MSN Magazine just announced the top ten trailblazing entrepreneurs to follow in 2026, and I’m one of them! I can’t tell you how excited I am to be named as one of the top ten. This is an amazing honor, and I’m very humbled. Thank you so much, MSN Magazine, for including me in your top ten list!
According to MSN Magazine, “J.D.R. Hawkins is an Amazon, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling, award-winning author known for her unique portrayal of the Civil War from a Confederate perspective. Her acclaimed Renegade Series includes four novels and companion stories, with multiple titles earning the John Esten Cooke Fiction Award and B.R.A.G. Medallion honors. The series follows a north Alabama family navigating the emotional toll of war. Hawkins has also authored the nonfiction work Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses, further showcasing her dedication to historical storytelling. A member of several literary organizations, including the Historical Novel Society and International Women’s Writing Guild, she brings depth and authenticity to her work. Beyond writing, she is also an accomplished artist and singer-songwriter, blending creativity across multiple disciplines.”
I’m very excited to announce that my nonfiction book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses, now has its own book trailer! I am so fortunate to have such talented family members who are willing to help me with the design, editing, and promotion of my books! Here is another trailer that my son, Jesse, created for me. He also did the book trailers for A Beautiful Glittering Lie:
Please check it out and let me know what you think! Thanks again, Jess, for all your help!
Horses in Gray tells the story of several famous as well as not so famous horses that served under the Confederacy during the Civil War. These include, Traveller, Little Sorrel, Black Bess, Virginia, and King Philip, to name a few. Never before has there been such a comprehensive look at Confederate military horses in the Civil War and their lives before, during, and after battle.
I’ll have to be honest: I really do need to check on Goodreads more often. After looking at the website today, I saw that there are several new five-star reviews for one of my novels, A Rebel Among Us. This is the third book in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of several families whose lives become entwined during the American Civil War. I am so flattered by the reviews that I want to share some of them with you. Thank so much, Aurora, Lucas, Linda, David, and Anne, for your raving five-star reviews!
I went into A Rebel Among Us expecting another war-heavy historical novel, but what caught me off guard was the tenderness. The opening scene in the barn, where Anna discovers David bleeding out after Gettysburg, pulled me in instantly. It didn’t feel rushed or over dramatized it felt painfully real, like stumbling upon a stranger on the edge of death and being forced to decide between duty and compassion. What I loved most was the slow burn. The author doesn’t push romance on us; instead, we earn it through quiet moments mending wounds, shared fears, social tension, and that feeling of forbidden affection growing under impossible circumstances. The moral struggle Anna faces protecting an enemy soldier under her roof was so human. If you like historical fiction with depth, romance with restraint, and characters that feel painfully real, this is the book.
I’m picky about Civil War fiction because so many novels either romanticize the era or distort history. This one does neither. The detail from dialect to battlefield aftermath, to the tension between North and South at the domestic level is incredibly grounded. David’s identity as a Confederate soldier isn’t washed clean; he grapples with loyalty, ego, trauma, and grief. Anna’s side is portrayed with just as much nuance she’s not some angelic northern heroine, she has doubts, frustrations, pride, and her own moral conflicts. This book respects the time period while still delivering a compelling personal story. It felt researched, not imagined.
What impressed me most was how the book never treats the Civil War as a backdrop it treats it as a wound. Every decision David and Anna make is shaped by loss, exhaustion, fear, and loyalty. The book constantly asks: What happens when war stops being patriotic and becomes personal? David isn’t just a soldier; he’s a young man forced to grow up too fast. Anna isn’t just a caretaker; she’s someone holding together a family in a world falling apart. Their connection felt raw and unpolished in the best way. This book hurt in the way good historical fiction should.
What struck me most about this book wasn’t just the dramatic moments it was the quiet ones. The scenes where no one speaks, where Anna watches David sleep, or where he looks out across unfamiliar northern farmland wondering who he is now… those stayed with me. The author understands that history doesn’t just happen in battles it happens in pauses, hesitations, and stolen glances. This book captures that beautifully.
I grew up thinking of the Civil War in terms of battles and presidents. This story shifted my perspective completely. I never thought about what it was like for families who were far from the frontlines but still living with the war at their doorstep. The book highlights how ordinary women held households together while dealing with grief, fear, and moral choices. It felt personal and eye-opening. I learned as much as I felt.
This month, I am one of the featured authors in The Relatable Voice Magazine. My story is a unique one, and I hope you will get a chance to read the article and tell me what you think! My story is on pages 22 and 23. Here is the link:
I was also featured on their podcast! You can listen to the interview here:
I had a lot of fun in the interview! It was a wonderful opportunity for me to discuss my books, as well as my writing process. Thank you again, Lucia and Relatable Voice, for featuring me this month!
I don’t write about my nonfiction book as much as I should, so you probably don’t know too much about it. Several years ago, I was inspired to write about the horses that were involved in the War Between the States, and chose to specifically discuss those that served for the Confederacy. The book has been published by Arcadia Publishing (Pelican) and is available in several Civil War battlefield giftshops, including Gettysburg.
Last week, I discovered that the book received two five-star reviews, so I thought I would share them with you. Thank you so much, Emily Anne and Antoine M., for your awesome reviews!
This book offers an impressive and thorough exploration of Confederate military horses during the Civil War. Robert E. Lee’s Traveller, Stonewall Jackson’s Little Sorrel, and many others are profiled in detail, giving readers insight not only into their roles in battle but also into their lives, care, and lineages.
The author does an excellent job explaining why certain breeds and colors were preferred for specific tasks, how horses were acquired, and the factors contributing to their survival or death in wartime conditions. The inclusion of personal stories behind the horses’ names and their lasting legacy adds depth and humanity to the narrative.
What sets this work apart is its combination of meticulous research and engaging storytelling. It provides both historical context and vivid detail, making the horses’ experiences tangible and memorable. This is a must-read for Civil War enthusiasts, military historians, and anyone interested in the often-overlooked role of animals in history.
This book truly changed the way I view the Civil War. I had never considered the immense suffering endured by military horses. The sections explaining why certain breeds were chosen and why so many horses died from disease, exhaustion, or injury were heartbreaking but important. The story of Thomas J. and Little Sorrel stayed with me long after I finished reading. Hawkins does an excellent job honoring these animals while grounding the narrative in solid historical research.
I received a couple of emails recently in regard to my novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, that I would like to share with you. This is the first book in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of a family from north Alabama and how their lives are drastically changed by the Civil War. Here is the first email I received from Demi Brown:
Dear J.D.R.,
I’m reaching out because A Beautiful Glittering Lie is a powerful and thoughtfully rendered Civil War novel – one that captures not only the sweep of history, but the intimate human cost of a nation tearing itself apart.
What stands out most is the novel’s deeply personal focus. By anchoring the story in the Summers family, the war is never abstract or distant. Hiram’s decision to enlist, David’s yearning for adventure, and Caroline’s quiet endurance at home collectively portray how war fractures families long before it claims lives. The emotional weight of separation, uncertainty, and irreversible choice is felt on every page.
Your portrayal of naïveté – both personal and national – is especially compelling. The early ideals of honor and duty gradually give way to the brutal realities of combat, loss, and moral reckoning. Rather than romanticizing war, A Beautiful Glittering Lie examines how easily conviction can turn into devastation, and how the cost of belief is often paid by those left behind.
As the first book in The Renegade Series, the novel is well positioned for continued discovery. Its strong 4.5-star reception reflects how effectively it resonates with readers who value historically grounded fiction, layered characters, and narratives that explore the emotional consequences of war alongside its events.
Here is another email I recently received from Nathan Lewis:
Dear J.D.R. Hawkins,
Reading A Beautiful Glittering Lie felt like stepping into a meticulously painted panorama of the Civil War, where the Summers family serves as both lens and mirror for the nation’s turmoil. I was immediately drawn into the vivid world you crafted, where every emotion—fear, hope, grief, and courage—resonates with authenticity.
Hiram’s transformation from a peaceful farmer into a soldier entrenched in the brutal reality of war is both heart-wrenching and compelling. His internal struggles, mirrored by David’s youthful longing for adventure, embody the personal costs of a nation divided. The dual perspectives—those who march to battle and those who remain at home—give the story remarkable depth, particularly as seen through Caroline’s quiet endurance and emotional trials.
The realism in your depiction of battlefields, farm life, and the war’s lasting scars on families is striking. I was especially moved by the letters between Hiram and Caroline; they add a profoundly personal layer that underscores the intimate human experiences behind the historical events.
Overall, A Beautiful Glittering Lie masterfully blends historical accuracy with emotional storytelling. It stands as a powerful tribute to the sacrifices of everyday families during the Civil War, and I am eager to continue the Renegade Series to follow the journeys of these unforgettable characters.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like a PDF copy of this book to review. Thanks again for your ongoing support!
My novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, has a brand new book trailer! This features the first book in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of a family from north Alabama and how the Civil War impacts them. Let me know what you think! And please like my page on YouTube! Thank you so much!
Last week, I received another award for A Becharmed Callie Christmas. This time, the award is for the top ten favorite books chosen for December 2025. Here is a copy of the letter I received with it.
Hi Julie,
I’m happy to share that the award results are officially out
I want to sincerely congratulate you on the incredible work you put into your book. It was a pleasure to see how strongly it resonated with readers, your book has been selected as one of our Top 10 books readers loved during the December period, which is a wonderful achievement and something you should be very proud of.
Your dedication and storytelling truly stood out, and this recognition reflects the hard work you’ve invested in your writing journey…
Congratulations once again on this well-deserved recognition. I’m excited about what’s ahead for you and look forward to supporting you as we move forward.
Warm regards,
Marla Porter
Founder & Organizer: Austin Classics Book Club
Thank you so much, Marla, and the Austin Classics Book Club, for this honor!
As always, please like, share and follow me! I truly appreciate your ongoing support. Thank you so much!
Yesterday, I was informed that I am the recipient of the Top 1 and Best Author of the Month for December 2025. This award is given by the Boulder Bookaholics Book Club. The email I received is as follows:
Good morning dear JDR Hawkins,
On behalf of the Boulder Bookaholics Book Club, we are honored to extend our warmest congratulations to you on being recognized as Top 1 Literary Award Recipient and Best Author of the Month for December 2025.
This distinction was awarded after careful review and enthusiastic discussion among our readers and editorial members. Your book consistently stood out for its strong narrative, originality, and the meaningful way it engaged our community. It was not only well received but frequently discussed, recommended, and celebrated within our club an achievement that speaks volumes about the quality and impact of your work.
Beyond the literary merit of the book itself, we also appreciate your professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine engagement with our community. These qualities contributed greatly to our decision and reinforced why your work deserved top recognition. Your efforts aligned perfectly with the values we uphold as a literary community.
For these reasons, we are proud to name you our Top 1 Literary Honoree of 2025. Your accomplishment represents dedication, creativity, and excellence, and we are confident that your work will continue to reach and inspire even more readers ahead.
Please find your official award attached to this message. Once again, congratulations on this well-earned recognition. We truly appreciate your contribution to our club and thank you for sharing your outstanding work with us.
With sincere congratulations and appreciation,
Monica R. Founder Boulder Bookaholics Book Club
Thank you so much, Monica R. and the Boulder Bookaholics Book Club, for bestowing this honor on me!
I received this email from a fan in regard to my book, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, and wanted to share it with you. It is so flattering when I receive emails like this, and serves as validation that I must be doing something right! Thank you so much, Michelle, for your email!
Hi J.D.R.,
A Beautiful Glittering Lie is a haunting and intimate portrait of the American Civil War not through the lens of generals and politics, but through the quiet heartbreak of an ordinary Southern family. You strip away the grandeur often attached to the era and expose the human cost of conviction, loyalty, and loss.
The novel’s strength lies in its restraint. Instead of glorifying the battlefield, you turn readers’ attention to the fractured emotions that ripple through every letter, every goodbye, every silence. The Summers family’s story becomes the story of a nation learning that ideals, however noble, can exact unbearable prices.
Highlights of Impact
Deeply personal storytelling that humanizes a vast historical conflict.
Vivid depictions of both battlefield chaos and domestic endurance.
Emotional resonance through authentic voices each character carrying a different truth about war and love.
Positioning & Reader Appeal
Ideal for readers of Cold Mountain and The Killer Angels who crave historical fiction rooted in empathy and realism.
Appeals to those who seek Civil War stories told from the heart rather than the history books.
Perfect for book clubs drawn to moral complexity and generational conflict.
Marketing Opportunities
Emphasize the emotional intimacy of the narrative: “The Civil War as seen through one family’s eyes.”
Create visual posts or reels pairing poignant excerpts from Hiram’s letters with period imagery or voiceovers.
Position the book as the first chapter of an immersive family saga that personalizes the cost of war.
You’ve crafted a story that honors both history and humanity. A Beautiful Glittering Lie isn’t just a Civil War novel it’s a testament to love, endurance, and the illusions that shatter when the world turns to battle.
J.D.R. Hawkins 