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><span style="color:rgb(15,17,17);font-family:'Amazon Ember', Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">What happens when a king loses his prowess? The day Henry IV could finally declare he had vanquished his enemies, he threw it all away with an infamous deed. No English king had executed an archbishop before. And divine judgment was quick to follow. Many thought he was struck with leprosy—God's greatest punishment for sinners. From that point on, Henry's health was cursed and he fought doggedly on as his body continued to betray him—reducing this once great warrior to an invalid. Fortunately for England, his heir was ready and eager to take over. But Henry wasn't willing to relinquish what he had worked so hard to preserve. No one was going to take away his royal prerogative—not even Prince Hal. But Henry didn't count on Hal's dauntless nature, which threatened to tear the royal family apart.</span></p>
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>