A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander

Welcome to the blog tour for A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander. Don’t you just love that over? Gorgeous!

Let’s begin with the summary:

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.

And now, my review:

I’ve enjoyed reading Tamera’s writing from her first published book. I’ve also enjoyed her workshops on writing at conferences. She’s a real pro. Her prose is fresh. I lost myself in the Belmont Mansion, the setting for this story. I’ve never been to this historic site, but I felt like I was walking the halls, visiting in the parlor, and strolling the grounds as I read. I could easily picture the Corinthian columns welcoming visitors and the statues in the gardens.

Readers know the more entangled the hero and heroine (in a romance), the more complex the problem, the more engaging the read. Tamera entangled the hero and heroine professionally and emotionally/relationally all while our heroine tried to keep her secrets and her job. Very entertaining. Our heroine is a skilled painter who doubts her own worth. I believe readers will relate with regrets over the past and doubts about one’s worth.

I also appreciated the pace of this novel. You get to luxuriate in this historical setting. A lovely, relaxing read for chilly evenings. Looking forward to the next books in this series.

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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.

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)