The Woman Behind the War Stories

In the tapestry of American historical fiction, few voices resonate with the nuanced emotion and bold perspective of J.D.R. Hawkins. An award-winning, Amazon, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Hawkins has carved a distinctive niche for herself by capturing the American Civil War through a rarely-seen Confederate lens—one threaded with depth, humanity, and the intricacies of family, loyalty, and survival.
Julia Dawn Ryan Hawkins began writing stories in elementary school, driven by a natural love for storytelling. Her early fascination with history, coupled with her parents’ encouragement, led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Iowa State University—a degree that would later serve as the foundation for her precise research and richly layered prose.
Hawkins is best known for her acclaimed Renegade Series, a historical fiction saga that follows the journey of a Confederate soldier and his family during and after the Civil War. The series, praised for its emotional honesty and historical depth, includes:
• A Beautiful Glittering Lie
• A Beckoning Hellfire
• A Rebel Among Us
• Double-Edged Sword
Each installment has garnered major literary honors, including multiple John Esten Cooke Fiction Awards and B.R.A.G. Medallions. These stories illuminate the human side of the Civil War through vivid characters and poignant moments that transcend the battlefield. Rather than glorifying conflict, Hawkins focuses on the resilience of those caught in its wake.
In addition to her novels, Hawkins has published nonfiction and short fiction that expand the world of her novels. Her book Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses spotlights the loyal and often unsung animal companions of Confederate generals, showcasing the unique bond between man and horse in wartime.
She also penned the holiday short story A Becharmed Callie Christmas, offering fans a warmer, more intimate glimpse into the lives of her characters.
Her latest release, Fool’s Gold Folly (March 2025), marks a new direction. Set in the post-war American West, the story follows Patrick Mulligan, a young Irish immigrant chasing fortune during the Colorado gold rush. With rich descriptions and a suspenseful narrative, the tale explores friendship, hardship, and the murky allure of ambition. The novel blends classic Western themes with Hawkins’ signature emotional depth.
J.D.R. Hawkins is more than a writer—she is a visual artist, singer/songwriter, and passionate member of several literary and historical organizations. These include:
• United Daughters of the Confederacy
• Historical Novel Society
• International Women's Writing Guild
• Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers
• Pikes Peak Writers
She has been married for over 40 years and is a proud mother and grandmother. Her life, like her fiction, is rooted in love, legacy, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Hawkins’ perspective is not without controversy, but it is undeniably courageous. As one of the few female authors writing from the Confederate viewpoint, she strives not to justify the past, but to understand it. Her writing encourages readers to explore history through multiple lenses, reminding us that every conflict—whether on the battlefield or within the heart—is a deeply human story.
With each book, J.D.R. Hawkins invites her readers to walk beside her characters through war-torn landscapes and hopeful new frontiers, always with an eye on the power of perseverance, family, and the enduring spirit of the human soul.