Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander (Review)

A novella to launch a brand new three-book series . . .

In the midst of war and the fading dream of the Confederacy, a wounded soldier and a destitute widow discover the true meaning of Christmas, the cost of love . . . and of loving again.

Recently widowed, Aletta Prescott struggles to hold life together for herself and her six-year old son. About to be evicted, she sees an advertisement for the Ladies Aid Society Auction and applies for a position—only to discover it’s been filled. Then a chance meeting with a wounded soldier offers another opportunity. And friendship. But can she trust him? Is Jake Winston the man he appears to be? Having lost everything once, Aletta is determined to guard not only her own heart, but also her son’s.

Captain Jake Winston, a revered Confederate sharpshooter, suffers a head wound at the Battle of Chickamauga. When doctors deliver their diagnosis, Jake fears losing not only his greatest skill but his very identity. As he heals, Jake is ordered to assist with a local Ladies Aid Society auction. He respectfully objects. Kowtowing to a bunch of “crinolines” isn’t his idea of soldiering. But orders are orders, and he soon discovers this group of ladies—one, in particular—is far more than he bargained for.

Set against the backdrop of the real history of Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee, Christmas at Carnton is a story of hope renewed and faith restored . . . at Christmas.

Amazon / Goodreads

I’ve lived in Franklin, TN for several years. Twice every Sunday morning, I drive past the turnoff to the Carnton Plantation. I’ve visited once—last year when my brother and his family were in town. Walking through the home, hearing the stories as you travel from room to room, gives visitors an idea of the family and people who once resided there

Tamera Alexander takes it a step further and invites readers into the home, inviting them to join in the day-to-day life of the household. History is brought to life through her stories.

Christmas at Carnton is the perfect introduction to her new series as we meet the McGavock family.

When Aletta Prescott loses her job and is about to lose her help, she makes a trip to the Carnton home in hopes of securing temporary employment. On her way out, she encounters Jake Winston, a wounded Confederate soldier sent to help Mrs. McGavock and the Ladies Relief Society. The last place Jake wants to be is in the midst of a bunch of females, but one in particular just might change his mind.

This is a reminder of how God can take the worst of circumstances and not only turn them around, but give us more than we can imagine or know to ask for. Set during the Christmas season—a time that reminds us of what God gave up for us—this novella embraces the reader with heart and hope.

I’m looking forward to seeing where Alexander takes her readers next.

If you’d like to learn more about the history of Carnton, click here.

I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.