I’m thrilled to have my friend and fellow inspirational historical author TARA JOHNSON sharing about a spiritual element and excerpt from her upcoming novel, All Through the Night releasing in January 2021.
With each story I write, God teaches me something new. In Engraved on the Heart, God reminded me through the heroine Keziah that broken doesn’t mean worthless. In Where Dandelions Bloom, Cassie struggles to forgive her abusive father, but finally realizes there is no freedom apart from it. Cassie’s story was also a reminder of the hope that blooms, even amid the hardest times…a lesson I’m clinging to during this uncertain season in our lives.
My upcoming release is no different. In All Through the Night, Cadence Piper has always struggled to be accepted because of her stammering tongue and quiet ways. After the death of her mother, Cadence sets her heart on becoming a nurse, both to erase the stain her brother has left on the family’s honor, and to find long-sought approval in the eyes of her father. When Dorothea Dix turns her away due to her young age and pretty face, Cadence finds another way to serve…singing to soldiers in the hospital. When her life becomes entangled with a mysterious surgeon and the press gets wind of her talent, Cadence’s fame soars. Before long, Cadence is pulled in a dozen different directions…singing as the voice of the Union, caring for soldiers, managing her clandestine activities against an evil secret society, all while trying to finally grasp the elusive approval of her father.
Excerpt from All Through the Night
Cadence stumbled through the clawing darkness, but it panted against her heart like a beast waiting to snap her up. No light, no path. No one could see her. Hear her. She was alone.
Alone. Alone.
“No!”
Warm air invaded as her eyes snapped open. Something fluttered over her face. Her sheets? With a cry, she yanked the offending fabric away and breathed in long pulls of night air. Moonlight cut silver swaths of light across her room. Gasping, she collapsed against her pillow.
It was only a dream.
Sweat glued the fabric of her nightgown to her skin. Her heartbeat slowed as she twisted to stare up at the ceiling.
Only a dream, and yet it wasn’t.
Mother was gone, and she was to blame. Tate had fled and Father had little to do with her. Tears pricked her eyes as her throat swelled. In the ways that mattered, she was alone.
Even now, surrounded by darkness, long-held childhood fears reached out to choke her. Terrified of being noticed while yearning to be seen, truly seen and loved, despite her flaws.
Clutching the sheets between her knuckled fingers, she pressed them to her chest, willing the tears to flee.
God, did you see me then? Do you see me now?
Cadence and I both fell for the lie that approval equals love. After years of exhaustion, of hiding behind my masks and dark depression, I’ve learned that approval and love are not the same thing at all. They are, in fact, polar opposites.
Approval is a stamp that says, “You meet my expectations”. Love says, “You’re a mess, but I’m crazy about you anyway.” Approval and love are not the same thing.
What I had to learn, and what Cadence did too, is my worth in God’s eyes. I’m tired of shackling myself to others’ expectations when obeying Him is all that matters. I’m tired of being sucked into a spiral of exhaustion when He has promised rest. I’m tired of living like everyone else’s opinion of me is more important than His. I have no desire to place people, and their approval, as my idol, my focus, or my hope any longer.
I pray those who read this story will find freedom from people-pleasing, and know that the unconditional love they’ve always longed for is found in the arms of Jesus.
Meet the Author
Tara Johnson is an author and speaker, and loves to write stories that help people break free from the lies they believe about themselves.
Tara’s debut novel Engraved on the Heart (Tyndale) earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and finaled in the Carol and Christy awards. In addition to be published in a variety of digital and print magazines, she has been a featured guest on Voice of Truth radio, Enduring Word radio, television and podcasts. Her third novel All Through the Night is set to release in January of 2021. She is a history nerd, especially the Civil War, and adores making people laugh. She, her husband, and children live in Arkansas.
Website: www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraLynnJohnsonAuthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarajohnsonministry/
Pre-order link for All Through the Night:
Order link for Where Dandelions Bloom:
Order link for Engraved on the Heart:
More Inspirational Historical Novels
Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance
UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!
Tara is graciously offering a PRINT COPY of the winner’s choice of either
Where Dandelions Bloom OR All Through the Night (when it releases)
**Open to US Addresses only
Two Civil War movies come to mind: Gettysburg and Glory.
There are several great books out there.
I love Christian Historicals!
Hi Paula! I’ve heard of both of those, but have never seen them. I need to get a hold of them to view. I love historicals as well! Thanks for stopping by!
I love Civil War movies!
Love the Civil War books…. but soooo sad…
Hi Judy! Yes. It was a sad era for America, but such rich history. I’m enjoying writing my first Civil War novel.
It sure can be sad but inspiring.
I would love to read either book.
Hi Mary Ann! Tara is a gifted author. I know you would enjoy her writing. Be sure to click on the Rafflecopter giveaway options above to enter!
I pray if you do, that you’ll enjoy them!
Oh wow, Tara! This just makes me want to read it all the more.
North and South & Gone With the Wind, hopefully not dating myself too much. 😉 Such an interesting time to read about!
I love Gone with the Wind!
Hi Robin! It sure is. Gone with the Wind seems a popular one. I had forgotten about North & South! Another good one. Thanks!
Gone with the wind but I think I would probably cringe at some of the content these days. I don’t watch TV or movies much anymore and stick to Christian or clean novels.
Hi Perianne! I agree. They don’t make TV or movies like they used to. =) Thanks for stopping by to enter!
I really like Gods & Generals (as far as movies go) and Free State of Jones.
Hi Elly! I’ve not heard of either of these. Will have to check them out. Thanks for stopping by to enter!
Ooh! You’re in for a treat, then! Gods & Generals is really good when it comes to the historical accuracy of the war itself and the battles, along with showing a good balance of the reasoning behind both sides. And Free State of Jones is about a little-known aspect of the war that went on somewhat behind the scenes. It’s got a great story and I love it!😉
They both sound intriguing! Thanks for the tips, Elly!
I love the Civil War Era. I loved Gone with the Wind. This book sounds very intriguing and the cover is Beautiful.
Hi Alicia! Yes. It’s an eye-catching cover. I’m going to have to read Gone with the Wind! I hear it’s better than the movie, and I liked the movie! =)
Thank you! Tyndale rocked it!
I am so looking forward to reading this book! The premise sounds amazing and the cover is gorgeous!
Hi Betsy! I agree on all counts! The best to you in the giveaway!
I have loved Tara’s other books and cannot wait to read this one too! I loved Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin as a Civil War era read as well!
Hi Britni! I’ve not heard of Candle in the Darkness, but it sounds intriguing! Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to check out all the options in the Rafflecopter giveaway to rack up entries!
Candle in the Darkness is phenomenal. My favorite Lynn Austin story is Fire by Night.
Gone With the Wind!
A popular choice! Thanks, Joan!
My favorite Civil War movie is the classic “Gone with the Wind.” I cannot pinpoint a favorite novel.
Hi Roxanne! A great choice of movies! Thanks for stopping by to enter.
I’m super excited about this new book from Tara!! I am really looking forward to reading it!
Hi Trisha! Yes, me too. It sounds like a good one! =)
Thank you, Trisha!
Hard to pick one Civil War book as I’ve read so many I loved. I especially loved the series by Jocelyn Green. Thank you for the chance. Blessings
It is hard to choose. I’ve heard great things about Jocelyn Green’s books. I need to read them. Thanks, Lucy! Blessings to you too!
The Black Flower
Hi Nancy! I’ll have the look into that one. I’me not familiar with it. Thanks!
Glory is my favorite civil war movie. I liked the fact that it is based on a true story.
Love movies based on true stories! Thanks, Vivian! The best to you in the giveaway!
I like The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara.
That’s a new one for me. Thanks, Gabrielly!