Last week, I was notified that my novel, Double-Edged Sword, is being featured on Online Ebook Fair. This book is the fourth one in the Renegade Series, describing the lives of several families and how they intertwine during and after the Civil War. Here is the link:
Thanks to everyone who featured my books! As always, thank you for your ongoing support. I couldn’t make this journey without you! Don’t forget to like and share my links!
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!
Today I am being highlighted on Bizz Buzz. This is a very special honor, and I am humbled to be featured on such a prestigious website. Here is the article. Once again, thank you so much for being part of my writing journey!
The Enduring Narrative of the American Civil War: Historical Fiction Through a Southern Lens.
An in-depth look at the Renegade Series and how award-winning author J.D.R. Hawkins brings authenticity, moral complexity, and historical depth to Civil War fiction.
The American historical fiction literature is greatly enriched with the Civil War stories, which remain to be interesting and challenging the reader with their complicated moral, political and personal dilemmas. One of the most popular subgenres is the exploration of the conflict by the experiences of the front line and the home front. These novels tend to be crucial channels through which the human cost and the divergent ideologies that determined the most defining internal conflict in the nation can be comprehended. One of these niches in this genre is depicting the war as seen by the Confederate side.
This perspective, which female writers discuss less, has its own difficulties in historical study, characterization and narration, and requires a high level of sensitivity and attention to detail, in order to be able to capture the socio-political atmosphere of the middle of the 19th century.
The ability to combine an enormous amount of historical detail with the ability to tell the story through characters is the hallmark of the authors who are able to bring this turbulent period to life and provide the contemporary readers with a detailed and vivid insight into the crucial moment of American history.
The literary works that are critically and commercially successful in this genre are those that have been acclaimed by historical societies and literary institutions due to their observance of authenticity and other awards that are founded on their richness and breadth.
J.D.R. Hawkins: Chronicling the Confederate Experience in theRenegade Series
J.D.R. Hawkins was born on June 9, 1959 in the United States of America and she is a renowned American author that has well established herself in historical fiction, especially in her famous series known as the Renegade Series. It is the epic effort of novels devoted to the description of the cruel and even painful life of a Confederate soldier and his family during the Civil War and the first post-war period in the USA.
Hawkins is a unique female writer in the literary world because few other female writers have dealt with the narrative of the Civil War specifically with the Confederate or Southern perspective. She is devoted to this view, and her writing is marked by an in-depth study of history that gives her character plots a certain air of deep authenticity.
The story of Hawkins in the world of writing started in her early years when her parents supported her artistic interests and provided her with a solid education. Hawkins was born in Sioux City, Iowa and studied her academic interests by receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism at the Iowa State University. This journalistic rigor was probably the cause of the attention to detail and careful research that would characterize her subsequent historical fiction. Hawkins began her career in writing short stories, articles, and even children books before she finally settled on her main subject, the complicated period of the Civil War, by writing her first full-length novels.
The literary heritage of the author is centered on the so-called Renegade Series, which is an impressive, panoramic depiction of the lives of people involved in the war. The story is the journey of a Confederate cavalryman and his family over the years of fierce battles and social turmoil, their emotional and physical survival.
Deep Dive into the Renegade Series
The show consists of four major seasons, each of which has received considerable critical and commercial recognition:
A Beautiful Glittering Lie: A Novel of the Civil War
This novel was written in 2021 and is a good start to the series. Early critical acclaim saw Hawkins win the 2013 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award and the 2012 B.R.A.G. Medallion, as well as its historical fact and its effective story. Even the very name of the novel suggests the grimness behind the romance or ideology of war, which predetermines the cold-blooded look at the war in the series.
A Beckoning Hellfire: A Novel of the Civil War
The second sequel, also released in 2021, picks up the story, delving into the emotional and physical price paid by the war. The novel also solidified Hawkins as an author of good historical fiction, as it is considered to be an award-winning sequel and even won the 2022 B.R.A.G. Medallion. The title brings out the merciless and devastating Civil War battles that the characters are involved in.
A Rebel Among Us: A Novel of the Civil War
Published in 2021, this book continues to be of high standards as its predecessors. It won the 2017 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award and also won the 2022 B.R.A.G. Medallion, which underscores the uniformity of literary quality of the series. The story is centered on the mounting internal and external stress of people who were loyal to the confederate cause.
Double-Edged Sword: A Novel of Reconstruction
The latest volume in the series, which was published in 2022, continues the story past the end of the war to the confusing and turbulent era of Reconstruction. Entering this critical period of the postwar, Hawkins gives a full account of the long-term effects of the war on both the soldier and his family. The novel has been well-known, having won the 2022 B.R.A.G. Medallion and the 2023 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award, proving the quality and longevity of the work of the author.
Broader Literary Contributions and Acclaim
Hawkins has also made a contribution to the historical record in her nonfiction book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses. This is a specialized writing that examines the important and in most cases unnoticed contributions made by horses in the Civil War that describe the importance of horses in war and military activities. She has also written a short story, A Becharmed Callie Christmas, which is a festive, character-oriented interlude relating to the larger world of the Renegade Series.
Hawkins is as commercially successful as she is critically acclaimed. She has been acclaimed as a bestseller by the significant sites, such as Amazon, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal, and this fact demonstrates her wide popularity among a wide audience. She has managed to strike the right balance between historical precision and her narrative style, which has been well-received by critics and the audience.
Professional Affiliations and Personal Background
Hawkins has a close affiliation with the historical and literary circles. She has also been a part of different elite societies like the United Daughters of the Confederacy which can be attributed to be her dedication to the history and heritage of the Southern experience. Her literary associations include The International Women Writing Guild, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, and Pikes Peak Writers, another thing that proves her interest in the art and support of other writers. She also belongs to the Historical Novel Society and this only serves to solidify her credentials in the genre.
Hawkins also lives a rich life outside of writing on a personal level. She has a family of her own, including two sons whom she has brought up together with her husband in the course of their 40 years of marriage and has a daughter-in-law and two grandsons. Her artistic talents are not limited to literature since she is also an artist and a singer/songwriter whose artistic commitment has been evident throughout her life. The work of J.D.R. Hawkins and especially the extensively researched and much-acclaimed Renegade Series is a major contribution to the genre of historical fiction, that is, telling the complex and humanized story of the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era as it happened through the lens of a Confederate family.
Recently, I was featured in an article published by The Inscriber Magazine, which I would like to share with you. This is a very special honor and I am humbled to be featured. Thank you so much, INSC, for featuring me in your publication!
In the rich tapestry of American historical fiction, few authors have carved out a niche as uniquely impactful and meticulously researched as J.D.R. Hawkins. Renowned for her award-winning Renegade Series and other Civil War-era stories, Hawkins masterfully intertwines the rigor of historical accuracy with the immersive power of creative storytelling. Each of her works stands as a testament to her unmatched ability to bring history to life—not through textbook retellings but through deeply human narratives that beat with emotion, resilience, and complexity.
A USA Today, Amazon, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Hawkins has not only amassed literary accolades but has done so in a domain that few women venture into: the Civil War from the Confederate perspective. This bold narrative choice reflects not only her analytical courage but her commitment to offering a multifaceted view of American history, delving into the psyche of those who lived, fought, and suffered through one of the nation’s most devastating periods.
At the core of her achievements lies the Renegade Series, an epic that begins with “A Beautiful Glittering Lie”—a poignant portrayal of a northern Alabama family torn apart by war. The novel’s strength lies in its emotional depth and historical authenticity, blending real-life military movements and politics with intimate moments of personal sacrifice. Hawkins’ creative mind ensures that the story never feels like a dry recounting of facts; instead, it flows like a living, breathing memory. The novel earned both the 2013 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award and the 2012 B.R.A.G. Medallion, cementing her status as a master of her craft.
The sequel, “A Beckoning Hellfire,” is equally haunting. Hawkins tells the gripping story of young David Summers, who, fueled by grief and a desire for vengeance after his father’s death, joins the Confederate cavalry. What begins as a quest for glory soon dissolves into the brutal truth of war, challenging every ideal David holds. Through battle scenes that feel both vivid and raw, Hawkins showcases her precise historical research, combined with a deeply analytical look at war’s psychological toll. The novel became an Amazon bestseller and was honored with the 2022 B.R.A.G. Medallion.
In “A Rebel Among Us,” Hawkins continues to explore themes of loyalty, morality, and forbidden love. David, wounded and stranded in Pennsylvania, is taken in by a family of women who oppose everything he fought for. The conflict that ensues—between duty and desire, ideology and identity—is handled with an elegant balance of historical nuance and narrative tension. The book garnered the 2017 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award and another B.R.A.G. Medallion in 2022.
The latest in the series, “Double-Edged Sword,” picks up in the aftermath of the war. Hawkins shifts focus to the often-overlooked Reconstruction period, painting a portrait of a man and a nation trying to rebuild from ruin. Through courtroom drama and the personal struggles of reintegration, Hawkins examines themes of justice, redemption, and reconciliation. Like its predecessors, the novel was recognized with a B.R.A.G. Medallion and the 2023 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award—testimony to the precision and impact of her historical storytelling.
But Hawkins doesn’t stop there. Her non-fiction work, “Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses,” offers a compelling look at the equine companions of Confederate leaders, showing her ability to transition from fiction to scholarly exploration without sacrificing engagement. Short stories like “A Becharmed Callie Christmas” and “Fool’s Gold Folly” further enrich her historical universe, offering side narratives filled with the same passion and care.
A member of numerous historical and literary organizations, including the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Historical Novel Society, Hawkins brings scholarly integrity and creative brilliance to every project. Her works don’t just tell stories; they bridge the gap between past and present, inviting readers into the intimate lives of the figures whose history has often been reduced to statistics and headlines.
In every novel, short story, and historical account, J.D.R. Hawkins exhibits a masterclass in storytelling—where fact and fiction are harmoniously fused and where every character, battle, and heartbreak is rendered with both analytical clarity and artistic depth.
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.
Trying to get your head around the Civil War? You could wade through dusty textbooks—or you could crack open a compelling novel that brings the past to life in a way facts and dates simply can’t. Historical fiction books about the Civil War go beyond battlefield tactics and political speeches. They drop you into the middle of it all—mud, blood, heartbreak, and hope included.
If you’re curious about this defining period in American history, these reads make a great place to start.
1. A Beautiful Glittering Lie by J.D.R. Hawkins
Let’s start with a gem. A Beautiful Glittering Lie kicks off the Renegade Series and puts readers right into the chaos of war—through the eyes of a Southern family in Alabama. This isn’t just about cannon fire and uniforms. It’s about fathers and sons, loyalty, and the cost of fighting for what you believe in.
Hawkins, one of the few female Civil War authors, writes with a voice that’s both sharp and emotional. You’ll feel like you’re living through the conflict right alongside her characters. It’s no wonder this novel snagged the John Esten Cooke Fiction Award.
2. A Beckoning Hellfire – Also by J.D.R. Hawkins
The second book in the series follows David Summers as he leaves home and heads straight into the fire of battle. Hawkins paints a vivid picture of what it meant to be a young soldier in the Confederate cavalry—excitement, confusion, fear, and grit. This book doesn’t sugarcoat war. It’s raw, it’s real, and it sticks with you long after the last page.
3. A Rebel Among Us – J.D.R. Hawkins Again (Yeah, She’s That Good)
By book three, the war takes a strange twist for David. Injured and far from home, he ends up hiding in a Northern household. What follows is an intense, emotional rollercoaster of trust, deception, and unexpected connection. This book digs deep into personal identity, compassion, and the strange ways war can blur the lines between enemy and friend.
Why These Books Matter
J.D.R. Hawkins doesn’t just tell war stories. She tells human stories. Her characters are fully fleshed out, her descriptions are vivid, and her research is rock-solid. Whether you’re a history buff or someone who just wants a great read, her Renegade Series offers a fresh take on the Civil War from a rarely told perspective.
Plus, these stories aren’t just about battles—they’re about resilience, family, and surviving the kind of hardship that tests everything you stand for.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to read the Renegade Series in order? Yes, it’s best to start with A Beautiful Glittering Lie and move forward. The character development builds with each book.
Q: Are these books historically accurate? Absolutely. J.D.R. Hawkins is known for her deep research and attention to historical detail.
Q: Can teens read these books? Yes, but they’re best for older teens due to mature themes around war and loss.
Conclusion
If you want a deeper understanding of the Civil War, these historical fiction books deliver something textbooks never could—real emotion, gripping storytelling, and unforgettable characters. Ready to dive in? Start with J.D.R. Hawkins, and you might just get hooked.
I’ll have to admit, I don’t check Goodreads as much as I should. Upon looking today, I came across some awesome reviews that were posted for my novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie. This is the first book in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of a family from north Alabama and how the Civil War impacts them. Thank you so much, Harold Cheetham, Donna Weir, and Amber E., for your amazing reviews!
Another great Civil War novel. Plenty of action. I look forward to reading more in the series. Received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
J.D.R. Hawkins really places you into the Civil War with this book. For someone who is not a history buff, the beginning starts off a little slower. The storyline and characters draw you in and keep you reaching for the next chapter. Making this a book that is hard to put down. Can’t wait to continue this adventure with the next book.
The book itself was really good. Granted, it did take me a while to get into it. I was also reading the promotional copy, so it was hard to read because the font was super small & not able to be adjusted. Which was likely the reason it took me so long to be able to read it.
My novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, has received another five-star review. This book is the first one in the Renegade Series and tells the story of a family from north Alabama, and how the Civil War impacts their lives. Thank you so much, M. Kaye, for your review!
If you love authentic historical fiction, then J. Hawkins book will satisfy. The first book of the series explores the struggle of one family at the dawn of the civil war, detailing the rigors of maintaining the Homefront in the face of the missing Patriarch. It also examines David, son of the patriarch as he experiences coming of age while he grapples with the contradicting feelings of keeping his promise to his father and the family farm afloat or giving in to the rose-colored view of the war as an adventure and enlisting. While the first pages may prove difficult for some to get through as they detail a speech by Jefferson Davis, don’t let the first 7 pages deter you from this very worthwhile read.
J.D.R. Hawkins 
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