Last week, I received a wonderful review from Kirkus Reviews for my novella, Fool’s Gold Folly. This book accompanies the Renegade Series and tells the story of one of the minor characters, Patrick Mulligan. Thank you so much, Kirkus Reviews, for your awesome review!
Despite the hardships and disappointments, the Mulligans never give up hope.
In 1869, an Irish immigrant couple move to Colorado with hopes of making their fortune in gold. Hawkins’ novel centers on Patrick Mulligan, his wife of two years, Briana, and the widowed Briana’s two children from a previous marriage (10-year-old Keegan and 8-year-old Kathleen).
As the novel opens, this Irish immigrant family is staying at a small hotel in Denver while patriarch Patrick looks for a job. They’ve recently arrived from Pennsylvania, and their hotel room is paid up only until the end of the week. But, as readers soon find out, bigotry against the Irish is keeping him from finding employment. They get by for the next few weeks until it’s time to move west to the town of Breckenridge, where Patrick stakes his claim for a parcel of land. Briana is offered a job as housekeeper for the widow Mrs. Tydings, in exchange for room and board for the family. Mrs. Tydings seems sweet at the beginning, but she is a harsh taskmistress, even putting the children to work. Meanwhile, Patrick secures a job tending bar. Every day he toils in his search for gold and then returns to work in the evening, serving drinks to customers. It’s a tough existence, but despite the hardships and disappointments, the Mulligans never give up hope. Patrick at one point befriends Silas Garvey, an elderly former prospector who’s dying from consumption, and the friendship leads to a pivotal turning point in Patrick’s life.
Hawkins’ gentle novella ambles along at a moderate pace, perked up with a bit of adventure: There’s a raucous bar fight and a dangerous standoff when Patrick must defend his family against “Runnin’ Wolf,” a renegade Native American. Simple prose, lavishly sprinkled with an Irish lilt, conveys bittersweet remembrances from the old country. The descriptions of the heat, dust, and back-breaking work of mining are evocative of the best tales of the Old West. Silas turns out to be a wily old-timer with a couple of surprises up his sleeve, giving the narrative a bit of a concluding twist through which Patrick learns the real meaning of a “rich” life.
A pleasant enough read … a bonanza of literary riches.
I have several things I’d like to share with you. First of all, my novellla, A Becharmed Callie Christmas, has climbed to number 12 on Goodreads Listopia rankings. This is such exciting news! Here is the link for you to check out:
The book was originally listed at number 476 but climbed all the way up to number twelve. Here’s special thanks to my assistant, Marla P., for making it happen!
Second, the A+ content on my Amazon has all been updated, and it looks amazing! I’d like to give a special shout out to my assistant, Olivia W., for assisting me with this. Here is the link so you can see it for yourself!
A few weeks ago, I was invited to record a podcast with Books4Guys reading group. This is an amazing organization that strives to get men and boys to read more. I was more than happy to participate. Below is the manuscript, as well as the links for the podcast. I hope you enjoy it!
Chris sits down with historical fiction author J.D.R. Hawkins to discuss the Civil War, historical storytelling, writing fiction inspired by real events, the Victorian era, research, creativity, publishing, and the inspiration behind her popular Renegade Series.
J.D.R. Hawkins shares her fascinating journey from growing up fascinated by history and storytelling to becoming one of the few female authors writing Civil War fiction from the Southern perspective. The conversation dives deep into American history, historical research, battlefield experiences, family history, creativity, and the process of building a long running historical fiction series.
Throughout the episode, J.D.R. discusses: • Her fascination with the Victorian era and Civil War history • Visiting Gettysburg for the first time • Why she chose to write from the Southern perspective • The inspiration behind the Renegade Series • Historical misconceptions surrounding the Civil War • The role of family, economics, and regional conflict during the war • Researching cavalry units, battlefields, and historical events • How her characters and storylines evolved naturally over time • Writing historical fiction that balances education and entertainment • Why readers connect emotionally with family sagas and historical stories
Chris and J.D.R. also explore: • The emotional realities of war and division • Historical fiction versus traditional history books • The challenge of writing Civil War fiction as a female author • The importance of storytelling in preserving history • The publishing process and building a multi book series • Creativity, songwriting, and artistic expression • The connection between reading, writing, and imagination
One of the most interesting moments of the episode comes when J.D.R. explains how visiting Gettysburg completely changed her understanding of the Civil War and inspired her to begin writing stories that explored perspectives and experiences she felt were often overlooked in traditional education.
Books discussed during the episode include: • The Renegade Series • Gone With the Wind • Animal Farm • The Outsiders • Old Yeller • The Yearling
If you are interested in books, American history, historical fiction, Civil War history, writing, storytelling, publishing, creativity, leadership, or learning how fiction can help bring history to life, this episode is packed with fascinating insight and conversation.
Subscribe to Books4Guys for conversations focused on books, storytelling, leadership, history, entrepreneurship, mindset, creativity, personal growth, and helping people become better readers, thinkers, leaders, and professionals.
I was recently featured in an article published by Park Magazine NY. This is very flattering and I can’t express enough how much I appreciate it. Thank you so much, Brian Meyer, for your feature!
Tracing lives, loyalties, and legacies through immersive Civil War storytelling
In the evolving world of literature, historical fiction has undergone a quiet transformation. No longer confined to retelling well-known events, modern writers approach history as something fluid, layered, and deeply personal. These authors reconstruct the past not just through dates and documents, but through voices that feel intimate and immediate. Their stories breathe life into forgotten corners of history, offering perspectives that challenge, expand, and sometimes complicate traditional narratives.
This new wave of storytelling has inspired both readers and writers alike, encouraging a deeper emotional connection to history. It has also opened the door for voices willing to explore viewpoints that are less commonly represented. Among these voices is J.D.R. Hawkins, a writer whose work stands out for its immersive detail and its focus on the human experience during the American Civil War. Through her novels, Hawkins contributes to a broader literary movement that seeks not only to remember history, but to understand it.
J.D.R. Hawkins’ path to becoming a novelist was shaped by a gradual and deliberate journey through the written word. Like many writers, she began modestly, crafting short stories, articles, and children’s books. These early works served as a training ground, allowing her to develop a narrative voice that would later define her longer fiction.
Her early writing reflects a curiosity about people and their experiences, a trait that would become central to her later work. Over time, Hawkins moved toward more expansive storytelling, drawn by a desire to explore history through the lens of individual lives. This transition marked the beginning of her evolution into a historical fiction author.
Hawkins found her creative focus in one of the most defining periods in American history, the Civil War. Rather than approaching the era from a distant or purely analytical perspective, she chose to center her stories on the lived experiences of individuals navigating its upheaval. Her work often reflects a Southern viewpoint, and she has become recognized as one of the relatively few female authors writing from a Confederate perspective.
This choice distinguishes her within the genre. By exploring narratives that are less frequently told, Hawkins adds depth to the literary conversation surrounding the Civil War. Her stories do not attempt to simplify history, but instead present it as complex and multifaceted, shaped by personal choices, loyalties, and circumstances.
The Renegade Series and Literary Breakthrough
At the heart of Hawkins’ literary career lies the Renegade Series, a collection of novels that follows a Confederate cavalryman and his family through the trials of war and its aftermath. The series serves as both a sweeping historical narrative and an intimate family saga, capturing the emotional and physical toll of conflict.
The series begins with A Beautiful Glittering Lie, a novel that introduces readers to a world on the brink of transformation. The story reflects the optimism and uncertainty that characterized the early days of the war, gradually revealing the harsh realities that follow. Its success marked a turning point in Hawkins’ career, establishing her as a significant voice in historical fiction.
Subsequent installments, including A Beckoning Hellfire, A Rebel Among Us, and Double-Edged Sword, expand the narrative, exploring not only the progression of the war but also the challenges of Reconstruction. Together, these works create a layered and continuous story that traces the enduring impact of the conflict on individuals and families.
Critical Recognition and Awards
Hawkins’ work has received consistent recognition within the historical fiction community. Her novels have earned multiple honors, reflecting both their literary merit and their resonance with readers.
A Beautiful Glittering Lie received the John Esten Cooke Fiction Award as well as the B.R.A.G Medallion. A Rebel Among Us also earned the John Esten Cooke Fiction Award and a B.R.A.G Medallion, while A Beckoning Hellfire and Double-Edged Sword were similarly recognized with B.R.A.G Medallions. The latter also received the John Esten Cooke Fiction Award, reinforcing Hawkins’ reputation for producing consistently acclaimed work.
In addition to these honors, her books have achieved bestseller status on major platforms, including Amazon, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal, further demonstrating their broad appeal.
While the Renegade Series remains central to her body of work, Hawkins has demonstrated versatility through a range of other projects. Her nonfiction book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses, explores a lesser-known aspect of the Civil War, focusing on the crucial role horses played in military strategy and daily operations.
She has also written A Becharmed Callie Christmas, a short story connected to the Renegade Series. This work offers a more intimate and seasonal perspective, blending the hardships of war with moments of warmth and reflection.
In a departure from historical fiction, Hawkins authored a chapter in the anthology Success Mindsets: How Top Entrepreneurs Succeed in Business and Life, a book that reflects her interest in personal development and contemporary themes. This shift highlights her ability to engage with different genres while maintaining a clear and accessible writing style.
In 2025, Hawkins expanded her storytelling beyond the American South with the publication of Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience. Released on March 17, the novel explores themes of endurance, identity, and cultural heritage within an Irish context.
This work represents a significant step in her career, demonstrating her willingness to explore new historical settings while retaining her focus on character-driven narratives. It also signals a broader creative direction, suggesting that her interest in history extends beyond a single era or region.
Hawkins’ contributions to literature are complemented by her active involvement in the writing community. She is a member of several organizations that support writers and promote literary engagement, including the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the International Women’s Writing Guild, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, and Pikes Peak Writers. She is also associated with the Historical Novel Society.
These affiliations reflect her commitment not only to her own work but also to the broader literary community. Through these networks, she engages with other writers, contributes to discussions about the craft, and remains connected to ongoing developments within the genre.
Style, Themes, and Historical Perspective
Hawkins’ writing is distinguished by its combination of detailed research and emotional depth. Her narratives are grounded in historical accuracy, yet they remain accessible and engaging, driven by strong character development and a clear sense of place.
A defining feature of her work is its focus on personal experience within larger historical events. Rather than emphasizing grand strategy or political discourse, she centers her stories on individuals and families, allowing readers to connect with history on a human level. Her exploration of Southern perspectives during the Civil War adds another layer of complexity, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the period.
As historical fiction continues to evolve, J.D.R. Hawkins occupies a distinct place within the genre. Her work reflects a broader shift toward storytelling that values perspective, empathy, and narrative depth. By focusing on the human dimensions of history, she invites readers to engage with the past in a meaningful and reflective way.
Brian Meyer
brianmeyer.com@gmail.com An SEO expert & outreach specialist having vast experience of three years in the search engine optimization industry. He Assisted various agencies and businesses by enhancing their online visibility. He works on niches i.e. Marketing, business, finance, fashion, news, technology, lifestyle etc. He is eager to collaborate with businesses and agencies; by utilizing his knowledge and skills to make them appear online & make them profitable.
We have been working diligently to get more visibility for my books on various platforms. One project we’ve been working on is creating A+ content for Amazon with the Renegade Series. Here is what we have so far. Please don’t hesitate to let me know what you think. Thanks so much!
A+ CONTENT PREVIEW
The Renegade Series
J.D.R. Hawkins Civil War Historical Fiction
“A story about a family, a war, and the unbearable cost of both.”
The Renegade Series The war stories you’ve read told one side. This one tells the other. J.D.R. Hawkins is one of the very few female authors to write the Civil War from the Confederate front lines — bringing that world to life with unflinching honesty and extraordinary emotional depth. At the heart of the series is David Summers — eighteen years old, from a quiet farm in north Alabama. He owns no slaves. He has no political convictions. He only dreams of going out West. But when war reaches his family’s doorstep, he is forced to grow up in the most brutal way imaginable.
■ Amazon · USA Today · Wall Street Journal Bestseller ■ Multiple John Esten Cooke Fiction Award Winners ■ B.R.A.G. Medallion — All Four Books
FOUR REASONS WHY READERS CHOOSE THIS SERIES
A Rarely Told Perspective Most Civil War novels tell the Union story. J.D.R. Hawkins goes to the other side — not to glorify, but to humanise. David Summers is not a symbol. He is a boy. That distinction changes everything.
A Family Saga at Its Core The Renegade Series is, above all, a story about what war does to a family. The waiting. The letters. The losses. The silences. Readers who love character-driven historical fiction will be completely absorbed.
Award-Winning Historical Accuracy Multiple John Esten Cooke Fiction Award winners. B.R.A.G. Medallion across all four books. Amazon, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller. The accolades reflect what readers already know.
Four Complete Novels From enlistment to Reconstruction — the full arc of the Civil War era across four richly layered novels. Start with Book 1 and you will not stop. This is the series that gets under your skin.
MEET THE HEART OF THE STORY David Summers & Jake Kimball North Alabama · April 1863 · Confederate Volunteers They didn’t want a war. They got one anyway. David Summers is tall with shoulder length brown hair. His best friend Jake Kimball stands beside him with collar length dark brown hair. Together they are just two Southern boys from Alabama with dreams bigger than their small town. They enlist together in April 1863. They march into a war that will demand everything — their innocence, their friendship, and the futures they had barely begun to imagine. Two boys. One war. A bond that nothing — not even history — could break.
THE COMPLETE SERIES — READING ORDER
1 A Beautiful Glittering Lie A boy enlists. A family fractures. The war begins. ■ John Esten Cooke Award ■ B.R.A.G. Medallion
2 A Beckoning Hellfire His father dies at Fredericksburg. David marches — this time for revenge. ■ Amazon Bestseller ■ B.R.A.G. Medallion
3 A Rebel Among Us Survival demands impossible choices. No one walks away unchanged. ■ John Esten Cooke Award ■ B.R.A.G. Medallion
4 Double-Edged Sword The war ends. The wounds don’t. David comes home to a world he no longer recognizes. ■ John Esten Cooke Award ■ B.R.A.G. Medallion
THE AUTHOR BEHIND THE SERIES
About J.D.R. Hawkins J.D.R. Hawkins is one of a rare few female authors writing the American Civil War from the Confederate perspective — bringing the front lines to life with a depth of research, empathy, and storytelling craft that has earned her some of the genre’s highest honors. An Amazon, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, her Renegade Series has won multiple John Esten Cooke Fiction Award winners and B.R.A.G. Medallions across all four books. Her inspiration came from a visit to the Gettysburg battlefield — and a burning question: what would drive an ordinary young man, with no stake in politics, to pick up a rifle and march into one of history’s most devastating wars? ■ Amazon · USA Today · WSJ Bestseller ■ John Esten Cooke Fiction Award Winners × 3 ■ B.R.A.G. Medallion × 4
My novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, is being featured this week on BookSignal Studio. This book is the first one in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of a family from north Alabama and how the Civil War impacts them. BookSignal Studio gives authors the opportunity to share their books with readers who might not otherwise see them.
According to their website… “BookSignal Studio was built for one reason: to help good books get seen.
“Too many strong books stay hidden, not because they lack quality, but because the right readers never come across them. In today’s market, visibility matters just as much as the writing itself.
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“We work with independent authors to improve how their books are presented, positioned, and discovered. From better feature placement to stronger book visibility and reader reach, our focus is simple: helping your book get in front of the people most likely to read it.
“We are not a publisher, and we do not take royalties or ownership of your work.
“What we offer is direct book visibility support through strategic placements, stronger positioning, and promotion built around reader attention.
“Since 2023, we’ve helped over 500 independent authors improve their book visibility, strengthen reader reach, and build better momentum around their books across multiple genres.
“At BookSignal Studio, we believe a great book deserves more than being published. It deserves to be discovered.”
“We have chosen you as one of our best authors for 2025. This is based on the quality of your book collection. Out of thousands of writers on platforms, your work caught the attention of our editorial team.”
Thank you so much for featuring my book on BookSignal Studio!
I was checking out my Goodreads listings recently (which I need to do more often, I’ll admit) and saw that my novel, A Rebel Among Us, has several new five-star reviews, so I wanted to share them with you. The book is the third one in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of several families and how their lives become entwined during the Civil War. I’m proud to say that this book has received several awards and is an Amazon #1 bestseller. Here are the reviews. Thank you so much, Ella Alex, Freja, Vesper Hollings, David Scott, and Jamie Smith for your five-star ratings!
A Rebel Among Us is a powerful and emotional continuation of the series. J.D.R. Hawkins does an incredible job bringing the characters to life, making their struggles, courage, and resilience feel very real. What stood out most to me was the depth of emotion woven into the story. The historical setting feels vivid, and the tension keeps you turning pages. There’s a strong sense of conflict, loyalty, and survival that makes the story both engaging and thought-provoking. Even as part of a series, this book holds its own and leaves a lasting impression. I’d definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong characters and meaningful storytelling.
An intense and captivating historical read! David’s struggles, tough choices, and unexpected romance kept me turning the pages. The characters feel real, the tension is high, and the story brilliantly captures the chaos and emotion of the era. Highly engaging.
Some chapters physically hurt to read. This isn’t a fluffy story it deals with death, war wounds, abandonment, and betrayal. But the emotional payoff is huge. I cried more than once.
David starts the book as a soldier with pride and blind loyalty. As he heals, he becomes a young man grappling with identity, trauma, and love. His character arc is one of the strongest I’ve read in the genre. This isn’t just romance it’s evolution.
Maggie, Abigail, and Claudia aren’t just background characters – they shape the entire story. Maggie’s suspicion, Abigail’s practicality, Claudia’s innocence…they all add tension, humor, and warmth. It felt like stepping into a real household during wartime.
I’ll have to be honest: I really do need to check on Goodreads more often. After looking at the website today, I saw that there are several new five-star reviews for one of my novels, A Rebel Among Us. This is the third book in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of several families whose lives become entwined during the American Civil War. I am so flattered by the reviews that I want to share some of them with you. Thank so much, Aurora, Lucas, Linda, David, and Anne, for your raving five-star reviews!
I went into A Rebel Among Us expecting another war-heavy historical novel, but what caught me off guard was the tenderness. The opening scene in the barn, where Anna discovers David bleeding out after Gettysburg, pulled me in instantly. It didn’t feel rushed or over dramatized it felt painfully real, like stumbling upon a stranger on the edge of death and being forced to decide between duty and compassion. What I loved most was the slow burn. The author doesn’t push romance on us; instead, we earn it through quiet moments mending wounds, shared fears, social tension, and that feeling of forbidden affection growing under impossible circumstances. The moral struggle Anna faces protecting an enemy soldier under her roof was so human. If you like historical fiction with depth, romance with restraint, and characters that feel painfully real, this is the book.
I’m picky about Civil War fiction because so many novels either romanticize the era or distort history. This one does neither. The detail from dialect to battlefield aftermath, to the tension between North and South at the domestic level is incredibly grounded. David’s identity as a Confederate soldier isn’t washed clean; he grapples with loyalty, ego, trauma, and grief. Anna’s side is portrayed with just as much nuance she’s not some angelic northern heroine, she has doubts, frustrations, pride, and her own moral conflicts. This book respects the time period while still delivering a compelling personal story. It felt researched, not imagined.
What impressed me most was how the book never treats the Civil War as a backdrop it treats it as a wound. Every decision David and Anna make is shaped by loss, exhaustion, fear, and loyalty. The book constantly asks: What happens when war stops being patriotic and becomes personal? David isn’t just a soldier; he’s a young man forced to grow up too fast. Anna isn’t just a caretaker; she’s someone holding together a family in a world falling apart. Their connection felt raw and unpolished in the best way. This book hurt in the way good historical fiction should.
What struck me most about this book wasn’t just the dramatic moments it was the quiet ones. The scenes where no one speaks, where Anna watches David sleep, or where he looks out across unfamiliar northern farmland wondering who he is now… those stayed with me. The author understands that history doesn’t just happen in battles it happens in pauses, hesitations, and stolen glances. This book captures that beautifully.
I grew up thinking of the Civil War in terms of battles and presidents. This story shifted my perspective completely. I never thought about what it was like for families who were far from the frontlines but still living with the war at their doorstep. The book highlights how ordinary women held households together while dealing with grief, fear, and moral choices. It felt personal and eye-opening. I learned as much as I felt.
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.
J.D.R. Hawkins 