Where Dandelions Bloom

Johnson (Engraved on the Heart) returns to the Civil War for another exciting inspirational romance featuring a dedicated, devout heroine. In 1861 Howell, Mich., Cassie Kendrick’s abusive, alcoholic father is determined she will marry the man of his choosing—just as her sisters have. But Cassie has ideas of her own. Emboldened by a conversation with her grandmother, she leaves for New York and enlists in the Union Army, as Thomas Turner. In a separate plot, Gabriel Avery lands his dream job working with war photographer Matthew Brady—which entails following Union troops through the nightmare of the early years of the war. Gabe crosses paths with Cassie-as-Thomas, but doesn’t quite know what to make of the pensive, sharpshooting young soldier. When Gabe discovers Cassie’s secret, their bond is broken, and it takes a life-threatening situation to re-establish the trust lost. Johnson embeds the story with her customary attention to historical detail, but the deeply wounded characters remain the focus of this ruminative investigation into the personal toll of war. Johnson’s Christian elements are subtle, allowing Cassie and Gabe’s perseverance to provide inspiration and hope. Fans of Lynn Austin will enjoy this. [em]Agent: Books and Such Literary Management. (July) [/em]