Book Description:

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 are 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.

Narelle’s Thoughts:

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.

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