Pictures from the Franklin Main Street Festival

I had such fun on Saturday meeting with current and new reader friends at the Franklin Main Street Festival in downtown Franklin, TN. 

Thanks so much, everyone, for stopping by to see me. Made my day! I'll be right there again come the last Saturday in October for the Pumpkin Fest (thank you to Joel at Landmark Booksellers for hosting me)! 

So if you haven't made a sojourn to Nashville to see the Belmont Mansion or Belle Meade Plantation, the settings for my Southern mansion novels, that would be a great weekend in which to do it. You'll get mansions and pumpkins in one fell (or fall?) swoop! ;)  

These sweet friends drove from Indiana for the festival and to see Nashville. Bless you gals!

Thank you, again, everyone! Meeting y'all is one of the biggest highlights of writing! 

Southern hugs, 

Tamera

Booksigning this Saturday in Franklin, TN

BOOKSIGNING in quaint, historic Franklin, TN 

this Saturday, April 26 at Landmark Booksellers, 

during the Franklin Main Street Festival

Have you ever been to Franklin, TN? It's a lovely town on the outskirts of Nashville (about 20-25 minutes or so from downtown), and this weekend is the annual Franklin Main Street Festival. We'll have copies of all the Southern Mansion books available.

I'll also have a special little "pink something" for the first 20 readers who stop by. More details on the festival here. Are you planning on coming? 

Sure hope our paths cross this weekend!

A Beauty So Rare signing at Belmont Mansion in Nashville, TN

Thanks to everyone who came to the book signing Sunday, March 16 at Belmont Mansion in Nashville. Over 500 people came through Adelicia's front door for the "free day" at the mansion––and to celebrate Adelicia's birthday first and foremost, of course! 

I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with so many of you, and signing your books, too. Which was such a joy to know you're taking yet another "journey" with me as you read. Thank you for coming, and for reading! I especially hope you enjoy A Beauty So Rare.

So exciting! I finally got to meet Connor DaCosta, such a handsome little man. Catherine and Erik, bless you for getting out a rainy Sunday afternoon to come by. Your son is so precious! 

Jeanne (Alfveby Crea), what a total joy to finally get to meet and hug! Thank you for lugging all of your "Tamera" books from Minnesota to Nashville. I was honored to sign each one! Blessings on your week in ATL and hope you enjoy my hometown. Much love, friend. P.S. LOVING my scarf, and my book! 

Last week I had the opportunity to Skype with a group of great gals in Newnan, GA. Well, this sweet lady is a sister to one of those women, so she stopped by "on order of her sister" to visit yesterday. Ha! Was fun.

This pretty little gal, Corinne, is the great-great-great-great granddaughter of Adelicia Acklen's sister Corinne! I felt like I was in the presence of royalty! Bless you Corinne (and to your mom and grandmother) for coming by.

What a joy to meet you, April (Simpkins). You radiate warmth and welcome, friend. April and I had a chance to talk, and I learned that she's President of the Scleroderma Foundation. Scleroderma (or "hard skin") is a disease that forms excess collagen, resulting in hardening of the skin tissue, and in its systematic form, hardened organ tissues (esophagus, lungs, kidneys, and heart). Some symptoms are tightened skin, joint pain, vascular-circulation problems, fatigue, acid reflux and shortness of breath. 

If you struggle with Scleroderma or know someone who does, I encourage you to contact April at www.scleroderma.org/chapter/tn for more information on ways to help those you love who suffer from this disease, or simply to learn more about it. April, bless you, friend, and thank you for visiting!

Such a treat meeting you yesterday, Lucilla (Hodges)! I hope you enjoy your time in Florida this week, sweet friend. You look marvelous in that color, btw! I hope A Beauty So Rare proves to be an enjoyable vacation read! 

Happy Birthday, Adelcia Acklen, the woman who built the Belmont Mansion in 1853 and who is a character in all of the Belmont Mansion novels (A Lasting Impression, A Beauty So Rare, and the third Belmont novel I'll write later this fall).

Just before leaving yesterday, I ducked into the central parlor (that's being renovated this year!) and got to meet this adorable docent Natalie! Natalie's mom reads all my books, Natalie said. So sweet. Natalie is one of the many oh-so-talented and knowledgeable docents that provide tours at the Belmont Mansion. 

And don't forget, if you've read the Belmont Mansions novels and you want a "novel tour" that gives you additional "reader insights" into the various rooms and what scenes from the book happened in which rooms, etc.., be sure to ask for that when you schedule your visit. The Belle Meade Plantation offers the same type of tour if you've read To Whisper Her Name, the first of three Belle Meade Plantation novels.

I have more book signings and speaking engagements coming up. So check my website often (as we're adding events as they're confirmed) to see if one of them is near you!

I hope our paths cross soon, friend, and thank you reading.

Tamera

Original pieces return to the Belmont Mansion

Thanks to Adelicia Acklen's great-great granddaughter, Elise Quigley of Sacramento, California, this has been an exciting month for the Belmont Mansion…

If you've not heard of the Belmont Mansion in Nashville, TN, it's the home of Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America in the 1860s. And a woman that I, admittedly, have grown to love and respect over the past few years.

Belmont Mansion, Nashville, TN

I've spent countless hours researching family files, spending time in her home, walking where she walked, reading her letters, and delving into her life as I prepared to write the Belmont Mansion novels.*

Adelicia's gorgeous Southern home, originally named Belle Monte, is the setting for A Lasting Impression and A Beauty So Rare (April 2014), the first and second Belmont Mansion novels in the 3-book series. 

And now, what's old is new (to the mansion) again…

Elise Quigley, Adelicia's great-great granddaughter, has generously seen fit to return two items that belonged to Adelicia––an unusual silver coffee pot and a leather covered box.

Elise Quigley holding two original pieces that belonged to Adelicia

As noted in the latest newsletter from the Belmont Mansion… 

"The silver coffee pot is of monumental size, standing 13 inches tall. Manufactured by Gotham of New York City, the pot represents a renewed interest in classical details during the post-civil War period, as exhibited in the Neo-Grec design. Gorham retailed a number of their products at Tiffany's. As the premier silver manufacturer of the 1860s, all their offerings were quite popular. The Acklen family name is engraved on the face of the pot, just below the bas-relief profile of a woman.

Adelicia likely purchased this piece as part of a larger set on her return from her grand tour of Europe in 1866. The coffee pot would have been used for formal occasions in either the Dining Room or the Central Parlor. A tea pot, footed tray, creamer, and sugar bowl would have completed this formal service. Currently, the coffee pot can be viewed through the Dish Pantry window. Imagine, if Adelicia had seven sets of china, how many sets of silver do you think she kept?

Adelicia's letterbox is of American manufacture with tooled leather applied to a white pine base, brass strapwork in the English Renaissance style and dates from the mid-1850s. A monogrammed brass shield with the letters "AA" is located in the center of the lid. The box can be opened to reveal a slanted writing space, a compartment for paper, ink pens, envelopes, and two holes for ink wells. Adelicia's letterbox can now be seen on the ladies secretary in the Tête-à-Tête Room."

I haven't seen these items in person yet but can hardly wait to get to the mansion again. And you can bet both of these items will be in the third Belmont novel. But tell me…

What's something special you would like to see tucked inside Adelicia's letterbox in the third Belmont novel? If I use your idea, I'll give you full credit in the Author's Note at the end of the novel.

Blessings on your Tuesday,

Tammy

* When I wrote about studying Adelicia's life and home above, it reminded me of how excited I am to be in BSF again––studying the life and ministry of Jesus.

We're studying the book of Matthew this year. If you're in BSF, give a shout out. I'd love to know we have that common. If you're not, check out BSF here and see if it's something you'd be interested in. It's a life-changing study. And this Wednesday is a Welcome Day! So feel free to go and check it out.

Last day to enter for Colorado Romance

and Rocky Mountain Chocolate

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A Southern at Heart Giveaway

Southern at Heart Giveaway
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Two lucky readers will each receive a copy of A Lasting Impression plus some yummy Loveless Biscuits and their choice of either Blackberry, Peach, or Strawberry Jam…

The only mandatory option is that you comment on this blogpost. See inside the Rafflecopter box for instructions about what you need to comment on (and I really want to know this about you!).

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Note: You receive 10 EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN each time you post a review of one of my books. Because––like Southern biscuits––"word of mouth" marketing is the best there is!

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Our front steps last year. Have I mentioned I adore fall? 

Warmest wishes, and may all your biscuits be buttered!

Kindle Quotes - A Lasting Impression

QUOTES from A Lasting Impression… 

“Let no one define how you see yourself . . . save God alone. See yourself through His eyes and His strength, and you’ll see who you can be despite being who you are.” A dark brow rose. “But see yourself through your own eyes, and you’ll be left to question, and to doubt, subject to the whims and wishes of others who will not have your best at heart."

~ Adelicia Acklen, Mistress of Belmont Mansion and a character in A Lasting Impression

"Justice does not reside in institutions, Mr. Monroe. But in the hearts of men. If those men seek Him with all their hearts.”

~ Bartholomew Holbrook, A Lasting Impression

I LOVE seeing what readers highlight in my books on their Kindles. Too cool! 

Don't you love that feature? Do you highlight on your eBooks?

See more of what's highlighted in A Lasting Impression, as well as read an excerpt.

Belmont Mansion, circa 1853

Click to see more

A Beauty So Rare Photo Shoot, Pt 2

Here are a few more behind the scenes pics of the photo shoot Bethany House Publishers coordinated for the cover of my next novel, A Beauty So Rare, the second Belmont Mansion novel (releasing April 2014).

The photo shoot was held at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in Saint Paul, Minnesota (read about its history) in the conservatory area, of course (not with the gorillas). It certainly is lovely, and is the perfect setting for the cover since we spend a lot of time in Adelicia Acklen's conservatory (pictured below) in A Beauty So Rare. 

Adelicia Acklen, mistress of the Belmont Mansion in Nashville, TN,

built a lavish 19th century estate which included this glass conservatory (nicknamed the Crystal Palace)

in the foreground, and the water tower in the background (which still

stands today and is Belmont University's Bell Tower).

Checking out the lighting

Love how they "shoot" in front of the blank screen

Checking views in the monitor

Lots of details––and hard work––go into making a cover

Strolling through the conservatory

Paul Higdon, Art Director, Bethany House Publishers at Como Conservatory

Gorgeous flowers

Adelicia Acklen had over 2,000 species of plants, shrubs, and trees

from all over the world in her Belmont conservatory

Personally, I love the more serious look on the model's face (as that fits

the character of Eleanor Braddock). But alas, a "cheerier" expression

attracts more readers.

And one last shot...

I'm grateful to my publisher for all the work and time that went into making this cover. Now, to finish the rewrites on this story and put it to bed.

About the book: 

Pink was not what Eleanor Braddock ordered, but maybe it would soften the tempered steel of a woman who came through a war--and still had one to fight.

Available for pre-order
Belmont Mansion, book 2 (of 3)

Eleanor Braddock, a spinster at 30, has long since dismissed any hope of marriage. But when a dying soldier whispers his final words, she believes her life can still have meaning and determines to find his widow. But this compassionate deed takes a harsh turn, and Eleanor finds herself dependent upon the richest woman in American and the most despised woman in Nashville--her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, mistress of Belmont Mansion. A clandestine act of kindness leads Eleanor to an unlikely path for her life--building a home for destitute widows and children from the Civil War. And while Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve.

Rudolf Marcus Gottfried, Archduke of the House of Habsburg and fourth in line to the Austrian throne, arrives in Nashville in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Collaborating with botanist Luther Burbank, Marcus seeks to combine his own passion for nature with his expertise in architecture. But his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the widow's and children's home run contrary to the wishes of practical, frugal Eleanor, who sees his ideas as costly nonsense.

Yet as the construction project continues, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground--and a love neither of them expected. But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor to marry, and even if he were, someone who knows Marcus's secrets is about to reveal them all.

Belmont Mansion, book 1 (of 3)

I'm excited to share this story with you and am really enjoying being back in Adelicia's home and on the estate of Belmont that serves as the setting for all the Belmont Mansion series novels.

Do you have an affinity for Southern history like I do? 

(View Pt 1 of this blog post)

Taking something for granted?

Taken for granted: to expect someone or something to be always available to serve in some way without thanks or recognition; to value someone or something too lightly.

In the past week, I've had the pleasure of meeting two separate groups of readers at both the Belmont Mansion, the setting of A Lasting Impression…

And the Belle Meade Plantation, the setting of To Whisper Her Name…

Both gatherings were such fun. We had a great time together walking through history and seeing where both Adelicia Acklen, and the Harding and Jackson families lived. 

Last Thursday, I met with the men and women of the Belmont Tower Society in the grand salon at Belmont and shared about the home and the woman, Adelicia Acklen, who truly made a lasting impression on me as I wrote (and continue to write) about Belmont's history.

Meeting with the Belmont Tower Society

in Adelicia's grand salon

Reading from Adelicia's personal letters in her home was a special treat for me

Then yesterday at Belle Meade, I had the pleasure of joining nineteen lovely ladies from Hendersonville, TN who had read To Whisper Her Name and who took the To Whisper Her Name tour at Belle Meade. Which begins at the Old Harding Cabin and concludes with the mansion. 

On the front steps of Belle Meade

What fun gals!

Visiting and signing at lunch

at the Harding House restaurant at Belle Meade (delicious!)

Visiting the Old Harding Cabin where Bob Green, 

the head hostler, and Ridley (hero in TWHN) lived

In visiting with these groups, I was reminded of something I'm guilty of having taken for granted recently…

Sometimes in the midst of back-to-back deadlines––when the story and/or the characters are driving me crazy, and the words won't come, or else they come but not in the way I want them to, or when life happens and so many interruptions pull me away from writing, or when I simply lack the discipline (ouch!) of focusing on the task at hand––I lose sight of what a blessing writing really is. 

Yes, it's work. Yes, it's sometimes most times frustrating. And no, it doesn't come easily. But really, what job does?

There are moments, like in recent days, when I'm reminded of what a blessing it is to get to write stories that are published and then read by others. Then, as if that wasn't enough, I get to meet these dear readers, share our lives and our faith in the Lord, and discuss these journeys inspired by history, by real people who lived. And then to discover that you embrace these characters and love them like I do is…well, a blessing beyond words.

A blessing that I take for granted all too often, one of the greatest blessings of writing…is connecting with you, the reader, and hearing your stories. Hearing about God's faithfulness in your experiences and encouraging each other in this life. Thank you for sharing so freely!

What in your life do you appreciate and yet sometimes take for granted? A career you love but that might drive you crazy on occasion? People you adore but who sometimes try your patience? An answer to prayer that you thought was the answer you wanted, but now you're not so sure? 

Even as I type those questions, I'm thinking of the families of the victims of the tornado in Oklahoma yesterday. And especially the parents of those precious, precious children. Let's keep them close in prayer, friends.

What is it that you need to be more grateful for today? I'm making my list. What's on yours?

Tammy

A few more pics…

With June at the Old Harding Cabin

With Susan Jacobson at the Old Harding Cabin

Signing books at lunch