Tamera Alexander’s Carnton series continues in her second full-length novel Colors of Truth. (You can read my review of the first novel, With This Pledge, here.)
Set in 1866 as the South recovers from the affects of the Civil War, Colors of Truth features hero Wade Cunningham, a veteran of the Union army and Catriona O’Toole, an Irish immigrant. Wade, a Secret Service Agent, comes to Franklin, Tennessee, to investigate a counterfeiting ring. As he investigates, his path crosses with Irish immigrant Catriona O’Toole and her little sister Nora as they look for their brother Ryan.
My Thoughts
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.
Further Information
You can order Colors of Truth from Amazon by clicking the book cover.
For more Tamera Alexander, visit her website and sign up for her newsletter. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
