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)

Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes

Award-winning author, Gina Holmes, has just released an amazing second novel.

Let's begin with the back cover copy:

Behind every broken vow lies a broken heart.

When Eric and Kyra Yoshida first met, they thought their love would last forever. But like many marriages, theirs has gradually crumbled, one thoughtless comment and misunderstanding at a time, until the ultimate betrayal pushes them beyond reconciliation. Though Eric longs to reunite with Kyra, the only woman he has truly loved, he has no idea how to repair the damage that’s been done.

Then a car accident erases part of Kyra’s memory—including her separation from Eric—and a glimmer of hope rises from the wreckage. Is this a precious opportunity for the fresh start Eric has longed for? Does he even deserve the chance to find forgiveness and win back Kyra’s heart . . . or will the truth blow up in his face, shattering their last hope for happiness? A richly engaging story of betrayal and redemption, Dry as Rain illuminates with striking emotional intensity the surprising truth of what it means to forgive.

And now, my review:

I didn’t expect a first-person, male POV as I read this summary, but I love first-person stories, so I was delighted to dive in. Holmes’s ability to make me suspend disbelief was admirable, though there were a few times I thought her hero was too flowery, too verbal. Overall, though, a respectable attempt.

Story-wise, she hooked me from the very beginning. I haven’t been in this hero’s kind of trouble, but I have needed grace and forgiveness. Holmes explores the idea that forgiveness means starting over. God forgets our sin. The heroine did not remember her husband’s failings. She treated him kindly, not giving him what he deserved. A fascinating exploration of forgiveness. And at first, the hero couldn’t accept it. He acted guilty, defensive, skeptical. Human. See the correlation?

By association, Holmes’s dealings with forgiveness also highlighted grace. I found myself grateful.

Writing-wise, I applaud Holmes for her accomplished attempt at tackling a full-length novel in male POV. Well done overall. She kept me turning pages, but more than that she kept me thinking.

And that’s what great fiction does.

Highly recommended.

Christian Fiction New Releases for November, 2011

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website. I've included the amazon links, where available, to help you find them over there.

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander -- Historical Romance from Bethany House; To create something that will last is Claire Laurent's most fervent desire as an artist. It's also her greatest weakness. 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.

Bound by Grace by Amber Stockton -- Historical Romance from Barbour. When Charlotte Pringle’s father disrupts her idyllic relationship with Richard Baxton by announcing he’s been working on a marriage arrangement to secure her future, Richard despairs over the loss of the woman he’s come to love, until his niece persuades him to fight.

Fatal Reality by Jonathan Wakefield -- A Thriller/Suspense from OakTara -- In this race only the winner will be allowed to live.

Gateway Weddings; Romancing America by Myra Johnson -- A Romance from Barbour. Three Missouri women enter the gateway to life, love, and longing.

Hope and a Future by Betty Arrigotti -- Romance from OakTara; Will Marjorie Gloriam overcome her fear and trust God to be a Friend with plans to give her Hope and a Future?

I Can Do Better All By Myself by E. N. Joy --Biblical Fiction from Urban Fiction (Kensington). The singles ministry at New Day Temple of Faith is beginning to unravel, and the pastor is considering dissolving the ministry. Some members believe the only way to hold it together is by getting their pastor to join. And why shouldn't their leader show support by joining, considering the pastor's own single status?

Katie’s Way by Marta Perry -- Romance from Praise (Penguin). A quilt shop brings Amish and Englisch together, and trouble follows...

Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble -- Romance from Thomas Nelson. Five years ago Eden and Clay Larson's baby was stolen and never found. Eden blamed herself, Clay lost himself in work. Their young and rocky marriage ended. Or so Eden thought.

Mind Over Madi by Lynda Lee Schab -- General Fiction from OakTara; All men cheat. At least, that's what Madi's mother has always told her.

Peril by Suzanne Hartmann -- Thriller/Suspense from OakTara; A top-secret agent must trust God to protect her many secrets when she accepts high-profile assignments but can she trust Him when He leads her to reveal her secrets and takes her to death's doorstep?

Promise Brides by S. Dionne Moore-- Historical Romance from Barbour; Love is the same, no matter when, no matter where-it never comes without sacrifice.

Protection for Hire by Camy Tang-- Thriller/Suspense from Zondervan; Tessa Lancaster’s skills first earned her a position as an enforcer in her uncle’s Japanese Mafia gang. Then they landed her in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. Now, three months after her release, her abilities have gained her a job as bodyguard for a wealthy socialite and her three-year-old son. But there’s a problem or two … or three ….

The Land of Darkness; The Gates of Heaven Series by C.S. Lakin-- Speculative Fiction from Living Ink (AMG); Jadiel is twelve and things couldn’t get much worse—or could they?

The Long Trail Home by Vickie McDonough-- Historical Romance from Moody Publishers; When Riley Morgan returns home after fighting in the War Between the States, he is excited to see his parents and fiancée again. But when he arrives he learns his life will never be the same again.

The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson-- Historical from Zondervan; An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice. Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude a recluse. She must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

The Rancher’s Courtship by Laurie Kingery-- Romance from Love Inspired; Though Caroline Wallace can’t have a family, she can still have a purpose. Becoming Simpson Creek’s new schoolmarm helps heal the heartache of losing Pete, her fiancé, to influenza. Then Pete’s brother arrives, trailing a herd of cattle and twin six-year-old girls.

Thyme for Love by Pamela S. Meyers--Romance & Mystery from OakTara; April Love has always dreamed of being a chef. But she didn’t expect a former fiancé or murder to be part of the recipe for her new job.

Turnabout’s Fair Play by Kaye Dacus-- Romance from Barbour; When Maureen O’Connor begins scheming to match her grandson Jamie with Flannery McNeill, the last thing she has in mind is a romance of her own.

Love on the Line by Deeann Gist

Welcome to the blog tour for Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist! See below for a great contest opportunity from the tour coordinators and author. 

Let's begin with the back cover copy:

Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world ... which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.

Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.

And now my review:

It’s been a while since I’ve read one of Deeanne’s books. From the enjoyment of reading this historical romance, I can tell you it’s been too long. What a fun read! The story moved along quickly with just the right blend of romance and adventure between this telephone operator and Texas Ranger.

Luke Palmer is on a mission to track down a train robber, but he has to go undercover as a sort of telephone repairman (troubleman) to accomplish it. And where is the telephone operator’s office? In the heroine’s home, of course. But Gist keeps things clean. Georgie could never be with a ranger and Luke (Lucious) could never settle down. But Georgie can’t get enough of “luscious Lucious,” and he’s becoming enamored too.

I loved how protective the ranger was, even when, in the line of duty, he had to put the heroine at risk (clever!). And how interesting to run into a train robber with a conscience. The author’s attention to detail made the story read as if it were a retelling of an actual relationship. After reading about all the wires and inconvenience of calling then, not to mention lack of privacy, you’ll be grateful for your cell phone!

Great read!

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Deeanne is thrilled to introduce Georgie and Luke to the word in her latest novel, Love on the Line. To celebrate Deeanne's publisher, Bethany House, is hosting the Love on the Line iPad2 giveaway an Author Chat on Facebook! Enter today and follow the link below to RSVP for Deeanne's rip-roarin' Facebook Party!

One fortunate winner will receive: 

• A Brand New iPad2 
• An Autographed Hardback Copy of Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at Deeanne's Author Chat Facebook Party. Deeanne will be wrapping up the Love on the Line celebration by chatting with friends new and old! So grab your copy of Love on the Line (it's okay if you don't have one yet- you might could win one!) and join Deeanne on the evening of November 8th for a rip roaring book chat, a little trivia and lots of giveaways (books, and Amazon, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates)!

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends. Hope to see you on the 8th!

Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter

How delightful to receive the ARC (advanced reader copy) for this book during a recent writers’ conference. Smitten is a novella compilation with four novellas written by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter. It releases December 20, 2011.

Let’s begin with the back cover copy:

Four friends devise a plan to turn Smitten, Vermont, into the country's premier romantic getaway—and each finds her own true love along the way.

With Smitten Lumber closing, residents wonder if their town can stay afloat. Then four friends and local business owners—Natalie, Julia, Shelby, and Reese—decide the town is worth saving. How will they do it? They'll turn Smitten into a honeymoon destination!

As Natalie, Julia, Shelby, and Reese work to save the town, each discovers romance in her own life. Meanwhile, the faith of a little child reminds the whole town what it means to have real faith in the God who is the always and forever Love.

Discover a novel written by four of Christian fiction's most popular romance novelists- friends in real life who've drawn an amazing story of four friends! Includes a Reading Group Guide as well as "Conversation over Coffee with the Authors."

And now, my review:

In the authors’ note for this book, we learn about how the project came together. One of the things the authors mention is that they each wrote a character who was a lot like themselves. So, in reading the novellas, you get a glimpse of both their relationship with each other as well as their own personalities. I loved that aspect of this book. The authors are a group of dear friends. What a thrill to see the photographs from the same writers’ conference (a year earlier) when they signed the contract for this book, and then to see the close-to-final product last month.

These four best friends (the characters, not the authors *smile*) are gearing up to save their small town from financial ruin following the lumber mill’s closing. Along the way, they each fall in love. The stories overlap, so you’ll probably want to read them in order. I began with the first story (read most of it, though I didn’t finish it), tried the second and third stories and couldn’t get into them, then skipped ahead to the fourth story which I really enjoyed! (You could blame this on my love for Denise Hunter's books. *wink*) I laughed aloud, related with the heroine, loved the hero, and delighted in the twists of this reunion romance. The fourth novella made the book for me.

I think fans of each of the authors will enjoy this book as well, for the same reasons. And the other authors may gain new fans as people pick up the book due to a certain name on the cover. I’ve always liked reading novella compilations because each story is “bite-sized” if you will. Same’s true for this Thomas Nelson offering. If I’d had more time, I may have finished all of the novellas. As it was, I had several books awaiting me so I felt rushed. Most readers will probably be able to relax and lose themselves in the lovely setting.

I’ve heard mention there may be a Smitten 2 (with a different title, probably) coming next year. I’ll be watching for it.

Hello, Hollywood! by Janice Thompson

Welcome to the blog tour for Janice Thompson's latest romantic comedy, Hello, Hollywood!

Let's begin with the back cover copy:

Athena Pappas is the head writer on one of the most popular sitcoms in television history. But when Vegas comedian Stephen Cosse is brought in to beef up the show's suddenly sagging ratings, she starts to worry about her job. Sparks fly as the competition--and attraction--between the two writers heats up. Athena has never had a problem scripting the romances of her characters. So why is her own love life so hard to script?

With humor and a Hollywood-insider viewpoint, Hello, Hollywood! delivers lots of laughs as the characters discover that not being in control of the plot of their lives might just be the best thing that ever happened to them.

And now, my review:

I missed Book One in this series, but this story stood alone.

I loved the great insider feel of the sitcom writing scene (sorry) in Hollywood. Readers get a backstage pass onto the lot, into the room with the writers as they come up with hilarious scripts.

The story moved a little slow for me, but it was enjoyable. And for those looking for a lighthearted read, it’s the perfect choice. No burdens here. That in itself is a ministry, am I right?

And you’ll find hope here too. I liked how Janice demonstrated the truth that God writes the scripts of our lives.

And most fun of all—the Greek family. And the Greek food. Somebody, please pass the souvlaki!

Loved Stephen, our story’s hero. He’s a believable, loving father who is willing to take a chance on love with our heroine, Athena. Throw in the nostalgia of the Dick Van Dyke show and I Love Lucy, and you’ve got a whole lot of fun.

This is an enjoyable romantic comedy. I’ll be watching for the next book in the Backstage Pass series.

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Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman

I enjoy Julie Lessman’s writing. I’ve read all her books and couldn’t pass up the chance to read the latest in her Winds of Change series, A Heart Revealed. 

Let’s begin with the back cover copy:

Ten years ago, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston as a battered woman, escaping the husband who scarred her beautiful face. The physical and emotional wounds have faded with time, and her life is finally full of purpose and free from the pain of her past. But when she falls for her friend Charity's handsome and charming brother, Sean O'Connor, fear and shame threaten to destroy her. Could Sean and Emma ever have a future together? Or is Emma doomed to live out the rest of her life denying the only true love she's ever known?

Filled with intense passion and longing, deception and revelation, A Heart Revealed will hold readers in its grip until the very last page.

And now, my review:

How fun to revisit characters Julie’s readers have gotten to know over the past several books. She includes everyone, and it’s a great compilation of love stories, from the singles to the marrieds. Julie’s main writing message is “Passion with a purpose.” And in A Heart Revealed, she often includes passionate interactions between her characters, but she also points to the passion God has for His people, to His love. I adore that about her fiction.

The hero in A Heart Revealed was magnificently well-drawn. He is the sensitive type, but with deep zeal for what he believes in, and a fiery passion to protect those he loves. Our heroine, Emma, was a beautifully drawn servant of God. Scarred by life, she’s a victim of shame and fear. But Julie brings hope to the toughest situations.

Julie is unafraid to tackle deeply emotional issues. She dove into deeply painful areas, but she also offered plenty of triumphant moments—similar to life. 

I’m looking forward to the next book in the Winds of Changes series by this master of the craft of romance writing.

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Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.