A Lasting Impression

More of three and a half stars. Four stars for the writing. But half a star knocked off for some anachronistic behavior and waiting for some more action that didn't come. I read plenty of books with anachronistic details and characters bit they are usually so over the top that I just give up and enjoy the ride. This book was so detailed and beautiful that whenever an anachronistic detail popped up, it was jarring. For instance, a male character in a wealthy, formal household knocks on a woman's bedroom door and she invites him in without blinking and they stand around having a casual conversation. But overall I enjoyed the writing style and the descriptions.

A Lasting Impression was an emotionally complex historical novel complete with post Civil War Southern charm and all of the nuances that make novels set in the south so appealing. I loved how the story began with tragedy setting the tone, and how such complex issues regarding the gallery's artwork and forgery emerged to become a weight that was too much for Claire to bear. I could see the "writing on the wall" regarding how the scam was doomed to fail at some point. I loved how the author used the tragedy to make a way for the heroine to move to Nashville and begin a new life for herself. The delightful interview she had with the lady of Belmont, Mrs. Acklen, was only the beginning of the heartfelt humility that Claire displayed. I show more loved how her heart bonded with Mrs. Acklen's over time. Claire was a truly lovable heroine in that she was humble and gracious, which only increased as the book progressed.

The hero, Sutton, was quite the gentleman, but still very much a man. And of course, I love his name since it matches mine. I think I fell in love with Sutton along with Claire. He was so considerate and had such integrity despite the hard times he'd experienced. He was also very human and I loved the protectiveness he felt toward Claire, yet he still gave her room to make her own choices. The romance between Sutton and Claire was delectable. I must say, the passion they had for each other and those tender kisses were enough to make me a bit breathless at times. Wow. The author knows how to build the romantic tension in an almost reverent fashion. Their love was evident and powerful. I loved that about this story. I also loved how the author showed that telling the truth not only clears a person's conscience, but it also earns the respect of others. I was proud of Claire for facing the truth about her past and dealing with it in a responsible manner.

Bottom line... this was a wonderful historical romance! The plot and romantic thread in the story was as beautiful as the book cover, which is one of the most stunning covers I've ever seen. Bethany House outdid themselves with the cover design. I have also learned so much about art, painting, horseback riding, and putting on a gala event from reading this book. I even learned a bit more about the post Civil War south. I adore books that teach me something new and make me think about my life and the way I live it. This book delivers that reward and more. The heroine's tender spirit was beautiful to experience, and I loved how the author showed that it not only drew Sutton to her, but it won his heart in the end. What a great example of how Christ's love draws us to Him as well. I highly recommend this book! show less

Tammy is a special author to me, and it's not just because we share the same school history with a private school in Georgia or the southern hospitality spirit. It's because of that and because her stories get under your skin and in to your heart. Her characters are real and leap from the page. I was captivated by every series I have read so far, pretty much from page one. I have lost many a night sleep or day's chore lacked accomplishment simply because I was too distraught by the idea of leaving the plot and protagonist until I found out what happened next.

It's amazing to me, how Tammy can find characters with a slight bit of past that makes you really want to not like them, and walk on the other side of the road... but she finds ways show more to bring them into your hearts and they are then the ones that you are mentally cheering for as you turn each page. Reading this Belmont Mansion Novel, I could hear the southern drawl and it makes me smile. A native Georgian, southern through and through now relocated to Tennessee -- I definitely found things within these pages to endure and entertain. show less

I really enjoyed this first book of a new series. It was full of great characters looking for a new start for a variety of reasons. The setting is so richly described that I felt I was right there with the characters, and the historical detail was wonderful. Claire and Sutton have great chemistry and there are many sweet moments between them as their relationship progresses. I look forward to the second books of the series.

It's so difficult to find a starting point in describing how positively beautiful this book was. It was rich, lush, majestic, breathtaking--so many things that, if I were to actually see everything from it in person, it would all leave me speechless. And if that wasn't enough, just to know that part of the story was based on an actual historical figure and place, not to mention set in my home state...well, I couldn't get enough quick enough! I soaked in every single thing--the magnificent Belmont mansion, the overwhelming collection of artwork, the gradual friendship, then romance, between Claire and Sutton--that when I read the last page, I literally felt full, like I had just enjoyed the most delicious meal in a 5-star restaurant.

I show more can't imagine what Tamera has in store for book 2, but you better believe that I will make a return trip to Belmont Mansion! In fact, the next time I'm in the Nashville area, I hope-hope-hope that an actual trip to the mansion can work it's way into the travel plans...how much fun would that be?! :o) show less

Because of its length and rather small print, I almost didn't read this book, but I'm glad I did. I enjoyed reading about painting and being a liaison to a wealthy socialite. Although Mrs. Adelicia Aclen was formidable, she also played a part in Claire's spiritual growth, giving her a Bible and encouragement. I hope to read more of this author in the future.

This was one of the few books I've read that has left me with a feeling of wow. The characters, the setting, the storyline...everything seemed to line up perfectly to create a fantastic novel. Claire was brilliant. The perfect mix of repentant with enough of a real person to really make her come alive. Her life was extreme but still believable, if a bit lucky at times. Her relationships, not just with Sutton, but with the entire cast of the book, come slowly at first and the develope into something very rich and meaningful. I truly enjoyed watching Claire and Sutton get to know one another and discover their lives together.

Now many of you may remember me saying that I wasn't a big fan of Christian novels. Well, this book is one of the show more reasons I keep giving them a try. Religion was not written in every line, but rather between the lines, with characters trying to live their lives in the way they know they should be. They just picked right back up and tried again. show less