Jean Hackensmith, Author
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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?
For fans of The Wilderness Saga, just wanted to let you know I began Book Fifteen a couple days ago. I'm calling it "Beyond The Roaring Falls". I can already tell, only 15 pages in, that this is going to be one of the toughest books I have ever written, at least emotionally. The main plot will cover the subject of infantile paralysis (later known as Polio) when the child of one of my main characters is struck down by the disease.
I promised you way back in the beginning of this series that I would bring you the history of the Twin Ports, as well as U.S. history in an honest and, to the best of my ability, a truthful manner--both the good and the bad. Well, this book will definitely cover the bad, but the sad truth is that Polio did happen. It struck fear into literally every household in the country, and it needs to be addressed. Like with all of the books, the Wachsmann family will persevere and come out the winner, even when faced with such a devastating disease. And the child who is stricken down by infantile paralysis, well, she is guaranteed to win your heart.
Below is the synopsis for "Beyond The Roaring Falls". As usual, when I get the cover art from Ingrid, I will post that also.
Take care,
Jean
Synopsis "Beyond The Roaring Falls"
As a new decade dawns over Superior, Wisconsin, the sprawling Wachsmann family gathers in January 1920 to celebrate a hard-fought environmental victory: the dedication of Pattison State Park. But the triumph is brief and the peace of their wilderness home shattered when one of their own is suddenly struck down by a terrifying and mysterious illness--infantile paralysis.
While the family rallies around the child's bedside, navigating a medical crisis with no cure, the world outside their door is rapidly fracturing. The arrival of the 18th Amendment forces the law-abiding Wachsmanns to begrudgingly honor Prohibition, though the resulting local unrest pulls them deep into the regional anti-Prohibition movement. Driven by a desire to reshape their changing world, the family shifts their formidable community influence toward the women's suffrage movement, joining the historic push that positions Wisconsin as the very first state to ratify the 19th Amendment. Spanning personal heartbreak and monumental political triumph, this fifteenth installment of The Wilderness Saga explores the resilient bonds of family when public duty and private tragedy collide.
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.
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.
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.