We're thrilled to be touring Tamera Alexander's latest novel, A Lasting Impression a Belmont Mansion novel! She and her publisher, Bethany House, have teamed up to put together a fantastic campaign to launch this book! While Tamera and her book are traveling across the country virtually (with a few international stops as well!), she will be hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway and preparing for a lavish Southern-Style Facebook Party (dripping with hospitality, of course). She will be giving away Southern Food Baskets, books, and an array of other fabulous freebies! Don't miss a minute of the fun. Swoon!

A Lasting Impression is already a favorite with critics and readers alike:

"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 bestselling author of Redeeming Love

"Alexander has crafted a cleverly designed story line featuring an artist, Claire Laurent, who is forced to paint forgeries. Alexander does a lovely job of representing the historical details of this time in American history without letting the facts distract from a tenderly told love story." Publisher's Weekly

About Tamera Alexander:

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious--and precocious--silky terrier. For more information please visit www.tameraalexander.com

About A Lasting Impression:

A fake. A forger. More than anything, Claire Laurent longs for the chance to live an authentic life, to become the woman she wants to be. And she'll be given that choice. But will it come at too costly a price? Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville only a year after the War Between the States has ended, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe. She considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But after he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged the man. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville's society, Claire believes her dream to create a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach--but only if her fraudulent past remains hidden.

The Federal Army has destroyed Sutton's home and confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him and to right a grievous wrong reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined--as well as the woman he loves.Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves--and each other--for who they really are.

A Lasting Impression Giveaways and Facebook Party!

Beginning November 4th, Tamera's celebrating the release of her novel with a KINDLE FIRE Giveaway. Then on November 15th she'll be wrapping up the release of A Lasting Impression with a lavish Southern-Style Author Chat Party on Facebook! 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Brand New Kindle Fire (shipped as soon as it releases)
• A copy of A Lasting Impression and 3 other special books Tamera wants you to have (for Kindle)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 15th. Winner will be announced at A Lasting Impression Facebook Party on the 15th. Tamera will be wrapping up the A Lasting Impression celebration with an author chat and giving away Southern Food Baskets (Loveless Cafe Food Baskets, books, Amazon & Starbucks gift certificates, and copies of Christy Jordan's Southern Plate cookbook), six gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com, and copies of A Lasting Impression! So grab your copy of A Lasting Impression (it's okay if you don't have one yet- you might win one!) and join Tamera on the evening of November 15th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How much do you know about the 1860's?) and lots of Southern-inspired giveaways (complete listing here).

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 15th!

Blog Tour Schedule: 

11/4

Lena at A Christian Writer's World Author Interview

Mocha with Linda Oh. My. I don't even know where to begin to write a review that can do justice to Tamera Alexander's latest masterpiece. When I opened this book, I knew I was in for a treat, and I still managed to be overwhelmed by it. Tammy is truly one of the most gifted authors I have read, and A Lasting Impression is her best novel yet.

11/5

Diana at hanging by a thread This book is rich in details. The story is one that I couldn’t put down—but had to it’s 430 pages! It took me two days to read it and I enjoyed every twist and turn.

Pam at Southern Gal Loves to Read The characters are rich and so alive. I felt like Claire became a good friend right away, and I so wanted to see things turn out well for her. Who couldn't admire Sutton's qualities of integrity, loyalty, and even remorse for choices he had made. And Adelicia -- what a lady of strength, determination, and concern for those close to her (even if you had to dig a little to get to that level). Tamera's presentation of Belmont Mansion and the surrounding area made me feel like I was right there with the characters at one of Adelicia Acklen's grand social events. The mixture of fiction with the real characters and places made for a moving, sweeping story.

Renee at Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot If you're a fan of Tamera's previous works this story is very different but her traditional attention to detail and "real" character's are present. With this book Tamera has proven that she's not just a writer of westerns but southern fiction as well. This is no 3-hour quick read but a thick, juicy novel to savor and treasure like a bright, sunny day.

Jami's Reviews Tamera Alexander is an author that I am just now getting acquainted to, and I have to say I LOVE her writing! A Lasting Impression left a great impression on me! :) I loved it so much that I had a very hard time putting it down. At any rate, I'm going to say now: I HIGHLY recommend reading it, especially if you're a historical-romantic fiction lover like I am. What makes it even better is that it's also clean and not filled with language. I wish that I had four hands so that I could give this book four thumbs up; I like it so well!

11/7

Margaret at Creative Madness Mama Reading this Belmont Mansion Novel, I could hear the southern drawl and it makes me smile. A native Georgian, southern through and through now relocated to Tennessee — I definitely found things within these pages to endure and entertain.

April’s Lifestyle Show I absolutely loved the book, oh yes there is a few handsome men thrown in but that is as far as I am going. You will love the book as much as I did!

Mindy at A Room without Books is Empty What a wonderful book!! This is the first book by Tamera Alexander I have read and I definitely will be reading more from this wonderful author.  This historical romance came from a different angle than any I have read before. I thought it was very creative that the main character was an art forger. A Very interesting premise.  I am always interested in the setting of the Civil War or closely after and This adds the setting of a real mansion in Nashville which adds an air of authenticity to the book.

Kari at Alas 3 Lads  I always enjoy period pieces and this time & setting really came to life for me. Now I'm just dying to make a trip to nearby Nashville and see Belmont Mansion for myself. Ms. Alexander does such a lovely job of creating rich and colorful characters. This romantic story is a great read!

11/8

Trish at In So Many Words
http://trishdoerrler.com/2011/11/blog-tour-for-a-lasting-impression-by-tamera-alexander/
This was a cozy read that would be ideal for a cold winter’s night when you just want to relax and escape for a while.

Diane at That's What I'm Here For Getting to know the main characters was a great joy.

Kim at Window To My World What a story! What trials! What deep development of characters in such a profound way! Truly this was a story that Tamara wrote under the tender direction of God's hand. And I forgot to mention...the romance is soooo tender!! A precious story in many many ways! Bravo!! Bravo, indeed!!

Crystal at My Reading Room A Lasting Impression held my interest through the whole book. I would often read 100 pages in a sitting with my two boys yelling and carrying on in the same room with me, yet I still felt like I was in Tennessee with the Acklens, Sutton and Claire. It sweeps you away and doesn't let you down until you finish the last page. And then the characters and places still stay with you after you close the book.

Tiffany Amber Stockton 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!

11/9

Books, Etc...by Bina I do have to say that Ms. Alexander is the QUEEN of chapter cliff-hangers! I kept telling myself "one more chapter" only to find myself still sitting half an hour later because the girl knows how to hook a reader!! :) The characters are totally believable, both in their lives and in their relationship to faith...the romance is sweet without being gag-inducing (which is why I typically avoid romance novels)...and the life lessons are easy to pick up and carry into my own life. I will be reading more by Tamera and I would recommend this one for anyone who likes historical fiction (...mixed with a little bit of romance...wink, wink)

Laurie's School Days *Sigh*. I LOVED this book. The plot, the characters, all worked together from the very beginning and were simply captivating.

Caroline at Happy Four The characters are beautiful and the story draws you in from the beginning. The story reveals the depth of each character of time, just as you would when getting to know a friend and building a relationship. There is more than meets the eye. This is well worth reading and I can't wait for the Tamera's second Belmont Mansion novel.

Krista at Welcome to Married Life I love how she weaves so much history into the story and that the mansion exists and the supporting main character (Mrs. Adelicia Acklen) was a real person.

Casey at Writing for Christ Rich is really the only word I can use to describe it. Not in material wealth, though there is an abundance, but in depth of writing, characters, romance (sweet heavens, what a romance!) and enough tension to keep you wondering when the next “shoe” will drop.

Debra at Footprints in the Butter I was swept into the story and I found the characters felt really real, even though the events taking place are so far removed from my own life.

11/0

Alena at Little Bit Of Wonderful I loved reading A Lasting Impression, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction. This story has certainly left an impression on me, that will last through many, many rereads!

Stacie at Hobbit Door This was such a fun book to read! I could not put it down. I honestly can't remember the last time I read a book set in the Civil War era. For awhile, it seemed every book I came across was using either the Civil War or one of the World Wars for their setting. It got to be where I just started avoiding them. This book caught my eye, however. If you're looking for a fun, light hearted book with a good message this is it. The story is enjoyable and the love story is very sweet. The themes that would naturally follow a Civil War era book are present but not the focus of this book. The characters have their own stories to share. It prominently features one of my favorite coffee drinks, cafe au lait. That's always a win in my world.

Michele at My Blessings From Above Tamera is a wonderful storyteller! You feel as if you are right there in the story! The characters come to life on the pages! You feel the characters struggles and get a true feeling of the time period you are reading about. This story will not disappoint!

Celena at The Traveling Sisterhood As Historical fiction goes, this book was spectacular.

Theresa at Frugal Experiments The characters were rich and very believable. The story line was intriguing and kept me turning the pages, long after I should have been asleep.

Whitney at Rambles of a SAHM Beyond the love story is a great tale of the post-Civil War era Nashville. As a reader you are drawn to the day-to-day struggles in the lives of ordinary people trying to reclaim the life they once had. This is a long read 430 pages to be exact, but it is worth every minute. Be prepared to let everything else go for a bit because you will be drawn in immediately.

Kristen at Read Great Fiction A sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves–and each other–for who they really are, A Lasting Impression is a one of a kind read and fully worthy of 5 stars.

Katie at Legacy of a Writer Wow. Words seem so inadequate to express just how rich this book is—both in historical details and the romantic tension.

Melissa at Bibliophile's Retreat Whether you’ve got a soft spot in your heart for all things French, an artistic streak, a romantic bent, or simply enjoy escaping to previous eras or the lure of adventure nearly any reader will find something to draw them in Alexander’s recent series opener introducing the Belmont Mansion.

Lauri at Knits, Reads and Reviews This book is filled with riches, revenge, love, high society and mystery and when all stirred up, quite a good read!

Brooke at I blog 4 books I wasn't ready to put it down when I reached the last page. Tamera, I can't wait to read more about the Belmont Mansion. Any chance you could write faster?!

From 11/10 Reviews By Jane [A Lasting Impression] has a well written story and intriguing characters, and I truly did feel like I was stepping back in time when I picked up this book.

Jasmyn's Reviews This was one of the few books I've read that has left me with a feeling of wow. The characters, the setting, the storyline...everything seemed to line up perfectly to create a fantastic novel.

11/11

Jendi's Journal [A Lasting Impression], like all the others, was thought provoking and enjoyable with a wonderful mixture of humor, sadness, and intrigue. The characters feel more real to me than fiction and the thread of faith is woven naturally through the story. It’s predictable enough to be comfortable with enough surprises to stay interesting.

Holly at 2 Kids and Tired Books A Lasting Impression sounded terrific and the cover was gorgeous. I had to read it simply for that. I'm so pleased that the book lived up to my expectations.

Jettie’s Ramblings This is the 2nd book that I have read, that was written by Tamera Alexander, the first, I dearly loved. This one is even better, if at all possible.

Stephanie at A Cooking Bookworm I loved the time period and the rich setting of Belmont. What a beautiful sounding place!

Maggie at Tethered Mommy I loved Alexander’s descriptions of Belmont Mansion and all the while imagined Tara from Gone With the Wind. You truly felt like you were in the manor and experiencing the sumptuous decorating.

Patricia at It's Time To Read Mamaw A Lasting Impression has to be one of the best books I have read this year. The author brought the history and characters of Belmont Mansion alive. The way she described the mansion, art and characters was beyond brilliant. She actually used personal letters Adelicia Acklen, owner of the Belmont Mansion, had written to a relative in the book. The words were very inspiring and made me cry.

11/12

Vera at Luxury Reading At 430 pages, A Lasting Impression seems like quite the reading investment, but the pages fly by.

Linda's Lunacy A Lasting Impression will have you so intrigued with the history, the painting, the love story, that you won’t want to put it down!

Amy at My Friend Amy 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.

Becky at Christian Chick's Thoughts I've long been fascinated by the Civil War period, and I enjoyed this look at Nashville in the time just following the war. I don't often think about what life was like after the war—and Alexander does a great job of showing the effect the war had on people both rich and poor.

Angela at All Grown Up? Tamera Alexander has a way with words I have never read with any other author. Her words paint a picture fit to hang on the highest NYC gallery wall. Tamera’s characters truly touch your heart like no other characters will. She never fails to take you away from your life, and transport you directly into her novels as if you were an extra on her stage watching as her characters go about their lives with you on the sidelines.

Sheila at Showcase Sisters With so many twists and turns, laden with historical facts, this book was a show-stopper. I highly recommend it and I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!

Suzanne at Clicking Her Heels Tamera Alexander has written a lovely story of grace, forgiveness and following one's heart. Beautifully written and endearing.

Melanie at So Many Books.. So Little Time Fantastic novel that has suspense and the romanticism of the arts. Beautiful descriptions of France and the great artwork of Europe. Mix in a love triangle, a spotty past, and clashes of classes and Tamara Alexander has written a top notch Christian novel, reflecting well the history of the time. I couldn't put it down, it was so well described I wanted to go visit the Belmont Mansion myself!

Kathy at Bags, Books & Bon Jovi I have always been intrigued with Civil War novels as well as the rebuilding efforts after the war. Throw in art forgery and I'm hooked! This novel has all of that and a love story that, while I knew it would end happily, kept me guessing at times.

11/13

Kelli at The Zen of Motherhood Warning: Tamera Alexander's A Lasting Impression (Bethany House, 2011) will cost you some sleep. Honestly, I couldn't put it down.

Renee at Doorkeeper Rich detail, dramatic storytelling, and well-developed characters help Tamera Alexander’s novel create . . . A Lasting Impression.

Betsy Ann - Writer at Large I'm still reading this story but I'm almost halfway through and LOVING it! And how beautiful is the cover? Almost as beautiful as Tamera's sweet spirit and heart for God! Don't miss this intriguing historical read about art forgery, suspense, romance, and wealth.

Jen at Happy Little Homemaker I read tons of historical novels but A Lasting Impression was really unique. There was the usual boy meets girl, boy and girl run into a problem, boy and girl overcome odds. BUT this was very specialized in the topic (art & forgeries) as opposed to simply local color. I loved the detail and wish I knew more about art. It has really renewed my desire to learn more!

Lauren at 5 Minutes for Books From the moment I started this novel, I couldn’t put it down. Between reading this novel and the time change, my sleep schedule was thrown for a loop! I enjoyed every page, and I was sad to see the story end.

Michelle at Healing Hearts  An emotionally complex historical novel complete with post Civil War Southern charm and all of the nuances that make novels set in the south so appealing. I even learned a bit more about the post Civil War south. I adore books that teach me something new and make me think about my life and the way I live it. This book delivers that reward and more.

Amber at Snidbits I really liked this book! This is the first book I've read by Tamara Alexander and I enjoyed the story.

Megan at The joys of life I found myself turning page after page long after I should have turned out the lights. She definitely has a talent to make history into a live, realistic story.

Laurel at Let's Go on a Picnic! If you want to grab your own piece of history, read A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander.

Andi at Radiant Light Tamera brings to live a beautiful novel, set in a beautiful place. I felt like I had enjoyed a great meal after I had finished it.

11/14

Jennifer at Adventures in Unsell Land Award winning, Tamara Alexander's latest book is called A Lasting Impression and if your a lover of good historical novels, then I highly recommend it!

Michelle at Life in Review I very highly recommend this book! The writing is as exquisite as the cover. I have been a big fan of Tamera Alexander for a while now, and I have been dying to read this one ever since I first saw the cover. I was definitely not disappointed! I love the era and the author has an uncanny way of sweeping you away into another time and place. The characters will absolutely steal your heart.

Patty at Broken Teepee The characters are very well developed and I find that I want to know more about them. This is the first in a series and I am very much looking forward to the successive tales.

Whitney at Rambles of A Stay at Home Mom This is a long read 430 pages to be exact, but it is worth every minute. Be prepared to let everything else go for a bit because you will be drawn in immediately.

Tara at Ramblings of the Blonde Mother Bear A Lasting Impression is the latest book from Christy award winning author Tamera Alexander. Alexander weaves a tale of intrigue and redemption from the back room of small art gallery in New Orleans straight to the grandeur and opulence of the Belmont Mansion in Nashville.

Net's Book Notes A lovely read.

Megan at Inspired by Fiction Everything about it is memorable: time period, settings, characters, theme. I would highly recommend Tamera Alexander as an author and especially this book: A Lasting Impression.

Christy at Southern Sassy Things It's so difficult to find a starting point in describing how positively beautiful this book was. It was rich, lush, majestic, breathtaking--so many things that, if I were to actually see everything from it in person, it would all leave me speechless. And if that wasn't enough, just to know that part of the story was based on an actual historical figure and place, not to mention set in my home state...well, I couldn't get enough quick enough! I soaked in every single thing--the magnificent Belmont mansion, the overwhelming collection of artwork, the gradual friendship, then romance, between Claire and Sutton--that when I read the last page, I literally felt full, like I had just enjoyed the most delicious meal in a 5-star restaurant.

Kendra at Happily Managing a Household of Boys I must say I was AMAZED and VERY IMPRESSED with this book! I really had a hard time putting this book down and had to keep "sneaking in read time", even when doing homeschool time with my boys. I felt like I a kid in class "hiding the book" so the teacher doesn't see, although this time it was the teacher doing the sneaking.

Sara at Shoopette's Book Reviews A historically rich tale that definitely did justice to one of Tennessee's most famous homes.