My novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, has a brand new book trailer! This features the first book in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of a family from north Alabama and how the Civil War impacts them. Let me know what you think! And please like my page on YouTube! Thank you so much!
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 the Renegade 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.
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.
With admiration,
Sunday Smith
Exciting News!
I’m thrilled to announce that my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience, has reached #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in Reconstruction History of the U.S.! 
And now, it’s available as an audiobook! 
Experience Patrick Mulligan’s gripping adventure in the rugged terrains of the Colorado Territory, brought vividly to life by professional narration.
Listen now on Amazon Audible: Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
Also Available!
My holiday-themed historical novel, A Becharmed Callie Christmas, is now available in audiobook format as well! Cozy up and immerse yourself in this heartwarming Civil War-era Christmas story.
Listen on Amazon Audible: Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
And in other news, I’m being featured on All Author Promotions. Check out my interview here:
Featured Author J.D.R. Hawkins – Awesome Book Promotion
Thank you for all your incredible support. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Mr. Davis was very fond of animals and birds. He always gathered the scraps from the breakfast table to feed his peafowls, and his dressing gown pockets were heavy with grain for his beautiful pets. He had a large flock of peafowls, of which he was very proud and fond. Every morning Mr. Davis would take his exercise on a short pavement leading from the back steps at Beauvoir.
“It is just the length of my exercise path in prison,” he would tell his friends.
Up and down, up and down this pavement he would walk, at his heels and all around him his flock of peafowls. One old cock especially would spread his gorgeous tail, droop his wings, and strut after Mr. Davis in the most comical fashion. Evidently, the bond of friendship between the two was a close one.
Fond as Mr. Davis was of his peafowls, his especial pet was his dog, Traveler, the same name as Robert E. Lee’s famous horse. This dog had a very wonderful history. Mr. (Samuel W.) Dorsey, husband of Mrs. Sarah Dorsey, from whom Mr. Davis purchased Beauvoir, had traveled all over the world. On the Bernise Alps, Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey purchased the young puppy, whose father was a Russian bulldog. The puppy was named Traveler. They carried the young dog everywhere with them, and he was trained to be Mrs. Dorsey’s bodyguard.
Once, while camping on the Arabian Desert, Mr. Dorsey had one of his Arabian servants punished severely for theft. The next day, Mr. Dorsey and some of the Arabians went on a two days’ journey, leaving Mrs. Dorsey and the camp in the charge of an old Arab sheik. That night, while asleep under the tent, Mrs. Dorsey was awakened by a spring and growl from Traveler, then the shriek of a man. She sprang from her cot, quickly got a light, and found the Arab who had been beaten by Mr. Dorsey’s orders pinned down to the ground by Traveler, a huge knife lying beside him, where it had fallen from his hand. He had cut his way into the tent and crept in, evidently determined to wreak his vengeance upon her for the stripes he received.
Mrs. Dorsey had magnificent diamonds, which she wore at night to a reception at the Tulleries. On her return to the hotel, she went at once to her room, while her husband and some friends walked out to smoke. She quickly went to sleep, but was aroused by a sound of a desperate struggle on the floor, where Traveler had succeeded in throwing the thief who had followed her, attracted by the glitter of her diamonds. This man was one of the worst characters in Paris, and the gallows were cheated when he died of the wound in his throat torn by Traveler’s teeth.
After Mr. Dorsey died, Traveler was given to Mr. Davis and became his constant companion and guard. He allowed no one to come on the place whose good intent he had any reason to suspect. The entire place was under his care; not a window or door was locked or barred, for everything was safe while Traveler kept his sentry march on the wide porches that surrounded the house on every side.
If Mr. Davis wished to safeguard their coming and going of anyone and give him the freedom of the place, day or night, he would put one hand on the person’s shoulder and the other on the dog’s head and say: “Traveler, this is my friend.”
The dog would accept the introduction very gravely, would smell his clothes and hands, and “size him up” generally; but he never forgot, and, henceforth, Mr. Davis’ “friend” was safe to come and go unmolested.
As fierce as the dog was, and as bloody as was his record, he was as gentle as a lamb with little children. Mrs. Davis’ small niece, a child about two years old, make the dog her chosen playmate, and the baby and the dog would roll together on the grass in highest glee. She would pull his hair, pound on his head, or ride around the place on his back, the dog trotting as sedately as a Shetland pony. This child lived some distance down the beach; but she went home day after day in perfect safety, guarded and guided by Traveler.
Traveler would rush around in hot pursuit of fiddler crabs, which was a pet diversion of his, and would bark and throw up the sand with his paws in wild glee when he had succeeded in driving a number of the ungainly objects into the sea. But even fiddler crabs had no attraction for Traveler when he went to walk with Mr. Davis. He was then a bodyguard, pure and simple, and had all the dignity and watchfulness of a squad of soldiers detailed as escorts. Mr. Davis would become buried in thought, almost oblivious to surroundings. Traveler had his own ideas of what was right and proper; so if in absorption Mr. Davis would walk very close to the water Traveler would gently take his trousers leg in his teeth, or, by bounding between him and the sea, he would manage to call attention to the big waves coming in.
One day, Traveler seemed very droopy and in pain. As ordinary measures did not relieve him, Mr. Davis wrote a note to a friend who was the most celebrated physician in that part of the country. The doctor came, but nothing seemed to relieve the dog’s suffering. All night he moaned and cried, looking up into Mr. Davis’s face with big, pathetic eyes, as if begging for help from the hand that had never before failed him. All those long hours, Mrs. Dorsey, Mr. Davis, and the doctor kept their hopeless watch, for the work of the vile poisoner had been too well done for remedy. Just at daylight he died, his head on Mr. Davis’ knee and his master’s tears falling like rain upon the faithful beast.
As Mr. Davis gently laid the dead dog upon the rug, he said softly: “I have indeed lost a friend.”
Traveler was put in a coffin-like box, and all the family were present at the funeral. Mr. Davis softly patted the box with his hand, then turned away before it was lowered into the ground. The dog was buried in the front yard of Beauvoir, and a small stone, beautifully engraved, marked the place, (but at some time during the intervening years, that stone has unfortunately disappeared)
By: L. H. L.
Excerpted from the Confederate Veteran Vol. XVII, No. 4, April, 1909
Thanks to: Sunny South News, Lowry Rifles Camp #1740 – Rankin County, Mississippi – Bill Hinson, Editor
We all know the important role that horses and mules played in the Civil War. They were essential to the mobility of armies. They pulled artillery caissons, carried officers, served as couriers, and of course, transported the cavalry. But besides equines, many other animals served in the War Between the States as well.
Soldiers were attached to their pets, and some brought along dogs, cats, and various domesticated livestock to the war front. They adopted squirrels, bears, birds, raccoons, and other wildlife as company mascots. Some unusual mascots included a badger, a camel, and a bald eagle known as “Old Abe,” which represented the 8th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers. General Lee kept a hen that dutifully laid an egg for him every morning.
Many of these special animals are immortalized in statuesque form, including General Lee’s horse, Traveller, General Grant’s Cincinnati, and General Stonewall Jackson’s Little Sorrel. Dogs are honored, too, including Sallie, mascot of the 11th Pennsylvania. Her likeness is carved in bronze on the regimental monument at Gettysburg. There are many other famous canines that accompanied their masters to the battlefield … and to their death. A few are even buried there. These include Jack, with the 102nd Pennsylvania Infantry, Old Harvey with the 104th Ohio, and Major with the 19th Maine.
You can read more about Traveller and Little Sorrel in my book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses.
Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses: Hawkins, J. D. R.: 9781455623273: Amazon.com: Books
I’m a big fan of critters. Right now, I have downsized to two dachshunds and two kitties. I also love horses but could never own one because we lived in the city. Some of my favorite memories, though, are when my sister and I went to my aunt and uncle’s farm during the summer and went horseback riding with our cousins. In fact, I adore horses so much that I wrote a book about them, titled Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses. I felt like these magnificent beasts deserved to have their stories told rather than having them lost to history. I also love hearing about the pets that soldiers had during the Civil War. I’ll be sharing more stories about them in upcoming posts.
Meanwhile, I wanted to share this story about a mule who dutifully served with the 104 Ohio Volunteers, named May Me. She was so special that they have honored her with a statue!
Lt. Adam J. Weaver, 104th Ohio Volunteer, wrote to his wife between November 26 and the early morning of November 30, 1864, asking her to mark locations, times, and dates on a map he had sent earlier. He described the 6th Ohio placing a two-gun battery “pulled by mules, trained to lie down in action.” The lead mule, May Me, wore an old felt hat with holes cut for her ears.
In commemoration of this unique historical detail, the Battle of Franklin Trust has commissioned a life-sized bronze of May Me, the 6th Ohio Light Artillery’s leader mule.
With approval from the City of Franklin Arts Council, May Me will be placed in Carter Hill Park’s artillery display, enriching the site’s historical interpretation. Lieutenant Weaver’s account highlights the role of a single mule much like that of a soldier, offering a rare glimpse into the significance of animals in war. This documented detail from Franklin also invites exploration of battles like Stones River (December 31, 1862–January 2, 1863), where thousands of horses and mules perished.
If you would like to donate to the May Me the Mule project, gifts may be directed to The Battle of Franklin Trust, 1345 Eastern Flank Circle, Franklin, TN 37064. or online at https://boft.org/battlefield-reclamation.
(Article courtesy of Blue and Gray Education Society)
Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses: Hawkins, J. D. R.: 9781455623273: Amazon.com: Books
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.
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!
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2025
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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