J.D.R. Hawkins

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

Archive for the tag “Renegade Series”

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

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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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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

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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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22 Feb 2023

Review for A Beckoning Hellfire

I came across this review for my novel, A Beckoning Hellfire, that I wanted to share. A Beckoning Hellfire is the second book in the Renegade Series, and tells the story of a family from north Alabama and how the war impacts them. A Beckoning Hellfire centers around the son, David Summers, as he enlists with J.E.B. Stuart’s Confederate cavalry. Thank you for the review, Scarlett Jensen!

Scarlett Jensen

What a cruel thing is war

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Copyright © 2021 by J.D.R. Hawkins. A Beckoning Hellfire.  Hawkins is an award-winning author who has written for newspapers, magazines, newsletters, e-zines, and blogs. This is a widely researched historical novel.

A Beckoning Hellfire follows the same family as in her previous book, A Beautiful Glittering Lie. With her novels, you’re doing more than just reading; you experience. It is recommended to fiction lovers even if historical is not your favorite.  You are transported into the human side of war.

The validity of war, as well as Hiram’s death in the Battle of Fredericksburg, motivates David to convince his best friend, Jake, to go with him and enlist in the Confederate army, more to avenge his father than for idealism.

Expressing horror, suffering and cruelty of war the author recounts the human side of this war. Historical facts that mix with a look into how the war is seen from the eyes of a young soldier, tell the story of a family from north Alabama. But what a cruel thing is war. To separate and destroy families and friends and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world. To fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world…My heart bleeds at the death of every one of our gallant men. —Robert E. Lee, letter to his wife, December 25, 1862.

Things  taken for granted before: Impending darkness engulfed David’s heart. Feeling the need for solitude, “I’ve heard tales as many as half a dozen from this county alone, died fighting with Hiram.”

Resentment and hostility simmered throughout the county. The Northern invaders had taken David’s father, and all he could think about was his own vendetta.

Excerpt:

“Fightin’ for the grand ole Southland. And of you. He talked about you all the time, David. How much of a man you’d become, and how you hoped it would last long enough to see his intentions through. I see it, you’re the next of your pa’s kin to pay for his mistake.” 

What with the Yankees breathin’ down our necks? David plans to join  the army. “What about the crops? Jake will git in with the cavalry. Ma, how will we kill any Yankees ? God’s purpose is something different from the purpose of either party – and yet the human instrumentalities, working just as they do, are of the best adaptation to affect His purpose. Ma’s voice softened his heart and calmed him, like an angelic phenomenon.

David wanted a chance to avenge Pa’s death. He had already committed a murder. Captured before he reached Virginia, runnin’ from, he thought to himself. He would run away for now, fight for his father’s honor, and deal with this whole awakening in the people of the highest emotions and qualities of the human soul.

We have a tale demonstrating the strife cultivating feelings of patriotism, virtue, and courage. Instances of self-sacrifice and of generous soldiers of the Confederate States of America, to give an oath of allegiance.

For David, this could be the last time he’d ever see Alabama again. He already felt homesick. David was on the run.  Was Jake an accomplice to a murder by David?

The war: Yankees  had exhilaration in their hearts that bubbled out into hilarity. Some damn Yankee tyrants, men in combat screamed, slashed, and cursed. Bullets whizzed, and thousands of hooves thundered. This story reminds you of the glorious land of Dixie, and proves that they were of noble race and lineage In the history of the country.

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16 Feb 2023

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!

Double-Edged Sword Review

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

A Beautiful Glittering Lie
A Beckoning Hellfire
Home

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

https://www.fiverr.com/gran7973

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

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08 Feb 2023

A Few More Five-Star Reviews for A Beautiful Glittering Lie

Here are a few more five-star reviews that my novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, recently received. 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, A. Cannady, Amy K. and Hamza, for your five-star reviews!


A Cannady

5.0 out of 5 stars A great story!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 18, 2023

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A Beautiful Glittering Lie: A Novel of the Civil War is a fantastic story around a family’s struggle during the civil war. The storyline is great and the scenes were set up very vividly with great character representation. I enjoy good history books and this one was definitely right up there with the best of them. I highly recommend this book to all history buffs and war buffs.

Amy K.

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Enjoyable

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 17, 2023

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“A Beautiful Glittering Lie: A Novel of the Civil War,” by J.D.R. Hawkins is the first book in the Renegade series. This book is highly recommended for anyone who is a fan of historical fiction. This book really takes you back in time and will truly leave you highly engaged and wanting more with every turn of the page.

Hamza

5.0 out of 5 stars The struggles surrounding Civil War

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 17, 2023

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“A Beautiful Glittering Lie: A Novel of the Civil War (The Renegade Series Book 1)” is a historical tale that narrates the civil war in America. From being enlisted in Army to numerous sacrifices for the sake of the family, the novel offers a fascinating action packed storyline. The story is portrayed from the perspective of a mother, a solider and the youth of the present time. The book makes you understand the Civil War goes beyond Slavery. The writer has provided a strong revision of history through enlightening storytelling. Overall it is an emotional and delicate recap of America’s Civil War.

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02 Feb 2023

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

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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

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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.

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