J.D.R. Hawkins

Tag: Breckenridge

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

    I received several new five-star reviews on Goodreads for my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly. This novella tells the story about one of the minor characters in the Renegade Series, Patrick Mulligan. After the Civil War ends, Patrick takes his family from Pennsylvania farmland to Colorado Territory in search of gold. But what he finds there is something far more priceless. Thank you so much, Joanna, Jessica, and Swazo, for your flattering reviews!

    Joanna

    Hawkins’ research shines on every page. From dusty mining towns to tense political landscapes, the settings feel immersive and alive. Her characters are equally vivid flawed, hopeful, and driven by both love and survival. The dialogue rings true, and the pacing keeps you turning pages while still giving space for emotional depth.

    Jessica

    J.D.R. Hawkins once again proves her mastery of historical storytelling in Fool’s Gold Folly, the newest installment of The Renegade Series. Set in the tense years following the Civil War, the novel explores how fractured communities and the people within them struggle to rebuild and redefine themselves.

    Swazo

    Hawkins masterfully brings history to life, crafting a setting that feels both vivid and authentic. From the gritty mining towns to the unforgiving frontier landscapes, every detail immerses the reader in the atmosphere of the 1870s. Her careful use of historical elements enriches the story without ever overshadowing it.

    https://www.amazon.com/Fools-Gold-Folly-Resilience-Renegade/dp/B0DZP24XXM/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

  • Research, Rock and Roll

    Last weekend, my husband and I returned to Colorado, where we had lived for nearly 25 years. We stayed in Denver, and I took the opportunity to investigate a museum that I had never visited before, the Colorado History Museum. I decided this would be a great place to start researching my next novel for the Renegade Series, book 5, which doesn’t have a title yet. We also had the opportunity to see the legendary Sir Paul McCartney, who performed Saturday night at Coors Field for 2 1/2 hours straight. What a phenomenal concert!

    The Colorado History Museum is packed full of all kinds of information about the state, from the gold rush, which took place after the Civil War, to obtaining statehood, up through modern day. It was interesting to see things in the museum that we could relate to personally. My husband cried when he saw the display about the Columbine High School shooting. He was supposed to be there that day but his appointment got moved to the following day, so let’s just say he dodged a bullet on that one. They also had a lot of skiing history, a display on the 90’s, and Native American history specific to the area.

    It was interesting to see the huge diorama they have of 1860’s Denver. When I wrote Fool’s Gold Folly, I could only imagine what the streets looked like back then. I’m glad to know that I got it right! You’ll be seeing more of Denver history when the fifth book of the Renegade Series comes out, probably sometime next year. Again, thank you so much for your patronage!

    https://www.amazon.com/Fools-Gold-Folly-Resilience-Renegade/dp/B0DZP24XXM/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._rHUKB_G3iO0B5bj4wMI7XP68HGL9GSJkNIUwULknuc_KIX8A3UD-zJu2Y-aMdmWQPQ-9yUi5TsQz-YZxpJKnBEOL3x9g7Vq-BaT1kDM4flw1vNisVQwFSUqii6gISZtEM5RhvZvCu8r3rSKjRmNKg.am_aFQuyiHBTSoWiKy2-tsz8XjGczMOX0EhUw-LReHU&qid=1760582325&sr=8-1

  • Upcoming Event

    This Saturday, I will be participating in the annual Author’s Fair, which will take place in downtown Redding, California. I will be there signing my books, so if you’re in the neighborhood, stop by! All four books in the Renegade Series will be on sale for half price! Don’t miss your chance to get copies of these books. They make great holiday gifts!

    In other news, Boulder Bookaholics Book Club featured my new book, Fool’s Gold Folly. Here’s what they had to say:

    Event Summary
    The Boulder Bookaholics Book Club hosted a spotlight session featuring Fool’s Gold Folly. Members discussed major themes, characters, and shared personal takeaways. This spotlight allowed the group to engage with the author’s work in depth.

    Engagement Highlights
    Overall Rating: 25 star
    Favorite Themes Discussed: Westward Expansion & the American Dream

    Member Quotes
    “We really enjoyed Fool’s Gold Folly! The story felt real and heartfelt, and we loved how J.D.R. Hawkins brought the Irish immigrant experience to life.”
    “At Boulder Bookaholics, a member said Fool’s Gold Folly highlights immigrant hope and struggle, with
    friendship providing strength in hard times.”

    Thank You
    On behalf of the Boulder Bookaholics Book Club, we thank you for creating such a wonderful book. It was an honor to spotlight your work and share it among our community of readers.

    I also received this flattering email from a fan:

    Hi JDR,

    I came across Fool’s Gold Folly and felt I needed to tell you how deeply it moved me. As someone who spends much of my life surrounded by books, I know how rare it is to find a story that speaks not only to the mind but also to the heart. Yours did both in such a powerful way.

    Patrick Mulligan’s journey is more than just a search for gold. It is the story of resilience, of carrying hope in times of uncertainty, and of what it means to build a life in the face of both promise and peril. Through him, you give voice to the courage of so many who dared to dream of a better future, and that left me both humbled and inspired.

    What touched me most was the way you brought Silas Garvey to life. He was more than a character. He was a reminder that even in illness and hardship, there is still meaning, friendship, and humanity. His presence gave the story a tenderness that lingers long after the final page.

    Thank you for creating a book that is not only rich with history but also rich with heart. It is the kind of work that inspires readers to keep going, to believe in their own strength, and to see the beauty in the bonds we form along the way.

    With admiration and respect,
    Mary

    Thank you, Mary, for your email! And I want to thank you again for your ongoing support. If you haven’t done so yet, please check out my website. There, you will find links to follow me on all my social media pages. https://jdrhawkins.com

    https://www.amazon.com/Fools-Gold-Folly-Resilience-Renegade/dp/B0DZP24XXM/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

  • Two New Reviews for Fool’s Gold Folly

    I recently received two new five-star reviews for my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly on Amazon. This book ties into the Renegade Series, and tells the story of one of the minor characters, Patrick Mulligan, who leaves the Pennsylvania farmland to test his luck at striking it rich during the gold rush to Colorado Territory following the Civil War. Thank you so very much, Cameron Hahn and Fallon Trevino, for your flattering reviews!


    Cameron Hahn

    5.0 out of 5 stars Briana’s Storyline with Mrs. Tydings Is Unforgettable

    Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2025

    Briana quickly became my favorite character, and her arc with Mrs. Tydings was unforgettable. At first, it seemed like she had been given a gift steady work, housing, and a safe place for her children. But slowly the cracks showed, and she was forced to balance gratitude with suffocating control. Hawkins writes her with such depth a woman swallowing her pride, clinging to dignity, and protecting her children at all costs. Moreen’s warning about Mrs. Tydings being a tyrant lingered in my mind, and it came true in ways that broke my heart. What I admired most was Briana’s resilience. She endured, but she never lost her spark. Her small victories felt as powerful as any gold strike. In many ways, her struggles mirror what countless women faced: survival through adaptability, patience, and an unshakable will to keep family intact. She is the quiet hero of this novel.


    Fallon Trevino

    5.0 out of 5 stars A Heartfelt Journey of Struggle and Hope

    Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2025

    From the first scene where Patrick is turned away by a shopkeeper because of the cruel “No Irish Need Apply” sign, I knew this book would grab me. The author does a wonderful job of showing the pain of rejection but also the quiet strength of family. Briana’s gentle faith and the way she keeps her children grounded gave me chills she’s a mother you can’t help but admire. When the family finally finds lodging with Mrs. O’Neill, I actually sighed with relief, as if I were part of their struggles. Hawkins doesn’t just tell you history she makes you feel it. Every meal of watery soup, every tired prayer, every glimmer of hope is written so vividly. The wagon train sections added another layer, showing how strangers bonded under hardship. I closed the book feeling like I had lived through every dusty mile and every hungry night with the Mulligans. This is one of those rare novels that makes you grateful for your own blessings.

    https://www.amazon.com/Fools-Gold-Folly-Resilience-Renegade/dp/B0DZP24XXM/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

  • Fans Rave About Fool’s Gold Folly

    I have received several emails in regard to my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly, and would like to share some of them with you. This book ties in with the Renegade Series, and tells the story of one of the minor characters, Patrick Mulligan. Patrick’s desire to strike it rich in Colorado after the Civil War turns into something much more than gold lust. Here is what fans have to say:

    (From Camille Rhodes Brown)

    I came across Fool’s Gold Folly, and from the first lines of your description, I felt its pulse the lure of possibility, the grit of survival, and the fragile line between hope and danger. Patrick Mulligan’s journey isn’t just about gold; it’s about the deep human hunger for a better life and the resilience it takes to chase it.

    You’ve given readers more than a historical adventure — you’ve given them a window into the Irish immigrant experience during one of the most volatile times in American history. The wilderness of Colorado Territory, the raw hunger for fortune, and the bonds of friendship forged in hardship all feel alive in your telling. Silas Garvey’s presence, with his dark secret and failing health, adds a poignancy that makes this story not just gripping but deeply human.

    (From Grace Champ)

    I just finished reading Fool’s Gold Folly, and I was deeply moved by Patrick Mulligan’s journey  not just westward, but inward, as he confronts the promises and perils of a country still healing from war. His resilience, ambition, and the fragile friendships he forms in Breckenridge capture something truly special: the heart of the immigrant dream set against the raw edge of frontier life.

    You’ve brought to life a piece of history that still feels incredibly relevant:  the push for new beginnings, the weight of personal loss, and the quiet strength of Irish communities carving out space in post-Civil War America.

    Thank you so much, Grace and Camille, for your kind words!

    I am always looking for positive reviews, so please post your reviews to Amazon and/or Goodreads. And don’t forget, this novel is available as an audio book too!

    https://www.amazon.com/Fools-Gold-Folly-Resilience-Renegade/dp/B0DZP24XXM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3C2LE8KYRELF4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.m1E2lQgHJOkXYl9c3PiDhCVmWhh7bWVefHes23bYCjtm-BOiB2Llbfypkne1YgoZ.o5hyFZyy84WgBwK0ZnyqDlN2mQvhXXCv65sPZoG07LI&dib_tag=se&keywords=fool%27s+gold+folly&qid=1754522027&sprefix=fool%27s+gold+folly%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-1

  • Great Review from US Review of Books for Fool’s Gold Folly

    I recently received another awesome review for my new book, Fool’s Gold Folly. This novella goes along with the Renegade Series, and tells the story of Patrick Mulligan, an Irish immigrant who travels west to Colorado in search of gold. Once he arrives in Breckenridge with his family, he discovers that there is more going on than just gold mining and becomes involved in a mystery and adventure he never expected. Thank you so much, US Review of Books, for your review!

    “Sure’n ye can’t take it with ye…. But ye can certainly enjoy i t while ye’re here!”
     
    – US Review of Books
     
    In a story set after the Civil War, readers meet Patrick, a man who wants the best for his family. His parents died when he was a child back in Ireland. When he comes of age, he emigrates to America, works on a farm in Pennsylvania, and meets the love of his life, as well as his best friends. But a controversy on the farm convinces him that he could fare better out West. In Colorado, he joins a group of Irish gold miners. Silas, an outlier of the group, takes Patrick under his wing and into his confidence.
     
    The threads of this novella are woven into one tight plot. Patrick is caught between his past on the farm (where a controversy still looms), waiting to strike a vein of gold in the present, and the yet-to-be-revealed inheritance Silas leaves him. These each inform how Patrick works toward building a new home for his family. A few choice details, such as signs on Denver City storefronts prohibiting Irish job applicants, the brogue accents coupled with the Western drawl of those who do welcome Patrick and family, and the mysterious top-hatted figure Patrick spots and about whom Silas warns him, evoke vivid scenes the adventurous narrative moves through with swiftness. Letters from Pennsylvania explain the controversy in the characters’ own words: Patrick’s friend, a Confederate soldier in Yankee land, is unduly blamed for a crime. Rebels and underdogs with ambition in common form the plot’s basis.
     
    The characters display heroism and virtue in unconventional and wily ways. As such, the book keeps with the rest of Hawkins’ oeuvre of Civil War stories from a Confederate perspective. Although deferential, Patrick’s wife works hard to ensure her children aren’t taken advantage of by her boss (also their landlady). Patrick looks up to his mentor, Silas, but Silas is not entirely admirable. Sick and unwilling to get help, he unpredictably enters the bar where Patrick works when not mining. He doesn’t get around to telling Patrick all the secrets he promises to reveal. The promise Patrick makes Silas on his deathbed puts Patrick in a bind. The expense of keeping his word to Silas is keeping a secret from his wife. Knowing the law is not always on their side and that danger lurks, Patrick and his wife keep guns handy. The characters define a new kind of exciting and thought-provoking convention, taking the rules into their own hands.
     
    In a twist, Patrick learns after Silas dies that maybe his friend wasn’t exactly who he said he was. As the title implies, this is a humorous tale. However, Patrick isn’t the butt of the joke. For example, he can laugh at how Silas uses him to get revenge because Patrick also benefits. The fool goes unnamed, an inside joke the reader and Patrick understand. As historical fiction, this book is an insight into the specific hardships, landscape, and inequalities of the Wild West and carries a timeless message. Research about dress, culture, and morays courtesy of Colorado historical organizations is evident and acknowledged. Each chapter begins with a quote about gold mining as a metaphor, suggesting that the story is a parable whose message is both comic and a nugget of wisdom.
     
    RECOMMENDED by the US Review
     
    Review by Mari Carlson

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

  • Fool’s Gold Folly Featured on BookGoodies

    My new novella, Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience, is being featured now on BookGoodies. The book tells the story of one of the minor characters in the Renegade Series, Patrick Mulligan, and how he and his family travel west to Colorado Territory in search of gold. Here is the link and a portion of the post so you can check out the page:

    FEATURED: Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience by J.D.R. Hawkins

    I also wanted to remind you that the book trailer has just come out. Watch it again!

    Please like and share!

    You can also like and follow me on the following social media outlets:

    https://www.facebook.com/jdrhawkins/?ref=hl

    https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1238370.J_D_R_Hawkins

    https://www.instagram.com/jdrhawkins/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdrhawkins/

    https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FJDRHawkins

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC12gW5kbv5FLDH6Qxd9duzw

    As always, thank you so much for all your support!

  • See the New Book Trailer for Fool’s Gold Folly!

    My new book, Fool’s Gold Folly, now has a book trailer! I’ve posted the link below. Please watch it and tell me what you think!

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xexci30d23ky0je63b88k/Fool-s-Gold-Folly-Book-Trailer-v2.mp4?rlkey=e0w1dfkjvqz5hf3jph5v4d3i8&dl=0

    I also wanted to let you know that this book is being featured on AllAuthor. Here is the link for that page:

    Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience (The Renegade Series) by J.D.R. Hawkins

    As always, thank you so much for your support! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it!

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

  • New Review from Hollywood Book Reviews for Fool’s Gold Folly

    I recently received another review for my new book, Fool’s Gold Folly. The novella is a side story to go along with the Renegade Series, and tells the story of one of the minor characters in the series, Patrick Mulligan. Patrick decides to take his family to Colorado Territory following the Civil War in pursuit of gold and experiences many adventures along the way. Thank you very much, Jason Lulos, for your awesome review!

    And in other news, it isn’t too late to enter for your chance to win an eBook copy of Fool’s Gold Folly from Goodreads! Here is the link:

    https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/411896

    And here is the review:

    “A simple, lovely story which almost reads like a fairy tale.”

    – Hollywood Book Reviews

    Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience is a charming tale depicting the trials and tribulations of an immigrant’s experience in the American West during the years following the American Civil War. It has qualities of realism, and, with a good bit of wholesome morality, it is a story which could certainly be described as a fable. Set amidst the Colorado Gold Rush, it felt like a western with settings in mining towns and saloons. The plight of the immigrant pursuing the American Dream is the theme driving the plot. But the story is much more of a morality tale about perseverance, honesty, and hope.

    Patrick Mulligan and his wife, Briana, are both from County Donegal, Ireland. Though they did not know each other in the old country, they met after emigrating to the states in the 1850’s. After marrying in Pennsylvania, they moved to Denver City and then to Breckenridge to try pursuing their fortunes in the famed gold rush. They simply need to get there and stake their claim. Along with their children, Keegan and Kathleen, and their faithful dog, Shannon, they meet plenty of obstacles. “No Irish Need Apply” is a common phrase to them, making it difficult to obtain employment and lodging. But they are resilient. Despite all the hardships of intolerance and frontier life, their optimism never wanes. They inevitably find help along the way, largely from fellow Irish immigrants. During their journey from Denver City to hopes of finding gold in Breckenridge, they meet many widows, and a wise, sick old man named Silas Garvey. Encountering such people only makes them more grateful for what they have with each other, little though it may be.

    This story is peppered with time-tested bits of wisdom that accompany each setback and success. Such is the nature of a good fable. At around 90 pages, this is a short read. Yet it is full of positive messages giving some depth to this moral novella. The book is well written, and its minimalism is poignant: no words wasted. It’s a simple, lovely story which almost reads like a fairy tale. It’s a story about hope despite intolerance and cultural and physical deterrents. It reframes the notion of the American Dream from the pursuit of wealth to a journey of being grateful for more important things: family, love, and the simple life.

    Fool’s Gold Folly is a heartwarming story that will appeal to all readers looking for a bit of fabled positivity, it is a nice escape and quite easy to read in one sitting.

    Reviewed by Jason Lulos

  • New Review for Fool’s Gold Folly from Readers’ Favorite

    Last week, I received this awesome review from Readers’ Favorite for my new book, Fool’s Gold Folly. The novella tells the story of Patrick Mulligan, an Irish immigrant who decides to try his luck at striking it rich during the gold rush to Colorado Territory in 1869. This book goes along with the Renegade Series. Thank you so much, Readers’ Favorite, for your awesome review!

    Reviewed by Erick Ramos for Readers’ Favorite

    Fool’s Gold Folly: The Renegade Series by J. D. R. Hawkins is about Patrick Mulligan and his family. They were Irish immigrants and had moved from Pennsylvania to Denver City, Colorado, in search of a better life. Sadly, they were met with the hostility of anti-Irish prejudice: “No Irish Need Apply.” These circumstances made it difficult for them to make a living or get better jobs. Luckily, they met a kind Irish widow, Mrs. O’Neill, who helped them with accommodation and guided them in getting jobs. They eventually find their way to Breckenridge with a group of people hoping to find gold. Patrick gets close to his fellow travelers, and they begin to build a life with hard work, labor, and hope. Would Patrick be lucky enough to find gold? Read Fool’s Gold Folly to find out.

    Fool’s Gold Folly takes place after the American Civil War, a time when Irish immigrants faced discrimination and struggled to get employment. This made life difficult, and they had to work harder to make a living. The flow of the book was perfect, and kept me engaged in Patrick’s journey, which was mainly about survival, perseverance, and living a fulfilling life. The conversations felt natural and touched on different cultures. Some aspects were challenging on their journey, like when they were confronted by Indians and the gold claims. I like Patrick the most; he is a family man, and his humility stood out. He took on jobs that could be considered low-level, such as mucking out stalls, to care for his loving and supportive wife, Briana. I loved reading about Mr. Gallagher, Mrs. O’Neill, and Silas because of the support they gave the Mulligans in terms of accommodation, guidance, and jobs. Fool’s Gold Folly explores themes of resilience, family, hope, determination, and more. The use of the Irish dialect helped me connect with the story and made it unique. Fool’s Gold Folly offers an authentic plot, historical facts, and educational value.

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