Bøger af J. M. Hochstetler

Christian Small Publishers 2009 Book of the Year. It's 1967, and the Vietnam War is tearing the country apart, slicing through generations and shattering families. Because of Japanese atrocities he witnessed as a Marine in the South Pacific during WWII, Frank McRae despises all Asians. Now his son, Mike, is a grunt in Viet Nam, and his wife, Maggie, is fighting her own battle against cancer. When Mike falls in love with Thi Nhuong, a young Buddhist woman, and marries her in spite of his father's objections, Frank disowns him. Then, as Christmas approaches, Frank's world is torn apart, and he turns bitter, closing his heart to God and to his family.But what Frank doesn't know is that on this bleak Christmas Eve, God has in mind a miracle. As on that holy night so long ago, a baby will be born and laid in a manger-a baby who will bring forgiveness, peace, and healing to a family that has suffered heart-wrenching loss." J. M. Hochstetler dug deep into the well of emotions and came up with a story that strikes the heartstrings in a tender and yet also provocative manner. The characters are so well drawn, they've stayed in my mind long after reading the book, almost as if they were real people that I've known for a long time. Being the daughter of a Vietnam Vet, I also appreciated Hochstetler's gentle handling of one of the most tumultuous times in our country's history. And even though it's set during the Vietnam era, there are lessons to be learned and truths to be taken away from this beautifully crafted story for today. Highly recommended." -Kaye Dacus, author of Follow the Heart "Amazingly, Hochstetler tackles several big issues--love, loyalty, war and death--while maintaining a positive thesis. Family can survive. Human love is grander in weakness than in strength. And faith is, by necessity, stronger in tragedy than in triumph. One Holy Night is a soon-to-be-classic miracle story with an inspirational message that will warm your heart with love. It is a wonderful statement of faith and a gift of hope. -Kathy Harris, author of The Road to Mercy "Within its pages you will discover the most beautiful modern-day essence of Christ's nativity, mercy, and grace you've read in a very long while! As the story unfolds its final scenes, the reader is left with renewed hope in God's sovereign design for each of our lives and His miraculous ability to bring good out of even the darkest circumstances." -Kim Ford, Window to My World Blog

In the final volume of The American Patriot Series, the Americans' war for independence concludes in triumph-and the renewed fight of the Shawnee for survival in their ancestral lands. From John Paul Jones's epic battle with HMS Serapis, to the conflagration on the western frontier; a traitor's bitter betrayal; and the decisive confrontation at Cowpens, events out of Jonathan and Elizabeth Carleton's control spiral toward a fateful climax at Yorktown. Yet amid war's harsh trials they discover that, even more than the grand ideal of liberty and the deep intimacy of earthly love, the cry of their hearts is for the true peace and lasting freedom that are found in God alone. "Richly researched and brimming with emotional depth and spiritual truth, Forge of Freedom places you right alongside the beloved, unforgettable characters of the American Patriot Series who bring America's hard-won history to vivid life. Both literary feat and reading feast, Forge of Freedom is a triumphant finish to a stellar series!" -Laura Frantz, Christy Award-winning author of The Rose and the Thistle "Forge of Freedom is a beautiful and satisfying final installment of an amazing series! I was sorry to say goodbye to characters I've followed for so long, characters so vivid they could indeed have lived among the historical figures scattered throughout the tale. I can't speak highly enough of the author's attention to detail and passion for preserving the wonder of our nation's history, even with all its missteps and blemishes." -Shannon McNear, RITA(R) finalist, SELAH winner, and author of the Daughters of the Lost Colony Series "Forge of Freedom is an exciting, satisfying, and often heart-wrenching finale to J. M. Hochstetler's The American Patriot Series. Weaving together a compelling fictional romance with actual historical events, Hochstetler gives readers an opportunity to see the American Revolution up close and on a very personal level. Through Carleton and Elizabeth, we experience the hopes, fears, faith, courage, and sacrifice every Patriot must have faced as the Revolution achieved victories and suffered defeats. Through real life historical figures, we see their very human sides as they struggle to establish a new nation unlike any other in the history of the world. This series should be required reading for every high school student." -Louise M. Gouge, award-winning author "In Forge of Freedom, the author has again brought us another view into Elizabeth Howard and Jonathan Carleton's compelling lives. Ms. Hochstetler's research into the events and attitudes of the era is impeccable. While the Revolutionary war drags on we experience the emotion and witness the love, joy, separation, adventure, and faith that encompass Elizabeth and Jonathan's lives. My concern is that there won't be a continuation of their fascinating story." -Janet Grunst, author of Setting Two Hearts Free "Forge of Freedom is the satisfying conclusion of Joan M. Hochstetler's American Patriot Series. Written in an engaging fashion, the reader is pulled into the story and transported back to the end of the Revolutionary War. I highly recommend reading these books in order. Together, they complete an epic series of beautifully researched American history surrounding the fictional story of ordinary people pushed to do the extraordinary. Populated with actual historical figures and events, this series illustrates the personal struggles and sacrifices required to birth a nation." -Pegg Thomas, award-winning author of Sarah's Choice

Returning from the Shawnee, Brigadier General Jonathan Carleton rejoins General George Washington's army to find the patriot cause on the verge of extinction. Meanwhile Elizabeth Howard travels back to New York, where she is drawn ever deeper into the intrigues that swirl around British General William Howe. From the desperate battles of Trenton, Princeton, and Brandywine Creek to the crucial confrontation at Saratoga, Elizabeth and Carleton face a crucible of war that tests their mettle, faith, and love to the very limits-and beyond. "Historic. Romantic. Riveting. Rich and multi-layered, Crucible of War is the epic continuation of an unforgettable series. Joan Hochstetler gives us a rare glimpse into America's past, leaving the reader enriched and wanting more. I highly recommend this amazing book and series!" -Laura Frantz, author of The Colonel's Lady and Love's Reckoning "J. M. Hochstetler weaves a tapestry rich in detail, a riveting story of adventure and intrigue in a time when men and women made choices that wrenched the heart, but honored God. An engaging new chapter in the on-going saga of how an enduring nation-and an equally enduring romance-were forged in the Crucible of War." -Lori Benton, author of Burning Sky "We have given this series to all of our family so that they will understand the foundation of this country and the freedoms they enjoy. If you haven't read it yet, you should. You will relive the sacrifices, romances, and pain experienced by past patriots. You will understand what you have benefited from when you experience this trip through history as written by Joan. It is historically accurate fiction, and a very engaging and interesting read. I can't wait for the next book to come out!" -John E. Anderson, SGM Ret., U.S. Army Intelligence & Communications Command "I did not think J. M. Hochstetler could keep her readers riveted through seven books in her American Patriot Series, but she is doing it with such stunning storytelling that her characters are becoming bigger than life, just as Margaret Mitchell achieved with Scarlet O'Hara and Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind. Today's military wives can relate to Elizabeth and Jonathan's longing to be together and despair at parting. Here is an opportunity for Americans to become reacquainted with their nation's agonizing birth and the stout-hearted people who made it possible. J. M. Hochstetler has captured this period magnificently. Her battle scenes rage, her love trysts wrench your heart. And her writing achieves literary pinnacles." -Bonnie Toews, author ofThe Consummate Traitor and Communications Command

With Americas' fierce fight for independence hanging in the balance, Elizabeth Howard and Jonathan Carleton are driven thousands of miles and a vast ocean apart. While the Continental Army endures a desperate winter at Valley Forge, French Admiral le comte de Caledonne secretly sweeps Elizabeth away to France out of reach of British assassins. Meanwhile General Jonathan Carleton, the Shawnee war chief White Eagle, returns to his people as General George Washington's emissary, doubting that he will ever return to the white world. But as the war between America and Britain shifts into the fragile republic's heartland at Monmouth Court House, sinister schemes draw Jonathan and Elizabeth into their own separate maelstroms. Will the Refiner's Fire tear them from each other's arms forever? From the flames of war exploding across land and sea to the dangerous intrigues of the French court and the Shawnee's bitter resistance to the Long Knives, Refiner's Fire continues the breathtaking saga of America's founding in a gripping story of heartbreak, redemption, and the unyielding constancy of love. "Refiner's Fire is not simply a story but an experience. Within its pages are all the upheaval, suspense, heartache, and romance that make the American Patriot Series unforgettable. The author's breadth and scope of our founding history is truly remarkable and each finely tuned character seems lifted from the actual historical record. Extraordinary!" -Laura Frantz, Christy-award winning author of The Lacemaker "Painstaking attention to research and detail, vivid setting, peeks into some of the most obscure corners of an otherwise familiar history, all overlaid with a grand, sweeping love story that will break your heart before it takes your breath away . . . this book (and series!) has it all. If you're a fan of historical fiction and romance and haven't yet discovered this author, don't wait another minute to do so!" -Shannon McNear, 2014 RITA(R) finalist and author of The Cumberland Bride, #5 of Daughters of the Mayflower "Refiner's Fire is an absolutely thrilling read! J.M. Hochstetler once again takes readers deep into the turbulent days of the American Revolution, bringing to life the battles, the spies, and the intrigue that belong solely to our forefathers and their struggle for our burgeoning country. Hochstetler's rich description, strong and unique characters, and impeccable attention to historical detail leaves readers wonderfully satisfied yet longing for more. Fans of historical fiction will adore this newest installment in the American Patriot Series. -Michelle Shocklee, Author of The Widow of Rose Hill "J. M. Hochstetler's in-depth research and masterful writing combine for an exceptional novel, filled with history, intrigue, and romance. Refiner's Fire is an engaging and most satisfying read. As Book 6 in the American Patriot series, Refiner's Fire can be read as a standalone, yet the preceding novels fill in much detail, making Refiner's Fire even more enjoyable. It is rare to read a series with the intensity of historical understanding that you will find within the pages of the American Patriot Series. From every vantage point-the Native Americans, to the British, to the Colonial Americans-the complexity of the political and cultural ramifications brings a greater depth of understanding to the bigger picture than you will find in most historical novels. A series well worth mentally devouring." -Elaine Marie Cooper, author of Love's Kindling

Winner of ForeWord Review's 2014 Indie Book of the Year Bronze Award for historical fiction. Drawn into the savage clashes of the French and Indian War, Jakob Hochstetler faces an impossible choice-and the irreversible consequences. In 1738 Jakob Hochstetler and his family arrived in America, seeking sanctuary from religious persecution in Europe and the freedom to live and worship according to their Anabaptist beliefs. Along with other members of their church, they settled in the Northkill Amish Mennonite community on the Pennsylvania frontier between civilization and wilderness and built a home near Northkill Creek. For eighteen years the community lived at peace. Then, with the French and Indian War raging, the Hochstetlers' way of life was brutally shattered. Early on the morning of September 20, 1757, their home was attacked by a party of Delaware and Shawnee warriors allied with the French. Facing certain death with his wife and children, Jakob made a wrenching choice that tore apart his family and changed all of their lives forever. Northkill is closely based on an inspiring true story well-known among the Amish and Mennonites. It has been documented in many publications and in contemporary accounts preserved in the Pennsylvania State Archives and in private collections.

Elizabeth Howard's assignment to gain crucial intelligence for General Washington leads her into the very maw of war at the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, where disaster threatens to end the American rebellion. Yet her heart is fixed on Jonathan Carleton, whose whereabouts remain unknown more than a year after he disappeared into the wilderness. Carleton, now the Shawnee war chief White Eagle, is caught in a bitter war of his own. As unseen forces gather to destroy him, he leads the fight against white settlers encroaching on Shawnee lands while battling the longing for Elizabeth that will not give him peace. Can her love bridge the miles that separate them-and the savage bonds that threaten to tear him forever from her arms? "With rich, vivid descriptions that draw you back in time, characters that become your best friends, eloquent language that will leave you breathless, and a romance that warms you from head to toe, Wind of the Spirit is a stunningly beautiful story about the fight for freedom, survival, and love in a savage land." -MaryLu Tyndall, bestselling author of Surrender the Dawn "The passion and intrigue of the American Revolution comes to life in J. M. Hochstetler's wonderfully entertaining read Wind of the Spirit. Beautifully written and completely engaging, Wind of the Spirit will appeal to fans not just of Christian fiction, but of historical fiction as well. Not to be missed!" -Michelle Moran, author of Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution "J. M. Hochstetler is able to bring history to life with her exceptional prose and attention to detail. If you want a Last of the Mohicans type adventure with a hearty dose of romance and realism, buy these books! My only regret is that she doesn't write fast enough and there aren't enough books like hers! Wonderful, inspiring, educational reading! Bless you, J. M.! I use your books for my own research!" -Laura Frantz, bestselling author of The Colonel's Lady "A captivating tale of love and courage skillfully woven into the Revolutionary War, revealing all the human passions and valor that made America great." -Louise M. Gouge, author of At the Captain's Command "I love this series written by J. M. Hochstetler. I have been waiting eagerly for the next installment. I'd be thrilled if she'd write ten books in this engaging style set in the American Revolution.A story so fun and fast paced, with the back ground of Hochstetler's beautifully researched look at this formative time in our country's history. Keep them coming." -Mary Connealy, author of Out of Control "Wind of the Spirit by J.M. Hochstetler is a captivating third installment to the American Patriot series, one that will keep you turning pages and reading far into the night. Filled with intrigue and adventure, love and loss, history and hope, Wind of the Spirit is a refreshingly honest expose of American truth, sparing neither the good, the bad, or the ugly. Raw truth, coupled with gentle mercy, will carry your heart from one scene to the next, leaving you cheering for the "good guys" (on all sides), and panting for more . . . " -Kathi Macias, author of Deliver Me from Evil

Brigadier General Jonathan Carleton has pledged his allegiance to General George Washington, and his heart to the fiery Elizabeth Howard. As the beautiful daughter of Loyalists, she deftly moves among British officers by day and elusively slips across the countryside to give their secrets to the Sons of Liberty by night. Clever deception may be her stock-in-trade-but the charming blond-haired Jonathan knows the deepest secrets of Elizabeth's heart.