Christmas at Carnton (Carnton #0,5) by Tamera Alexander

By Lean and Love �� - December 19, 2022

Tittle      : Christmas at Carnton (Carnton #0,5)
Author        : Tamera Alexander
Pub Date : October 03, 2017
Pages         : 256
My Rating : ★★★★

The Summary

A wounded soldier and a helpless widow learn the true meaning of Christmas and selfless love amid battle and the crumbling Confederacy.

Aletta Prescott, a recent widow, fights to maintain order for her and her son, 6, in their lives. She comes upon an announcement for the Women's Relief Society auction and submits an application only to learn it has already been filled. The bank has threatened to evict them. Then, a chance encounter with a wounded soldier presents a new chance and a bond. Can Aletta rely on this man, though?

At the Battle of Chickamauga, Captain Jake Winston, a renowned Confederate sharpshooter, sustained a head injury. Jake worries that he would lose not only his most valuable talent but also his own identity when the physicians make their diagnosis. Jake is asked to help with a neighborhood Women's Relief Society auction while he recovers. He objects politely. He doesn't think of soldiering as kowtowing to a group of "crinolines." But orders are orders, and he quickly realizes that this particular bunch of women is far more than he anticipated.

Christmas at Carnton is a tale about faith being restored and hope being reborn at Christmas, set against the background and history of the Carnton Plantation near Franklin, Tennessee.

My Review

Christmas at Carnton is a fantastic introduction to the Carnton series. Although it is referred to be a novella, it actually delivers a reasonably detailed tale without looking hurried or passing over a lot of crucial facts. On the Carnton estate, west of Nashville, Tennessee, during the Civil War in 1863.

The two main characters in this narrative are Aletta and Jake. The character of Aletta is interesting and well-written. She recently became a widow at the age of 25, is the sole caregiver for one child, and is currently pregnant. I was completely terrified for her in the first chapter of this book. But what I most appreciate about Aletta as a young woman is her courage and persistence. She is aware that instead of giving up or bowing to the whims of men who are trying to take advantage of her, she should put her trust in God.

The protagonist of the story, Jake, is superbly represented. Jake is powerful, competent, and assertive. He is a man of exceptional talent. However, Jake starts to question himself a little after suffering an injury in fight. Jake's attitude changes, and with that change, not only does his body recover, but also his heart. He meets Aletta and the other Ladies Aide members and learns personally about their loss of their spouses and boys as well as their determination and hard work.

I thought the relationship was a little hasty considering Aletta and Jake have only known each other for a month and fall in love so quickly. But I excused myself because it was only a novella. I also liked the quick speed of the setting.

The book's writing is understandable and simple to follow. It offers some compelling ideas and side characters that I'm sure we'll see in other books in the series. The characters mixed very well with one another and were believable.

I really enjoy historical fiction. I am always looking up information about the novels I read, therefore I am in awe of Tamera Alexander's commitment to doing extensive study. I learned that there is a real place called the Carnton Plantation that is still standing and offers tours. The historic Carnton plantation residence and museum are located in Williamson County, which is part of Franklin, Tennessee. I cried when I read this because I was experiencing so many different emotions.

This is undoubtedly a tale of faith and optimism that you need during the Christmas season, even though I don't think the Christmas theme is overbearing. Still a delightful Christmas story.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done!

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot.