J.D.R. Hawkins

Tag: romance

  • A Becharmed Callie Christmas Receives Award

    Last week, I was informed that my novella, A Becharmed Callie Christmas, has been awarded the 2025 Best Historical Christmas Fiction Award by Book and Brunch. This is a very high honor, and I am humbled to receive it. A Becharmed Callie Christmas is a side story to accompany the Renegade Series. It centers around one of the minor characters in the series, Callie Mae Copeland. Callie has just turned 16 and is excited about her family’s annual Christmas party. However, the year is 1862, and in north Alabama, the Civil War is looming.

    I have received some wonderful emails from fans about the book that I wanted to share. First, this is from Brian S.

    Alright J. D. R. Hawkins,
    Let me confess something before my conscience drags me.

    Your book did not politely invite me into the story.
    It kidnapped me.
    It snatched me by the collar like
    “Come here and suffer emotionally with Callie Mae.”

    One minute I’m admiring her Christmas gown plans.
    Next minute I’m holding my chest like an eighty-year-old who forgot his heart meds thinking,
    “Wait… is this the last Christmas or am I overreacting again?”

    Your writing has that rare effect.
    The kind that makes a grown adult look around the room like,
    “Did someone just cut onions or am I suddenly sentimental?”

    Authors who can make readers feel like their soul got gently slapped are not common.
    Which already puts you in the tiny percentage of “Oh yes, they did that” writers.

    Second, this is from Willie H.

    Imagine this: I’m peacefully scrolling through Amazon, minding my own business, when suddenly A Becharmed Callie Christmas leaps out like a mischievous antebellum ghost whispering, “Hey… I’m charming, dramatic, and historically dangerous. Read me, coward.” And like any sane book addict, I surrendered. Because what else do you do when an author drops a Civil War Christmas story featuring a pampered, manipulative, party-obsessed 16-year-old Southern belle who practically weaponizes her flirtation? You obey. 

    Callie Mae Copeland,  the Civil War’s unofficial CEO of Chaos, deserves a spotlight bigger than her Christmas gown budget (which, let’s be honest, she emotionally blackmailed her father into buying… and I respect her for it). The way this story flips from festive candles and social graces to the creeping dread of war is pure literary whiplash – the good kind. The kind that makes you stop, stare, and whisper, “Oh hell… this just got real.” The emotional switch from sparkling Christmas dreams to the chilling thought of “Is this her last Christmas in the antebellum home?” hits harder than union cavalry. You built a world where innocence dances with dread  and it works. It’s the kind of narrative tension that readers crave but algorithms couldn’t care less about.

    And third, this is from Cassandra C.

    I have just finished reading “A Becharmed Callie Christmas,” and I was struck by its effective and poignant premise. The story of Callie Mae Copeland, a pampered and flirtatious sixteen-year-old in wartime Alabama, provides a powerful lens through which to examine the personal impact of the Civil War.

    The juxtaposition of her sheltered, privileged world, focused on a lavish Christmas gown and a party, with the encroaching, brutal reality of the conflict is a classic and compelling narrative device. This setup masterfully illustrates how grand historical events are often felt most acutely in the disruption of intimate, personal plans and the shattering of perceived security.

    The description effectively establishes Callie’s character and the insulated bubble in which she lives. The central dramatic question, “Will anything ever be the same again?” is a powerful and universal one, particularly in this context.

    Thank you for this intimate and promising historical tale.

    https://www.amazon.com/Becharmed-Callie-Christmas-Story-Renegade/dp/B0CN2D4YMW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

  • News About A Becharmed Callie Christmas

    A Becharmed Callie Christmas has been featured a lot lately, and I just wanted to keep you up to speed with what’s been going on. This book is a side story to go along with the Renegade Series, and takes place between books one and two of the series. It tells the story of Callie Mae Copeland, a minor character who has just turned sixteen and is experiencing Christmas in a whole new light with the Civil War approaching it’s second year.

    As I mentioned previously, A Becharmed Callie Christmas was featured on Books and Brunch last week. Now it has been nominated for the Authors Excellence Award in next month’s Literary Honors and Author Recognition event for consideration in their Historical and Holiday Fiction category.

    The book also made it to number one on Goodreads Listopia. This exposure helps the book gain momentum as far as readership and visibility go.

    A Becharmed Callie Christmas has also received several new five-star reviews. I’d like to share a few with you. Here is what readers are saying. Thank you so much, Paul, Betty, Becky, and Glory, for your stellar reviews!

    Paul Wright

    A touching and evocative story set against the backdrop of the Civil War, A Becharmed Callie Christmas captures both the charm and uncertainty of a world on the brink of change. Through Callie Mae’s eyes, we see the innocence of youth collide with the harsh realities of war and loss.

    J.D.R. Hawkins brings warmth and authenticity to her characters while weaving in the historical tension of the era. The festive tone of Christmas contrasts beautifully with the looming darkness of conflict, making this a poignant and memorable read for the season.

    Our book club enjoyed how Hawkins balanced historical detail with emotional depth, a heartfelt reminder that even in uncertain times, hope and family endure.

    Becky Halston

    This book was recently featured in our Books and Brunch club, and it turned out to be such a meaningful read. A Becharmed Callie Christmas starts off feeling light and festive, but it slowly unfolds into something much deeper as the reality of the Civil War sets in.

    Betty Patricia

    Our book club featured A Becharmed Callie Christmas, and I really enjoyed it. J.D.R. Hawkins did an amazing job bringing the Civil War era to life through Callie Mae’s story. Her excitement for Christmas, mixed with the sudden reality of war, made it both emotional and memorable.

    Glory Alex

    We featured Becharmed Callie Christmas by J.D.R. Hawkins in our Hall of Fame event, and it truly touched my heart.

    The story follows Callie Mae Copeland as she prepares for Christmas during the Civil War, a time when joy and uncertainty walk hand in hand. Hawkins beautifully captures that mix of innocence, family, and the bittersweet reality of change.

    A short but powerful read that reminds us how love and hope can shine even in the darkest times. Highly recommended.

    https://www.amazon.com/Becharmed-Callie-Christmas-Story-Renegade/dp/B0CN2D4YMW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sio1XLdeQCyHa80Li5IcVQ.i0fpiK0UKONy3tNffkH0nWC4yTel1Rp5YMo_AZjYaAw&qid=1762986687&sr=8-1

  • Reviews and News

    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:

    Valentina’S

    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.

    Alice

    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.

    Cynthia

    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.

    Dave

    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.

    Mercy

    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.

    Sam

    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!

    https://allauthor.com/author/jdrhawkins/

    https://www.amazon.com/stores/J.-D.-R.-Hawkins/author/B00B3WCX54?qid=1473908645&sr=8-1&ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

    https://www.facebook.com/jdrhawkins/?ref=hl

    https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1238370.J_D_R_Hawkins

    https://www.instagram.com/jdrhawkins/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdrhawkins/

    https://x.com/JDRHawkins

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC12gW5kbv5FLDH6Qxd9duzw

  • Two New Reviews for Fool’s Gold Folly

    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!


    Cameron Hahn

    5.0 out of 5 stars Briana’s Storyline with Mrs. Tydings Is Unforgettable

    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.


    Fallon Trevino

    5.0 out of 5 stars A Heartfelt Journey of Struggle and Hope

    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.

    https://www.amazon.com/Fools-Gold-Folly-Resilience-Renegade/dp/B0DZP24XXM/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

  • Fans Rave About Fool’s Gold Folly

    I have received several emails in regard to my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly, and would like to share some of them with you. This book ties in with the Renegade Series, and tells the story of one of the minor characters, Patrick Mulligan. Patrick’s desire to strike it rich in Colorado after the Civil War turns into something much more than gold lust. Here is what fans have to say:

    (From Camille Rhodes Brown)

    I came across Fool’s Gold Folly, and from the first lines of your description, I felt its pulse the lure of possibility, the grit of survival, and the fragile line between hope and danger. Patrick Mulligan’s journey isn’t just about gold; it’s about the deep human hunger for a better life and the resilience it takes to chase it.

    You’ve given readers more than a historical adventure — you’ve given them a window into the Irish immigrant experience during one of the most volatile times in American history. The wilderness of Colorado Territory, the raw hunger for fortune, and the bonds of friendship forged in hardship all feel alive in your telling. Silas Garvey’s presence, with his dark secret and failing health, adds a poignancy that makes this story not just gripping but deeply human.

    (From Grace Champ)

    I just finished reading Fool’s Gold Folly, and I was deeply moved by Patrick Mulligan’s journey  not just westward, but inward, as he confronts the promises and perils of a country still healing from war. His resilience, ambition, and the fragile friendships he forms in Breckenridge capture something truly special: the heart of the immigrant dream set against the raw edge of frontier life.

    You’ve brought to life a piece of history that still feels incredibly relevant:  the push for new beginnings, the weight of personal loss, and the quiet strength of Irish communities carving out space in post-Civil War America.

    Thank you so much, Grace and Camille, for your kind words!

    I am always looking for positive reviews, so please post your reviews to Amazon and/or Goodreads. And don’t forget, this novel is available as an audio book too!

    https://www.amazon.com/Fools-Gold-Folly-Resilience-Renegade/dp/B0DZP24XXM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3C2LE8KYRELF4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.m1E2lQgHJOkXYl9c3PiDhCVmWhh7bWVefHes23bYCjtm-BOiB2Llbfypkne1YgoZ.o5hyFZyy84WgBwK0ZnyqDlN2mQvhXXCv65sPZoG07LI&dib_tag=se&keywords=fool%27s+gold+folly&qid=1754522027&sprefix=fool%27s+gold+folly%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-1