Christmas At Carnton

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.