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Customer Reviews for Bethany House Publishers Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Bethany House Publishers Lasting Impression, A - eBook
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.
Average Customer Rating:
(41 Reviews) 41
Rating Snapshot (41 reviews)
5 stars
37
4 stars
4
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
41 out of 41100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Review 1 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Fantastic
Date:March 7, 2013
Booklover
Location:Colfax WA
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I love Historical Fiction, I borrowed the book from my sister in law.... it was fantastic!! I could hardly put it down, this is the first book I have read by Tamara and it wont be the last!!! Cant wait to read the next book in this series!
It was also interesting to me because my mother was an artist and I spent a lot of time in Art Gallerys growing up.
Great read!
It was also interesting to me because my mother was an artist and I spent a lot of time in Art Gallerys growing up.
Great read!
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Review 2 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Excellent reading; excellent writer!
Date:February 15, 2013
SMCO
Location:Boulder, Colorado
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Tamera Alexander is an excellent writer! I have enjoyed all of her books, especially the two series about Colorado. She has excellent style and vocabulary and such well-written stories, developing her characters and their progress in the life that they have chosen. True to life, the characters have strengths and weaknesses and problems with trust issues, but their development as a person is so rewarding, with just enough tension in the story to captivate the reader's attention.
I highly recommend all of her books!
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Review 3 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Gorgeous- inside and out.
Date:December 28, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I wrote this review a couple of minutes after finishing this book.
The last page has been turned with a content sigh, the book is beside me now, but as I’m writing this, I’m still back at the Belmont mansion where de-lightful characters have gotten the happy ending they oh-so deserved- which in return, thrilled this reader’s heart, because before embarking on this journey she had been just desperate to get her hands on one those rare, thoroughly engaging novels.
You know… the one where the only disappointment was that it ended?
A Lasting Impression… Oh, my word, how I enjoyed it! I finished in two days (and it’s quite thick!)
Mellifluous, carefully and richly penned, it made me laugh and at times it truly took me by surprise, while the historical details piqued by curiosity and me me want to visit Belmont Mansion!
And these characters! There were so well-developed. Halfway throughout the story, I already had in mind what to say about Adelicia, but arriving toward the end, I realized that I misjudged her. Not to mention that there were other wonderful characters: Claire Elise (love her name! And I truly wanted to hug this woman many times throughout the story), charming Sutton, graceful Eli, lovable Cordina and more.
I believe readers will take delight in watching the main characters grow in strength and beauty, while the plot will keep them turning pages and the love story will warm their hearts. Especially if you are a hopeless romantic. This is no shallow love story, it unfolds throughout the story like a precious blossom.
This one’s a keeper.
I can’t wait to get my hands on Tamera’s latest, To Whisper Her Name. She’s hinted that some of the characters in ALI might make an appearance in that story.
Tamera Alexander is a wonderful writer. Reviews have raved her books, awards have testified- and continue to testify to her talent, so if you haven’t given one of her books a try, dear reader, well, you just might be missing out on something here….
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Review 4 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Not to be Missed!!!
Date:March 7, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Tamera Alexander remains one of my favorite, must-read authors. Her beautiful language, thorough descriptions and inspiring insights are exquisite. She fleshes out her characters so that we feel as if we know them. Relationships are never hurried or unsatisfying. Hers are books that I keep. They’re that good.
A Lasting Impression is set at Nashville’s historic Belmont Mansion. Claire Laurent’s father has forced her to use her abilities to merely forge paintings for him to sell, and now he is dead. Sutton’s childhood home has been destroyed by the Federal Army and his land confiscated. Both find themselves at Belmont, with matron Adelicia Acklen. Sutton is a trusted friend and esteemed counsel, Claire is governess and assistant to Adelicia. Both have secrets that could undo them. As is historically accurate, Belmont is filled with art and culture. But there are also secrets and pain. This book has such profound insights!! The story is beautiful and sweeping, the characters are superbly crafted. But here’s what I love most about Tamera Alexander: though I love the beauty, the storyline, the romance.....I walk away with rich, fresh thoughts and lessons. In her author’s note at the end, Ms. Alexander leads us to one of them. I won’t spoil it for you. You’ll find it. It’s a “life-r”. Something to remember always. So for me, this book is more than an escape, more than entertainment. It’s actually my friend Tamera, giving me an opportunity through her characters to grow in my faith and perspective. She’s given me several nuggets worth keeping. All in the form of a wonderful, beautiful book that is a must-read. Absolutely.
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Review 5 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
WOW!!
Date:January 23, 2012
Lady Folk
Location:Tacoma WA
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Yes she has done it again, i can honestly sat Tammera Alexander is my favorite fictional writer in the whole wide world. Im always so sad for the book to end. It captivates you from the very beginning!
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Review 6 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Wonderful story!!!
Date:January 15, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Tamera Alexander continues to be one of my VERY favorite authors, and this story is yet another reminder of why! A LASTING IMPRESSION is a beautifully-written story set in post-Civil War Nashville in the gorgeous Belmont Mansion. Ms. Alexander's style of writing makes the characters--and the setting--come alive, and keeps the reader wanting to turn pages and read more. I highly recommend this book, and am eager to read the others to come out in this series. FIVE STARS!!!!
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Review 7 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Another solid, interesting historical novel
Date:January 14, 2012
Diana Urban
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Tamera Alexander has once again written an entertaining, solidly researched historical novel, this time focusing on late 19th century Nashville. The main characters and the supporting characters are well developed, and the writing is solid. The plot is well thought out and interesting; nothing feels contrived. Claire Laurent, Sutton Monroe, and Adelicia Acklen, the main characters, have the same doubts, fears, heartaches, and joys that many of us experience, and by the end of the book they feel like friends with whom I’d like to spend more time. The setting at Belmont Mansion provides an interesting historical backdrop, and it was fun to learn more about the social mores and societal expectations of that era. Kudos also to Bethany House for the cover design – the dress and pose described on pages 332-3 are wonderfully depicted on the front cover. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
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Review 8 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Fantastic!
Date:January 3, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I loved, loved this book! Great storytelling, rich characters (Claire Laurent, Sutton Munroe, Eli, Mrs. Routh) make for an excellent story mostly set in 1867 Nashville. Claire Laurent is the main character and the author, Tamera Alexander, has done an amazing job in character development. Claire’s journey to accepting the Lord as her Savior was both realistic and beautifully done. The question I have been asking myself often since reading this book (and one that the main character asks often and has an answer for by the end of the book) is Who am I doing things for? Am I trying to please man or God? The author states at the end of the book “never underestimate who’s looking at your life and at how many people you influence”. The author continues on with “you and I are leaving lasting impressions. May we live authentic lives of faith that point others to Christ”. Thought provoking to say the least. Adelicia Acklen was a real person who built Belmont Mansion in which the story mainly takes place. The author did a fine job of researching this woman and incorporating her into the story. I am looking forward to reading another book by Tamera Alexander.
"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".
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
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Review 9 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Tamera Alexander is one of my favorite authors.
Date:December 31, 2011
Hope
Location:Brunswick, ME
Age:55-65
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Tamera Alexander can be counted on to write historical fiction this is accurate, compelling, and moving. She builds each character so that one feels they know each one as a person. I can see myself in the setting and imagine what it must have been like to live in that era. The romance is sweet but not overly so.
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Review 10 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
A lasting Impression is exactly what this book is.
Date:December 30, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This story takes place in the late 1800’s shortly after the war. The states are desperate to recover and rebuild and so is Claire Elise Laurent, a young French woman whose past is only a step behind her. She comes to war-torn Tennessee hoping for a fresh start. In the Publisher’s words:
“Set at Nashville’s historic Belmont Mansion, 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 a woman to see themselves – and each other – for who they truly are.”
“Set at Nashville’s historic Belmont Mansion, 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 a woman to see themselves – and each other – for who they truly are.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The history is rich and vibrant along with the characters. My own knowledge on this time period is lacking but I felt the world Ms. Alexander created of Nashville is stunning. And the Belmont Mansion is extravagant in description. She has an amazing ability to string together words providing a masterpiece of the senses. I loved it.
Alexander covers many themes in this story, such as authenticity and honesty, family backgrounds and social status. Along with this she exposes a spiritual journey for the main characters that feels real and alive. The progression of the story is natural. I really loved the character Claire. She has a secret that shapes her and molds her decisions leading the reader effortlessly along her journey.
So far in every Alexander book I have read she always leaves a fingerprint on my heart; a word or phrase that changes the soil of my soul. Tamera always leaves me changed – and challenged.
A definite read ... and reread!
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.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
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Review 11 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
good story
Date:December 26, 2011
Sandra Dean
Location:ct
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This book kept me glued. I really enjoyed the story and the charecters. The history was interesting,too.
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Review 12 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:December 21, 2011
jeanie
Location:Atmore, Al
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This is a very good story told by the writer without sortided sexual escapades. I really enjoyed reading a wholesome book that was well written.
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Review 13 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Be transported back in time
Date:December 20, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Pick up a copy of A Lasting Impression and you will find yourself transported back in time, to a country trying to recover from war, and a young woman trying to overcome the death of her parents and the shame of misusing her talents to deceive others. Tamera Alexander has written a novel that is sure to please lovers of historical fiction, and has created a unique rags-to-riches story in the character of Claire Laurent and the journey she undertakes from painting forgeries for her father to securing a highly sought-after position at the mansion and falling in love with a true man of God. The characters are deftly developed, and Claire is sure to win your heart and your affection as you follow her story and cheer her on for her determination and pluck.
I aslo greatly enjoyed the fact that Tamera set the story in a real location, Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a detail that helped me appreciate the descriptions of the beautiful grounds and the awe-inspiring interior even more. And most of all, I walk away from this story remembering the importance of being honest and having integrity in every part of our lives, of not presenting a false front, a forgery of ourselves for the world to see. Though Claire never set out to outright deceive, her actions of witholding information when perhaps it should have been disclosed were as harmful as if she'd outright lied. The conclusion is ultimately satisfying, and Clarie's growth in her faith is one sure to inspire.
I highly recommend this book and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer: 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
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Review 14 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Engaging & Artful
Date:December 16, 2011
Meghan G
Location:Pittsburgh, PA
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Not only is the front and back covers a feast for the eyes, but every word inside is a brilliant stroke of genius from renowned historical fiction author, Tamera Alexander. She weaves intrigue, romance and vivid historical setting into a gripping novel set in post-Civil War Nashville, TN--the author's real life hometown.
Claire Laurent is involved in a web of lies and deceit and can scarcely find her way out. She forges paintings in her family's gallery partially in order to gain her father's approval...and carry on the artistic legacy of her deceased mother. When things go horribly wrong, Claire is sent to Nashville from the bustling city of New Orleans, Louisiana, where, after an unfortunate turn of events, she finds herself at the mercy of a local pastor, his wife...and a handsome parishioner there who just may be able to help her find a place in Nashville.
Unbeknownst to her new found friends, Claire continues to run and dodge her past at every turn--trying valiantly to turn over a new leaf amongst some of Nashville's most elite society. Along the path of carving out a new life for herself, Claire becomes the personal liason of Nashville's wealthiest widow and businesswoman: Adelicia Acklen. This real-life historical figure is accurately and creatively depicted through Ms. Alexander's words. She gives Mrs. Acklen a depth and vivid place in the story, while still staying true to this amazing woman's history.
This book touches on not only a critical time in America's Southern history, but also the journey of one young woman to find a new identity--solely her own--in Christ. Filled with mystery, romance, wit and heart, this latest offering of Tamera Alexander's to the fiction market is sure to please, uplift and excite her faithful readers, and those who are new to her brilliant gift of storytelling.
*I was given this book for free from Bethany House Publishers*
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Review 15 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:December 11, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I’ve read all of Tamera Alexander’s books and really loved the western settings. It’s a totally different world that Tamera is painting in this book, but her writing is excellent, as always!
It’s short after the Civil War.
Claire Laurent used to forge paintings for her father and ‘uncle’. Determined to start a new life she leaves the place that her ‘uncle’ has send her to. She gets a job at the Belmont Mansion and starts working for Adelicia Acklen as her personal liaison. Claire and Mrs. Acklen both enjoy art. Claire doesn’t tell about the forgery and soon it becomes a burden for her.
In her position as liaison she can use her talents to paint kids toys and gift boxes for guestst. But Claire biggest desire is to paint real paintings and make a name for herself.
Claire Laurent used to forge paintings for her father and ‘uncle’. Determined to start a new life she leaves the place that her ‘uncle’ has send her to. She gets a job at the Belmont Mansion and starts working for Adelicia Acklen as her personal liaison. Claire and Mrs. Acklen both enjoy art. Claire doesn’t tell about the forgery and soon it becomes a burden for her.
In her position as liaison she can use her talents to paint kids toys and gift boxes for guestst. But Claire biggest desire is to paint real paintings and make a name for herself.
Sutton Monroe works as a lawyer and is manager of Belmont. His father was killed in the war and the government threatens to take his family property. If that happens Sutton will loose everything.
He’s working on a big case for a client who bought a forged painting with documents. They try to get after the person who’s behind the forgeries. If he can win this case he’ll get a lot of money and his future is secure.
He’s working on a big case for a client who bought a forged painting with documents. They try to get after the person who’s behind the forgeries. If he can win this case he’ll get a lot of money and his future is secure.
Claire and Sutton both live at Belmont and share the meals with Mrs. Acklen and her children. They fall in love, but there are some obstacles that needs to be cleared away before there might be a future for them together.
What will happen with their love if Sutton finds out about Claire’s past?
What will happen with their love if Sutton finds out about Claire’s past?
I really liked Claire’s character. She was sweet, lovely and humble. Sutton was the real gentleman.
Mrs. Acklen was a great character too. I loved to see how she and Claire bonded.
The servents -exept for Mrs. Routh- were very nice too! I loved them all!
Mrs. Acklen was a great character too. I loved to see how she and Claire bonded.
The servents -exept for Mrs. Routh- were very nice too! I loved them all!
I really enjoyed this book and also looked a lot at the cover and tried to imagine myself in such a beautiful dress!
Personally I prefer the settings of Tamera’s previous books, but as I already said - the writing in this book is excellent!
Personally I prefer the settings of Tamera’s previous books, but as I already said - the writing in this book is excellent!
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Review 16 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
A True Masterpiece!
Date:December 10, 2011
theLadyLeigh
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This review contains some spoilers. Read with caution! ;)
I should probably make a full disclosure right up front- I'm a Tamera Alexander devotee. I love her books! I love her writing style, her characters, the way she uses words and the way she seamlessly weaves in a Spiritual theme without making it forced and preachy.
I along with other devotees have been waiting for 2 years (2 years!) for this book to come out and with waiting so long I was afraid I was putting too much into my expectations and hopes for what I would read when I finally opened it up. I was afraid I would be disappointed, but ya know what? I wasn't. Not even a little bit!
Yet again Tamera Alexander has outdone herself.
I along with other devotees have been waiting for 2 years (2 years!) for this book to come out and with waiting so long I was afraid I was putting too much into my expectations and hopes for what I would read when I finally opened it up. I was afraid I would be disappointed, but ya know what? I wasn't. Not even a little bit!
Yet again Tamera Alexander has outdone herself.
The book is the story of nineteen year old Claire Laurent a painter who forges masterpieces for her father's art gallery in New Orleans. Claire aspires to paint and display her own work and knows what her father is asking/demanding of her is wrong but finds no way out especially now that her mother is dead. Through a series of circumstances Claire finds herself alone and fleeing New Orleans bound for Nashville. When she arrives she finds herself with no place to stay and takes refuge for the night in a church. That one decision changes the rest of Claire's life. The pastor and his wife help Claire and before she knows it she not only has a job with the prominent widow Mrs. Adelicia Acklen of Belmont mansion (as her personal assistant) but she is falling for Mrs. Acklen's handsome- but unavailable- property manager and attorney Sutton Monroe. Claire relishes the fresh start and chance to prove herself but finds herself looking over her shoulder wondering if her past is going to catch up with her.
One question that Claire is faced with as she takes her first halting steps into a life of faith is one that becomes the capstone of the book. The still small voice in Claire asks: "Would you paint if you knew you were painting only for Me?" It is a striking and poignant question that begs the reader to ask it of themselves. Would you continue to do or exercise your gift or passion if you were only doing it for God and His pleasure? Would you do it if you received no glory or praise or admiration for it but only the pleasure of the knowledge that it was pleasing to God? It's a question that hits me right where I live and has made me think.
One nit-pick I did have with the book is with some of the art pieces described and discussed in the book. Several of them are nudes or semi-nudes such as "Ruth Gleaning" and I must question whether it belongs in a Christian book? I believe not...
Two other notes about this book I'd like to make- first: with Sutton's story line I learned several things about Reconstruction in the South after the war that I didn't know. I was shocked to learn that the North actually took away peoples property- that had been in the family for generations- seemingly simply as punishment for their 'rebellion'. It has piqued my interest in the subject and I intend to study up on the subject! Second: From following TA's blog I knew she was a member of Bible Study Fellowship the same Bible Study I myself attend in my own area. Last year we studied the book of Isaiah and throughout this book I can see how bits of it rubbed off in her work. It was a delightful suprise and a reminder of what I learned last year!
For readers new to Tamera Alexander's books I encourage you to pick up and start with this one as it is the first in the new "Belmont Mansion Novels" series. And I must say that I for one am eager to see where she goes from here and hope I don't have another two year wait!
From beginning to end "A Lasting Impression" lives up to it's name and is a real treat. It's characters are real and warm and relatable with real problems and real growth over the course of the book. It made me laugh and cry and think. It is not to be missed for any reader of historical fiction who enjoys a well crafted tale with heart, humor and romance!
Rating: 4.5 stars!
I recieved a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and opinion of the product.
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Review 17 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Lasting Impression not a fantastic impression
Date:December 10, 2011
Karen Peale
Location:New Jersey
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I am a huge fan of Tamera Alexander, however this book left something lacking for me. The christian element was pretty light in my opinion. I also didn't like the dark cloud hanging over the heroine's head the whole time and how quickly it was resolved at the end. However the historical part of Belmont was pretty interesting. It was cute, but usually I can't book one of her books down and this one did take me about 2 weeks to read.
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Review 18 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Excellant work of historical fiction
Date:December 10, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
A Lasting Impression, the latest book by Tamera Alexander, is an excellent book. It takes you back in time to the days shortly after the Civil War.
Claire Laurent arrives in Nashville, desperate to get away from her past. She wants to be able to take pride in her paintings, not have to copy famous works of art and mark them with the artist's name. Forced to work as a forger for many years, all she wants now is freedom.
Upon her arrival in Nashville, circumstances leave her with no place to stay, and she spends the night in a church she finds unlocked. The next morning she is discovered by Sutton Monroe, a prominent Nashville attorney. He kindly introduces her to the pastor of the church, who along with his wife, aid Claire in finding a job.
Her job search leads her to apply for a position at Belmont Mansion, an actual historic mansion that inspired the story. Claire is pleasantly surprised when she is hired on trial as liaison to Adelicia Acklen, owner of the grand estate. But the task she is required to complete in order to be hired permanently soon turns out to be harder than expected. Sutton Monroe's presence at Belmont and her feelings for him complicate the situation even more. Will either of them be able to find true happiness? And will Claire truly be able to escape from her past?
This beautiful work of fiction is a fascinating read. I have always loved books that take place in historical settings. The plot gently but insistently draws you in, until you find yourself holding your breath and hoping that all turns out well. Next time you find yourself looking for a good read, try A Lasting Impression.
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Review 19 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Based on Ephesians 2:10
Date:December 10, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I finished the book this morning and seriously haven't rid my mind of it all day. I wish a tv series would be developed from it!! I've not read many historical romances; but of those I've read, this one is my favorite so far.
The book is based around my favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 2:10. "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which He prepared in advance for us to do." The idea of being the center of God's creative masterpiece is mind-boggling; yet, the author gives a WONDERFUL example in this story. The story's main character is an artist who paints forgeries...much like we do without Christ. The symbolism and depth of this book can't be put into words in this review.
The main character in this book, Claire Laurent, is on the run from an old life filled with lies. She desperately wants a new start and is willing to work hard to keep it. She applies for a personal liason assistant to the owner of the Belmont Estate in Nashville, TN during the years after the Civil War.
As the novel progresses, she finally wraps her mind and heart around the fact that God is the master artist/sculpter/potter and she's His creation. The book demonstrates how God speaks in a still small voice and through His word. And, that He works all for the good of those who love Him.
The love interest of Claire's is Sutton Monroe, an attorney who also works at Belmont. He is a man of very high integrity who is battling the memory of the death of his father and the loss of the family property which he feels partially responsible for causing during the Civil War. Sutton is determined to provide for himself and not take hand-outs. He has his own battles which the author very wonderfully developed throughout the book. I loved his honesty and his wittiness in flirting with Claire. The two make a beautiful picture of God's love.
This is a great read and was also a longer read (at 428 pages) than what I've reviewed in the past. Each chapter is short and would be great for those short on time who need to pick a spot here and there to read a novel. I read several chapters a night for 3-4 nights, though I didn't want to put it down!
As far as teens or pre-teens reading it, I think it is fine. There is a little more suggestive sexual content than in other books I've reviewed, though still not too bad for a pre-teen or teen.
Overall, if I could give it 10 stars, I would! Get this book! You won't regret it!
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review.
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Review 20 for Lasting Impression, A - eBook
Overall Rating:
Worthwhile!
Date:December 8, 2011
Rebecca Ponder
Location:Austin, TX
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
This book has a great message about our dedication to God within a lovely story.
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