Tamera has artfully used her skill of weaving the written word taking shining threads of history and beautiful characters and making a masterpiece. This is a must read story that will make these characters friends and Nashville home.

Loved this read by Tamera Alexander. I felt transported to a time and place where pain and joy co-mingle beautifully. Several thought-provoking situations were brought to my attention that I had never considered before and the sweet romance was just perfect. Five stars and highly recommended.

This novella held my attention from word one!! Aletta and her son are really struggling with the news of the recent passing of their husband/father in the war. The entire community is reeling from the losses due to casualties of war. At risk of being evicted from her home, Aletta does all she can to save her home and make life as comfortable as she can for her son and the child she is expecting. When an opportunity at the Carnton estate comes about, Aletta doesn't hesitate to apply for the job.

Jake is a sharpshooter and finds himself injured to the point that the doctors are telling him he can't go back into the war. Jake finds himself being sent to Carnton to deal with all the local bittys and their charity Christmas auction. There are far too many frills and grins for poor Jake and he strongly desires to head back to his buddies in combat. Little does he know, that he still can serve a great purpose at Carnton.

This novella is the intro to a full series that will begin to release in 2018. I can't wait to read more about the owners of Carnton, along with their friends. I am hoping to be able to stop and view this land in Tennessee one day when I'm travelling through!

Carnton Plantation promises to be another excellent historical series by the skilful pen of Tamera Alexander.
In Christmas at Carnton we meet the wonderful people who live there. Aletta comes to live at Carnton for a couple of weeks to work in the kitchen. Recently widowed and 7 months pregnant, she has to work to support herself and her young son.
Captain Jake Winston is wounded and sent to Carnton Plantation to help out with a Ladies Aid Society Auction, much to his disdain. But as soon as he lays eyes on Aletta, he decides it might not be all bad to be at Carnton.
A lovely novella that will make you fall in love with Aletta and Jake and the other characters. A perfect Christmas read, but it can also be read throughout the whole year.

I love Tamera Alexander books. I was thrilled to read her new Christmas novella which is an introduction to her new series, The Carnton Novels.

This is the perfect book to get you in the Christmas mood.

I love this time period in history. So many changes are taking place. It is a fantastic portrayal of what it might have been like to live in those harrowing times. This story tells of a woman, Aletta Prescott whose husband was killed in action. We get to see a glimpse of what life was like for the women left behind. Women were not considered accceptable for many jobs yet they were expected to provide for their families. There were not very many options available to them.

Tamera Alexander is known for her diligent research into not only the location but the people from that time period. She creates characters inspired by journals of people who actually lived during that time. The characters she has developed for this novella are are like friends we hope to meet again soon. 

If you like historical fiction, you need to pick up a copy of this book. It is set in 1846. The Civil War is still going on, and the women of Franklin, Tennessee are organizing an auction to help the southern troops. The Christmas season is just added bonus in  this book. The history, the setting and the characters are the main focus.

Christmas, history, romance and a wonderful story, this book has it all. If you pick up a copy as always please let me know what you thought of it.

It's official: Tamera Alexander is one of my new favorite authors. This book was a quick read for me, and I thought it was a very sweet story (perfect to read at this time of year).
Aletta Prescott has just lost her husband in the fighting during the Civil War, she is pregnant, she has a young son, she has just lost another job, and the bank is threatening to foreclose on her house. Things can't get much worse. Then she sees an advertisement in the newspaper for a cook to help out with the war effort and holiday cooking at Carnton House, she applies for the job, and she is eventually accepted after a turn of events. There she meets Jake, a wounded soldier sent to help with a fundraiser for the soldiers. Can Jake and Aletta find love, or are they both too wounded from their circumstances to trust again?
Even though this story takes place from the Confederate point of view during the Civil War, I enjoyed the story and thought the author handled the conflict quite well. As usual, her characters are easy to sympathize with, the plot is well done, and she handles sad and controversial material very well. I am looking forward to reading her new series coming out next fall, and I highly recommend this book.
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I have to preface this review in saying that I don’t typically like historical fiction books. About the only one I have read and enjoyed is Woman of Courage by Wanda E. Brunstetter.

So you may be asking, why then would you read Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander? Believe me, I asked myself that same question, but I kept going back to the same thing, the cover! I mean, it just said Christmas and READ ME! So that’s what I did!

One interesting thing about this story is that it is a novella. What makes it unique is these are typically only released as ebooks, not print books as well, which I think made this one nice. Since it is shorter than other full length books, it was fitting for the size of a Christmas story.

The story takes place in the midst of war and the fading dream of the Confederacy. It is set against the backdrop of the real history of Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee. Here we read about Aletta Prescott who is recently widowed. Her husband was killed in the war and she is left to care for their son alone. On top of dealing with the loss of her husband and trying to help a six-year old understand what happened, she is about to be evicted.

My heart went out to Aletta. I felt so bad for her, yet Alexander did an excellent job of conveying the struggle of the time period this book is about. Aletta’s son would ask about his dad and Aletta would try to explain that he was with Jesus, yet the boy didn’t seem to get that. In what seems like a glimmer of hope, Aletta finds an advertisement for the Ladies Aid Society Auction, but finds out that the position is already filled.

Captain Jake Winston is a sharpshooter who suffered a head wound at the Battle of Chickamauga. He ends up being ordered to assist with a local Ladies Aid Society Auction. Through his assignment he and Aletta meet and the story takes off.

While historical fiction isn’t a genre I usually read, this proved to be a good book. It held my attention and gave me enough history that I was able to enjoy the story without feeling overloaded. Will I read the books that follow? Maybe, but if I don’t, it won’t be because of this book, it will just be my lack of interest in most historical fiction, although Tamera Alexander will be the author I return to if I decide to dive into more historical fiction.

A wonderful Christmas story set during the Civil War in Tennessee. It's easy to immerse yourself into this story and become a part of history. Aletta, a wartime widow had such strength and faith like many during that time period. The ladies aid societies were a blessing to many. It was enlightening to hear Jake's thoughts as he dealt with issues from being wounded. I look forward to the books that will follow this novella. Highly recommended!

Tamera Alexander is one of my favorite authors. Her books are always entertaining. The characters are believable and she adds great historical facts about the setting. Tamera Alexander does a great job transporting the reader back in time.

Christmas at Carnton is filled with hope and thoughts of God’s provision. The time is during the civil war when the men are away fighting the war. The women are just trying to support their families in an era which really restricted the opportunities available to women. Christmas at Carnton was written so beautifully and I could feel the helplessness these women experienced as finances ran out and many lost their homes. The storyline drew me in and I felt like I was living the story with the main characters Jake and Aletta.

I normally don’t read novellas. But Christmas at Carnton did not feel like a novella. I am so glad this is the start of a series. I will be anxiously waiting for the rest of the books to be released. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

My review was posted on good reads, Amazon, CBD. I will also try to get it posted on Barnes & Noble

I am so looking forward to this new series of books by Tamara Alexander. Because of her writing I feel like I am part of every story. The way she introduces new characters and reunites characters from other books keeps me excited to read her books. Christmas at Carnton is a beautiful book about second chances and new life.

A beautifully written beginning to a new series. Set during the Civil War. Times were tough and moved at a slower pace than now. A lot of history in this book.

I really enjoyed this book, but then I have enjoyed every Tamera Alexander book I've read! Her style of writing really draws me in and makes me want to keep reading.
I look forward to more books in the Carnton series!

After Aletta’s husband died leaving her pregnant and with a young son, Aletta feels all the more desperate to take care of and provide for her children. When circumstances seem to thwart that desire, Aletta finds herself at Carnton eager to find any position, no matter how seemingly unsuitable.

Captain Winston is a sharpshooter who can’t see to shoot. He begrudgingly goes to Carnton to help promote the Women’s Relief Society’s efforts but he questions the effectiveness of what they’re trying to do.

This book is a great reminder to me of why we need to read stories and not just history. Stories flesh out history and help one really feel what it must have been like to be pregnant or have small children, a dead husband, and about to be turned out of your home. The consequences and the decisions made become much easier to understand when it’s connected to a person that you have come to care about. This book made me see various aspects of the Civil War in a new way…I appreciated that.

There were several memorable characters. I admired the lady of the home and her intolerance for poor manners. Tempy was a sweet servant who recognizes the need in others and seeks to help the hurting. I marveled at Aletta’s skills and understood her mother-bear determination to protect and provide for her children. I am looking forward to meeting up with some of these characters again in the next book.

This novella starts out the Carnton Novels series. I would highly recommend it. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Christmas at the Carnton by Tamera Alexander was an absolute delight to read. Slightly disappointed with it being a Novella and ending so soon. Looking forward to the furthering of the series. Tamera has the ability to bring to life warm intricate characters along with conveying the hardships by many during the time of the Civil War. Tempy filled all my expectations of a mature christian woman who had lost so much in her life and yet by the grace of God was still giving to all around her. I like the way that the despair and tragic turns of Alletta worked out for the good of herself and others showing that God had her in His hands all along. Appreciated the unexpected appearance of Emmet and the initial confusion of his identity took away any thought of predictability. I will be purchasing this for our Church library for many others to enjoy. Thank you for the opportunity to review.

The name Tamera Alexander always means an excellent read! Christmas at Carnton may be a prequel novella to a new series but it is a wonderful story! I just wish it was not so long until the series comes out. Civil War stories fascinate me. Newly widowed and pregnant Aletta Prescott is a strong, caring protagonist as she strives to provide for herself and her six year old son. Wounded Confederate soldier, Captain Jake Winston, will capture your heart. Grief, courage, fear, love and hope are all part of Christmas at Carnton! You won't want to miss reading this great book! I received an advance reader e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Christmas at Carnton (2017) is a novella by Tamera Alexander, and will be released on October 3, 2017. This novella will come in all forms including eBook, and is 256 pages in length. With a full-time job and a precocious five-year old at home, this novella took me three days to read. I received a free review copy of this novella in eBook form from NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this post are my own. I give this novella 5 STARS. This story is a Christian Historical Romance.

This novella takes place at Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee during the height of the American Civil War. In this novella, we meet Aletta and Jake, the McGavock family (who called Carnton their home), and the McGavock cook, Tempy. As with all Alexander novels, these characters endear themselves to the reader immediately! I loved everything about this story. In fact, I was really sad when I turned to the last page…I wanted more!

The main characters in this novella are Aletta and Jake. Aletta is a well written and very believable character. She is 25-years old, newly widowed, a single mother of one with another baby on the way. She is completely destitute with the bank ready to foreclose on her home. She has no job and no money. I was completely scared for her through the first quarter of this story. I had no idea how she was going to take care of herself and her son. But, what I love about Aletta is that she is a very brave and determined young woman. She knows to trust God even though she has no idea how she will keep her son fed and clothed and cared for. Aletta is a very realistically written character in the sense that she does have moments of worry, fear, and doubt just like any woman would in her situation. Instead of giving up or giving into the whims of men ready to take advantage of her, Aletta gives her situation over to God, and boy does He deliver for her!

Jake is the hero in this story, and he is wonderfully written as well. Jake is powerful and strong and skilled. As a man, he is exceptionally capable. But, when he is injured during battle, Jake loses a bit of his confidence. When one loses the thing that made him/her unique, it’s really hard not to lose confidence. Begrudgingly, Jake goes to Carnton Plantation to help with a Ladies Aide Society Auction. His commanding officer believes this will be the perfect opportunity for Jake to convalesce after his injury, but Jake just sees it as a loss all the way around. He is the greatest sharpshooter in the Confederate Army, but now he has to pander to women? Why an auction? What can’t they just donate money and be done with it? But, as he gets to know Aletta, Tempy, Mrs. McGavock, and the other women of the Ladies Aide group, as he sees their hard work and their determination, and as he witnesses first hand these women lose their husbands and sons, Jake realizes that the Civil War is being fought by all citizens, not just the men and boys physically fighting the battles. Jake’s attitude changes, and with that change not only does his body heal, but so too does his heart.

As with Ms. Alexander’s previous works, Christmas as Carnton is very well-researched. The damaging effects of the American Civil War are dealt with authentically and truthfully. It was eye-opening to me to read the scenes where the women would gather around a newspaper to read the Injured-Dead-Missing pages praying their husbands, sons, and/or fathers did not make any of the lists. I loved the solidarity and genuine aid the women brought to one another when a woman realized her husband or son or father had died. The sense of community as women rallied around the devastated woman in order to help in any way they could was absolutely refreshing. This novella also illustrates the plight of many young women who were widowed and made destitute because of the loss of their husbands. There were very few options available to women in the 1860s outside of cooking, cleaning, working in sweatshops, and prostitution. This story does an excellent job of illustrating the strength of women when faced with extremely difficult choices.

This novella reminded me that no matter my current situation, God is there. He is waiting for me to surrender to Him and His perfect plan. When I choose to trust God, He leads me to the exact place I need to be, and blesses me in only ways He knows I need. When life deals me a blow I don’t think I can possibly overcome, God will give me the peace and strength I need if I go to Him. If you are looking for a well-written, engrossing historical romance, I highly recommend Christmas at Carnton. This is the perfect story to read this holiday season. You will not be disappointed!

Christmas at Carnton is a wonderful Christmas romance full of history, faith, romance, blessings and new beginnings.

The author did a wonderful job in providing historical details of the Civil War and it's era that really shaped this story and brought it to life for me. Her characters were realistic, inspiring and the story itself moved me emotionally. I was particularly impressed with her ability to weave a gentle theme of faith that I found inspiring, welcoming and warm ~ not preachy or pushy.

4.5 Stars ~ Ms. Alexander has written a beautifully written, vibrant, and emotionally moving novella. I can't wait to read the next books in this series!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Alexander, Thomas Nelson Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

really enjoyed Alexander's novella that gives us a peek into the next series of
books!
Most Christian Fiction set in Civil War era America gives us the veiw of the Northern side of the conflict. This book transports you to the homefront of what it was like for a Confederate Soldier's Widow, to live in the face of an uncertain future. You will get to know a wounded Confederate sharpshooter who has been set on the sidelines. For those of you who know how Alexander weaves all her stories together, there is a crossover character from her previous series. I just love it when she does that! I am just bummed that I have to wait a whole year before reading the first book in this series, it sounds amazing!!!!!!!
I received an ARC version of this book from Netgalley for my review.

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.

Aletta Prescott struggles after her husband was killed in the Civil War. She has a son to raise on her own. She losses her job and then losses her home. Not knowing where to go she sees a aid for Women's Relief Society auction for a job as a baker. As her and her son go to apply she finds the job was filled. After she hears they were looking for someone to build a Nativity for the auction she applies. She explains she helped her father build things.They are hesitant due to her being pregnant. Jake Winston's was a sharp shooter in the war and was injured and his eyesight was damaged. He is sent to Carnton to help out with the Women's relief society. They meet and she asks for his help to lift for her so she could have the job. After the pastry baker was fired she also got that job. As Jake and her work together they fall in love. Can this relationship work? Can they find love together? A beautiful well written historical fiction book. Can not wait to read the other two books for this series. Read for a honest review for NetGalley.