Tag: historical

  • More Reviews for Fool’s Gold Folly

    I took a look today and saw that there are a few more reviews for my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly, so I thought I would share them with you. This novella accompanies the Renegade Series and tells the story of one of the minor characters, Patrick Mulligan. Patrick is an Irish immigrant who decides to take his family to Colorado Territory after the Civil War in search of gold. But what he finds there is far more valuable than riches. Thank you so much, Daina, Diane, Daniel, Taylor, and Chris for your awesome reviews!

    Daina

    July 22, 2026

    Such a good read!! I loved the dynamic between Patrick and old Silas. Hawkins writes frontier life so well, you can practically smell the cold mountain air. Highly recommend if you like historical fiction.

    Diane Sundstrom

    July 27, 2026

    Really appreciated how this book shows that “making it” isn’t just about striking gold, it’s about family and integrity. It’s a fast read, but the theme hits home. Definitely makes me want to dive into the rest of the author’s books.

    Daniel Hurst

    August 17, 2026

    What I liked most is that the gold is almost secondary. The real story is about ambition, loyalty, family, survival, and what people are willing to sacrifice for a better life. That gave the book much more depth than I expected.

    Taylor Duran

    August 17, 2026

    “I would love an audiobook in French”

    This would be a wonderful book to experience as an audiobook, especially in French. The historical setting and dramatic events seem perfectly suited to narration. I would definitely be interested if a French audiobook version becomes available.

    (Note from the author: this book is available as an audiobook.)

    Chris Evans

    August 17, 2026

    The theme of resilience really stood out to me. Patrick leaves behind what is familiar and enters a dangerous new world because he wants something better for himself and his family. His determination gives the story its heart.

    Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience (The Renegade Series): Hawkins, JDR: 9798249986124: Amazon.com: Books

  • Official Book Trailer for A Beckoning Hellfire

    My novel, A Beckoning Hellfire, has a brand-new book trailer! This trailer represents the second book in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of several families during the Civil War and how their lives intertwine. Once again, here’s a special shout out to my super talented son, Jesse, for constructing this trailer! Please drop me a line and let me know what you think of it! Thanks again for your continued support!

    Official Book Trailer for A Beckoning Hellfire

    Amazon.com: A Beckoning Hellfire: A Novel of the Civil War (The Renegade Series): 9781648030772: Hawkins, J.D.R.: 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