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.
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“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!
Four and Half Stars! This was a wonderful story set during the civil war in Savannah Georgia. The heroine is young lady who has epilepsy. Her family has slaves and is pro confederacy. They also shame her because of her “falling illness”.
The hero is an abolitionist who is also a physician. He has loved Keziah since he was a boy in their school days.
I really enjoyed this book. I especially loved the second half of the story. I enjoyed the romance, I wish there was a tad bit more to it, but the kiss was oh so swoon worthy. You really did feel the love that he has had for her his entire life.
I will most definitely be reading more from this talented new author.
A wonderful read! Great characters get you involved in the story. If you enjoy romance, Civil War and feisty characters, this should be your next read. Author Tara Johnson really did her research for this book!
4.5 stars
“You are a treasure, Kizzie Montgomery. Never let anyone tell you differently.”
People have been giving Keziah Montgomery mixed messages all her life; “weak-minded”, “addled” “not right in the head” . . . . . . her epileptic seizures causing her family great angst as she hovers on the cusp of spinsterhood.When such an incident brings her face to face with the one childhood friend who seemed to have exactly the right words at exactly the right time, Keziah can hardly believe that the “tall, trim, broad-shouldered” attending physician is Micah.
“He couldn’t believe it. After all these years. . . . Kizzie Montgomery”, still as beautiful as ever. Dr. Micah Greyson has returned to a Savannah that is on the verge of war. Even though his medical skills have earned him the right to avoid fighting for the South, his compassionate service to Union war prisoners has raised the eyebrows of many who assume that he is an abolitionist like his father . . . . . and they may be right. His clandestine activities have become highly dangerous, so imagine his surprise when he discovers that his beloved Kizzie has stumbled into being a “conductor”.
Laced with Civil War history, and filled with intriguing suspense, “Engraved on the Heart” is essentially a tender love story between two childhood friends whose shortcomings only serve to make them stronger, and whose fears catapult them into the arms of a heavenly Father who has engraved their names on His heart. What an outstanding debut!
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.