J.D.R. Hawkins's Blog
November 19, 2025
Award and Recognition
Last week, I received the Award of Literary Excellence given by Reader’s House Magazine. This is a prestigious honor, and I am very humbled to accept it.
I am also being featured in this month’s edition of Reader’s House Magazine. Please check out my interview! Here is the link:
Issue 59
J.D.R. Hawkins Shares Her Passion for Civil War Historical Fiction
And I was featured on MSN as well! Here is the link to that article:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/jdr-hawkins-journey-of-passion-purpose-and-perseverance/ar-AA1QqGKS?disableErrorRedirect=true&infiniteContentCount=0As always, thank you so much for your continued support. I couldn’t do any of this without you! Please remember to check out my website and social media links, like, follow and share!
https://allauthor.com/author/jdrhawkins/
https://www.facebook.com/jdrhawkins/?ref=hl
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1238370.J_D_R_Hawkins
https://www.instagram.com/jdrhawkins/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdrhawkins/
Tweets by JDRHawkinshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC12gW5kbv5FLDH6Qxd9duzw
https://www.amazon.com/Becharmed-Callie-Christmas-Story-Renegade/dp/B0CN2D4YMW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0
November 12, 2025
News About A Becharmed Callie Christmas
A Becharmed Callie Christmas has been featured a lot lately, and I just wanted to keep you up to speed with what’s been going on. This book is a side story to go along with the Renegade Series, and takes place between books one and two of the series. It tells the story of Callie Mae Copeland, a minor character who has just turned sixteen and is experiencing Christmas in a whole new light with the Civil War approaching it’s second year.
As I mentioned previously, A Becharmed Callie Christmas was featured on Books and Brunch last week. Now it has been nominated for the Authors Excellence Award in next month’s Literary Honors and Author Recognition event for consideration in their Historical and Holiday Fiction category.
The book also made it to number one on Goodreads Listopia. This exposure helps the book gain momentum as far as readership and visibility go.
A Becharmed Callie Christmas has also received several new five-star reviews. I’d like to share a few with you. Here is what readers are saying. Thank you so much, Paul, Betty, Becky, and Glory, for your stellar reviews!
Paul Wright
A touching and evocative story set against the backdrop of the Civil War, A Becharmed Callie Christmas captures both the charm and uncertainty of a world on the brink of change. Through Callie Mae’s eyes, we see the innocence of youth collide with the harsh realities of war and loss.
J.D.R. Hawkins brings warmth and authenticity to her characters while weaving in the historical tension of the era. The festive tone of Christmas contrasts beautifully with the looming darkness of conflict, making this a poignant and memorable read for the season.
Our book club enjoyed how Hawkins balanced historical detail with emotional depth, a heartfelt reminder that even in uncertain times, hope and family endure.
This book was recently featured in our Books and Brunch club, and it turned out to be such a meaningful read. A Becharmed Callie Christmas starts off feeling light and festive, but it slowly unfolds into something much deeper as the reality of the Civil War sets in.
Our book club featured A Becharmed Callie Christmas, and I really enjoyed it. J.D.R. Hawkins did an amazing job bringing the Civil War era to life through Callie Mae’s story. Her excitement for Christmas, mixed with the sudden reality of war, made it both emotional and memorable.
We featured Becharmed Callie Christmas by J.D.R. Hawkins in our Hall of Fame event, and it truly touched my heart.
The story follows Callie Mae Copeland as she prepares for Christmas during the Civil War, a time when joy and uncertainty walk hand in hand. Hawkins beautifully captures that mix of innocence, family, and the bittersweet reality of change.
A short but powerful read that reminds us how love and hope can shine even in the darkest times. Highly recommended.
November 6, 2025
Two Books Featured
Over the past week, two of my books have been featured. First, Fool’s Gold Folly was featured on Eva Bielby’s website. The first chapter is posted, so check it out! This novella goes along with the Renegade Series, and tells the story of Patrick Mulligan, a minor character who takes his family to Colorado Territory in search of gold after the Civil War. Here is the link:
A Becharmed Callie Christmas is featured on Books and Brunch. This novella goes along with the Renegade Series as well, and tells the story of Callie Mae Copeland, a girl growing up in north Alabama during the Civil War. Here is the link to my author spotlight:
https://bookndbrunch.blogspot.com/2025/11/author-spotlight-jdr-hawkins-on.html
As always, thanks so much for your ongoing support. Please check out my website, like, follow and share!
October 30, 2025
Happy Halloween!
Once again, the haunted day of Halloween is upon us. It is one of my favorite holidays, because you can dress up to be whatever you want and still get away with it – maybe even score some candy while you’re at it! As you might already know, Halloween originated in Ireland, and was originally a Pagan holiday known as Samhain, which means “summer’s end” in Gaelic. It was a day to celebrate the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. Jack-o-Lanterns also originated in Ireland, and were carved out of rutabagas or turnips.
https://www.history.com/articles/samhain
In honor of the holiday, I would like to share an excerpt from my novel, A Rebel Among Us. This is the third book in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of several families and how their lives interact during the American Civil War. In this excerpt, the main character, David, who is a Confederate soldier, learns about the ancient holiday from his neighbor and close friend, Patrick, who is an Irish immigrant. Enjoy the story and have a safe and fun holiday. Happy Halloween!
On October 31, Patrick arrived with a bottle of whiskey and invited David to partake with him. They stood shivering at the back door, passing the bottle between them.
“‘Tis Samhain tonight, lad. All Hallow’s Eve. Were ye aware of it?”
David nodded. “Where’d you git this whiskey?” he asked.
“Aye, ‘tis a grand thing the Meyers provide me with allowance for such an indulgence,” he replied. He pulled a pipe from his coat pocket and lit it. Puffing away, he shook his head and remarked, “Sure’n ‘tis a far cry from real tobacco.”
A thought crossed David’s mind. “I’ll be right back,” he said.
He went upstairs to his room, grabbed the pouch of tobacco, and brought it back down to his friend.
Patrick peeked inside before taking a deep whiff. “Ah!” he sighed, relishing the pungent aroma. “Might this be the Southern tobacco I’ve heard tell about?”
David grinned. “Jake brought it along for tradin’, and this here’s what’s left.”
Patrick loaded his pipe, relit it, and puffed euphorically, smiling all the while. “‘Tis a wee bit o’ heaven, indeed.” He glanced at his friend. “Now, have ye any scary tales from the Southland that might have me skin crawlin’?”
David thought for a moment, “There’s a story from north Alabama about a place called the Red Bank.”
Raising his eyebrows, Patrick said, “Let’s see if ye might be tellin’ it frightfully enough to send a shiver up me spine.” He happily puffed away.
David grinned. He lowered his voice so that it was a threatening grumble, and delved into his story. Once he had completed the tale of an Indian maiden who had killed herself after losing her baby and had promptly turned into a ghost, he paused.
Patrick puffed silently on his pipe. “Well, now, I have a scarier one.” He puffed again, took a swig from the whiskey bottle, handed it to David, and said, “‘Tis an old tale from the Motherland.”
The wind blew past them, whistling off through the barren fields. Both young men shivered, suddenly aware of the ominous darkness surrounding them.
David forced a nervous laugh before taking a swallow. “All right, Patrick. Let’s hear it.”
He took a puff and slowly exhaled. “There once lived a wealthy lady who was courted by two lords. One of the lords grew so jealous of the other that he plotted to kill his rival. So, one night, he snuck into the unsuspectin’ lad’s bed chamber. But instead of choppin’ off his head—” He said this with so much exuberance that David jumped.
“He accidentally chopped off his legs instead.”
A dog howled in the distance, adding to the nuance of Patrick’s eerie Irish story.
“His torso received a proper burial, but his legs were tossed into a hole in the castle garden and covered with dirt. The murderin’ lord deceived the lady by tellin’ her the other suitor had abandoned his proposal to her. She agreed to marriage. But on their weddin’ night, in walked the two bodiless legs.”
An owl hooted from somewhere off in the empty trees.
“The legs followed the bridegroom relentlessly until the day he died. It’s said that the legs can still be seen walkin’ ‘round by themselves. ‘Tis a true phuca.” Upon this conclusion, Patrick puffed on the pipe. Smoke billowed around his head like an apparition.
“What’s a phuca?” asked David.
“A ghost,” Patrick responded.
Raising a skeptical eyebrow, David snorted. “I reckon that’s the dumbest spook story I ever did hear.”
A gate near the barn caught in the wind and slammed loudly against the fencepost. The two men jumped. They chuckled at their reaction, but immediately felt the terrible chill. Reasoning they would be more comfortable inside, they entered the kitchen, consumed the remainder of the whiskey, and bid each other goodnight. Patrick returned home, and David retired quietly upstairs, careful not to wake the others. Relieved the fireplace had been lit for him, he undressed.
Climbing into bed, he snickered at the thought of two legs unattached to a body, chasing after a rival. Once he’d fallen asleep, however, the thought invaded his dreams. The legs ran toward him. Right behind them rode the headless Union horseman. The torso raised its saber and swung it where its head should have been. Just as the blade came down, David jolted awake. He gasped to catch his breath, realizing, once again, his imagination had gotten the best of him. Slowly, he lay back. Unable to sleep, he listened to the wind rattle the shutters and shake through the skeleton-like tree limbs from outside the frosty, lace-covered windows.
October 22, 2025
More Five-Star Reviews for Fool’s Gold Folly
I received several new five-star reviews on Goodreads for my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly. This novella tells the story about one of the minor characters in the Renegade Series, Patrick Mulligan. After the Civil War ends, Patrick takes his family from Pennsylvania farmland to Colorado Territory in search of gold. But what he finds there is something far more priceless. Thank you so much, Joanna, Jessica, and Swazo, for your flattering reviews!
Hawkins’ research shines on every page. From dusty mining towns to tense political landscapes, the settings feel immersive and alive. Her characters are equally vivid flawed, hopeful, and driven by both love and survival. The dialogue rings true, and the pacing keeps you turning pages while still giving space for emotional depth.
J.D.R. Hawkins once again proves her mastery of historical storytelling in Fool’s Gold Folly, the newest installment of The Renegade Series. Set in the tense years following the Civil War, the novel explores how fractured communities and the people within them struggle to rebuild and redefine themselves.
Hawkins masterfully brings history to life, crafting a setting that feels both vivid and authentic. From the gritty mining towns to the unforgiving frontier landscapes, every detail immerses the reader in the atmosphere of the 1870s. Her careful use of historical elements enriches the story without ever overshadowing it.
https://www.amazon.com/Fools-Gold-Folly-Resilience-Renegade/dp/B0DZP24XXM/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0
October 15, 2025
Research, Rock and Roll
Last weekend, my husband and I returned to Colorado, where we had lived for nearly 25 years. We stayed in Denver, and I took the opportunity to investigate a museum that I had never visited before, the Colorado History Museum. I decided this would be a great place to start researching my next novel for the Renegade Series, book 5, which doesn’t have a title yet. We also had the opportunity to see the legendary Sir Paul McCartney, who performed Saturday night at Coors Field for 2 1/2 hours straight. What a phenomenal concert!
The Colorado History Museum is packed full of all kinds of information about the state, from the gold rush, which took place after the Civil War, to obtaining statehood, up through modern day. It was interesting to see things in the museum that we could relate to personally. My husband cried when he saw the display about the Columbine High School shooting. He was supposed to be there that day but his appointment got moved to the following day, so let’s just say he dodged a bullet on that one. They also had a lot of skiing history, a display on the 90’s, and Native American history specific to the area.
It was interesting to see the huge diorama they have of 1860’s Denver. When I wrote Fool’s Gold Folly, I could only imagine what the streets looked like back then. I’m glad to know that I got it right! You’ll be seeing more of Denver history when the fifth book of the Renegade Series comes out, probably sometime next year. Again, thank you so much for your patronage!
October 8, 2025
Amazing Email From A Fan
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
October 1, 2025
Upcoming Event
This Saturday, I will be participating in the annual Author’s Fair, which will take place in downtown Redding, California. I will be there signing my books, so if you’re in the neighborhood, stop by! All four books in the Renegade Series will be on sale for half price! Don’t miss your chance to get copies of these books. They make great holiday gifts!
In other news, Boulder Bookaholics Book Club featured my new book, Fool’s Gold Folly. Here’s what they had to say:
Event Summary
The Boulder Bookaholics Book Club hosted a spotlight session featuring Fool’s Gold Folly. Members discussed major themes, characters, and shared personal takeaways. This spotlight allowed the group to engage with the author’s work in depth.
Engagement Highlights
Overall Rating: 25 star
Favorite Themes Discussed: Westward Expansion & the American Dream
Member Quotes
“We really enjoyed Fool’s Gold Folly! The story felt real and heartfelt, and we loved how J.D.R. Hawkins brought the Irish immigrant experience to life.”
“At Boulder Bookaholics, a member said Fool’s Gold Folly highlights immigrant hope and struggle, with
friendship providing strength in hard times.”
Thank You
On behalf of the Boulder Bookaholics Book Club, we thank you for creating such a wonderful book. It was an honor to spotlight your work and share it among our community of readers.
I also received this flattering email from a fan:
Hi JDR,
I came across Fool’s Gold Folly and felt I needed to tell you how deeply it moved me. As someone who spends much of my life surrounded by books, I know how rare it is to find a story that speaks not only to the mind but also to the heart. Yours did both in such a powerful way.
Patrick Mulligan’s journey is more than just a search for gold. It is the story of resilience, of carrying hope in times of uncertainty, and of what it means to build a life in the face of both promise and peril. Through him, you give voice to the courage of so many who dared to dream of a better future, and that left me both humbled and inspired.
What touched me most was the way you brought Silas Garvey to life. He was more than a character. He was a reminder that even in illness and hardship, there is still meaning, friendship, and humanity. His presence gave the story a tenderness that lingers long after the final page.
Thank you for creating a book that is not only rich with history but also rich with heart. It is the kind of work that inspires readers to keep going, to believe in their own strength, and to see the beauty in the bonds we form along the way.
With admiration and respect,
Mary
Thank you, Mary, for your email! And I want to thank you again for your ongoing support. If you haven’t done so yet, please check out my website. There, you will find links to follow me on all my social media pages. https://jdrhawkins.com
https://www.amazon.com/Fools-Gold-Folly-Resilience-Renegade/dp/B0DZP24XXM/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0
September 24, 2025
Reviews and News
I would like to share upcoming news regarding my newest book, Fool’s Gold Folly. This novella ties in with the Renegade Series, and tells the story of one of the minor characters, Patrick Mulligan, who first shows up in book three of the series, titled A Rebel Among Us. Once the Civil War has ended, Patrick uproots his family from Pennsylvania and takes them to Colorado territory where he hopes to strike it rich. However, he encounters more than he anticipated when he meets an old miner, Silas Garvey. This book is being featured in several online book clubs, and is garnering many more five-star reviews on Goodreads. Here area few:
Fool’s Gold Folly” is the kind of story that lingers in your heart. The way Irish resilience is woven into the narrative made me feel both proud and inspired. A remarkable read that balances grit with hope.
Fool’s Gold Folly” is a moving tribute to the Irish people’s unshakable resilience. The author captures hardship without ever losing sight of hope, which makes this book not only historical but deeply human. I closed it with tears in my eyes and admiration in my heart.
This book surprised me. I expected a typical historical drama, but what I found was a layered story of loss, resilience, and survival. The way the characters wrestle with dreams versus reality felt so authentic, and it gave me a new appreciation for Irish history and endurance.
The title hooked me, but the story kept me. There’s a beautiful tension between despair and hope, woven into every chapter. By the end, I felt like I had lived through the struggles myself, a testament to the author’s storytelling.
Reading this book was like stepping into another era. The hardships felt real, the victories hard-earned. What impressed me most was how universal the themes are, resilience, courage, and the pursuit of something better. It’s Irish at heart, but relatable to all.
Fool’s Gold Folly” blends sorrow and strength in equal measure. It’s the kind of book that forces you to pause, reflect, and appreciate how far human endurance can go. The characters carry both flaws and bravery, which makes them unforgettable.
In other news, I will be participating at a local author event here in Redding, California. If you’re around, stop by! I will be offering the four major books of the Renegade Series for half price.
As always, I’d like to invite you to check out my website, jdrhawkins.com, and sign up for my newsletter. There you will find more information about upcoming events, interviews, blog posts, book signings, etc.
I’ve listed all of my links below. Please like, follow, and share! Again, thank you so much for your ongoing support!
https://allauthor.com/author/jdrhawkins/
https://www.facebook.com/jdrhawkins/?ref=hl
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1238370.J_D_R_Hawkins
https://www.instagram.com/jdrhawkins/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdrhawkins/
September 17, 2025
Three New Five-Star Reviews for Fool’s Gold Folly
I recently received more five-star reviews for my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly. This novella goes along with the Renegade Series and tells the story of one of the minor characters, Patrick Mulligan. Thank you so much, Mac Dougherty, Rebekah Acosta, and Elyse Huber, for your amazing reviews!
5.0 out of 5 starsVivid Scenes That Belong on a Screen
Reading this book felt like watching a movie unfold. The wagon jerking down a mountain road, the snowy passes glinting under starlight, Briana nervously scrubbing dishes in Mrs. Tydings’ immaculate parlor it all played out like a film in my head. Hawkins has a way of writing cinematically without losing emotional intimacy. I could see the dust rising from wagon wheels, hear the laughter around the fire, and feel the humiliation when Patrick was dismissed in town. The saloon scenes in particular stood out, filled with light, smoke, and the soft rasp of Silas Garvey’s cough. I would love nothing more than to see this story adapted to the screen, because it already reads like it’s halfway there. The landscapes and the humanity are written with stunning clarity.
5.0 out of 5 starsThe Opera Scene Took My Breath Away
The opera chapter is one of the finest pieces of writing I’ve come across in historical fiction. Patrick and Briana entered with joy, dressed simply but proud, only to be shoved aside with the phrase “seats for your kind.” I felt his humiliation so strongly it was like a physical ache. And yet, once the music began, they were swept into awe like everyone else. That contrast prejudice and beauty colliding in the same moment is what makes this novel unforgettable. Hawkins didn’t need explosions or dramatic duels to keep my attention; she used something far more powerful: the sting of words. The description of the stage, the costumes, and the soaring voices was so vivid I could see it all. This scene alone could stand as a short story about hope, art, and resilience. It’s rare to find a book that makes you both angry and uplifted in the same breath.
5.0 out of 5 starsSilas Garvey Is the Soul of This Novel
Silas Garvey walked into the story quietly, coughing into his glass at the saloon, but he left an enormous mark on me. His conversations with Patrick were raw and full of wisdom. Silas wasn’t just a side character he was a mirror of mortality, a reminder that dreams can fade but dignity remains. Every time he appeared, I slowed down to savor his words. His presence transformed Patrick’s journey from being only about chasing gold to being about friendship and meaning. Hawkins could have easily written him as a background figure, but instead, she gave him a soul. Watching Silas struggle with his health, yet still find time to encourage Patrick, was both inspiring and heartbreaking. By the time his arc drew to a close, I felt like I had lost a friend. That kind of emotional connection is rare and powerful.
