Told in a dual timeline, this is a story about forgiveness and grace within marriage and friendship. Juniper is waiting for her husband to return in an early 1900’s ghost town in California during the gold rush. Johnny is broken-hearted after divorce and navigating life as a single parent while renovating the house Juniper and her family lived in nearly two hundred years before.

This story paints such a real picture of what grace looks like in a marriage. You won’t find fairytale love here. After Juniper learns the truth about her husband’s long absence she must decide if she will hold resentment toward him or work hard toward forgiveness. Johnny struggles to forgive the one he loves most as she leaves him and starts life with someone else. The author puts into beautiful perspective the undeserving grace believers receive from Christ and gently reminds us how amazing it is when we choose to follow His example in our relationships with others.

4/5 ⭐️ - I really enjoyed this one.

Thank you to @netgalley and @thomasnelson - I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Gold In These Hills by Joanne Bischof is a beautifully poetic written story about the power of faith, love and hope. Told in two time lines, 1900s mail order bride Juniper marries John Cohen and falls in love. When the gold mines that provide the town's livelihood are no longer viable John disappears. Juniper writes down her feelings about him and hoping he is not a criminal who has abandoned her and their daughter.

In current times almost divorced father of two Johnny Sutherland has bought the run down home once lived in by Juniper. Reading her writings takes him not only on her journey to find the truth about her husband but his own realizations about trust, belief and true love. This story is written with great care and respect for relationships. It will leave you feeling that we always have hope.

I received free copies of these books from the publishers via #Netgalley for fair and honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

This lovely story centers around Juniper Cohen's life in the early 1900s and Johnny Sutherland's in contemporary times. Both lived in the same place, both searched for hope and God's presence. The patient reader will also discover hope and will find encouragement in Juniper and Johnny's stories. I say the patient reader because this novel moves at a slow pace, and it took me a bit to become comfortable with the author's rhythm. Maybe that is part of this book's purpose, both in story and pace the reader is reminded to notice their blessings and to attend to God's presence rather than to allow the pace of life to blind them to those things; this awareness being the true treasure in our lives.

I am grateful to have received a complementary copy of The Gold in These Hills from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Where to begin? I am truly in a loss in trying to rate this book by Joanne Bischof. To be honest I often feel that way after reading Joanne Bischof‘s books.

Truly every page of this book evokes so much emotion that It could only have been written by someone who has also been through similar valleys of near despair, with a fractured heart and broken spirit, only to eventually feel the hand of God and sense His very presence bringing her through to the other side.

In The Gold In These Hills we experience two different timelines — with Johnny and his children on one end, and Juniper, John, Bethany, Edie and Santiago on the other end. How I love every one of these people. How I want to know them still, to sit with them and hear how they’re doing, to experience firsthand their joys and victories and stand alongside of them in times of grief and loss. I want John and Santiago to share again how God revealed Himself to them in their deepest despair, to stand alongside of Juniper and Edie and Johnny and hear how God strengthened them and shed His grace upon them in times of brokenness and loss, and then gradually revealed His light in and through them in the midst of a broken world. I want to see the beautiful joyful spirit of Bethany as this young child ministers to others in all her innocence.

As Johnny feels when thinking how he will someday get to sit with these people of long ago face-to-face in heaven, to truly know them and experience firsthand their strength and ultimate joy, I would like to think that I would someday be able to do the same.

Although these are characters in a book, truly I believe they must really represent many of God‘s people with whom we will one day gather in love and peace and joy - where there are no more tears to be shed and we will get to experience the true grace and mercy and love of God our Savior face to face.

I Cor 13:12 “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

I highly recommend this book. It seems trite to even give it five stars. Please do yourself a favor, read this book and let yourself be immersed in this world.

I was given a copy of this book in advance by NetGalley for an honest opinion. I’ve already purchased the audiobook version and hope to be able to share this with my daughters and granddaughters so they may experience it firsthand themselves.

Told in two timelines, this story is set around the mining town of Kenworthy, California. At one time, the town was bustling with activity, but the mine yeilded no profits, the people moved on and Kenworthy turned into dying town with only a few people remaining.

Juniper Cohen was one of the residents who remained because her husband had disappeared and she was reluctant to leave in case he came back. Not knowing if he were dead or alive, Juniper prayed and wrote letters to him regularly, not knowing where to send them.

In the modern timeline, the story centers around John, a newly divorced young father who bought the historic home that Juniper Cohen once called home. As John remodels the home, he reads about the history of Kenworthy and about the Cohen family. He also meets a young woman with a family connection to Kenworthy. Soon they develop a friendship that looks as if it will be headed to romance.

I really had no idea about some of the things that happened during the mining era, so I enjoyed the historical aspect of the story. This is a very clean, Christian read with positive characters and a message of hope.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas-Nelson-Fiction for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to give my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Joanne Bischof did a fantastic job with her first split-time novel!

The stories were expertly interwoven. There were so many scenes that had my jaw dropping or soul sighing. I adored every single character and how well they were crafted. By the end of the story, I felt like we were all old friends.

I loved how the author weaves the truths of Jesus throughout the novel and the beautiful theme of forgiveness shined through.

What a heart-wrenchingly beautiful story! This one will stay with me for a while!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Content warning: stillbirth

The Gold in These Hills is a stand alone Christian historical fiction story by Joanne Bischof. This is a multi timeline story that take place near the 1900's and present day. In this story we see the loneliness Juniper suffers when her husband, John, disappears. We also see the regret John has for his part in falsifying the worth of the mine in the area. Fast forward to modern day, we see Johnny as his life is falling apart and he puts his energies into restoring the run down house.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The story contains strong characters from both time periods. The writing is so clear it is easy to imagine being there watching the town empty leaving only a few strong people to carry on. I enjoyed reading how the characters worked together to survive. I also enjoyed reading how the modern day people connected to the house had an interest in the people connected to the homes past. This story focuses on devotion and second chances as well as going with your heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Gold in These Hills is a is an excellent read and beautifully written. I loved the dual time lines and how they weaved together. I fell in love with Johnny in the present day timeline. Why did his wife want to divorce him? He is such a good dad to his two kids, and so kind hearted. The friendship between Juniper and Edie had me longing for something similar. Here is a quote from the book, that left me with tears in my eyes.
"Perhaps the mine has always been empty, but we have fortune that cannot be dug from the soil. Instead, it is in the lessons we have learned, the people we've come to love, and the way our faith grows in the desert and deep in the mountains. That is the gold that dwells in these hills, and it is an honor for Edit and me to have witnessed its glory."
Do yourself a favor and read this book. You will not be disappointed.

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

For fans of dual timeline stories, here is another one to add to your reading list. I so enjoyed that the setting was the same in the past as in the present, a house built by a wealthy man in a town that had become a ghost town. In the present, the main character was restoring and living in that same house.

I was very moved by the reality that the main characters, Juniper from the past and Johnny from the future, were living lives that were filled with a sense of both helplessness for their situations and grief for what they had lost. Yet, as the story progressed, the author did a good job of helping them to realize that they needed to lean on God. And all the while, both characters just kept moving forward and doing the best that they could do as they pushed through circumstances that were out of their control and definitely not what they envisioned their lives would look like.

I really enjoyed watching the historical details unfold, both while reading the firsthand story of the past and then seeing the contemporary characters piece together bits of the past from letters, diaries, and photographs.

The author wrapped things up nicely, and although it was a difficult and often painful journey to read about, I felt hope as I turned the last page.

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

This split time book was magnificent. The two stories were fascinating and connected through a single house. The topics addressed in both timelines were relevant and poignant..

Juniper showed strength in ways I could only imagine. Living in a dying town and not knowing if and when her husband would return was an emotional journey. I loved the ways that the members of the town helped each other.

Johnny in the modern setting had to learn to let go and forgive. It was through researching the house in which he lived that he was able to find his true standing.

The two characters each learned similar lessons in different ways that challenged their faith. This was a faith building journey on both ends and I found that I wanted to know more about the one time period while I was reading the other, There was an urgency to finish the book and hope for a happily ever after.

The ending was unexpected, yet refreshing and there is not much I can say without giving spoilers. However, I will say that each MC grew in their faith as the book went on. I definitely wanted more.

I received an early copy through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson for the free book.
I love Bischof's books. She always writes characters with complex problems that have to slowly be revealed to what God has in store for them. This is a dual timeline, and I loved the historical one. Juniper is a strong woman that isn't afraid to share where her weaknesses lie throughout her journey in the story. I also enjoyed the look into what salting a goldmine could do to an area.
Johnny's present day story was so moving. I haven't read many christian stories from a perspective of a person getting a divorce. This POV was really powerful. His faith journey throughout the story gave me greater insight into moving forward.
Like all of her novels, Bischof's stories are theologically sound, and full of the grace of God. I was reminded of things I needed to hear while reading this.

This is a hard review to write because I really enjoy this author’s writing and have read all her books. But this book just fell flat for me. I appreciate the author’s extensive research which is obvious by the details. The writing is good but I felt like I was reading a history book instead of a novel. I never got attached to the characters like I have in her past novels.

This is one of those books that will sit with you for days after you read it. The both sides of this dual timeline book will draw you in and tug at your heart. The characters become real and the emotions made for a meaningful storyline. I wanted more but I’m hoping Joanne Bischof has plans for a Novela!

2 stars
I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. I typically enjoy historical fiction but not this one. It was slow.

When I think of what word best describes The Gold in These Hills, the word that comes to mind is: gentle. This book is a soft and gentle tale of sadness, loss and grief but more importantly, hope. There can never be too many books to remind us to hope, so this book is a welcome addition to a world that so desperately needs it. This story is a gentle reminder that everything may not turn out how we wish but everything is going to be alright so long as we don't give up hope in the One who is watching over us and holds our lives in His hands. Of all the books I've read so far that centre around divorce, I've found that they're always told from the female perspective and the men are never painted in a complimentary light. So it was special to read it from a male viewpoint and to be reminded that men feel pain and emotions just as deeply as women and can shed as many tears. Joanne Bischof's characters are always so heart-brokenly strong and so very real. This story reads like a real journal, a devotional and a story all melded together, a combination that made it feel very personal to read. The ending wasn't a wonderful happily-ever-after but a quiet yet satisfying everything's-going-to-be-alright which just felt so perfect.

A beautifully written and impactful dual-timeline story. Bischof is a gifted writer. Her characters are vivid and I cared about every one of them. I felt their hopes and heartache in my soul.

Joanne Bischof has written a beautiful story of forgiveness, perseverance, love and loss. This is a dual timeline novel, both of which contain rich, extremely well developed characters. In fact, while most would simply call this a romance, I would suggest this borders on literary fiction as well. I strongly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy books focused on character development. Both plot lines literally revolve around this. Readers should not pick up this book looking for a fast pace or swoon worthy romance. This is a book about characters who feel real and relatable, giving readers the opportunity to walk the storyline with them, closely. If you are such a reader, I hope you thoroughly enjoy The Gold in These Hills. This gets a solid 3.5 from me.

I finish this in my favorite reading chair drinking my hot coffee wishing it didn’t end. It was so good. My favorite of Joanne Bischof for sure. It was captivating and captured all the beauty and vulnerability of life. It had two time lines and was very easy to follow. I love the way JB writes. This had character development and plot.
The book grabbed me like a hug, pulling me in with a friendly, warm embrace.
This enduring story was a gift.
Her books never disappoint and this one was wonderful, her best yet. It lived up to the hype. I highly recommend reading this one if you love women’s fiction.
Thanks Thomas Nelson via Netgalley.

As Johnny tries to recover from his wife's affair, pregnancy by another man, and divorce request, he buys an old cabin up in the southern mountains of California. Here as he tries to put his life back together and keep his children close, he learns about the history associated with his cabin and the town that was there at the turn of the century. He finds parallels between his life and the lives of those who lived there in the early 1900s, and he begins to heal.

In this dual time-line book, The Gold in These Hills, Joanne Bischof leads the reader to look to God to help get through the hard times and to count your blessings. Her writing is elegant and the stories uplifting. I was able to read this on #NetGalley.

An enjoyable story. I had a bit of trouble following the split timeline. However, I understand it was needed to fully tell the story. With that aside, Bischof did an amazing job with this story. I will be rereading this at a later date to give it another try.




** I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This opinion is mine and mine alone.