J.D.R. Hawkins

Tag: nonfiction

  • New Review for Horses in Gray

    I received a new editorial review for my nonfiction book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses. As the title gives away, the book is about famous horses that served for the Confederacy, including Traveller, Little Sorrel, King Philip, and more. This editorial is very flattering, and I appreciate it very much. Thank you, Elise Morgan, for your outstanding review!

    “A Cinematic and Heart-Wrenching Masterwork of Equine History.”

    In the vast sea of Civil War literature, rarely does a book emerge that fundamentally changes how we perceive the conflict’s most loyal participants. J.D.R. Hawkins, a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, has achieved exactly that with Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses. This isn’t just a history book; it is a vivid, breathtaking resurrection of the silent spirits that galloped through the smoke of the 1860s.

    Hawkins, uniquely positioned as one of the few female voices expertly navigating the Confederate perspective, brings her award-winning narrative flair to this definitive non-fiction study. She moves beyond the cold statistics of war to explore the “second self” of the soldier—the horse. This long-awaited volume offers a staggering level of detail that will captivate historians and animal lovers alike.

    Inside this comprehensive legacy, Hawkins unveils:

    • The Legendary Portraits: Deeply researched biographical sketches of immortalized mounts such as Lee’s Traveller, Jackson’s Little Sorrel, and the thirty horses of Nathan Bedford Forrest, bringing their individual personalities and courage to light.
    • The Science of the Cavalry: A fascinating deep dive into the 19th-century equine husbandry and the strategic logic behind choosing specific breeds, temperaments, and colors for the rigors of the front lines.
    • The Grit of the Campaign: A sobering and necessary look at the harrowing realities of wartime veterinary care, the logistics of forage, and the heartbreaking life expectancy of these noble creatures under fire.
    • A Cultural Immortalization: An exploration of how these horses were acquired, how they were named, and the ways in which they have been etched into the American sociopolitical landscape.

    Documented with impeccable academic rigor and written with the emotional depth of a world-class novelist, Horses in Gray is a triumph of historical preservation. Hawkins has crafted a mind-blowing, eye-catching tribute that ensures these brave animals are never forgotten. This is, without question, the gold standard for equine military history.

    – Review by Elisa Morgan

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

  • New Book Trailer for Horses in Gray

    I’m very excited to announce that my nonfiction book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses, now has its own book trailer! I am so fortunate to have such talented family members who are willing to help me with the design, editing, and promotion of my books! Here is another trailer that my son, Jesse, created for me. He also did the book trailers for A Beautiful Glittering Lie:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcwxEsXAWVY

    and A Becharmed Callie Christmas:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNBz9G0UJH0

    Please check it out and let me know what you think! Thanks again, Jess, for all your help!

    Horses in Gray tells the story of several famous as well as not so famous horses that served under the Confederacy during the Civil War. These include, Traveller, Little Sorrel, Black Bess, Virginia, and King Philip, to name a few. Never before has there been such a comprehensive look at Confederate military horses in the Civil War and their lives before, during, and after battle. 

    https://www.amazon.com/Horses-Gray-Famous-Confederate-Warhorses/dp/145562327X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=EJXMD6WRUQR0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MUH_FWfpzYODG451Ki1B8uannJgD-nSA2gd6YaF6S6Sxz1h9Q1ZVSVftFbQC3RXIExUKNmJHXFZVW9O3vz_Xmew0BDHIdROERzP_wZVwxOxZarLfXHU7qtcY8h_LGURzx_jlulQL6c0zqCvK83WZclRVdFLG2TMWXGwJq2tUPtkf3mmYx3JLmj5gYT2XSUT3NkNV85nNUvSaGk87jJZKFhhVZ60NQ9pQqMKfG-INBSE.dfXEaVj0ShI-aUyP2-mSXWetdcXvTMs2lb694WWAgi8&dib_tag=se&keywords=horses+in+gray&qid=1774482786&sprefix=horses+in+gray%2Caps%2C317&sr=8-2

  • Featured in The Relatable Voice Magazine

    This month, I am one of the featured authors in The Relatable Voice Magazine. My story is a unique one, and I hope you will get a chance to read the article and tell me what you think! My story is on pages 22 and 23. Here is the link:

    https://www.relatable-media.com/

    I was also featured on their podcast! You can listen to the interview here:

    I had a lot of fun in the interview! It was a wonderful opportunity for me to discuss my books, as well as my writing process. Thank you again, Lucia and Relatable Voice, for featuring me this month!

    Home

  • Top News for the Week

    Four of my books, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, A Beckoning Hellfire, A Rebel Among Us, and Double-Edged Sword, are being featured in an article appearing on INSCMagazine. These are the first four books in the Renegade Series, which tell the story of a family from north Alabama and how the Civil War impacts them. Here is the link to that article:

    https://theinscribermag.com/j-d-r-hawkins-weaving-masterpieces-with-precision-passion-and-the-pulse-of-history/

    The article also mentions my nonfiction book, Horses In Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses.

    In other exciting news, my blog has been selected as one of the top fifteen Civil War book blogs by FeedSpot!

    https://bloggers.feedspot.com/civil_war_book_blogs/?feedid=5420607&_src=f2_featured_email

    I am also being featured in an article which appears on USAwire.com. Here is the link: https://usawire.com/the-beauty-of-writing-historical-fiction-the-excellence-of-j-d-r-hawkins/

    Stay tuned for more news coming up! I’ll be working on a couple of podcasts next week, as well as more articles and features. Thank you all so very much for your ongoing support!

    https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00B3WCX54/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=8024dc7b-878e-45a9-9624-49933d6b4226&ref_=ap_rdr

  • The Unsung Heroes of the Confederacy: A Tribute to Confederate Warhorses

    The Civil War was a time of unparalleled courage, sacrifice, and resilience. While much attention is given to the soldiers who fought bravely on the battlefield, it’s easy to overlook another group of heroes who played a crucial role in shaping history: the Confederate warhorses. These steadfast companions bore the weight of war—literally and figuratively—and their contributions were extraordinary.

    More Than Just Mounts
    Confederate warhorses were far more than a means of transportation. They were indispensable partners in battle, carrying their riders into the chaos of war and back again. These animals endured grueling conditions, including hunger, exhaustion, and injury, while remaining loyal to their masters. The bond between soldiers and their horses was deeply personal. Many soldiers regarded their steeds as extensions of themselves, trusting them for survival and emotional support during one of the most challenging periods in American history.

    “Horses in Gray”: A Legacy of Bravery
    The term “Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses” doesn’t just refer to their role in the Confederate army and highlights their loyalty and valor. These warhorses often demonstrated incredible intelligence and bravery, navigating battlefields filled with cannon fire and chaos.

    From leading cavalry charges to carrying messages across enemy lines, these horses were integral to the success of Confederate military operations. Without their unwavering service, many key battles might have ended differently.

    The Emotional Connection
    What set Confederate warhorses apart wasn’t just their physical endurance and the deep emotional connection they shared with their riders. Soldiers often spoke of their horses with affection, recounting tales of loyalty and trust.

    These animals weren’t seen as mere tools of war; they were companions who shared in the hardship and dangers of battle. For many, losing a horse was akin to losing a comrade. This bond underscored the unique relationship between humans and animals during adversity.

    Sacrifices on the Battlefield
    The sacrifices made by these horses were staggering. They carried soldiers through treacherous terrain, stood firm under fire, and often paid the ultimate price. Yet, despite the dangers, these animals remained steadfast, demonstrating a courage that rivaled that of the soldiers they served.

    It’s no wonder that the stories of “Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses” continue to resonate. These tales remind us of the sacrifices made by humans and the animals who stood beside them.

    Honoring Their Legacy
    Today, the contributions of Confederate warhorses serve as a poignant reminder of the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. Their stories highlight their vital role in one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.

    By remembering these unsung heroes, we honor their sacrifices and the resilience and bravery that defined their legacy. Whether leading the charge or providing a moment of solace amidst the chaos, Confederate warhorses truly earned their place in history.

    The next time you reflect on the Civil War, take a moment to consider the horses who gallantly carried their riders into the fray. Their loyalty, strength, and courage were as essential to the war effort as the soldiers they served, and their legacy lives on in the stories of Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses.

    For more information, check out my nonfiction book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses, available on my website, jdrhawkins.com and amazon.com.