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!
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!
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.
I wanted to let you know that I sent the wrong link for the giveaway yesterday. Here is the correct link: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/411896
The giveaway is for a free eBook and runs from April 25 through May 8. Best of luck!
Also, I just wanted to mention again that the book is now available on Audible! Thank you so much for your support!
I can’t tell you how stoked I am to be receiving such amazing reviews for my new novella, Fool’s Gold Folly! This is a side story to go along with the Renegade Series, and tells the story of Patrick Mulligan, an Irish immigrant who travels west to Colorado after the Civil War in search of gold. Thank you so much, Kenika Peach, quirru, Grace Eliot, and Jeyran M for your wonderful reviews!
And in other news, I am holding a giveaway for Fool’s Gold Folly on Goodreads, so hop on over and enter the contest to win your eBook copy of the book! The giveaway signup is from April 25 through May 8. Good luck!
Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience by J.D.R. Hawkins | Goodreads
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2025
This is a great short mining story based around all the mining going on in Colorado back in the 1800’s! Readers get the chance to follow Patrick and his family moving all the way to Breckenridge, Co to hopefully find some gold with all the mining going on in Colorado at the time. While trying to find some gold, Patrick also get the chance to meet and work with some other Irish Immigrants that are similar to Patrick while having the same goal in mind with finding gold! One Irish person in particular that helps Patrick out with finding gold is a man named Silas! Silas helps Patrick with trying to find gold with the limited time he has left on earth, and readers also get the chance to learn a dark secret about Silas adding some intrigue to the story! With the way the story ends, readers may not like the end with trying to find gold, but that is the case sometimes with finding gold or life in general, and it makes a great life lesson as well. If this story were to continue, hopefully Patrick will be able to find more gold one day and maybe a spot Silas was talking about as well! Another intriguing thing about this story too is people get the chance to read what Breckenridge was probably like during the 1800’s before it turned into a ski destination like it is today!
A fictionalized view of Irish history and culture
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2025
Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience (The Renegade Series) by JDR Hawkins
Historical novel of resilience and courage. Set in the 19th century, the main character moves to a gold-mining town hoping to strike it rich. Evan experiences the adventures and dangers that lie in wait for him, and how, through resilience and courage, he manages to achieve certain things. The novel speaks volumes about the culture of Ireland and the community itself during this time. It’s an interesting read.
Captivating and emotionally charged
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2025
This is an engaging and gritty historical novel that captures the essence of perseverance and courage. I found it both captivating and emotionally charged. The characters are well-developed, and the story is rich with Irish history and culture, giving readers a deep dive into the struggles and resilience of the time. The author’s vivid writing brings the setting to life, making it easy to get lost in the world of the Renegade Series.
A heartfelt, atmospheric read that brings the spirit of the West to life.
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2025
Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, Fool’s Gold Folly is a gripping tale of hope, hardship, and Irish resilience. Patrick Mulligan’s pursuit of fortune in Colorado’s gold country is rich with adventure, friendship, and unexpected danger. J.D.R. Hawkins weaves history and emotion into a compelling story of dreams tested by harsh realities. A heartfelt, atmospheric read that brings the spirit of the West to life.
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!
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2025
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.
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2025
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.
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2025
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.
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2025
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.
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2025
“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.
Exciting News!
I’m thrilled to announce that my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience, has reached #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in Reconstruction History of the U.S.! 
And now, it’s available as an audiobook! 
Experience Patrick Mulligan’s gripping adventure in the rugged terrains of the Colorado Territory, brought vividly to life by professional narration.
Listen now on Amazon Audible: Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
Also Available!
My holiday-themed historical novel, A Becharmed Callie Christmas, is now available in audiobook format as well! Cozy up and immerse yourself in this heartwarming Civil War-era Christmas story.
Listen on Amazon Audible: Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
And in other news, I’m being featured on All Author Promotions. Check out my interview here:
Featured Author J.D.R. Hawkins – Awesome Book Promotion
Thank you for all your incredible support. Let’s keep the momentum going!
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.
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!
J.D.R. Hawkins 