Christmas at Carnton: A Novella

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 show more read. It has a permanent place on my bookshelf and made me want to read more of Tamera Alexander’s books. 5 stars! show less

Christmas 2018 - NICE!

I enjoyed this well-written story set in the South during the Civil War, but the author made some very strange choices that really bothered me and undercut the romance for me. I didn't like the fact that Letta's husband had only been killed a MONTH earlier, and she was PREGNANT with his child, when she fell in love with a new man, Jake. As a romance I think the story would have been much more effective and sympathetic if she had been widowed for longer, and only had her small son. It seemed very callous to me; especially because in the beginning she went on and on about how much she loved her husband. If her relationship with Jake was based on sheer practicality - here I am a pregnant widow with no way to make a show more living and here's this handsome man willing to take me and my son and my unborn child - then it would have been more palatable to me. And then she could have fallen for him after making that pragmatic decision. But instead it's presented as straight romance: Oh, such a shame my awesome husband died last month but I'm crazy in love with this new guy now.
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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 show more 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. show less

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.

Christmas at the Carnton is an absolute delight to read. Slightly disappointed with it being a Novella and ending so soon. Looking forward to the furthering of the series. Tamera has the ability to bring to life warm intricate characters along with conveying the hardships by many during the time of the Civil War. Tempy filled all my expectations of a mature christian woman who had lost so much in her life and yet by the grace of God was still giving to all around her. I like the way that the despair and tragic turns of Alletta worked out for the good of herself and others showing that God had her in His hands all along. Appreciative of the unexpected appearance of Emmet and the initial confusion of his identity took away any thought of show more predictability. show less

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 show more 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. show less

"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.