Christmas at Carnton: A Novella

Written by Tamera Alexander

Narrated by Devon O'Day

“This tender love story between two wounded people whom God brings together for healing is a book readers will enjoy anytime—but especially at Christmas!” —Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love and A Voice in the Wind

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Oct 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9780310413219

Tamera Alexander

Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling novelist whose works have been awarded and nominated for numerous industry-leading honors, including the Christy Award (two-time winner, seven-time finalist), the RITA Award (two-time winner, four-time finalist), the Carol Award, the Maggie Award, the Booksellers Best Award, and Library Journal's top distinction, among others. After seventeen years in Colorado, Tamera and her husband now reside in Nashville, Tennessee, where they live a short distance from Belmont Mansion and Belle Meade Plantation, the setting of Tamera’s two USA Today bestselling Southern series.  

Reviews for Christmas at Carnton

[Ruth · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the courage of the people inspite of the hard things they had to face. And the trust in God to meet their needs.

[whybehave2002 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I couldn't put it down.

[vickimarie2002 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow! I was surprised at how much I loved this novella! I sometimes think that I don't enjoy historical fiction but this one I really enjoyed! It's an easy read that's just perfect for the Holiday season! I've never read any Tamera Alexander novels before, but apparently, I need to start! I look forward to reading her upcoming Carnton series!

I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and the views and opinions expressed are my own.

[beautyinthebinding · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I finally found a novella I like! Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander is the best novella I’ve read this year, maybe ever. I admit that I usually don’t like the shortened form, so I don’t read many novellas. However, this one was excellent. The story held my attention and offered a tender romance. Although it still had that shortened novella feel at a few points, the author created intriguing characters that developed deeply. Aletta was especially complex and wonderful. She had several issues to deal with as she grew and changed throughout the story. I feel like it’s rare to see that much character development in a novella.I recommend Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander to readers looking for an inspirational Christmas read. It has a permanent place on my bookshelf and made me want to read more of Tamera Alexander’s books. 5 stars!

[heatherlinc · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"Christmas at Carnton" was a sweet, feel-good read about second-chances for a young widow and a wounded soldier during the turbulence of the American Civil War. Aleta's struggles were real and heart-breaking as she battled to provide for her young son and unborn baby. The author gave a wonderful insight into the lives of the women waiting for their men to return from the the front and how they supported the war effort and each other during times of great sorrow.

[vonze-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Nicely written, realistic, but for me subject matter was a little heavy for a Christmas story: no place to live, little food, mouth to feed and one on the way, falling for a injured solider, thinking husband is still alive, *spoiler* husband not alive. Take Christmas out of the plot and I might have enjoyed it better another time of year when I'm not stir crazy because of the holidays.

[meganleigh844 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"Christmas at Carnton" by Tamera Alexander is a sweet Christmas novella that will get you in the Christmas spirit. “Christmas at Carnton” is the second book I’ve read by this author. It’s a novella to start off a new "Carnton" series. It is a longer novella at a little over 200 pages. It's the perfect read for a cozy winter's night."Christmas at Carnton" reminds me of a great Hallmark movie. Its characters are real, flawed people who you grow to care about. I especially like our heroine, Aletta, who is recently widowed with a young son and another child on the way. On top of that she loses her job and home. She has a strong faith that shines despite her hardships. She prays for others, helps people even when she is barely making it herself, and shows a great deal of courage. She is a wonderful picture of strength amidst great hardship."Christmas at Carnton" is an excellent story. I appreciate how Ms. Alexander puts a lot of history in, so you really feel like you've learned something while reading a great book. This tale shows the hardships women faced during the Civil War as well as Southerners. Being from the North, I don't know as much about the South and their side of the story. They are real people with hopes and dreams, some good and some bad. Most of the people Aletta knows don't even own slaves and they see the War as being more than just about the issue of slavery. Bravo, Ms. Alexander, for shining light on the lesser known stories of the War and making history come alive!Content: I would give this book a PG rating. There is talk of a man banishing his wife's doubts that he desires her and then lying in bed and talking with her after the fact. There are hints that a woman who is behind on her mortgages is giving a man at the bank favors of a sordid nature. The word Negro is used, but not in a derogatory way.Rating: I give this book 4 stars.Genre: Christian Historical Fiction; RomanceI want to thank Tamera Alexander, Thomas Nelson and the Fiction Guild for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.