Where Dandelions Bloom

I’d just like to start off by saying that the writing style was amazing! I was pulled into the story right away, even though it wasn’t fast-moving, and at first I was sure that this would end up a 5-star read.

Well, it obviously went downhill.

I loved the characters of both Cassie and Gabe, and before Gabe found out that ‘Turner’ was actually a girl, I *really* enjoyed the book.

But then he found out her secret. And he couldn’t stop noticing her perfect curves. Especially when she was in a dress—it just graced her feminine curves. And her full lips? *heart eyes* What made it all worse was that after almost every one of their detailed kisses, he had to pull back before he lost himself.

But it was quite obvious that he’d already lost himself.

Cassie and Gabe’s ongoing argument about a woman’s place seemed . . . I don’t know . . . so *drawn-out*. She loved him. She kissed him. He said something that offended her and reminded her of her abusive father. She avoided him at all costs until an unexpected event (usually danger or injury to one of them) brought them back together. Repeat.

So what kept me from giving this book only 1 or 2 stars? When they weren’t together (or thinking about each other . . . ) the story was amazing. The aspects of the civil war were so *real*. The author’s writing voice was incredible. But all the romance kinda ruined the rest.

**I was given a free e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

What an incredible story! This historical romance delivers such a beautiful and engaging story-line. What could possibly make a woman of the 1860’s desire to don men’s breeches, cut their hair, and enter the world of brutal war? For Cassie Kendrick that would be escaping her father’s ire and an arranged marriage to a despicable man. She needs a way out and decides the front lines is one place her father will never look. While in training, Cassie (posing as Thomas Turner) meets Gabe Avery, a photographer who’s assigned to take photos of what war actually looks like. The two become the best of friends…except she’s keeping her identity a secret from him. They form an easy camaraderie and share a lot with each other. But all of that is threatened when Gabe discovers that his dear friend Thomas is actually Cassie, a woman he finds all too attractive. The story that ensues is captivating. The details are vivid and heart-wrenching. A must read for all Civil War fans! Well done Ms. Johnson, well done!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Where Dandelions Bloom! O.M.G. What a beautiful, heartwrenching and inspiring story!
This has become my favorite book about the Civil War. I love to read stories set during the war: WWI, WWII, Civil War of the States, etc. And I can say that this is one of the best I’ve read.
I loved that it’s based on a true story and a real character, which I later discovered was Emma x. I still can’t believe how a woman could serve and survive the hardships and terror of any war.
And Cassie (the character that represents Emma) was truly a heroine in this story. A heroine, but not in the sense that she is perfect, she had a lot of flaws: resentment, lack of trust, too independent, etc. But those were understandable under the circumstances she was raised.
Her father was a hopeless drunk who mistreated his wife and his four daugthers. Her daughters were means to an end, to work at their ranch, and to get his needed drinks and lifestyle by selling them to the highest bidder. And Cassie was the last to remain home. Her sisters didin’t have happy marriages, but they didn’t complain. But not her, she was not about to be sold like a cow to a disagreeable and leacherous man, much older tthan herself. So when things get desperate, and the contract for the marriage is done, she has no choice but to escape. Not even her dear granny can offer a solution to her problem. But where to go, how can she get work somewhere else her father will never find her? So she decides to enlist with the Unionist and help her fellowmen in serving her country and fighting for the slaves rights. But how long can she keep her charade as Private Turner? A woman in a regiment? Whoever heard of that? But she’s a great actress and manages to fool everyone that she is a lanky lad, but very hard working. Soon, she is winning her comrades trust.
Gabe has suffered a hard childhood too. His father passed away and he had to take care of his mother and find the means to survive. He’s a very hardworker so he gradually finds the means to bring food to the table and support his mother in life. And life is good to him when he meets Mathew Brady the most famous photographer in America. Because Gabe’s passion and what he wants to pursue is with all his heart is photography. So when he unexpectedly get’s the position in Mr. Brady’s team, he can’t believe his luck. He’ll be able to help his country and immortalize scenes from the war for the world and families of the soldiers to see. Bu he never imagined what the war would be in the middle of the battlefield. And that he would make a strong bond with Private Turner, the lanky guy who always keeps to himself. There seems to be more to him, but he’s glad to find a loyal friend. But how long will Cassie keep the charade, especially from this close friend who makes her think the unthinkable?
This is a beautiful and heartwrenching story about two extraordinary persons who get to know through war and experience so much hardship and horror, and how they deal with it and help each other sort it all out, support and protect each other and maybe.. (small spoiler ahead) … falling in love?
But the war separates them at times, and right now, their mission and duty is to serve the best way they can to their country, while they survive. Soldier in the battlefield, mail carrier, spy for the Pinkerton Agency, all this burdened through the shoulders of a Young woman. And the man that wants to protects her at all costs, even if it means loosing her friendship
This book is totally inspiring. It touches issues about forgiveness, trusting God, let Him have control in our lives, about loyalty, about loss and making sense out of it. It made me cry at times, and at others, I laughed out loud! Granny Ardie was hilarious and so sweet! She reminded me of my grandma! And Jonah, still a child at 13, was a very charming and funny character that lightened up the tension in some parts. I just loved him! To be so brave at such a young age!
The romance is the sweetest thing, I just fell in love with Gabe and how he wooed Cassie and never gave up on her even if she rejected him. He was forgiving and had an optimistic ways that won many hearts along the way. But nothing like “Private Turner”! What will happen if her charade is blown in the open? You’ll have to find out!
My favorite quote is when Gabe’s mom tells him when he’s young and they find a dandelion blooming through the Street: “Wherever dandelions Bloom in mortar, it reminds us there’s still hope”.
I totally recommend this book. My absolute favorite about the War between the States. Maybe not a light read at times but totally fulfiling and faith inspiring! Beautiful message! Congrats Tara! Can’t wait for your next story!
I received a copy of this book from the Author and the Publisher, but my review is totally unbiased, voluntary and honest!

See full review at: https://joyofreadingweb.wordpress.com/2019/07/01/where-dandelions-bloom-by-tara-johnson/

Have you ever wondered what would make a woman in the 1860’s disguise herself as a man, pick up a gun, and fight in a war? I don’t know about you, but when I think of women in the 1860’s I imagine the big hoop skirts with lots of ruffles (Think Gone With The Wind), I never realized that there were women who joined the war efforts.

Author Tara Johnson set out to answer that very question, “what would make women disguise herself as a man, pick up a gun and fight in the Civil War?” For at least one young women living in Howell, Michigan, the answer was to escape a forced engagement to a despicable man.

With vivid imagery and authentic characters, I found myself traveling through the mists of time, and entering a past that I’d only dimly imagined. History comes to life within these pages and a story unfolds that both captivates and entertains. The first few chapters spent time introducing the characters and setting up the story, but after that things really get moving, and I found that I couldn’t put the story down, I had to know what would happen next.

If you enjoy stories set during the American Civil War then you will want to be sure to snag a copy of this story!

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

“But whether I live or die is Gods decision. Not Yours.”

Where Dandelions Bloom brings the Civil War to life through several interesting characters. The reader gets to see the war through the eyes of a woman who chose to face war instead of the awful man she was goi g to be forced to marry, through the eyes of a photographer who wants to tell the story through pictures, and following a young lad who signs up as well.

The picture of war isn’t pretty, and it’s effect can be damaging. It is always life changing. The authors characters are based in history. Quite a few women did sign up and fight in the Civil War, and she uses her research to bring a realistic plot to readers.

Really liked the faith theme in this story. Various verses come to mind for Cassie as she strives to get through the difficulties that she faces. They give her perspective and strength. They even give her strength to do something she thought impossible.

The characters are well done, the story well told, and a faith theme that flows smoothly through the story and gives the characters an anchor. War isn’t pretty, and this book did a tremendous job of bringing out some of the real horrors that were faced….and the waste of lives that occurred. If you like historical fiction or love Civil War era reads, this is definitely for you. Ultimately, it’s a story of forgiveness and triumph through Christ and the love and forgiveness he offers.

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you…
A hot tear escaped her lashes, tracing a warm path down her cheek. Yes, her father had abused her over and over again. He’d sliced her apart with his words, his fists…Forgiving him didn’t excuse him. But it would free her.”

3.5 stars
“She was trapped like a bird in a cage. She could see freedom beyond the wire enclosure, but her wings could not beat strong enough to break the bars.”

Cassie Kendrick was desperate. Enough so to attempt the unthinkable. Would it work? Disguised as a young man, she successfully enlists in the Union army under the name of Thomas Turner, for Cassie would rather be listed as a casualty of war than be forced into an atrocious marriage by her drunken, abusive father.

“Patience, Gabriel. The Almighty has a hard time using those who keep running ahead o’him . . . . ”

Gabriel Avery’s career takes a huge leap forward when he is commissioned by a renowned photographer to catalog war images from behind the front lines. It’s a chance of a lifetime and his determination to succeed matches his winsome personality. Taking a liking to a shy young soldier, Thomas Turner, Gabe trusts Thomas with many personal conversations around the evening campfires, only to discover that he has been duped. Furious, he shoves friendship aside and chooses to harbor an unforgiving spirit, until he realizes what a fool he has been.

” . . where dandelions bloom, hope remains”. Tara Johnson has penned an extraordinarily good story, planting plenty of life lessons in between historical events and romantic moments.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Tara Johnson has written an incredibly well crafted Civil War story with characters that took up residence in my heart. As they faced struggles, many from within their own hearts, the author communicates lessons regarding faith and the need for forgiveness. While fighting for the physical freedom of others, the strong heroine discovers that she is the one in need of true freedom. The romance that develops between her and a man with many struggles and faults of his own was rocky, yet touching, even with the backdrop of war. As difficult as war is to describe, it remains important for history to be heard and I appreciated how well this historical fiction was researched and presented. Basically, this book left me remembering that no matter what happens in life, hope always remains. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is facing a battle. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Congratulations to Tara Johnson on her second outstanding novel evidencing extensive historical research that captures and portrays the Civil War Era. The main characters Gabe and Cassie come to life through prolific descriptive imagery that transports the reader to the battlefields to see, hear, smell, and feel the action. Character development of the secondary characters is also excellent. Where Dandelions Bloom is a story of hope, courage, perseverance, and forgiveness as Gabe and Cassie put aside their painful past memories and learn how to forgive others and themselves. I would love a sequel that continues their story as they embark on their new life on the Western Frontier. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and this author especially for those who love historical Christian fiction set in the Civil War Era.

I have been trying to do this story justice but my words fail me. I loved this book so much! I received an Advanced Reader Copy of Tara Johnson’s latest novel, Where Dandelions Bloom. In it, she takes the reader right to the Civil War battlefield both as a female disguised as a male soldier and as a photographer trying to make a name for himself. Soldier Cassie is escaping an abusive father who wants her to marry a horrible man. Photographer Gabe is working under Matthew Brady trying to make a name for himself while capturing the terrible truths of war. Their friendship forged in the battle camp changes their lives forever. Full of battle action, glimpses into daily life in a Civil War camp, and so much more, Where Dandelions Bloom is a delight for fans of Christian historical fiction.