Tag: book review

  • Fool’s Gold Folly Receives Its First Five-Star Review

    My brand new novel, Fool’s Gold Folly, has just received its very first five-star review! This book is a side story that goes along with the Renegade Series, and tells the story of Patrick Mulligan, an Irish immigrant who wishes to strike it rich by finding gold in Colorado. Here is the review:

    Henry Fred

    5.0 out of 5 stars 

    Striking and Stirring

    Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2025

    J.D.R. Hawkins delivers a richly textured tale in Fool’s Gold Folly, transporting readers to the rugged Colorado mining towns of the 19th century. With vivid historical detail and emotional depth, the story follows protagonist as he navigates grief, greed, and unexpected redemption. Hawkins’ signature blend of historical accuracy and heartfelt storytelling shines through, making this short novel a standout. Perfect for fans of frontier fiction and character-driven drama, Fool’s Gold Folly is a poignant, fast-paced read that lingers long after the final page.

    Thank you so much for your review, Mr. Henry Fred!

    Fool’s Gold Folly is now available on Audible! Check it out!

    Amazon.com: Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience (Audible Audio Edition): JDR Hawkins, J. D. R. Hawkins, J. D. R. Hawkins, Virtual Voice: Books

    And the book is being featured on Awesome Book Promotion! Here is the link:

    Fool’s Gold Folly by J.D.R. Hawkins – Awesome Book Promotion

    Thank you so much for your ongoing support! I can’t tell you how much it means to me!

    Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience (The Renegade Series): Hawkins, JDR: 9798312529845: Amazon.com: Books

  • Fool’s Gold Folly Receives Wonderful Review from Pacific Book Review

    The reviews are starting to come in for my new novel, Fool’s Gold Folly. This is a side story to go with the Renegade Series. It tells the story of a minor character, Patrick Mulligan, and what happens when he decides to take his family to Breckenridge, Colorado in search of gold. Thank you so much for your kind review, Mr. Arthur Thares!

    If you’re not a fan of J.D.R. Hawkins’ writing, you should be because you’re missing out. In a genre that is largely cookie-cutter, Hawkins stands out with both sharp writing and impeccable historical knowledge. Her newest story, Fools Gold Folly, is a stand-alone piece that catches you up with some popular characters from her other books. While it is a departure from her usual style, there is so much to love about this book, and it is the perfect companion piece to her other works. If you’re still not convinced, here are a few more reasons you should pick up your own copy of Fool’s Gold Folly.


    For those familiar with J.D.R. Hawkins’ work, you’ll be delighted to catch up with a beloved character. Those unfamiliar will be equally delighted to find out why Hawkins fans adore Patrick the Irishman. The story unfolds as Patrick and his wife, Briana, leave Pennsylvania for Colorado in search of riches. A significant portion of the story is their travels to Colorado and the struggles they face on the way. Even when they reach Colorado, things don’t go as they plan. A chance encounter with a man named Silas and the news that two more fan favorites, David and Anna, will be joining them in Colorado soon starts to turn their luck around. Despite a lurking evil, the Mulligans know that this is precisely where they are meant to be in the moment, leading to a brisk but lively story.


    J.D.R. Hawkins has a way of turning what could be a mundane romance novel into an exciting period piece that always leaves you wanting more. Although this book is a slight departure from her traditional fare, it is an excellent companion piece to her other books. It is fantastic to catch up with some of the outlying characters and give them more attention and life. Though this book doesn’t have a strong third act climax, there is turmoil throughout. The ending does seem to come on a little abruptly, but it also feels like this isn’t the last we will be seeing of these characters.


    If you are already a J.D.R. Hawkins fan, then you should buy this book right now. If you are a future fan, read the other books in the Renegade series quickly, so you can work your way to this one. Even as a standalone story, this is a solid book, and not knowing the Renegade series past doesn’t automatically disqualify you from understanding what is happening in Fool’s Gold Folly. Books like this aren’t released every day, and it’s rarer when a series like this is released, so find Fool’s Gold Folly and the rest of the Renegade series as soon as possible.

    Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience (The Renegade Series): Hawkins, JDR: 9798312529845: Amazon.com: Books

  • New News

    My novel, Double-Edged Sword, is being featured in the Historical Fiction Genre Fest, which is sponsored by Bookluver.com. There are many great books being featured, so please check it out! (You will have to scroll down a bit to see my book.) Here is the link: https://bit.ly/HFF-JDR-Hawkins

    Journey through time at the Book Luver Historical Fiction Fest! Immerse yourself in sweeping sagas, thrilling adventures, and passionate romances across the ages. From ancient civilizations to recent decades, discover your next favourite story among our carefully curated collection of historical novels.

    Special Online Festival Offers:

    • Download selected titles at zero cost during our festival period.
    • Enter multiple book giveaways from beloved historical fiction authors.
    • Explore exclusive deals across various historical genres.

    Whether you’re passionate about Victorian mysteries, medieval epics, or 20th-century drama, you’ll find captivating stories that transport you to different eras. Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to build your historical fiction library!

    I am also advertising for Sandra’s Book Club. This is an excellent opportunity for other authors to sign up for reviews. Here is the link: https://sandrasbookclub.blogspot.com/2020/08/submit-your-book.html

    I am currently working on another novella to go along with the Renegade Series, so stay tuned for the cover reveal, book excerpts, and Q & A’s!

    Thank you so much for following my blog. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, and don’t forget to check out my website: Best Historical Fiction Civil War Award-Winning Author – J.D.R. HAWKINS.

  • A Beautiful Glittering Lie Receives Another Five-Star Review

    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!

    M.Kaye

    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good and worth reading despite a slow start.

    Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2025

    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.

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

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