By Tamera Alexander
Bethany House
Attorney Sutton Monroe is adjusting to post Civil War life in his native city of Nashville, TN. Not only did his father and his best friend perish during the war, Sutton is working to regain his family's land, which has been seized by the government. He hopes that his appeal will find favor with officials in Washington.
Claire Laurent nearly stumbles into Nashville, after being forced to leave her home in New Orleans. Her father has forced her to paint forgeries for his art gallery, something she wasn't comfortable with but couldn't get out of. Her father insisted they needed the money for Claire's mother's medical expenses.
Wealthy Adelicia Acklen, the mistress of the Belmont Estate just outside of Nashville, is in need of a personal liaison. Claire, though seemingly unqualified, applies for the job. As the interview winds down, Claire is resolved to finding another position in town. Imagine her surprise when Mrs. Acklen hires her!
Sutton's and Claire's paths intersect at Belmont. He is Mrs. Acklen's legal consultant and is commissioned to do a background check on Claire. She struggles to please Adelicia while fighting her conscience and troublesome past. They quickly form a friendship, but Sutton senses Claire is hiding something. He must, of course, protect Adelicia's interests.
What happens next? I'll not tell, but I will say that neither Claire nor Sutton are prepared for the rocky road ahead. Be prepared for a bit of action, mystery, and yes, even blackmail.
I loved this book; I was completely swept into this delightful story. Rich details, an interesting plot, and appealing characters combine for a thoroughly enjoyable read. Ms. Alexander paints a marvelous story of redemption, love, and courage. I hope that she writes another installment in this Belmont Mansion series very soon.
What is the best book you've ever read?
Still telling myself I am taking a break this week...See you next Monday!
Happy reading,
Karen
I received this review copy from Bethany House, no compensation was received.
Yeah, your break :) I was quite surprised to see a post from you today.
ReplyDeleteThanks fro the review, great job. I would never pick up a book like this, but you make it sound quite tempting!
Well i admit car magazines are pretty much my thing, at least I'm not reading comic books anymore. But id say the last book that i read that i enjoyed was on rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix. It was a very honest book in my opinion and still offered a fresh perspective on this rock legends life. Richard
ReplyDeleteNice review, Karen. I like the title a lot.
ReplyDeleteMarja,
ReplyDeleteYes, interrupting my blog break to share this review - I really enjoyed this one! :)
Richard,
Well, car magazines can have great info, especially if they are about the wonderful Mustang! lol I do love that car.
Rachna,
Thanks so much. The title - I know, it's wonderful, and it takes on an interesting meaning when you read the book.
Happy Tuesday,
Karen
Sounds like a good book! Enjoy your time off, Karen! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMystery! Ah, well, you might have me there.
ReplyDeleteThe front cover is beautiful. For some odd reason, that makes a difference to me when I'm choosing a book.
And now I'm wondering how your own manuscript is coming?? Praying, still, for wind at your backs...
Hugs,
Rhonda
Maria,
ReplyDeleteIt is! I really liked it. Guess you could tell! lol :)
Rhonda,
Yes, it is lovely, and better in person! Our manuscript is coming along, a bit slowly, but we are moving ahead. Thanks for your prayers!
Blessings,
Karen
I reviewed this book today too. I enjoyed it also. :O)
ReplyDeleteWonderful era, full of romance and honour. Sounds like a great book. Thanks for sharing this, Karen. Knowing you enjoyed it makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful cover... and a difficult question! I'll have to ruminate on that for a bit.
ReplyDeleteDiane,
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your review too! Great book! :)
Joylene,
It is a great era to write about. Thanks for your kind words; you are so sweet! :)
Talli,
I know, I love the cover. It plays out well in the book, kind of adds to the richness of the story, you know?
Have a good week,
Karen
Nice review Karen, I don't usually read books of this nature, but I must admit you have such a way with words I may have to check it out :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review Karen! This looks like something I would enjoy reading - there is enough intrigue and possibilities for redemption and reconciliation, as well as history ... but I'm not reading much this month due to a tight writing schedule - I'll have to put it on my Christmas list.
ReplyDeleteI missed this because someone told me "THEY were on a break."
ReplyDeleteI do love the civil war period though and the best book I ever read... toss up, "Women who run with wolves" or "The Coming Plagues." :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Eve,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I do love a good historical with all of these elements. :)
Tyrean,
Yes, how is NaNo going for you? Cheering you on!
Jules,
LOL. Yes, THEY should get 50 lashes with a wet noodle. Or something like that!
Take care all,
Karen
Wow, that cover is GORGEOUS! I'm not sure about a best book, but I just finished Denise Hunter's "Convenient Groom" and loved it!
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of break is this??LOL
ReplyDeleteI can't even begin to name my favorite book as I have loved and enjoyed so many. Hmmmm
Stopping by to say hello to you. sandie
ReplyDeleteInteresting book. Love the cover too!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds so good. And I love that cover! I've such a weakness for period gowns.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteI know, the cover is wonderful! Talk about drawing you in. :) Will have to check Hunter's book out!
Terri,
I know, I caved, but wanted to get his review out! Maybe I'll take another break next week...:)
Sandie,
Well hello to you too! Thanks for hopping over! :)
Laura,
It was, and the cover, I have to agree with you!
Lydia,
It was good. And yes, those gowns get me too! Just beautiful!
Happy soon to be weekend,
Karen
Fantastic review, my friend. That cover is made of awesome and makes me want to pick the book up and flip though its succulent pages.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I love the break. It goes on and on? With a stopover back into blogging world?? *waving*
You know the best book I've ever read. Black Beauty. Always is and always will be.
It's up today. Love you. Still praying. Wishing you an awesomely excellent weekend.
The book sounds intriguing. Love the picture on the cover. Those ball gowns were so gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI love the classics. I's have to say that my favorite book (novel) us Jane Eyre. Just can't top it.
One of my favorite contemporary books is called Peace Like A River. I just love so many books.
Robyn,
ReplyDeleteThank you amigo! :D I know, the cover IS awesome! Waving back at you! BTW - your review was excellent. Just sayin'.
Nancy,
I know, can you imagine wearing gowns like that? Oh my. Gotta love Jane Eyre, that's for sure!
Happy weekend,
Karen
Peace Like a River is hands down, my favorite book. I have many stories I think are worth re-reading though.
ReplyDeleteHello Karen,
ReplyDeleteI stopped by to let you know I'm passing on a blog award to you. Please stop by and pick it up.
Have a blessed weekend!
Saloma
Engaging characters in a historical fiction book will always grab my interest. Thanks for the review! It will be added to my list. Thanks also for your prayers. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness :) Take care and enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteSally,
ReplyDeleteI will have to check that book out; you are the second person to mention it! Sounds like a winner.
Saloma,
Thanks so much! Will hop over and check it out. :)
Kelly,
I know, me too! You are very welcome. Will be thinking of you!
Happy weekend,
Karen
Hope you've had a wonderful week off.
ReplyDeleteBest book I've ever read? What kind of question is that? If I answered today, the answer might be different tomorrow.
Huckleberry Finn is a big favorite, but I don't know if I could come up with a hands down best book choice since there are so many different good books out there.
Lee
Memoirist Ann Carbine Best visits Wrote By Rote on Saturday 11/12/11