I received another five-star review for my novel, A Rebel Among Us, that I wanted to share with you. This book is the third one in the Renegade Series and tells the story of a young cavalryman from Alabama who finds himself abandoned by his Confederate comrades following the Battle of Gettysburg. The story gets more complicated from there! Thank you, Megan, for your awesome review!
Megan Abbott’s Reviews > A Rebel Among Us
My rating: Five Stars
It Was Amazing
A Rebel Among Us (Renegade #3)
by J.D.R. Hawkins (Goodreads Author)
Megan Abbott‘s review
Aug 30, 2026
A Rebel Among Us pulled me in with its combination of Civil War history, suspense, and personal conflict. David Summers is a compelling character, especially as he comes face-to-face with the brutal reality of war and begins questioning the beliefs that brought him into the Confederate army in the first place.
I really enjoyed the tension surrounding David’s situation after Gettysburg. Wounded, vulnerable, and far from home, he suddenly finds himself depending on three sisters who have their own motives and secrets. Anna’s proposition puts him in an incredibly difficult position, and I could understand why he struggled with what to do. His decision isn’t simply about survival, it forces him to confront his loyalty, his principles, and the reasons he went to war.
The historical setting feels vivid, and the story does a good job showing the human cost of conflict rather than treating the Civil War as nothing more than battles and military strategy. I especially liked the moral gray areas, because there are no easy answers for David.
The pacing kept me turning the pages, and Renegade’s role in getting David to safety adds a memorable touch to the story. This is a great choice for readers who enjoy historical fiction with suspense, romance, and characters forced to make choices where every option comes with consequences.
I also wanted to tell you that another one of my books, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, is climbing up the Listopia charts on Goodreads. This is the first book in the Renegade Series. Please vote for my book! I would greatly appreciate it!
Again, thank you so much for your support!
J.D.R. Hawkins 