Tamara Alexander does a wonderful job in giving us a glimpse into the South post Civil war. I loved how she made sure that we understood how horrific the war was and the devastation that happened while not going into so much detail that a reader would have a hard time reading it. I also loved the romance between the two main characters and how it didn’t start off smooth but with time and learning to trust each other, love was able to grow. I’m glad that she was able to get this book out into the world so we, as readers, could learn more about this time in US history.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Thanks NetGalley for this advance copy. I did not read book #1.

Colors of Truth is historical fiction based on the true history of a house that served as a confederate field hospital and was next to a major Civil War battle field. I'm a historical fiction geek so I loved the setting, it felt real. I didn't know this was a second book in a series when i requested it.

The story takes place a year after that battle, when Catriona and her little sister arrive from Ireland, looking for her twin brother who was drafted into the army. I liked the historical setting even though war is so gruesome and horrible. The plot is well paced and kept me on edge. I loved the characters and their story kept me turning pages. I liked the plot twists. I recommend this book.

Tamera Alexander is doing a terrific job in educating a new generation about the American Civil War, in the least painful way possible. Taking real events & settings, & including some characters based on actual people, she adds her own plausible storyline to further reel us in until we come to care. I doubt anyone could read this book & not be affected by at least something in the story, if not by many things. The books in her series work as stand-alones, but they also have connections which make them familiar. They must be quite harrowing to research, & I do appreciate that this author is prepared to do that on our behalf. Definitely recommended!

Catriona O’Toole is in search of her brother and she’s come to Carnton, Tennessee to find him. Along the way, she keeps running into a most annoying man, Wade Cunningham. Unbeknownst to her, Wade is an agent with the newly formed U.S. Secret Service and he’s hot on the trail of some counterfeiters. When Catriona is accused of using counterfeit bills, it sets them both on a journey to find her brother and Catriona must face what he has done. As Catriona and Wade’s pasts intertwine, they find truth, love and healing.

I know I will always go on a heart-felt adventure when I pick up a Tamera Alexander book, and Colors of Truth was no exception. The characters are living and breathing and I hurt, rejoiced, laughed, and cried for them all as they went through the story. There were many enjoyable scenes that came unexpectantly, like when they had to round up some escaped chickens, that were delightful. There were also sober times, like when Catriona was helping three brothers as they reverently relocated soldiers that had been buried in shallow graves and gave them a proper burial. What I love about Ms. Alexander’s writing is that throughout all these moments, it felt like I was part of this community. I got to live these times alongside these characters, which makes it the best kind of fiction. I highly recommend any Tamera Alexander books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The story begins in Ireland during a very turbulent time. Catriona O'Toole and her younger sister, Nora are the only two survivors of the O'Toole family still in Ireland. Catriona's twin Ryan sent money from American for them to sail to America and join him in Tennessee.

The story then shifts to Catriona's arrival in the United States and her search for her brother. The author gives readers a glimpse into what life might have been like for a female Irish immigrant during that time period.

We also learn how prevalent counterfeiting was after the Civil War and about the duties of the newly formed Secret Service Agency.

The characters are believable and the Carnton history is very interesting.

If you like historical fiction I think you will thoroughly enjoy Colors of Truth.

I received and advance copy of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions about the book are entirely my own.

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 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.

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 for refusing 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.

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.

"He only hoped the deep rifts in this country could soon be healed and that the chasms present for so many years would finally be bridged."

I have never read any of Alexander's books, although I grew up in the south. This was the first chance I have had to read her style of writing, which is very detailed and tied to history. The characters are well written and the setting was fleshed out quite nicely.

Catriona is a unique character with many struggles to overcome amidst the horrors of the Civil War. She must be in charge of her 7 year old sister, Nora, and the stress attached to acting as a guardian is overwhelming in the shadow of illness and loss.

Enter Wade, an agent in the newly formed United States Secret Service, headed into town to find out who killed another agent. He ends up crossing paths with Catriona and begins falling for her.

Challenging and moving, Colors of Truth was an immersive read.

I was an early reader, thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Come as soon as you can. So my heart can feel whole again.

Catriona O'Toole an Irish lass reading the last note from your twin brother Ryan. It is the catalyst that brought her and her younger sister to America from Ireland after the civil war. With over $600.00 in cash from her brother to bring what is left from her family, Catriona and her younger sister Norah set sail. Both sisters have suffered loss and pain and Catriona does not trust easily. They come with a mission to find their brother and to confront John McGavock. When she and her sister embark on American soil, they suffer the prejudices of being Irish. Catriona does not wilt easily and thru the prejudices and accusations, she and her sister discover what freedom means.

I loved loved loved these characters. The relationship of Catriona and her sister Nora. They both have the Irish spunk and with the Irish brogue their banter made the narration. They were at odds as Norah being so young and losing so much just acted out her fears. Catriona taking the role of mother and sister had to balance that relationship for the good of her younger sister. The setting was during the time after the civil war where counterfeit money and the birth of the secret service. Along with the unrest of the North and South coming together. Faith played an important role in this story and was not preachy at all but encouraging in as it dealt with trusting. Learning to trust with the truth.

Wade Cunningham Secret Service agent undercover as overseer to John McGavock. His story intertwines with Catriona and the sparks fly. Together they both have a crisis of faith that ultimately leads them both to the truth of Catriona's brother.

The historical fiction, the mystery, and the relational aspect came all together. I also learned a few things one being of the men who fought bravely on both sides. The mass graves of the south and the handling of that was extraordinary and added to Wade and Catriona's story. Highly recommend.

A special thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest revie

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.

In 1866, Catriona O’Toole from County Antrim Ireland arrives in Franklin Tennessee with her little sister Nora and desperately hoping to find her twin brother Ryan. When he and his friends arrived in America they were conscripted into the confederate army and they had no choice. On his way to fight in Franklin he sent her a note and money. As it was the last place her brother was known to have been in 1864, it’s the obvious place for her to try and find out what happened to him.

Wade Cunningham is an operative for the United States Secret Service; he’s following the trail of a group of skilled and very dangerous counterfeiters. He’s received a tip off, his new job is a perfect cover for him being in Franklin and he’s working as an overseer at John McGavock’s plantation. Wade fought for the union army, he has been to the area during the war, it holds terrible memories for him and it’s the last place he wants to be. As he looks into the case, he can’t believe Catriona fresh from Ireland is a possible suspect as she has been spending counterfeit money in the town and how did she get involved?

On the way to John McGavock’s plantation an entire field has been left with partially buried confederate soldiers bodies, they died in the violent battle two years ago, he’s applied to have the body’s exhumed and offered a plot of land for them to be buried in. It’s an extremely difficult and slow job and they need someone to list any information they find out about each corpse and Catriona is in charge of writing deceased persons detail in a book. She’s praying that Ryan and his Irish friends are not found in this horrible field.

Based on a true story about the battle at Franklin in Tennessee during the Civil War: Colors of Truth has characters and a plot that are very relevant to the time period. It’s an enduring story about immigration, loss, kindness, friendship and faith. It includes awful but real facts about the American Civil War and slavery in the southern states at the time.

As a Nashville native, I love the historical details Alexander weaves into her stories, and I never fail to learn something new. Colors of Truth is no exception. This lovely story not only captures the power of the love of family, but also gives us a glimpse of the one of the darkest times in American history. As the romance between Catriona and Wade grows so does our hope for better future for all.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Really disappointed that this book was cancelled. Trying to rewrite history is offensive.

I would have liked to think that Thomas Nelson was above participating in cancel culture and trying to change what the past was like in America. Please do not repeat this sort of editorial overreach in the future.

I absolutely loved this book!!! I enjoyed the individual character profiles of Catriona and Wade, but, more precisely, I enjoyed the dynamics as well as romantic tension between the two characters. I really love reading Tamera Alexander's books, and, counting Colors of Truth, I have read them all. I am typically a fan of fiction that takes place in Europe in the Georgian and Regency Periods, or in the States during the American Revolution. However, I was quite intrigued by Colors of Truth, its plot and the angst of the different characters - even though this book takes place shortly after the Civil War (which is 'late' according to those periods of time I just noted are my favorites). I requested and was granted a copy of this book to read via NetGalley, and I could not stop reading it. Tamera Alexander has a way of putting the reader in time and place and makes one want to turn the page regardless of hour of day or night. While I have favorite periods of time and favorite centuries, when I have studied the Civil War and toured battlefields, my heart goes out to all involved. I really empathized with all the characters in this book. And, as said, as a romance, this book is wonderful! Thank you! :)

Civil War historical fiction is among my favorite, it is not only filled with hope and inspiration but given today's upheaval this read felt surprisingly relevant and impactful.

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.

Love historical reads and this one is full of information from a time gone by. Enjoyed the characters and the writing.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

This story was fairly well written with plenty of history woven through. I liked the plot of the story fairly well but was not very connected with the characters. It wasn't that they were not given depth and good characteristics but that I couldn't seem to identify with them, making the story hard to finish. I did quite a bit of skimming through the book when I got bored with the conversations but the action scenes were very interesting. The inclusion of real events made up for a some of the less interesting parts of the story. I would recommend this book for those who like a bit more detail included with a historical fiction based romance but wont be purchasing a copy for my shelves.
I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Thomas Nelson Fiction via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Colors of Truth is exactly what you would expect from Tamera Alexander. This book two from her Carnton series was fabulous. I highly recommend it for readers who love a great piece of historical fiction. Five stars.

Tamera Alexander’s books based on the Civil War always have compelling and complex storylines. She has the ability to take her extensive historical research into a novel that makes the reader feel as if they are standing beside the character in the book as the events are unfolding, This book has some very realistic elements about life after the war had ended. Truthfully, some of it was a little hard to read, but that’s what makes this book a step above many of Christian historical novels that are being published today. This book is not so much about the “romance” side of the story, but about life itself at Carnton Manor during that time. It also takes a close look at the different types of prejudice that existed at the time. The only drawback to the book for me was that I didn’t particularly like the personalities of the two main characters. However,the story itself was great and I someday want to go to Franklin, Tennessee, to visit Carnton Manor for myself.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.