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Between the Rivers, David Johnson
Join Emma Sue Martin on her epic battle and discover the fierce determination and incredible spirit that make her a true American hero . Based on true events, Between the Rivers is bestselling author David Johnson’s riveting tale of one woman's unwavering dedication to her land and her refusal to bow down to the powers that be.
Step back in time to the year 1900 and meet Emma Sue Martin, a baby born into the world without a mother. Raised on sheer grit and unshakable determination by her tough father, Emma Sue inherits the family's sprawling five-hundred-acre farm after he passes away when she's just seventeen.
Despite pressure from well-meaning neighbors who urge her to sell the farm or find a man to take care of her, Emma Sue remains steadfast in her love and commitment to the land that has been in her family since 1781. She's determined to stand on her own two feet and make a life for herself in the only place she's ever called home.
But her steadfastness is put to the ultimate test when the federal government initiates a decades-long campaign of forced removal of Emma Sue and her neighbors from the region known as Between the Rivers, nestled in the wilds of western Tennessee and Kentucky. While many of her friends and neighbors resign themselves to their fate, Emma Sue refuses to budge, arguing with authorities, "Why should I move and make my home somewhere else when I'm already home?"
As if her battle with the government wasn't enough, Emma Sue also finds herself facing unexpected complications of the heart. Despite her initial reluctance, she falls head over heels for Sam Holden at the age of forty-one, and they finally marry when she's fifty-two. But as we all know, love is never easy, and their journey is fraught with challenges and surprises.
Step back in time to the year 1900 and meet Emma Sue Martin, a baby born into the world without a mother. Raised on sheer grit and unshakable determination by her tough father, Emma Sue inherits the family's sprawling five-hundred-acre farm after he passes away when she's just seventeen.
Despite pressure from well-meaning neighbors who urge her to sell the farm or find a man to take care of her, Emma Sue remains steadfast in her love and commitment to the land that has been in her family since 1781. She's determined to stand on her own two feet and make a life for herself in the only place she's ever called home.
But her steadfastness is put to the ultimate test when the federal government initiates a decades-long campaign of forced removal of Emma Sue and her neighbors from the region known as Between the Rivers, nestled in the wilds of western Tennessee and Kentucky. While many of her friends and neighbors resign themselves to their fate, Emma Sue refuses to budge, arguing with authorities, "Why should I move and make my home somewhere else when I'm already home?"
As if her battle with the government wasn't enough, Emma Sue also finds herself facing unexpected complications of the heart. Despite her initial reluctance, she falls head over heels for Sam Holden at the age of forty-one, and they finally marry when she's fifty-two. But as we all know, love is never easy, and their journey is fraught with challenges and surprises.
Unknown Binding
First published May 30, 2023
About the author
David Johnson
21 books181 followersDavid Johnson has developed a reputation as a writer of "books with heart." His books feature strong, unforgettable characters from humble backgrounds who have to grapple with the unexpected turns of everyday life.
He is the author of the riveting "Tucker" series, one of the best-selling series on Amazon. The series has collected over 5,000 reviews, averaging 4.7 stars, and sales of the books will soon approach 500,000 copies.
Toby, his next book, following the Tucker series, is a story about a dog, a woman who has gotten lost in addiction, and a hermit who has hidden from his past for decades.
The Woodcutter's Wife, a Civil War era, historical romance, was his next book. It is a story of love lost and love found.
And his newest release is The Last Patient. A story of secrets, resentment, regret, and redemption.
David maintains a very busy life outside of writing. He's a full-time Marriage and Family Therapist, is Director of a community chorus that performs all across the Southeast, performing 15 shows a year. He maintains a blog: www.thefrontwindow.wordpress.com . He's been married for 44 years, has two daughters and six grandchildren.
He would love to hear from you. Send him a note to davidjohnsonbooks@gmail.com and join him on Facebook - David Johnson, author
He is the author of the riveting "Tucker" series, one of the best-selling series on Amazon. The series has collected over 5,000 reviews, averaging 4.7 stars, and sales of the books will soon approach 500,000 copies.
Toby, his next book, following the Tucker series, is a story about a dog, a woman who has gotten lost in addiction, and a hermit who has hidden from his past for decades.
The Woodcutter's Wife, a Civil War era, historical romance, was his next book. It is a story of love lost and love found.
And his newest release is The Last Patient. A story of secrets, resentment, regret, and redemption.
David maintains a very busy life outside of writing. He's a full-time Marriage and Family Therapist, is Director of a community chorus that performs all across the Southeast, performing 15 shows a year. He maintains a blog: www.thefrontwindow.wordpress.com . He's been married for 44 years, has two daughters and six grandchildren.
He would love to hear from you. Send him a note to davidjohnsonbooks@gmail.com and join him on Facebook - David Johnson, author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 24, 2023
This was a heartbreaking story of a strong woman raised by her father, the strongest of friendships, love and betrayal and a connection to her land that is thicker than blood. The story of Emma Sue Martin is fiction, but is based upon the real history between the rivers in Tennessee and Kentucky. The story spans almost 70 years and tells the sad story of how the government took land from hard working people in the name of progress and how a hard headed woman gave them a run for their money. I would recommend for those who enjoy historical fiction.
June 10, 2023
This is a factually based novel about one woman’s determination to keep her land in spite of one challenge after another. Emma Sue Martin is a motherless child, raised by a loving father who taught her the value of taking care of the land they owned “between the rivers.” When Emma also suffers the loss of her beloved father and is basically left on her own, I expected her life to start being the blessing she deserved. Instead, she is faced with battling to keep her land from the strong clutches of the U.S. government, in the form of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Emma continues doggedly to fight the government at every turn and I learned a lot about the TVA and their fight for control of private land. The story was gut-wrenchingly sad at times and poignantly realistic at others. I enjoyed getting to know Emma Sue, Dill, Charley and Sam, all of whom were very well-developed and dynamic. The plot was somewhat complex but it was also a compelling one as I cheered for the small landowners to the war against big government. The pace was moderate, with a lot of backstory to set the scene, offering plenty of information about the situation of the characters in general before the terrible dilemma presented by the TVA. The unique perspective of Emma gives the story a clever and thought-provoking turn, making the book enjoyable as well as informative.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
June 24, 2023
true events
Anyone who reads this story needs to see the movie “Wild River” starring Montgomery Clift and Lee Rimick. It’s amazing what people in politics will do for money. Hasn’t changed at all. This book brings the events up close and personal. Our government has done some shamefull things and it’s sad that we are still the best place to live I’ve been to the parks and rivers mentioned. I hate to think that it was all because of government taking land away from owners whose ancestors settled that part of the country. We should all have tears in our eyes after reading Emma’s story.
Anyone who reads this story needs to see the movie “Wild River” starring Montgomery Clift and Lee Rimick. It’s amazing what people in politics will do for money. Hasn’t changed at all. This book brings the events up close and personal. Our government has done some shamefull things and it’s sad that we are still the best place to live I’ve been to the parks and rivers mentioned. I hate to think that it was all because of government taking land away from owners whose ancestors settled that part of the country. We should all have tears in our eyes after reading Emma’s story.
July 31, 2023
lives ruined
I live about 60 miles from between the lakes region. When I was a school girl about 1958-60, a boy in my class was going to quit school and get a job moving graves from that region. They were paying about $10.00 an hour when the going rate was 50 cents. I remember these stories almost first hand about forcing people off their land. Th
people enjoying this recreation area today do not realize the actual cost for these families.
I live about 60 miles from between the lakes region. When I was a school girl about 1958-60, a boy in my class was going to quit school and get a job moving graves from that region. They were paying about $10.00 an hour when the going rate was 50 cents. I remember these stories almost first hand about forcing people off their land. Th
people enjoying this recreation area today do not realize the actual cost for these families.
July 11, 2023
A super book. I am so glad that I read it. David Johnson is such a talented writer. He keeps your attention and makes you wanting more. I am so glad that I began reading his novels starting with " The Woodcutters Wife" I have not been disappointed. I look forward to his next work of art.
Phil Curtis
Phil Curtis
June 29, 2023
This book was an excellent read! What a story, the characters, the descriptions, and how the storytelling unravels. It is the first time that I read the author and I was pleased to have read this book. This book captured me as the reader, it was as if I was right there seeing it all happen. The strong character of Emma how she lived her life with her beliefs knowing what she wanted. Doing all to protect the legacy she had inherited. When having read the book it made me think of another head strong character with the same name Emma, from another book who also fought for her beliefs and started off with nothing.
The personality of Emma Sue was amazing and it was interesting to follow her through out her life, all that she endured and how life wasn't always fair.
I'm grateful to have read this book and can definitely recommend this read. I'm certainly going to read more books by the author!
Thank you!
Charlotte N
The personality of Emma Sue was amazing and it was interesting to follow her through out her life, all that she endured and how life wasn't always fair.
I'm grateful to have read this book and can definitely recommend this read. I'm certainly going to read more books by the author!
Thank you!
Charlotte N
August 23, 2025
Heartbreaking
I love Lake Barkley and the Land between the Lakes. I, like the author, have always found this area to be one of solitude and comfort. The history of how these lakes were made, broke my heart though. As in many situations in our country’s history, the government has forced people off their lands, displaced them and not treated them fairly. If you think about it, our government is no different than any other government. Politicians, power and money for one’s own personal gain has been the way for centuries. As to the characters in this story, Emma was a lover of the land. I only wished Dill would have killed Sam. I did figure out what Sam was up to when he called Emma and I was begging her not to go. I truly enjoyed the book and will look up the author’s other books.
I love Lake Barkley and the Land between the Lakes. I, like the author, have always found this area to be one of solitude and comfort. The history of how these lakes were made, broke my heart though. As in many situations in our country’s history, the government has forced people off their lands, displaced them and not treated them fairly. If you think about it, our government is no different than any other government. Politicians, power and money for one’s own personal gain has been the way for centuries. As to the characters in this story, Emma was a lover of the land. I only wished Dill would have killed Sam. I did figure out what Sam was up to when he called Emma and I was begging her not to go. I truly enjoyed the book and will look up the author’s other books.
January 19, 2025
#3: READ A WOMEN'S ADVENTURE FICTION BOOK: I have LOVED every David Johnson book I've read and this one certainly did not disappoint either. It’s amazing what people in politics will do for money. Hasn’t changed at all. I hate to think the storyline was based on the fact of the government taking land away from owners whose ancestors settled that part of the country. Our government has done some shameful things and it’s sad that we are still the best place to live. David Johnson certainly created characters that helps readers to feel what it must have been like for those people. This book brings the events up close and personal as I come from a farming background. We should all have tears in our eyes after reading Emma's story. I would highly recommend this book to all. KU
April 17, 2025
Excellent historical fiction
I suppose this would be classified as historical fiction, since it's fictional characters mimic what happened to real people when Land Between the Lakes was created. I have been there several times myself for recreations, mainly riding ATVs, and never really appreciated what happened. That said, I was well aware of other areas of the Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake because I used to fish there with my grandfather. He told me you could point out places where there were houses and tractors at the bottom of the lake.
I suppose this would be classified as historical fiction, since it's fictional characters mimic what happened to real people when Land Between the Lakes was created. I have been there several times myself for recreations, mainly riding ATVs, and never really appreciated what happened. That said, I was well aware of other areas of the Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake because I used to fish there with my grandfather. He told me you could point out places where there were houses and tractors at the bottom of the lake.
June 13, 2023
This is an historically based novel. Emma Sue was born on the day that her mother died. He father raised her the same way he would have raised a son. She wore trousers and work shirts, she farmed, she hunted, and with her quick mind, held her own amongst the men. However, fighting to keep her land, which had been in her family for nearly two centuries, proved a huge challenge. The land was between two rivers and became part of the huge TVA project.
Emma Sue lived and worked hard. She suffered many hardships and losses. But at the end, the US government was able to destroy the community and farm that she so loved. The end of the book made my heart ache.
I have long felt for the people who were pushed off their land in many ways and in many locations in this country. This book brings the emotions of those landowners to life.
This book can be read by people interested in US history. Young adults through adults will enjoy this book that brings history to life.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Emma Sue lived and worked hard. She suffered many hardships and losses. But at the end, the US government was able to destroy the community and farm that she so loved. The end of the book made my heart ache.
I have long felt for the people who were pushed off their land in many ways and in many locations in this country. This book brings the emotions of those landowners to life.
This book can be read by people interested in US history. Young adults through adults will enjoy this book that brings history to life.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. This is my honest review.
November 23, 2023
This historical fiction book is based on true events in the early 1900's and was based on one woman's fight to keep her 500 acre farm from being taken over by the federal government. It brings to light the injustice of farmers being forced off their land, and in many ways could be compared to what was done to the Indians. While I liked the book, the writing felt like it was written more for a younger reader.
December 3, 2023
Good But Disturbing
Disturbing book to me because my late husband's grandparents homesteaded a section of land on the Tennessee River in Langston, AL. Federal Government wanted to build Guntersville Dam. Eminent Domain was used to force them to give up their property. They were paid only $35 an acre. His grandmother was forced off their property at the end of a shotgun. Her mind was never the same. She spent some time in a mental hospital.
Disturbing book to me because my late husband's grandparents homesteaded a section of land on the Tennessee River in Langston, AL. Federal Government wanted to build Guntersville Dam. Eminent Domain was used to force them to give up their property. They were paid only $35 an acre. His grandmother was forced off their property at the end of a shotgun. Her mind was never the same. She spent some time in a mental hospital.
April 15, 2024
Good book but simplistic. Historical fiction - new perspective on how camping came to be (as opposed to living).
Living on a big island between two rivers during time TVA and depression came to be, how people were forced off their land in the name of progress. Interesting comparison of being raised as a girl or boy, independent vs co-dependent, confidence in self vs unable to trust even those you thought you knew well.
Living on a big island between two rivers during time TVA and depression came to be, how people were forced off their land in the name of progress. Interesting comparison of being raised as a girl or boy, independent vs co-dependent, confidence in self vs unable to trust even those you thought you knew well.
April 18, 2025
I originally picked up this book because my great grandmother who I never met kept her farm after my Great Grandfather passed away at a young age. This would have been about the same time as when this book takes place. It was an interesting story but the phrase “between the rivers” was used so many times it came off wordy to me. I think that phrase could have been changed or left off all together in many places without changing the meaning. I would have enjoyed the story a lot more without that one phrase being used perhaps hundreds more of times.
July 9, 2023
WOW!
This book caught my attention from the first chapter. The author has quiet a way with words. The more I read, the more I hated to stop reading. It had too many sad parts,but isn’t that the way of life? I recommend this book highly. David Johnson is now added to my list of favorite authors and I can’t wait to find another one of his books to enjoy.
This book caught my attention from the first chapter. The author has quiet a way with words. The more I read, the more I hated to stop reading. It had too many sad parts,but isn’t that the way of life? I recommend this book highly. David Johnson is now added to my list of favorite authors and I can’t wait to find another one of his books to enjoy.
July 15, 2023
beautiful written story
I’ve seen some cases of eminent domain and it’s not good. I’m so glad you wrote this book. I hate what the government does to people! It’s a shame to take advantage of people and ruin their lives! I wish she had married Dill instead of Sam. I just couldn’t believe what Sam had done!
I’ve seen some cases of eminent domain and it’s not good. I’m so glad you wrote this book. I hate what the government does to people! It’s a shame to take advantage of people and ruin their lives! I wish she had married Dill instead of Sam. I just couldn’t believe what Sam had done!
September 26, 2023
I was so angry I could have spit nails
It took me two months to finish this story. Not because it was poorly written, it was because I am so angry with this government I could not stand it. Thank you Mr. Johnson for getting the truth out. I have truly enjoyed every book you have written. Please keep up the great work.
It took me two months to finish this story. Not because it was poorly written, it was because I am so angry with this government I could not stand it. Thank you Mr. Johnson for getting the truth out. I have truly enjoyed every book you have written. Please keep up the great work.
February 13, 2025
Best book I've read in forever
I'm so glad I gave this book a chance. At first I just couldn't get interested in it. Then I couldn't make myself stop reading it. My heart hurt for the people in the story. The last parts absolutely broke my heart. It's been a long time since a book left me in tears.
I'm so glad I gave this book a chance. At first I just couldn't get interested in it. Then I couldn't make myself stop reading it. My heart hurt for the people in the story. The last parts absolutely broke my heart. It's been a long time since a book left me in tears.
February 15, 2025
interesting read
Growing up and living in an area where similar things happened and eminent domain and the corps of engineers rule… I could relate to this story!! Take the time to read and educate yourself about this side of America. The “old timers” are fading out. History is important
Growing up and living in an area where similar things happened and eminent domain and the corps of engineers rule… I could relate to this story!! Take the time to read and educate yourself about this side of America. The “old timers” are fading out. History is important
August 24, 2025
Whoa what a incredible story!
This might be one of the saddest stories I've ever read... What a horrific ending caused by a evil man!
My great grandfather had the same thing happen to him in AR on property he farmed growing rice. Thankfully for our family he followed my grandfather to the Calif desert and homesteaded here. One of my sister's still lives on part of that land.
This might be one of the saddest stories I've ever read... What a horrific ending caused by a evil man!
My great grandfather had the same thing happen to him in AR on property he farmed growing rice. Thankfully for our family he followed my grandfather to the Calif desert and homesteaded here. One of my sister's still lives on part of that land.
June 6, 2023
This was a quick, easy read. The story was interesting with unique characters. The historical events are a strong point of the story and highlighted how those events impacted people and their communities.
June 23, 2023
I can't say enough about this book.
The way this story was written had my attention from the start. It is a wonderful story that has a sad ending. I can't say enough about this book.
The way this story was written had my attention from the start. It is a wonderful story that has a sad ending. I can't say enough about this book.
July 14, 2023
Best I have read by David Johnson
This book
was very good, I liked it because I am familiar with the area it was set in. It kept my attention all the way through, believable characters and real situations.
This book
was very good, I liked it because I am familiar with the area it was set in. It kept my attention all the way through, believable characters and real situations.
July 29, 2023
Wonderful read!
This story grabbed my attention from the first page. I've known some of the people who were forced out of their homes by the government and the story rings true. Highly recommend this book.
This story grabbed my attention from the first page. I've known some of the people who were forced out of their homes by the government and the story rings true. Highly recommend this book.
August 6, 2023
Loved this book it really makes you feel for the people that lived there.As one woman grows up and deals with the hard life she has been dealt.Also what happens when the government decides it wants your land.
August 23, 2023
Sad story of lives torn apart by the building of dams on the Tennessee & Cumberland rivers. The story gives some insight into the greed & corruption that went into the acquisition of the land, and the poor folks caught up in it.
November 7, 2024
I hate to leave a 2 star review, but I just did not like this at all. It's about a woman who defies the TVA because they want to take her land. Land means more to her than anything else. Just not a good read for me.
November 10, 2024
This book is based on real history and the shameful way the government stole land from people who had land and farms in family since the 1700s. Its history but is also a beautifully written story of love,family pride, and friendships.
February 16, 2025
This had a couple of good characters in Emma and Dill, and I liked the setting between the rivers. I didn’t like the way it jumped forward each chapter by years. Kind of kept the reader at a distance. Knew it was coming but also didn’t like the abrupt ending. So a little bit of good and bad made this an average rated read for me.
March 24, 2025
Eye opening!
I never knew about the TVA and the people who lived there who were displaced. It's hard to imagine all the devastation, depression and struggles they went through. Breaks my heart.
I never knew about the TVA and the people who lived there who were displaced. It's hard to imagine all the devastation, depression and struggles they went through. Breaks my heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews