The depth of emotion, history, and character growth that Johnson portrays in this book is simply amazing. In a time when our world is so chaotic, I think we need more stories like this to remind us what truly matters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I haven't read a Civil War book in awhile. Most historical books I see publishing recently are about more modern wars. This one is one I won't forget anytime soon.
What makes it even more fascinating is it's based on factual events and people.
I was drawn into the plight of a young woman who just wants to make a difference despite her father's and society's disapproval.
It was inspiring to read about the encouragement she gives to the troops as she shares her gift of singing and uplifting spirits.
I enjoyed the intricate plot line and the realism of the story.
There are descriptions of battleground surgery and disturbing aspects of the war but this makes the book even more realistic.
Very compelling with themes of forgiveness and the power to influence others to become better people.

Pub Date: 05 Jan 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

All Through the Night is the first book I've read by Tara Johnson, but I'm looking forward to reading more of her stories. This was a book I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy, but once I started it I could hardly put it down. I was drawn into the story and felt like the characters were real.

The romance was great and I really loved how that progressed. It was unique. The danger in this book was intense and something that made me read as quickly as I could - I needed to see what was going to happen next.

All in all, I loved this book. It was intense and just SO good.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

I loved how the author highlighted the struggles of the heroine's condition. I thought it made her interesting and relatable, especially when she struggled through the many challenges she faced to find success.

I loved reading this latest story from Tara Johnson! A young woman determined to make a difference, even when her father and society itself would rather hide her away. She has a beautiful gift of singing, but more than that a heart for healing and helping other’s. Her determination at times gets her into trouble.
This wonderful story is one I won’t soon forget!

Another masterpiece by Tara Johnson. Historical. Romantic. A captivating read. Well developed characterization. Five stars.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book going in - except the surprising revelation that it was set during the Civil War and involved doctoring. I was surprised about this since the cover model does not at all seem Civil War-ish.

I mean, I suppose you could say, "It's a picture of her nursing so of course she doesn't have the skirtage!" But she at least needs a few extra petticoats or else her dress would be slouching ridiculously. xD

Anyways, my confusion aside, I struggled to get into it at first. Not as in it was difficult to read, but as in, I felt like it jumped around a lot, and I didn't care about the main character. Around 30% in, that started shifting as the book picked up speed, stopped jumping like a jackrabbit, and the main characters started developing storylines.

To get the rest of my negatives out of the way, I was occasionally confused once again, and I was a bit confused by why Cadence kept letting Joshua kiss her - like, can we just ...? *confusion* I'm not offended by the kisses themselves, but it seemed out of character for Cadence. (I mean, what woman, especially a woman like Cadence, kisses a man back when he just randomly kisses her during an argument - from her POV, I mean? Like ...???) Honestly, half of the time, he's just like, "It's too dangerous!" And she's like, "But I love danger!"

Also, I still feel like Cadence was a little annoying and maybe overly innocent, but I think she might just be ... not my type of character? So that's okay. I did get to liking Joshua, though I really wish the author had dug a little more into both their personalities and character arcs because sometimes it seemed more like, "Whatever works for the story" and other times they're trying to convince me the character has always been like X, and I'm like, "So why did they X here?" Like Cadence being shy/fearful/etc. but then turning around and literally being like, "I love Joshua because she's dangerous." CHILD I OUGHTA-!

ANYWHO, all that aside, I still think it was a good book. It had some fun intrigue, some adorable children, some talks about serious but important subjects, and a great theme about pleasing people vs. pleasing God (not something I struggle with but still something I could understand).

I really enjoyed the writing, and the medical descriptions (though perhaps too brutal for some - I felt they were tasteful, but I'm a literal cow-slaughterer) really fascinated me. I always like reading about how medicine has evolved and all. (I did feel like it was a little extra for Cadence to figure out that the instruments needed sanitized, but whatever. I mean, it was all figured out around that time ...) Joshua is a great dad, and Cadence will make a great mom, which is great.

I looked up a few names while reading because I was curious, but the author's note confirmed that a lot of what she was writing about was based on reality. I wondered that, as some of the elements felt so fantastical that I hoped she had drawn from real life! And she had. I didn't know about The Knights (I mean, I've studied the Civil War A LOT, so I figure I must've learned about them some time, but I had completely and utterly forgot!) so that was really interesting.

Anywho, those are my general thoughts! I think it was a pretty good book. I rambled about negatives, I know, but I still enjoyed it, and there were a lot of pros to outweigh the cons

All Through the Night is one of the best books I have read this year and I can easily imagine it being one of my favorites of 2021, it’s that good. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and this one was absolutely fascinating from start to finish.

Cadence and Joshua are wonderful characters, I couldn’t read their story fast enough. It isn’t always an easy story to read story but well worth it. I enjoyed the medical aspect and learning more about Dorothea Dix and her work during this time in history.

Overall, I loved everything about this novel. From the time period, the characters and the artful writing of Ms. Johnson, this is a must-read book.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Cadence and Joshua each have reason to doubt their self worth based on things they had been told during their lives. But each was strong and fought to prove them wrong. Set during the civil war, she has a beautiful voice that helped the soldiers and she acted as a nurse even though she was forbidden to. He as a doctor. He has another secret life, which she stumbles upon. Their struggles with each other keep it entertaining, but each also has a strong faith and dedication to helping others. Excellent read, loosely based on a true person from that time. Keeps you engaged to the end.
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.
#AllThroughtheNight #NetGalley

All Through the Night is a very well written inspirational book... I enjoyed the plot and the Civil War setting. If you enjoy historical books I highly recommend this one.

In “All Through The Night”, Cadence Piper struggles to find her purpose and to feel needed. She feels that she wasn’t enough to save her dying mother, and her father considers her disabled because of long-ago diagnosis. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Cadence longs to serve as a nurse and to bring honor to her family. Little did she know that her youth and good looks would keep her from being able to fulfill her heart’s calling. Searching for ways to serve those around her after being rejected by Dorothea Dix as a nurse candidate, Cadence finds opportunities to serve because of her beautiful singing voice. She finds herself befriended by a Congressman and at odds with a handsome doctor. Throughout the story Cadence learns that things aren’t always what they seem at first and to trust in the gifts that God has given her. I loved the cameo by Fanny Crosby and the background story to a thought-provoking hymn.

All Through the Night is another wonderful inspirational historical romance written by Tara Johnson. This is a must read if you love stories set during the Civil War. I'm looking forward to reading more wonderful books by this author in the future.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

All Through the Night by Tara Johnson takes place in the 1860s in Washington DC. Cadence wants to help at the hospital and is turned away because she is to young and pretty. Instead she brings joy to others by singing to the soldiers. When Dr. Ivy sees this he is upset and he asks her to help him in surgery. Even though she fails to help him, he sees how strong she is and eventually asks for her help again.

Joshua Ivy has a secret life outside of the hospital trying to save people who are being sold by auction. This makes others mad and he and as his family’s life are at risk.

I really enjoy stories set during the Civil War time. This story is well written with strong caring characters. I enjoyed this story with the importance of music both both the giver and the receiver. I enjoyed how Cadence kept searching for ways to help the soldiers and the fact she would get her father’s permission to help. I like the additional information at the end of the story of the person Cadence’s character is based on. I also enjoy the background information on Fancy Crosby and songs of that time.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Tyndale House Publishing through NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Oh, you dear characters . . . where do I even start? How do I put words to all the thoughts I have about this one in any type of cohesive manner? I have no idea . . .

This was an interesting book that caused quite an stir for my mind. I was really invested in the story line, but not really invested in the characters. I found the story intriguing, while the characters got on my nerves more than a bit. Parts of it were simply unrealistic, while others were hair-raisingly factual. And the history . . . the historical facts and the way I felt invested in the historical aspect of the story, even though -- and this is a big one, guys -- it was told 100% from the Union perspective, and not at all sympathetic towards the South, was simply a mark of a talented writer. I appreciated not having the gory details glossed over, and the horror of the second battle of Bull Run was truly unutterable for anyone living during the war. And the medical aspect . . . oh, the medical aspect! The cameo portraits of Fanny Crosby and Dorothea Dix and all the hymns included within the pages . . . my musically inclined heart was happy!

Maybe I should start with the history since I really enjoyed it.
I've read countless books, novels and history books alike, on the subject of the War Between the States. It was the war with the largest number of American deaths -- brothers fighting brothers, sons fighting fathers, uncles and nephews and sons-in-law fighting their relatives. This story brought that reality to life. The carnage, the deaths, the medical aspects, all of it was portrayed so realistically. I've never heard of the "Knights of the Golden Circle" and when I can read over 100 books, easy, about the war, and suddenly learn something new in a novel? You know that I'm caught hook, line, and sinker at that point! I just want to know why it isn't more commonly mentioned in books, now.

The medical aspect *could* be classified as a bit detailed and too much for some squeamish people, or those gentle souls who dislike all mentions of blood. For me, I was comfortable reading it. You had many mentions of amputations, many mentions of blood poisoning, the stench, the blood-soaked clothing, bullet extractions . . . all of it was very realistic and true to history. I mean, even in today's medical field, there's blood and gore, so . . .

Seriously, though, I've always enjoyed nursing and reading medical textbooks, and reading about medical history. So for me, it wasn't too much, but for some people, I could absolutely see where it *could* be too much. And, if it were a movie, it would probably be a bit much for me, as well, so there's that too.

The writing and the story line was amazing! There weren't many huge twists and turns -- the one plot twist that I didn't necessarily see coming was the one that caused an event that I saw happening anyways, just not in the way that it happened. I guessed at most of it before it was revealed, but it was still enjoyable. The writing style was one that drew me in made feel as if I was there, a part of the scenes being portrayed. I can't say that I cried or anything, even though there were some touchingly sweet scenes, but I was still emotionally invested in the story.

And then we have the characters, which I personally think could have had more depth, and I would have liked to see more of their backstories. Quite honestly, I became very annoyed whenever anything happened, to read that Cadence (the perfect name for the Songbird of the North, by the way) would immediately revert back to the diagnoses the doctor had told her, and Joshua always went back to the fact that he had been told he would never amount to anything. I mean . . . ?? After ten or more mentions in the first 1/4 of the story, it just got repetitive and I didn't feel anything for them anymore. I don't really feel like either of those characters grew much, in a real, probable way, which could just be me. There *was* growth, so don't get me wrong, but after what they had been through, you'd think there would have been much more than there was.

The children were absolutely adorable, though, and I loved how they were so willing to take them in, even though it was socially unacceptable at times. And I LOVED how the prologue fit right in the story. Loved it.

Tate Piper was actually one of my favourite characters, although I would have liked to see more of what caused the initial estrangement between him and his family. I loved how he grew, how he became repentant, and how he found grace in the sight of God and could rest secure in His mercy.

Albert Piper was a disappointment. I understand that he was disappointed in the diagnoses his daughter had received, but after so many years of viewing her as less than mentally competent, the way that whole issue was resolved was a bit quick. A few words from this guy you just met, and everything is hunky dory? Umm . . . I'm thinking not, but that could just be me.

I also didn't think the ending quite satisfactory. I loved the whole hospital army thing, but there seemed to be a really quick resolution to the issue (SPOILER: I mean, no shots fired, no injuries, simply a warning that you're surrounded, and let them go now, and we'll let you free to terrorize someone else? And all this happens in less than half chapter? SPOILER END).

The romance aspect was another issue that was interesting. In some ways, they built their relationship on working together, and they did try to avoid each other.
But if they really wanted to avoid each other, they could have, instead of running into each other and exchanging kisses, even though they've vowed never to think about the other person again. And if I'm mad at you, and you attempt to kiss me to shut me up, I'm not thinking it's gonna end the way this story does, but again, that could just be me. *shrugs*
Anyways . . . there was a scene where a soldier almost rapes a nurse, but it was barely detailed. There were multiple kisses that I skimmed over, and there was a a whole chapter on the honeymoon that I skimmed through, because it was just too detailed for my personal tastes -- it did seem as though the scenes faded away before anything happened, but I skimmed, so I'm not 100% sure 'bout that.

So, for the writing and the story line and the history and the medicalness, It's definitely worth your time to read it., skimming certain scenes, of course. If you're a lover of romance, then you might really enjoy this one. It's not a terrible book, but it's not a swoon-worthy one, either. Kind of more middle of the road. I did enjoy it, immensely, and stayed up way too late reading, even though I didn't really connect with the characters, and it WAS really well written.

I'd recommend this one for 18+, simply because of the battle scenes, the multiple mentions of death, and the romance.

*I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers to review. I was not required to enjoy this book, merely to give my honest opinion.*

{Trigger/Content Warning for those sensitive to prejudice, blood/major injuries,
dead horses, & possible rape.}


About this book:

“With her stammering tongue and quiet ways, Cadence Piper has always struggled to be accepted. 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 the soldiers in Judiciary Square Hospital. Only one stubborn doctor stands in her way.
Joshua Ivy is an intense man with a compassionate heart for the hurting and downtrodden. The one thing he can’t have is an idealistic woman destroying the plans he’s so carefully laid. When the chaos of war thrusts Cadence into the middle of his clandestine activities, he must decide if the lives at stake, and his own heart, are worth the risk of letting Cadence inside.
Everything changes when Joshua and Cadence unearth the workings of a secret society so vile, the course of their lives, and the war, could be altered forever. If they fight an enemy they cannot see, will the One who sees all show them the way in the darkest night?”


Series: No.


Spiritual Content- Scriptures are read, quoted, mentioned, & discussed; Prayers; Church going (once); Hymns are written out & sung by Cadence; Talks about God, gifts; ‘H’s are not capitalized when referring to God; Mentions of God (called often by the name “Providence” or the “Almighty”); Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of churches, church going, pastors, services, revivals, & hymns; Mentions of those in the Bible, Bibles, & Bible reading; A few mentions of suggestions to Heaven (it’s alluded to, but the word ‘Heaven’ is never mentioned); A couple mentions of Christian circles & a Christian’s duty; A couple mentions of blessings;
*Note: Cadence is called an angel on earth and Joshua calls himself a sinner; Seeing a cult-like group chanting in a “demonic rhythm” and doing blood oaths (along with killing someone); Mentions of the devil, demons, ghosts, & Hell; A few mentions of sins & sinners.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘drat’ and two forms of ‘blast’; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); All about slavery, wars, battle grounds, hospitals, dying soldiers, deaths, major injuries, amputated limbs, blood/bleeding, & gore from all of those topics (up to detailed); Being set during the Civil War, there are those who hate are willing to beat/kill slaves and those against their twisted thoughts (including seeing them kill someone and beat others, also how they will deal with their enemies (brutally detailed), overall detailed); Facing prejudice & awful names (one is cut off); Holding men as they die (semi-detailed); Removing a bullet (detailed); Watching a limb being amputated & blood (semi-detailed); Seeing a child beaten (semi-detailed); Remembering being beaten as a child (semi-detailed); Seeing slaves being sold as cattle (semi-detailed); Being attacked and choked, & kidnapped and held hostage (semi-detailed); Nightmares (up to semi-detailed); Cadence wears a fake wedding ring to work at the hospital (“She pushes the guilt of the deception aside. The good she was doing justified the means, didn’t it?”); Many mentions of slaves being killed, beaten, or sold (semi-detailed); Mentions of murders (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of fights, being beaten, injuries, gunshots, & explosions (semi-detailed); Mentions of threats & warnings; Mentions of pickpockets, thieves, & stealing; Mentions of taverns, alcohol, drinking, & drunks; Mentions of urine & waste from chamber pots; Mentions of throwing up; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deception; Mentions of gambling & carousing; A few mentions of jails; A few mentions of dead horses in battles; A couple mentions of cheating; A couple mentions of rumors; A couple mentions of hunting; A mention of a child seeing their father shot & killed (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of jealousy; A mention of cigarettes.


Sexual Content- Many fingers-to-lips touches (up to semi-detailed), two hand kisses, a cheek kiss, a head kiss, an almost kiss, three not-detailed kisses, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, a forced semi-detailed kiss, a semi-detailed kiss, and three detailed kisses; Remembering kisses (both of them refer to it as “tasting” or “tasting the other’s passion” the other a few times, up to detailed); Lots of touches & embraces (semi-detailed); Winks & Blushes; Noticing & Nearness (up to detailed); Two fade-to-black scenes for a married couple on their honeymoon & waking up at least partially unclothed (“fade-to-black scenes” are when a couple is obviously longing for the other physically, kissing starts, suggestive comments begins, and then the chapter ends. Boarder-line semi-detailed // detailed); A man tries to force himself upon (with the intent of raping) Cadence, kisses and gropes her (he is pulled off of her before anything else happens, semi-detailed); Cadence is ordered to unbutton a male patient’s shirt (both are very embarrassed, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a female slave being sold while being completely naked & a man wanting to buy another slave girl to warm his bed (he buys a young girl no older than ten, but the child is saved); Mentions of a honeymoon & a couple being alone at night; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of reputations & chaperones; A few mentions of men making suggestive comments about/towards Cadence; A few mentions of thinking something caused a couple to get married in a hurry; A few mentions of houses of ill repute & soiled doves/loose women; A few mentions of men being tempted by a pretty nurse; A few mentions of winks & blushes; A couple mentions of a man taking (or not) liberties; A couple mentions of a man slinking away to meet a woman; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A couple mentions of a mother dying in childbirth; A couple mentions of a woman’s monthly; A mention of a buxom woman.

-Cadence Piper, age 17-19
-Joshua Ivy, around 25
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1861-1863
400 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star
Older High School Teens- One Star
My personal Rating- One Star

{Trigger/Content Warning for those sensitive to prejudice, blood/major injuries,
dead horses, & possible rape.}

The character of Cadence makes me want to give this book two stars, but due to some extreme content this book is receiving a one-star rating.
Let’s go into my pros and cons:

Con #1: I’m not one for moody heroes. And Joshua is a textbook example of a moody hero. I understand he has a lot on his plate, but he was so mean to Cadence at so many parts then longing for her or noticing her appearance the next. It was annoying and an example of an unhealthy relationship. Not only at their first meeting, but their second, and later—when he is supposed to like her—and is a complete bully (Cadence’s words) then hugs hers and his desire for her is evident.

Con #2: The battle grounds (including describing human bodies and dead horses), hospital details, and the blood/amputations were all very descriptive. So much so that it made me nauseous at times. I have read many Civil War books before, but none of them turned my stomach so like this one. It was very gruesome in this way and in this next con.

Con #3: In lines with the Civil War topic, the hatred and evil from people was so much. That time period already hurts my heart, but this book took it up another level with the Knights (a prior to KKK-like group) and their evil actions and killings.

Con #4: Is a spoiler, but a particularly important factor in my rating. For those not wanting to be spoiled, it is about marital scenes. [ Joshua and Cadence have to get married due to a lie/stretch of Joshua’s. I can honestly say I do not like marriage of convenience stories and would not have picked up this book had I known (or the back-cover said) there would be one in this story. Because of this element and the main character’s desire for each other already, there are two fade-to-black scenes. Two scenes where the main couple is obviously longing for the other physically, kissing starts, suggestive comments begins, and then the chapter ends. After seeing this in so many Christian Fiction books a handful of years ago, I was hoping that this style would have gone away. Why in the world does a reader need to know that they consummated their marriage? I do not understand this and I never will. I’m not going to go up to a newly married friend and ask if they’ve done it, so why in the world should I know about two fiction characters’ physical marital status. This has annoyed me since I started reviewing Christian Fiction almost eight years ago and it still does. It’s not romantic, it’s too much information. (hide spoiler)]

Indifferent #1: This is neither a pro nor a con, I don’t frankly care either way at this point. In this first third of the book, nearly each chapter skips another month or more. It was weird for me at first and I think it messed with the pacing at the beginning, but I think the author did that so the reader wouldn’t feel like the characters had only know each other for a bit before falling head over heels in love. Which in reality, they basically fell for each other in an almost insta-love way anyway and it started based on the other’ appearance.

And now my only pro:
I liked Cadence. when she wasn’t around Joshua. I liked the faith content in this book, that’s why I’m not happy to give this book a low rating. But the other content just ruined the book for me—especially con #4. This was very disappointing and I will not be trying any other book by this author.



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Tyndale) for this honest review.

This was one of the more unusual books I've ever read about the Civil War. I enjoyed the character development, the intricate plot lines, the developing sweet romance, the terrifying glimpse at evil, and the satisfying resolutions. I actually researched a few things while reading this and was shocked at what I read. Ms. Johnson does an excellent job of conveying the depth of evil without wallowing in it or making it sensational. I thought the entire book was intriguing and uplifting, in spite of evil, in spite of the shocking realities of war, in spite of dreadful pasts and challenging presents to overcome. A very enjoyable read that will challenge your own personal growth.

I gratefully received a free ARC from the publisher and author via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

An interesting romance novel set during the Civil War, with likeable characters, “All Through the Night”, by Tara Johnson (Tyndale House Publishers), seems historically well researched and realistic.
I liked the intriguing, guarded hero and the intrepid heroine with a stutter who suffers a double stigma because of it and for being a woman. Joshua and Cadence are both brave, altruistic characters.
The vivid descriptions of battleground medicine and the carnage of war, the poverty and damage in the cities the protagonists visit make the descriptions come alive to the reader.
The romance, marriage and children were sweet, although the domesticity reduced the intensity and heat levels. I liked the take on stuttering and the ease of singing.
The beginning was promising, but the story turned a bit bland, dragged a little and didn’t draw me in as much as I was expecting.
I think some of Joshua’s decisions about his secret activities were a bit out of character; at times, the dialogue involving the children didn’t seem natural.

“Just do the next thing.”

Set mainly in Washington, D. C. during the Civil War, All Through the Night is a vivid and compelling depiction of the trials and afflictions people lived through then. I was impressed by the rich historical detail of the author and the multi-layered, realistic characters she created. The two main characters, Cadence Piper and Joshua Ivy, were both flawed and had things from their past that they needed to overcome. Cadence was a plucky, competent, determined heroine working to overcome her stutter and the feelings of inadequacy she had. Joshua was heroic, compassionate, and courageous, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve and grow.

Filled with adventure, intrigue, romance, and inspiration, this story is sure to please those who enjoy historical romance. I’m looking forward to more stories from this author. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Tyndale Publishers through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book was a delightful read from start to finish. I've not really read much fiction set in the civil war era but I loved this book. From the start, I was pulled in by Cadence and her desire to fit in. Wanting to help the troops in a way, wanting her father's approval.
And then there's Joshua. A wonderful yet broody hero with a sense of justice. I love how they learned to work together, how their relationship went to more from that.
I love that the author did not shy away from the disturbing aspects of war but tried to make it as real as possible. It was beautiful to read.
The added bonus of mystery with Joshua also added some spice to the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are solely mine

A Civil War romance of fighting for meaning and the ones you love.

Cadence Piper has struggled to prove herself to her father, as worthy and capable, she wants to be more than a pretty face and wants to truly make a difference in her country. She makes an impression on the brooding Dr. Joshua Ivy, who convinces her to become a nurse tending the wounded soldiers. I admired Cadence's courage, and how she has a strong desire to do her part as well as her compassion for the troops and children.

Joshua is a lone ranger type, outwardly brooding and at times confusing, he is hiding a heart of a gold. I liked how he is a man of action and believes in stepping up to make a difference, and readily defends Cadence against people who slander her.

A Civil War romance that focuses on the brave men and women who fought for the liberation of slaves, standing up against racism. I liked the relationship between Joshua and Cadence, how they support and stand up for one another, though at times they could be a little too much in their heads. This is a compelling story, with strong themes of forgiveness and loving others. The story build throughout, coming to an explosive conclusion. A compelling Civil War novel of romance and abolition.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.