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All Through the Night
With her stammering tongue and quiet ways, Cadence Piper has always struggled to be accepted. After the death of her mother, Cadence sets her heart on becoming a nurse, both to erase the stain her brother has left on the family’s honor and to find long-sought approval in the eyes of her father. When Dorothea Dix turns her away due to her young age and pretty face, Cadence finds another way to serve . . . singing to the soldiers in Judiciary Square Hospital. Only one stubborn doctor stands in her way.
Joshua Ivy is an intense man with a compassionate heart for the hurting and downtrodden. The one thing he can’t have is an idealistic woman destroying the plans he’s so carefully laid. When the chaos of war thrusts Cadence into the middle of his clandestine activities, he must decide if the lives at stake, and his own heart, are worth the risk of letting Cadence inside.
Everything changes when Joshua and Cadence unearth the workings of a secret society so vile, the course of their lives, and the war, could be altered forever. If they fight an enemy they cannot see, will the One who sees all show them the way in the darkest night?
Joshua Ivy is an intense man with a compassionate heart for the hurting and downtrodden. The one thing he can’t have is an idealistic woman destroying the plans he’s so carefully laid. When the chaos of war thrusts Cadence into the middle of his clandestine activities, he must decide if the lives at stake, and his own heart, are worth the risk of letting Cadence inside.
Everything changes when Joshua and Cadence unearth the workings of a secret society so vile, the course of their lives, and the war, could be altered forever. If they fight an enemy they cannot see, will the One who sees all show them the way in the darkest night?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2021
120 people are currently reading
1377 people want to read
About the author
Tara Johnson
4 books415 followersTara writes stories that help people break free from the lies they believe about themselves. Tara is a history nerd, a passionate lover of comedy, and will happily play basketball with anyone who asks. She writes historical romance, and her favorite love is the Civil War.
Tara’s debut novel Engraved on the Heart (Tyndale) earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and finaled in the Carol and Christy Awards. She has articles published in Plain Truth Magazine and Live It Loud Magazine and has been a featured guest on Voice of Truth radio, Enduring Word radio, television and podcasts. Tara is a member of ACFW and is represented by Janet Grant of Books & Such Literary Agency. She, her husband, and children live in Arkansas.
Tara’s debut novel Engraved on the Heart (Tyndale) earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and finaled in the Carol and Christy Awards. She has articles published in Plain Truth Magazine and Live It Loud Magazine and has been a featured guest on Voice of Truth radio, Enduring Word radio, television and podcasts. Tara is a member of ACFW and is represented by Janet Grant of Books & Such Literary Agency. She, her husband, and children live in Arkansas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
January 6, 2021
The tumult of the Civil War serves as a fitting backdrop for this story of two wounded people searching for purpose and approval. Cadence and Joshua are endearing characters, each seeking to bring healing to a broken world, no matter the cost. Tara Johnson has penned an exciting, romantic tale that also highlights a little-known and sinister aspect of Civil War history. All Through the Night is a memorable novel not to be missed!
January 5, 2021
All Through The Night by Tara Johnson is absolutely beautiful. I couldn't put it down. The book is set during the early years of the civil war. It is filled with history that revealed some of the awfulness of the war and the secret societies that existed then. There is suspense and my favorite part...love! God's love for us. Love for all people and also swoon worthy romantic love between the hero and heroine.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this us my honest opinion.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this us my honest opinion.
December 4, 2020
This is an outstanding tale with a strong sense of time and place, delightful musical interludes, cameo appearances of prominent historical figures (Dorothea Dix, Fanny Crosby, Abraham Lincoln, and John Wilkes Booth), a sweet and clean romance, and a strong biblical foundation. Both of our main characters struggle with defects that haunt them from their past. They encourage each other to work through those insecurities with scripture and prayer. From the first I found it to be entertaining and engrossing. I will definitely be looking for more of Tara Johnson's work and am happy to find out that she has written two other Civil War era novels.
Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee
All through the night;
Guardian angels God will send thee
All through the night.
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and vale in slumber sleeping,
I my loving vigil keeping,
All through the night.
Thank you to Tyndale House and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee
All through the night;
Guardian angels God will send thee
All through the night.
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and vale in slumber sleeping,
I my loving vigil keeping,
All through the night.
Thank you to Tyndale House and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2022
{Trigger/Content Warning for those sensitive to prejudice, blood/major injuries,
dead horses, & possible rape.}
About this book:
“With her stammering tongue and quiet ways, Cadence Piper has always struggled to be accepted. After the death of her mother, Cadence sets her heart on becoming a nurse, both to erase the stain her brother has left on the family’s honor and to find long-sought approval in the eyes of her father. When Dorothea Dix turns her away due to her young age and pretty face, Cadence finds another way to serve . . . singing to the soldiers in Judiciary Square Hospital. Only one stubborn doctor stands in her way.
Joshua Ivy is an intense man with a compassionate heart for the hurting and downtrodden. The one thing he can’t have is an idealistic woman destroying the plans he’s so carefully laid. When the chaos of war thrusts Cadence into the middle of his clandestine activities, he must decide if the lives at stake, and his own heart, are worth the risk of letting Cadence inside.
Everything changes when Joshua and Cadence unearth the workings of a secret society so vile, the course of their lives, and the war, could be altered forever. If they fight an enemy they cannot see, will the One who sees all show them the way in the darkest night?”
Series: No.
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are read, quoted, mentioned, & discussed; Prayers; Church going (once); Hymns are written out & sung by Cadence; Talks about God, gifts; ‘H’s are not capitalized when referring to God; Mentions of God (called often by the name “Providence” or the “Almighty”); Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of churches, church going, pastors, services, revivals, & hymns; Mentions of those in the Bible, Bibles, & Bible reading; A few mentions of suggestions to Heaven (it’s alluded to, but the word ‘Heaven’ is never mentioned); A couple mentions of Christian circles & a Christian’s duty; A couple mentions of blessings;
*Note: Cadence is called an angel on earth and Joshua calls himself a sinner; Seeing a cult-like group chanting in a “demonic rhythm” and doing blood oaths (along with killing someone); Mentions of the devil, demons, ghosts, & Hell; A few mentions of sins & sinners.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘drat’ and two forms of ‘blast’; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); All about slavery, wars, battle grounds, hospitals, dying soldiers, deaths, major injuries, amputated limbs, blood/bleeding, & gore from all of those topics (up to detailed); Being set during the Civil War, there are those who hate are willing to beat/kill slaves and those against their twisted thoughts (including seeing them kill someone and beat others, also how they will deal with their enemies (brutally detailed), overall detailed); Facing prejudice & awful names (one is cut off); Holding men as they die (semi-detailed); Removing a bullet (detailed); Watching a limb being amputated & blood (semi-detailed); Seeing a child beaten (semi-detailed); Remembering being beaten as a child (semi-detailed); Seeing slaves being sold as cattle (semi-detailed); Being attacked and choked, & kidnapped and held hostage (semi-detailed); Nightmares (up to semi-detailed); Cadence wears a fake wedding ring to work at the hospital (“She pushes the guilt of the deception aside. The good she was doing justified the means, didn’t it?”); Many mentions of slaves being killed, beaten, or sold (semi-detailed); Mentions of murders (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of fights, being beaten, injuries, gunshots, & explosions (semi-detailed); Mentions of threats & warnings; Mentions of pickpockets, thieves, & stealing; Mentions of taverns, alcohol, drinking, & drunks; Mentions of urine & waste from chamber pots; Mentions of throwing up; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deception; Mentions of gambling & carousing; A few mentions of jails; A few mentions of dead horses in battles; A couple mentions of cheating; A couple mentions of rumors; A couple mentions of hunting; A mention of a child seeing their father shot & killed (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of jealousy; A mention of cigarettes.
Sexual Content- Many fingers-to-lips touches (up to semi-detailed), two hand kisses, a cheek kiss, a head kiss, an almost kiss, three not-detailed kisses, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, a forced semi-detailed kiss, a semi-detailed kiss, and three detailed kisses; Remembering kisses (both of them refer to it as “tasting” or “tasting the other’s passion” the other a few times, up to detailed); Lots of touches & embraces (semi-detailed); Winks & Blushes; Noticing & Nearness (up to detailed); Two fade-to-black scenes for a married couple on their honeymoon & waking up at least partially unclothed (“fade-to-black scenes” are when a couple is obviously longing for the other physically, kissing starts, suggestive comments begins, and then the chapter ends. Border-line semi-detailed // detailed); A man tries to force himself upon (with the intent of raping) Cadence, kisses and gropes her (he is pulled off of her before anything else happens, semi-detailed); Cadence is ordered to unbutton a male patient’s shirt (both are very embarrassed, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a female slave being sold while being completely naked & a man wanting to buy another slave girl to warm his bed (he buys a young girl no older than ten, but the child is saved); Mentions of a honeymoon & a couple being alone at night; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of reputations & chaperones; A few mentions of men making suggestive comments about/towards Cadence; A few mentions of thinking something caused a couple to get married in a hurry; A few mentions of houses of ill repute & soiled doves/loose women; A few mentions of men being tempted by a pretty nurse; A few mentions of winks & blushes; A couple mentions of a man taking (or not) liberties; A couple mentions of a man slinking away to meet a woman; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A couple mentions of a mother dying in childbirth; A couple mentions of a woman’s monthly; A mention of a buxom woman.
-Cadence Piper, age 17-19
-Joshua Ivy, around 25
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1861-1863
400 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star
Older High School Teens- One Star
My personal Rating- One Star
{Trigger/Content Warning for those sensitive to prejudice, blood/major injuries,
dead horses, & possible rape.}
The character of Cadence makes me want to give this book two stars, but due to some extreme content this book is receiving a one-star rating.
Let’s go into my pros and cons:
Con #1: I’m not one for moody heroes. And Joshua is a textbook example of a moody hero. I understand he has a lot on his plate, but he was so mean to Cadence at so many parts then longing for her or noticing her appearance the next. It was annoying and an example of an unhealthy relationship. Not only at their first meeting, but their second, and later—when he is supposed to like her—and is a complete bully (Cadence’s words) then hugs hers and his desire for her is evident.
Con #2: The battle grounds (including describing human bodies and dead horses), hospital details, and the blood/amputations were all very descriptive. So much so that it made me nauseous at times. I have read many Civil War books before, but none of them turned my stomach so like this one. It was very gruesome in this way and in this next con.
Con #3: In lines with the Civil War topic, the hatred and evil from people was so much. That time period already hurts my heart, but this book took it up another level with the Knights (a prior to KKK-like group) and their evil actions and killings.
Con #4: Is a spoiler, but a particularly important factor in my rating. For those not wanting to be spoiled, it is about marital scenes.
Indifferent #1: This is neither a pro nor a con, I don’t frankly care either way at this point. In this first third of the book, nearly each chapter skips another month or more. It was weird for me at first and I think it messed with the pacing at the beginning, but I think the author did that so the reader wouldn’t feel like the characters had only know each other for a bit before falling head over heels in love. Which in reality, they basically fell for each other in an almost insta-love way anyway and it started based on the other’ appearance.
And now my only pro:
I liked Cadence.when she wasn’t around Joshua. I liked the faith content in this book, that’s why I’m not happy to give this book a low rating. But the other content just ruined the book for me—especially con #4. This was very disappointing and I will not be trying any other book by this author.
Link to review:
Coming soon.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Tyndale) for this honest review.
dead horses, & possible rape.}
About this book:
“With her stammering tongue and quiet ways, Cadence Piper has always struggled to be accepted. After the death of her mother, Cadence sets her heart on becoming a nurse, both to erase the stain her brother has left on the family’s honor and to find long-sought approval in the eyes of her father. When Dorothea Dix turns her away due to her young age and pretty face, Cadence finds another way to serve . . . singing to the soldiers in Judiciary Square Hospital. Only one stubborn doctor stands in her way.
Joshua Ivy is an intense man with a compassionate heart for the hurting and downtrodden. The one thing he can’t have is an idealistic woman destroying the plans he’s so carefully laid. When the chaos of war thrusts Cadence into the middle of his clandestine activities, he must decide if the lives at stake, and his own heart, are worth the risk of letting Cadence inside.
Everything changes when Joshua and Cadence unearth the workings of a secret society so vile, the course of their lives, and the war, could be altered forever. If they fight an enemy they cannot see, will the One who sees all show them the way in the darkest night?”
Series: No.
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are read, quoted, mentioned, & discussed; Prayers; Church going (once); Hymns are written out & sung by Cadence; Talks about God, gifts; ‘H’s are not capitalized when referring to God; Mentions of God (called often by the name “Providence” or the “Almighty”); Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of churches, church going, pastors, services, revivals, & hymns; Mentions of those in the Bible, Bibles, & Bible reading; A few mentions of suggestions to Heaven (it’s alluded to, but the word ‘Heaven’ is never mentioned); A couple mentions of Christian circles & a Christian’s duty; A couple mentions of blessings;
*Note: Cadence is called an angel on earth and Joshua calls himself a sinner; Seeing a cult-like group chanting in a “demonic rhythm” and doing blood oaths (along with killing someone); Mentions of the devil, demons, ghosts, & Hell; A few mentions of sins & sinners.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘drat’ and two forms of ‘blast’; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); All about slavery, wars, battle grounds, hospitals, dying soldiers, deaths, major injuries, amputated limbs, blood/bleeding, & gore from all of those topics (up to detailed); Being set during the Civil War, there are those who hate are willing to beat/kill slaves and those against their twisted thoughts (including seeing them kill someone and beat others, also how they will deal with their enemies (brutally detailed), overall detailed); Facing prejudice & awful names (one is cut off); Holding men as they die (semi-detailed); Removing a bullet (detailed); Watching a limb being amputated & blood (semi-detailed); Seeing a child beaten (semi-detailed); Remembering being beaten as a child (semi-detailed); Seeing slaves being sold as cattle (semi-detailed); Being attacked and choked, & kidnapped and held hostage (semi-detailed); Nightmares (up to semi-detailed); Cadence wears a fake wedding ring to work at the hospital (“She pushes the guilt of the deception aside. The good she was doing justified the means, didn’t it?”); Many mentions of slaves being killed, beaten, or sold (semi-detailed); Mentions of murders (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of fights, being beaten, injuries, gunshots, & explosions (semi-detailed); Mentions of threats & warnings; Mentions of pickpockets, thieves, & stealing; Mentions of taverns, alcohol, drinking, & drunks; Mentions of urine & waste from chamber pots; Mentions of throwing up; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deception; Mentions of gambling & carousing; A few mentions of jails; A few mentions of dead horses in battles; A couple mentions of cheating; A couple mentions of rumors; A couple mentions of hunting; A mention of a child seeing their father shot & killed (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of jealousy; A mention of cigarettes.
Sexual Content- Many fingers-to-lips touches (up to semi-detailed), two hand kisses, a cheek kiss, a head kiss, an almost kiss, three not-detailed kisses, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, a forced semi-detailed kiss, a semi-detailed kiss, and three detailed kisses; Remembering kisses (both of them refer to it as “tasting” or “tasting the other’s passion” the other a few times, up to detailed); Lots of touches & embraces (semi-detailed); Winks & Blushes; Noticing & Nearness (up to detailed); Two fade-to-black scenes for a married couple on their honeymoon & waking up at least partially unclothed (“fade-to-black scenes” are when a couple is obviously longing for the other physically, kissing starts, suggestive comments begins, and then the chapter ends. Border-line semi-detailed // detailed); A man tries to force himself upon (with the intent of raping) Cadence, kisses and gropes her (he is pulled off of her before anything else happens, semi-detailed); Cadence is ordered to unbutton a male patient’s shirt (both are very embarrassed, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a female slave being sold while being completely naked & a man wanting to buy another slave girl to warm his bed (he buys a young girl no older than ten, but the child is saved); Mentions of a honeymoon & a couple being alone at night; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of reputations & chaperones; A few mentions of men making suggestive comments about/towards Cadence; A few mentions of thinking something caused a couple to get married in a hurry; A few mentions of houses of ill repute & soiled doves/loose women; A few mentions of men being tempted by a pretty nurse; A few mentions of winks & blushes; A couple mentions of a man taking (or not) liberties; A couple mentions of a man slinking away to meet a woman; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A couple mentions of a mother dying in childbirth; A couple mentions of a woman’s monthly; A mention of a buxom woman.
-Cadence Piper, age 17-19
-Joshua Ivy, around 25
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1861-1863
400 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star
Older High School Teens- One Star
My personal Rating- One Star
{Trigger/Content Warning for those sensitive to prejudice, blood/major injuries,
dead horses, & possible rape.}
The character of Cadence makes me want to give this book two stars, but due to some extreme content this book is receiving a one-star rating.
Let’s go into my pros and cons:
Con #1: I’m not one for moody heroes. And Joshua is a textbook example of a moody hero. I understand he has a lot on his plate, but he was so mean to Cadence at so many parts then longing for her or noticing her appearance the next. It was annoying and an example of an unhealthy relationship. Not only at their first meeting, but their second, and later—when he is supposed to like her—and is a complete bully (Cadence’s words) then hugs hers and his desire for her is evident.
Con #2: The battle grounds (including describing human bodies and dead horses), hospital details, and the blood/amputations were all very descriptive. So much so that it made me nauseous at times. I have read many Civil War books before, but none of them turned my stomach so like this one. It was very gruesome in this way and in this next con.
Con #3: In lines with the Civil War topic, the hatred and evil from people was so much. That time period already hurts my heart, but this book took it up another level with the Knights (a prior to KKK-like group) and their evil actions and killings.
Con #4: Is a spoiler, but a particularly important factor in my rating. For those not wanting to be spoiled, it is about marital scenes.
Indifferent #1: This is neither a pro nor a con, I don’t frankly care either way at this point. In this first third of the book, nearly each chapter skips another month or more. It was weird for me at first and I think it messed with the pacing at the beginning, but I think the author did that so the reader wouldn’t feel like the characters had only know each other for a bit before falling head over heels in love. Which in reality, they basically fell for each other in an almost insta-love way anyway and it started based on the other’ appearance.
And now my only pro:
I liked Cadence.
Link to review:
Coming soon.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Tyndale) for this honest review.
January 12, 2021
Washington D.C. 1861
I love when a novel is based upon factual people or events. All Through the Night was inspired by the life of Elida Rumsey.
As someone with zero musical talent, I was impressed with main character Cadence Piper's vocal talent and loved that she shared it with others. It was especially touching when she sang to soldiers in the hospital to take their mind off of a procedure or to bring them peace in their final moments.
This was an enjoyable novel with two honorable main characters.
I love when a novel is based upon factual people or events. All Through the Night was inspired by the life of Elida Rumsey.
As someone with zero musical talent, I was impressed with main character Cadence Piper's vocal talent and loved that she shared it with others. It was especially touching when she sang to soldiers in the hospital to take their mind off of a procedure or to bring them peace in their final moments.
This was an enjoyable novel with two honorable main characters.
May 11, 2023
Sadly I lost interest really quick.
Cadence wants to learn how to be a nurse and volunteer at an infirmary. She has a beautiful singing voice so she sings to the injured soldiers.
Joshua is the doctor in the infirmary and he has a hard time accepting Cadence.
That’s the basics but the plot jumps time a lot.
I liked Cadence a lot. I liked most of the characters. The storytelling was what brought it down. There were so many scene jumps that moved ahead in time that I didn’t feel any connection to what was happening.
It also felt more history based than romance based. The relationship only moved along because of the time jumps and the scenes of Cadence and Joshua weren’t long enough for me to see any deep connection between them.
Overall it was a super let down.
You win some, you lose some.
Cadence wants to learn how to be a nurse and volunteer at an infirmary. She has a beautiful singing voice so she sings to the injured soldiers.
Joshua is the doctor in the infirmary and he has a hard time accepting Cadence.
That’s the basics but the plot jumps time a lot.
I liked Cadence a lot. I liked most of the characters. The storytelling was what brought it down. There were so many scene jumps that moved ahead in time that I didn’t feel any connection to what was happening.
It also felt more history based than romance based. The relationship only moved along because of the time jumps and the scenes of Cadence and Joshua weren’t long enough for me to see any deep connection between them.
Overall it was a super let down.
You win some, you lose some.
February 10, 2021
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book going in - except the surprising revelation that it was set during the Civil War and involved doctoring. I was surprised about this since the cover model does not at all seem Civil War-ish.
I mean, I suppose you could say, "It's a picture of her nursing so of course she doesn't have the skirtage!" But she at least needs a few extra petticoats or else her dress would be slouching ridiculously. xD
Anyways, my confusion aside, I struggled to get into it at first. Not as in it was difficult to read, but as in, I felt like it jumped around a lot, and I didn't care about the main character. Around 30% in, that started shifting as the book picked up speed, stopped jumping like a jackrabbit, and the main characters started developing storylines.
To get the rest of my negatives out of the way, I was occasionally confused once again, and I was a bit confused by why Cadence kept letting Joshua kiss her - like, can we just ...? *confusion* I'm not offended by the kisses themselves, but it seemed out of character for Cadence. (I mean, what woman, especially a woman like Cadence, kisses a man back when he just randomly kisses her during an argument - from her POV, I mean? Like ...???) Honestly, half of the time, he's just like, "It's too dangerous!" And she's like, "But I love danger!"
Also, I still feel like Cadence was a little annoying and maybe overly innocent, but I think she might just be ... not my type of character? So that's okay. I did get to liking Joshua, though I really wish the author had dug a little more into both their personalities and character arcs because sometimes it seemed more like, "Whatever works for the story" and other times they're trying to convince me the character has always been like X, and I'm like, "So why did they X here?" Like Cadence being shy/fearful/etc. but then turning around and literally being like, "I love Joshua because she's dangerous." CHILD I OUGHTA-!
ANYWHO, all that aside, I still think it was a good book. It had some fun intrigue, some adorable children, some talks about serious but important subjects, and a great theme about pleasing people vs. pleasing God (not something I struggle with but still something I could understand).
I really enjoyed the writing, and the medical descriptions (though perhaps too brutal for some - I felt they were tasteful, but I'm a literal cow-slaughterer) really fascinated me. I always like reading about how medicine has evolved and all. (I did feel like it was a little extra for Cadence to figure out that the instruments needed sanitized, but whatever. I mean, it was all figured out around that time ...) Joshua is a great dad, and Cadence will make a great mom, which is great.
I looked up a few names while reading because I was curious, but the author's note confirmed that a lot of what she was writing about was based on reality. I wondered that, as some of the elements felt so fantastical that I hoped she had drawn from real life! And she had. I didn't know about The Knights (I mean, I've studied the Civil War A LOT, so I figure I must've learned about them some time, but I had completely and utterly forgot!) so that was really interesting.
Anywho, those are my general thoughts! I think it was a pretty good book. I rambled about negatives, I know, but I still enjoyed it, and there were a lot of pros to outweigh the cons.
I mean, I suppose you could say, "It's a picture of her nursing so of course she doesn't have the skirtage!" But she at least needs a few extra petticoats or else her dress would be slouching ridiculously. xD
Anyways, my confusion aside, I struggled to get into it at first. Not as in it was difficult to read, but as in, I felt like it jumped around a lot, and I didn't care about the main character. Around 30% in, that started shifting as the book picked up speed, stopped jumping like a jackrabbit, and the main characters started developing storylines.
To get the rest of my negatives out of the way, I was occasionally confused once again, and I was a bit confused by why Cadence kept letting Joshua kiss her - like, can we just ...? *confusion* I'm not offended by the kisses themselves, but it seemed out of character for Cadence. (I mean, what woman, especially a woman like Cadence, kisses a man back when he just randomly kisses her during an argument - from her POV, I mean? Like ...???) Honestly, half of the time, he's just like, "It's too dangerous!" And she's like, "But I love danger!"
Also, I still feel like Cadence was a little annoying and maybe overly innocent, but I think she might just be ... not my type of character? So that's okay. I did get to liking Joshua, though I really wish the author had dug a little more into both their personalities and character arcs because sometimes it seemed more like, "Whatever works for the story" and other times they're trying to convince me the character has always been like X, and I'm like, "So why did they X here?" Like Cadence being shy/fearful/etc. but then turning around and literally being like, "I love Joshua because she's dangerous." CHILD I OUGHTA-!
ANYWHO, all that aside, I still think it was a good book. It had some fun intrigue, some adorable children, some talks about serious but important subjects, and a great theme about pleasing people vs. pleasing God (not something I struggle with but still something I could understand).
I really enjoyed the writing, and the medical descriptions (though perhaps too brutal for some - I felt they were tasteful, but I'm a literal cow-slaughterer) really fascinated me. I always like reading about how medicine has evolved and all. (I did feel like it was a little extra for Cadence to figure out that the instruments needed sanitized, but whatever. I mean, it was all figured out around that time ...) Joshua is a great dad, and Cadence will make a great mom, which is great.
I looked up a few names while reading because I was curious, but the author's note confirmed that a lot of what she was writing about was based on reality. I wondered that, as some of the elements felt so fantastical that I hoped she had drawn from real life! And she had. I didn't know about The Knights (I mean, I've studied the Civil War A LOT, so I figure I must've learned about them some time, but I had completely and utterly forgot!) so that was really interesting.
Anywho, those are my general thoughts! I think it was a pretty good book. I rambled about negatives, I know, but I still enjoyed it, and there were a lot of pros to outweigh the cons.
June 19, 2022
I really enjoyed the historical aspects of this story, especially the nursing and field hospital parts. I also enjoyed the build up of suspense and action. The only thing I didn't totally love were the characters. Cadence felt a little too naive and Joshua was a little too unnecessarily grumpy. I had a hard time believing their chemistry together; it felt a little bit forced. But overall my dislike is very minor and I really enjoyed this read!
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September 22, 2020All Through the Night strikes all the right notes in a Civil War drama. Principled yet flawed characters grow with every chapter, a multi-faceted setting brings the era’s turmoil to life, and intrigue and danger keep the pages turning. Inspired by a real woman, this novel sings with spiritual truths sure to harmonize with any reader’s life story. Another winner from Tara Johnson.
June 2, 2021
Ah, pretty good! I think (yes, this is my indecisiveness showing up again) I prefer her other books to this one, but this was still pretty awesome! The romance was satisfying, the Civil War setting was realistic and eye-opening, and the Christian elements were AWESOME! I loved the faith elements in this book the most here, and it was discussed quite a lot with the main character, Cadence. Which I absolutely loved! I was pulled in with the setting mostly, and it always kept me curious about the characters. And it never felt draggy or lengthy.
And why I ducked down a star? 😅 So I realized there were quite a few cliche dialogues between the H&H that got me cringing a little, just because I've seen those repeated, and I was getting a tad annoyed... And I guess Joshua too felt like every other Christian Fiction guy in the land of Christian Fiction Heroes, but he still was decent and likable. I've seen his type in books around a lot -- "his type" as in his train of thoughts and all, very generally speaking. 😶 I think I might be getting bored of it, so he certainly never felt real, just repeated. (Yes, I'm fully (or partially? hmm) aware that characters are never real... but you get my point. :p)
But, I did love and admire Cadence a whole lot more! She had determination, and it was easy to relate to her emotions! 😍
But critics aside, All Through the Night was pretty enjoyable! I feel like I've learned a whole lot more about the Civil War, which was an aim while reading this book! It never left me bored at all and was definitely touched by the message that God sees us and hears us even through the darkest of nights. Isn't that just amaaazing?!
And why I ducked down a star? 😅 So I realized there were quite a few cliche dialogues between the H&H that got me cringing a little, just because I've seen those repeated, and I was getting a tad annoyed... And I guess Joshua too felt like every other Christian Fiction guy in the land of Christian Fiction Heroes, but he still was decent and likable. I've seen his type in books around a lot -- "his type" as in his train of thoughts and all, very generally speaking. 😶 I think I might be getting bored of it, so he certainly never felt real, just repeated. (Yes, I'm fully (or partially? hmm) aware that characters are never real... but you get my point. :p)
But, I did love and admire Cadence a whole lot more! She had determination, and it was easy to relate to her emotions! 😍
But critics aside, All Through the Night was pretty enjoyable! I feel like I've learned a whole lot more about the Civil War, which was an aim while reading this book! It never left me bored at all and was definitely touched by the message that God sees us and hears us even through the darkest of nights. Isn't that just amaaazing?!
January 23, 2021
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
This is one of the best Civil War-era stories I’ve read. It isn’t for the faint of heart as amputations and other medical procedures occur often throughout. This is a story of faith, family, overcoming obstacles, abolition, and sweet romance. It was a wonderful story that pulled me in from page one and never let me go. The atmosphere was so immersive, the cast amazing, the plot superb. This was a book easy to fall in love with, despite its being one of my least favorite genres (Civil War). The cover model should have had large hoops beneath her skirt, but that’s a small gripe. The cover is gorgeous and hooked me in, but it doesn’t say “Civil War.”
Content: a few expletives, gambling, alcohol
This is one of the best Civil War-era stories I’ve read. It isn’t for the faint of heart as amputations and other medical procedures occur often throughout. This is a story of faith, family, overcoming obstacles, abolition, and sweet romance. It was a wonderful story that pulled me in from page one and never let me go. The atmosphere was so immersive, the cast amazing, the plot superb. This was a book easy to fall in love with, despite its being one of my least favorite genres (Civil War). The cover model should have had large hoops beneath her skirt, but that’s a small gripe. The cover is gorgeous and hooked me in, but it doesn’t say “Civil War.”
Content: a few expletives, gambling, alcohol
September 5, 2021
I loved reading this latest story from Tara Johnson! A young woman determined to make a difference, even when her father and society itself would rather hide her away. She has a beautiful gift of singing, but more than that a heart for healing and helping other’s. Her determination at times gets her into trouble.
This wonderful story is one I won’t soon forget!
This wonderful story is one I won’t soon forget!
August 9, 2021
Civil War, 1861
Washington DC
“The gifts God gives only continue to flourish when we pour them out through love. They dry up when we use them motivated by any other purpose.”
Both Cadence Piper and Dr. Joshua Ivy are gifted in their own right yet damaged from events in their youth. Often books will have one character trying to overcome adversity while the other character shows them a way to overcome it. It’s a satisfying read, though, when both main characters have lifelong issues and neither realizes a way to become whole until God steps in and shows them both how to heal the other.
I always enjoy a Civil War book that teaches me history of the time while a lovely story keeps me enrapt. This is that book.
Joshua was a bit of an enigma to me, but the reader learns both his secrets and his challenges as the book progresses. And his story was nothing short of gripping.
Cadence was a beautiful young lady with the gift of song, something in her life where her stuttering didn’t present an embarrassment. However, she longed to be useful to the Northern cause, to give her life meaning and to make her father proud. She wanted to be a nurse. Dr. Ivy, on the other hand, did not want some young, stunning songbird in his hospital attracting his wounded soldiers and making them all fall in love.
What followed consumed my day! I had a hard time putting this book down. Heart rending moments and awful battle torn days, an abolition movement and a threat of something sinister from which both Joshua and Cadence needed protection. Riveting!
The spiritual content of this book was full of God's prompting and His glory, of answered prayer and changed lives.
As a soldier lay dying he called out that he wasn’t ready. I cheered when Cadence asked if he knew Jesus was the Son of God and that He died for him and rose again.
And the hymns! Oh my, I have to admit to crying as I joined Cadence as she sang to soldiers and cried over them all through the night.
I’m so glad I read this!
Washington DC
“The gifts God gives only continue to flourish when we pour them out through love. They dry up when we use them motivated by any other purpose.”
Both Cadence Piper and Dr. Joshua Ivy are gifted in their own right yet damaged from events in their youth. Often books will have one character trying to overcome adversity while the other character shows them a way to overcome it. It’s a satisfying read, though, when both main characters have lifelong issues and neither realizes a way to become whole until God steps in and shows them both how to heal the other.
I always enjoy a Civil War book that teaches me history of the time while a lovely story keeps me enrapt. This is that book.
Joshua was a bit of an enigma to me, but the reader learns both his secrets and his challenges as the book progresses. And his story was nothing short of gripping.
Cadence was a beautiful young lady with the gift of song, something in her life where her stuttering didn’t present an embarrassment. However, she longed to be useful to the Northern cause, to give her life meaning and to make her father proud. She wanted to be a nurse. Dr. Ivy, on the other hand, did not want some young, stunning songbird in his hospital attracting his wounded soldiers and making them all fall in love.
What followed consumed my day! I had a hard time putting this book down. Heart rending moments and awful battle torn days, an abolition movement and a threat of something sinister from which both Joshua and Cadence needed protection. Riveting!
The spiritual content of this book was full of God's prompting and His glory, of answered prayer and changed lives.
As a soldier lay dying he called out that he wasn’t ready. I cheered when Cadence asked if he knew Jesus was the Son of God and that He died for him and rose again.
And the hymns! Oh my, I have to admit to crying as I joined Cadence as she sang to soldiers and cried over them all through the night.
I’m so glad I read this!
January 18, 2021
Whoa! Call me gobsmacked and find me nursing a major book hangover. I could NOT stop reading (well, listening.) What a captivating story! And Johnson delivered so much more than I expected.
Truth: I'm not a huge fan of Civil War era fiction so I might have actually passed this one by except so many of my reading friends put All Through the Night on their TBR lists for January releases that I caved and gave it a go. What did I have to lose since audible allows returns if I really couldn't get into it. Ha! I couldn't stop listening! And not just because Stephanie Nemeth Parker is a gifted narrator (though she definitely is!) But because Cadence is so compelling.
There's so much depth and grit and soul to her story! And Joshua's too for that matter. They bring out the best -- and worst -- in each other and their developing relationship is a joy to behold. But it's Cadence's struggle to accept herself as a beloved daughter of God that held me spellbound. Her faith journey moved me and I thrilled at the way it played a pivotal role in the overall plot. Just what I love to see in my Christian fiction.
And then there's the way Johnson brings history to life. The medical aspects alone were a marvel to shudder over. And, while the author doesn't shirk from setting the scene, she doesn't go overboard with descriptive gore (in case any squeamish readers might have a concern.) And that vile secret society is something I had never heard of before. I actually looked them up online. Mind-boggling evil.
So, we have danger, adventure, romance (toe-curls, oh my!) set during one of the most chaotic times in American history. What more can I say? Breath-snatchingly good, that's what!
Truth: I'm not a huge fan of Civil War era fiction so I might have actually passed this one by except so many of my reading friends put All Through the Night on their TBR lists for January releases that I caved and gave it a go. What did I have to lose since audible allows returns if I really couldn't get into it. Ha! I couldn't stop listening! And not just because Stephanie Nemeth Parker is a gifted narrator (though she definitely is!) But because Cadence is so compelling.
There's so much depth and grit and soul to her story! And Joshua's too for that matter. They bring out the best -- and worst -- in each other and their developing relationship is a joy to behold. But it's Cadence's struggle to accept herself as a beloved daughter of God that held me spellbound. Her faith journey moved me and I thrilled at the way it played a pivotal role in the overall plot. Just what I love to see in my Christian fiction.
And then there's the way Johnson brings history to life. The medical aspects alone were a marvel to shudder over. And, while the author doesn't shirk from setting the scene, she doesn't go overboard with descriptive gore (in case any squeamish readers might have a concern.) And that vile secret society is something I had never heard of before. I actually looked them up online. Mind-boggling evil.
So, we have danger, adventure, romance (toe-curls, oh my!) set during one of the most chaotic times in American history. What more can I say? Breath-snatchingly good, that's what!
January 4, 2021
This was such a fantastic story! I completely fell in love with Cadence! The story is so well done, the characters are wonderful. They main ones are so easy to like, and I really connected with the cast here. The scenes can be felt, and I love the historical research that was put into the book.
The storyline and plot are thoroughly engaging. Some books written during the Civil War are so incredibly difficult. I felt this one was incredibly well done. The faith and hope message is so strong in this book, and it is intricately woven well into the story.
I read this book at the end of 2020, and it is definitely one of the best of the year.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The storyline and plot are thoroughly engaging. Some books written during the Civil War are so incredibly difficult. I felt this one was incredibly well done. The faith and hope message is so strong in this book, and it is intricately woven well into the story.
I read this book at the end of 2020, and it is definitely one of the best of the year.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
October 12, 2022
I am enthralled by Tara Johnson’s writing style in this civil war novel following characters that one would not commonly expect to be the hero and heroine.
Cadence Piper grabbed my attention right away, she had been through so much yet she wasn’t down about it or whiny about her past, she was sweet, and wanted to serve others. As I read I found more behind her pretty voice than a pretty face of a girl who was looking for love in the wrong places.
Joshua Ivy is a somewhat gruff character that nearly put me off at the start until I got to know a little bit about him. And, I find after reading the last page that he is a character I love, and his secrets weren’t hidden just to be kept but to protect, and I appreciate that the secrets were not what I expected.
The backdrop of battles, wounded, and the soldiers that the characters saw gave just the right setting to give All Through the Night a well-paced story while not being too slow in the calmer parts of the novel.
With intriguing secrets, frightening experiences, and dodging the steps of the people who would have them stopped this wartime romance is one I look forward to rereading again and again.
As this is my first read from Tara Johnson I was not sure what to expect and I am so very pleased with how much I loved the story.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e-book or physical copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher or blog tour coordinator All views expressed are only my honest opinion and are in no way influenced by others' views or wishes.
Cadence Piper grabbed my attention right away, she had been through so much yet she wasn’t down about it or whiny about her past, she was sweet, and wanted to serve others. As I read I found more behind her pretty voice than a pretty face of a girl who was looking for love in the wrong places.
Joshua Ivy is a somewhat gruff character that nearly put me off at the start until I got to know a little bit about him. And, I find after reading the last page that he is a character I love, and his secrets weren’t hidden just to be kept but to protect, and I appreciate that the secrets were not what I expected.
The backdrop of battles, wounded, and the soldiers that the characters saw gave just the right setting to give All Through the Night a well-paced story while not being too slow in the calmer parts of the novel.
With intriguing secrets, frightening experiences, and dodging the steps of the people who would have them stopped this wartime romance is one I look forward to rereading again and again.
As this is my first read from Tara Johnson I was not sure what to expect and I am so very pleased with how much I loved the story.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e-book or physical copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher or blog tour coordinator All views expressed are only my honest opinion and are in no way influenced by others' views or wishes.
August 11, 2022
This is very delightful and outstanding. Another civil war story that I would say pretty much memorable and I could feel Cadence's singing inside my head.
A lighthearted but at the same time giving you strength. I thought it will more focus on romance but I was wrong. it has a good balance of romance, battlefields, medical interventions and improvements were used with a Christian message along.
The Plot, characters, pacing, narrative and setting are thoroughly engaging. my only issue here is just the story somehow in the middle can turn a bit drag and unnecessary but it's only a minor.
Lastly it is still inspiring book to let reader know no matter how hard and condition is, there will be always a little hope that will turn the light for us someday.
A lighthearted but at the same time giving you strength. I thought it will more focus on romance but I was wrong. it has a good balance of romance, battlefields, medical interventions and improvements were used with a Christian message along.
The Plot, characters, pacing, narrative and setting are thoroughly engaging. my only issue here is just the story somehow in the middle can turn a bit drag and unnecessary but it's only a minor.
Lastly it is still inspiring book to let reader know no matter how hard and condition is, there will be always a little hope that will turn the light for us someday.
January 5, 2021
What a great read, one you never want to put down, because you never see most of what happens coming!
The book is set during a horrible time in US history, the Civil War, and we are walking with the medical personnel, and see what now is the primitive procedures that were used on these injured men. What we take for granted!
The author gives us a young woman, whom because she stutters, was told that she was a slow learner and would never achieve much, again primitive practices!
Then we are given a medical doctor, with such a big heart he risks everything to help free people in bondage. He also does more and fills his home.
Now you think what would these two would have nothing in common, but when we get to know Cadence, and her magical voice [through the author], and Joshua and his compassion, they are thrown together during the horrors of war.
Setting for this story is Washington DC, and the wounded are brought to this city, and so are the people who want people to remain in bondage, and to be rid of those who would help them!
We know how things turn out, but this is an eye opener of how these brave souls fought to help others!
I received this book through Edelweiss and the Publisher Tyndale House, and was not require4d to give a positive review.
The book is set during a horrible time in US history, the Civil War, and we are walking with the medical personnel, and see what now is the primitive procedures that were used on these injured men. What we take for granted!
The author gives us a young woman, whom because she stutters, was told that she was a slow learner and would never achieve much, again primitive practices!
Then we are given a medical doctor, with such a big heart he risks everything to help free people in bondage. He also does more and fills his home.
Now you think what would these two would have nothing in common, but when we get to know Cadence, and her magical voice [through the author], and Joshua and his compassion, they are thrown together during the horrors of war.
Setting for this story is Washington DC, and the wounded are brought to this city, and so are the people who want people to remain in bondage, and to be rid of those who would help them!
We know how things turn out, but this is an eye opener of how these brave souls fought to help others!
I received this book through Edelweiss and the Publisher Tyndale House, and was not require4d to give a positive review.
June 19, 2021
3.5 stars
"Find out what task Providence has ordained you to do and then do it."
"I fear there may be no task for me." Endeavoring to prove herself worthy of her father's attention, Cadence Piper has long thought that her life would never amount to much, having been misdiagnosed as mentally simple due to a childhood speech malady that had all but corrected itself. When casualties from the Civil War begin pouring into Washington, D.C. she valiantly applies for a nursing position with the famed Dorothea Dix. Told that she was "too young and too pretty", she finds another way to serve the needs of her increasingly despondent city . . . with her voice.
Dr. Joshua Ivy is curious about the "songbird" that has slipped her way into his hospital, administering water, kind words, and lovely melodies. After having previously misjudged her based solely on her lovely appearance and large street audience, he finds Cadence to be anything but self-serving, in fact she's the total opposite; putting the needs of others well before her own. In spite of the draw between them, he cannot afford attachments, for his periodic clandestine activities would put her in great danger, she wouldn't understand, and he could never forgive himself if she was harmed by association. His enemies are ruthless and have eyes roaming everywhere through-out the city.
On one hand, this is the sweetest of love stories between two wounded souls working feverishly to erase misconceptions and sadnesses of their pasts that were no fault of their own. On the other hand, it's a sobering expose of the horrors of war, exposing the atrocities of our country's one civil war that was brutally fought both on and off the battlefields. Thank goodness we are under the watchful eye of the One who never slumbers nor sleeps, "all through the night".
"Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee,
All through the night.
Guardian angels God will send thee,
All through the night." . . . .
"Find out what task Providence has ordained you to do and then do it."
"I fear there may be no task for me." Endeavoring to prove herself worthy of her father's attention, Cadence Piper has long thought that her life would never amount to much, having been misdiagnosed as mentally simple due to a childhood speech malady that had all but corrected itself. When casualties from the Civil War begin pouring into Washington, D.C. she valiantly applies for a nursing position with the famed Dorothea Dix. Told that she was "too young and too pretty", she finds another way to serve the needs of her increasingly despondent city . . . with her voice.
Dr. Joshua Ivy is curious about the "songbird" that has slipped her way into his hospital, administering water, kind words, and lovely melodies. After having previously misjudged her based solely on her lovely appearance and large street audience, he finds Cadence to be anything but self-serving, in fact she's the total opposite; putting the needs of others well before her own. In spite of the draw between them, he cannot afford attachments, for his periodic clandestine activities would put her in great danger, she wouldn't understand, and he could never forgive himself if she was harmed by association. His enemies are ruthless and have eyes roaming everywhere through-out the city.
On one hand, this is the sweetest of love stories between two wounded souls working feverishly to erase misconceptions and sadnesses of their pasts that were no fault of their own. On the other hand, it's a sobering expose of the horrors of war, exposing the atrocities of our country's one civil war that was brutally fought both on and off the battlefields. Thank goodness we are under the watchful eye of the One who never slumbers nor sleeps, "all through the night".
"Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee,
All through the night.
Guardian angels God will send thee,
All through the night." . . . .
January 31, 2021
A Civil War romance of fighting for meaning and the ones you love.
Cadence Piper has struggled to prove herself to her father, as worthy and capable, she wants to be more than a pretty face and wants to truly make a difference in her country. She makes an impression on the brooding Dr. Joshua Ivy, who convinces her to become a nurse tending the wounded soldiers. I admired Cadence's courage, and how she has a strong desire to do her part as well as her compassion for the troops and children.
Joshua is a lone ranger type, outwardly brooding and at times confusing, he is hiding a heart of a gold. I liked how he is a man of action and believes in stepping up to make a difference, and readily defends Cadence against people who slander her.
A Civil War romance that focuses on the brave men and women who fought for the liberation of slaves, standing up against racism. I liked the relationship between Joshua and Cadence, how they support and stand up for one another, though at times they could be a little too much in their heads. This is a compelling story, with strong themes of forgiveness and loving others. The story build throughout, coming to an explosive conclusion. A compelling Civil War novel of romance and abolition.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Cadence Piper has struggled to prove herself to her father, as worthy and capable, she wants to be more than a pretty face and wants to truly make a difference in her country. She makes an impression on the brooding Dr. Joshua Ivy, who convinces her to become a nurse tending the wounded soldiers. I admired Cadence's courage, and how she has a strong desire to do her part as well as her compassion for the troops and children.
Joshua is a lone ranger type, outwardly brooding and at times confusing, he is hiding a heart of a gold. I liked how he is a man of action and believes in stepping up to make a difference, and readily defends Cadence against people who slander her.
A Civil War romance that focuses on the brave men and women who fought for the liberation of slaves, standing up against racism. I liked the relationship between Joshua and Cadence, how they support and stand up for one another, though at times they could be a little too much in their heads. This is a compelling story, with strong themes of forgiveness and loving others. The story build throughout, coming to an explosive conclusion. A compelling Civil War novel of romance and abolition.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 4, 2021
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
An interesting romance novel set during the Civil War, with likeable characters, “All Through the Night”, by Tara Johnson (Tyndale House Publishers), seems historically well researched and realistic.
I liked the intriguing, guarded hero and the intrepid heroine with a stutter who suffers a double stigma because of it and for being a woman. Joshua and Cadence are both brave, altruistic characters.
The vivid descriptions of battleground medicine and the carnage of war, the poverty and damage in the cities the protagonists visit make the descriptions come alive to the reader.
The romance, marriage and children were sweet, although the domesticity reduced the intensity and heat levels. I liked the take on stuttering and the ease of singing.
The beginning was promising, but the story turned a bit bland, dragged a little and didn’t draw me in as much as I was expecting.
I think some of Joshua’s decisions about his secret activities were a bit out of character; at times, the dialogue involving the children didn’t seem natural.
An interesting romance novel set during the Civil War, with likeable characters, “All Through the Night”, by Tara Johnson (Tyndale House Publishers), seems historically well researched and realistic.
I liked the intriguing, guarded hero and the intrepid heroine with a stutter who suffers a double stigma because of it and for being a woman. Joshua and Cadence are both brave, altruistic characters.
The vivid descriptions of battleground medicine and the carnage of war, the poverty and damage in the cities the protagonists visit make the descriptions come alive to the reader.
The romance, marriage and children were sweet, although the domesticity reduced the intensity and heat levels. I liked the take on stuttering and the ease of singing.
The beginning was promising, but the story turned a bit bland, dragged a little and didn’t draw me in as much as I was expecting.
I think some of Joshua’s decisions about his secret activities were a bit out of character; at times, the dialogue involving the children didn’t seem natural.
February 12, 2021
featured on FaithfullyBookish.com
Is it just me or is it increasingly tempting to overlook a story set during painfully divisive periods in favor of more lighthearted reads? For me, after yet another year of political and social division and strife, purposefully reading historical fiction is even more of a personal mission to learn from the past than ever before.
This story is so much more than meets the eye! All Through the Night explores not only the preconceived notions ascribed to a variety of people groups (people with speech impediments, emancipated people in the North, people who have experienced homelessness, wounded veterans, etc.) but this story also tackles the inner struggles and outer abuses many of these individuals suffered daily.
This story vividly (yet tastefully) portrays medical intervention and advancements applied during the Civil War. However, it is Cadence and Joshua’s individual journeys towards embracing their own worth in Christ and using their gifts to serve others that make this book exactly what the world needs now. I highly recommend this inspiring and fascinating story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. Additionally, as a co-owner of JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC, I received compensation from the publisher and/or author to coordinate a promotional tour for this title. The opinions expressed are my own.
Is it just me or is it increasingly tempting to overlook a story set during painfully divisive periods in favor of more lighthearted reads? For me, after yet another year of political and social division and strife, purposefully reading historical fiction is even more of a personal mission to learn from the past than ever before.
This story is so much more than meets the eye! All Through the Night explores not only the preconceived notions ascribed to a variety of people groups (people with speech impediments, emancipated people in the North, people who have experienced homelessness, wounded veterans, etc.) but this story also tackles the inner struggles and outer abuses many of these individuals suffered daily.
This story vividly (yet tastefully) portrays medical intervention and advancements applied during the Civil War. However, it is Cadence and Joshua’s individual journeys towards embracing their own worth in Christ and using their gifts to serve others that make this book exactly what the world needs now. I highly recommend this inspiring and fascinating story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. Additionally, as a co-owner of JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC, I received compensation from the publisher and/or author to coordinate a promotional tour for this title. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 10, 2023
This is a Christian romance novel set in Washington DC during the Civil War. It is based on the life of Elida Rumsey who lived from 1842 to 1919, but the author made many changes and added fictional characters, so the novel varies considerably from the historical record. Nevertheless, this is a great novel.
Cadence Piper is the name of the main character. She's a Christian teenager seeking her place in life, desiring to serve others. When the Civil War starts she decides to apply to be a nurse in a hospital caring for soldiers but she doesn't immediately get the job. Instead she's encouraged to sing to the soldiers as they come into the city. She has a beautiful singing voice even though she has a speech impediment.
The story gets very complicated and involves the slave trade and a secret society. There are children involved. I was surprised that so much could be packed into one novel but it all works together for a compelling story that teaches us more about life during the Civil War.
Cadence Piper is the name of the main character. She's a Christian teenager seeking her place in life, desiring to serve others. When the Civil War starts she decides to apply to be a nurse in a hospital caring for soldiers but she doesn't immediately get the job. Instead she's encouraged to sing to the soldiers as they come into the city. She has a beautiful singing voice even though she has a speech impediment.
The story gets very complicated and involves the slave trade and a secret society. There are children involved. I was surprised that so much could be packed into one novel but it all works together for a compelling story that teaches us more about life during the Civil War.
January 13, 2021
All I can say is just wow! A fantastic read!
One that will keep you occupied for hours until you finish the story!
Johnson is a fabulous story teller. I love her stories because she adds just a little bit of everything to keep you turning the pages and make you "sigh" at the end. "Sighing" with satisfaction that is.
You know, it's hard to find another book to read after finishing a book like this. It was so very good!
Wonderful characters with awesome Christian messages that will lift up your heart and remind you that God is at work no matter what.
Johnson knows how to make you feel a part of the characters lives so much so that it was hard to say goodbye. I didn't want the book to end. She's such a good author.
I really enjoyed this book to the fullest.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
One that will keep you occupied for hours until you finish the story!
Johnson is a fabulous story teller. I love her stories because she adds just a little bit of everything to keep you turning the pages and make you "sigh" at the end. "Sighing" with satisfaction that is.
You know, it's hard to find another book to read after finishing a book like this. It was so very good!
Wonderful characters with awesome Christian messages that will lift up your heart and remind you that God is at work no matter what.
Johnson knows how to make you feel a part of the characters lives so much so that it was hard to say goodbye. I didn't want the book to end. She's such a good author.
I really enjoyed this book to the fullest.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
January 9, 2021
"But to have a purpose. To know your task and give your life to it with all your heart. There is nothing more noble or honorable.”
What a beautifully written novel with gritty and raw emotions set during a heart-breaking time in our nation. Once again, Tara Johnson creates an unforgettable fictional world nestled in a very real historical world - this time in Washington DC at the beginning of Civil War - that will draw you in and not let go. The hatred, brokenness, hopelessness, misery, and unspeakable loss are so very vivid and tangible, as are desire to do justice and mercy, love for all mankind, and God's overwhelming grace and provision. I really enjoyed the medical and surgical aspects of the story that made me feel like I was right there on the battlefield, treating and ministering to the soldiers. Tara Johnson never disappoints with her well-researched and profound words; this book is a must-read historical fiction.
I loved Cadence, a multi-talented young woman, who is insecure about her place in the world and striving so hard to prove herself and earn her father's affection. Joshua, a physician passionate about abolition and providing a safe home for children, is a broody, emotional hero with a huge and tender heart who also is working hard to prove himself. Watching their work relationship turn into something more through a host of varying circumstances was absolutely delightful and how they complemented each other in and out of the hospital was heart-warming. Threats hover on every side as the war escalates and Joshua becomes a target; this subplot adds a thread of suspense to enrich a story already masterfully layered with devastation of war, beauty of faith and music, journey to knowing worthiness and tenderness of first love.
I received a copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
What a beautifully written novel with gritty and raw emotions set during a heart-breaking time in our nation. Once again, Tara Johnson creates an unforgettable fictional world nestled in a very real historical world - this time in Washington DC at the beginning of Civil War - that will draw you in and not let go. The hatred, brokenness, hopelessness, misery, and unspeakable loss are so very vivid and tangible, as are desire to do justice and mercy, love for all mankind, and God's overwhelming grace and provision. I really enjoyed the medical and surgical aspects of the story that made me feel like I was right there on the battlefield, treating and ministering to the soldiers. Tara Johnson never disappoints with her well-researched and profound words; this book is a must-read historical fiction.
I loved Cadence, a multi-talented young woman, who is insecure about her place in the world and striving so hard to prove herself and earn her father's affection. Joshua, a physician passionate about abolition and providing a safe home for children, is a broody, emotional hero with a huge and tender heart who also is working hard to prove himself. Watching their work relationship turn into something more through a host of varying circumstances was absolutely delightful and how they complemented each other in and out of the hospital was heart-warming. Threats hover on every side as the war escalates and Joshua becomes a target; this subplot adds a thread of suspense to enrich a story already masterfully layered with devastation of war, beauty of faith and music, journey to knowing worthiness and tenderness of first love.
I received a copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
April 11, 2021
I do not always enjoy books based in the Civil War era, but this one was well written with a plausible plot as well as good spiritual lessons woven into the characters’ stories. First work by this author that I’ve read, but I’ll be looking for more.
August 3, 2020
All Through the Night by Tara Johnson is an excellent historical fiction novel that takes place during the early years of the American Civil War. It gives the reader a peak into several different aspects: the medical establishment, the injuries/wounds/sacrifices that soldiers made on the battlefield, and also a glimpse into monstrosities such as the Knights of the Golden Circle (secret societies and groups that were dedicated to foul and horrific behavior).
I enjoyed reading the stories of Cadence Piper and Joshua Ivy. Both are upstanding, genuine, like able, realistic, complex, and flawed individuals. Both have their own faults, insecurities, and strengths. Both have strong moral compasses and their foundation and hearts placed in a greater purpose. I really enjoyed both of them finding their true purpose spiritually, professionally, and romantically. It was nice to see both see their own beauty and the beauty of others. I was impressed with all that both had to give to helping others. I really enjoyed their path to happiness and romance.
I also enjoyed the mystery and suspense components that involved Tate, abolitionists, and the evil Knight society. It definitely added a heightened sense of urgency and rawness to the glimmers of hope that the main characters brought to the story.
I enjoyed the plot, pacing, time period, character cast, and ending. There were times that the descriptions of the battlefields and the devastating conditions, that I truly felt completely immersed and literally there myself. I could see the flies buzzing, the fields and tents overwhelmed, and the stagnancy that was hovering over all. The author was impressive in her ability to place the reader into the situation time and time again. It was hard to read, but important all the same. I also liked the inclusion of real-life historical figures sprinkled throughout the story. It also added another aspect of authenticity to the story.
I really enjoyed this book and it was uplifting to see right conquering wrong, and good replacing evil. Rays of light peaking through the dark clouds are always welcome and needed.
I found it fascinating to see that some of the main characters and this society were all based off of real occurrences and people during this time. I learned quite a bit about "the Songbird of the North" during this story, and it was great to see that she actually did exist. The author's note at the end of the book was a welcome addition.
A very inspiring and uplifting book to let the reader know that we may be imperfect and flawed, yet we are always loved, we all have a purpose, and we all have something to add. A great message.
5/5 stars
Thank you EW and Tyndale House Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
I enjoyed reading the stories of Cadence Piper and Joshua Ivy. Both are upstanding, genuine, like able, realistic, complex, and flawed individuals. Both have their own faults, insecurities, and strengths. Both have strong moral compasses and their foundation and hearts placed in a greater purpose. I really enjoyed both of them finding their true purpose spiritually, professionally, and romantically. It was nice to see both see their own beauty and the beauty of others. I was impressed with all that both had to give to helping others. I really enjoyed their path to happiness and romance.
I also enjoyed the mystery and suspense components that involved Tate, abolitionists, and the evil Knight society. It definitely added a heightened sense of urgency and rawness to the glimmers of hope that the main characters brought to the story.
I enjoyed the plot, pacing, time period, character cast, and ending. There were times that the descriptions of the battlefields and the devastating conditions, that I truly felt completely immersed and literally there myself. I could see the flies buzzing, the fields and tents overwhelmed, and the stagnancy that was hovering over all. The author was impressive in her ability to place the reader into the situation time and time again. It was hard to read, but important all the same. I also liked the inclusion of real-life historical figures sprinkled throughout the story. It also added another aspect of authenticity to the story.
I really enjoyed this book and it was uplifting to see right conquering wrong, and good replacing evil. Rays of light peaking through the dark clouds are always welcome and needed.
I found it fascinating to see that some of the main characters and this society were all based off of real occurrences and people during this time. I learned quite a bit about "the Songbird of the North" during this story, and it was great to see that she actually did exist. The author's note at the end of the book was a welcome addition.
A very inspiring and uplifting book to let the reader know that we may be imperfect and flawed, yet we are always loved, we all have a purpose, and we all have something to add. A great message.
5/5 stars
Thank you EW and Tyndale House Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
December 3, 2020
I went in with high expectations for this book, as I’d heard only good things so far from other readers. Well, my expectations were exceeded. This was an excellent book and I really mean it. It was deep in so many ways. Tara Johnson puts her readers in the midst of the civil war. As you read page after page you can see it and feel it. It takes a good author to make readers feel as though they are in the midst of their story. Faith was approached boldly which I so appreciate. It really hits home in a truly touching way. The characters were superbly written and I enjoyed getting to know them as I worked my way through the novel. The plot had plenty of twists and turns which left me reading late into the night. I can’t recommend this book enough. This is a must read. I’ve since added all of Tara Johnson’s other books to my TBR list.
June 16, 2021
The author did a nice job describing the brutality of the civil war in every aspect from the war itself to the fight over slaves. There were great topics explored and truths dealt with. The only thing I disliked in the book was how extremely hot and cold the initial relationship between Joshua Ivy and Cadence was. The first 2/3 of the book they both would make these tremendous negative judgements towards each other with no thought to asking or talking about whether they were correct. They would just up and leave assuming the worst of the other. Then in the next section they’d be right back enthralled with each other for the next 2 seconds till they went off again. It felt a little like whiplash mentally at times and made me so frustrated with them, feeling like the interaction was a little ridiculous.
November 29, 2020
Love love and love this story!! We all have something that we feel is a "flaw," something that makes us unworthy or unlovable. Nothing could be further from the truth. God has made each one of us in His image, all special and unique. He sees us even when others may pass us by, He's always loving us when others don't. No matter what we go through in this life He is always leading us every step of the way.
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