Life in 1984

A small-town bar. A Family Farm. Buried secrets.

Author: JC Akends

Life in 1984

In a quiet Michigan town, life is buried in the heavy snow—

Marilyn never dreamed her life would shrink to fear and silence. No college, no career—just waitressing shifts, fake smiles, and a husband whose rage became routine. The night his beating and threats finally cross the line, she grabs her five-year-old son Johnny and runs. Her first stop: Laura, the only friend she trusts and always knows what to do. But friendship can’t stop a man bent on revenge.

Keith was once everything this town celebrated—the golden boy, the football star, the kid destined for more. Ten years later, “more” is playing the hero—drinking, always moving on, and dodging the three hundred head of beef. The family farm, his life. His father wants him to grow up; his mother wants him to marry a nice farm girl—and Keith?

The adults wrestle with fear, pride, and second chances. Can Jake a farm dog, Johnny a five-year-old, a toy tractor, a teddy bear—show them what love is?

Will the breeze of love rustle through the corn never to be found.

John DeJordy/JC Akends

Release Date March 30th, 2026

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© 2026 Houck Publishing · JC Akends