by Crystal Caudill | Jun 5, 2018 | Book Reviews
The winner from the Interview with Tara can be found at the bottom of the review.
Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson
If you haven’t figured it out yet, I am a HUGE history nerd, and one of my favorite things to research is how the Civil War affected relationships not just between regions of our nation, but within families. Engraved on the Heart does an amazing job of that.
Genre: Historical Romance, 1861, Early Civil War
Plot Overview: More than whispers of war threaten Keziah Montgomery in Savannah, GA. The secret of her falling sickness (epilepsy) is exposed when she loses consciousness during a ball. Former classmate and friend, Dr. Micah Greyson tends to her and they reconnect. Bringing her to a secret abolitionist meeting, Micah reveals why he cannot fight for the Confederacy. Their paths part for a time, but Keziah is forever changed by the story of a runaway slave. She cannot support the Confederacy, though her family is a staunch supporter. Becoming a conductor on the Underground Railroad risks her life and relationship with her family, but it gives her purpose and reconnects her with Micah. As tensions rise, and an antiabolitionist group actively pursues them, will saving others cost their lives and their hearts?
What I loved: The emotional aspect of this story reached a level of depth not often found in Civil War stories. The struggle between family, friends, society, self-worth, and the value of a person were relatable and real. Not to mention, the historical details were accurate and finely interwoven into the story.
Favorite Character: I could see myself in Keziah. Having spent a good portion of my life struggling with self-worth and people-pleasing behaviors, I related to all her emotions and struggles. I also found the descriptions of the epileptic episodes interesting. I have a couple friends with epilepsy and it helped to understand them and what they go through a bit more.
Who would like this: Anyone who loves great historical details, Civil War tensions, emotional stories that deal with self-worth and purpose, and gentle love stories that grow out of adversity.
Rating and Why: I gave this a five-star rating because it was a unique read that really drew in many of the struggles of the time. I was really impressed with the handling of tough issues and all the historical details. It is a story most anyone can relate to.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. The review above was influenced in no way by this and the above opinions are my own.
Join the discussion: The Civil War was a time that tore our nation apart. What do you think would have been the hardest aspect of living during that time period for you?
Purchase Links:
Amazon Barnes and Noble Christianbooks.com Target Walmart
Congratulations Cynthia R., you are the winner of either a print or e-copy of Engraved on the Heart. Please check your email for more information on how to claim your prize.
by Crystal Caudill | May 29, 2018 | Author Interviews
The writing community is a wonderful place where you get the chance to not only interact with other authors you know but also get introduced to amazing authors entering the published world. Tara Johnson is one of those amazing meets for me. She is an amazing, loving woman who faces the challenges set before her with grace, faith, and honesty. It is my privilege to introduce you her today. (And don’t forget to read all the way to the end for a chance to win either an e-copy or a physical copy of her debut novel, Engraved on the Heart.)
Tara Johnson is an author, speaker and singer from Alexander, AR. A passionate lover of stories, she loves to travel to churches, ladies retreats and prisons to share how God led her into freedom after spending years living shackled as a people-pleasing preacher’s kid.
She and her husband Todd have been married for twenty years and the Lord has blessed them with five children: Bethany, Callie, Nate, as well as Taylor Lynn and Morgan Lane who are with Jesus.
Thank you so much, Tara, for joining me on The Write Call. Now it’s time for fun. *Rubs hands excitement.*
Sweet or Unsweet Tea?
Tara: Sweet tea. I’m a Southern girl.
Crystal: And you haven’t had true sweet tea until you’ve had it made from a southerner! 🙂
Beach Vacation or Mountain Getaway?
Tara: Both! I’m originally from Oregon so I was spoiled by having mountains and the ocean next to each other. If I’m at a beach, I want it to be a cold beach next to rocky cliffs. The coastline of northern Oregon or the North Devon coast in Great Britain is my idea of a perfect getaway.
Crystal: That does sound perfect.
Homebody or Love to Travel?
Tara: I love to travel, but my happy place is to be at home surrounded by my family and puttering around in my garden.
Crystal: I have a black thumb, but I certainly love seeing other people’s beautiful gardens.
Morning Person or Night Owl?
Tara: Morning person. By 9:00 pm, my brain is shutting down.
Crystal: Bless the morning people, for I don’t know how you do it!
Bookmark or Dog-ear Pages?
Tara: Dog-ear. I’m always losing bookmarks.
Crystal: It’s okay, we forgive you. 😉
Tara Johnson – the Person
What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?
Tara: I have too many to count. I love how God uses His Word to speak directly to me for whatever season and situation I’m in. I can tell you several I continually return to for comfort and guidance. The entirety of Psalm 139 has a very special place in my heart. God has used it to assure me of His love time and time again. Jeremiah 33:3 is another special verse. “Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand.”
Crystal: A great verse to be sure! And very comforting.
You have a ministry outside of writing books. Would you tell us a little bit about that ministry and how you are involved?
Tara: I have a speaking ministry that focuses on helping those struggling with people-pleasing, fear and depression. I grew up as a preacher’s kid and became a ranting, raving people pleaser. I fell for the lie that approval equals love. It took me a long time, and a horrible battle with depression, to realize the two aren’t the same at all. Approval and love are actually polar opposites. These days, I travel to ladies’ groups, churches and prisons to share how God led me into freedom from those lies. I love to share through music, comedy and stories.
Crystal: That is definitely a struggle for many, especially myself. Even with the Truth, it is so easy to fall back into those old ways.
What was the best advice someone ever gave you about writing, life, or anything that strikes your fancy?
Tara: Years ago, I heard Tamera Alexander give some wonderful advice in a class at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference. She said, “Your books are not your babies. They are products. They do not define your worth, nor are they crafted in perfection.” That was very wise advice. It takes the sting out of criticism when it’s time to edit and keeps me from holding those stories too close.
“Your books are not your babies. They are products. They do not define your worth, nor are they crafted in perfection.”
The other great piece of writing advice I received was this: the villain is always the hero in his own mind. Every person deals with wounds, fears and hurt. Remembering that helps me craft believable characters. It also gives me greater compassion when I’m dealing with cranky people. Ha!
Crystal: Very wise words from Tamera! And great advice for crafting a villain.
Engraved on the Heart
You once shared you had epilepsy, something your main character has. Do Keziah’s experiences reflect some of your own experiences?
Tara: Yes. It was very easy to put myself in Keziah’s place. I’ll never forget the shame that accompanied those moments in elementary school when I would find two dozen pairs of eyes staring at me in horror because I had a seizure. I remember how frustrating it was to find a chunk of time yawning like a black hole in my memory. And I remember the helplessness of having no control over my own body. Rather than avoid those old memories, I embraced them and placed them right into the story.
Crystal: It is hard when God makes us face those tough memories, but oh so beautiful when he changes them into ways that bless others.
Which character was the most fun to create? What makes them fun?
Tara: Ma Linnie. I based her off a real person, a woman who never had children of her own but embraced my brother and me and let us call her “Aunt Betty”. She was a hoot, with a bigger-than-life personality. Whenever I think of Aunt Betty, I smile.
Crystal: You did a great job with her. I think everyone wants a Ma Linnie in their life.
What was some of your favorite research you discovered while preparing for Engraved on the Heart?
Tara: All of it was intriguing. I love learning about the courageous women of the Civil War who served as spies and conductors. I found a treasure of a book called “Slave Narratives of Georgia”. It’s a documented record of interviews with former slaves at the end of the 19th century. The varying opinions among them about their former masters, their opinions of the war, the Union and Confederacy, as well as the people who helped them is fascinating. I was surprised by the vast difference of opinion among them. The research was fundamental in forming Hiriam’s character and backstory.
And no Write Call interview is complete without a fun question:
If you could travel anywhere without worry about cost, where would you travel?
Tara: I’m dying to visit Colonial Williamsburg, as well as explore Savannah again. I can never get enough of it. If money were no object, I would head to Italy in a heartbeat. I’ve always wanted to visit and absorb as much of the culture as possible.
Thank you so much, again, for giving up some time to visit with us. I am praying for you and this launch.
Friends, keep reading below to find out more about Engraved on the Heart, enter the giveaway, and answer your own travel question!
Connect with Tara Johnson:
Website: www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Twitter: @TaraMinistry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraLynnJohnsonAuthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarajohnsonministry/
Engraved on the Heart
Reluctant debutante Keziah Montgomery lives beneath the weighty expectations of her staunch Confederate family, forced to keep her epilepsy secret for fear of a scandal. As the tensions of the Civil War arrive on their doorstep in Savannah, Keziah sees little cause for balls and courting. Despite her discomfort, she cannot imagine an escape from her familial confines—until her old schoolmate Micah shows her a life-changing truth that sets her feet on a new path . . . as a conductor in the Underground Railroad.
Dr. Micah Greyson never hesitates to answer the call of duty, no matter how dangerous, until the enchanting Keziah walks back into his life and turns his well-ordered plans upside down. Torn between the life he has always known in Savannah and the fight for abolition, Micah struggles to discern God’s plan amid such turbulent times.
Battling an angry fiancé, a war-tattered brother, bounty hunters, and their own personal demons, Keziah and Micah must decide if true love is worth the price . . . and if they are strong enough to survive the unyielding pain of war.
Preorder Links:
Amazon.com Barnes and Noble Christianbook.com
Rafflecopter Giveaway:
Alright, beloved readers, it is the time you all have been waiting for! This time I am giving the winner a copy of Engraved on the Heart (e-book or physical – your choice). Just comment below AND use the Rafflecopter link below to enter. Entries are open Tuesday 12 AM (EST) 5/29/2018 and close on Monday, 6/4/2108, at 11:59 PM (EST). Winner will be announced on the Engraved on the Heart Review the next day.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Legal Jargon: No Purchase is necessary. This contest is open to all readers in the world, 18 years and older who are legally allowed to participate in such a giveaway as allowed by their local laws. The Write Call does not exchange prizes for reviews. Reviews are appreciated, but not required.*
Join the Conversation: Where would you travel if you could travel anywhere?
by Crystal Caudill | May 22, 2018 | Book Reviews
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep
(Book 3 of the Daughters of the Mayflower Series)
I love Michelle’s books and this one didn’t fail to entertain. This book is the third in a groundbreaking series written by different authors put out by Barbour Books following the lineage of women starting at the Mayflower. While very loosely connected, it is a fun concept.
I highly recommend pre-ordering this story.
Genre: Historical Romance, 1770, French and Indian War
Plot Overview: Mercy Lytton, a scout with keen eyesight raised among the Mohawks, and Elias Dubois, a condemned traitor working both sides of the conflict, must join together to get a shipment of gold safely into British hands.
What I loved: I loved the constant pace and tension. As usual, Michelle brings a wonderful collection of unique characters and surprises that are fun to read. The constant tension between who Elias really served made for an especially fun twist. I had my suspicions, but every now and then something would happen that would make me question who he really served.
*As a side note, I really enjoyed the author’s notes about the historical research and the bibliography so I could find out more.*
Favorite Character: Mercy and Elias were my favorites. Although, all the other side characters were a lot of fun and very tempting to select. I especially enjoyed Matthew as the overbearing protective father-figure, because who doesn’t like to believe there is a father-figure out there willing to protect you.
Who would like this: Anyone who loves adventure, women who do not fit the “standard” mold, espionage, traitors, danger, and history.
Rating and Why: I gave this a five-star rating because it was a fun, adventurous read that kept me up all night. As my time becomes more precious and lack of sleep more detrimental to productivity, staying up all night to read is a sure sign that the author has convinced me to set logic and responsibility aside.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. The review above was influenced in no way by this and the above opinions are my own.
Join the discussion: Does genealogy intrigue you? Do you know your family tree or how far you can go back? Any interesting tidbits?
Purchase Links:
Christianbooks.com Barnes and Noble Amazon
More in the Daughters of the Mayflower series:
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (June 2018)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (coming August 2018)
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (coming October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (coming December 2018)
by Crystal Caudill | May 14, 2018 | Book Reviews
Welcome to the blog tour and giveaway for The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
Hi guys! This is my first Review tour for JustRead Publicity Tours, but you will find my review is just the same. There is a GIVEAWAY associated with this review so please read through to the bottom and feel free to follow all the other review posts for the Accidental Guardian on other blogs that will be going up every day for the next two weeks.
On to the Review!
The Accidental Guardian
by Mary Connealy
Genre: Historical Romance, 1867 – Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Plot Overview: Deb is the only eye-witness of a wagon train attack that left her and her sister responsible for two young children in the mountains of Nevada as winter sets in. With no other choice, she must rely on Trace, a stranger known as the Guardian, to get them to safety and protect them from the dangers of winter and the criminals still on the loose.
What I loved: I enjoyed the humor of a situation where a man who’d been on his own in the wilderness since he was fifteen is thrown into caring for two women and two young children. He seems adept at is while still bumbling and suffering through several funny challenges of early morning potty screams and how to talk to women.
Favorite Character: I enjoyed all the characters, but to be honest, Wolf was my favorite. Half wolf, half domesticated dog, he is quite the companion for Trace and his wards. He can go from determined defender to puddle of goo begging for a belly rub at any moment. I love how he had his own personality.
Who would like this: Anyone who enjoys stories of survival in harsh conditions, stories of justice, light romance, light danger, and adventure.
Rating and Why: I gave this a four-star rating because for me the pacing felt slow compared to her other stories. It was an enjoyable read, but it took until the last quarter of the book before the danger became evident and built up the tension. The romantic tension was light, and the motivations for the characters were okay, but it just didn’t pull me in like some of her other stories. This is still a story I would recommend to others to read and I will enjoy reading the rest of this series.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher/author. I was in no way required to leave a review, and the above review is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Accidental Guardian
Series: High Sierra Sweethearts, Book 1
Author: Mary Connealy
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance / Western
+To Read: Goodreads
She’s the Only Witness to a Wagon Train Attack. Keeping Her Safe, Though, Means His World Is about to be Turned Upside Down.
When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he’s finally carved out a home and started a herd–while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail. He’d hoped the days of driving off dangerous men were over, but the latest attack shows otherwise.
Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling–yet enticing.
Trace and Deborah find themselves drawing ever closer as they work together to bring justice to the trail and help the group survive the winter–but every day closer to spring means a day closer to leaving the mountains forever.
The next book in the series, THE RELUCTANT WARRIOR will be released later this year in October, 2018!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography
Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.
CONNECT WITH MARY: website, facebook, twitter, instagram
GIVEAWAY
(1) Winner will win:
- The Cimarron Legacy by Mary Connealy (all 3 print books)
- The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy (print)
(US/Canada Mailing Addresses Only) Full terms & conditions noted on Rafflecopter form.
To Enter, use the Rafflecopter giveaway below (or click on the Giveaway banner above). Be sure to stop at every post on the tour for additional entries!
For the full tour schedule for more giveaway entries, head to JustRead’s Launch Page HERE (or click on the Tour Banner below).
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
by Crystal Caudill | May 1, 2018 | Book and Writing Events, Writer's Life
I know, it’s a year away, but registration is OPEN for the amazing Christian Fiction Reader’s Retreat taking place in Washington, D.C. April 5-6, 2019.
If you are able, I highly recommend attending this event. The information below comes from the Christian Fiction Reader’s Retreat Page. Please visit them for more information and register soon!
What is CFRR?
“Christian Fiction Readers Retreat is a one day event gathering of Christian Fiction readers and authors. The event’s theme is “Honoring God through Christian Fiction” and will feature speaker sessions, author panels, breakout sessions, prayer & worship and author signings.
An unprecedented event in the Christian Fiction genre, the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat (CFRR) offers an opportunity for readers to meet and chat with authors. The event will include food, games, giveaways and free books. Following a successful 2016 debut in Nashville, and a second one on August 12th in Cincinnati, Ohio, the next CFRR will take place in the Spring of 2019 in the VA/DC/MD area.”
– CFRR Website
What Authors will be OFFICIALLY there?
| Amber Lynn Perry |
Gabrielle Meyer |
Megan Whitson Lee |
| Becca Whitham |
Janet Ferguson |
Melissa Tagg |
| Bethany Turner |
Jayme H Mansfield |
Mesu Andrews |
| Carole Towriss |
Jean C. Gordon |
Mikal Dawn |
| Carrie Turansky |
Kimberley Woodhouse |
Misty M Beller |
| Cathy Gohlke |
Kristi Ann Hunter |
Roseanna M. White |
| Connilyn Cossette |
Kristin Noel Fischer |
Ruth Logan Herne |
| Dawn Crandall |
Lindsay Harrel |
Sandra Ardoin |
| Deborah Giusti |
Lindsey Brackett |
Stephenia H. McGee |
| Elaine Stock |
Lisa Cox Carter |
Susan May Warren |
| Erica Vetsch |
Lisa Jordan |
Toni Shiloh |
| Eva Marie Everson |
Mary Connealy |
Tracey J Lyons |
Last year, I discovered that authors are just as excited to go as a reader to a reader event. And why not? We’re avid readers, too.
What do you do there?
When I went in 2017, I was so impressed with how the event went. It was like a spiritual retreat mixed with a reader’s dream. We had awesome times of worship, a devotional, speakers who glorified God, and we prayed together, authors prayed with me. It was an amazing spiritual refueling.
In addition to the spiritual side of things, we played games, won prizes, asked questions, fan-girled (I swear I wasn’t the only one), and came home with these awesome bags filled with books, reader swag, and awesome goodies. It was an amazing time.
(First Photo by EA Creative Photography)
What does Registration include?
The Registration Fee for the Main Event (April 6, 2019, 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM) includes: :
- Entry to the 2019 Christian Fiction Readers Retreat (CFRR) Main Event on April 6, 2019, which includes (3) speaker sessions, at least (2) author panels, breakout sessions and the opportunity meet and chat with authors, and fellow readers.
- Author signing at the end of the day to chat with authors and fellow readers
- A goody bag full of swag from authors, publishers, sponsors and CFRR
- Light breakfast
- Lunch
- Afternoon snack
- All day non-alcoholic beverage service
- Tons of chances to win giveaways donated by authors and sponsors throughout the day
- One entry into the Grand Prize of the event
The Registration Fee for the Meet & Greet Event (April 5, 2019, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM) includes:
- Entry to the 2019 Christian Fiction Readers Retreat (CFRR) Meet & Greet Event on April 5, 2019. It will start at 6:00 PM and run through 8:00 PM or later.
- Please note, the reserved space for the Meet & Greet have limited capacity, and therefore ticket sales will be closed once capacity is met. It will not accommodate all guests for the main event.
- Non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks will be served by the hotel. Guests are welcome to purchase additional food (only) from the hotel restaurant and bring it to the Meet & Greet.
- A relaxed schedule will be posted closer to date.
So what are you waiting for? This is an event you DO NOT want to miss if at all possible. Visit the Christian Fiction Reader’s Retreat Website and register, ASAP. Last year the spots filled up before the Registration Deadline.
Important Dates:
- Readers’ Registration Begins – April 30, 2018 at 11:00 AM EST
- Readers’ Registration Deadline – September 20, 2018 or until capacity reached (whichever comes first)
- Hotel Room block Deadline – March 15, 2019 or until block capacity reached (whichever comes first)
- 2019 Christian Fiction Readers’ Retreat – April 5 – April 6, 2019
Join the Discussion: Who is going? If you can’t go, what questions would you want to be answered by a participating author? I’ll try to remember to ask them and share it when I do my CFRR Review post next May.
