J.D.R. Hawkins

One bullet can make a man a hero… or a casualty.

Archive for the tag “historical fiction”

07 Jun 2023

Awesome Review from Kirkus Reviews

My latest novel, Double-Edged Sword, just received a review from Kirkus Reviews. Thank you for the amazing review!

In the wake of the Civil War, a former Confederate soldier encounters problems with the law in Hawkins’ historical-fiction series installment.

In this fourth volume in the Renegade series, the author centers on her main character, ex-Confederate cavalryman David Summers, and his Pennsylvania-born wife Anna, who, after surviving the recently ended war, are making their way in Richmond, Virginia. There, they see the devastation all around them: “The Stars and Stripes waved atop flagpoles, only four months ago replacing the grand Blood-Stained Banner, a flagrant reminder of the recent victory won.” They’re hoping to make a better life for themselves in David’s hometown in Morgan County, Alabama. Little do they know that they will soon cross paths again with Stephen Montgomery, a nefarious, charismatic sergeant-major from earlier series entries—a schemer who had designs not only on Anna but on her family’s property. After he re-enters the couple’s lives, a violent confrontation leads to David being put on trial before a judge and jury who are far from sympathetic to the former Confederate soldier. Even though David swore an oath of allegiance to the United States of America, it’s not just the prosecuting attorney who suspects him of “still fighting the war.” As in the previous books in this series, Hawkins manages to craft a simple story that has plenty of energy and heart; it effectively features tested romance, rivalry, and courtroom drama. Its consistent readability goes a long way to compensate for the fact that David often comes off as belligerent and unpleasant. The … novel’s evocation to the postwar South (“Lonesome chimneys jutted from the landscape; ravaged reminders of the horrors his people had seen”) are uniformly well done. An atmospheric and often engaging drama of the Reconstruction-era South.

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31 May 2023

Double-Edged Sword Featured

My latest novel, Double-Edged Sword, is featured today on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by indieBRAG. Here are a couple of screenshots:

In other news, the same book is being featured on AllAuthor. Here is the link to my book’s page on their website:

https://allauthor.com/book/66273/

I am very humbled and blessed to be featured by indieBRAG and AllAuthor. Thank you very much!

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17 May 2023

In Search of the Perfect Agent

After completing a short story earlier this year, which goes along with the Renegade Series, I decided to switch gears and focus on finding an agent. Well, I’m here to tell you this is no small feat! In fact, it seems almost impossible. So far, I have sent query letters out to approximately 60 different agents, and gotten rejection letters from half of them. Some haven’t bothered responding at all. It’s very frustrating, to say the least. I’ve even received form letter rejections like this one:

“Thank you so much for querying me with your project. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel it was a good fit for my current list. As I’m sure you know, publishing is a subjective business and what isn’t right for me may be perfect for another agent or publisher. Please know I wish you all the best with your future endeavors.”

Are you kidding me? It makes me wonder if this agent even read my query and sample chapter. Although it’s less common, I have received reject letters with helpful (or what the agent thinks is helpful) suggestions on how to snag an agent.

I realize that getting rejections is all part of the process. That’s why I have been self-published for so long. As I’m sure you know, many famous authors got rejected at first, including Stephen King, Maya Angelou, Ray Bradbury, Judy Blume, J. K. Rowling, and Margaret Mitchell, just to name a few. Of course, they all eventually got picked up by an agent or publisher, and the rest is history.

My husband knew an author in Ft. Collins, Colorado, who had received so many reject letters that he said he wallpapered his bathroom with them. Not a bad idea! After much perseverance, he participated in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, made millions, and started his own newspaper. Now that’s inspiring!

Even though it is ego deflating and exasperating at times, I’m still determined to persist with the hope that, some day, I’ll find an agent. Wish me luck! (And thanks for allowing me to vent.)

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10 May 2023

Even More Five-Star Reviews for A Rebel Among Us!

The favorable reviews just keep coming! Here are a few more five-star reviews for my novel, A Rebel Among Us, which is the third book in the Renegade Series. Thank you so much, everyone, for your awesome reviews!

Marcia

5.0 out of 5 stars Great set of characters

Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2023

Verified Purchase

A Rebel Among Us is a terrific novel about the Civil War period. J. D. R. Hawkins is a fantastic author that brings the characters to life thanks to her vivid descriptions. The emotions really pop and are a great catalyst for all the action around it. I really enjoyed reading it.

quirru

VINE VOICE

5.0 out of 5 stars A novel with a well-developed setting

Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2023

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A historical novel about the Civil War, book 3 of the series. It is a well-written fictionalized history tale about a man that has been wounded in action and is picked up by four sisters that helped him to become healthy again, one of them asked him for a favor and now he is living a big dilemma about helping the one that saved him or not because he will be seen as a traitor. Captivating story with a well-defined background and well-described characters. I think is better to read books 1 and 2 first, but this can be understood without them.

Jesse Presgraves

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book 3 in the series

Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2023

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A Rebel Among Us by JDR Hawkins is book three in the Renegade series. You should absolutely pick up these books in order for the best experience. In this one, David Summers is being nursed back to health when he learns his Confederate brothers left him in Pennsylvania after Gettysburg. He has to decide if he’ll try to blend in to help a friend or if he’ll make his way back home. I have enjoyed this series and this book. If you are looking for a great historically set novel series with a wonderful plot, I can’t recommend this one enough.

Robin

5.0 out of 5 stars Historical and powerful novel

Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2023

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A Rebel Among Us is a powerful and well-written novel written by J.D.R. Hawkins. Set during the Civil War era, a Confederate soldier by the name of David Summers was found injured and bleeding by a group of girls, who take him in and mend him back to health. A love story between David and one of the girls, Anna, develops, which comes with its own set of challenges. Hawkins did a fabulous job of making the characters relatable, as well as really making this historical timeframe detailed and realistic. Would highly recommend!

Denise

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved reading this bookReviewed in the United States on April 21, 2023

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I love the mixes that the author added throughout the story, I am a fan of all of the mixes. Very compelling and I enjoyed reading it.

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04 May 2023

More Five-Star Reviews for A Rebel Among Us

I have recently received more five-star reviews for my novel, A Rebel Among Us, which is the third book in the Renegade Series. Thank you so much for the reviews! (The one about the sci-fi trilogy cracks me up!)

Amy K.

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Read!Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 8, 2023

Verified Purchase

“A Rebel Among Us: A Novel of the Civil War,” is the third book in the “Renegade Series” by author J.D.R. Hawkins. Fans of historical fiction and history as a whole are sure to enjoy this exceptionally well-written story and series. The plotline truly is imaginative and captivating, and you will find yourself thoroughly immersed with each and every turn of the page.

H.S

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read!Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 12, 2023

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A rebel among us is a gripping tale of love and war set in the American Civil War. The author does an excellent job of creating a believable historical context, while still crafting a compelling romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-developed and the plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns. The tension between David and Anna is palpable, and you can’t help but root for them, even though their love is forbidden. If you’re a fan of historical romance or just love a good love story set against the backdrop of war, this book is definitely worth checking out.

Aparna Preethi

5.0 out of 5 stars A mind-blowing sci-fi trilogy!Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 12, 2023

Verified Purchase

A fabulous third edition to the mind-blowing sci-fi trilogy. The protagonist wakes up to a new reality and finds himself under the care of four estranged nurses. How the story progresses from this point onwards makes the central plot of the story. It’s one of the best sci-fi thrillers out there with equally amazing additions. I would highly recommend all sci-fi lovers grab a copy of this amazing saga and get immersed in the mysterious world. A must-one to have!

Ivan

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it.Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 14, 2023

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A Rebel Among Us is a story that mixes many genres; it starts like a war novel and then transcends into a complex romantic story. It’s a great book to sit and analyze, the writing of J.D.R Hawkins continues to be intriguing, being this one the third of a fantastic series.

Celeste S

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rebel Among Us

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 14, 2023

Verified Purchase

A Rebel Among Us is an excellent novel written by J.D.R. Hawkins. It is book number three in The Renegade series and it tells the story of David Summers and his internal fight between love and duty. This is an interesting book with a compelling plot and captivating characters. I enjoyed it a lot and I strongly recommend it.

Evelyn

5.0 out of 5 stars Mysterious historical fiction.

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 14, 2023

Verified Purchase

The writing of this book is a mix between elements of a mysterious story and historical facts. The premise is well thought and the narrative is full of details about the time and setting.
The character development is good and it’s really easy to get involved in the reading.
I recommend all of J.D.R Hawkins adventures to all readers. Enjoy!

Liz

5.0 out of 5 stars Great readingReviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 15, 2023

Verified Purchase

I’m going to start by saying that this fiction fascinated me. The characters are exceptional and the plot super entertaining. I loved how the author put all that together to create a great saga. I look forward to reading more books by this author. I definitely recommend this complete saga.

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26 Apr 2023

A Rebel Among Us Has Received Another Five-Star Review!

My novel, A Rebel Among Us, has received numerous reviews lately. (This book is the third one in the Renegade Series.) Here is a five-star review I received recently. Thank you, Mr. Grady Harp, for your flattering review!

Grady Harp

5.0 out of 5 stars A very fine Civil War novel!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 11, 2023

Verified Purchase

Author/singer/songwriter JDR Hawkins writes novels and articles for newspapers, magazines, e-zines and blogs about the Civil War from the Confederate perspective. Her RENEGADE Series is rapidly winning multiple awards and there are four volumes – DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD, A BEAUTIFUL GLITTERING LIE, A BECKONING HELLFIRE, and this volume A REBEL AMONG US. These novels relate the story of a family from northern Alabama who experience immeasurable pain when their lives are dramatically changed by the war.

At this particular time in our history, when questions are being raised about the validity of statues and memorabilia of the Civil War, creating heated discussions and confrontations, this book offers a fresh view of the Civil War from the Southern, and Confederate, stance. Hawkins makes this revisit to the Confederate South lively with her eloquent prose as she opens this volume: “Anna!” She dropped the darning in her lap. Her sister called her name again, this time with more urgency. Springing form the rocker, Anna ran from the room and scurried down the wooden staircase. Maggie clung to the newel post. “There’s someone in the barn!” That degree of dramatic intensity makes this novel ring.

The plot is outlined as follows: ‘David Summers never expected any of this…not in a million years. He thought for sure he was a goner. After leaving Alabama and enlisting with the cavalry, his delusion of chivalry was suddenly quashed when he saw for himself the horrors of battle. Now, after being shot and ending up at a strange farmhouse, he’s found himself being nursed back to health by four beautiful girls, and has learned that his Confederate brethren have deserted him in Pennsylvania after fighting at Gettysburg. It’s more than he can fathom. On top of that, he’s been presented with an even bigger dilemma. He knows he’s falling in love with the older sister, Anna, and she has enticed him with an interesting proposition. However, her scheme goes against his principles, and the reasons why he enlisted in the first place – to avenge his father’s death and defend his sacred homeland. To David’s dismay, he must make a decision. Should he stay and help Anna with her underhanded plan, deceiving everyone around him by pretending to be a Yankee? If discovered, he would be considered a traitor to the cause, and she could be in jeopardy of treason. Or should he leave the farm, say goodbye to her, and risk certain capture? Either way, his perilous situation doesn’t seem to offer an encouraging outcome. If that isn’t bad enough, Anna’s neighbor, a Union officer, is in love with her, too, and he would stop at nothing to have David arrested … or worse.’ This is a timely novel that will hopefully add new dimensions of thinking about the Civil War and its persistent scars.

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20 Apr 2023
2 Comments

Five-Star Review for A Beautiful Glittering Lie

I received this five-star review from Hollywood Book Reviews for my novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie. This is the first book in the Renegade Series. Thank you so much, Christina Avina, for your awesome review!

Title: A Beautiful Glittering Lie: A Novel of the Civil War (Book One of The Renegade Series) 

Author: J.D.R. Hawkins 

Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing 

ISBN: 978-1643619941 

Pages: 199 

Genre: Military Historical Fiction 

Reviewed by: Christina Avina  

Hollywood Book Reviews 

Throughout the history of the United States, one of the few wars ever fought on American soil, as well as one of the bloodiest and most heart wrenching, was the American Civil War. The battle that was fought between brothers, fathers, and sons not only saw battle lines drawn between the Northern and Southern states, but saw a major 

impact on the homes and lives of everyday families on both sides of the war, something not seen in the United States since the country’s founding. 

In author J.D.R. Hawkins’s A Beautiful Glittering Lie: A Novel of the Civil War, the author showcases this struggle for both the soldiers and the families they left behind back at their homes as the Civil War bloomed large over the nation. When the patriarch for an Alabama family goes off to fight on the front lines, he must face the brutality of war while his family is left to struggle with their land, their family life, and the horrors of war which threaten to come to their doorstep. Meanwhile, the son of the father who left to fight in the war dreams of the idealized version of patriotism that so many believed in, but soon he and his father are treated to the grim realities the war brought on as violence and emotional turmoil drove fear straight into their lives. 

The author did an incredible job of showcasing the tragedy and heartbreak of war in general, as well as the historical realities of the American Civil War. As this is the first in the author’s Civil War era historical fiction series, the author did an amazing job of crafting a narrative that did a wealth of world-building and backstory for the future of the series while making this specific narrative feel complete and well-rounded. The chilling nature of war and the impact this war had on individual families, especially those families left behind in the Southern States who were not part of the wealthy elite and higher officers who fought for the power and ethical issues that the Civil War is best known for today, was felt gravely through both Hiram and his son David’s experiences. 

This is the perfect and most memorable read that a reader will experience for those who enjoy historical fiction series, especially those that enjoy American history and in particular the American Civil War. This will also resonate with those who enjoy historical fiction that focuses both on the history and the development of both the physical and emotional journey that the cast of characters involved in this particular point in history experience. The intimacy and thought-process of those who not only fought in the war but experienced life back at home, and those who had to fight to differentiate the propaganda and idealism of war from the realities it often brings. Bone-chillingly real, emotionally-driven, and thought-provoking, author J.D.R. Hawkins’s A Beautiful Glittering Lie is a must-read novel for those who enjoy historical fiction and glimpses at life during the American Civil War. The heartbreak and horrors that these characters experience showcase a theme that plays out so sophisticatedly throughout this narrative, which is that in war in general, but the Civil War in particular, there was no winner and loser involved. When blood is shed and we are forced to fight our fellow man, we all lose.

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12 Apr 2023

2023 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award Winner

As promised last week, I have big news I’d like to share. My latest novel, Double-Edged Sword, has received the recognition of receiving the 2023 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award. This award is given annually (if there is a worthy recipient) by the Military Order of the Stars and Bars.

According to their website, “The Military Order of the Stars and Bars is the only Confederate heritage organization founded by Confederate Veterans. In 1938 in Columbia, South Carolina, fifteen former Confederate officers, twenty-six sons, and twenty-one grandsons of Confederate officers gathered to organize the Order. Included in this group were the sons and grandsons of six general officers; subsequently the sons and grandsons of an additional thirteen general officers also joined the Order. Initially membership was restricted to lineal descendants of a qualifying Confederate. Later the Order invited those with collateral relationships to Confederate officers or government officials to join.

“Each year the Order gives back to our country. We award college scholarships and recognize outstanding teachers through our Teacher of the Year program. We recognize outstanding authors who write about our Southern heritage. We also donate money to other heritage organizations to help them with their own heritage projects.

“We are mindful of the nearly one-million Americans who died in this conflict as well as those who survived it. Our mission is to perpetuate the idealism that animated the Confederate Cause and to honor the courage, devotion and endurance of those who dedicated their lives and services during four years of devastating war, and who, throughout the dreadful decade of reconstruction, labored heroically for the restoration of self-government as the most precious heritage of the American Revolution.”

http://www.militaryorderofthestarsandbars.org/

This is a very tremendous honor, and I am once again humbled to receive the award. Thank you very much, MOSB, for choosing my novel as the recipient of the 2023 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award.

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05 Apr 2023

News and Happenings

This week, I was notified by Feedspot.com that my blog is one of the fifteen best Civil War book blogs and websites. That’s amazing! Thank you for the distinction, Feedspot!

https://blog.feedspot.com/civil_war_book_blogs/

In other news, I was also notified by Facebook that I have achieved rising creator status. Thank you for the distinction, Facebook!

I want to thank you for subscribing to my blog and following me on Facebook, Twitter, etc. (All of the links to my pages can be found on the “About the Author – Contact” page on my website.) Without your continuing support, I could never have achieved any of these things.

Stay tuned … I have BIG news next week about my most recent novel, Double-Edged Sword!

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22 Mar 2023

A Beautiful Glittering Lie Reaches #1 on Amazon

I had a wonderful surprise last weekend. My novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, moved up to number one on Amazon! 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.

The book held the number one spot in three categories over the weekend. What an accomplishment! Once again, I am an Amazon bestseller!

If you would like a free copy of the e-book, shoot me an email. I’m always looking for reviews!


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