Not only has Johnson written a novel that will totally change the way you see certain parts of history, she will inspire you, encourage you, and challenge you. Engraved on the Heart has certainly been engraved on my heart, and will forever be. Might I say this is one of the best stories I have ever read? The emotions, the trials, the medical issues, and so much more. It's all there. Grab your tissues, a comfy chair and a warm beverage and start reading. You will not regret it.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"Be discreet. Wise as serpents , harmless as doves. . ."
1861 in Savanna, Georgia. A young girl of society who has epilepsy struggles with the shame that her family puts on her because of her illness. She's very restricted. She has a fit at a dance just seconds before it's announced that the Civil War had begun. Kizzie loves the slaves in their household, so abolitionism is not a bad idea for her, and she looks for ways to be involved in the Underground Railroad. She's good at it, until her cousin comes to stay with them. Micah has loved Kizzie for years but has secrets that keep him from telling her. He is a doctor who becomes involved with taking care of Union soldiers. Thus unfolds a very well told, interesting account of people who lived at that time, and their reasons for choosing the sides they chose. Good Christian guidance. Easy to get lost in.

"I wrestled with the Almighty through most of it, but there’s great peace in surrender.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#NetGalley #EngravedOnTheHeart

I’m always happy to find well-done inspirational novels to share with my students, and Tara Johnson’s debut novel fits that bill! Engraved on the Heart features a sweet love story set in the South during the Civil War time period. The hero and heroine face down family and culture to join the abolitionists in standing for the value of all people.

The main character works through her own issues on personal worth, as well. Instead of thinking of herself as “trash, addled, and worthless” she learns to trust God’s perspective. “‘But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us . . . I make you worthy, little one. You are loved. You are valued. You are my treasure, whom I purchased for a beautiful purpose. I am the God who sees you.’” A timely message for all readers!

The last few months have been so very busy for me, and it has been hard to find time to read. When I am able to carve out some time to indulge in a book, I have found that the last few I have chosen haven't captured my attention from the get-go, and I plod the remaining way through the story.

Whoa! Not Engraved on the Heart! What an amazing debut novel by Tara!! I sat down to start the book, and I must have been interrupted by a child, but as I checked my Kindle, I was 29% through the book! By my criteria, that must mean a good 'un! I was totally captivated by Tara's descriptions and characters, and she swept me right into the heart of the story without any effort on my part.

Engraved on the Heart had everything I love in a Civil War setting: the conflict, the suspense, the fear, the courage, the love! Tara captured it all, and I would definitely pick up her next book...whatever it is!

I don't want to give spoilers, but the fight climax had some confusing issues. I couldn't quite figure out how it actually occurred (because of the disability of one of the characters) or was resolved...but, the rest of the book was too good to wonder about it for too very long.

Well done, Tara! I loved it!

While not usually a fan of Underground Railroad stories, this was mesmerizing enough to grab my attention. I loved the character growth and development as they struggled to find their place. Well written and worth the chance!

In her debut novel, Tara Johnson takes readers into the Civil War with originality and insight. Set in the deep south—Savannah, Georgia—Engraved on the Heart not only shines a light on the danger surrounding those involved in the underground railroad but also illuminates the hearts of those people risking their lives to give others freedom.

Keziah Montgomery’s family is ensconced in Savannah society. With a well-known father, house-slaves, and a brother joining the confederate army, her loyalties should align. But when her childhood friend Grayson takes her to an abolitionist meeting, her heart is nudged toward compassion for the slaves who live under the thumbs (and tempers) of their owners.

Despite Keziah’s epilepsy, she places her trust in God to keep her safe and healthy when her compassion leads to action. Her heart shines throughout the book—from quiet moments with her family’s slaves to her reliance on God and her conversations with Micah. Is it any wonder that man has loved her since childhood?

Johnson weaves a story of secrets, danger, unrest, and duplicity. There are some hard truths in this book, scenes that are heart wrenching and sometimes hard to read. Yet Johnson’s inclusion of them proves her commitment to exposing the harsh realities of prejudice and war.

A beautiful debut that points to promising future readers, Engraved on the Heart is one to add to the must-read list.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

If I could give this book more stars, I totally would! I absolutely loved it! This debut book from Tara Johnson is excellent! It’s very well written. She had me hooked from the beginning. There is such a positive message in this book. It’s set during a very dark time in U.S. history, but there is a light of hope in this. I love that it had to do with the Underground Railroad. I also love that the theme seems to be that God can use you for His plans even if you think you are too broken to be of any use. I highly recommend this book!

I enjoyed this book. It was set during the heart of the civil war and was about a lady who decided to make a difference.
I thought that Keziah grew a lot throughout this book and was relatable to the author. I thought the relationship between
Keziah and Micah. I liked how the story described the different beliefs people had before and during the civil war. I thought the story moved
really quick at the beginning. I think Tara Johnson did a good job creating a story that shares the thruth of the Lord.

I recommend this book to my family and friends.
I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest opinion.

"Most wisdom comes through trial (...) but there's great peace in surrender"


I am absolutely impressed my Tara Johnson's debut! There heart and care woven throughout this story. The setting just comes alive and it was torture to put this book down when I had to. Obviously there has been an amount of research to bring this story alive, and I believe the author did a splendid job. My heart twisted with sorrow as I pondered on the society's thoughts in the 1800's and if we have truly walked away from these stained thoughts. The fact that history can't be forgotten to not be repeated has never rang so true.

Keziah Montgomery is endearing and brave coming to see her society, her household and her own heart for where it would stand in the light of the only truth. There are some stories that "courageous, beautiful and sweet" characters might seem futile, for from reality, but I never felt that with Keziah, or Kizzie, as her dear friend Micah Greyson calls her.

Coming face to face with hurt can be overwhelming as we question what our part can be. But ignoring is not an option, so faith can be a powerful weapon as we choose to invest on one life at a time, one freedom at a time. And never underestimate the ripples produced afterwards if we cling to faithfulness. The journey is never easy, but let's not "live in the land of what-ifs. God's not there. He is I Am".

This is a beautiful and heartwarming debut novel from Tara Johnson!
I wasn’t sure what to expect but the cover and the blurb were so atractive for me because I love Civil War novels.
Well this book didn’t disappoint, and I’m amazed a debut novel could be so good.
Keziah Montgomery has been misunderstood so many years because of her epilepsy spells. Her parents see her as a week and limited person who must be shielded from the hardships of life. Yet she dreams of a life full of love that seems so out of reach... until her schoolbum appears as a grown man, a physician none the less. Micah has been in love with Kizzie since childhood but has always feared of telling her. Her family is Confederate and his father fighted for the abolitionists. This one of the reasons her family despises him and ignores his suggestions for treating Kizzie’s malady. Meanwhile Micah opens her eyes to the situations most slaves endure and quite unexpectedly Kizzie starts to function, with great sangre, as a conductor of slaves to freedom “underground railroad”. At the same time the war developes and Kizzie’s brother is reported dead. Her father falls ill and on her deathbed makes Kizzie promise she’ll marry an older and despicable man to ensure her and her mother’s care. Micah Words for the “underground railroad” too and he’s shocked when he realizes Kizzie is also part of it. I won’t spoil you the story, but things get very complicated... I was so captivated with this book that I couldn’t put it down!
I loved the characters: Micah with his passion for the cause and his generous heart, Keziah has an impacting transformation through out the story. She turns from inescure to a compassionate and strong woman ready to defend what she believes to be true, even at the cost of her life.
The romance between Micah and Kizzie is tender and clean. I think there’s more drama and suspense than romance in it, and I like that.
The secondary characters are so endearing, especially Hiriam, he’s my favorite and Ma Linnie is hilarious, so she added a bit of humor to the story. This novel has everything: love, forgiveness, drama, adventure and suspense.
And it has an enlighting message behind: about trusting God and letting Him guide you in your choices. About prayer and trust in God.
I loved when Kizzie realizes that God is enough for her, she can lack anything else if that’s His Will, but He’ll never forsake us but quite the contrary, He loves us madly.
I would definitely s book to anyone who likes historicals. It’s a beautiful story that will surely touch your hearts. And you’ll shed a tear or two...
I received a gifted copy from the author through netgalley. But later, I won a copy from a goodreads giveaway, so now I own the book. This will be one that I’ll reread from time to time.
Well done Tara Johnson! Looking forward to reading more of your books!
Hopefully Micah and Kizzie will continue to appear in a sequel. I would love to know what happens to Kizzie’s family after the war ends...

Keziah Montgomery is part of a family that is entrenched in the old Southern ways--slave holding, class systems, and all the trappings of wealth. When the war comes to Keziah's doorstep, she is still kept within the confines of her family. She meets an old school mate, Micah Greyson, who showed her a different way to think about her whole way of life.

Engraved on the Heart is a well-thought out and well-researched story based on the war in the deep south. Keziah is protrayed as rather scattered and inexperienced. When a couple of slaves hide away in her wagon, she has to figure out how to get them on the underground railroad. Without counting the cost to herself, especially where her family is concerned, she continues her nighttime rendevous with the runaway slaves.

For a first time author, Tara Johnson has written a runaway hit. Her characters are completely believable, some are likable, and some cause a few tears to flow. This is a five-star book, two thumbs up, and a hidden box in a wagon.

Tyndale House provided the galley I read through NetGalley.com. The opinions expressed here in my blog are mine alone.

Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson


After having her eyes opened to the plight of the slaves, Keziah found herself in a conundrum. Helping the slaves would endanger herself and her family. And, if her family ever found out, they would most likely consider it treason, especially with her brother fighting the Yankees. I found myself wondering if I would have the courage to make the choices she did.

Micah was a noble hero. He could have lived a much easier life but chose to sacrifice for those in need. The way he had always loved Keziah was very sweet, as was the way he tried to protect her and help her in every way he could.

While there were elements of romance, there was more suspense and conflict. An arranged marriage to a much older (and despicable) man, Keziah’s epilepsy, a cousin who came at the worst possible time, deception, fear, death, and ultimately hope fill the pages.

I loved the way the author related the story of this dark era in such a way that it was not dark. It was appropriately somber yet with faith and hope intermingled with the struggles. It was heartwarming and a pleasure to read.


This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net.

Get a preview of Engraved on the Heart at amongTheReads.net


I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

What a book! I was hooked from page one of this historical novel that places you right in the middle of the Civil War and the abolitionist movement. You are on the front lines of saving lives and giving deserving people hope and freedom. It is a powerful book from start to finish.

Keziah Montgomery is the beautiful daughter of a Confederate family. They want to see Keziah marry and have a "normal" life but she has an illness, epilepsy, that is widely misunderstood. They see her as a person that has to rest and be away from stress. She feels like a prisoner in her family's home. She does have one ray of light, Dr. Micah Greyson. They were friends in school and he comes to her aid once again when she has an epileptic seizure. The way he tenderly cares for her is something she will not forget. But Keziah's parents have no warm feelings for the young doctor. Micah's father was an abolitionist and that has made most Confederate families look down upon him. Micah introduces Keziah to the abolition movement that he himself is so passionate about. Keziah is moved by what she sees at this meeting and begins to be a conductor on the pathway to freedom for slaves. She is truly caught in the middle of wanting to do what she believes in her heart is right, but aware that the cost of what she is doing could be great. The book gets much more complicated when Keziah's cousin comes to live with them and she becomes involved in helping to bring abolitionist to justice. Keziah also finds herself engaged to a man twice her age. She also falls deeply in love with Micah but he has a secret that is keeping them apart.

The book is captivating and so well written. The ending is magnificent. Where they end the book just touches your heart. Well done Tara Johnson!

"Love doesn't manipulate. And it doesn't control. Love gives, even if it costs the giver everything."

This quote is displayed multiple times over in this beautifully told story. A man's love for his childhood sweetheart, a man's love for his daughter-of-his-heart, people's love for fellow people, God's love for His children!

I truly loved everything about this story! It is very well written, moves along smoothly, keeps you engaged, brings tears to your eyes, and puts a smile on your face. Tara Johnson is a beautiful story teller and I look forward to reading much more from her!