About
The daughter of Mennonite farmers, I grew up in the Kokomo, IN, area and graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Germanic Languages. I am a publisher, a professional editor, and a lifelong student of history. I am also the author of the American Patriot Series, the only accurate, comprehensive historical fiction series set during the American Revolution, and an award-winning modern-day retelling of the Christmas story, One Holy Night. Currently I live in the Elkhart, IN, area with my husband, a retired United Methodist pastor.
Description
<p>The Race for Flugal Farm is the first book in a trilogy that charters the lives and adventures of the inhabitants of the Riding Stables at Flugal Farm.</p><div>Times had been hard for George Flugal and his wife, and this inevitably resulted in him having to sell the majority of the school's horses until he was left its just four: Pogo, Biff, Troy and an ex-racehorse called Chance.</div><div>The horses who along with a young stable hand Rachelle Perkins, a dog named Nugget, a pig called Nigel and an old family friend Uncle Dave, make up the Flugal's extended family.</div><div>When they find themselves facing the possibility of having the farm repossessed by the bank, and bought out by the odious Mr Williams, have to pull together to enter a carriage drive in order to win the prize money and save their way of life.</div>
Reviews
<p>“Historic. Romantic. Riveting. Rich and multi-layered, <em>Crucible of War </em>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!” <span style="line-height:1.6em;">—Laura Frantz, author of </span><em style="line-height:1.6em;">The Colonel's Lady</em><span style="line-height:1.6em;"> and </span><em style="line-height:1.6em;">Love's Reckoning</em></p>
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<p>“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 <em>Crucible of War</em>.” <span style="line-height:1.6em;">—Lori Benton, author of </span><em style="line-height:1.6em;">Burning Sky</em></p>
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<p>“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!” <span style="line-height:1.6em;">—John E. Anderson, SGM Ret., U.S. Army Intelligence & Communications Command</span></p>
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<p>“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 <em>Gone with the Wind.</em> 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.” <span style="line-height:1.6em;">—Bonnie Toews, author of </span><em style="line-height:1.6em;">The Consummate Traito</em><em style="line-height:1.6em;">r</em><span style="line-height:1.6em;"> and </span><em style="line-height:1.6em;">Communications Command</em></p>