A Lasting Impression

Praise for A Lasting Impression

    “Tamera Alexander has once again written a novel rich in storytelling and history, peopled with living, breathing characters who made me laugh, and cry. Better than sweet tea on a veranda, A Lasting Impression is a winner. I want to live at Belmont!”
    —Francine Rivers, New York Times best-selling author of Redeeming Love
    “Tamera Alexander paints vivid scenes, not with oils on canvas but with words on the page, as she sweeps us away to the cafés of New Orleans and the hills of Tennessee. In Claire Laurent we find a true artist, ever doubting her talents, ever questioning her calling. And in Sutton Monroe we meet a hero whose bright mind is eclipsed only by his tender heart. A lovely story, sure to please anyone who treasures a good romance.”
    —Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times best-selling author of Mine Is the Night
    Beautifully written and brimming with “real life” history, A Lasting Impression captures a slice of American history, and an era the South will not soon forget. Nor should we. As Director of the Belmont Mansion for the past twenty-five years, I highly endorse A Lasting Impression and invite you to visit the home of Mrs. Adelicia Acklen to see, in person, the beauty and elegance that defines both Adelicia’s home, and this novel.
    —Mark Brown, Executive Director, Belmont Mansion, Nashville, Tennessee
    “ A Lasting Impression is a wonderful start to a new series. With writing that is rich and textured, Ms. Alexander paints a portrait of Belmont and Nashville after the Civil War that will pull you in and almost make you believe that you are living there yourself.”
    —Robin Lee Hatcher, bestselling author of Belonging
    Praise for Tamera’s Timber Ridge Reflections

    “Alexander exposes pain and loss, then paints a picture of true redemption and trust. In her iron-willed characters we find the rugged individualism and courage that the people of the American frontier are known for, and fans of inspirational historical fiction will be moved by how friendship turns into desire.”
    —Booklist (Within My Heart)
    “Alexander crafts a pleasing and well-written romance that is filled with adventure and intrigue. Subtly weaving in the main character’s steadfast faith in God, the book is full of faith and full of life. Readers who enjoy romantic novels but also want to feel inspired will definitely enjoy this satisfying read.”
    —Publishers Weekly (Within My Heart)
    “Tamera Alexander paints scenery with the written word, and her characters, stories, and insights linger long after the book is read.”
    —Cindy Woodsmall, New York Times bestselling author of When the Heart Cries

For Deborah Raney
    In lieu of the world’s best Peanut Butter Twist,
    I offer this . . . and my gratitude, dear friend.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10 nlt

Preface

    M ost of the novel you’re about to read is purely fictional, though there are bits of real history and people woven throughout. For instance, there really is a Belmont Mansion in Nashville, built in 1853, that still stands today. And Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, a character in the novel, is the dynamic, born-before-her-time woman who lived there.
    In addition to Adelicia Acklen, many of the other characters in the novel were inspired by real people who lived during that time—people who worked at Belmont and who visited there. But the characters’ personalities and actions as depicted in this story are of my own imagination and should be construed as such.
    The first time I stepped across the threshold of Belmont Mansion and learned about Adelicia and her extraordinary personality and life, I knew I wanted to write a story that included her, her magnificent home, and this crucial time in our nation’s history. After over two years of research and writing, A Lasting Impression is the culmination of that dream, and I invite you to join me as we open the door to history once again and step into another time and place. Thank you for entrusting your time to me. It’s a weighty investment, one I treasure, and that I never take for granted.
    Thanks for joining me on yet another journey,
    Tamera

1

    French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
September 7, 1866

    C laire Laurent studied the finished canvas on the easel before her, and though masterpiece hardly described it, she knew the painting was her best