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Novels

The Trilogy is Complete

I'm delighted to share that this book series, Bicker and the Soolivans, Zeke's Fate, and Minding Mercy, is now a complete trilogy! 

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Immerse yourself in the world of Alma, Wisconsin, and the historical Midwest during the 1860s - 1870s and get to know the Soolivans, the Siegels, the lively Bickerson family, and more in this Civil War and post-Civil War era series.  There is romance, conflict, action, history, and humor within the pages of these novels.

You can find these three books available in my Shop, either as a complete set or individually.  Read more about each book below.

Find the Trilogy Bundle Here

Or seek them out individually by clicking the titles below. 

Bicker and the Soolivans (Book 1)


Zeke's Fate (Book 2)
 

Minding Mercy (Book 3)

Minding Mercy

I was in my twenties that summer of 1871, feeling quite on top of the world alongside my mischievous friend, Emil, as we made ourselves at home on the streets of Chicago. We were thirsty for mischief and what Emil liked to call mellow mayhem. But such adventure was destined to vanish as unexpected events unfolded, leading me into the bosom of a family I had no idea I had. A family I didn’t want, a family I didn’t need, a family I didn’t even like, despite their eager embrace which promised safety and stability. I wasn’t content to merely be Ant Mercy, as my newfound nephew, Nickel, called me with his wicked little grin. But the day I stole two candy sticks from a store and allowed that tedious, stodgy Andrew Soolivan to know about it, I brought mayhem back with a vengeance.

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Minding Mercy is the final installment in this Civil War and post-Civil War era trilogy based in the Alma, Wisconsin area.  You can purchase a copy of Minding Mercy in my Shop.

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Bicker and the Soolivans

Bicker and the Soolivans by Jenna Hestekin is a mesmerizing historical romance set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and a story that is brimming with family drama while featuring strong historical hints. During the war, Andy Soolivan is convalescent in the hospital with Bicker, his friend, when he receives news that his uncles have been killed. Andy’s father sends a letter asking Andy to come home as he can’t bear losing more people in the family. When the family starts coming together, they are joined by Bicker, who has lost one arm and who instantly arrests the admiration of Penelope —the oldest daughter in the family. With Penelope already engaged to someone who is out fighting in the war and from whom she hasn’t had word for weeks, can the two allow what they feel for each other to blossom and bloom into love? 

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The brilliant rendition of the Civil War experience, the explosive family drama, and the realistic characters are amongst the elements that establish the strength of this novel. A real winner for fans of historical romance with a vivid setting during the American Civil War.    - The Book Commentary

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I was honored to have this novel make the 2018 Shortlist for

Chanticleer International Book Awards' Laramie Awards!

The Laramie Awards cover the category of historical fiction

with sub-categories including Pioneer, Western, Civil War,

Adventure/Caper, Romance, and  more.

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This novel has received a 5-Star review from Chanticleer Book Reviews

as well as a 5-Star review from the Book Commentary.

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You can find Bicker and the Soolivans available for sale in my Shop.

Shortlist-Badge for Bicker and the Sooli
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Historical Fiction Civil War Novels based in Alma, Wisconsin
Historical Fiction Civil War Novels based in Alma, Wisconsin

Zeke's Fate

Set in the year 1869, this is the story of Zeke Siegel, an American Civil War veteran who has struggled with amnesia for several years.  He finds himself entangled in a world of confusion and danger as he comes home to his wife, who has been told he was killed in the war.  She has begun to move on with her life after years of mourning him.  A new man, Fate, who is a bounty hunter of war deserters, has come into her life.  Learning of Zeke’s unclear and inconsistent past, he begins to suspect him of deserting the war, something even Zeke can’t be sure is true or not.  Suspicion gives way to vengeance as Fate grows more and more determined to destroy Zeke for the crime he may have committed.  In a struggle for answers, for understanding, and for life itself, Zeke is faced with a fate he cannot forget….

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This novel earned a spot on the Short List in the 2015 Chanticleer International Book Reviews' Laramie Awards!

 

You can buy yourself a copy in my Shop.

Historical Fiction Civil War Novels based in Alma, Wisconsin
Historical Fiction Civil War Novels based in Alma, Wisconsin

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