What happens when GOD wants to stretch our way of thinking?
This month’s featured author, Tamera Alexander really challenged and inspired me. In her
latest release the historical, In These Hills, an unlikely group of characters will stretch readers in ways, well, that we may need. That GOD is moving us as believers in Jesus, from the need to prove we’re right into the vista of His love and grace. And finding the space for grace and common ground to unite. But what does that look like?
Tammy examines these questions in her new historical, In These Hills.
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.
See what I mean! Kudos to Tyndale House Publishers for publishing this important and beautifully written book, filled with suspense, important discourse, faith journeys, historical insights, and of course, Tammy’s slow burn, clean, romance. Let’s find out more, shall we?
Which of your characters has really stretched you as a writer?
Jack Daniel. My great-grandmother (Granny) used to talk about him when I was a girl. Because she was raised in Lynchburg, and her father (my GG-grandfather) broke mules for the distillery back in the day. Fleshing out Jack Daniel on the page—finding his cadence of speech, of character, and wit—was a journey, to say the least. He’s such a well-known and beloved international figure. And, of course, there’s his Old No. 7…. 🙂
What is one of your favorite quotes from In These Hills and why do you love it?
A line from Miss Mary that God tucked deep inside me forever ago… “We all got our story, don’t we? Chapters we don’t want to read aloud, and other parts we pray to God nobody ever reads at all. But the thing is . . . He reads them, every page, every word, and loves us anyway. Whatever it is you’re carrying, Josephine, remember that.”
What is a question no one has asked you about In These Hills? Why?
(Right) This photo shows Jack Daniel (in the white hat) seated next to George Green, the son of Nathan “Nearest” Green who was the first Black master distiller in America.
Who are two individuals who influenced Jack Daniel’s whiskey making more than most people might know? Dan Call and Nathan “Nearest” Green—a Lutheran minister and a former slave.
It was long believed that Daniel was taught how to make whiskey by a wealthy landowner and Lutheran preacher named Dan Call. However, his true teacher was Nathan Green who had been rented out by his owners to Call. Green essentially took Daniel under his wing and went on to work for his whiskey business after the end of the Civil War.
What is the best writing tip you have ever received? How was it helpful?
Write. Write. You can’t edit an empty page. Get the words on the page, imperfect though they will be. Because you’ll never stand in the middle of a forest if you don’t first start planting seeds.
Great tip!
October’s A2A Giveaway!
Yes! Thanks to Tyndale House Publishing, the winner will receive a softcover copy of Tammy’s latest release, In These Hills!
Leave a comment below and share this blog and if you haven’t already, please subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this blog and receive another free gift from me — and an extra entry.
NOTE: WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY?*
Check out my YouTubeA2A interview with Tamera. Because, in the video interview Tamera answers different fun questions–and we have some inspiring discussions!
By Liking and Commenting on the video episode, you will have one more entry.* Sharing the video, another entry.* Subscribe, and you have TWO entries for a chance to win.*
The Deadline is October 15th
Watch our interview–
That means, my friends, if you comment and subscribe -– or are already a subscriber -– to my blog, then watch the video and LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on the VIDEO, then Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, your name will be entered SIX TIMES!*
Next month’s A2A Guest: November’s A2A show will feature a newish author, Stephanie Mack. She’s a Southern California gal and has a great voice. I read her debut novel and was blown away with her contemporary, sort-of speculative, SoCal story and knew I had to get to know her—so you’ll get to know her, too.
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Tammy! Until next month, God bless and KEEP READING!
*So sorry, entries from the contiguous US only.
