Forge of Freedom

American Patriot #7

by J.M. Hochstetler

In the final volume of The American Patriot Series, the Americans’ war for independence concludes in triumph—and the renewed fight of the Shawnee for survival in their ancient lands. From John Paul Jones’s epic battle with HMS Serapis, to the conflagration on the western frontier; a traitor’s bitter betrayal; and the decisive confrontation at Cowpens, events out of Jonathan and Elizabeth Carleton’s control spiral toward a fateful climax at Yorktown. Yet amid war’s harsh trials they discover that even more than the grand ideal of liberty and the deep intimacy of earthly love, the cry of their hearts is for the true peace and lasting freedom that are found in God alone.

525 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2022

About the author

I am the daughter of Mennonite farmers and grew up in central Indiana. I am a publisher, professional editor, award-winning author, and proud member of Daughters of the American Revolution. My American Patriot Series is the only comprehensive historical fiction series on the American Revolution. The Northkill Amish Series, coauthored with Bob Hostetler, is closely based on the story of our Hochstetler ancestors, who came to this country in 1738 seeking religious freedom, only to be caught up in the savage clashes of the French and Indian War. Book 1, Northkill won Foreword Magazine's 2014 Indie Bronze Award for historical fiction. Book 2, The Return, won the Interviews and Reviews 2017 Silver Award for historical fiction and was chosen as one of Shelf Unbound's 2018 Notable Indie Books. One Holy Night, a modern-day nativity story, was selected as Christian Small Publishers 2009 Book of the Year.

Reviews

[Avellina Balestri · Rating 4 out of 5]

At last, the war, and series that has taken us through it, comes to its conclusion. I applaud the author once more for running the race and reaching the finish line! What a ride it's been! It was nice to be able to bid a final adieu to the characters on a high note, despite the various ups and downs they've endured, and it would be interesting if there are ever sequels following their children into the early republic years.

[Lynne Tagawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last in a Revolutionary War series, this novel stands alone and is a real treat for those who love well-crafted, detailed historical fiction. I was thrilled to find familiar settings--the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge mountains, and familiar historical people: Patrick Henry, Andrew Lewis, as well as members of the Shawnee nation. One strength of this series is the treatment of Native Americans. The Revolutionary War had implications for them, and they fought on both sides. Some wished neutrality, like Cornstalk, an influential Shawnee chief. His dastardly killing is highlighted in the story.

Aside from some war violence, the writing is very PG, very clean. Recommended!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in the Patriot Series that takes us from the Southern battles to Yorktown and the years after the Revolutionary War. If you like American history in fictional format, this is the series to read. It is one of the best I have read.

[Beverly Duell-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I loved this book! I loved the detailed history in it.
This has been a phenomenal series! It was so hard to say goodbye the the characters I had come to know and love.
I have recommended this series many times.

[Pegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this without reading all the books leading up to it, and I still enjoyed it! But now I'm starting back at the beginning and reading through the series. Good setting, good history, interesting characters... what's not to love?

[Gloria Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

United States of America

The Carletons and the French take on the British. After all the struggles, Beth and Carletons face even more challenges. Sorry to lose these characters as the epic ends.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forge of Freedom #7 American Patriot by J. M. Hochstetler

In this long awaited conclusion to the American Patriot series we follow Elizabeth Howard Carleton and Jonathan Carleton as they give their all in the fight for freedom. The reader is transported into the midst of the characters as the Revolutionary War is ending. Fictional characters and their lives are woven within the historical events, including historical figures, that make this a compelling story. The hopes, fears, love, many separations, forgiveness, faith, courage, and sacrifice every Patriot must have faced gives the reader a glimpse of their emotions and struggles. Through it all, they learn that true, everlasting freedom is found in God alone.

Forge of Freedom can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the American Patriot series in order. A gripping story filled with strong characters set on a dangerous journey during the American Revolution. I appreciate the spiritual elements in the story and characters lives. The author includes a map showing the siege of York, historical notes, information on the Shawnee’s fight for independence and glossary. A riveting, heartwarming, and often heartbreaking, story. Another favorite on my favorite book shelf.

The American Patriot Series Books:
1. Daughter of Liberty
2. Native Son
3. Wind of the Spirit
4. Crucible of War
5. Valley of the Shadow
6. Refiner's Fire
7. Forge of Freedom

~I purchased an e-book copy; I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~