Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson

Engraved on the Heart

by Tara Johnson

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 fiance, 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.

Reviewed by phyllish on

4 of 5 stars

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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 Among the Reads

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.

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  • 5 July, 2018: Reviewed