In a town battered and bruised by war, one woman embarks upon an impossible search–and one man must face the past in the very place that almost destroyed him.Tennessee, 1866. According to the last letter Irish immigrant Catriona O’Toole received from her twin brother, Ryan, he was being dispatched to Franklin, Tennessee, where–as a conscripted Confederate soldier–he likely endured the bloody … endured the bloody Battle of Franklin that claimed the lives of thousands. Catriona leaves behind the lush green of their Irish homeland in search of him, with nothing to her name except the sum of cash Ryan sent to their family. Now the sole provider for her seven-year-old spitfire sister, Nora, Catriona hopes to reunite the siblings–the only surviving members of their devastated family.
Wade Cunningham is a former Federal soldier who now works for the newly formed United States Secret Service and is trying to uncover counterfeiting rings in the postwar South. In order to infiltrate their sophisticated enterprise, he must pose as a former Confederate in Franklin–a town where counterfeit greenbacks run rampant. When Wade meets Catriona, he is immediately intrigued by her and the little redheaded scamp in her care–but what he doesn’t anticipate is that the cash in Catriona’s possession is some of the most convincing counterfeit money he’s ever seen. Soon the object of Wade’s affection is also the suspect in a major crime–one he’s expected to prosecute.
With rich historical detail and multifaceted prose, USA TODAY bestselling author Tamera Alexander tells a riveting tale of truth, betrayal, and unlikely romance that unveils the many shades of God’s perfect redemption.
The Carnton series are standalone novels, meaning they are part of a series but can be enjoyed individually.
Christmas at Carnton, a novella
With This Pledge, book 1
Colors of Truth, book 2
Book 3 coming Summer 2021
more
4.5 stars. Tamera Alexander has crafted a beautiful story set in the rich setting of post Civil War south. The characters she creates have strong convictions and represent many walks of life and perspectives, yet their interactions reveal how similar we are as members of the human race and as God’s children. The need to connect with God undergirds the character’s journey and historical details are neatly woven into a compelling story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
“…as hard as it is to face the truth, it’s even harder to live with a lie.”
(Catriona O’Toole)
Having waited excitedly for this second book in the Carnton series, I was not disappointed! WOW! I love the first book in the series With This Pledge, but I love this one even more! Ms. Alexander with her expert storytelling skills has penned another captivating, inspiring, emotionally rich story. Set in 1866 on Carnton plantation in Franklin, Tennessee, this is historical Christian romance at its best. Ms. Alexander seamlessly meshes rich historical detail with the fictional narrative evidencing extensive research.
As formidable Irish immigrant Catriona O’Toole with her spunky seven-year old sister Nora struggle to find their brother in this new land, their lives intersect with an operative of the Secret Service Wade Cunningham who is hunting for counterfeiters under the guise of being overseer at Carlton. The result is a compelling journey to truth for both of them. I love both of these characters for their strength, courage, and determination. This hero and heroine as well as all the other characters in the book are well-developed and memorable. It was great getting reacquainted with characters from With This Pledge especially delightful, indomitable woman of faith Tempy who has a knack for “gettin’ a good read on people”. I love this quote from her: “Way I figure it, one way or the other give it enough time, and the truth always has its say”.
The romantic relationship between Catriona and Wade evolves slowly and sweetly overcoming secrets and trust issues. A bit of humor sprinkled in lightens the emotional pull of the story. This story is also a journey back to faith for Catriona. Spiritual truths are consistently and effectively conveyed. Vivid descriptive language and sensory imagery transport the reader to the scene.
This book kept my interest from the stirring beginning to the teary-eyed, satisfying end. Even though it is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone, and I highly recommend it as a must-read!
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.