J. M. Hochstetler
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Enthralling historical fiction that will leave you breathless . . .
Signed copies of all books by J. M. Hochstetler are now available
on Amazon from Sheaf House Direct!

Check Out the American Patriot Series Blog!

I’ve been blogging about the process of creating one of the important scenes in Forge of Freedom over on the American Patriot Series blog. In the last post I included a snippet from Chapter Two that describes Elizabeth’s surrounding. To get a brief sneak peek at what's coming up in Book 7, clink on the link and check out the last 3 posts!

The American Patriot Series

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Book 6, Refiner's Fire

Will the promise their hearts cling to finally find its joyful fulfillment, or will war’s refining fire separate them forever?
 
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, le comte de Caledonne secretly sweeps Elizabeth away to France out of the 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. Can they survive the refining fire of war to find each other again?
 
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

“I've been a fan of this series from the beginning. . . . Refiner’s Fire, is no exception. The scope of Revolutionary War era history in this book alone is sweeping, from Europe to the Colonies to the Native nations. If you are a fan of Rev War novels, 18th century history, or gripping good storytelling, start at the beginning with Daughter of Liberty. You have a lot of great reading in store and memorable characters to meet.” —Lori Benton, author of The King’s Mercy
 
“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® 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. . . . 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

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The Northkill Amish Series
with Bob Hostetler​

The Return

Book 2
Ripped from their home. 
Separated from one another.
Can the captives find their way back?
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5-Star Review from Evangelical Church Library Association

The Return puts the reader into the shoes of the characters, showcasing how difficult the decisions are that the Hochstetlers have to make.
In this deeply moving conclusion to the Northkill Amish Series, Joseph and Christian are adopted into separate Delaware clans and families and gradually reconcile to their new lives. Jakob, however, plots a perilous escape in spite of overwhelming odds against succeeding. But even if he can get away, could he survive a harrowing journey over the hundreds of miles of rugged terrain that lie between him and his Northkill community? Does home still exist? Are his older son and daughter, Johannes and Barbara, still alive? Will he ever find his boys and bring them home? ​
"Nicely paced and engaging, this book draws together ​historical elements, cultural differences, and internal  human struggles. The Return puts the reader into the shoes of the characters, showcasing how difficult the decisions are that the Hochstetlers have to make. It guides the readers through their own beliefs by exploring the minds and emotions of each of these fictional characters. This book continues to deliver well written descriptions and dialogue that make the setting and times come alive in the mind of the reader.

"The Return  ... forces readers to examine feelings related to racism and cultural differences, as well as human love, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice. ...This book forces readers to grapple with the morality of hard decisions that do not have simple yes or no answers. It looks at issues from varied perspectives, showing the reader multiple interpretations of individual dilemmas. This book also highlights the idea that God has a plan in the end; no matter what happens, He can be trusted. " —Theresa M. Hughes, professional writing major, Taylor University
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2018 Shelf Unbound
​Notable Indie Book
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2017 Interviews and Reviews Silver Historical Fiction Award


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Northkill
Book 1
Northkill Amish Series


Drawn into the savage clashes of the French and Indian War, Jakob Hochstetler faces an impossible choice—and the irreversible consequences.


Winner of Foreword Magazine's 2014 INDYFAB Book of the Year for Historical Fiction
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“Based on a true happening in Pennsylvania history, Northkill is one of the finest novels of the American frontier I have ever read. Convicting, moving, evocative, vivid and more, this is a story that stays with you. The issues raised within had me examining my own faith and convictions and marveling at how well the authors linked present and past as they shared their family heritage. A novel to savor again and again.” —Laura Frantz, author of the Ballantyne Legacy series


The Promise of Christmas for All Seasons

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 One Holy Night 

As on that night so long ago . . . in a world torn by sin and strife . . . to a family that has suffered heart-wrenching loss . . . there will be born a baby . . .

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.
 
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.

​Forge of Freedom Release Update

Book 7 of the American Patriot Series, Forge of Freedom, was originally projected to publish in 2021. But a serious infection I contracted in fall 2019 made it impossible to do any writing, and I've had to push the pub date back into 2022. The good news is that I'm finally hard at work to ensure that this last installment of the series is just as thrilling, romantic, inspiring, and historically accurate as the previous volumes. Thank you for your patience!


Kindle Editions

American Patriot Series
Northkill Amish Series
One Holy Night

Signed Copies

To order signed print copies of  my books, exclusively available from Amazon through Sheaf House Direct, click on the direct links below.

One Holy Night
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AMERICAN PATRIOT SERIES HERITAGE EDITION
Daughter of Liberty
Native Son
Wind of the Spirit
Crucible of War
Valley of the Shadow
Refiner's Fire


NORTHKILL AMISH SERIES
Northkill
The Return

Unsigned Print and Ebooks Available @

​Christianbook.com
B&N

My Other Websites & Blogs

The American Patriot Series
American Patriot Series Blog
Northkill

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Organizations

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American Christian Fiction Writers
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Jacob Hochstetler Family Association

Visit Joan's profile on Pinterest.
"Within these 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!  J. M. Hochstetler richly captures the turmoil surrounding the lives of those affected by the Viet Nam War, and the many emotional conflicts that raged on as a result of that war. I look forward to reading her other books, and I highly recommend this one to you!" —Kim Ford, Window to My World Blog

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“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....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

 "The rich characterization and lush description place the reader comfortably in the midst of the story setting: the heartland of America near the end of the Vietnam War....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.
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