Tamera Alexander's writing shines in this post-Civil War novel about Claire, a young painter, trying to escape from her past to have a fresh start in a new place. The story is set in the phenomenal Belmont Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee, and includes the character of Adelicia Acklen, owner of the mansion. Sutton, a young lawyer and employee of Mrs. Acklen, has suspicions about Claire, but can't help liking her, even though he has an understanding with another girl. Sutton has his own set of perils, and has some lessons to learn as well.
I couldn't wait to read on, as each chapter endeared me to these characters more and more. I found myself reading until 2:30 in the morning! Imagining myself at Belmont, I "saw" the statues, danced at the reception, tasted lemon teacakes, and traipsed across the grounds through Tamara's expert storytelling.
The cover is my favorite from Bethany in quite a while. Claire's dress on the cover matches the description perfectly. And I love the little Belmont on the spine.
I live in Tennessee, but I've never visited the mansion before. After reading this book, I simply have to go there, so I've planned a homeschool field trip with my five children in January! We are excited about it. And from the sounds of it, I'm assuming that there will be more Belmont Mansion novels. Of course, I will have to read them all, and look forward to other novels by Tamera Alexander.
If you've never read a Tamera Alexander book, this one would be an excellent first!!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.
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