Duty Bound by the Fascinating Jessica James

I am very excited to welcome Jessica James to the blog. I’m sure you will love her new novel Duty Bound, Volume 1 of the Shades of Gray Serial Trilogy.

Join me as we get to know Jessica James and her journey.

Background

What inspired the Shades of Gray series?

Is love worth fighting for when it crosses enemy lines?

History is brought to life in this beloved Civil War Trilogy when a renowned Confederate cavalry officer discovers that the woman he promised his dying brother he would protect, is the Union spy he vowed to his men he would destroy. This timeless love story illuminates the fine line between friends and enemies at a time when traditions and principles were worth defending at all costs.

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. Guided by a sense of duty and honor, Hunter must make a desperate choice when his mysterious foe falls into his hands in enemy territory.

Should he keep his promise to his brother? Or continue to fight for his beliefs?

Just when a truce appears to be reached, a misunderstanding takes place that starts a catastrophic chain of events. The result is a vivid, raw, emotional and poignant clash of personalities as both characters fight to defend their beliefs, their principles and their honor.

Duty Bound, book 1 of the Shades of Gray Trilogy series:

I worked on Shades of Gray (on and off) for about 20 years. It was inspired by the need to tell the story of the heartache and courage that took place during the Civil War when ordinary people stepped up and did extraordinary things.

The main character is actually patterned off a real-life soldier who operated in northern Virginia named Colonel John S. Mosby.

An Excerpt from Jessica James’ Duty Bound

“Rise and shine, sleepyhead.”

J.J. opened the tent flap, allowing a stream of sunlight to gush in and fill every corner. “Please tell me you didn’t sleep with one boot on,” he said, holding a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and a pair of shiny boots in the other.

Andrea blinked at the sudden brightness. “I guess I was more tired than I realized. It’s been awhile since I slept in a bed.”

J.J. winced. “I would hardly call that a bed.” He stared at his wife’s cousin sitting on the edge of his cot, elbows on her knees and face in her hands, trying to wipe away the sleep that remained. Her thick blonde hair lay tangled with twigs and leaves like the mane of a wild horse. Her pants were torn and muddy. The picture she presented was one of determination and a strong will, two traits equally at fault for leading her into frequent trouble.

“You must stop this.” He handed her the cup of coffee. “It’s getting too dangerous.”

“Dangerous?” Andrea gave him a look that indicated she did not think he was being rational. “The Union is at stake—”

J.J. shook his head and put his hands up to stop her. She pushed his patience, and his nerves, to the limit. The decision to allow her into camp had been a source of much regret from the start. But in his defense, he had been given little choice. She had enlisted the aid of his wife to stand against him, and between them, they had worn him down.

With much reluctance he had allowed her to carry messages back and forth to Catherine, usually only a day’s ride, depending on where he was camped. At the beginning of the war, the idea seemed harmless enough. He’d actually enjoyed the frequent communications from his wife.

But that was back when everyone assumed the Confederacy would be defeated in a single battle, when the conflict’s duration was prophesied to be short, and the Union’s success was considered to be certain.

Although he could not recall the exact circumstances, somewhere along the line she had been asked to deliver a message to an outpost close by—then another and another. And now here she was, entrenched in a war that had no end in sight, her heart and soul enlisted in such a way it seemed impossible to remove her.

Every officer in this part of the state knew of the kid called “Sinclair.” They knew of the youth’s familiarity with the countryside and the swiftness of his horse. And though they assumed he was too young to enlist, they heard he was fearless.

What they don’t know is that “he” is a “she” who has more courage than sense…

And that it’s entirely up to me to keep her out of trouble.

What Jessica James Readers are Saying…

“I was completely lost and spellbound… Without hesitation I must say this now ranks equally with Gone With The Wind.”

“My house is a mess, my sink is piled high with dishes and my husband ate watermelon for dinner because I could not put down Shades of Gray. Could. Not. Put. Down. Honestly, this book completely captivated me and left me emotionally drained. I loved it!!!”

“I’ve not been much of a reader and was given Shades of Gray. I’ve read it five times and fall in love every time I read it. Because of you I have developed a love for reading.”

“It is now 1 a.m. cause I couldn’t put down my I-pad with your delicious novel. Thank you for the pleasure you afforded this 81 year old.”

“Wonderful, fabulous book! I seldom reflect back on a book, but this one has haunted me since I finished it at 2 a.m.”

“Could hardly work or sleep until I read the last page.” “If you want to read a book you will never forget and will think about for months after reading it, read Shades of Gray. It took my breath away. Honestly, you will not sleep.”

What’s next for Jessica James?

I’m taking a bit of time off from writing novels and going back to my journalism roots—but keeping my passion for history alive.

I’ve started a history/travel blog where I write about things like forts, battlefields, cemeteries, Southern plantations—pretty much any historical destination.

It started because of all of the research I do for my books. There is always so much left over that I want to share. Also, when I drive from Point A to Point B, I love exploring and taking the back roads. My blog posts often come from “SOTB” (Slam On The Brakes) moments.

That happened most recently when I was traveling the back roads of South Carolina and noticed a historical marker that was pretty much in the middle of nowhere. When I pulled over, I discovered that the sign was about the burial site of Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

That led me down the most beautiful sandy lane, canopied by ancient live oak trees draped with Spanish moss. A picturesque cemetery was situated beneath more live oaks and tall pines that left a thick carpet of needles.

I’m sure someday it will provide the backdrop for a scene in a novel, because it’s a scene I will never forget.

I also discovered the story of a heroine of the American Revolution while visiting a historic site in South Carolina called Walnut Grove Plantation. https://pastlanetravels.com/walnut-grove-plantation/

Legend has it that Kate Berry tied her toddler to a bedpost to keep her safe when she left to gather local troops for the fight at the Cow Pens. She knew the paths through the wilderness and is credited with helping to give the Patriots a victory.

I love these stories that don’t make it into the history books—and they also make great inspiration for future novels.

If you like off-the-beaten-path sites and inspiration for future travel excursions, stop by Past Lane Travels!

Meet the Captivating Jessica James

Jessica James is an award-winning author of historical fiction, suspense/thrillers and heartwarming Southern small town fiction, who has a special place in her heart for old trees, old houses and old books. She writes inspirational novels with emotional plots, fascinating characters, unforeseen twists, and touches of heart-warming romance. Her books are available in hundreds of libraries including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.