Jessica James

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About Jessica James

Jessica James' award-winning novels are inspired by her love of the land, her belief in everlasting love, and her curiosity about the past. She enjoys transporting readers back in time with complex characters and stories that stir deep emotion.

By weaving the principles of courage, devotion, and dedication into each book, James attempts to honor the unsung heroes of the American military--past and present--and to convey the magnitude of their sacrifice and service. Her novels appeal to both men and women and are featured in library collections all over the United States including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.

James is a four-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and has won more than a dozen other literary awards, including a Readers' Favorite International Book Award and a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America.

Get your choice of one of two books when you sign up for her newsletter (or get them both, if you can't decide). The first one is From the Heart: Love Stories and Letters from the Civil War. The other is a bestselling romantic suspense novel Protecting Ashley. Sign up today here: https://www.subscribepage.com/jessicajamesnews.

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Books By Jessica James

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Lacewood: A haunting love story that sweeps across centuries: Romantic Small Town Southern Fiction Jun 18, 2019

by Jessica James

( 61 )

$0.99

Award-winning Civil War romance author Jessica James returns with an inspirational love story that spans centuries.

Winner of the 2020 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction

MOVING TO A SMALL TOWN is a big change for New York socialite Katie McCain. But when she stumbles across Lacewood, an abandoned 200-year-old mansion in small-town Virginia, she’s enthralled by the enduring beauty of the neglected estate—and captivated by the haunting portrait of a woman in mourning she finds there. Katie buys the house on a whim and throws herself into befriending the colorful characters in the southern town of New Hope.

THE PAST AND PRESENT converge when military veteran and hometown hero Will Durham returns and begins his own healing process by helping restore the memory-filled Lacewood house to its former glory.

As Katie delves deeper into the mystery of the beautiful "widow of Lacewood," her ownership of the acreage around the estate comes into question. When developers begin work to destroy the beautiful rural landscape, the southern charm of New Hope is threatened...and the townsfolk see her as the cause.

But destiny has bigger plans for Lacewood. To fulfill them, Katie and Will need to piece together the previous owner’s heartrending story, uncover secrets the house has held for centuries, and find the faith to accept their own painful pasts.

Part contemporary romance and part Civil War historical romance, Lacewood: A Novel of Time and Place is an unforgettable book club novel about love and loss, roots and belonging…and spirits of the past that refuse to be quieted.

A haunting story that connects the past with the present—and the present with eternity.>/p>

"Strong storytelling prose." - The BookLife Prize

"Highly recommended for lovers of romantic stories full of history, mystery, faith, and most of all, true hearts." -Virginia Campbell, Goodreads reviewer

"What a wonderfully absorbing read! The story is very good as it masterfully unfolds and draws the reader into the past history of an old abandoned home." - Jan, Amazon reviewer

"This is a lovely story of healing & hope with a hint of spiritual guidance in the paranormal as well as Providential sense." - BookBub reviewer

Other Formats: Paperback

Shades of Gray: Clean romantic Civil War historical fiction: An Epic Civil War Love Story Jan 11, 2014

by Jessica James

( 1,475 )

$7.99

SHADES OF GRAY is the original title, of what is now called NOBLE CAUSE (which has a new ending).

They started as sworn enemies. Can they open their hearts to love?

Colonel Alexander Hunter would sooner die than see the Union set foot on his beloved Virginia soil. And while he holds the line against Northern aggression with consummate skill, a treacherous boy on horseback always thwarts his offensives. But his allegiance is tested when the traitor he unmasks is the woman he once swore to his brother he would protect.

Andrea Monroe would do anything to make her country whole again. A Southern-born Union spy, she’s dedicated to undermining the arrogant Confederate officer. But when she’s badly injured and taken captive, Andrea is shocked her nemesis allows her to recover in his beautiful Southern mansion, rather than prison.

As prisoner and captor spend time together, their mutual loyalty grows into unexpected devotion. But as fresh conflicts arise, they cross swords again.

Can two adversaries reach beyond the battle lines to unite in the midst of war?

Discover the fine line between friends and enemies when the lives of these two tenacious foes cross by the fates of war and their destinies become entwined forever.

Shades of Gray is a powerful exploration into a defining era of American history. If you like emotional journeys, rich Southern backdrops, and epic stories of devotion, then you’ll adore Jessica James’s captivating Civil War adventure.

Buy Shades of Gray and feel the raw emotion and passion today!

“It is a book that I think could have the impact of a ‘Gone With the Wind.” – J. Noyalas, Assistant Professor of History

“The best Civil War fiction book since Cold Mountain.” – J. Bibb, SCV, Trimble Camp 1836

“A classic love story as much as it is a war story.” – Civil War Book Review

Other Formats: Paperback

Heroes Through History Series 3-Book Boxed Set: Civil War historical romance: A love story in old Virginia (Heroes Through History (Books 1-3)) Oct 22, 2016

by Jessica James

( 4 )

$9.99

Three award-winning novels in the Heroes Through History Series, including NOBLE CAUSE, called the greatest love story ever told and often compared to Gone with the Wind

Winners of the prestigious John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction (NOBLE CAUSE and ABOVE AND BEYOND). The third book, LIBERTY and DESTINY, was a second place finisher in the esteemed Valley Forge Romance Writers Sheila contest.

Take a step back in time and fall in love with the heroes that helped forge this country. All three novels have been praised by both men and women and are suitable for teens.

They started as sworn enemies. Can they open their hearts to love? If you like emotional journeys, rich Southern backdrops, and epic stories of devotion, then you’ll adore Jessica James’s captivating historical and Civil War adventures.

NOBLE CAUSE: Called “a riveting piece of historical fiction” by the Midwest Book Review and often compared to Gone with the Wind, Noble Cause takes readers across the rolling hills of Virginia in a page-turning tale of courage and love.

ABOVE AND BEYOND: A romantic tale of two people thrown together by war and torn apart by Destiny.

“Jessica James has a gift for reaching into the past and bringing it back to life.” – Tiffany Kohler

LIBERTY and DESTINY: The spark from a single candle can light a sacred flame...
Two patriots show their devotion to freedom as they struggle to survive in a war-torn country full of deceivers and spies during the American Revolution.

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Deadline: A Domestic Conspiracy Political Crime Thriller (Phantom Force Tactical Book 1) Apr 9, 2016

by Jessica James

( 78 )

$3.99

"Very engaging. Hard to put down." - Billy Allmon, U.S. Navy SEAL (Retired)

DEADLINE introduces the men behind Phantom Force Tactical, a domestic private security firm made up of former Navy SEALs and other covert operators who perform black ops no one else will take.

All books in this series are award-winning suspense/thrillers that can stand alone.

He’s a relentless homicide detective. She’s an uncompromising journalist.
Neither desires to work together—but they’ll never uncover the truth alone.

Landing a front page headline isn’t why reporter Caitlin Sparks is investigating a string of suspicious deaths connected to the U.S. State Department. She has a personal stake in finding the killer.

Detective Blake Madison has a connection to the murders too, and will risk anything to uncover the truth. But a journalist is the last type of person he’d rely on to help him solve a crime—especially one whose trail of evidence leads back to him.

Joining forces becomes essential as the body count continues to grow. Someone powerful doesn't want the truth to come out—and will stop at nothing to make sure no one talks.

On the run with nowhere to turn, the couple devises a plan to expose the killer. The risk is great and the chance of success small, but the ultimate outcome is something neither one of them envisioned.

Readers who enjoy political suspense, conspiracies, vigilante justice, and assassination plots will enjoy this series.

If you enjoy L.T. Ryan’s Jack Noble, Brad Thor’s Scot Harvath, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, or Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne, this book will keep you up at night turning the pages.

Other Formats: Paperback

Above and Beyond: A Clean and Wholesome Novel of the Civil War: Christian Inspirational Historical Fiction (Military Heroes Through History Book 2) Jan 9, 2014

by Jessica James

( 200 )

$5.99

An Amazon Kindle #1 Bestseller in Christian Historical Fiction

Winner of the coveted John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction.

A raging war; An unexpected love; A selfless sacrifice...

Above and Beyond is a romantic tale of two people thrown together by war, and torn apart by Destiny.

Confederate spy Sarah Duvall risks all to help cavalry officer Douglas Benton escape a trap set by the Yankees. Will his love be enough to bring her back? Or will a promise he made keep them apart forever?

Confederate spy SARAH DUVALL lives alone and reviled in her war-torn homeland of Virginia. Pretending to support the Union cause, her friends and family have no way of knowing she is secretly providing valuable information to the Rebels.

Cavalry commander DOUGLAS BENTON would much rather flirt with a woman than work with one. When he discovers that the virtuous and devout Sarah Duvall is the spy who has been providing him with valuable intelligence, he fervently resists the arrangement.

But Benton is forced to recognize that there is more to being a good soldier than leading a cavalry charge. When Sarah makes a selfless sacrifice, he learns a valuable lesson: That faith is more important than glory—and love more important than life.

“Jessica James has a gift for reaching into the past and bringing it back to life.” – Tiffany Kohler

“Another great story with lots of imagery, intrigue, and intricate details. The words are like magic.” – Julia Miller

Suitable for mid-teens and up.

Other Formats: Paperback

Noble Cause: A Civil War Love Story: Clean Romantic Military Fiction (Military Heroes Through History Book 1) Jan 14, 2014

by Jessica James

( 349 )

$7.99

The original title of this book is SHADES OF GRAY. Only the ending has changed.

#1 Amazon Kindle Bestseller

Often compared to Gone with the Wind, Midwest Book Review called Noble Cause "a riveting piece of historical fiction."

Winner of 5 national literary awards

The Civil War novel Shades of Gray has a new happily-ever-after ending in this award-winning and Amazon bestselling novel called Noble Cause.

Noble Cause is the recipient of the coveted John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction and captured the title for Regional Fiction in the 2011 Next Generation Indie Award contest. It was also a Bronze winner in Foreword Magazine's BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD contest in the Romance category, and was a Finalist in the USA "Best Books 2011 Awards for Historical Fiction.

This is the tale of Colonel Alexander Hunter, a dauntless and daring Confederate cavalry officer, who, with his band of intrepid outcasts, becomes a legend in the rolling hills of northern Virginia. Inspired by love of country and guided by a sense of duty and honor, Hunter must make a desperate choice when he discovers the woman he promised his dying brother he would protect is the Union spy he vowed to his men he would destroy.

Readers will discover the fine line between friends and enemies when the paths of these two tenacious foes cross by the fates of war and their destinies become entwined forever.

This novel is written for the General Market (G) (I): Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature. Similar romance novels in this genre may be categorized as: christian romance, inspirational romance, christian fiction, and clean, wholesome romance.

Author Jessica James uniquely blends elements of romantic and historical fiction in this deeply personal and poignant tale that, according to one reviewer, “transcends the pages to settle in the very marrow of the reader’s bones.” Winner of numerous national awards, James has received critical acclaim for this page-turning story of courage, honor, and enduring love.

Destined for an honored place among the classics of the American Civil War, Noble Cause is a book to read, and keep, and remember forever.

Author's Note: This novel is a new version of Shades of Gray with a Happily-Ever-After ending.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback

Liberty and Destiny: A Clean Novella of the American Revolution (Military Heroes Through History Book 3) Apr 15, 2014

by Jessica James

( 25 )

$3.99

LIBERTY & DESTINY is a second place winner in the prestigious Sheila Award contest.

The spark from a single candle can light a sacred flame...
From award-winning and bestselling historical fiction author Jessica James comes another tale of romance, espionage and intrigue.
Two patriots show their devotion to freedom as they struggle to survive in a war-torn country full of deceivers and spies during the American Revolution.
Although she resides with Loyalists supportive of the Crown, Sophia Adair is devoted to the cause of Liberty. When she learns that someone within the militia ranks of Patriot Grant Morgan is informing the British of his plans, she must get word to him without triggering suspicious about her own loyalties.
Her scheme is both arduous and dangerous, but ultimately successful, despite its peril and risk. After sending a communication to Colonel Morgan implicating herself as a spy, she is picked up by his soldiers and questioned. That is when she informs him of the danger he faces with an informant apparently close to him.
This poignant novel follows the two Patriots to a gripping climax when Sophia is discovered as a spy and Colonel Morgan and his men are lured into a British trap. There would be no quarter for either of them—or any of them. They wouldn’t be fighting to hold ground, but to survive. Safety lay in victory alone.

Fine Line: A Phantom Force Tactical Novel: A Phantom Force Tactical Novel (Book 2) Aug 20, 2016

by Jessica James

( 144 )

$6.99

All books in this series can stand alone.
With a new wife and a new career as the co-owner of the private security firm Phantom Force Tactical, veteran U.S. Navy SEAL Blake Madison thinks he had it all. But when his wife is kidnapped from their bed while he’s taking a morning jog, Blake has to figure out if it’s someone from her past as an investigative journalist—or his as a combat veteran and detective.

Blake and his partner Nick “Colt” Colten assemble a team of the nation’s top warriors to take on the job of solving the crime. Will Phantom Force prove their worth and save her life? Or will Blake lose both his private security company and the woman he loves to an unscrupulous rival bent on revenge?

Other Formats: Paperback

The Lion of the South: The Scarlet Pimpernel Meets Gone with the Wind Romantic Civil War Novel: Clean and Wholesome Apr 11, 2018

by Jessica James

( 50 )

$5.99

From award-winning Civil War historical fiction author Jessica James comes this 2019 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction winner

The Scarlet Pimpernel meets Gone with the Wind in this suspenseful Civil War novel that leaves the lives of two men—and the destiny of a nation—in one woman's hands.

One woman holds the fate of the country in her hands. Can she allow her brother to die so that others might live?

AS THE CIVIL WAR grinds into its second year, a mysterious figure known only as THE LION OF THE SOUTH emerges from the shadows to rekindle the Confederacy's spirit of defiance.

JULIA DANDRIDGE returns to the Virginia home where she was raised, only to discover that the war has changed everything—and everyone—once dear to her.

With no one to turn to and nowhere to turn, Julia is caught in a tangled web of secrets and deception. The only way to save her beloved brother from the hangman's noose is to unmask the Lion—but who is he?

When she finally discovers the enigmatic hero's true identity, Julia sets off on a desperate journey to stop the vengeful plot she helped set in motion, determined to save the two men whose lives hang in the balance—and redeem herself from the deadly mistake she has made.

From award-winning author Jessica James comes another suspenseful historical fiction that will keep you turning pages.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Front Line: A Domestic Crime Thriller Romance (Phantom Force Tactical Book 3) Mar 27, 2017

by Jessica James

( 46 )

$6.99

Silver Falchion Award Finalist!

On the front lines, where battles are waged and fates decided, two counterterrorism operatives learn they have a lot to fight for—and even more to lose in this domestic crime thriller romance.

Phantom Force Tactical’s Nicholas “Colt” Colton thought the radical extremist he captured years ago was locked away for good. Unfortunately, a new classified mission reveals that the threat is still very real, and corruption within the U.S. government runs deep.

Task Force 2 agent Josephine “Joey” Summers has been working her own angle, trying to figure out where the terrorist leader will strike next. She’s come up with a very plausible—and terrifying—theory, but doesn’t know who she can trust. After teaming up with a retired Navy SEAL, she discovers the plot is even bigger than she’d imagined—and the consequences much more alarming.

When the stakes are this high, promises must be kept. And when thousands of people could die, sacrifices must be made. Only by letting go of their pasts will they have any hope of stopping the chaos. But courage and commitment—plus a pledge—fuse to create an outcome that is both unpredictable and unimaginable.

All books in this series can stand alone.

Excerpt:
Colt looked through the scope of his rifle and blinked away the sweat dripping into his eyes. The man in his ear was ordering him to pull the trigger, while the voice in his head was screaming not to. He knew his partner Josephine “Joey” Summers was in that vehicle, but so were a handful of really bad guys who were getting ready to do a lot of bad things to a large number of innocent people.
Seconds ticked by. The voice in his ear warned him that time was running out.
He had to kill so that others would live.
Taking a deep breath, Colt applied a little pressure to the trigger, and lined up the driver’s head in his sights. He knew it probably didn’t matter where the bullet hit. The vehicle was full of explosives and was going to blow sky-high.

Colt released his breath slowly as the vehicle came closer, and did what he’d promised he’d do.

He pulled the trigger.

Other Formats: Paperback

Presidential Advantage: Operation First Lady Mar 9, 2021

by Jessica James

$0.99

Secret Service Agent Clint Brody is tasked with protecting the new First Lady. But the threats he encounters are more complicated than he imagined, and the danger he confronts isn’t what either one of them expected.

When a shy, country girl from Virginia marries a prominent Georgetown attorney, her life is bound to change. But when that attorney is catapulted to the office of President of the United States, she is thrust into the role of First Lady—and uncovers a world of secrets and betrayals that alters everything she once knew.

DUE TO A TWIST of fate, Elizabeth Vaughn is forced to leave behind the quiet country setting she loves and enter the nefarious world of politics. After recovering from her initial missteps and negotiating the obstacles of her new public life, she begins to understand the nature of politics.

But as another election approaches, turmoil in the White House intensifies. Leaks. Lies. Deceit. Deception. People she thought were friends desert her and the true character of those she thought she knew is revealed.

When the stakes become life and death, the First Lady uncovers the ultimate betrayal and is forced to come to terms with her own role in the political process. Only with the help of Secret Service Agent Clint Brody, can she hope to find her way out of the danger and discover who can be trusted—and who will do anything to keep control.

Meant To Be: A Beach Romantic Military SEAL Suspense (For Love of Country Book 1) Jun 6, 2015

by Jessica James

( 105 )

$7.81

What do you do when the person you most want to protect is the one risking everything to make sure you survive?

WINNER of the prestigious Golden Leaf Award in Romantic Suspense category.

BOOK OF THE YEAR Finalist in Foreword Magazine's INDIEFAB Awards

A chance meeting on the beach leads to love and self-sacrifice half a world away in this gripping tale of espionage and military suspense. A special ops soldier is pushed to new limits when he discovers the person he most wants to protect is the one risking everything to make sure he survives.

It started as a chance encounter on the beach, and ended 24 hours later when they parted to go their separate ways.

Or so they thought.

Actually it was just the beginning.

WHEN LAUREN CANTRELL said goodbye to the guy she had just met on the beach, she had no way of knowing their paths would ever cross again. But fate had another unexpected meeting in store for them—this time in a place where danger was part of the culture and the stakes were life and death.

THE LAST PERSON in the world Rad expected to see at a special ops briefing in Afghanistan is the girl he met at the beach two weeks ago—the one he can’t stop thinking about.

From the sundrenched beaches of Ocean City, Md., to the snowcapped mountains of Afghanistan, this thrilling tale of espionage and intrigue takes readers on a spellbinding journey into the secret lives of our nation’s quiet heroes—and answers the question:

What do you do when the person you most want to protect is the one risking everything to make sure you survive?

MEANT TO BE recounts the dedication of our military, the honor and sacrifice of our soldiers, and a relationship that is tested and sustained by the powerful forces of love, courage and resolve.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback

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Author Updates

Award-winning Civil War romance author Jessica James returns with an inspirational love story that spans centuries.

They started as sworn enemies. Can they open their hearts to love?

Buy Shades of Gray and feel the raw emotion and passion today!

Three award-winning novels in the Heroes Through History Series, including NOBLE CAUSE, called the greatest love story ever told and often compared to Gone with the Wind

"Very engaging. Hard to put down." - Billy Allmon, U.S. Navy SEAL (Retired)

#1 Amazon Kindle Bestseller

LIBERTY & DESTINY is a second place winner in the prestigious Sheila Award contest.

From award-winning Civil War historical fiction author Jessica James comes this 2019 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction winner

The Scarlet Pimpernel meets Gone with the Wind in this suspenseful Civil War novel that leaves the lives of two men—and the destiny of a nation—in one woman's hands.

Silver Falchion Award Finalist!

On the front lines, where battles are waged and fates decided, two counterterrorism operatives learn they have a lot to fight for—and even more to lose in this domestic crime thriller romance.

What do you do when the person you most want to protect is the one risking everything to make sure you survive?

More Information