Johanna Rojas Vann

Multi award-winning author

Stories about messy families—and the God who redeems them.

award-winning inspirational christian fiction

From the author of An American Immigrant . . .

Comes the story of a woman walking through paralyzing grief and the unlikely friendship that might unlock a path to healing.

When Sandra and her family move from New York City to East Nashville for her husband’s job, she is hopeful for a fresh start. While she will deeply miss her tight-knit family and thriving career, she is desperate to leave behind the city that holds her greatest loss.

When she meets her next-door neighbor, Mark, who is an elderly, widowed, retired pastor, an unlikely friendship quickly forms. His humor, spiritual wisdom, and affinity for gardening—a skill he was forced to learn when his wife passed away—brings a welcome distraction from Sandra’s suffocating grief, giving her hope for the first time since her tragic loss. Will this friendship be just what she needs to heal her broken heart? Or will unexpected news leave Sandra with even more heartache?

Subscribe to my newsletter for instant access to the first two chapters of my NEW book:

Pre-order from your favorite retailer today!

  • Reviews of An American Immigrant

    "Vann delivers a textured, emotionally nuanced rendering of complicated cultural loyalties and the ultimate transcendence of family connection. Readers will be moved."

    Publisher’s Weekly

  • Reviews of An American Immigrant

    “A beautiful homage to a mother’s bravery, and the grace and grit that is our inheritance. An American Immigrant is a clarion call to water our roots and refuse to allow those we love to be lost in translation.”

    Alicia Menendez, MSNBC Anchor & Latina to Latina Creator

  • Reviews of An American Immigrant

    “I don't usually read fiction, but Johanna's storytelling gripped me from the start, and I wasn't able to put An American Immigrant down. I highly recommend this book!”

    Jordan Raynor, best-selling author of Redeeming Your Time and Called to Create

  • Reviews of An American Immigrant

    “Johanna Rojas Vann takes readers on a journey that brings about knowledge, empathy, relatability, connection, and empowerment. I also have to mention the food and culture that made me want to dig up recipes in a paltry attempt to walk the shoes of An American Immigrant and celebrate the blessings God brings us through. Readers don't want to miss this uplifting story!”

    Toni Shiloh, Christy-award winning author

  • Reviews of An American Immigrant

    “In a yearning and humbling journey to the place of her mother’s birth, a fictional Miami journalist discovers her innermost worth by yielding to family truth, creative courage, and cultural clarity—every bit of it needed to give both her heart and the hard world her authentic best. An enchanting, brave, and uplifting story of discovery, family love, and determined hope.”

    Patricia Raybon, Christy-award winning author

  • Reviews of An American Immigrant

    “Not only does An American Immigrant celebrate tradition and cultural exploration, but it is a captivating journey of self-discovery that serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to go after your dreams on your own terms. Melanie’s story is a must read for anyone wanting to understand the power of family and true meaning of "home.”

    Courtney Dyksterhouse, Media Personality & Former News Anchor

Throwing a Book Club Party?

Download my Dinner & Discussion Guide for recipes, a playlist, and more.

By filling out the form below, you'll also receive a periodic newsletter from me with updates, book recommendations and giveaways.

    We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Johanna is a wife, mother to three, & award-winning author in Nashville, TN.

    Traditionally published with Penguin Random House Christian Publishing.