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the Carnton Novels, book 2

In print, eBook, hardback and audio

In print, eBook, hardback and audio

Colors of Truth


An amazing story of racial reconciliation and the cost of telling the truth.

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 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 the 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 novels

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links on this site are "Amazon affiliate links." This means that if you click on the link and purchase an item, Tamera Alexander, as an Amazon Associate, will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

An honest conversation about Cancel Culture & Colors of Truth


Set in the Civil War South, Colors of Truth is a story of racial reconciliation and the cost of telling the truth. When we attempt to cover up or revise what was blatantly wrong in our nation's past and what we (rightly) find offensive about parts of real history, we rob ourselves of the truth, of the chance to learn from others’ past sins, and we greatly dishonor the men, women, and children who lived through the horror of the institution of slavery.

Likewise, when we try to go back and "give agency" to people who, at that time, had no agency, it diminishes the pain, humiliation, and suffering they endured, trading it for a cheap imposter of history that current culture finds more palatable and easier to live with.

When my publisher asked me to make major changes in Colors of Truth (a book that had already been accepted, printed, was boxed and ready to ship), I told them I couldn’t do it and also remain true to my convictions. They said the book would not sell "in this current culture" and threatened to cancel the novel (and burn the already-printed copies), which, I admit, was unexpected. #MajorUnderstatement

But the previous year, through a series of personal events, God had driven home to me the sin of "coloring the truth" (aka: lying), so I told them I simply could not make the requested changes and remain true to real history.

They cancelled Colors of Truth as well as the third book in the series.
But God—don't you love those two words!—had a different plan. I self-published Colors of Truth and you, dear reader friends, made it a #1 Amazon Bestseller right out of the gate.

Thank you, friends, for your kind words and for wildly supporting me and Colors of Truth as it found its way to publication after a rough stretch of road.

Y'all are the BEST!

God taught me so much about truth as I wrote this novel—and about standing for the truth, no matter the cost. Even though, admittedly, I never saw all of this coming. But God did. And He had a plan all along.

I hope you enjoy Wade and Catriona's story—and little Nora's too.

I'm currently writing Carnton 3 (Nora's story) which will release in late 2023. I've also written my first contemporary for Focus on the Family that will release in November 2023! More about that under Coming Soon. But never fear, it has a historical thread woven through it too. Just sayin'.

Thanks for reading and taking these journeys with me, and if you can only read one book today, make it His!

Much love from Nashville...

Cancellation of Colors of Truth (video to readers - recorded September 8, 2020)

Delay of Colors of Truth (video to readers - recorded July 6, 2020)

The release of Colors of Truth . . .


Praise for Colors of Truth


"This book was so well written that I could hardly put it down. This book is a timely story it seems even after all these years."
~ Dana from Goodreads (5 stars)

"Tamera Alexander has written a masterpiece. Her heart is in this book. I very highly recommend."
~ Susan Snodgrass from Goodreads (5 stars)

"I love the faith content of the book. It was so refreshing. I loved seeing how the characters...stand for truth no matter how it hurt. That was a trait worth emulating in this book."
~ Ebos Aifuobhokan from Goodreads

"Tamera Alexander has done it again! With her thorough research combined with phenomenal storytelling skills, she was woven a story full of history, romance, and intrigue... You won't want to miss this book!" 
~ Early Reviewer (5 stars)

"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. This book was more than I expected."
~ Courtney | Soul of a Librarian (4 stars)
"Another excellent historical romance from Tamera Alexander!"
Erin Laramore from Goodreads (5 stars)

"If you are a fan of historical fiction, especially Civil War era fiction, you will love Colors of Truth."
~ Michelle Kidwell from Goodreads (5 stars)

"This is a beautiful story set in the South after the Civil War. Tamera does a wonderful job with her depth of characters and weaving an intriguing story. Highly recommended."
~ Denise from Goodreads (5 stars)

"I loved how the secrets between [the characters] were handled. I wish I could say more...but [no] spoilers! The spiritual message about trust was very powerful and the end was action packed and riveting and perfect."
~ Monique from Goodreads (4 stars)

"This book kept my interest from the stirring beginning to the teary-eyed, satisfying end. Even though it is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone, and I highly recommend it as a must-read!"
~ Carolyn Bryant from Goodreads (5 stars)
"This book worked its way into every fiber of my being! The characters were fantastic and felt like family... The history written within these pages came to life and it was as if I was standing watching everything play out. This book will stick with you for days, incredible read!"
~ Shonda from Goodreads (5 stars)

"I think what I love about this author's books is that she always puts truth in her novels and yes even history lessons too! I especially loved and didn't know about the counterfeit money that circled after the Civil War. I highly recommend this book!"
~ Lori from Goodreads (5 stars)

"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."
~ Kathryn Voss from Goodreads (5 stars)

"A compelling page turner and the best of historical fiction."
~ Maureen Timerman (5 stars)


Welcome to Carnton in Franklin, TN

Writing Real History in the Carnton novels

Origin of the McGavock Cemetery


Favorite reader quotes—and reader-designed images—from Colors of Truth





#1 Amazon Bestseller

ECPA TOP 5 Bestseller

2018 Carol Award WINNER

2018 Holt Medallion Finalist

Amid war and the fading dream of the Confederacy, a wounded soldier and a destitute widow discover the true meaning of Christmas—and of sacrificial love.


#1 Amazon Bestseller Inspirational Historical Fiction

#1 Publisher's Weekly Religion Top Fiction (Starred Review)

#2 ECPA Bestseller

2019 Christy Award WINNER

From the pages of history and accounts of those who endured the Battle of Franklin, Tamera Alexander weaves real-life love letters into a story of unlikely romance first kindled amid the shadows of the Civil War.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: As an Amazon Associate, Tamera earns from qualifying purchases. Some of the links on this site are "affiliate links." Meaning that, at no additional cost to you, Tamera may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. We're disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."