Historical Fiction Author Finds Success With Debut Novel

Online, December 15, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The debut Civil War novel Shades of Gray by Jessica James is taking Virginia and surrounding states by storm as word of mouth about its sweeping portrayal of the War Between the States continues to spread.

The winner of numerous national book awards, Shades of Gray has captured the attention of Civil War authors and historians, as well as avid romance readers, often being compared to the classic novel Gone with the Wind.

"It's very fulfilling to know that even those who are not interested in the Civil War are enjoying the book," James said. "I'm also surprised-and pleased-to hear that men are enjoying the novel as much as women."

Published by Patriot Press, Shades of Gray is an epic love story that takes readers on a journey across the rolling hills of Virginia, painting a passionate description of the private lives of Virginians forever changed by war. The emotional and moving story illuminates the fine line between friends and enemies at a time when traditions and principles were worth defending at all costs.

"This is not a contemporary retelling of the Civil War as much as it is a sympathetic and loving portrait," says the Historical Novel Society, while author/historian Scott Mingus notes that "[James'] work stands out among the best of the historical novelists, and is a worthy addition to the Civil War fiction line-up. Huzzah!"

Shades of Gray is available at bookstores and Internet retailers everywhere. Signed copies can be ordered at www.jessicajamesbooks.com. The author will wrap and send your gift directly to the recipient upon request.