A Christmas story to launch a brand new three-book series . . . The Carnton Novels
Amid war and the fading dream of the Confederacy, a wounded soldier and a destitute widow discover the true meaning of Christmas – and of 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, 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.
Some books I’m just not sure where to begin. Christmas at Carnton is a novella that doesn’t feel so novella-ish. Lengthwise, it does come close to being novel length, but the story certainly isn’t rushed or drawn out. I do wish that there was just a couple more chapters at the end instead of an epilogue though—but I’m sure that’s only because I was enjoying the book so much!
The story is filled with wonderful characters—both of those who really did exist (primarily the McGavock’s) and those that are fictional. But the joy of historical fiction, is that both become real to the reader and intermingle on the page.
Between all that, is a sweet romance and a glimpse of the hardships women dealt with while the Civil War was going on. The book shows their strength and ingenuity through struggles. Mix in a bit of God’s truth and love and this is a story I can highly recommend (and suggest anticipating the series that this novella is a prequel for).
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