Recent Reads {A Lasting Impression}

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander - Tamera Alexander is quickly becoming another favorite author of mine, although this is only the second of her books that I've read. This historical novel is set in Nashville shortly after the Civil War. Claire Laurent wants so much to be recognized as an artist in her own right, and to be able to create paintings that will make that "lasting impression", but it doesn't seem possible as long as her father expects her to paint copies of paintings that he and a family friend fraudulently sell as originals. When the gallery is robbed, it appears that Claire's life may be in danger so she is sent to Nashville. Things don't turn out as planned on her arrival, and determined to build a new life for herself and put her dishonest past behind her, she applies for a position as the personal liaison to Mrs Adelicia Acklen, the wealthiest woman in America at that time. Sutton Monroe is a lawyer who works for Mrs Acklen and becomes Claire's very good friend. The growing relationship between Claire and Sutton is threatened by the possibility of the details of Claire's past being uncovered. Despite her determination to be honest in all her dealings, Claire realizes that telling her new employer that she once participated in art forgery is very risky so she doesn't volunteer any information. Sutton becomes involved in investigating the art fraud case, although Claire doesn't know it. This sets up an interesting tension all the way through the story. I found myself almost holding my breath throughout, wondering when Claire's past will be exposed and how. The storytelling is rich and suspenseful, and the romance brewing between Claire and Sutton is tender and heart-warming.

I do need to take issue with part of the description on the back cover -

When she's forced to flee her home, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe, who shows her kindness by not turning her in to authorities. But when he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged him.

How did I miss the part when he "refuses to come to her aid"? I honestly didn't see that anywhere in the book, and I was actually watching for it. Perhaps not the most accurate book jacket description, but that shouldn't detract from an excellent historical novel with drama and romance along with lovely historical detail.

By the same author:  To Whisper Her Name

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