Today I am being highlighted on Bizz Buzz. This is a very special honor, and I am humbled to be featured on such a prestigious website. Here is the article. Once again, thank you so much for being part of my writing journey!
The Enduring Narrative of the American Civil War: Historical Fiction Through a Southern Lens.
An in-depth look at the Renegade Series and how award-winning author J.D.R. Hawkins brings authenticity, moral complexity, and historical depth to Civil War fiction.
The American historical fiction literature is greatly enriched with the Civil War stories, which remain to be interesting and challenging the reader with their complicated moral, political and personal dilemmas. One of the most popular subgenres is the exploration of the conflict by the experiences of the front line and the home front. These novels tend to be crucial channels through which the human cost and the divergent ideologies that determined the most defining internal conflict in the nation can be comprehended. One of these niches in this genre is depicting the war as seen by the Confederate side.
This perspective, which female writers discuss less, has its own difficulties in historical study, characterization and narration, and requires a high level of sensitivity and attention to detail, in order to be able to capture the socio-political atmosphere of the middle of the 19th century.
The ability to combine an enormous amount of historical detail with the ability to tell the story through characters is the hallmark of the authors who are able to bring this turbulent period to life and provide the contemporary readers with a detailed and vivid insight into the crucial moment of American history.
The literary works that are critically and commercially successful in this genre are those that have been acclaimed by historical societies and literary institutions due to their observance of authenticity and other awards that are founded on their richness and breadth.
J.D.R. Hawkins: Chronicling the Confederate Experience in theRenegade Series
J.D.R. Hawkins was born on June 9, 1959 in the United States of America and she is a renowned American author that has well established herself in historical fiction, especially in her famous series known as the Renegade Series. It is the epic effort of novels devoted to the description of the cruel and even painful life of a Confederate soldier and his family during the Civil War and the first post-war period in the USA.
Hawkins is a unique female writer in the literary world because few other female writers have dealt with the narrative of the Civil War specifically with the Confederate or Southern perspective. She is devoted to this view, and her writing is marked by an in-depth study of history that gives her character plots a certain air of deep authenticity.
The story of Hawkins in the world of writing started in her early years when her parents supported her artistic interests and provided her with a solid education. Hawkins was born in Sioux City, Iowa and studied her academic interests by receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism at the Iowa State University. This journalistic rigor was probably the cause of the attention to detail and careful research that would characterize her subsequent historical fiction. Hawkins began her career in writing short stories, articles, and even children books before she finally settled on her main subject, the complicated period of the Civil War, by writing her first full-length novels.
The literary heritage of the author is centered on the so-called Renegade Series, which is an impressive, panoramic depiction of the lives of people involved in the war. The story is the journey of a Confederate cavalryman and his family over the years of fierce battles and social turmoil, their emotional and physical survival.
Deep Dive into the Renegade Series
The show consists of four major seasons, each of which has received considerable critical and commercial recognition:
A Beautiful Glittering Lie: A Novel of the Civil War
This novel was written in 2021 and is a good start to the series. Early critical acclaim saw Hawkins win the 2013 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award and the 2012 B.R.A.G. Medallion, as well as its historical fact and its effective story. Even the very name of the novel suggests the grimness behind the romance or ideology of war, which predetermines the cold-blooded look at the war in the series.
A Beckoning Hellfire: A Novel of the Civil War
The second sequel, also released in 2021, picks up the story, delving into the emotional and physical price paid by the war. The novel also solidified Hawkins as an author of good historical fiction, as it is considered to be an award-winning sequel and even won the 2022 B.R.A.G. Medallion. The title brings out the merciless and devastating Civil War battles that the characters are involved in.
A Rebel Among Us: A Novel of the Civil War
Published in 2021, this book continues to be of high standards as its predecessors. It won the 2017 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award and also won the 2022 B.R.A.G. Medallion, which underscores the uniformity of literary quality of the series. The story is centered on the mounting internal and external stress of people who were loyal to the confederate cause.
Double-Edged Sword: A Novel of Reconstruction
The latest volume in the series, which was published in 2022, continues the story past the end of the war to the confusing and turbulent era of Reconstruction. Entering this critical period of the postwar, Hawkins gives a full account of the long-term effects of the war on both the soldier and his family. The novel has been well-known, having won the 2022 B.R.A.G. Medallion and the 2023 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award, proving the quality and longevity of the work of the author.
Broader Literary Contributions and Acclaim
Hawkins has also made a contribution to the historical record in her nonfiction book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses. This is a specialized writing that examines the important and in most cases unnoticed contributions made by horses in the Civil War that describe the importance of horses in war and military activities. She has also written a short story, A Becharmed Callie Christmas, which is a festive, character-oriented interlude relating to the larger world of the Renegade Series.
Hawkins is as commercially successful as she is critically acclaimed. She has been acclaimed as a bestseller by the significant sites, such as Amazon, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal, and this fact demonstrates her wide popularity among a wide audience. She has managed to strike the right balance between historical precision and her narrative style, which has been well-received by critics and the audience.
Professional Affiliations and Personal Background
Hawkins has a close affiliation with the historical and literary circles. She has also been a part of different elite societies like the United Daughters of the Confederacy which can be attributed to be her dedication to the history and heritage of the Southern experience. Her literary associations include The International Women Writing Guild, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, and Pikes Peak Writers, another thing that proves her interest in the art and support of other writers. She also belongs to the Historical Novel Society and this only serves to solidify her credentials in the genre.
Hawkins also lives a rich life outside of writing on a personal level. She has a family of her own, including two sons whom she has brought up together with her husband in the course of their 40 years of marriage and has a daughter-in-law and two grandsons. Her artistic talents are not limited to literature since she is also an artist and a singer/songwriter whose artistic commitment has been evident throughout her life. The work of J.D.R. Hawkins and especially the extensively researched and much-acclaimed Renegade Series is a major contribution to the genre of historical fiction, that is, telling the complex and humanized story of the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era as it happened through the lens of a Confederate family.
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.
One hundred and sixty-two years ago this week, both Union and Confederate soldiers prepared for what would become one of the greatest battles in American history, the Battle of Gettysburg. This excerpt is from my novel, A Beckoning Hellfire, which is the second book in the Renegade Series. During this time, the Confederate cavalry was making its way north after engaging in the Battle of Brandy Station, which was the largest cavalry battle to ever take place on North American soil. This excerpt describes what General J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry went through from June 24 through June 30, 1863.
Two days later, after being instructed to prepare three days rations, J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry congregated in Salem, Virginia. General Stuart chose three brigades to travel with him: Hampton’s; Rooney Lee’s, now under Chambliss; and Fitzhugh Lee’s. Generals Jones and Robertson were to remain behind to guard the gaps in the Confederate army as they traveled through the Shenandoah.
Just after midnight, the troopers moved out, four abreast, riding through the cover of darkness.
“I’m tired as an old work mule,” John complained.
“I’m bored out of my gourd,” said Michael.
David was too tired to respond, and Renegade plodded wearily beneath him like he was in a trance.
They rode throughout the day and into the night. Just past midnight, word came down the line, passed from rider to rider.
“The Bluecoats are blockin’ the road ahead. We have to detour.”
The riders turned north toward Glasscock Gap in the Bull Run Mountains.
When morning sunlight finally penetrated the gap, they were traveling single file down a road no wider than a wagon. On each side, limestone rocks formed precipices of immense height. Trickling fountains sprung out from the crevices, and trees formed a dark canopy above them, so thick that rays of sunlight could only penetrate in a few places. The clatter of thousands of hooves, the creak of leather, and the clank of steel reverberated off the rocky walls. The thought crossed David’s mind that the narrow passage they were in could be a mighty tomb for all of them if the enemy trapped them in this unforgiving place, but he kept his horrible thoughts to himself.
They made their way through the gap, which took all morning. Around noon, they encountered Yankee infantry, so they fired at the Federal soldiers who marched by. The column of passing footmen was massive, spreading from north to south as far as the eye could see.
Scouts reported that every road in the area was filled with marching Union soldiers. With no other recourse, General Stuart decided to fall back into the mountains for the night.
Rain fell throughout the following day. The Rebel troopers circled southeast and found a clear path near Fairfax Court House, where “Fighting” Joe Hooker’s Union headquarters had recently been located. That night, they camped southwest of the courthouse.
David was called to picket duty once again, so he dutifully mounted up. Riding out into the darkness, he heard a fiddler softly playing “All Quiet Along the Potomac Tonight.” The song, about the death of a picket, caused a chill to run down his spine.
Riding far from camp, he met up with a few other pickets. Soon, he wandered away and came to an appropriate, lone position.
“Whoa,” he said in a low, soft voice.
He gently pulled back on Renegade’s reins. A cool breeze rustled through the trees. The moon above cast long, dark shadows across the ground. It was deathly quiet; not even a cricket chirped.
David shivered. Deciding to move around for warmth, he slid from the saddle, but stumbled in the dark. He noticed a round white rock, so he knelt down and picked it up. Oddly, it was much lighter than a rock. He turned it in his hands. Empty eye sockets bore into him, and the bony teeth grinned at him from death. Impulsively, he screamed and tossed the human skull away in panic, which sent it flying over the field. Horrified, he suddenly became aware his surroundings.
Long white bones stuck out from mounds of dirt that at one point must have served as makeshift graves. Weathered woolen uniforms and knapsacks, still intact, clung to the skeletal remains. Cannonballs sat scattered about, an eerie reminder of what had happened here.
Realizing he was in a terrible graveyard, he shuddered. For some reason, the Yankee whose head he’d lopped off popped into his head. He glanced around, expecting the headless soldier to ride out of the darkness and attack him. An owl hooted. David nearly jumped out of his skin. Anxious to depart the frightening scene, he hurried back to Renegade, mounted, and prompted his colt to trot.
For the rest of the night, David walked Renegade along the side of a road and carefully avoided the horrible scene of death. He had no need for coffee. His fright kept him wide awake.
When he returned to camp the next morning, he told Custis what he’d seen, and how he had held a dead man’s skull in his hand, just like in a scene from Hamlet.
“Oh, that must be what’s left of those poor fellers who fought over yonder last year. We’re right close to Manassas. You didn’t know that, did you, Summers?”
Wide-eyed, David shook his head.
Custis giggled. “Reckon you got a good scare, then!” He guffawed.
David scowled and strode away. He wanted to get some sleep before the orders were given to march again, so he managed to doze for a few hours before the alert came through the camp to proceed north.
General Hampton’s brigade led the way toward Fairfax Station. General Stuart, in his usual regal grandeur, galloped past them. He soon returned, ordering a charge, and the cavaliers followed their “Beau Sabreur” with unquestioning devotion. They encountered a Yankee detachment of cavalry and captured the entire regiment. Learning the Bluebellies hailed from New York, David asked one of his captives what the state was like.
“It’s the most beautiful place you’d ever care to see,” the Yankee informed him. “The trees turn the brightest colors in autumn, and the girls are all pretty and eager to keep you warm during the cold winter months!” The young man in blue smiled, seemingly unconcerned he was a prisoner, which caused his captors to scoff.
“Well, maybe I’ll git up there someday,” David said, “because I wouldn’t mind seein’ those pretty girls!”
They exchanged chuckles.
The captives were taken to the back but were later released on parole. David understood then why the Yankee soldier had been so unconcerned about his capture. He had known he wouldn’t be a prisoner for long.
The cavaliers rode to Fairfax Station. Upon arrival, they were allowed to help themselves to the abandoned sutlers’ shacks. In a flurry, they swarmed down on the goods and devoured them eagerly, indulging in ginger cakes, lobster salad, wine, ale, and whiskey while their horses grazed. It was the first real sustenance they’d consumed in quite some time, since both passing armies had already trampled and used up the land David and his comrades traveled over. The Rebel riders found gloves, hats, and shiny new boots as well, and immediately put them to use.
They resumed their march, continuing on into the night. Exhaustion forced them into more frequent stops and slowed their forward progress.
Around 3:00 a.m., they reached the Potomac River, crossing at Rowser’s Ford. The wide, ominous river roared at them.
“Gentlemen,” one of the officers commanded. “Dismount and lead your animals across.”
The horsemen obeyed. They waded out into the black water. David did the same, but as soon as he set foot in the rushing water, shockwaves ran through him. The icy water was much colder and deeper than he had imagined. Mimicking the other troopers, he held his ammunition above his head while he made his way across. The water threatened to rush up over his shoulders. He glanced back at Renegade, who held is head high to avoid the water. One man ahead of David was nearly swept away by the current, but he managed to free himself and get across. Some of the mules brayed in complaint but quieted under the roar of the rushing water. Finally, David reached the opposite bank and struggled to keep his footing. He comforted Renegade, and wondered if either one of them could endure much more. Shivering, drenched and dripping, he watched the rest of the cavalry follow. Braying mules lurched and strained. Some were nearly pulled into the current. The ambulances, after much difficulty, lumbered across. The guns almost went beneath the water, but the mules managed to pull the heavy artillery up and through the river. Amazingly, after over an hour, Hampton’s brigade succeeded in crossing the wide river without any loss of men or munitions.
The troopers were now in Maryland, on Yankee soil. Following orders, they burned barges and mutilated boats. David didn’t mind, since they belonged to the Yankees. The men set about their destructive task with all seriousness, for they knew they could be attacked at any moment. After they carried out their orders, they were allowed to sleep for a few hours before resuming their march.
While they traveled, the commanding officers passed the word to be on the lookout for free and escaped slaves, and to capture blacks they came across. Freedmen, or contraband, were to be returned to slavery. In accordance with President Davis’ declaration on May 1, several weeks before, black soldiers who were caught fighting for the Union side were to be taken as prisoners of war. The declaration authorized their punishment; even their deaths.
The Confederates rode into Maryland. Along the route, they pillaged fields and knocked down telegraphic links connecting the army with the capital. They came upon the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and wrought as much damage to it as they possibly could. A few hours later, they tore up the Baltimore and Ohio rail line leading to Frederick. By mid-afternoon, they passed through Williamsport, and captured several wagons and teams from the enemy they encountered.
They reached Rockville. This being Sunday, the townsfolk were dressed in their church-going finery. As the cavalry proceeded through, sympathizers to the Southern cause waved Confederate flags and cheered from upper windows and side streets. Hampton’s brigade came upon an all-girl seminary. David and his comrades found themselves immediately surrounded by pretty young ladies in brightly-colored dresses. The cavaliers graciously accepted the girls’ admiring glances. Many of the young women waved small, improvised Confederate flags, sheet music, and handkerchiefs, while others requested souvenir buttons from the soldiers’ uniforms.
The butternut coat David wore wasn’t equipped with elaborate brass buttons. Disappointed none of the fair maidens noticed him, he could only watch while they chatted, flirted, and pinned ribbons on the uniformed troopers while asking where they were from. Some of the horse soldiers exaggerated, claiming to be from various Southern states, thus convincing the young ladies that they represented every state in the Confederacy.
A girl in a lavender cotton dress with purple ribbons in her long, dark brown hair walked over to David.
“We are so very proud of you boys,” she said, flashing a smile so radiant his heart melted.
Returning a shy smile, he replied, “Why, thank you, miss.”
Custis and John snickered, amused by his reaction.
The girl held her hand up to him. “My name’s Rebecca. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
He hesitated for a moment, then gently took her hand and kissed the back of it. “I’m David,” he half-whispered, causing his comrades to chuckle even louder.
“I was wonderin’, Mr. David, if you’d be so kind as to cut me off a piece of your hair.”
He gave her a questioning look.
“As a memento, of course,” she added. She brought her other hand from behind her back and handed him a pair of scissors.
Remembering the character from Ivanhoe of the same name, he wondered if this Rebecca was also a sorceress, and what intentions or spells she had in store for his hair. He could certainly see how brave men would fight for her honor. Grinning bashfully, he took the scissors from her and politely snipped off a lock.
As though reading David’s thoughts, Custis asked Rebecca, “Whatcha fixin’ to do with it?”
Rebecca looked over at him, still smiling. Custis’ quizzical expression faded, and a slight, enchanted smile crossed his lips.
“Why, I do believe I’ll make a bouquet with it, frame it, and hang it up in my bed chamber.”
John raised his eyebrows, the corners of his mouth curling beneath his beard. He and Custis both looked at David, as did Rebecca, who flashed her same disarming smile at him. David could feel his face blushing. Once again, the other two soldiers chuckled at his reaction.
“Thank you kindly, dear David,” Rebecca said. She handed him a sweet before pursuing another long-haired cavalier.
David sat stunned atop Renegade. For a moment, he couldn’t hear anything but his own heart thumping in his ears. A trooper from the 2nd South Carolina rode in, bringing David back to reality.
“There’s a supply train comin’ this way,” the trooper alerted them. “Sent from Washin’ton City. We reckon it’s intended for Hooker’s army.”
The horsemen quickly pulled themselves away from their admirers and spurred after their quarry. It wasn’t long before they caught up to the wagon train. Hungrily anticipating a feast, they whooped, screamed, and gave the Rebel yell. The surprised Union teamsters started to flee in panic. Some turned off onto side roads, while others at the end of the wagon train quickly reeled around and thundered back toward the capital. The raiders descended upon the frightened wagon masters, kicking up dust as they ran. They slashed their reins, produced pistols, and proceeded to gun down the teams and drivers, whose terrified mules galloped with such fury that the teamsters lost control. As a result, their wagons overturned, spilling their contents and flipping the mules onto their backs. Other wagons behind them collided, causing a pileup, and making it much easier for the Rebels to surround and contain them. The teamsters ahead of the collision lashed their mules mercilessly and barreled back toward Washington, but the Confederate cavalrymen pursued.
As Renegade thundered ahead, David leaned down from the saddle and slammed the butt of his Enfield rifle on the ground to pack the powder, shooting at the retreating wagons as he came upright. Once again in the race, Renegade’s gait was quick and smooth. For a moment, David marveled at the phenomenon. It was almost as if his little horse could fly. He nearly caught up with the end wagon before reaching a ridge. Pulling back on the reins, David abruptly forced Renegade to stop. The wagons escaped and vanished down the road to the capital.
From the hillcrest, David and his fellow cavaliers could see the unfinished dome of the Capitol Building, and all of Washington City around it. They were too close to enemy territory. David made a sharp turn and galloped back to the captured wagons. The others followed. Troopers from Chambliss’ brigade were already raiding the wagons of ham, sugar, bread, bacon, and whiskey. David and his comrades managed to filch some of the ham before being run off.
Stuart’s cavalry proceeded to take inventory of the newly-acquired bounty. The U.S. Army wagons were brand new, the harnesses were in use for the very first time, and the mules were fat and sleek. Of the 150 wagons they had chased down, 125 of them had been captured, along with 900 mules and 400 teamsters.
The Yankees were paroled that evening and released after they vowed not to return to duty as Union soldiers. The Rebel troopers fed their own horses the oats they had obtained, righted overturned wagons, and burned damaged ones. At sundown, they resumed their march north, but constant drizzle, compounded by the added hindrance of their captured wagons, made the journey painfully slow. As the Rebels traveled twenty miles to Cooksville, exhaustion ate away at them.
“Destroy the enemy’s main war artery,” General Stuart commanded.
His cavaliers demolished six miles of track, rolling stock, and station buildings belonging to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. By the time they were finished, the oppressive summer heat bore down on them.
A train rumbled toward them. The troopers heard it and ran for their horses in hopes of capturing and destroying the engine, but the alert engineer noticed danger ahead of him, so he pulled on the brakes.
The locomotive screeched until it came to a halt. Reversing direction, it disappeared around a bend before the Rebels could catch up to it. Several other trains appeared, but those engineers also observed trouble and escaped.
The cavaliers continued on to Sykesville, where they burned a bridge and cut telegraph wires. They resumed their march, bivouacking that night near Westminster.
David shared the ham he had acquired with his messmates. While the men settled in, worn out and dusty, his mind began to wander. He thought of Jake, and how he would have reveled in the day’s excitement. Exchanging flirtations with the young women at the school would have delighted him, no doubt, and the Rebels’ merry chase in capturing the wagon train would have had him talking about it for days. Instead, David was alone with his feelings, for it was difficult to speak about personal things with his fellow troopers, even with John and Michael. It just wasn’t the same as confiding in his best friend. His heart ached with the realization Jake had been gone for nearly two months.
Pulling the pocket watch out, he clicked the cover open. There was Callie, staring back at him, radiant as ever. The sight of her face gave him some comfort. Hopefully, she was waiting for his return. He wondered if she had received his letter by now, informing her of Jake’s untimely death. He wished for some word from home, but knew it wasn’t likely to happen, since they were on the march. Lying down, he choked back sob, and closed his eyes. Exhaustion quickly overtook him.
Enter for your chance to win a free copy of my new book, Fool’s Gold Folly! I will be holding this contest for a week. All you have to do is shoot me an email with the word “contest” in the subject line. My email address is jdrhawkins@gmail.com. The winner will be announced next week. Good luck!
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:
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!
My brand new novel, Fool’s Gold Folly, has just received its very first five-star review! This book is a side story that goes along with the Renegade Series, and tells the story of Patrick Mulligan, an Irish immigrant who wishes to strike it rich by finding gold in Colorado. Here is the review:
J.D.R. Hawkins delivers a richly textured tale in Fool’s Gold Folly, transporting readers to the rugged Colorado mining towns of the 19th century. With vivid historical detail and emotional depth, the story follows protagonist as he navigates grief, greed, and unexpected redemption. Hawkins’ signature blend of historical accuracy and heartfelt storytelling shines through, making this short novel a standout. Perfect for fans of frontier fiction and character-driven drama, Fool’s Gold Folly is a poignant, fast-paced read that lingers long after the final page.
Thank you so much for your review, Mr. Henry Fred!
Fool’s Gold Folly is now available on Audible! Check it out!
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!
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!
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.
J.D.R. Hawkins 
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