I love Joanne Bischof’s writing and will always read her new releases. I will admit the book was a bit slow to start, but I enjoyed it overall.

The California mountains come alive in this dual timeline story. Our historical heroine is Juniper Cohen, whose husband has disappeared into the hills, leaving her with their young daughter while the mining community drifts on to find another strike. In modern times, Johnny Sutherland seeks to restore the only building left standing—Juniper's home—in the ghost town of Kenworthy even while fighting for his marriage, his kids, and the life which has unexpectedly turned upside down on him.

Juniper doesn't know where her husband is, or if he'll return. Fighting for survival, she befriends the few people left in Kenworthy. She refuses to leave, wanting to be exactly where her husband left her in case he comes home.

Johnny doesn't want to sign the divorce papers his wife has drawn up. Her infidelity doesn't cancel his love for her or the desire to raise their family together. As he connects with the history of Kenworthy, and especially that of Juniper Cohen, he finds kinship and comfort in the least likely places.

I really enjoyed this story. It is extremely character-driven, so it is not for readers who like a lot of action. Both Juniper and Johnny face deep hardship and have to make difficult decisions over the course of the novel, but there is always gentleness, truth, and God's faithfulness in the mix. I liked how the past and present storylines wove together, and there were some surprises along the way that took the story to places I wasn't expecting.

Like our characters, I could relate to this quote from late in the novel: "This is the story that God has woven for us, and I am learning to trust that He knows the way."

If you are a fan of the character-driven novel, please consider checking this one out.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

The Gold in These Hills by Joanne Bischof is the first novel I’ve read by this author, and I was completely blown away by the depth of this dual-time novel. I have come to love this genre, especially when the two timelines are intricately woven together. In this story, the characters are separated by a hundred years yet they are bound together not only by a historical farmhouse but by common hardships of heartache and rebirth.
Much like Johnny, I was captivated by Juniper and her struggles in the early 1900s. I could feel her strength, her determination to persevere at all cost, and yet I could also see how fragile her strength was. The author did such a beautiful job of creating vibrant and layered characters and drawing you to them. The many characters in this story (past and present) stayed with me even when I’d set my e-reader down.
This story deals with heavy, difficult topics, and yet it is beautiful from start to finish in how it shows the characters facing each difficulty head-on and forcing themselves to adapt, to keep living beyond each moment of trial.
Any Christian historical fiction fan will enjoy this story because of the history woven in both timelines. And all fans of dual timeline novels will enjoy Juniper and Johnny’s story. Just be prepared to feel a full spectrum of emotions as Joann Bischof whisks you into the story.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Gold in These Hills is a dual-timeline story set during the Goldrush years and the present. Mail-order-bride Juniper Cohen arrives in Kenworthy, California and meets her new husband, John Cohen, a kind and caring man who awaited her. The mining is in full swing, but when the mine proves empty of profit, the pioneers flee this dwindling boomtown. Juniper remains, waiting faithfully for John to return. For the next year, Juniper writes letter to her husband, but not knowing where he is, they are never mailed. The second timeline is told by Johnny Sutherland, who is recently divorced. He purchases the 100 year old abandoned farmhouse in California to be near his ex-wife and child. While exploring the farmhouse and looking for something the previous owners want, he uncovers the letters Juniper wrote to her Dearest John.

Juniper's life was hard and it was interesting to hear how she survives with her young daughter and becomes friends with the few others who remain in Kenworthy. This was an emotional and at times heartbreaking story that taught me a few things about the goldmining life as well as the hope and never give up attitude. This was a beautifully written story depicting the vulnerability of life as well as uplifting hope. This was a character driven novel, but it moved quickly and I was captivated by both Juniper's and Johnny's stories. There were several well-developed secondary characters as well, although we do not get their POV, we hear their stories from the main characters. This is my first book by Joanne Bischof and I will definitely read more. This is a family story, a historical fiction story and a bit of a romance. It is also Christian fiction, but it is not preachy. Overall, I recommend this one to lovers of Historical Christian fiction and Women's Fiction.

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

A historical romance novel set in two timelines- the early 1900's and the other in the present day. This novel stood out to me because unlike other novels of this type, we don't have two characters that are of the same gender living parallel lives. In the early 1900's we focus on wife and mother, Juniper Cohen, just trying to make a living in the aftermath of the gold mine going bust. In the contemporary period, we meet Johnny, a father of two adapting to life after a divorce. It just so happens that the property Johnny has purchased is tied to the characters of the past and he becomes very interested in their story. The novel focuses on forgiveness despite the hardships that a person may struggle with along the way.

This was my first Joanne Bischof read and I strongly doubt it will be my last. I loved the characterization, the storylines and I felt lost in the story each time I picked it up.

Goodreads review published 05/11/21
Publication Date 31/08/21

While totally different from her previous books, I found Joanne Bischof's newest novel, The Gold in These Hills to be enthralling. The author's heart for the setting and story were contagious and I happily slipped into the fictional world of an abandoned mining town in the American West. I found the plot to be original, the characters realistic and the faith thread of victory over brokenness to be powerful.

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

🪶 I have been excited about The Gold in These Hills ever since @sincerely_reading couldn't stop raving about it! Her review for this book led me to read three other books by @joannebischof which I absolutely loved! Needless to say, I was stoked to get this ARC from @netgalley and @thomasnelson !!!!
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🪶 I have been reading at a snail's pace lately, so I decided to also listen to this one on audio since it was available on Hoopla (Excellent narration, btw). It did not disappoint and I'm a forever fan of Bischof's writing!!!
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🪶 Speaking of, while she can spin a beautiful story, my favorite thing about her novels is her writing style. It's so beautiful with JUST enough details without having too much descriptive language for me. And while there is a definite plot (2 actually) that kept me engaged, the characters are so well developed that I became attached to them and didn't mind just being present to hear their every day dilemmas and routines.
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🪶 This story is full of redemption and history and forgiveness, it was a joy to listen to and I truly cannot wait to see what she writes next!!!
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🪶 No language and no sexual content to warn you of!!! I love this about Christian fiction 🙌
Please be aware, still-birth and miscarriage may be upsetting to some readers.
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I was really looking forward to The Gold in These Hills by Joanne Bischof. I love time slip novels and I have loved the previous stories that I have read by Ms. Bischof. While I did like both of the timelines, I preferred the contemporary story more. I really liked Johnny and felt for all he had gone through, but I would’ve loved an epilogue to see how things played out in his future. I felt like after all we had been through with him, we were left hanging.

The historical story was well done, but it was pretty depressing. There was a part that I just didn’t see why it needed to be there. I felt like it could’ve been left out without taking away from the story. In the end, things turned out okay, but I wished there would’ve been a bit more balance in this story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Historical fiction told in two timelines, early 1900’s and current, set in California. Johnny buys an historic cabin, the only building remaining from an old gold mining town called Kenworthy. In the same cabin back in 1902 Juniper works to look after her daughter waiting for her husband to return. Told mostly in first person and letters, the story is told slowly. Some of the history is very interesting, the ‘salting’ of old mines so they can be sold when they are really worthless, and some history and customs of the local Native American tribe, the Cahuilla. But mostly it’s character driven and the minutiae of day to day details is overdone although I liked the parallels between the timelines eg the young daughters setting the table.

A Deep Divide, by Kimberley Woodhouse, is the first book in the Secrets of the Canyon series. Brimming with adventure, mystery, a breathtaking setting, and interesting characters, this riveting historical romance offers an intriguing story of courage, faith, love, and perseverance. Set at the El Tovar Hotel at the rim of the Grand Canyon in 1905, this novel is thoroughly enriched by Ms. Woodhouse’s excellent research and thoughtful descriptions.

Written with engaging detail, the Grand Canyon setting is very immersive and especially influential. From scenic overlooks to treacherously steep trails, the setting provides many opportunities for unforgettable scenes that engage and inspire. The canyon setting that is so integral to this story gracefully grows in detail and description until it practically steps from the pages as an essential character in the novel itself. As I read, I grew to love the canyon, and like the characters themselves, I found I desired to remain near the canyon’s unmatched views. The natural setting of this novel thoroughly enveloped me and made me want to linger there long after I finished reading the final pages. 

As the characters interact with and respond to the natural beauty around them, their story unfurls with surprises and unforgettable moments. Not only did I come to care deeply for the characters and find interest in their fears, their struggles, and their triumphs, but I found them to be sympathetic in their frailties and failures. The characters are deeply compelling as they struggle to overcome their insecurities, face their fears, and pursue their dreams. They are truly inspiring as they wrestle with their doubts and develop their faith. The characters in this novel are genuinely special. When faced with disappointments, dangers, hardships, and uncertainties, they display unexpected bravery, determination, and resiliency. They wrestle with forgiveness, search for their purpose, and discover the true value of friends and family. Through peril, fear, and heartache, they persevere, their faith blooms, and hope is found. 

The experience of reading this novel was quite enjoyable. As I read, I was thoroughly entertained by the story that unfolded before me with each carefully chosen word and artfully crafted sentence. Throughout A Deep Divide, Ms. Woodhouse’s talent for storytelling is surely evident. It is a skillfully written and utterly appealing novel. I highly recommend it to all readers who enjoy historical fiction that is clean, compelling, uplifting, and truly memorable.

*I was given a copy of this novel from the author/publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC! Enjoyed the dual timeline! Enjoyed reading about both characters in this historical fiction story.

This is a dual timeline story with one storyline based in the very early 1900s and another in current times. In both timelines the characters go through difficult times of betrayal and heartbreak, but slowly learn to trust God and his timing. The stories are good, but the ending seemed so abrupt that I was left with many questions unanswered.

This author marvelously allows readers to jump into the character’s skin, letting them experience the time period and its hardships up-close and personal. Much like the reenactments did for Johnny and his sister in the current timeline. Both periods in this novel have engaging and heartbreaking stories with brave and faithful characters. Juniper (historical timeline) and Johnny Cohen in (current timeline) are faced with incredibly difficult situations where they must make decisions that will affect the future of their families and everyone around them. I enjoyed seeing the growth in Juniper as she does what is required of her to survive, protect those she loves, and stay the course of fighting the good fight. She is courageous, loyal and does what she can to stay strong in her faith.

The novel opens in the years 1902. A woman and child are left in what is quickly becoming an empty community. She writes in her journal, “It’s paramount that my daughter and I survive the coming winter, yet ghost towns are not for the living. Still, this desolate place with its remaining miners and abandoned buildings is home.” She had to stay for the sake of her friend and the hope that her husband would return from the mine. But the situation and conflict of emotions are high as the characters face unbearable situations.

Johnny is a father who deeply loves his kids and wants to do the right thing by his marriage vows and his family. Johnny is captivated and encouraged by this historic house he’s bought to renovate and by the letters he’s found written by Juniper. He lives in the house that was part of the ghost town years ago. He remembers this house and the historical reenactments he and his sister went to when they were kids. Not only that, but he recalled how the “employees of the estate would dress up in olden-day costumes, and we kids gobbled down two-dollar hot dogs and cups of lemonade, then tried to pan for gold.” The realtor mentions that the owners want to sell the house to someone who appreciates its historical structure. Johnny feels a connection to the house. He pictures a swing tree and a woodland porch with room for two, it seems the rest of the story is about to begin for him and his kids.”

Both stories are filled with tender moments, and heartache but at the same time it is thought-provoking, vulnerable, and moving. It choked me up in parts. This is a novel that would work great for your next book club pick. The author includes a discussion guide to help create a lively discussion time for your group. There is so much to discuss. If you haven’t read a novel by this author, treat yourself to this one. It’s one you won’t soon forget.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Joanne Bischof has such a conversational way of writing. Her stories seem so effortlessly related.
This story is dual timeline and told through journals, letters and narrative. She has blended them all flawlessly. Part of the story's meaning seems to be how important it can be to learn who we come from and about the history of our families.
I liked the characters from both times equally and was never disappointed to leave one and go to the other. I am not really a fan of dual timeline stories but this one was done a little differently than most and the connections were great.
The spiritual and life lessons were everywhere. John's realization and thought's on Jesus's sacrifice for him were truly moving.
I felt Joanne put a lot of her heart in this story. It felt stirring and personal.
This book is hard to read quickly. It meanders and pauses and reflects.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

This story is just beautifully written, a historical saga with a duel timeline. It's heart wrenching and something I did not expect. The prose is both rich and poetic. Her characters felt so alive and I cared for each one of them. I was moved to tears and loved it! Highly recommended.

Joanne Bischof is one of my all time favorite authors and her recent release, The Gold in These Hills, is one of her best books yet. It is a dual storyline. That seems to be a very popular style of writing and although it is not my favorite, I did enjoy both of these storylines and how they complimented each other.

One of the stories is set in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Juniper Cohen came to California to marry John as his mail order bride. The gold mining town they are living in is slowly fading into a ghost town with no gold to be found. John seems to have disappeared and many of the townsfolk believe him to be dead. But not Juniper. She refuses to believe that her beloved John is dead. She writes him letters and turns down proposals in hopes that one day he will return, but it's not long until she finds out that John is an outlaw. Juniper is furious. When he finds his way back home, he is near death's door and Juniper struggles to care for this man that betrayed her. She has to find a place of forgiveness and allow her own heart to be healed.

The other story is set in present day and focuses on Johnny Sutherland who is going through a divorce. He has just bought an old farmhouse and is excited to fix up a new home for him and his two children. After discovering some old letters written by Juniper he realizes that there is a lot more history in this old house than what he realized. He meets Sonoma who is doing some research for her family tree in hopes of discovering more about her heritage. As they read the letters and dig into the past and new relationship begins to form between the two of them.

I really enjoyed so much about this book. I wouldn't have minded if the whole book would have stayed centered on Juniper and the early 1900's, but it was clever how the two stories interlocked. I am so excited for the next book in this series to come out and I'm sure I will love it just like this one.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

When you want a compelling, moving story full of rich historical details, deep human emotions, and heart stopping moments of faith, you pick up Joanne Bischof. The Gold in These Hills is so full of inspiration, courage, and genuine challenges, you cannot help but walk away blessed and encouraged to face whatever you are experiencing. I enjoyed the dual timelines and thought it flowed seamlessly.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

This amazing book did a lot of things to my heart. I loved it. The characters stole my heart, in so many ways their experiences were real and relatable? The plot was amazing, captivating and inspiring.

Joanne Bischof has been a favorite author of mine and in this book she outdid herself.

In simple ways faith lessons were illustrated that were both inspiring and life changing.
The way the author described the settings was so real and made me feel like I was there.

I look forward to her next book.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

"Hauntingly melancholic with glimmers of hope, The Gold in These Hills is a poignant story of broken lives mended. This time-split novel finds Johnny piecing together his shattered life and heart. And Juniper (June) struggling simply to survive.

I would be hard-pressed to choose a favorite character. Each one was so beautifully crafted I felt I knew them and could easily relate to their struggles, hopes, and dreams.

I enjoyed the various methods of sharing the stories- narrative, letters, and journals. They tied together so naturally. The descriptions of the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains brought back vivid memories of the time I lived not so far from them.

Spiritual lessons fill the pages. John's realization of the magnitude of the sacrifice that Jesus made on his behalf was touching.

Readers who enjoy serious fiction with a well-defined spiritual dimension will enjoy this lovely story.


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own."

This book is a masterpiece.

With beautiful prose, Bischof narrates a modern and historical tale, a reminder in the darkest of nights that there is hope because God is faithful—a message that I'm sure resonates with so many of us. I know it did for me.

While I don't read much adult historical fiction, or Christian fiction—I mainly read YA—I was able to immediately sympathize with the characters and their struggles. The way Bischof was able to weave their backstories and immense tragedies they both had gone through in a way that felt natural and flowed with the plot takes skill. I especially love how vivid all the characters were.

In many ways, this book was very character-driven. Unlike most historical fictions, THE GOLD IN THESE HILLS didn't have anything huge going on setting-wise. There were no explosions or bandits. Instead, this book had a very leisurely feel to it, strongly centering on the main characters and their journeys while not shying from the difficulties in life. But through the awful things that happened to these characters and the pain, they learn that God is always faithful. That there is always light on the other end of the tunnel. This message almost made me tear up at multiple parts in the story, it was so good.

Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was how it wasn't really centered on romance. There were two married couples in the historical setting, and a couple in the modern setting, but it was very well done, and the romance was more open-ended. All we know is that it ended with them being friends, with a hint of something more. And honestly, that's good enough for me. :P

So in all, I thoroughly enjoyed THE GOLD IN THESE HILLS, and because it's completely clean, I'd feel comfortable handing this to mature readers 12+.