J.D.R. Hawkins

Tag: fiction

  • 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

  • New Release!

    My new novel, Fool’s Gold Folly, has just been published on Amazon! This book tells the story of one of the minor characters in the Renegade Series, Patrick Mulligan. His story unfolds after Patrick leaves Pennsylvania with his family in 1869 and travels to Colorado Territory. Here is the back cover blurb:

    It has been four years since the Civil War ended, and westward expansion seems imminent. Thirsty for adventure, Patrick Mulligan, a young Irish immigrant, learns of gold being discovered in Colorado Territory, so he moves his family from Pennsylvania farmland to the wilderness. Gold lust lures him to the small town of Breckenridge, where he befriends several Irish immigrants and miners. One man in particular, Silas Garvey, strikes Patrick’s fancy and the two become fast friends. But Silas has a dark secret and is doomed due to chronic illness. Although Patrick adores the old man, he knows there is danger lurking about. Will Patrick’s golden opportunity materialize? And will his fantasy of striking it rich be fulfilled? Or will he fall victim to the threat that looms in the shadows?

    This book has already received several excellent reviews and has also received honorable mention at the 2025 Southwest Book Festival! It ties in with the Renegade Series in that the story takes place following book four, Double-Edged Sword. I’m very excited to announce my new book! Get your copy today!

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

  • In Honor of a Mule

    I’m a big fan of critters. Right now, I have downsized to two dachshunds and two kitties. I also love horses but could never own one because we lived in the city. Some of my favorite memories, though, are when my sister and I went to my aunt and uncle’s farm during the summer and went horseback riding with our cousins. In fact, I adore horses so much that I wrote a book about them, titled Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses. I felt like these magnificent beasts deserved to have their stories told rather than having them lost to history. I also love hearing about the pets that soldiers had during the Civil War. I’ll be sharing more stories about them in upcoming posts.

    Meanwhile, I wanted to share this story about a mule who dutifully served with the 104 Ohio Volunteers, named May Me. She was so special that they have honored her with a statue!

    Lt. Adam J. Weaver, 104th Ohio Volunteer, wrote to his wife between November 26 and the early morning of November 30, 1864, asking her to mark locations, times, and dates on a map he had sent earlier. He described the 6th Ohio placing a two-gun battery “pulled by mules, trained to lie down in action.” The lead mule, May Me, wore an old felt hat with holes cut for her ears.

    In commemoration of this unique historical detail, the Battle of Franklin Trust has commissioned a life-sized bronze of May Me, the 6th Ohio Light Artillery’s leader mule.

    With approval from the City of Franklin Arts Council, May Me will be placed in Carter Hill Park’s artillery display, enriching the site’s historical interpretation. Lieutenant Weaver’s account highlights the role of a single mule much like that of a soldier, offering a rare glimpse into the significance of animals in war. This documented detail from Franklin also invites exploration of battles like Stones River (December 31, 1862–January 2, 1863), where thousands of horses and mules perished.

    If you would like to donate to the May Me the Mule project, gifts may be directed to The Battle of Franklin Trust, 1345 Eastern Flank Circle, Franklin, TN 37064. or online at https://boft.org/battlefield-reclamation.

    (Article courtesy of Blue and Gray Education Society)

    Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses: Hawkins, J. D. R.: 9781455623273: 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.