Christmas At Carnton By Tamera Alexander Review

Hey Guys!


Thanks so much for joining me today on the Preppy Book Princess!


I'm really excited today to be able to share a new review of an amazing, 
inspirational fiction novel that I had the opportunity to advance read a couple of weeks ago. 


As most of you know from me talking about it endlessly, I love inspirational fiction, and I also love Christmas novels so much that I can literally read them at any time of the year. So imagine how excited I was to find Tamera Alexander's new historical inspirational fiction Christmas novella on netgalley! I can't even describe to you how much this book appealed to me, and it was everything I hoped for, and more!


Christmas At Carnton by Tamera Alexander:

Source: Thomas Nelson via Netgalley

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: October 3rd, 2017.


Synopsis:

In the midst of war and the fading dream of the confederacy, a wounded solider 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, suffered a head wound at the Battle of Chickamauga. When doctors deliver their diagnosis, Jake fears not only losing 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.


*****synopsis taken from goodreads*****

My Review:


Christmas at Carnton was like a mug of my favorite apple cinnamon tea on a blistery, winter evening. This beautiful novella reached deep inside  and resonated something within me in a way that a book hasn't in a very long time. This poignant novella tells the story of young, widowed Aletta Prescott, who's dealt some harsh life circumstances when she loses her job at a factory, and soon thereafter discovers the bank is beginning foreclosure procedures on her home. Left with a rambunctious six year old to feed, and another baby on the way, Aletta's not sure what her options are to try and provide for her family. An opportunity arises in the form of a job position at the Carnton Plantation house. Mrs, MCGavock is planning a ladies aid society fundraiser auction with all proceeds going to wounded soldiers, and Aletta finds an answer to prayer in her new position that includes room and board.

One such wounded soldier has been asked to be on hand for the auction, and Captain Jake Winston believes the whole affair is a waste of his talent, and a frivolous excuse for women to simply host a get together. Wounded on the battlefield in ways Jake doesn't want to reveal to anyone, he soon finds more than he bargained for in Aletta and her son Andrew; both of who are quickly stealing his heart, and reminding him there's more to life than serving his country on the battlefield.

Christmas at Carnton demonstrates how talented of an author Tamera Alexander is as she's able to bring attention to a horrific part of American history, while still demonstrating the bounty of God's love and affection for his people. This novella was wonderfully researched, and I really enjoyed the way Tamera was able to include actual historical figures blended in beautifully with the fictional characters she so wonderfully brought to life. As well, I really enjoyed the refreshing way that this novella brought attention to a part of war that's often not well represented-the way the women are left fighting battles of their own, far away from the actual battlefield, as they struggle to make ends meet and hold their families together amidst devastation and destruction.

Christmas at Carnton is definitely a new favorite, full of poignant storytelling, rich character development, a beautiful, perfectly paced romance, and a reminder of simpler times when the emphasis was truly on family, love, the important of friendship, and relying on God's will even when the times get tough. I didn't think there could possibly be anything that could make me enjoy this wonderful story more, but then I got to the end and discovered that Tamera Alexander had included recipes of many of the beloved dishes served throughout the story; like Andrew's favorite pumpkin bread.

This new Christmas novella was definitely a five star read for me! And it's a great start to this new series. I look forward to continuing on with the characters I've come to love in the introduction to the Carnton novels, and although this was my first experience with a Tamera Alexander novel, I feel like I've just discovered a new favorite author.

I can't recommend this novella enough, and anyone who enjoys inspirational historical fiction definitely needs to add this one to their reading list!

Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for a free review copy!



Thanks for reading guys! I hope you all have a great weekend, and happy almost fall :)


I received a free copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. The photo does not belong to me, and all rights to the respective owners.