by Tara Johnson
Brady rubbed his chin, his face thoughtful. “However, I see nothing wrong with striking a tenuous arrangement.”
His breath hitched.
“Check back with me in one month. By that time, I hope to have permission from President Lincoln himself. If I can figure out a way to embark on such a campaign, I would like to hire you as one of my photographers.”
Gabe’s pulse pounded in a heady rush. His tongue cleaved to the roof of his mouth. Before he could utter a sound, Brady held up a warning hand.
“On one condition, however. You must agree to use your own Anthony camera and must purchase your own tripod and Harrison lens if you do not have one. I would provide any stereoscopic cameras needed.”
Gabe tried to calculate the sum in his head. The lens would come dear. He’d had no use for a tripod as yet, choosing to perch his delicate camera on boxes or tables for the time being. There would be no such luxury in the middle of war.
He spoke slowly. “Such an investment is beyond my current means. What if I were somehow to obtain the proper funds and arrangements for photographing the war fell through?”
Brady’s lips twisted into a dry smile. “That is precisely my own conundrum.”
It was a risk. A big one. Where would he ever find the money for such equipment?
Brady continued, “In addition, all photographers would be required to spend several weeks working in one of my studios before travel. If I’m to fund such an extravagant and elaborate ordeal, I must be assured that my photographers are properly trained. As such, you would be representing me and the reputation I’ve spent years striving to attain.”
Learn from Mathew Brady himself? The thought left Gabe light-headed. Such an opportunity was beyond belief. It was a priceless gift that would never come again.
As suddenly as the elation rose, it deflated. The opportunity was contingent on money . . . money he did not have. One month. Was it possible to purchase a costly Harrison lens and tripod in such a short time?
Please, Lord. I’ll never ask for another blessed thing. . . .
“What say you, Mr. Avery? Do we strike a pledge?”
Gabe stared at Brady, his mind spinning like a top. How could he decline? If it was the Almighty’s will, he would make a way.
Before he could hesitate any longer, Gabe clasped Brady’s slim hand. Despite the excitement coursing through him, a niggling unease remained. Where could he possibly procure those kinds of funds?
Brady’s brows rose. “One month?”
Gabe swallowed. “One month.”
What had he done?
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Acknowledgments
C. S. LEWIS ONCE PENNED, “If only my toothache would stop, I could write another chapter about Pain.” These past two years have been difficult ones, but a very wise author once told me my job is to write the best story I can in whatever season I’m currently living in. The journey of breathing life into imaginary worlds is made much easier with encouragers, and I’m surrounded by a mighty army of cheerleaders.
To Todd, Bethany, Callie, Nate, and Dylan: Thank you for your patience and unconditional love. You all make life fun and I wouldn’t want to walk it without you.
Mom and Dad, Linda, Brian, in-laws, out-laws, nieces, nephews, and the Cousin Eddies of the family . . . I love you all. Thanks for being the most awesome, craziest family out there.
To Jennifer Pruitt: You, my dear IM sister, are seen, loved, and treasured. I don’t know what I would do without you.
Spring Creek: Thank you for taking in our family with open arms. We love you. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35, NIV).
Savanna Kaiser and Cara Grandle: Thank you for checking in on my heart. Even more than I value our talks about writing, I treasure our chats about what God is teaching us. You girls are my soul sisters!
To Michelle Griep, Elizabeth Ludwig, and Ane Mulligan (The Golden Arrows): Thank you for shaping me into a stronger writer and for being such wonderful friends. I deeply value you.
Janet Grant: There are some amazing agents in the publishing industry, but you exceed them all. Your wisdom, grace, and kindness have been a lifeline. Thanks for guiding my career but also for showing such tenderness during the storms. You are loved.
To all the Books & Such authors: Your friendship and laughter are pure sunshine during the ups and downs of the writing adventure. Thanks for the giggles.
To the entire Tyndale team: Jan Stob, Danika King, Elizabeth Jackson, Andrea Garcia, Andrea Martin, Mariah León, Karen Watson, the cover designers, copy editors, fact-checkers, and everybody involved in the creation and production of this story: Thank you. As always, you all have been the biggest cheerleaders and have elevated this story from the diamond in the rough I began with into something much greater. I thank God each day for all of you.
A special thank-you to Bill Sparks and the men and women involved with the Arkansas Civil War reenactors. You deepened my knowledge of the Civil War, specifically in the realm of medicine. Thank you for making the book launch for Where Dandelions Bloom such a success and for letting me pull the cannon. Meeting you all was a joy!
Jesus . . . thank you for your unconditional love and for continually pursuing me. May my heart’s desire ever be to sit at your feet. Empty me of myself and fill me with you. To you belongs all praise . . . forever my Joy, my Heart, my Everything.
About the Author
A PASSIONATE LOVER OF STORIES, Tara Johnson uses fiction, nonfiction, song, and laughter to share her testimony of how God led her into freedom after spending years living shackled to the expectations of others. Tara is the author of three novels set during the Civil War: Engraved on the Heart, Where Dandelions Bloom, and All Through the Night. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and makes her home in Arkansas with her husband and three children.
Visit her online at tarajohnsonstories.com.
Discussion Questions
How does a doctor’s misdiagnosis from Cadence’s childhood affect the way her father treats her—and the way she views herself—for years afterward? Think of a significant event from your own childhood. What were the repercussions of this event, and how do they still affect you today?
Joshua endured a difficult childhood until he was taken in by Papa John. How did his impoverished early years shape his character as an adult, for good and for bad? In what ways does he choose to channel his painful experiences for the benefit of others?
Dorothea Dix turns Cadence away when she asks to train as a nurse, leaving Cadence unsure about her purpose. How does Cadence react? How have you reacted to setbacks or rejections in your career or plans for your life?
In response to the evil of slavery, Joshua and his associates engage in the dangerous business of buying—and then freeing—enslaved children. What compels them to do this work? What injustices do you see around you in today’s world? How do you typically respond to them?
After Cadence loses the joy she once found in singing, Joshua tells her, “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.” What does he mean by this? Consider your own gifts. Have you ever used them selfishly? In what ways can you use them for God’s glory and out of love for others?
Tate is initially disturbed and upset by little Etta’s efforts to befriend and play with him. Why is this so troubling to him? How is he eventually able to come to terms with his past choices?
When Stephen Dodd learns that Cadence is married, he tells her, “Truth hurts, but it ultimately heals. Deception, though done with good intentions, always destroys. Always.” Do you agree with him? What were Cadence’s intentions in her relationship with Stephen, and why did he misconstrue them? Have you ever unintentionally misled someone or been on the receiving side? What was the outcome?
Toward the end of the book, Joshua puts his family at risk in order to continue his antislavery work. Why does h
e make that decision? How would you have advised him to proceed? Why is it often difficult to balance the demands of ministry with the needs of family?
How does faith in God sustain Joshua, Cadence, and other characters in this story? Think of the moments their faith is put to the test. How are they able to see God at work in the midst of these trials? When do they choose to rely on their own strength rather than God’s?
Did you learn anything new about the Civil War era from this book? Or was anything particularly surprising to you?
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