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.
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.
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!
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.
I’d like to wish you a very happy New Year! I’d also like to share a few things with you that I have coming up in 2026.
This spring, all four books in the Renegade Series (pictured above) will be available on audio! Right now the two side stories that go along with the series are available on audio, A Becharmed Callie Christmas and Fool’s Gold Folly. I’ve been working hard to get the books ready, so I’m very excited that I’m getting close to the finish line! Once that’s done, I will set to work on book number five of the series, which has yet to be titled.
Both A Becharmed Callie Christmas and Fool’s Gold Folly are on sale right now for only 99 cents on Kindle e-books. Now is the perfect time to grab this deal!
I’d also like to share more exciting news in that I have numerous book trailers in the works, which should be done over the next few months. You can see some of the book trailers now on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC12gW5kbv5FLDH6Qxd9duzw. I will be posting new trailers for A Beautiful Glittering Lie, A Beckoning Hellfire, A Rebel Among Us, Double-Edged Sword, and Horses in Gray as they become available.
My interview with Author Essence is now online! Here is the link, so please check it out!
I also received a very special honor from Book and Brunch. Not only did they give A Becharmed Callie Christmas the 2025 Best Historical Christmas Fiction Award, but they gave me an award as well! Thank you so much for the award!
As always, please visit my website, like, share and follow me on my links, and most of all, have a very happy, safe, and prosperous New Year!
I would like to share another flattering email I received from a fan in regard to my novella, A Becharmed Callie Christmas. This is a side story to compliment the Renegade Series, and describes what a young girl in the South experiences with the advent of the Civil War. Thank you so much, Mendy Clock, for your kind words!
Ms. Hawkins,
I recently discovered A Becharmed Callie Christmas on Amazon and was drawn in by Callie Mae Copeland’s youthful confidence and the way a cherished family Christmas is slowly overshadowed by the approaching realities of the Civil War. The contrast between holiday warmth and looming uncertainty is especially powerful.
Your story clearly speaks to readers who enjoy Civil War era historical fiction, character driven narratives, and intimate perspectives on how war reshapes family life in the South. Callie’s coming of age during such an uncertain time makes this a memorable and emotionally grounded read.
I would also like to share an excerpt from the book:
I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
– Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
Chapter One
“Thank you for lettin’ me come with you today!”
The older man grinned at her from the driver’s seat of the black-lacquered carriage. “My pleasure, Callie,” he said with a smile.
He tapped the reins to increase speed. The two bays reacted by accelerating to a slow trot.
“I hope they have what I’m lookin’ for,” the girl stated, folding her white-gloved hands in her lap. Her long, blonde hair flowed gently in the breeze caused by the moving carriage. Even though it was November, the temperature was warm enough to open the windows.
“So do I, my dear,” the older gentleman said with a chuckle. Rounding a curve, a two-story clapboard structure came into view. “Here we are!”
He pulled the carriage off the road to the side of the building, where a few other vehicles were lined up. A sign attached to the outside of the building read “Mercantile.” Stepping down, he walked around and took her extended hand. She smiled and stepped out, heisting her floor-length, navy-blue day dress up above her boots as she did so. Once her feet hit the ground, she set out for the front of the building, bounded up the wooden steps, and strode inside. Several men standing around a wood-burning stove looked over at her as she entered. The older man followed her inside.
“How do, Copeland’s!” the shopkeeper greeted them. “Fine day we’re havin’!”
“That it is, Ben,” replied Mr. Copeland. He pulled a cigar box from his breast coat pocket, withdrew a stogie, and lit it.
“What brings y’all by?” Ben inquired. “And how can I be of service?”
Callie stepped closer to the three men gathered around the stove. “Mr. Johnson, if you please, I’m interested in purchasin’ a new bolt of fabric for a Christmas dress.”
“Are you fixin’ to pay for it yourself, little lady?” Ben asked. “Ain’t you all of fifteen?”
He winked at Mr. Copeland, who chuckled.
“Soon to be sixteen,” Callie corrected him. She glanced at the other two gentlemen, who grinned at her. “My father has agreed to buy it for me.”
“Tentatively,” said Mr. Copeland, puffing on his stogie. “We shall see.”
The men chuckled.
“Well,” said Ben, “there’s some fabric in the back room, but it’s been here for a spell. Nothin’ new has come in since the start of the war.”
“Callie nodded. “Thank you kindly, Mr. Johnson. I’ll have a looksee.” She turned on her heels and walked across the wooden floorboards toward a back room.
“Young ‘un’s grow up too fast,” one of the gentlemen standing at the stove said.
“That they do,” Mr. Copeland replied, puffing on his cigar. “And I reckon it’s felt more by folks like my wife and me, who only have one.” He cleared his throat. “While she’s havin’ a look, I’d like to pick up a few supplies, Ben. Would you mind showin’ me around?”
“I’d be happy to,” said Ben. “But why ain’t you havin’ one of your servitudes pick up supplies?”
“All five of them ran off in the middle of the night last week,” said Mr. Copeland. “Believin’ Lincoln’s promise of freein’ them, I suspect. If any of them come back, I’ll have to sell them off, because you can’t trust a darkie once he’s run off.”
“Reckon not,” said Ben. The middle-aged man sighed. “It’s a whole new world that’s bein’ forced on us. Prices are goin’ sky high, and I’m runnin’ low on stock.”
“We’re in the second year of this blasted war,” said Mr. Copeland. “Perhaps it will end soon.”
“We can only hope and pray,” said Ben. “Now, what can I git for you?”
Callie walked deeper into the mercantile until the men’s voices became a drone. She turned a corner to see several bolts of fabric piled up on top of a table. They were the same bolts she’d seen before. Knowing she had to make a decision, she rummaged through the pile. At the bottom, she found the perfect one: a bolt of deep purple velvet fabric. Pulling it out, she picked up the bolt and casually started for the front of the store. She took her time, glancing at the trinkets displayed in glass cases, which she knew had been created by local womenfolk who were experiencing dire times and needed the extra money.
A stack of publications caught her eye. She turned to see a pile of Harpers Weekly magazines. Setting the bolt of fabric down, she picked up one on top of the stack and started thumbing through it. The depictions inside shocked her. The engravings, copies of photographs taken at the Battle of Antietam, depicted dead men in Confederate uniforms lying about in open fields beside equine carcasses and broken wagons. She had heard about the battle, known as the Battle of Sharpsburg to her, but it had taken place months ago, and hundreds of miles away from her beautiful home in north Alabama. Now the depictions brought the war closer. The thought of it ending up in her own front yard sent a shiver up her spine. It seemed the war wasn’t as glamorous as she had been told. She decided to shake the terrible thought from her mind. Placing the magazine back on the stack, she picked up the fabric and walked to the front of the store.
“I found one, Pa,” she announced, trying her best to sound excited, regardless of the repulsiveness she’d just seen.
Mr. Copeland, who had returned to the front of the store with Ben, turned to look. “That’s a beautiful color, Callie. And it matches your blue eyes splendidly!” Turning to Ben, he asked, “How much is it?”
Ben smirked. “Prices have gone up. It’s twenty-three dollars.”
“What!?” exclaimed Mr. Copeland.
“Please, Pa,” Callie pleaded. “It’s most likely the last chance I’ll git to have a new gown. And it’s almost Christmas!” She glanced at the calendar above the cash register displaying a Currier and Ives painting, and “1862.” Large X’s crossed out each day that had passed. November 12 was yet to be crossed out.
Mr. Copeland looked at the other men. He scowled. “Oh, all right, my dear. I’ll relent to your heart’s desire. But this will be the last time.”
“Thank you!” Callie squealed. She gave her father a quick hug.
The men chuckled.
Mr. Copeland pulled his wallet out while shaking his head. “One daughter is surely enough,” he remarked under his breath.
The men chuckled again.
“We had a mighty fine time at your Harvest party, Miss Callie,” one of the gentlemen said.
“Why, thank you kindly, Mr. Foreman,” Callie beamed. “I’m so happy y’all could attend.” She smiled at the thought of the party she and her parents had hosted for the neighbors the previous Saturday. It was the last time she had seen her best friend, as well as her two boys. She would see Jake and David again soon enough, and impress them with her beautiful new purple gown that she planned to construct by then.
“The dress you had on at the party was right purty,” the other man said. “My wife was wonderin’ if you made it yourself.”
“Why, yes, Mr. Skidmore, I did,” Callie proclaimed proudly. “Thank you for the compliment.”
“My wife and I had a splendid time, and truly enjoyed the music,” Mr. Skidmore continued.
“Yes, the violinist was very talented, indeed,” Mr. Foreman agreed. “Everyone looked festive, and the food was delightful.”
“Thank you, Mr. Foreman,” said Callie. “We wanted to do somethin’ for our neighbors, to try and keep our spirits up durin’ these tryin’ times.”
“It might be difficult outdoin’ yourselves with your upcomin’ Christmas party,” Ben said.
“Don’t be surprised if we do!” Callie said with a laugh. “We’re havin’ a dance, and even more musicians. Not to mention all the wonderful sweets my ma and I plan to make!”
“We’re surely lookin’ forward to it,” said Mr. Skidmore. “It might be the last party this county sees in quite a spell.”
“Some folks around these parts might think we’re holdin’ parties despite the war, and it ain’t no cause to celebrate when men we all know are dyin’,” said Mr. Copeland. “But it’s like my daughter said. We want to share our good fortune while we still can. Who knows how long this war will last.”
The men grew quiet.
Callie’s smile faded. She couldn’t help but recall what she had just seen in Harper’s Weekly.
“The Walkers told us at the party that they were travelin’ to St. Louis for the winter,” said Mr. Skidmore.
“It’s true as I know it,” Callie said.
“Reckon you’ll be missin’ that li’l girl of theirs,” said Mr. Foreman. “Miss Alice. Ain’t she ‘bout your same age, Miss Callie?”
“Yessir, she is.” Callie frowned. She had been trying to put the thought of losing her best friend out of her mind and focus on the upcoming holiday instead. “I will miss her dreadfully.”
“Well, y’all can always write to each other,” said Mr. Copeland.
“And who knows?” said Ben. “Maybe y’all will see each other again someday.” He smiled assuredly.
Callie solemnly nodded. “Perhaps. I’ll bid my adieu now and wait in the carriage. Good day, gentlemen.” She turned and walked out of the store, the tiny bell above the door tinkling to announce her departure. The last thing she wanted was to show weakness, act like a child, and shed a few tears in front of the menfolk.
On the ride home, she asked her father. “Pa, can I visit Alice before she leaves?”
“When are they fixin’ to leave?” he asked.
“November seventeenth.”
“That’s next Monday.” Mr. Copeland thought for a moment. “All right, Callie. I’ll take you over there on Saturday so y’all can say your goodbyes.”
“Thanks, Pa!” She smiled graciously, and hugged the bolt of fabric.
Three days later, Callie’s father delivered on his promise, and drove her to Alice’s house. Upon arriving, they were engulfed in a flurry of commotion. People were coming and going, leaving with the Walkers’ furniture, livestock, and various other belongings. Callie presumed Alice’s family was giving away all of the unnecessary things they couldn’t take with them on their long journey from Alabama to Missouri. She and her father stepped up onto the porch. Callie rapped on the screened door. One of Alice’s brothers allowed their entry, and hollered up the stairs for his sister.
“I’ll go find Alice’s kinfolk to wish them well on their travels,” Mr. Copeland said, and ambled off.
Momentarily, Alice trotted down the steps. “Callie!” she exclaimed, holding her arms out.
The two girls embraced.
“I couldn’t let you leave without me seein’ you off first,” said Callie. She smiled at her friend. “I do declare, this entire excursion has left you glowin’!”
“I’m so excited, Callie! I can hardly contain myself!”
Callie simpered at her friend. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
J.D.R. Hawkins 