Jessica James

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Jessica James is an award-winning author of suspense, historical fiction, Christian fiction, and military fiction ranging from the Revolutionary War to modern day.

She is a four-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and was featured in the book 50 Authors You Should Be Reading, published in 2010.

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.

When not writing, Jessica James can be found on the back roads of the country, finding new historic sites to blog about on www.PastLaneTravels.com.

Her new novel, The Monarch Alliance, is a dual-era mystery that takes place at a real hotel in the Hudson Valley. It releases
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Jessica James Great question! My first novel (Shades of Gray) took 15 years -- only because I never really thought it would become a novel and I only worked on it o…moreGreat question! My first novel (Shades of Gray) took 15 years -- only because I never really thought it would become a novel and I only worked on it on and off. If you have the spark of a book based on a true story, then just start writing! Don't wait. Even if you only write one sentence a day, just start, and make it a habit to write every day.

Some people plot out their novels and some people have no idea what they are going to write that day, which is how I write.

You can do research as you go. In fact, stopping to visit a library, a battlefield, or a museum is a great way to recharge your creative juices when you find yourself stuck. (And you will get stuck. It's part of the process, but there's always a path forward).

Hope that helps!(less)
Jessica James I've often thought of my two great-grandfathers who both rode with the 21st Pa. Cavalry. Did they know each other well? Or know each other at all? I'v…moreI've often thought of my two great-grandfathers who both rode with the 21st Pa. Cavalry. Did they know each other well? Or know each other at all? I've never combined historical fiction with a mystery, but this has always been in the back of my mind as a starting point for a novel.(less)
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More books by Jessica James…

Admit One To A Sneak Peek Of A New Historical Mystery Novel

Hello, friends, this week I’m sharing a sneak peek of my historical mystery The Monarch Alliance—and the story behind how it came to be.

It all began with a simple hotel review assignment.

I arrived at Mohonk Mountain House as a travel blogger, expecting to write about its Victorian charm, mountain views, and rich history.

But somewhere between the quiet paths, the lake, and the sense of stories ling

Read more of this blog post »
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Published on March 19, 2026 16:33
Noble Cause Above and Beyond Liberty and Destiny: A Nove...
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Duty Bound Honor Bound Glory Bound
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The Monarch Allia...

Jessica Jessica said: " Need a reason to put The Monarch Alliance: A Dual-Timeline Historical Mystery with a Hidden Pact and a Secret Society on your TBR pile?

“James crafts a suspenseful and delicate walk between mystery, history, and thriller tension.” – Senior Reviewer,
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Jessica Jessica said: " A few early reviews for The Monarch Alliance, a dual-timeline historical mystery.

“James crafts a suspenseful and delicate walk between mystery, history, and thriller tension.” – Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

A masterfully crafted, utterly capt
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Glory Bound
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Jessica Jessica said: " Release day for Glory Bound! Read the 5+ star review from N.N. Light Book Heaven! https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po... ...more "

 

Jessica’s Recent Updates

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The Monarch Alliance by Jessica           James
The Monarch Alliance
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A few early reviews for The Monarch Alliance, a dual-timeline historical mystery.

“James crafts a suspenseful and delicate walk between mystery, history, and thriller tension.” – Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

A masterfully crafted, utterly capt
...more
Meant To Be by Jessica           James
"MWSA Review

When a chance meeting on a quiet beach turns into a fun day of laughter and a déjà vu feeling of companionship, Lauren Cantrell and Michael "Rad" Radcliff find it hard to say good-bye. They soon find their paths unexpectedly cross in the " Read more of this review »
Jessica and 1 other person liked Connie's review of Meant To Be:
Meant To Be by Jessica           James
"A great read! Jessica knows how to write a good book. The only thing that bothered me was that there were a few cuss words, but for the most part it was a pretty clean book. The story was good and it was hard to put down."
Jessica is currently reading
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Need a reason to put The Monarch Alliance: A Dual-Timeline Historical Mystery with a Hidden Pact and a Secret Society on your TBR pile?

“James crafts a suspenseful and delicate walk between mystery, history, and thriller tension.” – Senior Reviewer,
...more
The Monarch Alliance by Jessica           James
" Thank you for the review! This is my first mystery novel so it's especially encouraging to know the twists and turns kept you entertained! Happy Readi ...more "
The Monarch Alliance by Jessica           James
"First things first, my heart is fully contented with the ending. It made the plot twists worth it. The Monarch Alliance is a fast-paced mystery exploring the duality of timelines in one narrative.

The letters to her great-grandmother might be more tha" Read more of this review »
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Need a reason to put The Monarch Alliance: A Dual-Timeline Historical Mystery with a Hidden Pact and a Secret Society on your TBR pile?

“James crafts a suspenseful and delicate walk between mystery, history, and thriller tension.” – Senior Reviewer,
...more
Jessica is on page 136 of 421 of The Monarch Alliance: Meet Danika—a resourceful journalist with a haunted past—and follow her gripping journey through secret letters, cryptic symbols, and perilous encounters at a historic mountain resort. As she battles inner demons and external threats, her courage and determination reveal that sometimes the greatest mysteries lie within ourselves. Join her quest for truth and redemption today—your next unforgettable read awaits!
The Monarch Alliance by Jessica           James
The Monarch Alliance
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The Monarch Alliance
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A few early reviews for The Monarch Alliance, a dual-timeline historical mystery.

“James crafts a suspenseful and delicate walk between mystery, history, and thriller tension.” – Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

A masterfully crafted, utterly capt
...more
Jessica is currently reading
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Quotes by Jessica James  (?)
Quotes are added by the Goodreads community and are not verified by Goodreads. (Learn more)

“An army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lions led by a sheep.” – Arabian Proverb”
Jessica James, Noble Cause

“My religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that.” – General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson”
Jessica James, Noble Cause

“delay.”
Jessica James, Shades of Gray

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“I could not love thee, Dear, so much,
Loved I not Honour more.”
Richard Lovelace, The Lucasta Poems

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.”
Bernard M. Baruch

“A room without books is like a body without a soul.”
Marcus Tullius Cicero

“It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it.”
Maurice Switzer, Mrs. Goose, Her Book

“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
Albert Einstein

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