The Reckoning

by Jean Hackensmith, Ingrid Jones (Illustrator)

On the shores of Superior, Wisconsin, the Wachsmann dairy stands firm—until waves from a changing world threaten to break it. The Bonanza farm’s legacy is carved into new land and new neighbors, whose unfamiliar crops and customs test old loyalties. An unlikely alliance forms as the community confronts what stewardship means when water, soil, and people are at stake. Enter The Shepherd’s Hand, a humane milking machine whose promise of efficiency and care becomes a catalyst for trust—and for conflict. As the town debates progress, Michael and Alex wrestle with a marriage under strain, learning that belonging may require mercy, courage, and a shared future they must decide to fight for. In a season of reckoning, the farm’s fate—and the fate of all who depend on the land—hangs in the balance, hopeful, fragile, and worth saving.

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2025

About the author

I 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.

Reviews

[Leslie G. Norenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilderness Saga series. A must read!

I was hooked with book one. And every book thereafter kept me well entertain. Loved the accurate history as well. Only thing missing is another 10 books in the series!