Jean Hackensmith, Author
My Newest Release
My Newest Release
Book Ten in "The Wilderness" Saga Now Available in eBook and AudioBook. Paperback coming soon!
On the shores of Superior, Wisconsin, the Wachsmann dairy stands firm—until waves from a changing world threaten to break it. The Bonanza farm’s legacy is carved into new land and new neighbors, whose unfamiliar crops and customs test old loyalties. An unlikely alliance forms as the community confronts what stewardship means when water, soil, and people are at stake.
Enter The Shepherds Hand, a humane milking machine whose promise of efficiency and care becomes a catalyst for trust—and for conflict. As the town debates progress, Michael and Alex wrestle with a marriage under strain, learning that belonging may require mercy, courage, and a shared future they must decide to fight for. In a season of reckoning, the farm’s fate—and the fate of all who depend on the land—hangs in the balance, hopeful, fragile, and worth saving.
Over 25,000 Copies Sold
Jacob made Rebecca a promise 14 years ago--one that he's determined to keep.
Exclusively on Amazon.com
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Ingrid Jones, Cover Illustrator

If you liked "The Promise," you will LOVE
"Seeds of Hope"
Book One in "The Dirty Thirties Saga"
Where ambition forges
with resilience
What Am I Working On Now?
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! I will be getting to Book Three in "The Dirty Thirties" Saga soon, but right now, I'm taking a break! I'll update this post as soon as I pin down the plot for the next book.
I’m an Australian designer and artist now living in Cape Town with my family, where I get to combine my love of creativity with my passion for storytelling. Designing is my way of evoking emotion and working with Jean Hackensmith has been a truly special journey. Her excellent stories—whether set in the rich farming times of the 19th century or the thrill of modern crime—have not only inspired me but also taught me so much about those eras and lifestyles. Together we’ve found a wonderful synergy, and I feel very lucky to create covers that capture the heart of her stories.
A Note From Jean
I am excited to announce that, due to Amazon's Kindle Translate BETA testing program, almost all of my books are now available in Spanish, with many more languages coming soon. The translation is done by AI, but I am told by some spanish-speaking friends that it does a very good job. So, here's hoping! There are a few books that are still awaiting Amazon's approval for Kindle Translate, but hopefully they will be availabe in Spanish as well very soon.

Jean Hackensmith
I have been writing since the age of twenty. (That’s 49 years and, yes, I’m disclosing my age.) I am the proud mother of three and grandmother to four wonderful grandchildren. After losing who I thought was the love of my life, my late husband Ron, in November of 2011, I met Rick. So, it is definitely possible to have more than one "love of your life." Rick and I were married in July of 2018 and are still going strong today. He is my soulmate, my confidant, and my biggest fan. He has read every book I have ever written (even the romances!)
Next to writing, my second passion is live theater. I founded a local community theater group back in 1992 and directed upwards of 40 shows, including three that I authored. I also appeared on stage a few times, portraying Anna in The King and I and Miss Hannigan in Annie. I am sad to say that the theater group dropped its final curtain in 2008, but those 16 years will always hold some of my fondest memories.
I moved from Superior 15 years ago, seeking the serenity of country living. I also wanted to get away from the natural air conditioning provided by Lake Superior. We moved only 50 miles south, but the temperature can vary by 20-30 degrees. I guess I’m a country girl at heart. I simply love this area, and am lucky to, once again, have someone to share its beauty. I love the solitude, the picturesque beauty of the sun rising over the water, the strangely calming effect of watching a deer graze outside your kitchen window. Never again, will I live in the city. I am an author, after all, and what better place to be inspired than in God’s own back yard.
BOOK EIGHT
In The Wilderness Saga
Now Available In eBook, Audiobook
and Paperback!


