. I hope to get a few peeks at Claire and Sutton, as was Tamera Alexander’s pattern in the other two series I’ve completed.
It was an interesting story with a historical setting. Loved the art aspects of the story. I was inspired to look up the art online and learn of the artist and home as well.
Enjoyed reading this book!