About the book …
It’s 1866 in the French Quarter, New Orleans. Since her mother’s death, Claire Laurent has copied and forged the famous works sold in her father’s art gallery. Some of their customers have requested replicas, but others believe they have purchased genuine paintings by the original artists. Claire complies with her father’s demands that she create the counterfeits, but in her heart she knows it’s wrong and only desires to paint her own work.
Tragedy strikes and Claire is forced to flee her home to Nashville, Tennessee. She applies for a position as personal assistant to Adelicia Acklen, socialite and owner of the beautiful Belmont Mansion. Sutton Monroe, a handsome young lawyer, is also employed by Mrs. Acklen. He’s trying to clear his family’s name and reclaim confiscated land (destroyed during the Civil War). As Claire and Sutton are drawn together, they both fear the other discovering their hidden past.
My review …
There were so many things that I enjoyed about this book. First of all, the setting was intriguing and it was fun to experience Belmont Mansion and high society through Claire’s eyes. Now having read this story, I would love to tour the building and grounds myself where the real Adelicia Acklen lived. The author has included photos of the mansion, artwork, and sculptures on her website.
The heroine’s job as an artist who forged famous paintings provided an interesting storyline. My youngest daughter worked as a special events planner for several years, so Claire’s role as party planner for the events at the mansion also intrigued me.
The characters were engaging. Both Claire and Sutton struggled with trying to put the past behind them and feeling unworthy of each other. They both wanted to find their purpose in life. They desired God to use their gifts and talents and were frustrated because they weren’t being used in the capacity they desired or in their timeline. Many readers will be able to relate to those same struggles.
I’ve loved every novel that I’ve read by this author, and this is another winner. If you enjoy reading Christian historical romances, I highly recommend that you read A Lasting Impression.
Tamera Alexander is a best-selling 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 native South and live in Tennessee, where they enjoy spending time with their two grown children.
I agree Tammy writes some great books.