Last summer, my family and I went on the most wonderful road trip from Texas to Kentucky. When I wasn’t listening to the family audio book, I got to read a novel I’d been looking forward to:
Where Dandelions Bloom by Tara Johnson
Back Cover:
Cassie Kendrick is on the run. Her abusive father arranged her marriage to a despicable man, but she’s discovered an escape. Disguised as a man, Cassie enlists in the Union Arm, taking the name Thomas Turner. On the battlefields of the Civil War, keeping her identity a secret is only the beginning of her problems, especially after she meets Gabriel Avery, a handsome young photographer.
Anxious to make his mark on the world and to erase the darkness and guilt lurking from his past, Gabriel works with renowned photographer Matthew Brady to capture images from the front lines of the war. As Gabriel forges friendships with many of the men he encounters, he wonders what the courageous, unpredictable Thomas Turner is hiding.
Battling betrayal, their own personal demons, and a country torn apart by war, can Cassie and Gabriel learn to forgive themselves and trust their futures to the God who births hope and healing in the darkest places?
Isn’t the cover breathtaking? With themes of identity, trust, love, and forgiveness, the story was just as beautiful.
In between bathroom breaks, snack passes, and questions, I savored the pages.
And guess what?!
Tara welcomed my family and me to her home for an interview, since we were passing by. While the kids played, Tara and I found a lovely spot outside to talk.
Answering questions inspired by the book, Tara shared meaningful moments, wisdom gained in life and love, aaaannnnnnd some funny stuff too. : )
I’m so excited to share it with you! Scroll down to watch.
But first, here’s the giveaway for When Dandelions Bloom. (Which I heard is Books-a-Million’s October Book Club pick! How cool is that?! Congrats, Tara!!! And to my fellow Books-a-Million fans–you’re in for a treat!)
How to Enter the Giveaway
1. If you are a newsletter subscriber, you are already entered! If you haven’t subscribed yet, you can click this link to do so. Check your e-mail to confirm your subscription, and then you’re entered! Plus, I’ll send you a free PDF of my short story, Sweet Sentiments as a welcome gift. (Originally published in a Family Fiction anthology.)
2. For a SECOND entry: comment on this blog or my corresponding Facebook Giveaway Post with a tip you’ve learned about love or marriage.
3. For ADDITIONAL entries: TAG a friend on the corresponding Facebook Giveaway Post who might be interested in Where Dandelions Bloom (each separate comment with a tagged friend is another entry) AND/OR SHARE the Facebook Giveaway Post with your Facebook friends (make sure your share is set to public so I can count it!).
The giveaway begins now and ends Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 10:00pm Central Time.
(***Restrictions/Giveaway Rules posted below.)
Thank you for spreading book (and interview) love!
Without further ado…
THE INTERVIEW
Isn’t Tara a delight? I so appreciate her heart, her humor, and her novels!
And I can’t wait to read YOUR tips on love and marriage in the comments here and on Facebook!
Much love,
Jenny
PS. If you’d like to watch more interviews on my YouTube channel: The Book Club Life with Jenny Snow, you can find them here.
*** Giveaway Rules: Must be 18 to enter. Only one randomly selected winner will be chosen. The winner will receive one copy of Where Dandelions Bloom by Tara Johnson. Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond with a mailing address. If the winner doesn’t respond within 48 hours, he or she will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen. Contest only open to residents in the contiguous United States who enter by subscribing to Jenny’s newsletter.
**Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!
Thank you for taking the time to share about your story. Would love and enjoy reading this book. I have it in my Christmas list for my husband to get me 🙂 Blessings to you both.
Books are my favorite Christmas presents! (Along with cute socks, cocoa, and chocolate!) I’ve got your name in the hat, Keren!
Both of your sweet personalities shine in this interview. Of all the books I’ve read this year, Where Dandelions Bloom is in the top two. I love girl-pretends-to-be-a-boy tropes. Great job! You’re so genuine and such a pro at interviewing, Jenny!
Awww! Thank you, Patti! What an encouraging thing to hear. <3 And yes, Tara is such a gifted storyteller!
This book sounds so intriguing! Great job! What I’ve learned about marriage is to keep God at the center of your relationship. He will enrich your love and draw you closer. 🙂
Thank you! Love your advice! So true. <3
I read and enjoyed Tara’s first book. I love in South Carolina where it was sry.
Hi Jenny. In marriage it’s important for me not to set hidden expectations for my husband. I only end up bitter when he doesn’t do those dishes for me or get me that gift. Communication of my needs is important and he is always happy to meet them when I am smart enough to share.
That’s a good one, Julie! I’ve found that to be true in so many areas of marriage and family life.
Great interview!
As a single woman, I’m no expert on marriage, but in all of my relationships, I’m learning to really pay attention, and not make assumptions about why a person acts a certain way.
Thank you, Kristy! I completely agree with you on learning not to make assumptions. That is key! He can’t read my mind, and I can’t read his.
I have learned in my marriage how important it is to listen to your spouse and to speak words of affirmation to them.
Thanks for this wonderful interview, Tara and Jenny, and for the chance to win a copy of ‘When Dandelions Bloom’.
I am a newsletter subscriber. I also commented on your corresponding Facebook Giveaway Post and tagged a friend on your corresponding Facebook Giveaway Post. thank you for the extra entries, Jenny! 🙂
Great advice, Alison! I heartily agree! (And I’ve got your entries in the hat!) : )