In These Hills

by Tamera Alexander

Is the name Jack Daniel familiar?
What about Miss Mary Bobo. . . and what she owned?
How about the town of Lynchburg tucked into the hills and hollers of middle Tennessee?
This fall, journey with Tamera into a new standalone novel inspired by the true history of two beloved Tennessee treasures

A young suffragist on the run finds more than refuge in the hills and hollers of Tennessee in this gripping historical romance from USA Today bestselling author Tamera Alexander.

1905. Josephine Dunham is running for her life. After a women’s suffrage rally in Atlanta turns deadly, she buys a one-way ticket on the first train out and lands in rural Tennessee. There, Dodge Coburn—a rough-edged stranger with undeniable appeal—begrudgingly offers her a ride to Lynchburg, a speck of a town where Josephine hopes to disappear.

Battered and desperate, Josephine has little to say when Dodge delivers her to Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House. Hoping to work in exchange for room and board, she soon discovers the only job matching her skills is at Jack Daniel’s Distillery, an irony not lost on a suffragist committed to prohibition.

Dodge is skeptical of Josephine’s claim that she’s on the run from an abusive husband. But between running Jack Daniel’s cattle farm and raising his young niece, he has little time or inclination to press her . . . at first. But when Josephine’s convictions and compassion draw him in, Dodge begins to reconsider the life he’s chasing, while Josephine must face a world far more complicated than the principles she’s held to.

As Jack Daniel’s Distillery gains national recognition, Josephine’s secrets resurface. In a place where whiskey making takes time but justice is too often hurried, Dodge and Josephine must decide what—and who—they’re willing to risk everything for, and whether faith will hold when the cost is high and time is running out.

Standalone Southern historical fiction, set against the history of women’s rights, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, and Miss Mary’s Bobo’s Boarding House in Lynchburg, Tennessee
A clean enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract romance perfect for fans of Francine Rivers, Julie Klassen, and Lynn Austin
Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Fiction, Christian

416 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2026

About the author

Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling novelist and one of today's most beloved authors of inspirational historical romance and women’s contemporary fiction. While being Gram Tam is her current favorite role, she’ll never turn down a stroll through an old cemetery or browsing through antique shops.

Her books have been awarded numerous industry-leading honors—among them the Christy Award, the RITA Award, the Carol Award, Library Journal's top honors—and have earned the distinction of Publisher's Weekly Starred Reviews. In 2020 she was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame which recognizes authors for their legacy and contribution to Christian fiction. Her deeply drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide.

Tamera and her husband love living in Nashville, Tennessee, and treasure the time spent with their grown children and grandchildren. They live a short distance from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for many of her critically-acclaimed novels. Tamera views her writing as a way to grow closer to the Lord Jesus Christ—and her deepest desire is that those who read her novels will take steps closer to Him as well.

Reviews

[Joanne | wellreadcoffeeaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

*initial thoughts: It can’t be over! I wanted more!

I've been long overdue for a good historical novel from Tamera Alexander. She hasn't published a historical novel since 2022 (read that in bold so you can feel the shock I did when I realized that).

I'm not interested in books that heavily feature women's rights and the suffragist movement, so the face that this book got 5 stars from me should tell you a lot. In These Hills has the feel of western historical romance from years ago. It doesn't take itself too seriously, isn't too literary just for the quotable lines. It's a slice of life historical story that delivers a good story and a good time, with just enough tension and slow burn romance but not overdone. All of which are trademark of Tamera Alexander and what she excels at.

"We all got our story, don't we? Chapters we don't want to read aloud and other parts we pray to God nobody ever reads at all. But the thing is, He reads them... every page, every word, and loves us anyway."

The main character Josephine was a hard sell for me at first. Her passion and determination to her cause read more like prideful obstinacy to me, not to mention that she lied - justified, in her opinion - consistently throughout the book. This is the only thing I'd say I couldn't get behind, although she grew on me by the end.

Dodge, on the other hand, was everything I love in a book hero. I mean, he reads all the books his niece does because he cares about who and what is shaping her.

"I want to know what ideas she's taking in. What worlds she's visiting. Because sooner or later, those ideas will make their way out and shape who she becomes. I'd rather walk those roads alongside her now, help her navigate her path. And help her make the right choices that'll serve her well in life."

I enjoyed this book so much. I found the back and forth on temperance and alcohol, mainly between Josephine and Jack Daniels, both entertaining and thought-provoking. It also added a humourous touch. I can't say enough good things and I will be purchasing this book once it releases.

*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Netgalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Brittanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some historical fiction tells you about the past. In These Hills - lets you feel it! If you love “meeting” historical figures, you will love this story. You will see Susan B. Anthony's bravery and exchange your childhood perception of a "Mrs. Banks' suffragette" for a deeper appreciation of the grit, sacrifice, and conviction behind the fight for women’s right to vote.

How does a book tug at your heartstrings at only 7 pages in? You will be LIVING Josephines story. Her family situation. 💔 When things unravel, and she’s forced to flee. Problems pile up until you are gasping along with her.

Are you a book crier? Grab a tissue. Tamara Alexander crafts Josephine’s situation so well that you’ll find yourself mentally searching for solutions to help her escape. The writing itself is layered, immersive and believable. The small acts of kindness Josephine encounters from random strangers will likely have you tearing up.

Given everything she’s dealing with, it’s quite ironic and entertaining when Josephine ends up in Lynchburg, Tennessee, the home of Jack Daniel.

Difficult issues like alcoholism and battered women? This novel tackles them with thoughtfulness. Characters share real convictions, struggles and faith. They challenge each other’s perspectives and grow in ways that feel natural. Every character arc matters; you'll find yourself caring deeply.

Josephine herself is a compelling heroine, far from perfect, someone who makes very real mistakes but also someone brave enough to acknowledge them and keep going.

Dodge was another pleasant surprise. I appreciated that he isn’t the overused “tragic widower” archetype. Instead, you’re drawn immediately into his internal struggles surrounding his land and dreams. And refreshingly, he isn’t mooning over Josephine from the first moment. By the end of the first portion of the story, his harsh opposition raises questions that clearly hint there’s much more beneath the surface.

Then there’s Jack Daniel himself: Truly enjoyable, and how he comes across the page. It was a delight getting to “know” him through the story. Tamara gently challenges our assumptions about people while grounding the story in historical authenticity.

And Calla, what a wonderful character. Her compassion, her struggles, and her quiet strength made her feel incredibly real. Gold stars all around for her story arc.

The ending may surprise you. It may not unfold exactly how you hope. But I think you will agree that it’s the right ending for the story. The resolution stays honest to the characters and their world.

Summary: A beautifully written, emotionally engaging historical novel that invites you to reflect on courage, kindness, the love of God and the complicated paths people walk toward redemption and hope.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for this Advance Reader's Copy, thrilled to read this early!

[Ellen Senechal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had issue with a few things, but overall, I loved this one and would recommend.
Fuller review + rating to come.

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josephine is a suffragist on the run after killing a man in self defense. She travels to a small town where they assume her husband is the one who beat her face. She goes along with that. Dodge works for Jack Daniel’s cattle farm. He is not sure about Josephine’s story. He also is the Uncle of a 9 year old girl who he has custody of. Josephine also gets a job working for Jack Daniel, but is not a fan of his business. I really enjoyed this story! I thought it was very interesting. Also a bit different to see a Christian book with a whiskey company in the forefront and Jack Daniel was a fun character. I liked that even though Josephine worked hard for women’s rights she realized she didn’t know fully what some women endure. I really liked Josephine and Dodge! They were great and even better together.
The only reason this book doesn’t get 5 stars is because there are a couple of swear words in it and that’s not ok with me for a Christian book. However, there is great Christian faith content throughout. Overall a great read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Content: 3 uses of “hell” and 1 of “ass”, assault, attempted sexual assault, talk of men beating their wives

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing story! A moving tale full of human interest, history, drama, and a tender romance to cap it off. A suffragist on the run after a rally turns violent, finds herself at the mercy of strangers in the hills of Tennessee, in the heart of whiskey making territory.

Well-written with dialogue that shows the depth of the characters' personalities, with some fun literary references and banter at times. This incredible story brings together people who seem to be at odds with each other, yet circumstances prove to be a refining fire that brings out the best in them. The pace picks up with more peril towards the end especially, making it hard to put down.

Josephine's perspective changes as she is given help by strangers in her desperation, and she learns that not all things are as cut and dried in relation to alcohol. Her story was difficult with the trauma she endured, but hopeful as she is given so much grace and learns to extend that to others. Loved her relationship with Cally, as well as 'Dodge' and his niece, Bethie.
So many good moments of inspiration throughout, as they dealt with grief, disappointment, injustice, ethical dilemmas, and danger. A lovely redemptive moment in a dark place was especially moving, bringing tears and spiritual encouragement. I loved the conclusion and wrap up. Definitely worth the angst of what Josephine went through.

A terrific read from start to finish. Highly recommend to readers who like historical fiction with real people included, faith and a tender, clean romance. 5+ stars!

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rtc

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Because truth will always make itself known. It's usually just a matter of time."

Time is something that Josephine Dunham will never take for granted again, and she has a sinking suspicion that with every tick of the clock her deception is just that much closer to being exposed. Being an outspoken suffragette in a city like Atlanta was one thing, but defending herself against a bystander determined to kill her. . . . leaving had been her only choice. In her battered state, and aided along the way by the kindness of strangers, Josephine lands in the tiny Tennessee town of Lynchburg, fabricating a story that leads the townspeople to believe that she escaped an abusive husband.

Dodge Coburn doesn't quite believe the sparse details offered by the woman who hitched a ride in his wagon and neither does Miss Mary Bobo who begrudgingly offers Josephine temporary lodging in her boarding house. Pushing aside their doubts surrounding the enigmatic woman, Dodge tries unsuccessfully to turn his focus onto more pressing matters, namely raising his young niece and juggling his busy schedule as the local distillery's premier foreman, while Mary cautiously permits Josephine to continue living under her roof. A certain irony manifests itself in the entire situation when Josephine, a self avowed teetotaler, accepts employment from Jack Daniels himself as an office assistant, organizing multiple aspects of his lucrative whiskey enterprise. What could possibly go wrong?

Beautifully layered with silky smooth word flow, this story utilizes every square inch of its setting to set the stage for what turns out to be a masterful performance. Everyone who reads this story will be imagining themselves in the lives of these characters, wondering which path they would choose if facing similar circumstances. Witty, romantic, deeply inspiring and yet throbbing with injustices, revenge, and deceit, the author brings everyone down the same road to face an age old question, is God working out His will in the suffering . . . even "in these hills"?

"Two are better than one. But I can't be better without you."

[Madi unruh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one! The middle felt slower but I loved the character development and the different sides of a nuanced topic

[Stephanie Mccall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit, I was beginning to wonder if Tamera Alexander would ever write another book. In These Hills wasn't quite what I expected, but it ended up blowing me away.

What caught my attention first was the deep and complex themes. In These Hills looks like a simple story on the surface; Josephine is a suffragist, Dodge is not exactly against suffrage but strongly disagrees with Josephine's presentation of it because of his personal pain. Such a setup could've made the book preachy or "on the nose." Instead, both Josephine and Dodge confront the logical fallacies in their arguments, such as "not all men" or "not all women"--and learn to appreciate the other's side of things in real time. What I loved about this was, it gave them a romance that isn't built entirely on chemistry and sweet moments. These two have more than a romance--they truly build a relationship. They go from adversaries to friends to lovers in well-paced succession, which isn't something I see very often.

Additionally, the themes tie in so expertly with Josephine's character growth, they're almost seamless. Josephine seems like a tough, educated lady who maybe has some snobbery going on at first. Yet the more I got to know her, the more I saw that almost snobbish side to her came from vulnerability, a need for gentleness, that made her stronger and more feminine instead of a victim. My heart ached for her as I watched others, particularly men, lambast and even physically hurt her for her beliefs. I was reminded how far women have come and how far we still must go. But Tamera's handling of suffrage, temperance, and other issues, such that neither side is completely right or wrong, gave both her heroine and her book incredible depth.

I also particularly loved the characters because of how complex they are. For instance, Josephine is our heroine and she does embody heroic traits such as fierce compassion for others, determination, and after a fashion, humility. But it's that "after a fashion" that makes her human. It's her blunt honesty, mixed with fear driving her to almost constant deception, that makes her someone readers hope will have a happy ending. Calla and Miss Mary especially have similar arcs happening. They're stalwart, good-hearted people, and yet human weaknesses like a lack of grace for others or a tendency to carry heavy burdens alone, trip them up.

That complexity isn't limited to the female characters, either. Dodge Coburn and Jack Daniel surprised me just as much as they did Josephine. Jack Daniel in particular could've been written as a typical overly sanguine womanizer who became a bit arrogant because of his business acumen. Instead, he's a genuine person in terms of both strength and weakness, and he and Josephine in particular play off each other well. And Dodge could've been a typical single dad with ambitions and beliefs Josephine considered beneath her. Instead, they learn to guide Bethie together, and Dodge in particular appreciates Josephine for who she is almost immediately.

The plot itself is an absolute jewel. I found myself identifying with Josephine and cheering on her speeches and suffragist ideals--but I also experienced conviction because like her, albeit on other issues, I haven't always seen all sides. I've had to learn nuance and sometimes teach it to myself, extend myself grace and extend it to others. I also applaud Tamera for the fact, In These Hills could've turned mainly on a "liar revealed" conflict. In fact, it kind of does but mostly doesn't. Josephine's travails and choices drive the story forward, but she does a lot more than "becoming a mask," so to speak. And the people of Lynchburg aren't just people that facilitate lessons she needs to learn. Instead, Lynchburg itself stands out as a true community of multifaceted people, for Josephine and for those who've lived there all their lives.

As with any book like this, there are several "popping" scenes. As you read and find your own treasures, keep your eyes on:
-The opening suffrage rally scenes; they hooked me right away and had me on the edge of my seat for more than a chapter
-Josephine's relationship with Bethie; refreshingly, Bethie doesn't adore her right away. There's a lot of great banter and some painful moments mixed in, all of which contribute to a relatable relationship arc
-The birth of Honey the calf and how Bethie and Josephine connect over it
-Almost any scene focused on Calla or Miss Mary and who they are growing to become
-Josephine's quiet, spiritual scenes near the end. I'm not usually a fan of the type of epiphany she had because it could read as just her desire to get out of a bad situation. But to my surprise, Tamera made it work because of who Josephine is and how she processes what happens

Overall then, In These Hills is a rich, enjoyable book full of characters who feel like "home" and questions that will make you think. I highly recommend it and hope Tamera doesn't wait too long to give us another like it. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

[Linda Galella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josephine cannot believe she is standing on stage and speaking at the same event as Susan B. Anthony! The crowd is large, filled with supporters of the suffragist movement, as well as rowdy men telling them to go home and back to what they were meant to do: keep house, take care of the children and do what they say. It’s not long before they are out of control and Josephine is hit with eggs and a rock that dazed her when it struck her in the head. When whiskey bottles start to fly towards them, Josephine takes the 85 year old Miss Anthony by hand and rushes off the stage to seek safety.

Miss Anthony and Josephine have a few moments to share about their personal lives and motivations for joining the quest for women’s suffrage. Josephine is humbly motivated by SBA when the icon claims she sees her younger self in Josephine and pleads for her to speak her best, work her best and trust her own conscience, providing that it is guided by God.

As they hurry in separate directions, Josephine hears raucous men, chiding a group of suffragists, pelting them with rotten eggs and other physical abuse. The policeman who step in are worse, treating the women like animals, shoving them into vehicles to transport them to jail. Any attempt at refusing was met with a beating. Josephine was able to escape from the officer trying to load her into the wagon, running for her life.

On a side street, Josephine saw her good friend, Sarah, being manhandled. He struck Sarah in the face with a forceful blow, when Josephine couldn’t get there quickly enough to stop him. She did get there fast enough to plow into him, knock him in the street and allow the two women to escape.

The young women were not safe for long. While trying to avoid the wretched man who had thrown eggs and a rock at her, Josephine, whose being held by her hair and being beat with his belt, finds a brick and succeeds to knock him out. She and Sarah believe he’s dead.

Needless to say, the opening of IN THESE HILLS, by Tamera Alexander, begins with a literary bang! The remainder of the story is Josephine’s escape from Atlanta, new life in Lynchburg and all the quirky characters that live and work there. My two favorite characters are Miss Mary and Jack Daniels; yup - THAT one!

Something few folks know about me is that I’m a whiskey snob. If it’s not straight up whiskey, I’m not interested; sour mash or give me diet Dr. Pepper! No. 7 is my Nirvana. Don’t ruin it by adding anything other than a glass or on really hot days, a single ice cube. When I learned that Jack and Lynchburg were major players in this story, it earned 4 stars before I even began reading. I was ever so thankful the rest of the story was spectacular.

Tamera Alexander is a wonderfully gifted writer of historical fiction. The research is deep and exquisitely integrated; no info dumps. The setting, clothing, architecture, current historical events and thinking are immersive, drawing readers into the lives of the characters. Faith is integrated naturally thru daily life’s challenges and joys.

Being able to “hear” the thoughts and observe growth in a character makes it easy to care about them. In this story, there’s a mix of historical figures and fictional characters. Readers will be able to discover Jack Daniels from his little boy days up thru his waning days. He’s larger than life. Miss Mary is the real owner of the boarding house in Lynchburg, the only place for visitors or potential new residents to stay until finding a permanent home. There’s no biography about her but there is a cookbook that includes anecdotes that I’m planning to read. She is a wonderful character. Think “Granny” from the Beverly Hiilbillies” meets Martha Stewart. Her boarding house evolved into a restaurant that still serves Lynchburg as a National landmark.

Josephine’s journey to find her place after the events in Atlanta is full of adventure. This story is layered with multiple arcs, a bit of mystery, challenges of faith and family, seeking purpose and looking for acceptance and love. It’s expertly crafted and relevant for today.

The appeal for this book should be expansive: readers of Historical Fiction, Southern Fiction, Whiskey enthusiasts, Inspirational Fiction, Gentle Romance, Women’s Fiction, Women’s History and really fantastic stories without foul language or open door sexual content.

Highly recommended📚

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
Read & Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC via Kindle with thanks to the publisher and author.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamera Alexander has such a gift for writing historical fiction that pulls you into both the plot and the characters. This story starts in 1905 and right in the middle of a suffrage rally alongside Susan B. Anthony (!!). Things quickly take a dangerous turn, and Josephine, also a suffragist, is suddenly running for her life!

One of my favorite parts of this book was watching Josephine grow. Tamera Alexander does such a great job of taking her characters on journeys of faith, and Josephine's was especially compelling. As a suffragist and strong-headed person, she’s spent years seeing the world one way, but the people and experiences she encounters, while on the run and in hiding, force her to wrestle with and question what she believes in most. I appreciated that the story didn't offer easy answers but instead showed how messy, complicated, and full of grace life can be.

I also absolutely loved Dodge. He was such a steady, genuine hero, and I found myself rooting for him from the beginning. It was also fun getting a glimpse into the history of Jack Daniel's Distillery.

There were several quotes that really stood out to me. "Never forget—even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered."Josephine waited. "Pain draws us closer to God, my dear sister. It helps us to hear his voice... better than anything else."

I also loved: "And for what it's worth, Josephine... heartache teaches what happiness can't. Whatever it is you've been through, take the lesson and leave the pain, if you're able."

Even though this story is set in 1905, the questions it raises about justice, prejudice, grace, suffering, and trusting God in the middle of brokenness still feel incredibly relevant today.
One of the things I appreciate most about Tamera Alexander's writing is how naturally she weaves faith into her stories. It never feels forced, and the emotions and struggles her characters face are so relatable. Watching Josephine confront her own assumptions about life and men, deal with the consequences of her choices, and grow in both faith and humility made this such a rewarding read.

One content note for readers who appreciate knowing these details: there is one use of "jack***" and two uses of "a**" within the span of about two pages. They weren't part of a sermon or a discussion about language, and there wasn't any other strong language for the rest of the book. Because of that, the words felt jarring, random, and unnecessary to me. It certainly didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story, but I wanted to mention it for readers who are mindful of content.

Also... can we please have more epilogues in Christian fiction? I was so excited to see this book had one! I love getting that extra glimpse into the characters' lives after the main story wraps up, and this epilogue was the perfect finishing touch by Tamera.

If you love Christian historical fiction with memorable characters, plenty of heart and wit, and tender faith woven (beautifully) throughout, I recommend picking this one up as your next read!

Thank you to the publisher, Tyndale, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow!! I've been waiting for Tamera Alexander to release her next book and boy did she deliver with "In These Hills"!

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I just love it when we get to meet real life people between the pages of a book. In this one we get to see Susan B. Anthony and Jack Daniel - two very different people that I would have never thought of being in the same book but here they are, connected by events surrounding the main character Josephine.

We also meet Mary Bobo who had a boarding house in Lynchburg, TN where many visitors to the Jack Daniels distillery stayed and the restaurant remains a staple in the community. She's someone I never knew about but is definitely a historical figure in Tennessee.

Overall the story highlights both sides of prohibition very well. Josephine definitely sees how alcohol can ruin the lives of families when its misused but through this story, her eyes are opened to a different side where the business of distilling and distributing alcohol is a livelihood for some.

The main male character Dodge and his niece Bethie were characters I really enjoyed in the book. Calla is a side character that brought a lot of depth to the story and opened Josephine's eyes to so much of the world she never understood.

It also has the darker side of the women's suffrage movement and highlights some of the difficulties early suffragists faced, many years before women received the right to vote. There are also glimpses into the struggles of African Americans during this time period in the south and how different communities dealt with racial issues. There is some bad language, but not highlighted as a positive thing. To me, these words added authenticity to the story because it's language a person on the wrong side of the law and of Christian faith would use.

There are some excellent Christian faith elements written into the story and I loved how they were used in the story. This is a Christian Historical Fiction book written by a Christian author so any readers looking for faith-filled Christian fiction may enjoy this book.

Overall this book has so much packed into it and it's just so well written and I stayed up late just to finish reading the story one night which I don't do often. This book contains history, family struggles, loss, romance and an intriguing central plot in just over 400 pages that to me passed very quickly.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ Stars!

I cried when I finished In These Hills. This story is so full of living. People trying to love each other well. Trying to make choices that honor God. Struggling. Getting things wrong. Asking forgiveness. Offering mercy. Learning to see the person standing in front of them.

Josephine came into Lynchburg with strong convictions and very definite ideas about people and what was right. Then she started living among them.

That got very personal for me. I know what it is to find yourself in a completely different environment and later see how God orchestrated it. People you never expected become part of what He is teaching you. Your eyes open wider. You begin seeing things you could not see before. I felt that so deeply while reading Josephine’s story.

There was one point when I was furious with Josephine. I mean truly upset with her. I cared enough about these people by then that her choices hurt. Watching what came after that, and seeing her grow, made me love her and those around her even more.

The friendships in this book are beautiful. Miss Mary. Calla. Josephine. Dodge. Bethie. Jack Daniel. So much care between people. They show up. They listen. They forgive. They help. They try again.

“Love your neighbor” is lived out here.

The Jack Daniel’s Distillery setting fascinated me. I had no idea going in how I would feel about that part of the story. Tamera Alexander made Lynchburg and the people behind its history feel alive. I kept wanting to know more.

Dodge and Josephine were wonderful together too. I really enjoyed them, especially the way faith mattered in how Dodge approached what he wanted and the choices he made.

Jesus is throughout this story.

People pray and seek God’s guidance. They surrender things to Him. They cry out to Him. They talk about His grace and His mercy. They want to live in a way that honors Him. They seek Him and find Him.

Jesus is Lord and Savior and Master. That is what made this story so beautiful to me.

Compassion. Mercy. Grace. Understanding. Priorities. Loving your neighbor and wanting to do better every day.

I was overwhelmed by how beautifully these people lived and loved, and by the end I was crying because it had all become so very tender and eternally meaningful.

Amazing story.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, Tyndale Fiction, via NetGalley. My review reflects my honest, heartfelt opinion.

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited and delighted to see that Tamera Alexander has written another book! She hasn't written one in a very loooooong time.
When I saw In these Hills I knew I had to have it. I wasn't disappointed at all!
Oh my this book was everything that I've come to expect from this amazing author!
How cool it would have been to time travel back to those times. I'd see first hand what those woman had to deal with and fight for.. They fought for our rights as women and I so admire and appreciate them.
Through this beautiful and sometimes hard story I was able to do that. There are places that I cheered Josephine in and other places I wanted cry for her. She's what made me keep turning the pages. She's the one who wouldn't let me go to sleep until she told me her story
Then we have Dodge Coburn. Skeptical, uncertain, and maybe leary at first but I found myself rooting for him and Bethie too. Especially Bethie.
I actually enjoyed meeting Jack Daniels too. No, I didn't like the idea of the distillery but I I enjoyed in getting to know the man himself. I thought he was the most charismatic man I've ever met.
I learned many things from this book.
The faith filled themes were wonderful. Some romance but not overdone.
I loved everything about this novel and I was sad when it ended.
I finished this book at 3am because I couldn't put it down.
My friend would agree with this quote from the book that
“We all got our story, don’t we? Chapters we don’t want read aloud, and other parts we pray to God nobody ever reads at all. But the thing is…He reads them, every page, every word, and loves us anyway. Whatever it is you’re carrying, remember that.” this also came from Nannie Calla's niece.
Secrets were never meant to be kept. They do tend to come out sooner or later.
Another favorite quote "You can run but you can't hide God always knows where you are.
"Bethie we shouldn’t judge all men by one. There are good men in this world. So to judge them as all being the same isn’t fair to them. Just like not all women, or girls, are the same.” I agree.
This was such a good read that I'll be thinking about it for a long time to come.
5 stars for a job well done!
I received this book from Interviews and Reviews through Tyndale via NetGalley

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A female suffragette fleeing for her life & the nephew of the famous Jack Daniel, two seeming opposites & one amazing love story! Tamara Alexander brings history to life in this sweeping, inspirational story.

From the beginning, I was drawn into Josephine’s plight & learning more about the early suffragette movement & Jack Daniel’s distillery. I enjoyed the achingly lovely, slow-burn romance, witty & thought-provoking dialogue, the age-old discussion of freedom versus protection with Prohibition, & the inspirational messages sprinkled throughout.

Josephine Dunham is strong, stubborn, & passionate about women’s rights. When a votes-for-women rally goes horribly wrong, she runs for her life, eventually landing in rural Tennessee. With officers searching for her, she poses as a married woman escaping an abusive husband. But the town’s main source of income is Jack Daniel’s distillery, a business she vehemently opposes. As she gets to know handsome Dodge Coburn & the charming Jack himself, the lines begin to blur between staunch principles & the livelihoods of the people she’s come to care for.

I thoroughly enjoyed Josephine & Dodge! They’re complete opposites, & I loved the mutual admiration that grows between them. Josephine has such a narrow, prejudiced view of men, & I enjoyed seeing Dodge upend her beliefs at every turn. Their swoon worthy, slow burn romance crackles & I enjoyed watching them fall in love. I also appreciated Dodge’s more modern view of women & his & Jack’s respect for Josephine’s abilities.

Though I don’t drink, it was fascinating learning more about Jack Daniel & seeing how his business grew from a small whisky operation into a world-renowned brand. I also enjoyed learning more about the early suffragette movement & getting a glimpse of Susan B. Anthony too. And I loved watching Dodge’s niece Bethie’s relationship with Josephine grow from resentment to respect & love.

The ending had me on pins & needles as Josephine’s past finally catches up to her. Highly recommend to historical romance fans! I received an advanced copy with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading In These Hills, an early twentieth century southern novel set in Lynchburg, Tennessee—the home of Jack Daniel Distillery. Kitty is an idealistic suffragist from Georgia who has a heart for helping women. She speaks at a street rally in Atlanta and a scary chain of events leaves Kitty with no good options. She’s on the run and hiding in a small Tennessee town.

Dodge is a single parent of his orphaned nine-year-old niece. He’s a foreman at a cattle ranch owned by Jack Daniel. Dodge’s first meeting with Kitty is dramatic and stressful. He unknowingly rescues Kitty from a dire situation and mistakenly assumes she’s married.

Kitty needs a job in Lynchburg to pay for her accommodation at the charming Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House. The only suitable work is at Jack Daniel’s distillery, which is a problem. Kitty is dealing with moral and ethical dilemmas, including how she’s keeping secrets and not being honest with the kind people in town who are helping her.

I loved journeying with Kitty in the story. She’s a strong woman and a complex character who’s struggling with past hurts, including grief and loss. Danger follows Kitty as she wrestles with faith matters and trust issues.

Kitty’s friendship with Dodge is complicated and she can’t ignore the romantic sparks flying between them. Dodge struggles with his attraction to a supposedly married woman and he’s dealing with his own problems. A wild ride ensues as Kitty’s past catches up with her.

Lynchburg is like a character in the story. I appreciated seeing real life historical figures and learning more about the volatile political climate. The story explores issues including women’s rights, prohibition, alcoholism, and domestic abuse.

I recommend In These Hills to historical fiction readers who like opposites attract and small town southern fiction with a low key friends-to-more romance, danger, mysteries, political intrigue, and strong faith elements that include forgiveness themes.

Many thanks to Tyndale and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In These Hills” by Tamera Alexander is a book that will hold readers captive from the excellent plot, to the rich character development, to the historical setting and content. Josephine is a single young woman with no surviving family, who is caught up in the fervor of fighting for women’s rights. She is so passionate about her cause, she even ends up speaking at a rally in her home city of Atlanta. Circumstances prompt her to need a swift exit from her home, and that leads her to meet Dodge. Dodge is from the tiny town of Lynchburg in the mountains of Tennessee. Events unfold from there, but I don’t want to spoil any of this story for you, so I will let you read them. Suffice it to say, Miss Josephine meets some mighty kind folks (and some not so kind ones, too) in this tiny little mountain town. Miss Mary, Calla, Bethie, Uncle Jack, Dodge, and a whole lot more characters all fill out this story well. And those kind folks will help Josephine learn a whole lot more about herself and about life, and about how one’s choices affect other people.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is not every day that I pick up a Christian book and read about a man like Jack Daniels and his whiskey, but I enjoyed the history I learned through reading about him and the current events of that time period. I think we can learn from the lessons that Josephine learned as well. I appreciated the richness of the characters as they flowed through the historical content to create a thoroughly engaging plot that makes me wish I could read more about these new book-friends. Tamera Alexander has written a story that draws the reader in, keeps them wanting to know more, teaches a few lessons and facts, and also provides an excellent literary escape. I highly recommend this book to lovers of books or just historical fiction.

[Alyssa Shull · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up….

Tamera Alexander is one of my favorite authors, so I was excited to read In These Hills. This was also a first for me in terms of reading a historical novel set during the rise of the suffragist movement. I found the history fascinating and really enjoyed learning more about what these women believed in, and what they were fighting for.

From the beginning, I felt like Josephine was going to be challenged in ways that would lead to a significant character arc. I really enjoyed watching her beliefs and assumptions be challenged throughout the story. Jack Daniel especially pushed her to look at things differently, while Calla helped soften her heart toward people who were struggling with alcohol. And Dodge was such a sweet part of the story, he seemed to see right through Josephine and fell in love with the woman underneath all her walls.

This was a much heavier read than I was expecting. There is quite a bit of violence and difficult subject matter, and honestly, I don’t think I smiled once while reading it. The story carries a heaviness throughout, and I just wasn’t quite in the mood for that kind of book at the time.

I also found the ending a little confusing and jumpy, kept losing where I was. That seems to be a trend with a lot of publishers lately due to word count.

Overall, I would definitely recommend In These Hills to readers who enjoy historical fiction and want to learn more about the turn of the century with the suffragist movement.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Debb Hackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m ashamed to say In These Hills is my first Tamera Alexander book, but the good news is she’s got an extensive publishing history for me to now go and enjoy.

The stort centers around suffragette Josephine who escapes violence and goes to ground in the Tennessee hills. Out of money and options she takes a job in the worst possible place for her convictions – the Jack Daniel distillery. After he helps her on her journey, Josephine strikes up a friendship with Dodge Coburn who runs the distillery’s ranch. But Dodge has no idea the secrets she’s keeping and Jospehine has no inclination to tell him.

Gosh there are a lot of moving pieces in this story. Dodge is raising his niece and dreaming of his own property far away. Josephine is stuck in a small town and unable to campaign for women’s rights. As truths come to light, the pressure mounts. This is a treatise in slowly ramping up the pressure on characters and watching them turn to God. You could also consider this a masterclass in how messy beginnings lead to beautiful endings.

EXCELLENT ATTENTION TO DETAIL

The thing I’ve learned about Tamera Alexander is she is meticulous about detailed research. This really shows between the description of the area, the phrases and behaviors displayed by the charaters, and the attitudes of different people. I also loved all the historical tidbits about the Jack Daniel Distillery and ‘Uncle Jack’ himself.

As I said at the outset, this was my first Tamera Alexander novel but it won’t be my last. Highly recommended for lovers of historical romance.

I received a copy of In These Hills from the publisher via NetGalley, the views are all my own.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"In These Hills" is a romance set in 1905 in Tennessee. Josephine's parents and twin brother worked to help others, but her brother was murdered and her parents died soon after, leaving her alone in the world. She's found purpose in the women's suffrage movement only to be attacked in an alley by the mayor's son who wants to teach her a lesson. She hits him then can't find his pulse. She certainly won't get justice even if it was self-defense. With unexpected help, she manages to get to a town remote enough that she hopes no one will hear the news about her. She believes that alcohol is responsible for men abusing women, so she's not sure how to handle the kindness of Jack Daniel, who offers her a job as his office manager. Dodge keeps an eye on her, not fully trusting her, but he has a cattle crisis to deal with along with raising his dead sister's daughter.

Josephine came to snap judgments about practically everyone she met, and she kept assuming the worst about Dodge despite the way he helped her. Josephine did grow as she got to know people and learned that some issues aren't as clear-cut as she thought. If you like 'justice wins out despite all odds' endings, this isn't one of those stories. The characters were interesting, acted realistically, and I cared about what happened to them. The historical details were woven into the story and brought the setting to life in my imagination.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting novel.

I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In These Hills by Tamera Alexander showcases why I don’t hesitate to scarf up any books that she writes. This one felt like a long time coming and I genuinely enjoyed breaking the pause in her releases. I appreciated the setting and description of the hills of Lynchburg, Tennessee and felt like she did a great job of transporting the reader from the bustling city of Atlanta to the quiet, calming beauty of the Appalachia mountains. I don’t particularly enjoy the topic of suffragist history in historical fiction, so I knew I was taking a chance on this book, but again, it’s Tamera Alexander and I wasn’t about to pass up an opportunity on one of her books. Her ability to write a compelling story and keep the reader engaged was evident as I read this story. I didn’t connect with Josephine at all. I did not particularly enjoy her, but the sake of the story and the other characters kept me fully engaged and turning the pages. I did love Dodge and the way he kept surprising Josephine. The doubt and skepticism of those in small community, as well as those who openly embraced her, provided a great tension as Josephine looked to settle in and find her way. My favorite parts of the story were the banter between her and Uncle Jack and the friendship with Calla. I also appreciated her heart’s desire to care for less fortunate and her unwavering principles and convictions. Miss Mary and Bethie provided a great balance to Josephine, and I did enjoy how they kept her in check as she balanced the reality of living a lie and being true to herself. Altogether, I enjoyed this story and am thankful for the opportunity to have read it. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Lana Spelliscy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tamera Alexander pulls the reader into this historical tale and doesn't let you go until the story is well done. This book transports you back to the suffragette movement, full of all the emotion experienced by those women long ago. Full of history, thrills, misunderstandings, human interference, and a touch of romance. It will pull at heartstrings, make the reader want to yell out loud at the characters, and then sigh when they manage to get it all right. Through the entire story is the ribbon of god and His love. Who He has made each person to be and how to hold onto that no matter what the world may throw at them. The characters feel so real I felt like I could hop on the train and go for a visit. They are flawed in every right way to make them so real and relatable. They spring off the pages and into your imagination, staying around long after the book is finished. The setting is also so perfect for the story, details filling out the story to make every day full and rich.
It was so fun to learn a bit of history throughout this story. I really enjoyed the way Tamera Alexander gives so much depth to the history so many of us do not fully know. And the way she works in former characters was a fun surprise, it put a smile on my face. I highly recommend this book to any historical loving reader. You will greatly enjoy the ride through history. Wile it has been a bit of a wait for a new Tamera Alexander book, it was well worth the wait! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

In These Hills is a fabulous new historical by one of my favorite authors, Tamera Alexander. This book is set in 1905, Lynchburg, TN. A young woman, Josephine Dunham, a suffragist from Atlanta has a run in at a rally that almost got her killed. In an act of self-defense she is forced to leave on the first train out of Atlanta to Tennessee. She meets a ruggedly handsome man, Dodge Coburn who helps her escape and assists in getting her a place to stay and employment with Jack Daniels. As you might imagine, this is quite ironic that the Jack Daniels, who graciously gives her a job and pays her well, represents the very institution that she has fought against as a suffragist. She can't help but like Mr. Daniels, but she also sees the heart ache and pain that drink can cause women and children who are brutally abused by their spouses when drunk. This book is heartbreaking, gritty, and heartwarming too. What I love about the author is she doesn't shy away from gritty subjects. She handles these situations in such a manner, that allows the reader to know what is going on, and does it in a gracious manner. What I also love about Ms. Alexander is she always leads and points her characters to Christ. There is scripture and song references throughout that makes me as a reader want to check my own heart and relationship with Christ.

I believe this book will make a great book club discussion.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.

[Rachel Trout · Rating 4 out of 5]

🥃Whiskey, Women's Suffrage, & Tennessee 🏞️

This was my first Tamera Alexander book. I went into it completely blind, just intrigued by the setting being in Tennessee. I wouldn't say historical fiction or women's suffrage are on the top of my "want to read" list, but I enjoyed the story regardless.

The historical elements of the story cannot be faulted. I feel like I learned a lot about the history of Jack Daniel and the struggles of raising cattle at the time when the book takes place. I also appreciated the author's presentation of the women's suffrage movement. I felt that it was very balanced and fair.

The romance and character development were good. I found myself thinking about the book when I wasn't able to read it, and it kept my interest well. I feel like the side characters were almost as well developed as the MMC. I liked him well enough, but I wish he could have been developed more deeply. Although this story does have romance, I would still say it's mostly a historical novel. I could have used for the romance to be developed more. At times it seemed abrupt, and I wished for more tension and yearning. There wasn't too much tension; I think just because we don't get very much of the MMC's thoughts.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you love historical fiction!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. The opinions expressed above are my own.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

**SPOILER ALERT**
Josephine was unaware until a few weeks ago, when she spoke at a local American Woman Suffrage Association rally in Atlanta, Georgia. She would be on the run for her life, eventually arriving in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Although Josephine qualified for the only job available in this little town, she was apprehensive about working at Jack Daniel's distillery. She had fought against similar organizations responsible for producing liquor.

It was amusing to discover that the author's family had a link to Jack Daniel. Tamara's great-great-grandfather once broke mules for the distillery, and her father was from Lynchburg, Tennessee. It explains why she gave readers an entertaining tour of the distillery with new employee Josephine, where she learned how whiskey was created. I had no idea what went into the lengthy process of producing Jack Daniel's award-winning whiskey.

I enjoyed Josephine’s journey as she seeks to discover her place in this world. I was hooked on this story, as the author has readers, and Josephine knows that trouble hasn't stopped chasing her. Every day she checks the paper to find out when the world would find out what transpired in Atlanta, GA. I liked how the author has a surprise for both Josephine and readers at the end. This would make a good book club pick; there is so much to discuss.

I was given an ARC copy per my request. The opinions are all my own.

[Danielle Turko · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Josephine speaks at the Suffragist rally, she never dreamed a heckler in the crowd would end up attacking her in the alley. When she hits over the head with a brick and he falls over non-responsive, she checks and can't find a pulse. When her friend reveals that he is the mayor's son, a mayor who is anti-suffragist as it is, she jumps on the first train and gets as far as she can. When she ends up on a wagon to Lynchburg with Dodge, she plans to lay low until she can figure where to go the mayor can't reach her. In the town she finds a close knit community that is the birth place of many distilleries, including one belonging to Jack Daniel. When none other than Uncle Jack hires her as a office worker, she decides that it's her duty as a suffragist to stop the distillery as long as she can, but Dodge keeps getting under her skin and she begins to wonder: Are all men as bad as she thinks, or are there some that are worth tying herself to?
It was a really good story that included historical events and engaging characters. It was very sweet to watch Josephine realize Dodge wasn't like other men and he might be worth falling for, and seeing the protective side of Dodge. The ending did seem a little far fetched, but I have no doubt something like could have happened in pre-prohibition era.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely historical novel from Tamera Alexander set in her home state of Tennessee. This book takes place during the height of the suffrage movement and suffragist Josephine Dunham finds herself settling in the small town of Lynchburg, Virginia where Jack Daniel's Distillery resides. I really enjoyed the history of this story and real life characters found in the pages. I absolutely adored the character of Jack Daniel and Mary Bobo and the fictional characters of Dodge Coburn and Calla. Unfortunately, until the last third of the book, I did not much care for Josephine Dunham, which impacted my enjoyment of the book since she was the main character of the story. She had a very solid redemption arc, though, which helped. And living in an age where I have the freedom to vote and earn a living alongside my husband, I struggled to relate to her a bit. However, I did enjoy the overall story line, the hint of mystery and romance included, the faith thread, the redemption arc and how the story tied up so nicely. All in all, this was an enjoyable piece of historical fiction and one I can recommend to fans of that genre. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Lisa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts out with a bang. Plopped right into the middle of a suffrage rally with the great Susan B. Anthony. And boy does it turn violent. Suddenly out lead character is forced to make a run for it and ends up dragged into an alley where her life is forever changed.

Tamera Alexander really does a great job of letting her characters go on a journey of faith. They learn face challenges to their worldviews and are forced to see things through a different perspective. That absolutely happens with Josephine. Everything she's been fed over the years by the suffrage rights comes to head and when she's on the other side of everything she's forced to realize that maybe things aren't so...black and white. Maybe it is a lot harder than she's always been told and has preached.

But one thing is for sure. She will never trust a man who doesn't support equality for women. And definitely won't get married.

Enter Dodge and Jack Daniels. I just loved both of these characters. It was pretty cool to enter the world of the Jack Daniels distillery. I definitely want to go do a bit more research on Mr. Daniels.

A few quotes from the book:

Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.

100%. And so relevant even today regarding topics like traffiking and abortion.

The races can be one as the hand, and as separate as the fingers thereon.

Oh I wonder how Booker T. Washington would feel looking at all the fighting politically.

Once again this book really hits hard the concept of where is God in the midst of inequality, injustice, hatred, prejudice, and cruelty?

And also--do you ban something that the majority uses properly, simply because a minority makes bad choices with it?

It was nice to see Josephine's growth through the story as she wrestles with so many things. And pays the consequence for her actions.

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGAlley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

This book tangled me up in some mixed emotions. From the very beginning, I was drawn into the story, feeling the danger Josephine was in immediately.

The writing was immersive, from the beautiful descriptions to the way each side character came to life. Even though I didn't agree personally with each character, I cared for them. The nuance and perspective each person added seemed genuine and realistic. The story was woven together well, there's no doubt about that.

What I struggled with was the heavy theme of the suffragist movement, seconded by the whiskey distillery element. Because of her suffragist background, Josephine often came across headstrong and sometimes foolish. While I felt compassion for her, I didn't always agree with her. The growth she experienced through her struggles was good to see though, especially concerning her faith in the Lord.

Despite the parts that rubbed me the wrong way, I was engaged until the end. The storytelling was outstanding. The subject matter just wasn't really for me.

Be warned: there are multiple mentions of domestic abuse and alcohol is heavily related to the plot.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞.

This new-to-me author impressed me with her engaging historical romance featuring a suffragist on the run!

I enjoyed how the author gave me access to Miss Josephine Dunham’s mind so that I could see that despite being a determined woman, she still questioned if she was making a difference and still questioned what she was fighting for. I wasn’t expecting to be won over by a precocious 9 year old or hooked by a lesson on charcoal leaching, either, so you can see why this book was a five star read for me.

The two thoughts I’m going to carry with me into next week:
💌We shouldn't judge God by our circumstances because he works on a larger landscape than the one we see.
💌The mellowing process of good whiskey can’t be hurried; it takes the expansion and contraction of the barrels to bring value. We need to appreciate these experiences in our lives, too.

I love the community, the sense of belonging and the friendship Josephine experienced at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House.

I’ve added this author to my auto-read list now!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.