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
Post-Civil War in the Spring of 1866, Catriona O’Toole and her little sister, Nora, arrive in Franklin, Tennessee from Ireland looking for their brother, Ryan. Secret Service Agent Wade Cunningham is on assignment seeking counterfeiters. Their first meeting at Carnton is anything but civil! I admire Wade’s character and convictions and fiery Irishwoman Catriona’s steadfast determination. I will admit I got a little annoyed at her little sister Nora’s brattiness! As Catriona’s faith increases despite her circumstances, she remembers her Mam’s words, “God’s help is nearer than the door.” The words enlightening, captivating, and heart-wrenching are just a tip of the iceberg of feelings that surfaced when I read Colors of Truth. I applaud Author Tamera Alexander for her courage in making sure the story was told. The Civil War was anything but civil and such a dark period in our nation’s history. It is a moment in time that needs to be remembered and not repeated. I found this to be a story of inspiration, faith, and hope, and I recommend this book as a must-read.
Wow! I am still basking in the glow of this beautiful story. I so appreciate the depth of research and the beautiful storytelling & faith-filled writing that is found in every single Tamera Alexander book. And Colors of Truth is a shining example. It was extra meaningful to read this story after touring Carnton and learning about the family who lived there, the history that happened there, and walking around the battlefield and the cemetery. I read this book of 492 pages in record time and loved every minute of it. This beautiful & riveting story takes place in Tennessee in 1866 post-civil-war in a time of great upheaval and change. The old saying “The more things change, the more they stay the same” is true on some level in every generation, and this quote from the book applies to the past and the present “We don’t have to agree on everything, and we never will. But we must find a way to live in peace together.”
A few other memorable quotes I enjoyed:
“I’m careful. And cautious. That’s better than worried any day.”
“Drink in beauty wherever you can find it, son. And be grateful. Beauty is a treasure and a foretaste of heaven.”
“The grave wasn’t the end of life. For those who trusted Jesus, it was only the beginning.”
“And because as hard as it is to face the truth, it’s even harder to live with a lie.”
Thank you dear author Tamera Alexander for using your gift of storytelling to touch my heart with every story!
I love Tamara Alexander as a Christian historical author. Colors of Truth is excellent!
This book takes place shortly after the Civil War has ended. Catriona is fresh from Ireland looking for her twin brother Ryan. Along the way she meets Wade, a Secret Service Agent looking into counterfeit money. This was quite an eye opener of conditions in the South prior to the Civil War and after. As well as how the Iris were treated in this country. Its a very interesting book and I recommend it.
I’m sorry Thomas Nelson wanted Ms. Alexander to change history by rewriting part of the book. Kudos to Ms. Alexander forrefusing and publishing this book herself.
I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
The sign of a good book is closing the final page and feeling like you’ve lived and breathed through the characters within. Colors of Truth is one of those books. Immediately, I was with Catriona as she attempted to make sense of her new life in America. Soon after, I was with Wade as he tried to do his job while slowly losing his heart.
The mystery alone would make this novel a page-turner, but there’s a depth and heart associated with the unfortunate realities of the time period that flesh out this historical romance. Alexander excels at mining each scene for everything it is worth and readers are able to enjoy a bounty of emotion as a result.
This book was more than I expected. It’s a good one and I highly recommend it for fans of historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of the publisher. All expressed opinions belong to me.
I love how Tamera Alexander takes real history and real places (in this case, the Carnton home) and writes fictional characters that highlight the time period. Her research is impeccable! It is easy to be transported to the time period and to visualize the battlefields and smell the gunpowder. Tamera Alexander brings honor and respect to the history in such a powerful way. I found myself easily drawn to the characters and their growth throughout the story. I loved Catriona and her spunky spirit and fierce independence. I had no trouble connecting with her, her sister, and Wade and becoming invested in their story. I have truly loved this series and greatly enjoyed this book. I do not think the series has to be read in order, but the first two books have both been excellent. I highly recommend this novel!
I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Catriona O’Toole and her sister, Nora, have come to America to escape Ireland and find their brother Ryan who has been drafted into the Confederate Army. Wade Cunningham is a member of the newly formed Secret Service and is look for a counterfeiting ring somewhere in the Franklin, Tennessee area. When Catriona uses some money Ryan has sent her, Wade discovers it is some of the counterfeit money.
This second book in the Carnton series displays Alexander’s impeccable research both into counterfeiting as well as the horrendous and bloodiest battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Franklin. Her characters had depth and realism. Cat so determined to pay all her debts no matter what she had to do, Nora willing to help in any way she could, and Wade full of loyalty and honesty. Although the Battle of Franklin was utterly gruesome, Alexander managed to display that without going into excessive detail and very respectfully, and her heart for Carnton definitely shows throughout the story.
The theme of this book focuses on the importance of honesty even when it is difficult or hurts. I look forward to reading the final book in this series.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Tamera Alexander knows history. She knows romance. This book was so well written that I could hardly put it down. She develops her characters with such depth and allows the reader to watch them grow and develop along the way. The romance is a slow burn. The heroine, is a feisty red head Irish immigrant who is also the caretaker of her little seven year old sister. She doesn’t trust easily and understandably so. The hero, is a secret service man in search of a counterfeiter. He is also a war veteran. Wade Cunningham seems to be attracted to Catriona O’Toole from the get go. He is patient with her skittishness and gains her trust and love. This was a very dark time in our American History and some scenes were hard to read and very sad. Alexander didn’t sugarcoat but she did offer hope through her characters. This book is a timely story it seems even after all these years. The inspirational message blessed me and her comic relief at times put a genuine smile on my face. Alexander did a beautiful job of describing the scenery without over doing it and made me picture the rolling landscape as it was during that time.
I enjoyed the book very much and I highly recommend to any history and romance reader.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Tamera Alexander has written another excellent book based on historical facts! This story takes place following the Battle of Franklin during the Civil War. Catriona O’Toole is an excellent female protagonist as she arrives in Franklin searching for her brother who sent money for his family to immigrate from Ireland. Catriona and her young sister Nora are brave and determined! When Catriona’s money is said to be counterfeit, Catriona has to wonder if her brother is the counterfeiter! Wade Cunningham, who fought with the Federals, is an employee of the newly formed Secret Service and is searching for the counterfeiter! Wade has to lie to obtain a position as manager at Carnton, a Confederate plantation. Circumstances point to Catriona as the counterfeiter! Cat and Wade both have to work to overcome the lies they and others have told. I recommend Colors of Truth to anyone who enjoys reading about the Civil War era! I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
Colors of Truth tells the story of Catriona O’Toole, an Irish young lady who has just immigrated to the United States from Ireland shortly after the end of the Civil War. She has traveled with her sister, Nora, to Franklin, Tennessee in search of her brother, Ryan, who came to America years before and was conscripted to fight for the Confederacy. Wade Cunningham has also come to Franklin under the pretense of seeking employment as the overseer of Carnton. He works for the Secret Service investigating and tracking down counterfeiters, and there has been recent activity in the area that he has been sent to investigate. His identity as a government operative must remain hidden, and if anyone finds out he fought for the Union army, his investigation will go nowhere. When his path crosses that of Catriona O’Toole, sparks fly as the two must decide if they can actually trust each other as Wade tries to help Catriona uncover the truth about her brother and his whereabouts.
As with all of Tamara Alexander’s books, I love this story; the sweetness of the romance, the depth of the emotions; the conflicts the characters face in dealing with honesty, trust, and overcoming wounds from the past. I appreciate that the topic of slavery is discussed throughout the book; the injustices suffered by the African American population; the wrongness of owning, buying, and selling other people; and the deep emotional scars that could never be erased even after the slaves were freed. And I appreciate the role that faith plays in the story. I thought the characters had depth and were likable, and I always like the inclusion of actual historical people, such as the McGavocks. I truly enjoyed reading this book, and I look forward to the next book in the Carnton series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Tamera Alexander never disappoints. I love reading her historical fiction because i am always transported back in time and feel like I am right there with the characters. The characters were fantastic and the slow burn romance is always a favorite with me! To be honest, I didn’t care for Catriona until she helped with rounding up the chickens! After that, she seemed to soften and relax a little bit more.
I am glad I read this book and I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Tamera Alexander has a wonderful way of bringing the characters in this book to life. Each of the main characters was fully developed and believable, transporting the reader to a different place and time. The supporting characters were well done also.
The story is heavily based on fact and I think that helps bring the story to life. It is fiction but very well done. It is also a Christian book and that is done well too. It shows how important your faith is without being preachy. It also points out some errors in a certain, unnamed, religion.
The book I read was an ARC and even so, the editing was quite well done. The biggest problem was that some of the words were missing the space between but otherwise, it was good. I did notice one or two other errors, but nothing that detracted from reading.
I have never read a book by Tamera Alexander but I hope this is not the last book of hers I read. I would recommend this book to my friends and I give it a 4 out of 5 star rating meaning I like it a lot. Very few books get the 5 star rating and most get 3 stars. I hope this helps you know how I feel about this book and if you choose to read it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
“As hard as it is to face the truth, it’s even harder to live with a lie.”
A wonderful addition to Tamera Alexander’s Carnton series! Rich with historical detail and inspirational characters, readers will walk away from Catriona and Wade’s story with greater insight into the post-Civil War era.
I was touched by each of the characters in unique ways. Wade’s devotion, Catriona’s steadfastness, Nora’s pluck, Tempy’s faith…they all make a profound impact on the reader. The action was a bit slow at times, but the story is never disappointing.
Although readers will have to wait a bit longer for this story to release (release day is now October 6), it is well worth the wait. I cannot wait for another Carnton story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Tamera Alexander knows history. She knows romance. This book was so well written that I could hardly put it down. She develops her characters with such depth and allows the reader to watch them grow and develop along the way. The romance is a slow burn. The heroine, is a feisty red head Irish immigrant who is also the caretaker of her little seven year old sister. She doesn’t trust easily and understandably so. The hero, is a secret service man in search of a counterfeiter. He is also a war veteran. Wade Cunningham seems to be attracted to Catriona O’Toole from the get go. He is patient with her skittishness and gains her trust and love. This was a very dark time in our American History and some scenes were hard to read and very sad. Alexander didn’t sugarcoat but she did offer hope through her characters. This book is a timely story it seems even after all these years. The inspirational message blessed me and her comic relief at times put a genuine smile on my face. Alexander did a beautiful job of describing the scenery without over doing it and made me picture the rolling landscape as it was during that time.
I enjoyed the book very much and I highly recommend to any history and romance reader.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson publisher and this is my honest opinion
As far as heroes and heroines go, Tamera managed to create two fascinating and relatable characters. Wade isn’t your stereotypical charming hero, and honestly, watching his attempts at charm fail offered some needed comic relief. Catriona is a strong-willed woman determined to find the brother, and her fiery temper gets her into trouble. But despite their flaws, they have redeeming traits that not only endear them to the reader but to each other.
And their own personal struggles not only add to the main conflict but invest the reader in their lives. Catriona tries to reconnect with her sister Nora, a snarky seven-year-old who matches Catriona in wit and temper. Wade’s memories of the war haunt him, especially since he’s had to return to the site of the Battle of Franklin.
And between the lies Wade tells to keep his cover and the lies Catriona tells herself about God, the novel teaches an important lesson about the effect of lies. Not only on ourselves but on our relationships with others.
Alexander does a great job of showing the prejudice against Irish immigrants as well as the lingering effects of the war. She includes detail that enriches the historical setting and makes you feel as if you really are there. She also does a great job of making real historical characters come to life.
Overall, Colors of Truth is a well-written novel that history and romance fans alike will love. If you’ve never read a Tamera Alexander novel, this book makes a perfect introduction.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
Colors of Truth is the latest in a long line of Christian historical romance novels by award-winning author Tamera Alexander and is yet another fine example of why her books are on my auto-buy and auto-read lists. Ms. Alexander is a master at her craft, weaving story, historical facts and events, and faith-based truths into a beautiful tapestry that leaves me feeling inspired and better off for having read her books. In Colors of Truth, Alexander explores the various ways that people lie or bend the truth, the reasons for doing so, as well as the consequences of such actions. I love the way I always learn something new about American history after reading one of her novels. Colors of Truth sheds light on the newly-formed U.S. Secret Service and the agency’s role in thwarting counterfeiting rings right after the close of the Civil War.
The slow but steadily-growing relationship between Wade and Catriona, their interactions with some familiar faces from the previous Carnton novels, as well as some unexpected twists and surprises evoked a range of poignant emotions that stayed with me long after reading the last page. This is such a well-written, emotionally-gripping and inspiring story that you do not want to miss! 5 stars!
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.
‘As hard as it is to face the truth, it’s even harder to live with a lie.’
In 1866 Franklin, Tennessee, Catriona O’Toole arrives with her little sister Nora to search for their brother Ryan. His last letter to Catriona said he was conscripted as a Confederate soldier. He also sent a large amount of money for their family to make a life in the US. When Catriona arrives, she learns of the horrific battle of Franklin and fears the worst. She has to find a way to make a new life now.
Wade Cunningham, former Federal officer and now a member of the newly formed Secret Service returns to Franklin to uncover counterfeiting rings in the South, which is very prevalent. He has to pose as a Confederate, an abhorrent act to him. Then he discovers that the cash Catriona carries is some of the best forgery he has ever seen.
‘No matter the debate among his own countrymen, he could not and would not, abide living in a nation where fellow human beings were bought and sold like cattle.’
Book two in Tamera Alexander’s Carton novels is a most wonderful addition to this series. These Carnton novels are so moving, totally grabbing my heart with the intensity of the words she has set forth on these pages. Gripping is a good word to use to describe this book. Alexander’s research is impeccable and she brings this history to life in her readers’ minds. Absolutely compelling, this book held me captive till the last page. And I shed many tears during the reading of it.
Much of the history in this book is not easy to read, but Alexander handles it in such a respectful way that it brings honor to that grievous time in our nation’s history. And I highly recommend her website for even more information about Carnton and the events that took place there in November of 1865 during the battle of Franklin, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. It is absolutely fascinating and heartrending at the same time. Tamera Alexander has written a masterpiece. Her heart is in this book. I very highly recommend.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (less)
A well written, researched story by the one of my favorite authors. Her books are just great! It built slowly and finished at a high note. It kept my interest to the very end. Once again I wished I had visited Carnton when we lived in Franklin. Historical fiction fans will enjoy this!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
Tamera Alexander is one of my all time favorite authors when it comes to historical fiction. Her storytelling ability is phenomenal, creating such a depth of character and plot that I cannot help but fully immerse myself in her books. Alexander’s newest novel, Colors of Truth, stands in true testament to this.
Although Colors of Truth is the second book in Alexander’s Carnton series, it can be read as a stand alone. How-ever, I guarantee you will want to go back and read its predecessor. In this novel, we center on the aftermath of the Civil War, in particular the burial of the Confederate soldiers from the Battle of Franklin and the creation of the Secret Service to uncover counterfeiting rings. And with these glaring issues as the backdrop, Alexander weaves in another layer to the plot – that of healing lives torn apart by war and prejudice.
Time and again, I am delighted by Alexander’s stunning ability to mold fact and fiction. Her books are ones I read over and over again, continually in love with every character and setting.
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Catriona! Apart from the fact that I love her name, she was one of the most formidable female character I’ve read. She and her spunky sister were forces to be reckoned with. I enjoyed reading about the truth and they honor abided by. Life had not been fair to her but she took it in stride and never gave up. My heart went out to Wade, filled with honor and a zest to do the right thing. The way he always sort to protect Cattie and Nora was so heartwarming.
I love the faith content of the book, it was so refreshing. I loved seeing how the characters or some of them always sort to stand for the truth no matter how it hurt. That was a trait worth emulating in this book.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.