Jean Hackensmith, Author
My Newest Release
Over 20,000 Copies Sold
Jacob made Rebecca a promise 14 years ago--one that he's determined to keep.
Jean Hackensmith
I have been writing since the age of twenty. (That’s 48 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!)
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.
NEWS: I am so happy to announce Amazon's Beta program using virtual voices for Audiobooks! There are a lot of authors out there like me, I'm sure, who simply cannot afford to hire a narrator for their books, especially when you have 25 of them in print! Granted, the AI doesn't get all the inflections quite right or have the ability to express certain emotions, but in my opinion it does a pretty darn good job compared to previous text to voice programs I have used during the editing process for my titles. So, if you prefer to listen to a good audiobook rather than reading a good book, you now have that option with all of my titles.
Ingrid Jones,
Cover Illustrator
What Am I
Working on Now?
I am currently 70 pages into Book Seven in The Wilderness Saga, titled "Threads Of Hope." I do want to take this opportunity to let my readers know that, after the release of "Threads Of Hope" in early May, I will be taking another hiatus from The Wilderness Saga to work on a "Ghost Story" that has been rolling around in my mind for years. I have about 30 pages done and am anxious to finish it and see how it turns out. I know some of you may be groaning right now. You're thinking, "A ghost story. Great." Please, give it a chance when it is released. Like all my other books of late, it will have no graphic sex scenes and only mild profanity. It will be a wholesome family read--one that just might make you jump periodically. (I hope!) Now, back to "Threads Of Hope". The front cover and working blurb are below. The blurb may change as the story progresses, but this is where it's at right now.
Howzit! I am an Australian graphic and industrial designer who is living and freelance working in beautiful Cape Town South Africa. Designing Jean's novel covers has enlightened my understanding of America's history and captivated my imagination through her story telling. My design process begins by sourcing and creating the required imagery to compile together into the final covers. Then I present Jean with a selection of concepts to ensure I have captured the correct nuances of the story. Once the final tweaks and sizing is complete we are good to publish. Art and design are an absolute passion of mine and working with Jean is a total pleasure.
"THREADS OF HOPE" BLURB
It’s 1883, and the Wachsmann family is devastated by the tragic loss of their beloved matriarch, Sarah. Just as they are grappling with this heartache, Denise Wachsmann, a simple-minded woman who has faced challenges her entire life, goes missing during a routine trip to town. Her disappearance ignites a frantic search, plunging the family further into turmoil and uncertainty.
As the search for Denise continues, Michael Wachsmann finds himself facing a life-altering event that forces him to confront the future he once envisioned. As the heir to the family farm, he knows that one day he will have to take the reins from his older brother, Seth, but the weight of responsibility feels heavier with the newfound reality of his plight. It also doesn’t help that his brother, Wyatt, plans to move his family to California—a dream that now seems distant and unreachable.
Torn between the promise of a fresh start and duty to his grieving family, Wyatt must navigate the turbulent waters of loss and responsibility. Each decision weighs heavily on him, as he strives to balance his aspirations with the urgent needs of those he loves.
In this next installment of The Wilderness Saga, the bonds of family are tested as love, loss, and resilience intertwine. Will the Wachsmann’s find the strength to endure, or will tragedy alter their lives forever?
Want to be notified when a new book is released? Just leave your name and email below to be added to my MAILING LIST.