J.D.R. Hawkins

Tag: book reviews

  • More News and Reviews

    I have been receiving more amazing reviews for my new book, Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience. This book tells the story of an Irish immigrant, Patrick Mulligan, and what he goes through when he decides to travel to Colorado Territory in 1869 to search for gold. I also wanted to let you know that the book is being featured on Book Luver’s newsletter this weekend,

    https://bookluver.com/civicrm/mailing/view?id=862&reset=1

    and on Reading Nook. https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2025/05/22/book-blitz-fools-gold-folly-by-j-d-r-hawkins/

    Thank you so much, Ashlyn and L DeRollo, for your flattering reviews. And thank you for supporting me in my writing endeavors. I couldn’t do it without you!

    • Ashlyn
    • 5.0 out of 5 stars 
    • Hardships, endurance and human spirit
    • “Fool’s Gold Folly” by J.D.R. Hawkins is a touching historical tale that highlights the hardships faced by Irish immigrants during the gold rush era. Blending heartfelt storytelling with rich cultural detail, the novel captures the endurance and hope of people chasing better lives.

      The setting feels authentic and the characters bring warmth and depth to the journey. With a touch of mystery and emotional insight, the story delivers a rewarding read. It beautifully balances historical facts with personal stories with a meaningful glimpse into the human spirit.
    • L DeRollo
    • 5.0 out of 5 stars 
    • Exciting & Heartfelt
    • A very exciting, heartfelt, and suspenseful tale! I really like the underlying message about the importance of love and family, which is at the heart of the story. This is what drives main character Patrick Mulligan to persevere when in the midst of danger while searching the goldmines in Colorado to try to make it rich. Is the price of gold worth the danger involved? Can he keep his family safe? The characters in this story are very well-developed, relatable, and expressive. I can picture them perfectly in real life! The rural historical setting is perfect for this story and reflects both the need for survival, the “fool’s gold” mindset, simplicity, and a strong sense of community. Recommended.

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

  • More Five-Star Reviews for Fool’s Gold Folly

    The reviews keep coming in! My new novel, Fool’s Gold Folly, has received more five-star reviews, so I wanted to share them with you. This novella is a side story to go with the Renegade Series and tells the story of one of the minor characters, Patrick Mulligan. Thanks so much, Sal, AM Gamer, V.E., L DeRollo, and Ivory, for your flattering reviews!

    Sal

    5.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt and immersive

    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2025

    Verified Purchase

    This was a nice read! I especially loved how the accent was directly captured in the dialogue—it really helped me immerse myself in the story. The journey of Patrick Mulligan felt real and engaging, and the blend of adventure, hope, and looming danger kept me turning the pages. The friendships, especially with Silas, added depth, and the hint of mystery made it even more compelling. A solid blend of historical fiction and human emotion.

    A M Gamer

    5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring and comforting read.

    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2025

    Verified Purchase

    Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience (The Renegade Series) JDR Hawkins offers a warm and engaging look into a historical journey filled with hope, adventure, and the spirit of overcoming adversity. The writing provided a gentle escape into a bygone era, blending historical context with heartfelt moments.

    This book is perfect for readers who enjoy historical adventures and stories of resilience. Its accessible tone and genuine storytelling make it an ideal choice for anyone looking for an inspiring and comforting read.

    V.E.

    5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining Read

    Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2025

    Verified Purchase

    In Fool’s Gold Folly, J.D.R. Hawkins has written a great story set in gritty 19th-century Colorado mining towns. Filled with historical detail, the story is also filled with emotion. You follow the characters through loss, ambition, and finally a redemptive narrative. This is a perfect quick read filled with memorable characters, a great setting, an interesting plot, and a fulfilling story. Recommended.

    L DeRollo

    5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting & Heartfelt

    Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2025

    Verified Purchase

    A very exciting, heartfelt, and suspenseful tale! I really like the underlying message about the importance of love and family, which is at the heart of the story. This is what drives main character Patrick Mulligan to persevere when in the midst of danger while searching the goldmines in Colorado to try to make it rich. Is the price of gold worth the danger involved? Can he keep his family safe? The characters in this story are very well-developed, relatable, and expressive. I can picture them perfectly in real life! The rural historical setting is perfect for this story and reflects both the need for survival, the “fool’s gold” mindset, simplicity, and a strong sense of community. Recommended.

    Ivory

    5.0 out of 5 stars Ambition, friendship and survival…

    Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2025

    Verified Purchase

    “Fool’s Gold Folly” by J.D.R. Hawkins is a moving story about ambition, friendship and survival in post-Civil War America. Set against the rugged beauty of Colorado, it follows Patrick Mulligan’s journey from hopeful dreamer to a man shaped by hardship and heartache. The book explores the immense Irish immigrant struggles; the cost of gold fever and the strength found in resilience. With rich characters and emotional twists, it captures a rather bittersweet truth of chasing a better life.

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