The Gold in These Hills

In this impressive historical romance, Bischof (Sons of Blackbird Mountain) connects people a century apart in a former gold rush town. In 1902, Juniper Cohen is a young mother trying to survive in the ghost town of Kenworthy, Calif., following the collapse of the gold mining industry. Her husband, John, has been missing for months after having left to search for gold. Though some presume John is dead, Juniper continues to write him letters, recounting the desolation of her life and the struggles of those who remain. Months later, she’s shocked to learn John is awaiting trial for “salting” gold mines—exploding a gold nugget in a mine shaft to create a shower of gold flecks and the illusion of profitability. Meanwhile, in present-day Kenworthy, Johnny, a young father going through a divorce, buys a dilapidated house and discovers in it a box containing John’s diaries. With the help of a genealogical researcher, Johnny learns more about the history of the town alongside John’s story, notably his shame for his misdeeds and desire to create a better life for Juniper. Faith elements are subtle, with the narrative being driven by the circumstances leading to the town’s downfall. Inspirational readers who enjoy time-slip historicals will love this. (Aug.)