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Heck and Hope #5
Heck's Stand
THE ONLY TREASURE IN THIS LAND IS WATER.
Running from an Indian war party, Heck hunkers down in a cluster of boulders sheltering the only water for miles—and several strangers awaiting the impending siege.
Here, Heck will make his stand, facing not only the war party but also danger from within. Because as temperatures rise and water dwindles, the deadly forces of fear, greed, and stubborn pride pit him against the very people he’s fighting to save.
Heck’s Stand is a classic Western with a touch of romance. It’s perfect for fans of C.J. Petit and R.O. Lane.
“John Deacon writes the kind of Westerns I like to read—gritty and fun with lots of heart.” — Don Bentley, New York Times Bestselling author of the Matt Drake series and Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. novels
Running from an Indian war party, Heck hunkers down in a cluster of boulders sheltering the only water for miles—and several strangers awaiting the impending siege.
Here, Heck will make his stand, facing not only the war party but also danger from within. Because as temperatures rise and water dwindles, the deadly forces of fear, greed, and stubborn pride pit him against the very people he’s fighting to save.
Heck’s Stand is a classic Western with a touch of romance. It’s perfect for fans of C.J. Petit and R.O. Lane.
“John Deacon writes the kind of Westerns I like to read—gritty and fun with lots of heart.” — Don Bentley, New York Times Bestselling author of the Matt Drake series and Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. novels
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
December 30, 2025
A WAR OF ATTRITION AGAINST SIOUX WARRIORS WITH A MIXED MATCHED OF DETERMINED PEOPLE
12/29/25 Review:
☆☆☆☆☆
Heck's Stand: Heck and Hope, Book 5 by John Deacon is the conclusion to what should be or will be a award winning series of a young man who after being orphaned at the age of fourteen years old does everything within his power to become a man, husband, father, and friend that would make any parent proud and even more makes that man proud of who he is and who he has become. Heck Martin is a man that everyone feels lucky to say they know him and those who are his family and friends respect him and strive to be more like Heck in every way possible.
Heck and Hope have a loving marriage that is based on respect, compassion, friendship, love and the determination to show their love to all around them and will place their lives on the line to do what's right and fight with their lives to protect those around them. Heck and Hope Martin are a fictional couple that live decent lives of giving and showing love and opening up their property to those who are in need with the same desire to strive for a better life.
In this fifth and what appears to be the final installment in this series, Heck sets out to protect a wayward family that is traveling into a dangerous part of the western frontier to better their lives after the loss of their oldest son and daughter which has taken a toll on their souls with the loss. Heck warns them of the dangers they face but they are determined to find their own path that they believe with their hearts that their journey will provide them with a future that will keep them and their remaining living son in a comfortable lifestyle and put their past in their rear view mirror so to speak.
Heck catches up to the Duncans right at the moment a band of Sioux warriors are barring down on them hell bent on murder. Heck leads the Duncans to a water hole in a out crop of rocks offering a sanctuary from the warring tribe but with little water, less food, and little ammunition to ward of an attack, Heck and the Duncans band together for survival with a Russian Count, his wife, a young cowboy, an army sergeant casing down a couple of deserters, the deserters that are less than men with any sort of morals, a young lady that is on a trip from Pennsylvania to San Francisco for the adventure of a live time, and a freed slave looking for a life of freedom and peace.
This final installment is one that will truly appeal to anyone that enjoys a great historical fiction western with heroes that are clearly brought to the pages, villains that are easy to hate and will leave you wishing you were standing right there to help bring justice.
I really enjoyed reading this book and series and highly recommend it to all. I hope you too will find yourself enjoying it as much as I have.
12/29/25 Review:
☆☆☆☆☆
Heck's Stand: Heck and Hope, Book 5 by John Deacon is the conclusion to what should be or will be a award winning series of a young man who after being orphaned at the age of fourteen years old does everything within his power to become a man, husband, father, and friend that would make any parent proud and even more makes that man proud of who he is and who he has become. Heck Martin is a man that everyone feels lucky to say they know him and those who are his family and friends respect him and strive to be more like Heck in every way possible.
Heck and Hope have a loving marriage that is based on respect, compassion, friendship, love and the determination to show their love to all around them and will place their lives on the line to do what's right and fight with their lives to protect those around them. Heck and Hope Martin are a fictional couple that live decent lives of giving and showing love and opening up their property to those who are in need with the same desire to strive for a better life.
In this fifth and what appears to be the final installment in this series, Heck sets out to protect a wayward family that is traveling into a dangerous part of the western frontier to better their lives after the loss of their oldest son and daughter which has taken a toll on their souls with the loss. Heck warns them of the dangers they face but they are determined to find their own path that they believe with their hearts that their journey will provide them with a future that will keep them and their remaining living son in a comfortable lifestyle and put their past in their rear view mirror so to speak.
Heck catches up to the Duncans right at the moment a band of Sioux warriors are barring down on them hell bent on murder. Heck leads the Duncans to a water hole in a out crop of rocks offering a sanctuary from the warring tribe but with little water, less food, and little ammunition to ward of an attack, Heck and the Duncans band together for survival with a Russian Count, his wife, a young cowboy, an army sergeant casing down a couple of deserters, the deserters that are less than men with any sort of morals, a young lady that is on a trip from Pennsylvania to San Francisco for the adventure of a live time, and a freed slave looking for a life of freedom and peace.
This final installment is one that will truly appeal to anyone that enjoys a great historical fiction western with heroes that are clearly brought to the pages, villains that are easy to hate and will leave you wishing you were standing right there to help bring justice.
I really enjoyed reading this book and series and highly recommend it to all. I hope you too will find yourself enjoying it as much as I have.
April 10, 2024
adventure
This series has been such a delight to read. The main character Heck Martin is a hero to every obstacle that arises in this story of Indians and wild country. A must read if you enjoy westerns!
This series has been such a delight to read. The main character Heck Martin is a hero to every obstacle that arises in this story of Indians and wild country. A must read if you enjoy westerns!
June 17, 2023
A fantastic series I
Although I'm sad that the Heck and Hope series has ended I still totally enjoyed every page I've read in the five books. The author is a master at creating strong and unique characters with storylines that are filled with all the action and adventure you can want that makes each story a joy to read. Now it's time for me to order his new series "Lobo" and I'm sure I will love it as well.
Although I'm sad that the Heck and Hope series has ended I still totally enjoyed every page I've read in the five books. The author is a master at creating strong and unique characters with storylines that are filled with all the action and adventure you can want that makes each story a joy to read. Now it's time for me to order his new series "Lobo" and I'm sure I will love it as well.
July 17, 2023
Fitting End To A Series
John Deacon has delivered a masterfully crafted book as a capstone to his series regarding Heck and Hope as his leading characters! I was thoroughly captivated and "taken away" with the storyline. I should not have been surprised ........, John Deacon always comes through with the best!!! Looking forward, as always, to what he has next. Blessed to have you as a gifted author.
John Deacon has delivered a masterfully crafted book as a capstone to his series regarding Heck and Hope as his leading characters! I was thoroughly captivated and "taken away" with the storyline. I should not have been surprised ........, John Deacon always comes through with the best!!! Looking forward, as always, to what he has next. Blessed to have you as a gifted author.
October 21, 2023
Phenomenal read
I can't believe this book is able to get your attention and keeps you reading in anticipation for the next chapter till the end and screams at you to continue for more. His books are so good I need to read them start to finish in one sitting. My wife always wants me to put the books down and come to bed which I am unable to do because the story just keeps me going!!
I can't believe this book is able to get your attention and keeps you reading in anticipation for the next chapter till the end and screams at you to continue for more. His books are so good I need to read them start to finish in one sitting. My wife always wants me to put the books down and come to bed which I am unable to do because the story just keeps me going!!
March 6, 2024
Well written
Mr. Deacon writes well and stays historically correct ( ex: not using terms and words that don’t come into existence until decades later than the time frame he is writing about). There was also evidence of good proofreading with accurate spellings and very few misuse of homonyms-unlike most all of the other male western authors I have been reading. I say male because I have noticed the female authors are much more precise about spellings and homonyms.
Mr. Deacon writes well and stays historically correct ( ex: not using terms and words that don’t come into existence until decades later than the time frame he is writing about). There was also evidence of good proofreading with accurate spellings and very few misuse of homonyms-unlike most all of the other male western authors I have been reading. I say male because I have noticed the female authors are much more precise about spellings and homonyms.
October 9, 2023
A tightly knit story of the early West. The story came together around a watering hole far out in the arid dessert.
This story I liked a lot. Desperate people thrown together by chance, who must rely on each other to stay alive under a searing heatwave with only a limited supply of water to stave off their thirst while they battled a war party of Indians intent on killing them all.
They are all there and represented true to life; the haughty Russian Aristocrat and his entitled wife, the army deserters, the former black slave, the young Texan, the pretty farm girl from Pennsylvania, the man and his wife who had ventured forth in search of quick riches.
And Heck Martin is there too, standing tall and strong, leading by example of how to stay strong and not cave under pressure.
Can they wait out the Indian attack? Will their meager water supply hold out?
Read on. The pages turn easy
This story I liked a lot. Desperate people thrown together by chance, who must rely on each other to stay alive under a searing heatwave with only a limited supply of water to stave off their thirst while they battled a war party of Indians intent on killing them all.
They are all there and represented true to life; the haughty Russian Aristocrat and his entitled wife, the army deserters, the former black slave, the young Texan, the pretty farm girl from Pennsylvania, the man and his wife who had ventured forth in search of quick riches.
And Heck Martin is there too, standing tall and strong, leading by example of how to stay strong and not cave under pressure.
Can they wait out the Indian attack? Will their meager water supply hold out?
Read on. The pages turn easy
June 17, 2023
Read to the end for greatness.
I was going to give this book four stars, but since the author gave Heck and Hope 12 children, I’ll give it five. Of all the books this was not my favorite, but still very good. It just seemed lthat during most of the book you were living in the minds of the people that were trapped by the Indians. I guess an author has to create characters that we don’t like, so they can be killed in the end. I didn’t like being in the mind of Russian Victor Karpov, and his arrogant wife, Natalia for for much of the time. Loved Clarence, Cody, and Becky. So glad Pipher got what he deserved! Great Series. Read the first 4 books for the second time so I could remember everything and enjoy the last book.
I was going to give this book four stars, but since the author gave Heck and Hope 12 children, I’ll give it five. Of all the books this was not my favorite, but still very good. It just seemed lthat during most of the book you were living in the minds of the people that were trapped by the Indians. I guess an author has to create characters that we don’t like, so they can be killed in the end. I didn’t like being in the mind of Russian Victor Karpov, and his arrogant wife, Natalia for for much of the time. Loved Clarence, Cody, and Becky. So glad Pipher got what he deserved! Great Series. Read the first 4 books for the second time so I could remember everything and enjoy the last book.
June 18, 2023
Terrific end to an astounding series. Almost tragic. Not much of Hope or the Hope City gang in this one. A family come to town for supplies, determined to make their way west. It didn't do Heck any good to tell them that they were riding in to dangerous territory that they would most likely not survive. He decides he better tag along and it is a good thing he did as there are Indians out there looking for water horses and women. They barely make it to where they can make a stand to find they are not the only ones at the last bit of water for miles. There is plenty of danger within as well as without. I didn't want to put this book down and am sorry to see the series come to an end. This one reminded me of one of my favorite Louis L'Amour books; Last Stand At Papago Wells.
June 16, 2023
This is the Fifth and final book to the series. I’ve read about Hector “Heck” Martin throughout the series; I’ve loved his heart, determination and devotion to family and friends. He has a quick mind and learned soul. Thanks for great reading and with this I want to share a most potentiate statement in this final chapter: The most important lessons life has taught him were simple: work hard, love your family and count your blessings.” Along with the battles for life over death, the faith in God seemed to creep into the five books and I enjoyed every moment.
April 16, 2025
I have read straight through every book but one. These series I couldn’t put down. I had to find out what was happening next. I could see the characters clearly and stand with me through the day. I would wonder if they were safe and what they were doing. Fascinating reads.
I especially thank the author for adding scripture and showing how God’s Grace helped these people through very harrowing and frighting experiences.
Most importantly it shows what good men will accomplish when they believe in doing the right thing.
Looking forward to many more great series to read by John Deacon.
I especially thank the author for adding scripture and showing how God’s Grace helped these people through very harrowing and frighting experiences.
Most importantly it shows what good men will accomplish when they believe in doing the right thing.
Looking forward to many more great series to read by John Deacon.
May 18, 2026
I really liked this series, the books get sort of formulaic in that each one sort of has a bad guy or two that causes issues that Heck and co need to deal with, and that sometimes you just want to yell at the characters. They're not action packed page turners but if you're someone who loves to romanticize what the Frontier times were like, you will enjoy this series. Something nice to read with some love, some conflict, some good and bad characters.. you get a little bit of everything.
I'll definitely check out other books by John!
I'll definitely check out other books by John!
July 31, 2023
The further you go….
This series seemed interesting, and was entertaining for the first couple of books. At least for me, it was not worth the time that I spent to read the remainder of the books in the series, especially by the time I got to this last one, Heck’s Stand. It was just flat out boring. I have a terminal disease and will die soon, so that really makes me want to have the time back that I wasted on this.
This series seemed interesting, and was entertaining for the first couple of books. At least for me, it was not worth the time that I spent to read the remainder of the books in the series, especially by the time I got to this last one, Heck’s Stand. It was just flat out boring. I have a terminal disease and will die soon, so that really makes me want to have the time back that I wasted on this.
June 17, 2023
Excellent series
A wonderful series about a young man who through God takes care of all the people that comes into his life. He has to learn as he goes and uses those skills to help others. He has a lot of help from his friends like Jim Bridger, his adopted brother Seeker and of course his wife Hope. Each book in the series shows his growth in strength and faith.
A wonderful series about a young man who through God takes care of all the people that comes into his life. He has to learn as he goes and uses those skills to help others. He has a lot of help from his friends like Jim Bridger, his adopted brother Seeker and of course his wife Hope. Each book in the series shows his growth in strength and faith.
June 17, 2023
Excellent read
A great ending to a wonderful series. Lots of action great characters and excellent story line. This series is one of the best I've ever read. To not read this series would be a great loss for you. Would highly recommend this series to all that enjoy a great western read.
A great ending to a wonderful series. Lots of action great characters and excellent story line. This series is one of the best I've ever read. To not read this series would be a great loss for you. Would highly recommend this series to all that enjoy a great western read.
August 11, 2023
Outstanding Western Adventures !
I've read this entire " Hecks" series of books by Mr. Deacon , I did wait till now to do my review , one , because I couldn't stop reading long enough - and I wanted to see how it all came to an end - outstandingly written , all of theses books stand up to the quality of the masters of Western time period writing !
I've read this entire " Hecks" series of books by Mr. Deacon , I did wait till now to do my review , one , because I couldn't stop reading long enough - and I wanted to see how it all came to an end - outstandingly written , all of theses books stand up to the quality of the masters of Western time period writing !
September 23, 2023
Heck & Hope, a great life !
I left a review on one or two other books but, I think not all. I enjoyed each book so very much that I wanted to hurry into the next book. They were all so very well done! I have even read Lobo. Another very good book. Thanks for keeping me at the edge of my chair for the last month!
I left a review on one or two other books but, I think not all. I enjoyed each book so very much that I wanted to hurry into the next book. They were all so very well done! I have even read Lobo. Another very good book. Thanks for keeping me at the edge of my chair for the last month!
November 6, 2023
Heck Martin: A Series to Remember
This series was terrific. Page turning excitement. Well developed characters. You hate for the series to end. Four books is not enough. A great hero is the namesake of the series along with his love and partner, wife Hope! Thank you, John Deacon! Faith reigns.
This series was terrific. Page turning excitement. Well developed characters. You hate for the series to end. Four books is not enough. A great hero is the namesake of the series along with his love and partner, wife Hope! Thank you, John Deacon! Faith reigns.
April 30, 2024
Good, but not my favorite!
I didn’t care for all the new characters you dumped into this book 5. I had come to love all the other books’ characters. And how realistic was Heck’s recovery from a chest gun shot wound? Some of the interactions of these characters was over done. John, you have done better than!
I didn’t care for all the new characters you dumped into this book 5. I had come to love all the other books’ characters. And how realistic was Heck’s recovery from a chest gun shot wound? Some of the interactions of these characters was over done. John, you have done better than!
May 28, 2024
Excellent book!
Further adventures of Heck and Hope Martin as greed, danger and stupidity come near Hope City. All the books in this series are well written and enjoyable. I love good Christian western stories, and John Deacon is an excellent writer, with strong plot twists, well fleshed-out characters, and bad guys you will love to hate.
Further adventures of Heck and Hope Martin as greed, danger and stupidity come near Hope City. All the books in this series are well written and enjoyable. I love good Christian western stories, and John Deacon is an excellent writer, with strong plot twists, well fleshed-out characters, and bad guys you will love to hate.
September 10, 2025
Loved the entire story
This was such a well written story. I loved the story from the 1st book to the last. I'm wondering if there will be a sequel of Tor's life? The ending had me reeling and sad but all was going to be ok in the end. The characters are well developed and believable. Such a nice get away reading this author's books.
This was such a well written story. I loved the story from the 1st book to the last. I'm wondering if there will be a sequel of Tor's life? The ending had me reeling and sad but all was going to be ok in the end. The characters are well developed and believable. Such a nice get away reading this author's books.
October 11, 2025
fantastic work John..
G great work, John, but to me these writings Are comparable to Lonesome Dove. I have been suggesting to authors to add a cast of characters you have been the first one I have found that has done. I was wondering if by doing so did it help your
Sales? I do know it helped my reading so thank you a
G great work, John, but to me these writings Are comparable to Lonesome Dove. I have been suggesting to authors to add a cast of characters you have been the first one I have found that has done. I was wondering if by doing so did it help your
Sales? I do know it helped my reading so thank you a
October 19, 2025
I loved this series. It’s one of those you don’t want to end. It held my interest throughout. There were tense moments especially towards the end and was afraid my hero was in deep trouble but friends come to the rescue as they should.
I have a new favorite author. Thank you John Deacon. Keep up the great work.
I have a new favorite author. Thank you John Deacon. Keep up the great work.
January 30, 2026
Heck and Hope - Beyond awesome
I listened to the first 4 books in the series, but read the Book 5. Each book wove a story with unforgettable characters, awesome story lines and all with masterful story telling. The author brings a sense of familiarity to each of the main characters and it’s a heart warming series, beginning to end.
I listened to the first 4 books in the series, but read the Book 5. Each book wove a story with unforgettable characters, awesome story lines and all with masterful story telling. The author brings a sense of familiarity to each of the main characters and it’s a heart warming series, beginning to end.
June 18, 2023
Great series
This was a great series. I enjoyed all of the stories about Heck Martin. The only thing I didn't like was waiting for the next book to come out. I hope the author does a story about Heck's son Tor. I look forward to reading more of John's books!
This was a great series. I enjoyed all of the stories about Heck Martin. The only thing I didn't like was waiting for the next book to come out. I hope the author does a story about Heck's son Tor. I look forward to reading more of John's books!
June 21, 2023
Heck of a Tale
The fifth book in the series brings to a close the tale of Heck and Hope. I throughly enjoyed each book in the series and eagerly awaited the next story. Highly recommend.
The fifth book in the series brings to a close the tale of Heck and Hope. I throughly enjoyed each book in the series and eagerly awaited the next story. Highly recommend.
June 21, 2023
Heck saves the group traveling in the West!
Heck could not set still worrying about a family he knew was going into dangerous Indian territory. He left to find them to try to talk them into returning to Hope City. Running into other s that needed his help.
Heck could not set still worrying about a family he knew was going into dangerous Indian territory. He left to find them to try to talk them into returning to Hope City. Running into other s that needed his help.
June 24, 2023
Excellent read
Heck's journey is excellent. Great read, well written. The writer could have extended it so many times. I wanted more and more from the different characters.
Really enjoyed these books.
Loved the fact that he was a bixer and he kept bringing it in to tye story.
Heck's journey is excellent. Great read, well written. The writer could have extended it so many times. I wanted more and more from the different characters.
Really enjoyed these books.
Loved the fact that he was a bixer and he kept bringing it in to tye story.
July 1, 2023
Quite frankly a very good series!
Great action written series. I would recommend for any person that likes good western stories to read the whole series concerning Heck and Hope Martin!
Great action written series. I would recommend for any person that likes good western stories to read the whole series concerning Heck and Hope Martin!
July 2, 2023
Heck's Stand
This was an excellent book and even more a wonderful series!!! I'm kind of sad for it to end, by I'll sure be reading the next series written by John Deacon. I most strongly recommend this book as well as the entire series..... Well written and a lot of meaning.
This was an excellent book and even more a wonderful series!!! I'm kind of sad for it to end, by I'll sure be reading the next series written by John Deacon. I most strongly recommend this book as well as the entire series..... Well written and a lot of meaning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews