A Lasting Impression

out to finish it. And as I did, I heard this question so clearly in my heart during worship the next Sunday, “Would you write this book if you knew you were writing it only for Me ?”
    In that moment, I was certain of two things: One, it was God’s inaudible voice, something I’ve “heard” only a handful of times in my life. And two, I knew the editor wasn’t going to take my book. Still, I spent the next year writing and then submitted the manuscript. Hardly a month passed before I received the rejection letter. But . . . I gained invaluable insights through that experience.
    First, I learned that only what we do for God will last. The lessons He taught me as I wrote Rekindled , my first published novel, are ones I’ll carry with me forever. And second, from my earliest days of being a novelist I’ve realized who I’m writing for. And—just as Claire did—I’m determined never to forget that.
    Adelicia Acklen didn’t keep a journal, or if she did, it didn’t survive. However, we do have letters written in her hand to friends and family members, as well as newspaper accounts detailing the lavish parties and dinners she hosted. One night, while I was writing, I was struggling with Adelicia’s dialogue in a conversation between her and Claire when I remembered a letter Adelicia had written to her sister Corinne in 1860. I pulled it from my files and, oh . . . what a moment. Adelicia’s words fit perfectly —without the least editing—into the conversation on the page. A God moment, for sure. (See Ch. 36, the paragraph beginning with the words, “Oftentimes, through the years . . .”)
    Attempting to sketch someone’s character without having known them is tricky at best, and rife for misinterpretation. Yet, in researching, I quickly learned that the silent footprints we leave behind—letters written, mementoes saved, even purchases we’ve made—create impressions of the person we are. Or, to those coming after us, the person we were .
    Never underestimate who’s looking at your life and at how many people you influence. I doubt that Adelicia Acklen ever dreamed somone would write a novel about her life and her beloved Belmont nearly one hundred and twenty-five years following her death. And yet, here we are.
    You and I are leaving lasting impressions. May we live authentic lives of faith that point others to Christ. After all, it’s all about Him.
    Until next time,
    Tamera
    Ephesians 2:10

With Gratitude to . . .

    My husband, Joe—for acting as my first editor on this manuscript. You listened as I talked (and talked and talked) through characterizations and plot twists. Your patience and enthusiasm never waned, even when mine occasionally did.
    Kelsey and Kurt—for your love and encouraging hugs and texts, and for the privilege and joy of being your mom.
    Dad—for adding such happiness to our lives and for being such an encourager.
    Mark Brown, curator of the Belmont Mansion—for your painstakingly detailed chronology of Adelicia Acklen’s life, for opening the personal files of family history, for answering my endless e-mails and questions, and for sharing your love of history and your admiration for Adelicia Acklen.
    Karen Schurrer and Charlene Patterson, my editors at Bethany House—for doing what you do so well, and for helping me to “see the forest for the trees.”
    Deborah Raney—for reading this manuscript in the early stages and offering insight and suggestions, but most of all for being your wonderful, encouraging self.
    Natasha Kern, agent extraordinaire—for going the extra mile. You went above and beyond the call on this one, and I’m a better writer because of you (even if I do have less hair now).
    Mandisa—for your CD What If We Were Real . I listened to it countless times as I wrote this story, and drew such inspiration from the lyrics, and from your gift of a voice.
    My readers—for faithfully reading, and for sharing with me how these journeys we take together touch your lives. Such an encouragement! I pray you take a step closer to Christ as you read, just as I do when I write. After all, it’s all about Him.
    And to Jesus Christ—for ransoming this lost soul and for making an eternal lasting impression.

TAMERA ALEXANDER is a bestselling novelist whose works have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the Christy Award, the RITA Award, and the Carol Award. After seventeen years in Colorado, Tamera and her husband have returned to their