J.D.R. Hawkins

Category: book review

  • Another Awesome Review for Fool’s Gold Folly

    I received an amazing five-star review from Diabolic Shrimp for my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly. The novella goes along with the Renegade Series and tells the story of one of the minor characters. When the Civil War ends, Patrick Mulligan takes his family out west in search of gold. But what he finds there is far more valuable.

    I’d like to thank Joshua Grant and Diabolic Shrimp for this review! Learn more about Diabolic Shrimp on their website, Diabolic Shrimp – Books and Shrimp! There you can find out about other reviewed books, comics, games and film, and their mission. You can also join and enter the shrimpy awards contest! And as a side note, Fool’s Gold Folly is featured in Diabolic Shrimp’s latest comic, The Fifth Ascendant!

    Review by Diabolic Shrimp

    J.D.R. Hawkins brings the Wild West to life in an exciting and heartfelt tale with Fool’s Gold Folly!  In the wake of the American Civil War, Irish immigrant Patrick Mulligan seeks to start a new life in the rugged mountains of Colorado.  But upon moving there, he discovers that life in the heart of the gold rush isn’t as simple, or safe, as he hoped.  Hawkins always does an amazing job of bringing the time period to life, and as a Coloradan myself, it was really fun to see this turbulent time period dramatized in perfect detail.  Hawkins also has excellent character development, since I loved following Patrick and his family, and I was especially drawn in by the wise old character of miner Silas and the mystery he added to everything.  This is an excellent story that perfectly blends history, the colorful flare of the Wild West, and deep meaningful storytelling.  If you love stories about the Wild West that revolve around realistic and likeable characters, definitely heft your pickaxe and come prospecting with Fool’s Gold Folly!

    Fool’s Gold Folly Review

    Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience (The Renegade Series): Hawkins, JDR: 9798249986124: Amazon.com: Books

  • New Review for A Becharmed Callie Christmas

    Recently, I received an email from D DiAnn asking me if I would like her to post a review of my novella, A Becharmed Callie Christmas, on Goodreads. Of course, I would! The review is as follows. This book is a side story that accompanies the Renegade Series and describes what Christmas 1862 was like for one of the minor characters in the series, Callie Mae Copeland. Callie has just turned sixteen and is looking forward to Christmas. But with the Civil War looming just outside her door, she wonders if it will be the last Christmas she’ll ever spend in her home, and if Christmas will ever be the same again. Thank you so much, D DiAnn, for your five-star review!

    A Becharmed Callie Christmas (Renegade #1.5)
    by J.D.R. Hawkins(Goodreads Author)

    201454855

    D DiAnn‘s review

    Sep 24, 2026

    It Was Amazing

    This is a short one. Sixty three pages. But J.D.R. Hawkins packs a lot into those pages.

    Callie Mae Copeland is sixteen, spoiled, and used to getting her way. The Civil War is in its second year but it has not touched her corner of north Alabama yet. She is more concerned with her Christmas gown and the annual Copeland party than with what is happening out there. She flirts. She schemes. She convinces her father to buy fabric they can barely afford. She wants everything to be perfect.

    And then the war shows up anyway.

    What I liked most about this book is how Hawkins uses Christmas as a backdrop for something darker. The party happens. The gown is beautiful. But you can feel the ground shifting underneath. Callie is not a hero. She is a young girl who has been protected from reality, and you watch that protection start to crack. By the end, you understand that nothing will ever be the same for her.

    The writing is warm and detailed. Hawkins knows this world. She writes the South from the inside, which makes the story feel lived in rather than researched. The Christmas setting adds a bittersweet layer. You know what is coming. Callie does not. That gap creates real tension.

    My only complaint is that I wanted more. It is a novella, a bridge between books, and it does its job well. But Callie is such a strong character that I wished the story had more room to breathe. Fans of the Renegade series will enjoy this. New readers can start here and get a taste of what Hawkins does best. A quiet, sad, lovely little book.

    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8972152956

    Amazon.com: A Becharmed Callie Christmas: A Story of the Civil War (The Renegade Series): 9798866387212: Hawkins, J. D. R., Hawkins, J. D. R.: Books

  • A Beautiful Glittering Lie Receives New Review from Kirkus Reviews

    I just received a new review from Kirkus Reviews for my novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie. This book is the first one in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of a family from north Alabama and how their lives are impacted by the Civil War. I would like to thank Kirkus for the review. However, I’m not quite sure how to take it. I can’t tell if they liked the book or not. The review seems more like a plot summation than anything else. My experience with Kirkus Reviews is that, even though they are highly regarded in the book industry, their reviews seem to fall flat. I think this is just another example. Let me know what you think!

    BOOK REVIEW


    A father and son from the South experience the harsh realities of the Civil War in Hawkins’ novel.


    When a divided country erupts into battle, Hiram Summers, a proud Confederate from Alabama, enlists in the fight against the Union. In his absence, he entrusts his 16-year-old son David to watch over his farm and protect the family, including his wife Caroline and his daughters Rena and Josie. David sees his father off to war with a sliver of envy in his heart; he would like to prove his manhood more than anything. Alongside his best friend Jake Kimball, the pair do their best to get a taste of the conflict that’s tearing apart the country. They sneak off to Huntsville, where not only do they get a look at the enemy, but they meet Emily Levinsworth, the daughter of an affluent citizen. So far, she’s avoided the worst of the incursion as the Yankees slowly take over the town. Soon, even she must flee, while David and Jake get too close to danger to make returning worthwhile. Hawkins writes with evident knowledge and accuracy, weaving these personal stories with specific historical details: “Making their way through intermittent, intense humidity, one-hundred-degree heat, and drenching rains, General Lee’s corps advanced across the Rappahannock on August 26.” At times, the narrative feels like a cornpone rendition of the South due to its overly affected dialogue and behavior, and readers may find the depiction of two slave characters difficult to read—they’re caricatures of dutiful obedience. The pace picks up a good deal of steam as the story jumps between the grisly frontlines with Hiram and the happenings with David at home, although this momentum is cut short at the climax. As the Christmas season approaches, the family prepares for the holidays while news continues to come in from the battlefield. But what it means for Hiram, David, and Caroline must wait—the book comes to an abrupt end that will be continued in a sequel.

    A well-researched start to a Civil War saga that saves too much for its sequel.

    Amazon.com: A Beautiful Glittering Lie: A Novel of the Civil War (The Renegade Series): 9781643619941: Hawkins, J.D.R.: Books

  • New Five-Star Review for A Rebel Among Us

    I received another five-star review for my novel, A Rebel Among Us, that I wanted to share with you. This book is the third one in the Renegade Series and tells the story of a young cavalryman from Alabama who finds himself abandoned by his Confederate comrades following the Battle of Gettysburg. The story gets more complicated from there! Thank you, Megan, for your awesome review!


    Megan Abbott’s Reviews     > A Rebel Among Us

    My rating: Five Stars

    It Was Amazing

    A Rebel Among Us (Renegade #3)
    by J.D.R. Hawkins (Goodreads Author)

    203572932

    Megan Abbott‘s review

    Aug 30, 2026

    A Rebel Among Us pulled me in with its combination of Civil War history, suspense, and personal conflict. David Summers is a compelling character, especially as he comes face-to-face with the brutal reality of war and begins questioning the beliefs that brought him into the Confederate army in the first place.

    I really enjoyed the tension surrounding David’s situation after Gettysburg. Wounded, vulnerable, and far from home, he suddenly finds himself depending on three sisters who have their own motives and secrets. Anna’s proposition puts him in an incredibly difficult position, and I could understand why he struggled with what to do. His decision isn’t simply about survival, it forces him to confront his loyalty, his principles, and the reasons he went to war.

    The historical setting feels vivid, and the story does a good job showing the human cost of conflict rather than treating the Civil War as nothing more than battles and military strategy. I especially liked the moral gray areas, because there are no easy answers for David.

    The pacing kept me turning the pages, and Renegade’s role in getting David to safety adds a memorable touch to the story. This is a great choice for readers who enjoy historical fiction with suspense, romance, and characters forced to make choices where every option comes with consequences.

    I also wanted to tell you that another one of my books, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, is climbing up the Listopia charts on Goodreads. This is the first book in the Renegade Series. Please vote for my book! I would greatly appreciate it!

    Amazon.com: A Beautiful Glittering Lie: A Novel of the Civil War (The Renegade Series): 9781643619941: Hawkins, J.D.R.: Books

    Again, thank you so much for your support!

    A Rebel Among Us: A Novel of the Civil War (The Renegade Series): Hawkins, J.D.R.: 9781648030796: Amazon.com: Books

  • More Reviews for Fool’s Gold Folly

    I took a look today and saw that there are a few more reviews for my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly, so I thought I would share them with you. This novella accompanies the Renegade Series and tells the story of one of the minor characters, Patrick Mulligan. Patrick is an Irish immigrant who decides to take his family to Colorado Territory after the Civil War in search of gold. But what he finds there is far more valuable than riches. Thank you so much, Daina, Diane, Daniel, Taylor, and Chris for your awesome reviews!

    Daina

    July 22, 2026

    Such a good read!! I loved the dynamic between Patrick and old Silas. Hawkins writes frontier life so well, you can practically smell the cold mountain air. Highly recommend if you like historical fiction.

    Diane Sundstrom

    July 27, 2026

    Really appreciated how this book shows that “making it” isn’t just about striking gold, it’s about family and integrity. It’s a fast read, but the theme hits home. Definitely makes me want to dive into the rest of the author’s books.

    Daniel Hurst

    August 17, 2026

    What I liked most is that the gold is almost secondary. The real story is about ambition, loyalty, family, survival, and what people are willing to sacrifice for a better life. That gave the book much more depth than I expected.

    Taylor Duran

    August 17, 2026

    “I would love an audiobook in French”

    This would be a wonderful book to experience as an audiobook, especially in French. The historical setting and dramatic events seem perfectly suited to narration. I would definitely be interested if a French audiobook version becomes available.

    (Note from the author: this book is available as an audiobook.)

    Chris Evans

    August 17, 2026

    The theme of resilience really stood out to me. Patrick leaves behind what is familiar and enters a dangerous new world because he wants something better for himself and his family. His determination gives the story its heart.

    Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience (The Renegade Series): Hawkins, JDR: 9798249986124: Amazon.com: Books

  • New Five-Star Reviews for Fool’s Gold Folly

    I remembered to check Goodreads today and saw that my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly, has received some new five-star reviews! This novella compliments the Renegade Series and takes up where book four in the series, Double-Edged Sword, left off. It tells the story of Patrick Mulligan, a minor character in the series, who decides to take his family out west to Colorado in search of gold after the Civil War ends. What he discovers there is far more valuable than gold. Thank you so much Cole, Divine, Philip, Joel, Joshua, Matthew, Moses, and Gracey, for your five-star reviews!

    Cole

    Honestly loved this! I flew through it in one sitting. Patrick and Briana are such a sweet couple, and you just want everything to work out for them after everything they go through. Really great depiction of post-Civil War West. If you want a quick historical read that actually has a lot of heart, grab this one!

    Divine

    J.D.R. Hawkins always nails the historical backdrop, and this was no exception. Setting it in 1869 Colorado during the gold rush made for a great backdrop, but what stood out to me was how realistic the prejudice against Irish immigrants felt. Silas was easily my favorite character. Really solid companion story!

    Philip

    Wow, what a story. I’m always sucker for family stories where people rebuild their lives against all odds, and Patrick’s resilience made me so emotional. The ending felt so earned and satisfying. Really happy I picked this up.

    Joel

    It’s the characters that make this novella work so well. Briana’s quiet strength and Patrick’s pure determination to protect his family had me hooked from chapter one. Hawkins has a real gift for making you care about her characters fast.

    Joshua

    5 stars!! Fool’s Gold Folly is full of heart, struggle, and real hope. Loved seeing the history woven in so seamlessly. Silas and Patrick’s friendship was definitely the highlight for me. Don’t sleep on this one!

    Matthew

    Short, sweet, and gritty in all the right ways. You really get a sense of how hard life was in Breckenridge back then. Great pacing, strong characters, and a very uplifting takeaway.

    Moses

    I wasn’t sure what to expect going in since it’s a shorter novella, but it packs so much story into its pages! No fluff, just good, honest storytelling. The Mulligan family won me over right away.

    Gracey

    Another hit from J.D.R. Hawkins! She has such a great way of bringing the West to life without making it feel dry or overly textbook. Warm, gritty, and super memorable.

    Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience (The Renegade Series): Hawkins, JDR: 9798249986124: Amazon.com: Books

  • New Review for Fool’s Gold Folly

    Last week, I received a wonderful review from Kirkus Reviews for my novella, Fool’s Gold Folly. This book accompanies the Renegade Series and tells the story of one of the minor characters, Patrick Mulligan. Thank you so much, Kirkus Reviews, for your awesome review!

    Kirkus logo

    Despite the hardships and disappointments, the Mulligans never give up hope.

    In 1869, an Irish immigrant couple move to Colorado with hopes of making their fortune in gold. Hawkins’ novel centers on Patrick Mulligan, his wife of two years, Briana, and the widowed Briana’s two children from a previous marriage (10-year-old Keegan and 8-year-old Kathleen).

    As the novel opens, this Irish immigrant family is staying at a small hotel in Denver while patriarch Patrick looks for a job. They’ve recently arrived from Pennsylvania, and their hotel room is paid up only until the end of the week. But, as readers soon find out, bigotry against the Irish is keeping him from finding employment. They get by for the next few weeks until it’s time to move west to the town of Breckenridge, where Patrick stakes his claim for a parcel of land. Briana is offered a job as housekeeper for the widow Mrs. Tydings, in exchange for room and board for the family. Mrs. Tydings seems sweet at the beginning, but she is a harsh taskmistress, even putting the children to work. Meanwhile, Patrick secures a job tending bar. Every day he toils in his search for gold and then returns to work in the evening, serving drinks to customers. It’s a tough existence, but despite the hardships and disappointments, the Mulligans never give up hope. Patrick at one point befriends Silas Garvey, an elderly former prospector who’s dying from consumption, and the friendship leads to a pivotal turning point in Patrick’s life.

    Hawkins’ gentle novella ambles along at a moderate pace, perked up with a bit of adventure: There’s a raucous bar fight and a dangerous standoff when Patrick must defend his family against “Runnin’ Wolf,” a renegade Native American. Simple prose, lavishly sprinkled with an Irish lilt, conveys bittersweet remembrances from the old country. The descriptions of the heat, dust, and back-breaking work of mining are evocative of the best tales of the Old West. Silas turns out to be a wily old-timer with a couple of surprises up his sleeve, giving the narrative a bit of a concluding twist through which Patrick learns the real meaning of a “rich” life.

    A pleasant enough read … a bonanza of literary riches.

    – Kirkus Reviews

    Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience (The Renegade Series): Hawkins, JDR: 9798249986124: Amazon.com: Books

  • New Review for Horses in Gray

    I have recently been receiving numerous offers from people who would like to create cinematic book trailers for me. I think it’s a lot of fun to see what they come up with. Although my son, Jesse, is my primary creator, some of these folks might be giving him a run for his money! Here is a book trailer I just received for Horses in Gray, my nonfiction book about Confederate warhorses in the Civil War. Thank you so much, Elizabeth Kate, for your creative input!

    I also received another five-star review for the book. Here is that review, posted on Goodreads. Thank you, Bolally, for your five-star review!

    Bolally

    May 26, 2026

    Horses in Gray is a well-researched and engaging history book that shines a light on the important role of horses during the Civil War. J.D.R. Hawkins brings famous Confederate warhorses to life through detailed stories, historical facts, and fascinating background information.

    The book does an excellent job exploring the bond between soldiers and their horses, while also explaining the hardships these animals faced during wartime. Readers will especially enjoy learning about famous horses connected to figures like Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.

    Easy to read and full of interesting details, this book is perfect for Civil War enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.

    Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses by J.D.R. Hawkins | Goodreads

    Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses: Hawkins, J. D. R.: 9781455623273: Amazon.com: Books

  • More Five-Star Reviews for A Rebel Among Us

    I was checking out my Goodreads listings recently (which I need to do more often, I’ll admit) and saw that my novel, A Rebel Among Us, has several new five-star reviews, so I wanted to share them with you. The book is the third one in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of several families and how their lives become entwined during the Civil War. I’m proud to say that this book has received several awards and is an Amazon #1 bestseller. Here are the reviews. Thank you so much, Ella Alex, Freja, Vesper Hollings, David Scott, and Jamie Smith for your five-star ratings!

    Ella Alex

    A Rebel Among Us is a powerful and emotional continuation of the series. J.D.R. Hawkins does an incredible job bringing the characters to life, making their struggles, courage, and resilience feel very real.
    What stood out most to me was the depth of emotion woven into the story. The historical setting feels vivid, and the tension keeps you turning pages. There’s a strong sense of conflict, loyalty, and survival that makes the story both engaging and thought-provoking. Even as part of a series, this book holds its own and leaves a lasting impression. I’d definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong characters and meaningful storytelling.

    Freja

    An intense and captivating historical read! David’s struggles, tough choices, and unexpected romance kept me turning the pages. The characters feel real, the tension is high, and the story brilliantly captures the chaos and emotion of the era. Highly engaging.

    Vesper Hollings

    Some chapters physically hurt to read. This isn’t a fluffy story it deals with death, war wounds, abandonment, and betrayal. But the emotional payoff is huge. I cried more than once.

    David Scott

    David starts the book as a soldier with pride and blind loyalty. As he heals, he becomes a young man grappling with identity, trauma, and love. His character arc is one of the strongest I’ve read in the genre. This isn’t just romance it’s evolution.

    Jamie Smith

    Maggie, Abigail, and Claudia aren’t just background characters – they shape the entire story. Maggie’s suspicion, Abigail’s practicality, Claudia’s innocence…they all add tension, humor, and warmth. It felt like stepping into a real household during wartime.

    A Rebel Among Us: A Novel of the Civil War (The Renegade Series): Hawkins, J.D.R.: 9781648030796: Amazon.com: Books

  • New Review for Horses in Gray

    I received a new editorial review for my nonfiction book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses. As the title gives away, the book is about famous horses that served for the Confederacy, including Traveller, Little Sorrel, King Philip, and more. This editorial is very flattering, and I appreciate it very much. Thank you, Elise Morgan, for your outstanding review!

    “A Cinematic and Heart-Wrenching Masterwork of Equine History.”

    In the vast sea of Civil War literature, rarely does a book emerge that fundamentally changes how we perceive the conflict’s most loyal participants. J.D.R. Hawkins, a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, has achieved exactly that with Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses. This isn’t just a history book; it is a vivid, breathtaking resurrection of the silent spirits that galloped through the smoke of the 1860s.

    Hawkins, uniquely positioned as one of the few female voices expertly navigating the Confederate perspective, brings her award-winning narrative flair to this definitive non-fiction study. She moves beyond the cold statistics of war to explore the “second self” of the soldier—the horse. This long-awaited volume offers a staggering level of detail that will captivate historians and animal lovers alike.

    Inside this comprehensive legacy, Hawkins unveils:

    • The Legendary Portraits: Deeply researched biographical sketches of immortalized mounts such as Lee’s Traveller, Jackson’s Little Sorrel, and the thirty horses of Nathan Bedford Forrest, bringing their individual personalities and courage to light.
    • The Science of the Cavalry: A fascinating deep dive into the 19th-century equine husbandry and the strategic logic behind choosing specific breeds, temperaments, and colors for the rigors of the front lines.
    • The Grit of the Campaign: A sobering and necessary look at the harrowing realities of wartime veterinary care, the logistics of forage, and the heartbreaking life expectancy of these noble creatures under fire.
    • A Cultural Immortalization: An exploration of how these horses were acquired, how they were named, and the ways in which they have been etched into the American sociopolitical landscape.

    Documented with impeccable academic rigor and written with the emotional depth of a world-class novelist, Horses in Gray is a triumph of historical preservation. Hawkins has crafted a mind-blowing, eye-catching tribute that ensures these brave animals are never forgotten. This is, without question, the gold standard for equine military history.

    – Review by Elisa Morgan

    Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses: Hawkins, J. D. R.: 9781455623273: Amazon.com: Books