In These Hills
COMING SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
This fall, journey with Tamera into a new standalone novel inspired by the true history of two beloved Tennessee treasures
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
PRE-ORDER LINKS COMING IN MARCH
Praise for In These Hills
"As soon as I started reading In These Hills I couldn't stop. Tamera Alexander has created a riveting tale, beautifully told, that shines light on the sacrifices women made for the right to vote. The story is excellently researched and peopled with endearing characters, including a fun peek into the life of Jack Daniel of whiskey fame. This is a tender romance with rich, spiritual depth. A must-read."
~ Lynn Austin, bestselling author of The Lumber Baron's Wife
"In These Hills is a powerful, deeply satisfying novel of courage, forgiveness, and grace that reminds us that passion must be tempered by wisdom—and that true wisdom is forged through life, faith, and God’s gentle leading. From the harrowing opening to a richly rewarding epilogue, the story brims with unforgettable characters—from the indomitable Miss Mary to the utterly charming Jack Daniel—with beautifully rendered dialect, compelling chemistry between the hero and heroine, and memorable themes that resonate deeply. A terrific, meaningful read!”
~ Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love and The Lady's Mine
~ Deborah Raney, author of Playing for Keeps and The God Who series
"In These Hills is a novel about suffrage and prohibition set against the backdrop of the history of Jack Daniel’s Distillery and Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House at the turn of the century (1905). I’m not usually a novel reader, but this story really captivated me. I’ve studied the history of this area and the distillery most all my life, and Tamera has brought Jack Daniel and Miss Mary Bobo to life in a way that feels true and genuine. I’ve worked with Tamera for over two years, sharing the history of the distillery and boarding house, and she’s worked hard to get it right. As a host at Miss Mary Bobo’s, I look forward to sharing this novel with our guests, and believe Tamera’s readers will be inspired to visit Lynchburg and see the real history for themselves. Tamera has written this story in a way that deeply honors the history and people of this town."
~ Mike Northcutt, Lynchburg/Moore County Tennessee historian and President of the Lynchburg/Moore County Tennessee Historical Genealogical Society