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The Promise Saga #2
The Promise
“If you ever need anything, Rebecca, you just let me know and I'll be there." Those were the words 16-year-old Jacob Walker told his best friend before her family moved to Oklahoma. Never did he expect that he would have to live up to that promise 14 years later. It was now 1931, and Rebecca was a widow, left to care for her four children alone. She was also the lone caretaker of a failing 500-acre farm. That was the least of her problems. Oklahoma was about to enter the "The Dust Bowl."
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2024
About the author
Jean Hackensmith
91 books25 followersI am the published author of 12 books, all in the romance genre; everything from time travel, to historical, to contemporary. My newest release, "Checkmate" is the start of my break from the romance genre. It's still classified as a romantic thriller, but truthfully it's more thriller than romance. I'm not saying I won't ever write another romance, especially time travel. I'd have too many upset readers if I didn't. But, for now, I just needed try something new. In fact, my current manuscript, titled "We The People" takes me completely out of the romance genre. But more about that later.
As far as personal info goes, I'm married to my best friend and biggest supporter, Ron. I'm the proud mother of 3, the stepmother of 2, and the grandmother of 10. Next to writing, my passion is community theatre. In fact, I founded our local community theatre back in 1992 and still direct 2-3 shows a year. My other interests include camping, bowling and sitting in a restaurant with a good friend until the wee hours of the morning and talking about anything and everything.
As far as personal info goes, I'm married to my best friend and biggest supporter, Ron. I'm the proud mother of 3, the stepmother of 2, and the grandmother of 10. Next to writing, my passion is community theatre. In fact, I founded our local community theatre back in 1992 and still direct 2-3 shows a year. My other interests include camping, bowling and sitting in a restaurant with a good friend until the wee hours of the morning and talking about anything and everything.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 21, 2025
Just Okay
Firstly, this was the worst Kindle edition book that I've ever read. The number of errors throughout was shocking and frustrating. As for the actual writing, I didn't think this book was well written. The historical facts were okay, but the story could've been easily cut by a third were it not for some of the unnecessary writing. It drove me nuts to the point that I'd just skip several pages in a row without really missing anything. As for some of the side plots, I found the details to be unbelievable. If you read it, you'll know what I mean. Anyway, I wanted to give it a chance because I like historical fiction, but not very good.
Firstly, this was the worst Kindle edition book that I've ever read. The number of errors throughout was shocking and frustrating. As for the actual writing, I didn't think this book was well written. The historical facts were okay, but the story could've been easily cut by a third were it not for some of the unnecessary writing. It drove me nuts to the point that I'd just skip several pages in a row without really missing anything. As for some of the side plots, I found the details to be unbelievable. If you read it, you'll know what I mean. Anyway, I wanted to give it a chance because I like historical fiction, but not very good.
June 15, 2024
I loved being taken through story. It's a fascinating, heartbreaking period in US history.
At times Jacob's dialogue seemed off based on his character, but that could be how I was reading it and I'm sure time, place and circumstances were intended to change his character to some extent. One thing that I can't stop wondering about (not a spoiler) ....Constance / Monica. I read the Kindle version and Constance turned into Monica at one point. How did the editors not catch that?
At times Jacob's dialogue seemed off based on his character, but that could be how I was reading it and I'm sure time, place and circumstances were intended to change his character to some extent. One thing that I can't stop wondering about (not a spoiler) ....Constance / Monica. I read the Kindle version and Constance turned into Monica at one point. How did the editors not catch that?
August 27, 2024
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. My ancestors lived in this part of the country. My Mother was one of 16 children. They were poor farmers. My Grandmother was incredibly strong. All of her children survived and had families of their own. We are all over the country now. I so loved the day to day struggles Rebecca and her family lived. The live story was so tender. I’m starting the third book today!
July 15, 2024
i love this book
You get heartache, love, action, violence, lost, unconditional support, adventure, romance and a lot more. I was so hoping to get a epilogue it needed one bad, it could been a couple years later that was the only disappointment I had. I hoping Jean hackensmith will write a novel please 😁 to see this people again.
You get heartache, love, action, violence, lost, unconditional support, adventure, romance and a lot more. I was so hoping to get a epilogue it needed one bad, it could been a couple years later that was the only disappointment I had. I hoping Jean hackensmith will write a novel please 😁 to see this people again.
September 4, 2024
Hard living
It really takes a lot of determination and an enormous amount of hard work to live in the dust bowl of Oklahoma. If it wasn't the dust storms, tornadoes,grasshoppers and prairie fires it was the constant threat of their lives and livelihood from their greedy neighbors. Really great book! I can hardly wait to read the next one.
It really takes a lot of determination and an enormous amount of hard work to live in the dust bowl of Oklahoma. If it wasn't the dust storms, tornadoes,grasshoppers and prairie fires it was the constant threat of their lives and livelihood from their greedy neighbors. Really great book! I can hardly wait to read the next one.
September 6, 2024
Justice paid!
Book 2 had some surprises and some things that were anticipated. Won't spill the beans though. Will just say (my opinion) that the J.H. kept the story line intense and interesting till the last few chapters. They were somewhat disappointing leading the ending. It just didn't have the same feel as everything before. Maybe it's just me?
Book 2 had some surprises and some things that were anticipated. Won't spill the beans though. Will just say (my opinion) that the J.H. kept the story line intense and interesting till the last few chapters. They were somewhat disappointing leading the ending. It just didn't have the same feel as everything before. Maybe it's just me?
October 20, 2024
What a amazing story!
I'm glad I read the prequel first as it really made this book even better! Loved both of them! It reminded me of my great grandfather on my mom's side, who was dirt poor until oil was discovered on his ranch in Texas. It was capped off before the riches filtered down to his children though. Great writing!
I'm glad I read the prequel first as it really made this book even better! Loved both of them! It reminded me of my great grandfather on my mom's side, who was dirt poor until oil was discovered on his ranch in Texas. It was capped off before the riches filtered down to his children though. Great writing!
May 17, 2025
Life in the wilderness
This story shows the bravery and dedication it takes to carve out a life on the frontier. With nature and the greed of man constantly opposing you, each day is a threat. Folded into the negativity, is the love and sacrifice of family members. Although it seems that more negative happened than positive, this story ended up being one with a happy outcome.
This story shows the bravery and dedication it takes to carve out a life on the frontier. With nature and the greed of man constantly opposing you, each day is a threat. Folded into the negativity, is the love and sacrifice of family members. Although it seems that more negative happened than positive, this story ended up being one with a happy outcome.
August 11, 2025
Interesting read.
Overall this book was a great way to loose yourself for awhile. I loved all the characters And felt like I really knew them. My only issue was the timeline. I got lost a few times but that could have been because I had to keep putting it down to take care of other things. I’m looking forward to reading more by Jean Hackensmith.
Overall this book was a great way to loose yourself for awhile. I loved all the characters And felt like I really knew them. My only issue was the timeline. I got lost a few times but that could have been because I had to keep putting it down to take care of other things. I’m looking forward to reading more by Jean Hackensmith.
May 15, 2024
Excellent Book
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters and time frame pulled me in from the start. The sprinkling of actual history mixed in was a wonderful addition to the story.
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters and time frame pulled me in from the start. The sprinkling of actual history mixed in was a wonderful addition to the story.
May 30, 2024
Great story! I knew nothing of the drought & dustbowl of the early 1900’s in Oklahoma. A historical fiction set there where so many farms failed. This family survived with hard work and determination as well as the love of an old friend who came to the rescue.
June 2, 2024
Fabulous book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved the family and characters. Could go on reading about the rest of their lives. A book you don't want to put down. Going to go find another book by this author now.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved the family and characters. Could go on reading about the rest of their lives. A book you don't want to put down. Going to go find another book by this author now.
June 26, 2024
Review
I always wanted to know how life was during the Dust Bowl era. This book, though simple and predictable, let me know how life might have been stir the.people who lived thru it. Okay read..
I always wanted to know how life was during the Dust Bowl era. This book, though simple and predictable, let me know how life might have been stir the.people who lived thru it. Okay read..
July 2, 2024
Troubled but promising times
This family in Oklahoma endured so many hard times with the weather but, then also with greedy neighbors. They just couldn’t get a break. An old friend shows up in the nick of time and even though times were rough they find a way to a promising life.
This family in Oklahoma endured so many hard times with the weather but, then also with greedy neighbors. They just couldn’t get a break. An old friend shows up in the nick of time and even though times were rough they find a way to a promising life.
August 4, 2024
The only positive was the story itself. The editing, proofreading, lack of writing "mechanics" was simply horrible. This is proof of where our education system is failing our students. Where on earth did this writer go to school?
August 13, 2024
A great account of the hard times in the dust bowl.
I liked how this story told of the challenges and struggles of is family as their life in the Oklahoma dust bowl unfolded. The story was full of all kinds of events that were good and bad times.
I liked how this story told of the challenges and struggles of is family as their life in the Oklahoma dust bowl unfolded. The story was full of all kinds of events that were good and bad times.
September 30, 2024
Excellent
Very good story! Well thought out characters. Loved them all! Very believable characters. Lots of action, twists and turns. Lots of history on the dust bowl and the suffering associated with those dust storms. It must have been horrendous. I will read the sequel.
Very good story! Well thought out characters. Loved them all! Very believable characters. Lots of action, twists and turns. Lots of history on the dust bowl and the suffering associated with those dust storms. It must have been horrendous. I will read the sequel.
December 19, 2024
what a ride!
Dust storms, tornadoes, fires, Jack rabbits, death and births. You name it and it happens in this book about a family farming in Oklahoma. A good read, as was the first in this series “Prelude to a Promise.”
Dust storms, tornadoes, fires, Jack rabbits, death and births. You name it and it happens in this book about a family farming in Oklahoma. A good read, as was the first in this series “Prelude to a Promise.”
January 22, 2025
Good book!
This book held my attention every minute of my reading. Loved it and admired the family. The villains were so evil and their victims were so innocent and forgiving. What a great story. Thank you for writing this story.
This book held my attention every minute of my reading. Loved it and admired the family. The villains were so evil and their victims were so innocent and forgiving. What a great story. Thank you for writing this story.
March 27, 2025
Fascinating Book 2
Enjoyed Book 1 yet Book 2 really pulled me in and wouldn't let go. Interesting how this story teaches so much history about the area, farming, oil found and the strength of family.
Enjoyed Book 1 yet Book 2 really pulled me in and wouldn't let go. Interesting how this story teaches so much history about the area, farming, oil found and the strength of family.
April 7, 2025
This Family has Grit!
Do you like an unexpected gut wrenching happening at the most unexpected time? Then this is your next read; that is of course, if you haven’t read Prelude to a Promise then definitely go read that one and then come back to this one.
Do you like an unexpected gut wrenching happening at the most unexpected time? Then this is your next read; that is of course, if you haven’t read Prelude to a Promise then definitely go read that one and then come back to this one.
June 10, 2025
almost a good book
The first part of the book was pretty good. I started losing interest about half way through when the bad guys just got unbelievably badder. Like an old time western. I bet they wore black hats.
The first part of the book was pretty good. I started losing interest about half way through when the bad guys just got unbelievably badder. Like an old time western. I bet they wore black hats.
December 15, 2025
When to quit,.
I dislike that the author doesn't know when to stop. When their was many places to say that's a wrap. It was a good book he just needs to.learn its like painting a picture you have to know when when it is finished .Otherwise. it becomes boring.
I dislike that the author doesn't know when to stop. When their was many places to say that's a wrap. It was a good book he just needs to.learn its like painting a picture you have to know when when it is finished .Otherwise. it becomes boring.
April 17, 2024
great book couldn’t put it down
This is the best book I have read in a while. It just took ahold of me and wouldn’t let go.
This is the best book I have read in a while. It just took ahold of me and wouldn’t let go.
May 3, 2024
Very good
Does it continue. Not sure. But it tells of the hardships people and families enfured. Yes I did really enjoy
Does it continue. Not sure. But it tells of the hardships people and families enfured. Yes I did really enjoy
June 3, 2024
The story and characters kept you interested but there were a lot of typos and at one point the character Constance Sullivan was Monica?? So weird…
July 9, 2024
A good saga read!
I liked that it was a good family story. The content had all your emotions going all over the place! I would recommend this to adult readers.
I liked that it was a good family story. The content had all your emotions going all over the place! I would recommend this to adult readers.
November 21, 2024
Another great book
A very, very good book! I couldn't put the book down, I had to keep reading until I finished it. Now on to the third one!👍🏽👍🏽
A very, very good book! I couldn't put the book down, I had to keep reading until I finished it. Now on to the third one!👍🏽👍🏽
December 17, 2024
Tragic but excellent
Loved the story line and the determination of this family to survive. Well written, now one to volume #3 of this saga.
Loved the story line and the determination of this family to survive. Well written, now one to volume #3 of this saga.
January 25, 2025
The Promise Sagas
This is the first series I have read from this author and I enjoyed immensely! I will be definitely reading her other books. Thanks for such a great read!
This is the first series I have read from this author and I enjoyed immensely! I will be definitely reading her other books. Thanks for such a great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews