A long time ago in a galaxy far far away I met Tammy Alexander in a critique group before either of us was published. She had just joined ACFW, if I remember correctly, and was promptly put into what will always affectionately be known as critique group number five (Waving to my friends who know who they are). We’ve long since “split” which seems like a harsh word but as each of us became published and we moved on, or time to critique became a rare thing, the group of friends said our goodbyes as an official critique group, but of course we’re all still friends on some level. That’s how it is in some critique groups–you meet people you instantly click with and share a lot of love and laughs. I know some haven’t had that same experience.
I bring this up because I remember the first time I read the manuscript that Tammy submitted to our group. After reading only a few sentences, a paragraph and then a page, I instantly saw that Tammy’s voice was far beyond anything I had read in the “learning to craft phase” of a critique group. Tammy had something special and it wasn’t long before others took notice. Of course now she is a renown mutli-published award winning novelist.
My point–the first time I met her, Tammy made A Lasting Impression on me.
I’d also like to point out that I want to buy the book based on that gorgeous cover itself–I mean–is that dress beautiful or what?
Here’s the back cover copy via Amazon:
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.