I recently received more awesome reviews for my novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie. This book is the first one in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of a family from north Alabama and how the Civil War impacts them. Thank you so much, Sheryl K., Kevin Cannon and Karen S. for your reviews!
I enjoyed this first of a 4-book series, about the American Civil War. The story is told by a southern family, who reads, or hears about the political unrest of the North vs South. Being a Canadian, I know very little of the civil war, but this story explains it so I can get a feel for it. The characters are believable, to a degree that you almost feel part of the story. The … fighting is very well described, and I eagerly look forward to reading the other 3 books.
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2023
An enjoyable beginning to a story of a southern family drawn into the American Civil War and the effects and hardships it brings. Nicely written with well-drawn characters on both sides. This would definitely appeal to fans of the Civil War as it includes a wealth of information on both the people and places/events that featured prominently in the conflict.
Truly enjoyed this book as a Civil War buff and someone who had ancestors who fought although on the Union side. Also due to the fact it concerned northern Alabama where I lived for 2 years so I could really relate to descriptions of the area where these people lived. The language and social mores of the time still is true in many areas of the south today. I would suggest this book to anyone interested in the Civil War and look forward to reading others in the authors series.
I received notice that my novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, has been honored with the Maincrest Media Book Award. Here is the criteria they used to rank my book:
MAINCRESTMEDIA
BOOK TITLE: A Beautiful Glittering Lie: A Novel of the Civil War
PLOT: The story is original, engaging and well-paced. The book follows a clear and logical narrative arc. The writing includes information to make a reader want to continue reading and stretch their imagination.
SCORE: 18/20
CHARACTER: The characters are memorable and believable and their goals and motivations have been well established. The characters’ strengths, weaknesses, backstory and conflicts evoke a strong emotional response in the reader.
SCORE: 18/20
THEME: The book has a strong, unifying theme. The book presents new and original ideas. The book appeals to the reader in an emotional or logical manner. The theme is relevant to the author’s genre of writing.
SCORE: 16/20
STYLE: The author’s word choice, sentence fluency, voice and tone have been well established. The author uses descriptive imagery where appropriate. The author’s use of language enhances the overall reading experience.
SCORE: 16/20
APPEAL TO TARGET AUDIENCE: The target audience of the book is clear and the contents of the book is in line with other highly regarded books in its genre. The book has a professional interior layout and typeface. The book includes relevant front and back matter to explain key elements of the plot, characters and setting to enhance a reader’s overall experience. The book is free from grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors.
SCORE: 16/20 With a score of 84 out of 100, this book has been selected for a Maincrest Media Book Award in the Historical Fiction category.
This novel is the first one in the Renegade Series, which centers around a family from north Alabama, and tells the story of how the Civil War impacts them. Thank you so much, Maincrest Media, for this amazing honor!
I recently received this review for my novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, which I think is quite flattering. Thank you so much, Amanda Lewis, your amazing review!
“Upon coming across your book, I was immediately drawn in, and I believe that its message has been effectively communicated to me. Please allow me to discuss the strengths of the book as I share my assessment of it.
“Key Points: Character Dynamics: The interactions and relationships among Hiram, Caroline, and David are central to the narrative. Highlighting the emotional bonds and struggles they face as a result of the war will resonate with readers and is a key aspect to emphasize in any review or discussion of the book.
“Historical Context: Given the rich historical detail in the novel, it would be valuable to explore how the story connects to actual events of the Civil War. Discussing the impact of historical accuracy on the storytelling and its educational value can be a key talking point.
“Family as a Microcosm: “A Beautiful Glittering Lie” offers a lens through which to view the larger themes of the Civil War, presenting the family as a microcosm of the nation’s divisions. Analyzing how the family’s experiences reflect the broader context of the war can provide valuable insights for readers.
“Moral Dilemmas: The novel delves into the moral dilemmas faced by its characters, particularly Hiram, as they navigate their loyalties and convictions. Exploring the ethical questions raised in the story, and the characters’ responses, can be a thought-provoking aspect to discuss.
“In summary, “A Beautiful Glittering Lie” is a compelling historical novel that effectively captures the essence of the Civil War era, providing readers with a poignant exploration of sacrifice, family, and the consequences of war. The book’s well-developed characters, authentic historical backdrop, and emotional depth make it a strong addition to the historical fiction genre, and it offers ample material for meaningful discussion and analysis.”
I was recently featured in an article published by Life and Style Magazine. This is a great honor for me, and I really appreciate the publicity. Thank you so much, Mr. Tom White, for featuring me in your magazine! Here is the link:
And also, my novel, Double-Edged Sword, will soon be featured in a movie! I will keep you updated about this development. Again, thank you so much for your support!
My latest novel, A Becharmed Callie Christmas, has been raking in the reviews! Here are a few more five-star reviews I wanted to share with you. Thanks so much for your ongoing support! And please vote for my book cover! Here is the link:
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2023
In this ambitious and transcendent graphic narrative, J. D. R. Hawkins turns her keen eye to none other than the story of the Civil War. She employs a descriptive writing style and accurate and straightforward descriptions which are so easy to grasp that it won’t have anyone guessing around. I loved it!
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2023
This was such a cute Christmas book! It was like watching a cute hallmark movie with your own imagination. This would honestly make a great gift or stocking stuffer for the Christmas season. It was cute, humble and fun for this festive time of year!
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2023
The story had echoes of Gone with the Wind but was fresh and refreshing in its approach. It shows the struggles of a Southern community as seen through the eyes of a 15-year-old girl, Callie, whose only aim in life is to be liked and loved and lives in a world of Christmas parties, dresses, dances, and gifts. Though the story is cheerful in tone, the undercurrent of the war hangs in the background, marking a dark shadow and placing unease.
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2023
A novel that will let readers a lot to think about when people inevitably go through wars. “A Becharmed Callie Christmas” forms part of a thought-provoking series penned by J.D.R. Hawkins. Throughout the pages, readers will learn about the way any war harms people but at the same time, how some people keep their faith and hope to overcome it. It’s a story that invites you to become part of the conflict and in this case, to be part of a teenager`s thoughts and ideas. I liked the way the author delves into harsh moments as well as tender ones. Hawkin’s writing style is neat and engaging. I highly recommend it.
I recently checked my book listing on Amazon and saw that A Becharmed Callie Christmas has received a lot of five-star reviews, so I wanted to share them with you. Thank you so much for the reviews!
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2023
A Becharmed Callie Christmas by JDR Hawkins is a Christmas time tale told during the time of the Civil War in the USA. Callie is a young woman who is outspoken and pampered and determined to have a large Christmas party, despite low funds and a looming war. She realizes by the end that the war is closer than she ever thought and has to come to terms with what that means for her, her family and her home in Alabama. I greatly enjoyed this story and the accurate depictions of people and places during the Civil War. A tale told from a female author like this feels rare, and it was a pleasure to read. It really gave a different kind of life to the female lead, which helped me to love the story even more. I would absolutely love to check out more by this author.
It’s nearly Christmas time so it’s time to get in a holiday mood! However, this is not your typical Christmas cookie-cutter story. It’s a tale set against the backdrop of the looming Civil War. The evocative portrayal of the pre-Civil War Southern atmosphere is outstanding, and the author skillfully weaves the opulence of the Copeland estate with the tension of the times. Despite minor pacing issues, the novel successfully transports readers to a bygone era. It’s an interesting and different take on Christmas novels and some readers might not like it because they want a more classic Christmas story, but this was spot-on for me. Excellent book!
A Becharmed Callie Christmas by JDR Hawkins is an amazing novel for this time of the year. This Christmas tale told during the time of the Civil War in the USA is not the typical story everyone reads; however, it is a wonderful opportunity to have a different pleasant read while waiting for December 25th. I really enjoyed the fact that the plot gave a different kind of life to the female lead. I would love to follow this author from now onwards.
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2023
In “A Becharmed Callie Christmas,” J. D. R. Hawkins brings us Callie Mae Copeland, a girl you’ll quickly become enamored with! Although she’s spoiled as the daughter of a rich landowner, Callie’s dealing with the challenges that come with being a teenager while the country is on the brink of the Civil War. She wants to do what she can to help, but coming from the perspective of a pampered teen, her ideas of helping aren’t always appreciated. Over the course of the story, Callie must deal with the changes to her family and status, falling in love, losing those she loves, and realizing that in the great big world, her life and problems aren’t as big as she thought.
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2023
In “A Becharmed Callie Christmas,” J. D. R. Hawkins weaves a tale set against the backdrop of the Civil War, focusing on Callie Mae Copeland, an affluent landowner’s pampered daughter. As she navigates the challenges of adolescence, Callie is determined to make the Copeland’s Christmas party a memorable event. However, the looming war casts a shadow of uncertainty over her world. The story delves into themes of love, loss, and the profound impact of historical events on individual lives, leaving readers pondering the unpredictable nature of fate.
In other news, A Becharmed Callie Christmas is being featured on AllAuthor. Here is the link:
I received another wonderful review for my new book, A Becharmed Callie Christmas. This time, it is from Pacific Book Review. Thank you so much, Manik Chaturmutha, for your review!
A Becharmed Callie Christmas: A Story of the Civil War (The Renegade Series)
Title: A Becharmed Callie Christmas
Subtitle: A Story of the Civil War
Author: J.D.R. Hawkins
Pages: 90
Genre: Historic Short Fiction
Reviewer: Manik Chaturmutha
Pacific Book Review
The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a devastating conflict that tore the country apart, causing significant social, political, and economic changes. The main issue of the Civil War was slavery, which was resolved by the Union’s victory, leading to the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the United States as a single nation. It remains a critical moment in American history that shaped the nation. This book, A Becharmed Callie Christmas by author J.D.R. Hawkins, is set in this context.
The story is set in 1862, Alabama, a place of great turmoil and strife. It revolves around the life of 15-year-old Callie Copeland, whose peaceful existence is interrupted by the chaos of war. As Callie prepares for her family’s Christmas party, the uncertainty and harsh realities of the conflict loom large, threatening to overshadow the joyous occasion. Despite the festive mood, the tension in the air is palpable, and Callie can’t help but feel that everything she holds dear is at risk.
From a third-person point of view, the tale employs the simple and fitting vocabulary of the South, which enriches the readers’ experiences. The protagonist, Callie, is an intelligent and ambitious child who can sometimes come across as self-centered due to her ignorant ways and vanity. By portraying the protagonist’s naivety and self-absorption, the author skillfully brings to life the unblemished innocence of a child, creating a captivating narrative that draws in the reader. However, she also possesses good intuition and a keen sense of self-preservation, making her an impressionable child with solid values.
The writer describes the social, economic, and political situation in the South, including disruptions to currency, the abandonment of posts by black slaves in their households, and trade disruptions. These details help the reader imagine the setting more vividly. The story emphasizes the harsh realities of war, including the sacrifices which must be made. Regardless of the dire setting, the author engages in a mildly cheery tone for the characters.
The story is well-written and engaging, making it a good read. In addition to its historical significance, the text offers a nuanced portrayal of gender relations during wartime, highlighting the struggles and agency of women in a male dominated society. Through vivid descriptions and compelling characters, the text offers a window into a bygone era and the complex human experience of those who lived during that time. J.D.R. Hawkins’s Becharmed Callie Christmas intricately weaves a poignant tale through the eyes of 15-year-old Callie Copeland. Hawkins masterfully intertwines historical accuracy with an endearing protagonist, offering a compelling exploration of gender dynamics and the human experience during a pivotal moment in history. I highly recommend this beautifully crafted novella to the fans of historical fiction seeking an emotionally resonant narrative.
I received this amazing review from Hollywood Book Reviews for my new book, A Becharmed Callie Christmas. Thank you so much, Lisa Brown-Gilbert, for your review!
A Becharmed Callie Christmas
Title: A Becharmed Callie Christmas: A Story of The Civil War
Author: J.D.R. Hawkins
ISBN: 979-8866387212
Pages: 90
Genre: Historical-Fiction
Reviewed by: Lisa Brown-Gilbert
Hollywood Book Reviews
A bestselling, award-winning author of Civil War fiction, J.D.R. Hawkins adds another installment to her well-received The Renegade Series, which focuses on the life-altering effects of the Civil War on a family from Alabama. To which, this book, A Becharmed Callie Christmas, adds to the atmosphere and perspective of the war and those touched by it.
To begin with, the characterizations are intrinsically realistic as we get to meet the central character, Callie Copeland. She is young, pretty, and spoiled. Also, she comes from an affluent family; her father is a wealthy landowner. Callie is often indulged by her well-to do-father, who gives in to her whims most of the time. Set during the midst of the second year of the Civil War, while a war wages on, Callie’s world revolves around friends; their concerns hover around the perfect dress, parties, especially an upcoming planned Christmas party, and of course, attention from males. Additionally, the other characters are also realistically presented according to the time period, as their interactions and conversations portray the sentiments and culture existing at that time.
Meanwhile, as the time for the long-awaited Christmas party approaches, life for Callie becomes fraught with a mix of emotions as events in her life bring on both sadness and happiness. However, Callie’s world is completely rattled when she has a near death experience and experiences a change in conscience when she realizes not only her own mortality, but the mortality of the Confederate soldiers fighting in the war who are dying.
Overall, I enjoyed A Becharmed Callie Christmas, as it made for an artfully written read. Author J.D.R. Hawkins did a wonderful job of detailing the lives and landscape of the Civil War South, making this a brief but altogether, impactful read. Throughout the narrative, I found myself engaged in this story, fraught with elements of life, loss, and love, from a time long past. Moreover, this book presents thoughtful exploration of the effects of the Civil War – told from the Confederate viewpoint, offering readers a brief exploration of the Southern perspective. Also, adding an intriguing touch interspersed throughout the story are letters from Confederate soldiers offering peeks into the way the war affected those out in the fields of war.
Ultimately, this was a poignant book which would make a great fireside read, and I would definitely recommend it especially to those readers interested in literate as well as engaging historically based fiction.
My latest book, A Becharmed Callie Christmas, has received a wonderful review from The U.S. Review of Books. Thank you so much, Toby Berry, for your review!
A Becharmed Callie Christmas: A Story of the Civil War (The Renegade Series) J. D. R. Hawkins
Book review by Toby Berry
“It seemed the war wasn’t as glamorous as she had been told.”
In this novel of historical fiction, the author delivers the flavor and essence of high society life in the South during the Civil War era. The charmed and unfazed young belles get glimpses of the outside world, though they tend to quickly look away. They are a living portrait of joyful naïveté and innocence. The main character, Callie Copeland, plans parties and thinks about boys. She is a privileged and sheltered sixteen-year-old beauty, and she is well aware of it. Her cares about the war are usually remote, but sometimes bubble to the surface, “She suddenly realized how fragile life was. So many soldiers had died, and so many families had lost their loved ones. She was one of the lucky ones.”
This book could serve as a companion to the novel Gone with the Wind with respect to its focus on the cares of young, privileged ladies of the 1860s:
“There would be no more worries until after the Yule, and she would make happy, even if it meant appearing insensitive.”
Perhaps the best elements within the narrative are the artful descriptions that take readers right into the life of the South’s elite with their details of the antebellum homes, rooms, and decor. “A thick pink quilt covered her four-poster bed. A fire crackled in the white marble fireplace at the opposite end of the room.” The message is subtle but obvious that war is unspeakably terrible, even amongst those who are living more remotely and are less aware of the ugliness of military conflict directly. As all good authors do, Hawkins shows rather than tells, never preaching. The book ends each chapter with a letter home from the war front. It brings the juxtaposing viewpoints to the forefront. In short, Hawkins’ novel is exquisitely done.
My new short story, A Becharmed Callie Christmas, has reached #1 on Amazon! This is amazing, since the book has only been out a few weeks. Here are the stats:
#1 in History of the U.S. Confederacy: This book has topped the charts in this category, reflecting its significant impact and resonance with readers.
#1 in 90-Minute History Short Reads: This achievement highlights the book’s compelling storytelling and its appeal to history enthusiasts.
#4 in American Historical Romance: Achieving a top spot in this highly competitive category is a testament to this book’s captivating narrative and emotional depth.
Thanks to everyone for your support!
I’d like to share with you some book teasers for the book. Let me know what you think!
