Praise for Tara Johnson

“Bringing facets of Civil War history to life, Where Dandelions Bloom is an engaging journey of hidden identity and of discovering what’s most important in life—and in love. A story certain to delight fans of historical romance!”

TAMERA ALEXANDER, USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF CHRISTMAS AT CARNTON AND A NOTE YET UNSUNG

“In her sparkling debut . . . Johnson crafts an inspirational tale of love, fortitude, and what it means to do the right thing when the very concept of ‘right’ is challenged.”

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, STARRED REVIEW

“A timeless and timely theme of helping persecuted people blooms into an unusual Civil War romance that explores Keziah’s search for a purpose, the intersection of faith and practice, and how single acts have far-reaching effects.”

FOREWORD REVIEWS

“Debut novelist Johnson does not shy away from the horrors of slavery and the important role of the Underground Railroad, but the tone of this historical romance is much lighter than expected. . . . Fans of the genre will be pleased.”

LIBRARY JOURNAL

“Keziah and Micah brave danger and death to help slaves journey to freedom, reminding readers that choosing right often involves great sacrifice.”

CBA CHRISTIAN MARKET

“A truly lovely debut novel. [Told] through the eyes of an unlikely heroine awakening to the injustices of slavery, Engraved on the Heart brings Savannah, Georgia, during the Civil War to life. Tara Johnson writes with honesty and compassion, undergirded with solid research. The characters are lovingly drawn, and Keziah’s growth from sheltered weakness to faithful courage is simply radiant. A book to savor and an author to watch!”

SARAH SUNDIN, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE SEA BEFORE US AND THE WAVES OF FREEDOM SERIES

“Set amid the beauty of Savannah, Georgia, at the onset of the Civil War, Engraved on the Heart is a story that is as spiritually profound as it is romantic, its heroine as memorable and unique as her lovely name. Johnson weaves a tale of secrets, selflessness, and service where love and truth triumph. A remarkable, memorable debut!”

LAURA FRANTZ, AUTHOR OF THE LACEMAKER

“Through the eyes of pop-off-the-page characters, readers are whisked into turbulent Confederate Savannah, from charming balls to the intrigue and danger of the Underground Railroad. Woven throughout this vibrant tale are strong spiritual threads sure to inspire. Lovers of Civil War fiction will rejoice to add Engraved on the Heart to their collections. I’ll be looking for more from Tara Johnson!”

JOCELYN GREEN, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE HEROINES BEHIND THE LINES CIVIL WAR SERIES

“Blending realistic, relatable characters and the heartrending issue of slavery against a beautifully painted backdrop, Tara Johnson presents a debut novel that will leave you satisfied and yet still wanting more. Both major issues—living with an uncontrollable health issue and being trapped in servitude—could become oppressive or maudlin, but Johnson expertly handles both and weaves them so intricately into the story’s fabric that a beautiful tapestry of overcoming hardship and experiencing freedom emerges. I highly recommend this engaging and intriguing historical novel.”

KIM VOGEL SAWYER, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF BRINGING MAGGIE HOME

“Tara Johnson delivers a stirring tale of danger and hope in Engraved on the Heart. I was invested in Micah and Kizzie’s love story from the very first chapter—and fell more than a little in love with Micah myself.”

ROBIN LEE HATCHER, RITA AND CHRISTY AWARD–WINNING AUTHOR OF YOU’LL THINK OF ME AND YOU’RE GONNA LOVE ME