Christmas at Carnton By Tamera Alexander (A Novella Published by Thomas Nelson)

My thoughts:  As with Tamera Alexander's other works, this novella centered amidst the Civil war and involving elaborate preparations for a Christmas auction and festivities was well written with characters that the reader's heart warmed to immediately and a story line that engaged.

Just a bit longer than some novellas, it was a completely satisfying read from start to finish. It shows the reality of those left at home where there is scant to live on and those whose hearts and lives are broken from war. Civilians and soldiers alike.

Carnton is a Southern home or perhaps plantation in Tennessee. The slaves are all gone except for an elderly lady who cooks and charms. This is not a story about why the war was fought or opinions and sides to be taken. It is about people. Good people that are living the best they can on what they can and helping each other at every opportunity.

Christmas at Carnton is a very good read and highly recommended. It is also a prelude to a new series by the author. Based on this novella, the series should be a very good one to read.

NOTE: A plus at the end of the book is a small collection of recipes that were perhaps being served at Carnton by the ladies and the beloved cook.

About the book:  Amid war and the fading dream of the Confederacy, a wounded soldier and a destitute widow discover the true meaning of Christmas—and sacrificial love.

Recently widowed, Aletta Prescott struggles to hold life together for herself and her six-year-old son. With the bank threatening to evict them, she discovers an advertisement for the Women’s Relief 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 Aletta trust this man?

Captain Jake Winston, a revered Confederate sharpshooter, suffered 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 Women’s Relief 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 and history of the Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee, Christmas at Carnton is a story of hope renewed and faith restored at Christmas.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the BookLook  Blogger Review Program on behalf of the publisher Thomas Nelson and the author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.