Christmas At Carnton by Tamera Alexander is the most delightful Christian historical read to kick off a brand new series. I cannot wait for the subsequent books.
Set in 1863 at the height of the American Civil War, Tamera Alexander has taken facts and woven them into fiction, making a wonderful heart warming story. War hurts everyone. No one is left unscathed. The war is fought in the home and on the battlefield. The men endure the fighting. The women endure the pain. Everyone suffers.
Not all scars are visible. Some are hidden but need to be faced and life adjusted accordingly.
The women were tough mentally. They fought to keep up morale, raising funds for the soldiers. Ladies aid groups were formed. It gave a focus for the women who had lost so much.
In times of war it is easy to lose sight of God but He never leaves us. "God had been working on her behalf, even though she'd been blind to it."With hindsight, the handprint of God on our lives is visible. "How often she'd questioned God's goodness and doubted His provision."
Men died. Babies were born. The cycle of life continued. There was joy amid great pain. Tears fell. Smiles were raised. God could be trusted to bring us through. "Just 'cuz you cryin' don't mean you don't trust the good Lawd no more either."
The American Civil War was fought on the issue of slavery. All men should be free. The novel has a wonderful character, Tempy, an African American cook with a huge heart that dishes out love and care. Her wisdom comes from longevity and she is delightful go know.
All Tamera Alexander's characters are well drawn and unique. I simply adored them all from matriarchs to soldiers, from war widows to children - all took up residence in my heart.
Christmas At Carnton is not just for Christmas but for all year round. The themes are relevant to our daily life as we learn to trust God in the darkness, pull together and not judge our fellow man.
A splendid read. Roll on the next book please Tamera Alexander.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

A beautiful portrait of the Carnton Plantation during the civil war. Aletta is newly widowed, newly unemployed, with child and has a six-year-old boy to care for. She finds herself evicted as through her skills, finds work at the Carnton Plantation for the duration of the holiday in service of a Women's Relief Auction aimed to raise funds for soldiers in the war. She finds love in an unlikely place, a soldier assisting at the plantation who has recently lost clarity in his long distance vision, putting him out of business as a sharpshooter in the Army. A wonderful and well crafted tale!

*thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

3 stars.
Firstly I need to state just how much I love this cover!! It's so beautiful! Ok, story review now. 

This was pretty good. It was a slower read, perfect for rainy weather during Christmas time. One of those comfort reads. I liked the characters and the story flowed pretty well. It's a historical (which I love) romance (which I usually dismiss) but together it was a sweet mix. If you are in the mood for a warm feeling Christmas story, this is definitely one to pick up.

This was a cute little romance set during the time of the American civil war. It showed the devastating effects of the war on the women and families who were left behind. At times I felt like the romance between Aletta and Jake was happening fairly quickly especially since it hadn't been too long before that Aletta had received word that her husband had died in battle, but I know it was a different time and that her circumstances would have played a factor in it. I also like knowing that the place in the book exists in real life which Alexander does in most of her books. It gives an added dimension to the book and authenticity.

Tamera Alexander is a favorite author. Her historicals are well researched and she once again takes a historical place such as the Carnton Plantation and writes a cozy Christmas story to get you ready for her new series that will release in 2018 set on the Carnton Plantation.

Having visited Carnton Plantation, I was excited to read this story based on the history of the house. I enjoyed the author's easy writing style and her faith shines through in her storytelling. I was thrilled to discover that this is the start of a series involving Carnton Plantation and I'm eager to read the others. If you enjoy historical or Christian fiction, or just a sweet Christmas tale, give this book a try.

Aletta Prescott feels like she is at the end of her rope, having lost her husband in the War Between the States, with a young son, and a baby on the way, she struggles to hold on to hope.

She sees a notice in the paper advertising for cooks for a fundraiser in honor of the soldiers, but when she reaches Carnton, all of the positions have been filled. Mrs. McGavock insists that they stay for hot chocolate before they leave, and while she is there Aletta overhears that they need someone to help build a life size nativity. She father was a master carpenter and taught her well, so she offers to take the job.

Captain Jake Winston is a sharpshooter with the Confederate Army, he has been ordered to go to Carnton to help with the fundraiser, and also for rest due to his loss of long-range vision from an injury. He meets Aletta at Carnton and she recruits him to help her with the Nativity.

I love the interaction between Aletta and Jake, as they get to know each other as they work. He realizes that she is still mourning and is respectful of that. I like how Jake befriends Andrew and takes time to teach Andrew a few things.

I really like how this book showed how the the war and the Women's Relief Society brought people of all stations in life together. I think one of my favorite characters was Tempy, she is a wealth of knowledge and the head cook at Carnton. This is a wonderful introduction to a new series, I love how Jake grows and comes to some realizations over the course of the story and how Christmas brings him and Aletta together.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

I love stories that include historical facts that sweep you back in time. Their details make you feel as though you have traveled to a new destination just waiting to be explored. The author has graciously done all these things in her latest book. I couldn’t stop reading the story because it reminded me a bit of Gone With The Wind. It has a flair of that time period with characters that remind me of a time that was hard for people to endure. Many soldiers gave their lives during the Civil War.

Alettta is a young widow with a six year old son and a baby on the way. She is desperate to find work and a place to stay. I loved her sweet disposition and willingness to work hard. It wasn’t easy during this time period for women who were widows. The place she finds shelter at also hires her to work which I loved reading about. I could picture Aletta baking with contentment. One of the things I liked most about her character was her ability as a carpenter. She awed me with her vision of a project she became in charge of. Her devotion to her child was heartwarming.

Captain Jake Winston is recovering from wounds suffered in the war. His encounter with Aletta was very intriguing. Aletta soon grows to depend on Jake to help her chores she can’t do , such as lifting lumber for her project. I laughed at Jake’s reaction when he finds out Aletta is skilled in carpentry. It was not common for women to do during this era.

The story is very well written with characters that you can’t help but like. I have to say I really liked Tempy. She was a wonderful cook and I liked how she became aa person Aletta could talk to. I enjoyed reading about the Women's Relief Society . I didn’t know anything about them, but with the author’s detail of historical facts I realized how important they were. Will Aletta find happiness again? Can Jake recover from his injuries and return to battle ? This story is a beautiful introduction to the next book in this series. I have put on my bucket list to visit Carnton Plantation soon. I can’t wait to walk around the grounds and remember those who lived there. Don’t miss the wonderful recipes at the end of the book. This is a must read for historical fans and anyone who loves a great Christmas story filled with hope, family and love.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.

When I started this novella, I was expecting a standard 150 page story....Well this is the longest novella I have ever read Lol! But that's Ok! I love Christmas stories. And this book is 250 paged of pure magical blessings! Besides, it puts me in the mood for the season and makes me feel all warm and cozy.

Set in the south during the civil war, this story has a unique view of "The Cause". When we grow up in a society that believes in certain things, we typically accept it as normal....as the normal way of life. Aletta realises this during a conversation with Tempy, Carnton's cook and a slave. I worry about the direction our society is heading and the impacts that it will have on my children. But what I CAN do is raise them to be Godly men who follow His will and His direction.

I can not imagine the heartache Aletta went through. The war between the States was such a devastating time. And yet, the community came together to support each other. The women of the Civil War were strong, determined, and fierce. But at the end of the day they just wanted their loved ones to come home safe and whole.

A beautiful story of sacrifice, love, loss, and hope...Christmas at Carnton is an excellent way to begin the holiday season.

I received a complimentary copy of Christmas at Carnton from the publishers through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I (shamefully) haven't read many of Tamera Alexander's books so I'm so glad that I got to read this one. I love that the author picks settings that are real and researches meticulously to bring historical facts into the historical fiction that she weaves. I would love to visit Carnton one day....and this beautiful novella will unfold before my eyes as I take the tour :) Anyway who loves historical romance set during the Civil War would enjoy this book.

The book is well-written and the writing is easy to follow. Despite it being a novella, it contains quite a few powerful themes and secondary characters whom I'm sure we will meet in the future through other books in the series. I found it fascinating to read about the "other" reasons for Civil War, spoken through the soldiers from the Confederate Army. Having grown up in the North, I don't think I even thought about the multiple layers of politics and reasons that caused this war. The author did a great job of honing in on the devastation and tragic consequences of a war but also gently reminding the reader of resiliency of the human spirit and love in the hands of our God even in the midst of such sorrow.

Aletta is a wonderful woman - strong, compassionate, empathetic, hard-working, intelligent, humble, thankful, and perceptive. In the midst of trials, she keeps going but doesn't forget to look back and be thankful. She shows kindness even when it hurts and gives even when she has so little. Jake is steadfast, loyal, kind-hearted, and oh-so-swoon worthy. Even in his manly protective mode, he can still admit that he's wrong and ask for forgiveness. He has a tender and compassionate heart that seeks to help others, even in the midst of his suffering and uncertainty about his future.
And there is Tempy the cook, Mrs. McGavock who hires Aletta, Winder who is Mrs. McGavock's son, Andrew who is Aletta's son, and Miss Clouston who is Winder's nanny and teacher that make up the delightful supporting cast that I hope to see in the next book.

I received a review copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

I love learning about the American Civil War through fictional books, but I had never heard of Carnton or the incredible story behind the plantation-turned-field hospital in Tennessee. I was excited to see a Christmas novella by Tamera Alexander pop up in my NetGalley feed - just as the snow had begun to fall and I was heading back to college after my fall reading break.

This book was a wonderful, refreshing read. I love the fact that it was slightly shorter, as it was the perfect size to curl up with as the snow twinkled outside and finish it within a few hours. I was captivated by the characters of Aletta, Jake and Andrew within the first few pages. Tamera does a lovely job at the characterization and development of the relationships between the three. I also appreciated Tamera's overarching theme of God's goodness throughout the whole story. Aletta continually muses upon His faithfulness, saying that "her faith felt so small in comparison to His loving kindness." How true this is! This was beautifully illustrated in Christmas at Carnton as problems and solutions arose within the plot.

Finally, the message that love with persevere was a beautiful reminder that those whom we love - those dead, or alive - will always stay with us, through it all. Aletta's remembrance of Warren and her commitment to Jake was a touching point to remind every reader that "nothing worth having is easy."

Christmas at Carnton was my first Christmas novel to read this year, and it was definitely worth my while! It's a great book to read as we enter the holiday season that reminds us that the greatest gift we can give each other truly is love.

(A special thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.)

https://bookstalebyme.wordpress.com/2017/11/06/christmas-at-carnton-book-review/

This was a delightful historical clean romance. I thought the characters fell in love a bit quickly. Jake and Aletta overcome obstacles together. I recommend this novel and will be looking to read more by this author.

Christmas Carnton is a story of love and I'm not just talking about romantic love but human coming love for one another. In the beginning of the book you when you know it the jerk of a boss fired a pregnant widow who can't pay her bills and is about to lose her house any day and with a child already, and he did it at Christmas time and she wasn't the only one he was doing it to. Now, if you like a love that, it just gets juicier and more real from there, if you could believe that , You see she gets a job for working for a man who was hurt from the war and can there be romance brewing from an a man who is not so happy with the way thing are? I cannot tell you how much I love this book and I have only said that openly on a few books that I have trust me and I can't wait to see the authors continuation if I'm giving the total honor.

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and when Tamera Alexander writes it, it’s even more special.

Miss Alexander’s Christmas at Carnton novella is the introductory story to her upcoming series, The Carnton Novels, based on the history of the Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee-near Nashville. She adroitly takes a small slice of time centered around Civil War history and brings to life the hardships endured not only by the soldiers but also the families they left behind.

I felt heartbroken for Aletta Prescott, expectant mother, mother to adorable little Andrew and widow of Warren. Facing foreclosure with no employment prospects, Aletta doesn’t lose faith or hope. In fact, she perseveres under unimaginable circumstances and is steadfast in her beliefs.

Captain Jack Winston, a wounded Confederate soldier, is demoralized when he is commanded to assist with the Women’s Relief Society auction, spearheaded by the mistress of Carnton Plantation, Mrs. John McGavock, wife of Colonel McGavock.

My favorite character is Tempy. Even though she has suffered an inconceivable early life, she hasn’t let it break her, and Miss Alexander writes her story with depth, feeling and just a touch of espièglerie.

I received this book from NetGalley and Fiction Guild. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
(In addition, I posted a review on Barnes and Noble.)

Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander is a Christmas story that is a prequel for The Carnton Novels (the first book will be released in 2018). The story starts in November of 1863 in Franklin, Tennessee. Aletta Prescott is a widow with a six-year-old son and another child on the way. Aletta received word that her husband, Walter passed away a month prior from battle injuries. Aletta has just lost her position at Chilton Textile Mills and her home is close to being foreclosed upon. She happens upon an advertisement for a cook at Carnton for the upcoming auction being held by the Women’s Relief Society in support of the Confederate cause. Can this be the answer to her prayers? Captain Jake Winston was recently injured and is unable to return to battle until he recovers. Mrs. Colonel John McGavock from Carnton has requested a solider be present for the upcoming auction and it is Jake’s new assignment. Jake does not understand why the women do not just donate money instead of hosting the big gathering to raise money. Over time, though, Jake’s opinions change as he witnesses the hard work of the women and, in particular, Aletta Prescott.

Christmas at Carnton is a lovely, heartening Christian novel. It has great characters and a beautiful setting. Christmas at Carnton is well-written and engaging. Ms. Alexander knows how to draw her readers into her stories. It was obvious that the author did her research for this series (on the battles, the conditions, what widows suffered and experienced, and on Carnton—a real place). The novel contains prayer, hope, struggle, faith, grief, heartache, love, and so much more. We are shown the true meaning of Christmas and that we should be thankful for each blessing in our lives. Andrew, Aletta’s son, was a delightful addition to the story. My rating for Christmas at Carnton is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I appreciated that the author gave Aletta unique skills that were uncommon for a woman at that time (woodworking). I look forward to reading each book in The Carnton Novels when they come out.

Christmas at Carnton, is a great start to a new series, it is a novella but felt like a full length book. Tamera Alexander has a way with words, I was hooked from page one. I love a good historical novel, Aletta hasn't had the best of luck here lately, she is a recent widow and recently lost her job. Set in the Civil War era, I love historical fiction. There was so much to like about this book, Tamera Alexander's writing style is descriptive but not overly so. Loved how the storyline brought a sense of unity among the town. I will be reading the next book in the series.

This historical novel begins a new series for Ms. Alexandra. The setting is during the Civil War in Franklin, TN. The main characters of this book are Aletta and Jake and it occurs during the Christmas season. Ms. Alexandra writes a wonderful story in which her character exhibits her faith in all situations even those that are most difficult. Her faith never waivers. This was encouraging to me in my daily life. The historical accounts seem to be accurate and eye opening. This is a great first novel for her new series. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series. If you like historical, Christian novels, you will not be disappointed with this one!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.

I have read all of Tamera Alexander's books, with the exception of a novella she previously wrote in a collection. Why? I'm not really that big into novellas. I always feel like everything is so rushed...the romantic connection between the characters, the plot...everything. And I realize it has to be...it's a novella. So why did I read this one? I didn't realize it was a novella when I signed up to read it!
: ) It was a mistake I do not regret!

I may not be convinced to pick up all novellas, but I will pick up this author's. Even with a shorter book, the characters were well developed. The pace of their interaction and building relationship was just right. Enough to satisfy by the end, but not so much that it was totally unrealistic. Quite enjoyable!

I am also excited about the beginning of a new series by Tamera Alexander. She is able to intertwine real historical events and places with fictional characters with skill and creativity. In Christmas at Carnton, the horrors of war, but also the way people came together to support one another, was a big part of the novella. Friendship and unity among people of different race, background, and social status was really the central theme, which I loved as well.

Get ready for the holiday season by picking up Christmas at Carnton!

**I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in order to give an honest review, which I did**

A cozy historical story set in Civil War times, giving a glimpse into the world of the wives or widows at home while their husbands fight the war, and their struggles to make ends meet and still provide for themselves and their families. A romance blossoms and warms the reader.