Is Tara a major character in the Sookie Stackhouse novels?

I just started the series, and I'm on the second book. I first watched a few episodes of the HBO show True Blood, and I liked Tara and Lafayette the most. I was disappointed in the second book when Harris killed off Lafayette, and a I just wanted to be sure that Tara was an important character before I got attached to her. I don't want any spoilers or anything, just a heads up if she's a big role like she is in the TV show. Thanks guys!