Jean Hackensmith, Author
My Newest Releases
My Newest Release
Over 25,000 Copies Sold
Jacob made Rebecca a promise 14 years ago--one that he's determined to keep.
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What Am I Working On Now?
With "The Last Appeal" now complete, I will be taking a break from "The Wilderness Saga" and working on a totally new, stand-alone Historical Novel. The working title is "The Forbidden Brief" and is based on actual historical events.
It is the year 1784 and, in the village of Sycamore Gap, the town’s main road is a dangerous political fault line. To the east lies the authority of North Carolina, with its heavy taxes and traditional courts. To the west lies the self-proclaimed State of Franklin, a wild new republic led by the charismatic "Nolichucky Jack" Sevier, where lawyers are officially viewed as "corrupt parasites" and barred from office.
JONAH CROSS is a man with a dangerous secret: he is a classically trained attorney fleeing a disgraced past in Virginia. Living as a humble surveyor on the Franklin side of the road, Jonah spends his nights in a hidden cellar on the North Carolina side, drafting secret legal defenses for settlers caught in the "Double Tax" trap.
His quiet, illegal life is upended when SUZANNA "ZANNA" BLAIR—a woman from a family of fierce North Carolina loyalists—seeks his help. Her family’s homestead, which sits directly on the border, is being seized by Franklin’s radical militia because her father refused to recognize the new state’s currency of animal skins. Zanna comes to Jonas not knowing he is a lawyer, but seeking the "surveyor’s" help to prove the boundary line saves her home.
As Jonah uses his hidden legal expertise to navigate the contradictory laws of two rival governments, his professional alliance with the spirited Zanna sparks a forbidden romance. Every motion he files and every deed he alters is a piece of evidence that could lead him to the gallows for treason.
When the simmering feud between the two states erupts into the Battle of Franklin, the fight comes directly to the Blair farm. With the town in flames and neighbors turning on neighbors, Jonah must choose between his secret profession and the woman he loves, proving that in a land without a clear law, only the truth—and a well-placed loophole—can set them free.
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. German translations are also on the horizon. 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 available in Spanish and German very soon.
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Ingrid Jones, Cover Illustrator
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.
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.