I'm pleased to feature a good friend and mentor today on my blog, courtesy of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. Tammy and I met back in 2002 working the bookstore tables for the national ACFW conference in Kansas City (then ACRW). We still call each other "book table buddies" and share many fond memories of those times. :) She has since gone on to win the Christy and the RITA awards for her outstanding novels. Me? I'm still trying to balance writing with 2 little ones at home and breaking into trade-length. We'll see how it all goes. Without further ado, here's the feature on Tammy.
This week, the
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of Rekindled, Revealed and Remembered, the critically acclaimed Fountain Creek Chronicles historical series with Bethany House Publishers. Her second historical series, Timber Ridge Reflections (From a Distance, Beyond This Moment, and Within My Heart) continue her signature style of deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose which has earned her devoted readers—and multiple industry awards.These awards include the 2009 and 2008 Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the 2010 and 2007 RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, the 2010 and 2007 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2010 HOLT Medallion, the 2007 Bookseller’s Best Award, the 2007 National Reader's Choice Award and Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction for 2006, among others.
Tamera's newest novel A Lasting Impression is the first of a brand new three-book Southern historical series, and the first two chapters are available for review. She's at work on her ninth novel which will release in fall 2012.
After living in Colorado for seventeen years, Tamera has returned to her Southern roots. She and her husband now make their home in Nashville, Tennessee, along with Tamera's father, Doug, and with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious--and precocious--silky terrier.
ABOUT THE BOOK
To create something that will last is Claire Laurent's most fervent desire as an artist. It's also her greatest weakness. When her fraud of a father deals her an unexpected hand, Claire is forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville, only a year after the War Between the States has ended. Claire's path collides with that of Sutton Monroe, and she considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But when they meet again and he refuses to come to her aid, she realizes she's sorely misjudged the man. Trading an unwanted destiny for an unknown future, Claire finds herself in the middle of Nashville's elite society and believes her dream of creating a lasting impression in the world of art may finally be within reach.All that Sutton Monroe holds dear lies in ruin. He's determined to reclaim his heritage and to make the men who murdered his father pay. But what he discovers on his quest for vengeance reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined.
Set at Nashville's historical Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America in the 1860s, A Lasting Impression showcases the deep, poignant, unforgettable characters that set Tamera's stories apart and provides an inspiring love story that will capture readers' hearts and leave them eager for more.
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Lasting Impression, go HERE.
MY REVIEW
From the first book she released, and even before she was published, I have loved Tamera Alexander. She made a "lasting impression" on me back in 2002 with her passion for history and her winsome personality. Even when she wasn't sure what would happen of this crazy pursuit, she possessed a charm about her that only shines in each book she writes.
This latest is no different. And in my opinion, it's her best book yet. The rich detail of Nashville's Belmont Mansion, the accurate portrayal of a war-torn South, and the engaging characters reflecting the emotional upheaval following such a destructive war -- all of it is smoothly blended into a compelling story of a daughter running from certain fate and her family, and a son determined to avenge his father's death. Their worlds collide, and with every experience or interaction, you feel you are right there with Claire and Sutton.
Painstaking research and close character study bring this novel to great heights and take you on an exhilarating journey you won't soon forget. The only down side is having to wait for book 2!
Thanks, Tammy!
GIVEAWAY
I'll also be sending a FREE copy of this book in a random drawing from the comments answering this question:
When have you felt wronged in some way, pursued restitution or resolution for it, then learned another lesson along the way? If the incident is too personal, share the lesson you learned.
The contest is open to anyone in the US/Canada.
6 comments:
Yikes! guess I'll brave this question. but I'll have to take the easy way out. Let's just say sometimes you have to forgive someone regardless of what it is. The bible does say we are to forgive 70 times 7. What I learned...well I learned friendship is more valuable than any "thing" one can have.
debbielynnecostello at hotmail dot com
"Revenge is when you drink the poison, then wait for the other person to die." Forgiveness is that way for me too. If I hold on to it, I am the one who suffers. If I move to forgive, then I am also freed, just as is the other person.
LyndeeH
spooler(at)comcast(dot)net
Forgiveness isn't always easy especially when you know you were wrongly slandered or hurt. God in His own glorious way can bring something good out of something terrible but we have to turn it over to Him and trust His goodness. He can bring beauty from ashes.
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Congrats to Lyndee, on winning a copy of Tamera's book. I've emailed you for your mailing address so I can send out your book.
Thank you, readers, for your support.
Thanks so much, Tiffany! I have sent you my address.
Merry Christmas!
Lyndee
I wanted to like this book, but it moved too slowly for my liking. The characters were interesting to me, and I did find myself caring about what happened between Claire and Sutton, and also what would happen when her forgeries were found out. So I should have liked this more than I did. I tried several times to get into the book, but I never did feel enough emotional investment to keep caring what happened. I feel the story line was a bit too dragged out for my taste.
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