J.D.R. Hawkins

Tag: historical fiction

  • 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

  • Fool’s Gold Folly Reaches #1 on Amazon

    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!

  • Fool’s Gold Folly Receives Wonderful Review from Pacific Book Review

    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.

    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

  • 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.

  • A Beautiful Glittering Lie Receives Another Five-Star Review

    My novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, has received another five-star review. This book is the first one in the Renegade Series and tells the story of a family from north Alabama, and how the Civil War impacts their lives. Thank you so much, M. Kaye, for your review!

    M.Kaye

    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good and worth reading despite a slow start.

    Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2025

    If you love authentic historical fiction, then J. Hawkins book will satisfy. The first book of the series explores the struggle of one family at the dawn of the civil war, detailing the rigors of maintaining the Homefront in the face of the missing Patriarch. It also examines David, son of the patriarch as he experiences coming of age while he grapples with the contradicting feelings of keeping his promise to his father and the family farm afloat or giving in to the rose-colored view of the war as an adventure and enlisting. While the first pages may prove difficult for some to get through as they detail a speech by Jefferson Davis, don’t let the first 7 pages deter you from this very worthwhile read.

    Amazon.com: A Beautiful Glittering Lie: A Novel of the Civil War (The Renegade Series): 9781643619941: Hawkins, J.D.R.: Books

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