Last week I received an awesome email from a fan regarding my novel, A Beckoning Hellfire. The book is the second one in the Renegade Series, and tells the story of a young man from Alabama who enlists with the Confederate cavalry during the War Between the States. I was so flattered that I wanted to share it with you. Thank you so much, Sunday Smith, for your email!
Deep appreciation for A Beckoning Hellfire
Dear J.D.R. Hawkins,
I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much A Beckoning Hellfire moved me. From the very beginning, David’s journey from grief to vengeance and into the brutal reality of war gripped me in a way that few books do. You captured not only the history of the Civil War but also the fragile heart of a young man caught in its storm.
What struck me most was how you showed the human cost of war in such a vivid and unflinching way. The pain, the battles, and the disillusionment felt so real, but beneath it all was also a quiet reminder of resilience and the strength it takes to keep moving forward when everything seems lost. Reading David’s story reminded me that behind every conflict are human lives, broken dreams, and the hope that somehow peace can be found again.
Your writing is more than historical fiction. It is a mirror to our humanity, a reminder of the scars of the past, and a warning of what we risk if we forget. Thank you for crafting a story that resonates so deeply and lingers long after the last page.
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 would like to share with you one of my favorite scenes from my novel, A Beckoning Hellfire. This is the second book in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of several families and how their lives intertwine during the Civil War.
This excerpt takes place on June 4, 1863. A ball was held at Culpeper Court House, Virginia, days before the Battle of Brandy Station took place on June 9, 1863. (The court house is still there today.) The Battle of Brandy Station was the largest cavalry battle to ever take place on American soil. I hope you enjoy this trip back in time!
On the evening of June 4, Major Ivey Lewis ordered David to deliver a dispatch to General Stuart, which wasn’t unusual since he had been summoned as a courier several times during the past few weeks. Although he was physically tired and emotionally drained from a long week of drilling, he obediently stuck the sealed envelope in his pocket, saddled Renegade, and received directions to the Culpeper Court House.
Once he rode up, he was awestruck by the enchanting scene. Belles in beautiful ball gowns of every color stood out on the lawn with officers attired in dress uniforms. Lively music floated through the air. The song was “Cindy,” one of his favorites.
David couldn’t help but smile as he dismounted. “What’s all this?” he asked a servant, who took hold of Renegade’s reins.
“Massa Stuart’s havin’ a grand ball, suh,” the tall, bearded black man said. “He invited ladies from the whole vicinity. Most came by rail, all the way from Richmond.”
David raised his eyebrows and grinned at the slave. “Is that a fact?” he asked.
“Sho is.” The servant smiled with a nod before tying Renegade to a post.
With eager anticipation, David sauntered toward the courthouse entrance and absorbed the sumptuous sight. The grounds, illuminated with Chinese lanterns, invited him closer. Southern gentry milled around in the warm evening air, the hum of their genteel conversations filling his ears, along with the clink of goblets tapping together. The sky glittered with fireflies, and the lawn was swathed in candlelight. Another song commenced. David recognized that melody as well: “Cumberland Gap.”
He climbed the steps and entered the courthouse, immediately enthralled by what he saw. Couples in ballroom attire danced joyfully in the center of the room, swirling in time to the melody like wispy dandelion seeds floating in the breeze. Several musicians congregated together toward the back of the room, and they appeared to be enjoying themselves just as much. Chatter and laughter intermingled with their lively music. Chandeliers of flickering candles hung from the rafters, and the sweet scent of perfume drifted through the air.
David made his way through the crowd, suddenly mindful of how ordinary he looked. Bashfully, he smiled at the ladies, but they haughtily glanced over him before turning away toward their escorts. He noticed a table of wine, punch, and viands off to the side, which sparked his voracious appetite. The thought crossed his mind that perhaps he could sneak a few tidbits into his pockets on his way out. Spotting General Stuart, he made his way over to him.
“Sir,” he said with a salute.
The general turned from the belle he was conversing with, noticed David, and saluted back.
“I have orders to deliver this to you personally.” David handed him the envelope that had been sealed with wax.
“Very good, Private,” Stuart said.
The general didn’t seem to recognize him. Disappointed, David saluted again and awkwardly remained at General Stuart’s side, waiting for a response. Stuart turned away. Without knowing quite what to do next, David stood there for a few seconds before deciding he had been cold-shouldered, so he turned and made his way back toward the door.
He paused to watch the musicians, who were surrounded by admiring ladies. They stopped their performance momentarily, allowing for applause before proceeding to play “Ring, Ring the Banjo.” Two fiddlers enthusiastically sawed on their instruments. A dark-haired, mustachioed man plucked away on his banjo, and a mulatto servant smiled widely as he played the bones. David remembered what the other troopers had told him about General Stuart’s mulatto footman, Bob, and about the banjo player, Sam Sweeney, who was said to be the brother of the man who had invented the banjo. He also heard that General Stuart was a music lover who never missed an opportunity to be entertained by his musicians. If only they had a guitar, he might find the courage to go up there and sing alongside them, but his heart was too heavy for him to feel exuberant enough to sing. He wished Jake were there to see the grandiose scene. It was so dazzling that he felt like he was in a fairy tale.
He glanced around the room, reminded again of how out of place he was. The young ladies looked upon him with disdain, obviously repulsed by his shabby appearance. The musicians began to play “Cavalier’s Waltz,” prompting dancers to swirl around in synchronized whirlwinds. To his dismay, the food table was too far away for him to attempt thievery without being noticed, so he reluctantly turned and went outside. He met Colonel Von Borcke on the way out and discovered by standing next to him that the Prussian was enormous. The colonel recognized him immediately.
“I’m looking forward to racing your little horse!” he said, laughing as he walked into the courthouse.
David was left alone on the portico. Once again, he wished he could be a part of the celebration, but instead, he let out a sigh, climbed up on Renegade, and rode off into the darkness.
J.D.R. Hawkins 