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.

Blockbuster New Historical Series From Acclaimed 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. 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 historical 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.

Tamera Alexander is a bestselling, award-winning novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thoughtprovoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers worldwide. She and her husband live in Nashville, Tennessee, where they enjoy life with their two adult children and Tammy's father.

Alexander (Within My Heart) has crafted a cleverly designed story line featuring an artist, Claire Laurent, who is forced to paint forgeries. Claire’s art gallery owner father forces her to comply with his illegal activities and then dies, leaving her to fend for herself. Claire finds shelter with a compassionate minister and his wife before landing a position with Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America in the 1860s. Claire also meets Sutton Monroe, a young lawyer who is obsessed with righting the wrongful death of his father, but who is growing increasingly interested in Claire—and her past. Through painful pangs of conscience and events out of Claire’s control, she has to decide if she is willing to hide her past or admit her mistakes to those who’ve shown nothing but goodwill toward her. Alexander does a lovely job of representing the historical details of this time in American history without letting the facts distract from a tenderly told love story. (Nov.) Copyright 2011 Reed Business Information.

http://www.christianbook.com/a-lasting-impression-belmont-mansion/tamera-alexander/9780764206221/pd/206221

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product_review

__USERID__

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/ask_and_answer

• Books >> Fiction >> Romance >> Historical Romance
• Fiction >> Romance >> Historical Romance
• Start A New Christianbook.com Search

I'm the author/artist and I want to review A Lasting Impression, Belmont Mansion Series #1.