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.

Colors of Truth is the second book in Tamera Alexander's Carnton series. This historical novel tells the story of Catriona O’Toole, an Irish immigrant, and Wade Cunningham, who is searching for counterfeiters in the area. I wanted to read this book because I enjoyed the first book in the series. Colors of Truth is also beautifully written with well realized characters and an engrossing plot. Recommended for fans of historical fiction!

Colors of Truth
by Tamera Alexander
Back of the Book: “Based on the real history of Carnton, an antebellum home that served as a Confederate hospital, Colors of Truth follows the journey of an Irish immigrant arriving in a country where her kind isn’t wanted, and of a former Federal soldier returning to the scene of a battle that almost destroyed him.
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. However, Catriona’s sole focus is to find her brother and to provide a home and safety for her sister. In doing that, she somehow finds herself part of a burial committee for the over two thousand Confederate soldiers who were hastily buried in a field following the Battle of Franklin—and her deepest fear is that Ryan’s body is among those shallow graves.”
Impressions: Colors of Truth is the second installment to the Carnton series. The story was easy to read with a message of loving others that is still relevant.
Liked: Everything! But seriously, this was a really well written historical romance. It flowed so smoothly as a story and I’m sad it’s over. I love when real history is intertwined so well into a fictional story. It brings history to life, with imaginable faces and lives.
Disliked: I can’t think of anything.
Learned: Everyone has their own struggle, look further than skin deep to get to know someone.
Quotes: I was so caught up in reading I didn’t stop to highlight. The author did highlight the themes for the reader in the beginning. “Lies told to us. Lies we tell ourselves. Lies we tell others.”

“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.

Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander is part of a series of books set at Carnton Home in Franklin, TN, which was an antebellum home that served as a Confederate hospital during the Civil War. The book doesn't have to be read as part of the series, however the series is great as well! I would recommend it too! But, as for Colors of Truth, I would say go get it as soon as you can and read it. Due to an unfortunate set of circumstances, it took me several days to read this one. There was simply too much going on in my world to sit still and read it as I wanted to. However, I found myself thinking of it and wondering about it during those days, wishing I could sit and read it and find out what was happening. The story follows Catriona, an Irish immigrant, with her sister Nora. The two have come to America to find her brother. He had sent money for them so they could come. They arrive in Franklin, the last place they heard from him, only to find out that a battle had raged there not so long ago and hundreds upon hundreds of soldiers had died there. They had no idea if their brother was among the dead. Wade Cunningham is a federal agent, working to end a ring of counterfeiters that are working in the area. The two meet and sparks fly, but neither is free to tell the other the full truth. And when he suspects that her brother may be involved with the counterfeiters, will there be any chance for them at all? The story was great and I really enjoyed it. I think, though, that my favorite part of the story was Tempy's backstory. She has been at Carnton house for over sixty years, as a slave and as hired help. I won't spoil it for you, but suffice it to say, I cried happy tears for her. You should definitely grab the story and check it out for yourself. I can't wait for the next one!
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this opportunity.

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.

This story takes place in a very interesting time of change for America. Shortly after the end of the Civil War, the US government formed the secret service to stamp out a serious counterfeiting surge; a secret society formed to intimidate the Freedmen and other "undesirables" including Irish immigrants; and the people of Franklin, Tennesse, were dealing with the tragedy of one of the last battles of the war. The Colors of Truth is a poignant telling of all this and more with very well developed characters and an eye for the morals being addressed. It was easy to read and I had trouble putting it down.

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. However, Catriona's sole focus is to find her brother and to provide a home and safety for her sister. In doing that, she somehow finds herself part of a burial committee for the over two thousand Confederate soldiers who were hastily buried in a field following the Battle of Franklin--and her deepest fear is that Ryan's body is among those shallow graves.

I really like this author and especially that she writes about Tennessee as I live in Memphis, about a three hour drive from Nashville and Franklin, where this story takes place. She based the story on the history of the Carnton plantation in the time after the ending of the Civil War. I was excited to get an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher.

#colorsoftruth #netgalley

In "Colors of Truth", Catriona O'Toole has immigrated to the states to look for her long-lost brother, Ryan. Having last heard from him in a letter, Catriona fears the worst. This novel follows Catriona's journey for answers and perhaps even love along the way. I loved the vivid descriptions that were woven throughout the book. This is a heart wrenching book full of love and mystery.

Vivid descriptions will take readers to the middle of the post Civil War era as the story of Carnton continues in this novel. The author weaves fact with fiction to make this unforgettable story. Both soldiers of the North and South shared memories of this horrific battle near Franklin, Tennessee. The characters are engaging and memorable. The details about the Secret Service and the counterfeiting operation added to the story. This story brings Carnton to life and will make readers want to learn more history about the area.

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.)

In "Colors of Truth", Catriona O'Toole has immigrated to the states to look for her long-lost brother, Ryan. Having last heard from him in a letter, Catriona fears the worst. This novel follows Catriona's journey for answers and perhaps even love along the way.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I can’t believe it took me this long to read it. I did take my time and savor the details that make this novel so good! Tamera Alexander has been a favorite author from the first novel I read of hers. This one is no different. Set in post civil war Franklin, Tennessee, this follows sisters coming from Ireland to find their missing brother. What the oldest sister Catriona did not expect was the difficulty her and her sister would be faced with and she people they would encounter such as Wade Cunningham. These two characters but heads from the beginning, which makes it even more enjoyable to read the chemistry between them! The details of history are so vivid and if you ever have a chance to visit the Carnton plantation, it’s worth the tour.

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.'

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)

efore the Secret Service began protecting the President of the US, they were involved in other aspects of law enforcement--particularly counterfeiting currency and other federal crimes.

Catriona O'Toole is a recent immigrant from Ireland, coming to America using money her brother sent for her family to make the crossing across the Atlantic. The only members of her family left were her sister, Nora, and herself.

Wade Cunningham is a secret service agent charged with finding the group of counterfeiters in and around Franklin, Tennessee.

Wade's and Catriona's paths cross at the Carnton Mansion and continue to cross as Catriona works to find her brother, Ryan, and as Wade investigates the counterfeiting ring. Wade's good fortune allowed him to become the overseer of the plantation for Col. McGavock, the current owner.

Tamera Alexander is one of the highest caliber writers of historical fiction. At first, I wanted to skip to the end and be done with the book, but instead, I got drawn in and finished the book in whole. This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and no wooden nickels.

Thomas Nelson and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Fiesty, red-headed Catronia and her sister Nora, leave the lush land of Ireland in order to search for their brother Ryan. His last known whereabouts were in a letter he sent- Carnton, in Franklin, Tennessee. Two years prior to her arrival in Franklin, a brutal battle was fought a short distance from the Plantation that left thousands dead. She has no way of knowing if her brother fought in that battle and if he did, is he still alive? But, finding her brother is not the only reason she has come to Carnton.
The pain of the Battle of Franklin is still very real for Wade Cunningham. As a Secret Service Agent, he is sent to Carnton to pose as an overseer in order to find a group of forgers. But, being an agent is not the only secret Wade is hiding. Wade soon realizes that the money Catronia carries is fake. Is she a forger? How can Wade separate what his heart is telling him from what the evidence shows? Will the truth end up destroying everything?
I really enjoyed this 2nd book in the Carnton series. As a history buff, I really appreciated the care that was taken in the research of this book. I felt like I had been transported to Carnton, 1866. The characters showed strength and resilience amidst overwhelming grief and pain. I especially enjoyed getting to know Tempy and reading her story. The parts of the story that grabbed my heart the most were the ones about the men that exhumed all 2,000 bodies in the field outside Carnton in order to give them a proper burial. What heartbreaking work and dedication to such an awful task. There were several themes that I saw throughout the book. Consequences of lies, the freedom in truth, and the desire that all people have- to be free.
There were only a few problems I encountered while reading. I felt that at times it was a bit slow and plodding. Sometimes the details felt overwhelming to the story as a whole. I didn't care for Nora's attitude- even though I could understand why she would act the way she did. I did feel as though some plots/questions that were posed at the beginning were not answered by the end and left me wondering. The ending was very quick in relation to the rest of the story.
I have read almost all of Ms. Alexander's books and have enjoyed them immensely. They feature wonderful historical detail, and strong faith-oriented characters. I enjoyed this book and look forward to, hopefully, another in this series.
I thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions in this review are my own.

4 out of 5 stars - If you ask me about this book, I'll tell you to read it.

Tamera Alexander really did her research for Colors of Truth. There were several different historical stories throughout this book: post Civil War reconstruction, Irish immigrants, counterfeiting, the beginnings of the Secret Service, and the McGavock Civil War Cemetery. While I knew the basics of some of these topics, it was very interesting to learn about the others.

When Catriona O'Toole immigrates from Ireland with her sister, Nora, she's faced with many challenges along the way. She has just lost all members of her family remaining in Ireland, and she's facing an unknown with the life of her brother, Ryan. Ryan was conscripted into the Confederate Army and fought in the Battle of Franklin in Tennessee where thousands of men died.

I really enjoyed reading the story and watching the relationship develop between Catriona O'Toole and Wade Cunningham. There's an initial distrust of Wade on Catriona's part, but they eventually decide to be friends. That friendship develops into strong feelings and eventually a happy ending with a marriage.

After reading this book, I decided to go back and read the first 2 books/novellas in the series. I look forward to reading the next book to come out as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader's Copy.

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 honour 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 honour 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.