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Newsletter – April 2025

Apr29

This month certainly flew by….

We spent many days traveling–lots of road time! If any of you have driven across the country, then you know what it’s like. I’m always amazed at the difference in terrain from one state to the next. We saw everything from desert-like baren land to lush mountains covered in trees and even a little remaining snow.

This photo was taken just outside of Deer Lodge, Montana. If you’ve read my series, “His Heart’s Long Journey,” then you might recognize the city name. When I saw the road sign, I just had to take the photo! I love seeing in person where my characters ventured.

There’s so much beauty in this country! People often ask me if I’d consider moving back to Idaho–even my husband asked me that question on this trip. Yes, Northern Idaho is gorgeous and I grew up there, but now that I’ve lived in Tennessee for more than thirty years, it’s home. I enjoyed spending time where I lived in my youth, but a lot of it has changed. The area grew up, too! Coeur d’Alene (where I lived right before moving to Tennessee), has more than doubled in population. It made me a little sad to see all the congestion. However, people that have no idea what it was like in “the old days” absolutely love it. They’ve embraced the mountains and lakes and the city’s pristine beauty. I preferred it before all the high-rises filled the downtown landscape.

Here’s a photo taken going into Coeur d’Alene. It truly is gorgeous!

I fully understand the saying “Home is Where the Heart Is.” My heart is here in the South with my husband and my sweet dog, Jax. I’m at peace here, and at my age, I see that as a very good thing! I don’t need any kind of fast-paced life anymore. Maybe that’s what I saw changed in my old home town. The place is ‘buzzing’ more than it used to. It’s still fun to visit, but I’m happy to be home.

I often wonder about the people who live way out in the vastness of states such as South Dakota and Wyoming, where houses dot the landscape here and there. Miles and miles between each one. For me, that’s too laid back! Too quiet and no ‘buzz’ at all. But I’m sure the people who grew up there and still embrace it would feel stifled in my small town in Tennessee. It’s things like this that inspire my stories.

I’ll be giving a workshop next month at a writer’s conference in Clarksville, TN, that centers around the concept that a character’s environment blends with the character to make them who they are. Lily Larsen, from my book “Whispers from the Cove,” would be a completely different person if she had been raised in St. Louis, MO, rather than in the Smoky Mountains. Our environment definitely shapes us–as do the people that surround us. I’m excited to lead this workshop!

Think about your favorite stories and try to imagine your characters in a different setting. Let me know what you think! Would it completely change the story?

I’d also love to hear what drew you to live where you are. Is it where you grew up, or were you “transplanted” there?

You’ll be glad to know that “Ardent Adelia” is rolling right along. I took time off from writing while on my trip, but I’m back at it again and excited to bring her story to you!

Thank you for sharing all my adventures with me!

HUGS!

Jeanne

FREE Download – Hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Sep17

Would you like to know what’s hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains? Well, if you love a good mystery/romance, you’ll want to read this book! Today, September 19th, through Thursday, September 21st, you can download the eBook for free on Amazon!

Here’s a little bit about the book:

Jason Williams is fortunate to be a stable worker at Biltmore Estate—one of the most luxurious homes in the country. He’s a troubled soul, and he’s hiding something. The obscurity of the Blue Ridge Mountains seemed like the perfect place. However, now that Mr. Vanderbilt, the owner of the estate, has married a woman who brings countless newcomers to the manor, Jason fears that what he has hidden will be unearthed.

Maisy Fulton, a kind and caring laundress, is intrigued by Jason. He’s handsome and dedicated to his work, but he avoids interaction with others as much as possible. He rarely speaks to anyone. She’s determined to find out why, even though her desire to befriend him isn’t well received.

Her loving heart pushes her to persevere, yet she soon discovers that the mystery of Mr. Williams may never be solved. Secrets and lies, heartache and loss, plague their lives and compound their troubled friendship. Only when the stakes are at their highest do their revelations heal the past and forge a path toward an unexpected future.

Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL25ZCWD

I hope you’ll enjoy the book!

FREE eBook! “Forsaken by Love”

May7

If you haven’t had the chance to read “His Heart’s Long Journey,” this is the perfect time to grab a copy of “Forsaken by Love,” which is the first book in the three-book series. May 7th thru May 11th, you can get a free eBook copy on Amazon! And don’t worry…book one doesn’t end with a cliffhanger like I do in several of my other series. You’ll be happy to find a satisfying ending. However, I hope it will inspire you to move on to book two and three for the continued story of Vern Harpole. He has some incredible adventures!

This series is based on the true story of my friend, Ann Wood’s, ancestor. Annie told me the story when we met for lunch one day, and she kindly gave me permission to write about Vern’s life and helped me with as many details as she could remember from things passed down through the family.

Vern Harpole was only eight years old when his mother left him on the porch of a bakery in Kansas City. She abandoned him and disappeared. Though Vern was taken in and raised by the kind baker and his wife, Vern still struggled with his abandonment. Once he became a grown man, he felt compelled to go West.

This story tells how he found his true love–who had her own troubled past–and how they supported each other and found a way to move forward together.

Grab your free eBook today! Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082QWKM56

Have You Taken the Journey Yet?

Jul22

It’s the perfect time for summer traveling, but with today’s high gas prices, it’s not always feasible. So, here’s an alternative!

Take a journey with me through the pages of “His Heart’s Long Journey!” This series is based on the true story of Vern Harpole. At the age of eight, Vern is abandoned by his mother and left on the porch of a bakery in Kansas City. The kind baker and his wife take Vern in after they’re unable to locate Vern’s mother.

They teach Vern everything he needs to know about baking and running a business. They also grow to love him, and vice versa. Yet, the need to know why he was abandoned troubles Vern, and he can’t let it go. In addition, something keeps compelling him to go West. His life’s journey takes him on quite an adventure.

Today thru Tuesday, July 26th, book one, “Forsaken by Love” is available as a FREE download from Amazon. Here’s a little more about the book!

Ready to read?!

Free Download! Forsaken by Love

May3

During this ‘stay-at-home’ time, it’s nice to be able to virtually travel to another time and place.

I’m happy to say that today thru Wednesday, you can download “Forsaken by Love” for FREE from Amazon! I hope you’ll enjoy Vern’s journey. The book is based on a true story that one of my friends graciously shared with me. When she told it, I knew I had to write it! I’m thrilled she allowed me to tell it.

 

The Smoky Mountain Saga Continues!

Sep12

You asked, I listened, and I’m so glad I did!

Thank you readers for all the emails asking me to continue my Smoky Mountain Secrets Saga. I had originally intended for the series to be just three books, but you changed my mind.

Yesterday, book four, “Rumors of the Renegade,” was released. It’s currently available in e-book only, but the paperbacks are coming soon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H7R7357

I had so much fun going back to Cades Cove. Not just in the written word, but actually visiting there. We took more than one trip to the mountains over the last six months, and every time I go into the cove, I feel like I’m stepping into a familiar world as well as into the past. It’s easy for me to envision the Larsen family sitting on their front porch sharing tales, or simply watching the fireflies dance.

There’s something serene about the cove that puts me at peace.

“Rumors of the Renegade” tells Lucas Larsen’s story, and also continues on with the lives of Lily and Caleb. I haven’t yet decided if there will be a book 5, but I’d love your input! You swayed me before, so you could very well sway me again.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for traveling these old roads with me. As long as my fingers can type, and my mind stays sharp, I intend to keep the journey going.

In the Footsteps of the Past, We, too, Shall Walk…

 

 

 

Getting to Know Lucas Larsen

Jun5

If you’ve read my Smoky Mountain Secrets Saga, you already know Lucas Larsen. And if you haven’t read any of the Cades Cove books, this is your opportunity to get to know a little about the obnoxious, red-haired brother who gives everyone in the family grief.

Born January 9, 1852, Lucas was Buck and Rose Larsen’s first son. When he came into the world squalling, his two older sisters didn’t know quite what to think of him, but they did all they could to learn how to love him. Lucas didn’t make it easy.

When he got old enough to understand the importance of working the farm, his pa had already been teaching Lucas’s oldest sister, Lily, how to run things. Violet, his other sister, paid no mind to working outside and spent her days doing women’s work alongside their ma.

Lucas became bitter, feeling no one paid him the attention he deserved. He wanted to be the one at his pa’s side, working the land, but it seemed there was no place for him. He grew to hate the farm and everything associated with it.

His ma birthed several more babies after him–some of which died–but eventually, he was given two little brothers, Horace and Isaac. Lucas enjoyed having someone younger to boss, and he took advantage of tormenting his brothers whenever he could. He teased them relentlessly, to the point they started to fear him. But, Lucas liked it that way.

He learned how to cuss at a young age and frequently got scolded for it. His family was active at the Baptist church, and his ma oftentimes quoted scripture. She claimed God didn’t like cussing, but Lucas had never heard Him complain, so he couldn’t understand what the fuss was all about.

When the war came between the North and the South, Lucas wanted to fight, but was too young. He believed soldiering would be a perfect fit for his aggressive ways, not to mention, get him off the farm. He was one of the few people in the country upset when the war ended. He’d never gotten his chance to fight.

Regardless, Lucas managed to cause other kinds of trouble. He carried out some despicable things, and hurt those closest to him. You can read his entire story in the three-book saga, starting with “Whispers from the Cove.” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZYYY5WK

I appreciate the many readers who have asked me to continue this saga. And, truthfully, Lucas himself has been pestering me to tell the rest of his story!

His many inner demons continue to haunt him. His story continues in book four of the Smoky Mountain Secrets Saga, “Rumors of the Renegade.” This book is still being written, and I hope to see it released in early August. So, stay tuned!

If you’d rather listen to “Whispers from the Cove,” it’s also available on audible.

https://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Whispers-from-the-Cove-Audiobook/B07B3GFRYP

Book two, “Hushed into Silence” is currently in production.

I’m thrilled to be able to share my love of Cades Cove with you all! I hope the Larsen family has worked their way into your hearts, just like they have mine.

And please, if there are others in this series who you’d like to hear more about, please tell me!

Happy reading!

 

 

Cover Reveal! Island in the Forest!

Jan24

I promised to reveal the cover for my new medieval fantasy, and here it is! It’s going through the final editing stages, and I hope to see it released next month or early in March.

 

Olivia has lived her entire life behind the walls of Padrida, a kingdom unknown to the rest of the world. As the king and queen’s only heir, she’s destined to rule. She’s given everything she needs, but wants only one thing.

Freedom.

Boredom plagues Prince Sebastian of Basilia. The realms have been at peace for more than a century, and he has little to occupy his time. He journeys to Black Wood—a dense forest with an evil reputation—seeking adventure. What he finds is something else entirely.

Goodreads Book Giveaway! Whispers from the Cove

May29

In celebration of my newest release, “Whispers from the Cove,” I’m giving away 5 signed copies through a Goodreads Giveaway! Now thru June 19th.

Whispers from the Cove

Smoky Mountain Secrets Saga, Book 1

Lily Larsen has never been afraid of anything, yet the effects of the war are wearing her down.

Her beautiful home in Cades Cove, Tennessee, lies deep in the Smoky Mountains. For decades, her family has farmed and lived peacefully, until the soldiers came and made every day a struggle to survive.

Whether they wear gray or blue, the men in uniform arrive unexpectedly and take whatever they want. Not only do they steal food and livestock, but some believe they can help themselves to anything they desire. Lily now has something to fear.

Caleb Henry is running from his own battles, bleeding and broken. He seeks refuge in the cove and literally runs into Lily. Because he’s injured, she shows compassion and sneaks him into her cabin, trusting her folks to tend him.

But there’s more to Caleb than they see on the surface. His arrival changes their lives, and what happens going forward can never be undone.

You can enter, by clicking below. Good luck!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Whispers from the Cove by Jeanne Hardt

Whispers from the Cove

by Jeanne Hardt

Giveaway ends June 19, 2017.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

 

Getting to Know Lily Larsen

Apr13

In less than a week, book one of my latest saga will be released! I’m so excited to bring this story into the hands of readers. It’s been in my heart for a great while. From the first time I traveled the loop road around Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains, the beautiful setting became a part of me. I do all I can to visit the Smokies at least once a year.

In anticipation of the release of “Whispers from the Cove,” I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to my heroine, Lily Larsen. Yes, she’s fictitious, but she represents the amazing people of the cove who worked hard and made a life for themselves in the mountains. Though Cades Cove is now part of a national park, when you travel there, you’ll step back in time and easily visualize what it must have been like to live in the beautiful, lush valley. Many of the cabins, churches, and other historical buildings remain. 

Lily Larsen was born February 23rd, 1847. The first child of many to Rose and Howard (Buck) Larsen. Labeled a ‘mountain girl’ from the time she took her first steps.

She followed her pa around their small farm and learned all she could from him and her ma. As she grew, and her siblings began to arrive, she understood the meaning of responsibility. Not only did she have an abundance of daily chores, she was also expected to help with the children.

Lily’s tough-as-nails demeanor made her perfect for mountain life. She feared nothing, including hard work.

The family farm thrived, thanks in part to Lily’s help. Her optimism kept her folks smiling and lifted the spirits of her brothers and sister. Her sister, Violet, became her dearest friend. Though their personalities differed, their bond couldn’t be stronger.

At the opening of “Whispers,” Lily is seventeen. Her hands aren’t soft, like those of pampered city girls. They’re callused, rough, and capable. She uses them to plow fields, skin wild game, and cuddle her youngest brother. Her heart is as big as her ambition, but she now has something to fear.

She’s become a beautiful young woman, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

The war between North and South is raging, and soldiers wearing both blue and gray arrive in the cove to find refuge and take whatever they want. They feel entitled to it. Some see the mountain women as spoils of war, and one particular rebel soldier has his eyes on Lily. She’s not naive by any means and knows his intentions are far from those of matrimony.

Even before the soldiers arrived, the war created other problems for her family. Her pa went off to fight, but returned home maimed. Now her folks have lost hope, but Lily’s determined to keep her family’s spirit alive and the farm somehow thriving. She’ll never allow herself to be defeated. That quality is one of her greatest traits.

She longs for love and a family of her own, but the war has made it impossible. Every day, she prays the fighting will end and life will become as it once was. Though they’ve had to struggle to survive, Lily certainly won’t give up hope. It’s not in her character.