J.D.R. Hawkins

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

Archive for the tag “Reconstruction”

Double-Edged Sword Featured in Bloomberg

Recently, my latest novel, Double-Edged Sword, was featured in Bloomberg and Accesswire. This book is the fourth one in the Renegade Series. Thank you so much for the amazing article!

Acclaimed Author J.D.R Hawkins Achieves Triumph with Latest Historical Fiction Release ‘Double-Edged Sword’

REDDING, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 18, 2023

J.D.R. Hawkins, acclaimed author of the Renegade Series, unveils another remarkable chapter, a masterpiece of historical fiction that captivates readers with its compelling narrative and profound exploration of the human spirit. Double-Edged Sword, released on April 18, 2022, has garnered widespread acclaim and solidified Hawkins’ reputation as a master storyteller.

Focusing on the enduring themes of courage, survival, and the consequences of war, Double-Edged Sword takes readers on a transformative journey through the post-Civil War era. Hawkins expertly weaves a tale that immerses readers in the complex aftermath of the conflict, capturing the essence of a nation grappling with the scars of its past.

From the opening pages, readers are drawn into the world of Confederate cavalryman David Summers, who returns to Alabama with his new wife, Anna. As they navigate the challenges of a society trying to rebuild, they soon discover that the wounds of war run deep. Hawkins skillfully portrays the emotional turmoil experienced by her characters, allowing readers to witness their struggles with empathy and understanding.

The Renegade Series has resonated with readers across the globe, and Double-Edged Sword is no exception. Hawkins’ ability to breathe life into her characters and transport readers to the heart of the Civil War era has earned her a devoted following. Her meticulous research and attention to historical detail further enhance the story’s authenticity, giving readers a captivating glimpse into the past.

The success of Double-Edged Sword can be attributed not only to its engaging storyline but also to Hawkins’ exceptional storytelling prowess. Her vivid descriptions, poignant dialogue, and richly developed characters leave an unforgettable impression on readers.

As the Renegade Series continues to unfold, readers are left with a profound sense of satisfaction and a renewed appreciation for the power of storytelling. Through the pages of Double-Edged Sword, J.D.R. Hawkins reminds us of the indomitable strength of the human spirit and the enduring quest for freedom and justice.

About J.D.R. Hawkins:

J.D.R. Hawkins is an acclaimed author known for her captivating novels on the Civil War era. With the Renegade Series, she has established herself as a master storyteller, blending historical accuracy with compelling narratives. Hawkins’ dedication to her craft has earned her a loyal readership and numerous accolades. Her ability to bring history to life through her characters and stories is a testament to her exceptional talent as an author.

Acclaimed Author J.D.R Hawkins Achieves Triumph with Latest Historical Fiction Release ‘Double-Edged Sword’ – Bloomberg

Five-Star Review for Double-Edged Sword

I recently received another five-star review for my novel, Double-Edged Sword. This book is the fourth one in the Renegade Series. Thank you so much, Joshua Grant, for your review!


Joshua Grant

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Bringing the post Civil War Reconstruction era to life in a deep and meaningful way!

JDR Hawkins brings us a really interesting and human look at the Reconstruction era with Double-Edged Sword! With the end of the Civil War, ex Confederate David Summers returns to a war torn home and begins to attempt to pick up the pieces. But when a confrontation erupts with an old enemy, David is forced to stand trial. Hawkins always brings the past to life so vividly and seamlessly, and seeing Reconstruction through David and his family’s eyes was very deep and intriguing! I especially found the court case and the arguments around fairness in a postwar Union to be particularly fascinating, and I honestly had to keep flipping forward to figure out what would become of David! If you love historic fiction, the Civil War era, or even court dramas, definitely dive back into the deep South with Double-Edged Sword!

Five-Star Review for Double-Edged Sword from Another Super Fan

I recently received this five-star review from another super fan! This one is for my novel, Double-Edged Sword, which is the fourth book in the Renegade Series. Thank you so much, Greg Seeley, for your awesome review!

In Double-Edged Sword, J.D.R. Hawkins continues the love story of David Summers and his bride Anna (A Rebel Among Us) as the Civil War ends and the awkward period of Reconstruction begins. The story takes the couple back to David’s home state of Alabama where the harsh terms of Reconstruction come to odds with the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, catching between them the youthful couple and David’s family who wish nothing more than to simply go on with their lives. The conditions depicted in Double-Edged Sword are not pretty but are vividly brought to life in this well-researched, well-written novel. Every page leaves the reader wanting more and the following pages certainly deliver. When the couple leave the world of scalawags and carpetbaggers and travel north to Anna’s home state of Pennsylvania, they encounter a whole new set of problems that threaten to throw an already shaky marriage onto the rocks. The bitterness of war continues as Northerners obsess over the near-breakup of the Republic and those whom they hold responsible. For any true fan of historical fiction and, particularly this divisive period in American history, Double -Edged Sword is not to be missed. Read it now.  You’ll be glad you did and it will leave you clamoring for David and Anna’s next adventure. I give a solid five stars.

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.

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!

Awesome Review from Diabolic Shrimp

I received an awesome review last week for my novel, Double-Edged Sword, from Diabolic Shrimp. If you are unaware of Diabolic Shrimp, it is a website run by Josh Grant to advertise his books, and post reviews of other books as well. He also does many wonderful things, including helping to fund ocean exploration, supporting UNICEF and homeless single moms, and numerous other humanitarian interests. He has a line of comic books that he writes too, so check out his website!

Double-Edged Sword

JDR Hawkins

JDR Hawkins brings us a really interesting and human look at the Reconstruction era with Double-Edged Sword!  With the end of the Civil War, ex Confederate David Summers returns to a war torn home and begins to attempt to pick up the pieces.  But when a confrontation erupts with an old enemy, David is forced to stand trial.  Hawkins always brings the past to life so vividly and seamlessly, and seeing Reconstruction through David and his family’s eyes was very deep and intriguing!  I especially found the court case and the arguments around fairness in a postwar Union to be particularly fascinating, and I honestly had to keep flipping forward to figure out what would become of David!  If you love historic fiction, the Civil War era, or even court dramas, definitely dive back into the deep South with Double-Edged Sword!

This book is also being featured on Diabolical Shrimp’s footer ad space, along with my other books in the Renegade Series.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp5fRXb9o-yIOgzZsjl8BCw

https://www.fiverr.com/gran7973

Thank you, Josh, for featuring my books, and for writing your review!

More Five-Star Reviews for A Beautiful Glittering Lie

Recently, I received more five-star reviews for my novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, and I wanted to share them. This book is the first one in the Renegade Series. It tells the story of a family from north Alabama, and how the Civil War impacts them. Thank you so much for the reviews!

Nicki

5.0 out of 5 stars A Compelling Story on Civil War from the Viewpoint of the Confederate

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

Verified Purchase

This is a beautiful story of a family’s sacrifices and struggles as they stand up to a belief and their country. While we, as readers, encounter all the perils of the war, some ugly truths also surface, that make us question about the many facts and legends associated with the Civil War.

Michele Klawitter

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful lies for sure

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 13, 2023

Verified Purchase

This book is a historical fiction centered around the Civil War. Not for the weak hearted. The POV in this is from the south so keep that in mind. Not for everyone but a good read. Great job to the author.

Free on Amazon and New AllAuthor Feature

This week only, all of my books in the Renegade Series are free on Kindle! This is an exciting promotion that I’m featuring to help jumpstart the holidays. It will also boost my ratings on Amazon. Get your free copies today!

My latest novel, Double-Edged Sword, is making its way to the number one spot on Amazon’s bestsellers list. As of today, the book is ranked at #3 under Best Sellers in War & Military Action Fiction.

The book ranks at #2 in Best Sellers in Action & Adventure Romance Fiction.

And it ranks at #9 for Best Sellers in Historical Fiction.

Double-Edged Sword is also being featured on the AllAuthor website. Here is the link:

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

Please check it out and tell me what you think! Once again, thank you so much for your support.

Double-Edged Sword Wins Award

I’m very excited and happy to announce that my new novel, Double-Edged Sword, has received the Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion! This is the fourth book in the Renegade Series, and now all four books have received this distinguished award!

According to their website, “BRAGMedallion.com is owned and operated by indieBRAG, LLC, a privately held organization that has brought together a large group of readers, both individuals and members of book clubs, located throughout the United States and in ten other countries around the globe. The word “indie” refers to self-published books, while B.R.A.G. is an acronym for Book Readers Appreciation Group. The name “indieBRAG” and the B.R.A.G. logos are trademarks of indieBRAG, LLC. The B.R.A.G. Medallion is a certification trademark owned and controlled by indieBRAG, LLC.”

I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to receive this award! Thank you, indieBRAG, for giving my book the distinction it deserves!

Another Outstanding Review for Double-Edged Sword

I received another review for my new novel, Double-Edged Sword. This is the fourth book in the Renegade Series. Thank you so much, Pacific Book Reviews and Arthur Thares, for your flattering review!

J.D.R. Hawkins has done it again with the next chapter into David and Anna’s lives. There is always a worry that bringing back established characters will not have the same spark as their first story, but that was never going to be the case for as gifted a writer as Hawkins. Instead, we get a direct sequel (and fourth in a series) to her fantastic novel A Rebel Among Us.


After a rocky start to their lives together, David and Anna leave the North to stay with David’s family in Alabama, but the couple soon finds that living in the South won’t be any easier. Just making it to David’s family is harrowing enough, but the challenges continue. With the turmoil of southern reconstruction after the Civil War, David and Anna eventually make their way back North, but not everyone is happy about their return. The two struggle to fight for each other while battling the outside world, but even their love may not be enough to protect them.


J.D.R. Hawkins is a gifted writer who creates compelling characters which feel real. It isn’t the more prominent aspects of their personality which make her characters unique; it is the subtle gestures that make them seem like complete beings. Something else she does remarkably well is sliding in historical references wherever they fit without making it feel forced. Her knowledge of the period shows not only with her historical references but the speech and actions of her characters. It is genuinely fun to follow David and Anna throughout their story, even if it is not always a pleasant one.


One of the strongest characteristics of this book is how it toes the line of multiple genres, opening it up to a broader audience. While there is plenty of romance, it isn’t a “romance novel,” and the balanced addition of action and humor places it in its own category. Hawkins touches on plenty of mature subjects but does so in a way that does not make the book too mature for younger readers. There is some language in the book that is not socially acceptable, but it was unfortunately commonplace during the period this book takes place.


Hopefully, this book is not the end of David and Anna’s story, as these characters have so much more life. J.D.R. Hawkins is an exceptional writer, and her talent should be appreciated no matter what genres of books a reader usually gravitates toward. It would be hard for anyone to read this book from cover to cover and not fall in love with the characters and the author that brings them to life.

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