A Lasting Impression

Do you ever find a book that's been buried in your to-be-read-pile? One that should have been on the very top? One you're kicking yourself for not reading sooner? A whole lot sooner?

Me either.

:-)

Seriously. I did have one in the aforementioned pile that has been like finding buried treasure this week. Or as Claire would say..."Hidden treasure."

Meet Claire Laurent from A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander. She desperately wants to paint something of her own, but her father insists that she continue to copy great painters. Because that's what brings in the money. Especially when the buyers don't know that the paintings are copies. Forgeries.

That's right. Claire is a forger. And a good one. One who wants out. 
And because of a tragedy, she gets her wish. 
The chance to start over.
The chance to start over as the personal assistant to the richest woman in Nashville. Adelicia Acklen. A well-known lover and promoter of the arts. 
Is Claire just that lucky? Or is Someone else at work on her behalf?

Sutton Monroe is Mrs. Acklen's financial adviser and personal lawyer. He's intrigued, but not entirely comfortable, with his employer's newest hire. He has a feeling she's hiding something. And as her talent for painting comes to light, he begins to wonder if she is only using Mrs. Acklen to further her own ends. Keeping an eye on Miss Laurent while juggling several important cases isn't a hardship, but will their growing attraction survive when the truth about her past comes to light? 

I devoured this book. The twists and turns in the story line kept me turning the pages in spite of the clock on the wall telling me to go to bed or go to work. The rich detail and descriptions of the characters and setting made the book come alive. I felt like I was watching a movie. (And I might be half in love with Sutton. :-)

If you've never read any of Tamera's books, I highly recommend her writing. Her stories are so rich they're like fine chocolates. You can't eat just one.

And while you're waiting for your copy of A Lasting Impression to arrive, check out the pictures of Belmont Mansion, the setting for this story. Belmont Mansion

Happy Reading!