Monday, December 19, 2011

A Lasting Impression

Giveaway!

ALEXANDER, TAMERA
A LASTING IMPRESSION

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 truly are.

My Review:
 
Richly layered and impeccably crafted, this is definitely a book that will make a lasting impression on its readers! Rich in history, Alexander manages to bring the post-civil war era to life. I could feel the conflicting spirits of hope and despair; the division of a people and the lingering taste of bitterness in a defeated state. My emotions ran amok as I read! In fact I was left half-dreading each page the deeper I got into the book because I knew that Claire's secret couldn't stay buried forever but Alexander spun the reveal out with the expertise of a skilled storyteller and I was on tenterhooks the entire time. Brilliantly done.
 
The historical detail is brilliant as well. It stirred me to do my own research on Belmont Mansion and Mrs. Acklen. I love when fiction and non-fiction meet in a delicious way like this! It makes my reading experience all the more fulfilling.
 
And the romance -- oh-la-la! Sutton makes a fainting couch a must have for this read! LOL. Loved the way Alexander develops the attraction between Claire and Sutton and she put enough stumbling blocks in the way to keep this reader's heart dipping and diving for the duration of the read. 
 
A Lasting Impression has the classic feel of an epic novel. It's the kind of book that carries you away to a different time and place -- immerses you in the story and leaves you richer for the read.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of A Lasting Impression leave a message below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca.  Please remember to place the title in the subject line of your email. Draw will be held and winner announced on Friday December 23. Offer open internationally. Good luck!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

23 comments:

  1. Sounds like a 'Matlock' program. Would love to win and read this one!

    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  2. Wonderful review, Kav! :) It's a beautiful book!

    No need to enter me, but I did want to add a "thank you" for the chance to read Yuletide Hearts - it was really sweet! :)

    ~Amber

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  3. I would love to be in the drawing or this one, I like this author....
    Thanks for the review

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  4. Great review! I love reading books rich in history. This one sounds really good! Please enter me. Thanks!

    sunshine6892 at hotmail dot com

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  5. Yes, please! :-) Awesome review, I love historicals.

    gwen[dot]gage[at]gmail[dot]com

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  6. Thank you for another great review. This book caught my attention earlier this month and I'm glad to see it featured on your blog. It does sound multi-layered and the post-civil war era is one that really interests me. Please count me in. Happy Holidays!

    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  7. I've wondered if this one was as good as its cover makes it look! Please throw me in the hat.

    rmjagears AT gmail DOT com

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  8. Glad Yuletide Hearts reached you, Amber! And this book definitely measures up to its cover -- and then some. Good luck everyone!

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  9. The review sounds wonderful and the cover is beautiful. I would love to win this book.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

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  10. I have been looking forward to reading A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander since before it was available to purchase.

    Please enter my name into the drawing for A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander. I have enjoyed reading many of her novels, and have always closed the books with a sigh of contentment.


    Merry Christmas,

    Tammi

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  11. The cover is beautiful :) I enjoyed your passionate review :)

    crazi.swans at gmail dot com

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  12. I would love to win this book! I've been wanting to read it for a long time.

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  13. I would love to win. Please sign me up! :)
    Salena
    srstormo at yahoo dot com

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  14. Good luck Tammi, Faye, Marissa and Salena!

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  15. The review seems to say tht A Lasting Impression will indeed make a lasting impression. I'd love to win a copy.

    James Callan

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  16. I've enjoyed the Tamera Alexander books I've read. The cover on this book is so lovely, it makes me want to read the story. I'd love to win a copy of A Lasting Impression. Thanks for the opportunity.
    Merry Christmas!

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  17. What a great review. Would love the chance to be able to read this book. Can you please add my name to the draw....

    zabook at tpg dot com dot au

    Many thanks.

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  18. Good luck James,Pam and Shaz! It definitely made a lasting impression on me!

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  19. I love your reviews, Kav. Don't add me for this one, it is coming my way any day and I can't wait to read it!

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  20. would love to read tamara's latest novel...thanks for the chance :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    (merry christmas, kav)

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  21. Please enter me to win this great sounding book.
    Karen
    sonflower277 at gmail dot com

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  22. Thanks Merry. Glad you'll be reading it soon.

    Good luck Karen and Karen :-)

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