In 1866 Catriona O’Toole arrives in the town of Franklin, Tennessee, searching for her 
younger brother, Ryan, who, according to his last letter, was headed for Franklin only days before the catastrophic Battle of Franklin. Ryan’s last note contained a stack of cash–enough money to bring his entire family across the ocean from Ireland. But after disease and illness tear through County Antrim and the O’Toole family, only Catriona and her seven-year old sister Nora are left to make the journey. Wade Cunningham, one of ten operatives in the newly formed United States Secret Service Agency, is on the hunt for counterfeiters. A tip leads him to Franklin and to Carnton, the home of wealthy Tennessean John McGavock. The recent murder of a fellow agent mandates that Wade keep his true identity hidden, as well as his past service in the Federal Army. But when he receives a note bearing only the name of the deceased agent, he realizes someone in town already knows who he really is. As evidence in the case mounts, it eventually points to Catriona, but Wade is slow to want to believe it. Because his heart is swiftly becoming hers.
My Review:
I absolutely loved this captivating historical novel. The story, the characters, and the settings were brilliantly captured. Bravo, Tamera Alexander!
This is the second book in Alexander’s Carnton series. The story could be read as a stand alone novel though I highly recommend With this Pledge, the first book in the series as well. While reading this book I was drawn into the story as if I was really there. Alexander did an excellent job of making her story come to life.
Catriona and her younger sister captured the life of Irish immigrants that traveled to the United States right after the Civil War to track down their brother who fought on the side of the south. The two sisters make it to the last place their brother talks about in his letters and that is where they meet Wade. With secrets of his own Wade soon enlists the help the girls to track down their brother. I enjoyed the main characters very much and by the end of the book it was like saying good bye to dear friends.
The historical aspect was exceptional. Alexander did an amazing job of taking a historical battle and town and entwining it with her story. While reading this, I could tell that a lot of work was put into this story. Well, honestly, I spent quite a bit of time looking up Civil War facts and pictures of the Carnton plantation. But I barely need the visuals since Alexander describe it to a tee.
I am very pleased with this story and highly recommend it! I am very much looking forward to the next book!
This book will be released on October 6, 2020, so there is time to preorder your copy!
Intrigued?
Well the author created a Youtube video about the first book in this series that was super cool. Click the link to learn more – Welcome to Carnton with bestselling author Tamera Alexander
It Starts With A Book 