"a lasting impression" by tamera alexander

Claire Laurent wants nothing more than to become a famous painter, but she spends her days painting forgeries for her father to sell in his New Orleans art gallery. When her father is killed during a robbery, she flees to Nashville. Homeless and penniless, she spends the night in a church, where she learns of a job opportunity and meets attorney Sutton Monroe. As Claire and Sutton become acquainted, she realizes he is the type of man she could trust her heart to ... but when her past comes calling, will he be able to forgive her?

My take: I've long been fascinated by the Civil War period, and I enjoyed this look at Nashville in the time just following the war. I don't often think about what life was like after the war—and Alexander does a great job of showing the effect the war had on people both rich and poor.

As for the story, I enjoyed it, but I wasn't captivated. Claire, Sutton, and Adelicia (the owner of Belmont Mansion, where Claire works) are all intriguing characters, and the romance between Claire and Sutton is believable. Throw in a woman scorned and an unexpected plot twist, and you should have a winner. So what's the problem? I'm not sure—I just didn't connect with it emotionally.

I've seen what other bloggers are saying, and I seem to be an anomaly. So if you like historical fiction, consider checking this book out. I give A Lasting Impression 3-1/2 out of 5 stars.

(Side note: Isn't the cover gorgeous? That dress! And I think the model looks just like Natascha McElhone from The Truman Show.)

About the author: Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious—and precocious—silky terrier. For more information please visit www.tameraalexander.com.

About the giveaway: 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. Swoon!

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)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 15th. Winner will be announced at A Lasting Impression Facebook Party on the 15th. Tamera will be wrapping up the A Lasting Impression celebration with an author chat and giving away Southern Food Baskets (Loveless Cafe Food Baskets, books, Amazon and Starbucks gift certificates, and copies of Christy Jordan's Southern Plate cookbook), six gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com, and copies of A Lasting Impression! So grab your copy of A Lasting Impression (it's okay if you don't have one yet- you might win one!) and join Tamera on the evening of November 15th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How much do you know about the 1860's?) and lots of Southern-inspired giveaways (complete listing here).

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 15th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."