I received several new five-star reviews on Goodreads for my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly. This novella tells the story about one of the minor characters in the Renegade Series, Patrick Mulligan. After the Civil War ends, Patrick takes his family from Pennsylvania farmland to Colorado Territory in search of gold. But what he finds there is something far more priceless. Thank you so much, Joanna, Jessica, and Swazo, for your flattering reviews!
Hawkins’ research shines on every page. From dusty mining towns to tense political landscapes, the settings feel immersive and alive. Her characters are equally vivid flawed, hopeful, and driven by both love and survival. The dialogue rings true, and the pacing keeps you turning pages while still giving space for emotional depth.
J.D.R. Hawkins once again proves her mastery of historical storytelling in Fool’s Gold Folly, the newest installment of The Renegade Series. Set in the tense years following the Civil War, the novel explores how fractured communities and the people within them struggle to rebuild and redefine themselves.
Hawkins masterfully brings history to life, crafting a setting that feels both vivid and authentic. From the gritty mining towns to the unforgiving frontier landscapes, every detail immerses the reader in the atmosphere of the 1870s. Her careful use of historical elements enriches the story without ever overshadowing it.
Last weekend, my husband and I returned to Colorado, where we had lived for nearly 25 years. We stayed in Denver, and I took the opportunity to investigate a museum that I had never visited before, the Colorado History Museum. I decided this would be a great place to start researching my next novel for the Renegade Series, book 5, which doesn’t have a title yet. We also had the opportunity to see the legendary Sir Paul McCartney, who performed Saturday night at Coors Field for 2 1/2 hours straight. What a phenomenal concert!
The Colorado History Museum is packed full of all kinds of information about the state, from the gold rush, which took place after the Civil War, to obtaining statehood, up through modern day. It was interesting to see things in the museum that we could relate to personally. My husband cried when he saw the display about the Columbine High School shooting. He was supposed to be there that day but his appointment got moved to the following day, so let’s just say he dodged a bullet on that one. They also had a lot of skiing history, a display on the 90’s, and Native American history specific to the area.
It was interesting to see the huge diorama they have of 1860’s Denver. When I wrote Fool’s Gold Folly, I could only imagine what the streets looked like back then. I’m glad to know that I got it right! You’ll be seeing more of Denver history when the fifth book of the Renegade Series comes out, probably sometime next year. Again, thank you so much for your patronage!
Last week I received an awesome email from a fan regarding my novel, A Beckoning Hellfire. The book is the second one in the Renegade Series, and tells the story of a young man from Alabama who enlists with the Confederate cavalry during the War Between the States. I was so flattered that I wanted to share it with you. Thank you so much, Sunday Smith, for your email!
Deep appreciation for A Beckoning Hellfire
Dear J.D.R. Hawkins,
I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much A Beckoning Hellfire moved me. From the very beginning, David’s journey from grief to vengeance and into the brutal reality of war gripped me in a way that few books do. You captured not only the history of the Civil War but also the fragile heart of a young man caught in its storm.
What struck me most was how you showed the human cost of war in such a vivid and unflinching way. The pain, the battles, and the disillusionment felt so real, but beneath it all was also a quiet reminder of resilience and the strength it takes to keep moving forward when everything seems lost. Reading David’s story reminded me that behind every conflict are human lives, broken dreams, and the hope that somehow peace can be found again.
Your writing is more than historical fiction. It is a mirror to our humanity, a reminder of the scars of the past, and a warning of what we risk if we forget. Thank you for crafting a story that resonates so deeply and lingers long after the last page.
This Saturday, I will be participating in the annual Author’s Fair, which will take place in downtown Redding, California. I will be there signing my books, so if you’re in the neighborhood, stop by! All four books in the Renegade Series will be on sale for half price! Don’t miss your chance to get copies of these books. They make great holiday gifts!
In other news, Boulder Bookaholics Book Club featured my new book, Fool’s Gold Folly. Here’s what they had to say:
Event Summary The Boulder Bookaholics Book Club hosted a spotlight session featuring Fool’s Gold Folly. Members discussed major themes, characters, and shared personal takeaways. This spotlight allowed the group to engage with the author’s work in depth.
Engagement Highlights Overall Rating: 25 star Favorite Themes Discussed: Westward Expansion & the American Dream
Member Quotes “We really enjoyed Fool’s Gold Folly! The story felt real and heartfelt, and we loved how J.D.R. Hawkins brought the Irish immigrant experience to life.” “At Boulder Bookaholics, a member said Fool’s Gold Folly highlights immigrant hope and struggle, with friendship providing strength in hard times.”
Thank You On behalf of the Boulder Bookaholics Book Club, we thank you for creating such a wonderful book. It was an honor to spotlight your work and share it among our community of readers.
I also received this flattering email from a fan:
Hi JDR,
I came across Fool’s Gold Folly and felt I needed to tell you how deeply it moved me. As someone who spends much of my life surrounded by books, I know how rare it is to find a story that speaks not only to the mind but also to the heart. Yours did both in such a powerful way.
Patrick Mulligan’s journey is more than just a search for gold. It is the story of resilience, of carrying hope in times of uncertainty, and of what it means to build a life in the face of both promise and peril. Through him, you give voice to the courage of so many who dared to dream of a better future, and that left me both humbled and inspired.
What touched me most was the way you brought Silas Garvey to life. He was more than a character. He was a reminder that even in illness and hardship, there is still meaning, friendship, and humanity. His presence gave the story a tenderness that lingers long after the final page.
Thank you for creating a book that is not only rich with history but also rich with heart. It is the kind of work that inspires readers to keep going, to believe in their own strength, and to see the beauty in the bonds we form along the way.
With admiration and respect, Mary
Thank you, Mary, for your email! And I want to thank you again for your ongoing support. If you haven’t done so yet, please check out my website. There, you will find links to follow me on all my social media pages. https://jdrhawkins.com
I would like to share upcoming news regarding my newest book, Fool’s Gold Folly. This novella ties in with the Renegade Series, and tells the story of one of the minor characters, Patrick Mulligan, who first shows up in book three of the series, titled A Rebel Among Us. Once the Civil War has ended, Patrick uproots his family from Pennsylvania and takes them to Colorado territory where he hopes to strike it rich. However, he encounters more than he anticipated when he meets an old miner, Silas Garvey. This book is being featured in several online book clubs, and is garnering many more five-star reviews on Goodreads. Here area few:
Fool’s Gold Folly” is the kind of story that lingers in your heart. The way Irish resilience is woven into the narrative made me feel both proud and inspired. A remarkable read that balances grit with hope.
Fool’s Gold Folly” is a moving tribute to the Irish people’s unshakable resilience. The author captures hardship without ever losing sight of hope, which makes this book not only historical but deeply human. I closed it with tears in my eyes and admiration in my heart.
This book surprised me. I expected a typical historical drama, but what I found was a layered story of loss, resilience, and survival. The way the characters wrestle with dreams versus reality felt so authentic, and it gave me a new appreciation for Irish history and endurance.
The title hooked me, but the story kept me. There’s a beautiful tension between despair and hope, woven into every chapter. By the end, I felt like I had lived through the struggles myself, a testament to the author’s storytelling.
Reading this book was like stepping into another era. The hardships felt real, the victories hard-earned. What impressed me most was how universal the themes are, resilience, courage, and the pursuit of something better. It’s Irish at heart, but relatable to all.
Fool’s Gold Folly” blends sorrow and strength in equal measure. It’s the kind of book that forces you to pause, reflect, and appreciate how far human endurance can go. The characters carry both flaws and bravery, which makes them unforgettable.
In other news, I will be participating at a local author event here in Redding, California. If you’re around, stop by! I will be offering the four major books of the Renegade Series for half price.
As always, I’d like to invite you to check out my website, jdrhawkins.com, and sign up for my newsletter. There you will find more information about upcoming events, interviews, blog posts, book signings, etc.
I’ve listed all of my links below. Please like, follow, and share! Again, thank you so much for your ongoing support!
I recently received more five-star reviews for my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly. This novella goes along with the Renegade Series and tells the story of one of the minor characters, Patrick Mulligan. Thank you so much, Mac Dougherty, Rebekah Acosta, and Elyse Huber, for your amazing reviews!
Reading this book felt like watching a movie unfold. The wagon jerking down a mountain road, the snowy passes glinting under starlight, Briana nervously scrubbing dishes in Mrs. Tydings’ immaculate parlor it all played out like a film in my head. Hawkins has a way of writing cinematically without losing emotional intimacy. I could see the dust rising from wagon wheels, hear the laughter around the fire, and feel the humiliation when Patrick was dismissed in town. The saloon scenes in particular stood out, filled with light, smoke, and the soft rasp of Silas Garvey’s cough. I would love nothing more than to see this story adapted to the screen, because it already reads like it’s halfway there. The landscapes and the humanity are written with stunning clarity.
The opera chapter is one of the finest pieces of writing I’ve come across in historical fiction. Patrick and Briana entered with joy, dressed simply but proud, only to be shoved aside with the phrase “seats for your kind.” I felt his humiliation so strongly it was like a physical ache. And yet, once the music began, they were swept into awe like everyone else. That contrast prejudice and beauty colliding in the same moment is what makes this novel unforgettable. Hawkins didn’t need explosions or dramatic duels to keep my attention; she used something far more powerful: the sting of words. The description of the stage, the costumes, and the soaring voices was so vivid I could see it all. This scene alone could stand as a short story about hope, art, and resilience. It’s rare to find a book that makes you both angry and uplifted in the same breath.
Silas Garvey walked into the story quietly, coughing into his glass at the saloon, but he left an enormous mark on me. His conversations with Patrick were raw and full of wisdom. Silas wasn’t just a side character he was a mirror of mortality, a reminder that dreams can fade but dignity remains. Every time he appeared, I slowed down to savor his words. His presence transformed Patrick’s journey from being only about chasing gold to being about friendship and meaning. Hawkins could have easily written him as a background figure, but instead, she gave him a soul. Watching Silas struggle with his health, yet still find time to encourage Patrick, was both inspiring and heartbreaking. By the time his arc drew to a close, I felt like I had lost a friend. That kind of emotional connection is rare and powerful.
I recently received two new five-star reviews for my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly on Amazon. This book ties into the Renegade Series, and tells the story of one of the minor characters, Patrick Mulligan, who leaves the Pennsylvania farmland to test his luck at striking it rich during the gold rush to Colorado Territory following the Civil War. Thank you so very much, Cameron Hahn and Fallon Trevino, for your flattering reviews!
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2025
Briana quickly became my favorite character, and her arc with Mrs. Tydings was unforgettable. At first, it seemed like she had been given a gift steady work, housing, and a safe place for her children. But slowly the cracks showed, and she was forced to balance gratitude with suffocating control. Hawkins writes her with such depth a woman swallowing her pride, clinging to dignity, and protecting her children at all costs. Moreen’s warning about Mrs. Tydings being a tyrant lingered in my mind, and it came true in ways that broke my heart. What I admired most was Briana’s resilience. She endured, but she never lost her spark. Her small victories felt as powerful as any gold strike. In many ways, her struggles mirror what countless women faced: survival through adaptability, patience, and an unshakable will to keep family intact. She is the quiet hero of this novel.
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2025
From the first scene where Patrick is turned away by a shopkeeper because of the cruel “No Irish Need Apply” sign, I knew this book would grab me. The author does a wonderful job of showing the pain of rejection but also the quiet strength of family. Briana’s gentle faith and the way she keeps her children grounded gave me chills she’s a mother you can’t help but admire. When the family finally finds lodging with Mrs. O’Neill, I actually sighed with relief, as if I were part of their struggles. Hawkins doesn’t just tell you history she makes you feel it. Every meal of watery soup, every tired prayer, every glimmer of hope is written so vividly. The wagon train sections added another layer, showing how strangers bonded under hardship. I closed the book feeling like I had lived through every dusty mile and every hungry night with the Mulligans. This is one of those rare novels that makes you grateful for your own blessings.
Trying to get your head around the Civil War? You could wade through dusty textbooks—or you could crack open a compelling novel that brings the past to life in a way facts and dates simply can’t. Historical fiction books about the Civil War go beyond battlefield tactics and political speeches. They drop you into the middle of it all—mud, blood, heartbreak, and hope included.
If you’re curious about this defining period in American history, these reads make a great place to start.
1. A Beautiful Glittering Lie by J.D.R. Hawkins
Let’s start with a gem. A Beautiful Glittering Lie kicks off the Renegade Series and puts readers right into the chaos of war—through the eyes of a Southern family in Alabama. This isn’t just about cannon fire and uniforms. It’s about fathers and sons, loyalty, and the cost of fighting for what you believe in.
Hawkins, one of the few female Civil War authors, writes with a voice that’s both sharp and emotional. You’ll feel like you’re living through the conflict right alongside her characters. It’s no wonder this novel snagged the John Esten Cooke Fiction Award.
2. A Beckoning Hellfire – Also by J.D.R. Hawkins
The second book in the series follows David Summers as he leaves home and heads straight into the fire of battle. Hawkins paints a vivid picture of what it meant to be a young soldier in the Confederate cavalry—excitement, confusion, fear, and grit. This book doesn’t sugarcoat war. It’s raw, it’s real, and it sticks with you long after the last page.
3. A Rebel Among Us – J.D.R. Hawkins Again (Yeah, She’s That Good)
By book three, the war takes a strange twist for David. Injured and far from home, he ends up hiding in a Northern household. What follows is an intense, emotional rollercoaster of trust, deception, and unexpected connection. This book digs deep into personal identity, compassion, and the strange ways war can blur the lines between enemy and friend.
Why These Books Matter
J.D.R. Hawkins doesn’t just tell war stories. She tells human stories. Her characters are fully fleshed out, her descriptions are vivid, and her research is rock-solid. Whether you’re a history buff or someone who just wants a great read, her Renegade Series offers a fresh take on the Civil War from a rarely told perspective.
Plus, these stories aren’t just about battles—they’re about resilience, family, and surviving the kind of hardship that tests everything you stand for.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to read the Renegade Series in order? Yes, it’s best to start with A Beautiful Glittering Lie and move forward. The character development builds with each book.
Q: Are these books historically accurate? Absolutely. J.D.R. Hawkins is known for her deep research and attention to historical detail.
Q: Can teens read these books? Yes, but they’re best for older teens due to mature themes around war and loss.
Conclusion
If you want a deeper understanding of the Civil War, these historical fiction books deliver something textbooks never could—real emotion, gripping storytelling, and unforgettable characters. Ready to dive in? Start with J.D.R. Hawkins, and you might just get hooked.
For this week only, Fool’s Gold Folly, in eBook format, is on sale through Amazon for only 99 cents! Now is you chance to pick up my new book for half price! And don’t forget, Fool’s Gold Folly is now also available on Audible!
Here are a few more flattering reviews for Fool’s Gold Folly that I recently received on Goodreads. Once again, thank you for your support, and thank you, Jackie, Brian Smith, and Logan Shaw, for the awesome five-star reviews!
A beautiful tale of grit, love, and hope. I was instantly swept into Patrick and Briana’s world and found myself rooting for them through every hardship. The historical setting felt authentic, and the family’s resilience brought tears to my eyes. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction with soul.
This book reminded me how deeply immigrants have shaped the American story. The Mulligans are a lovable family, and their journey—from discrimination in Denver to chasing gold in the mountains—is both emotional and inspiring. I couldn’t put it down!
I’ll have to admit, I don’t check Goodreads as much as I should. Upon looking today, I came across some awesome reviews that were posted for my novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie. This is the first book in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of a family from north Alabama and how the Civil War impacts them. Thank you so much, Harold Cheetham, Donna Weir, and Amber E., for your amazing reviews!
Another great Civil War novel. Plenty of action. I look forward to reading more in the series. Received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
J.D.R. Hawkins really places you into the Civil War with this book. For someone who is not a history buff, the beginning starts off a little slower. The storyline and characters draw you in and keep you reaching for the next chapter. Making this a book that is hard to put down. Can’t wait to continue this adventure with the next book.
The book itself was really good. Granted, it did take me a while to get into it. I was also reading the promotional copy, so it was hard to read because the font was super small & not able to be adjusted. Which was likely the reason it took me so long to be able to read it.
J.D.R. Hawkins 