“Well written and expertly executed… You cannot leave this book unchanged in your understanding of the souls of the Civil War.”
– Heather Froeschl, Book Review Journal
“Shades of Gray” is a beautiful story with a timeless message. It touched my heart and soul.”
– Catherine Bennett, Amazon Reviewer
“Kept me entranced from the exciting beginning to the unexpected ending. Shades of Gray has the power to touch you deeply…”
– Beverly Rowe, MyShelf.com
“One of the most moving Civil War stories I have ever read. I had to remind myself this was fiction. Do not walk, run to your nearest bookstore for your copy of Shades of Gray.”
– Debra Gaynor, Reviewyourbooks.com
“If you want to read a book you will never forget and will think about for months after reading it, read Shades of Gray. The book took my breath away. Honestly, you will not sleep.”
– A Bookworm’s Dinner Blog
“This is not a contemporary retelling of the Civil War as much as it is a sympathetic and loving portrait. Interpersonal conflict as well as battlefield conflict make the book a page-turner and quick read.”
– Historical Novel Society
[James’] work stands out among the best of the historical novelists, and is a worthy addition to the Civil War fiction line-up. Huzzah!
– Scott Mingus, Civil War Blogger
“… Exciting, intense, romantic, and thrilling from start to finish. The most balanced book on the War Between the States I have ever read.”
– Bob O’Connor, Author of The Virginian Who Might Have Saved Lincoln
“I haven’t enjoyed a book so much in years! Shades of Gray is an incredible achievement and a treasure.”
– Virginia Morton, Historian/ Author of “Marching Through Culpeper”
“[Emotions] seem to transcend the pages to settle in the very marrow of the reader’s bones. Jessica James has produced a tremendous and wonderful saga about love, loyalty and honor for which she must lauded.”
– Kristin Pace, Bookpleasures.com
“I loved this book and carry the memory with me still.”
– Donna Edwards, Librarian
“I am not exaggerating when I say I became obsessed by Shades of Gray. [The book] affected me greatly.”
– Sarah Adler, Civil War Blogger
“Re-enactors, historians, & followers of The War for Southern Independence will love this novel! It’s fast moving and holds the reader’s interest from cover to cover.”
– David Wright, Past Commander Dearing-Beauregard Camp 1813, SCV
“Truly masterful.”
– Suzannah Miles Smith, Adams County Arts Council
“Readers will find the attention to historical detail impeccable and the characters are so strongly drawn that the history does not eclipse the forward trajectory of the story.”
– Foreword Magazine
“‘Shades of Gray’ takes the reader on a whirlwind journey across the Old Dominion with a highly original and historically accurate plotline.”
– Michael Aubrecht, Free Lance-Star
“I felt like I had actually lived in the beautiful state of Virginia!”
– Betty Cox, New Book Reviews
“Exciting read [that] really captures the sense of chivalry and honor.”
– Betty Zeitz, United Daughters of the Confederacy
“…An engaging read. I didn’t want to put it down at all. My eyes kept getting heavier and heavier, but I wanted to keep going. I told myself ‘just one more chapter’ at least half a dozen times.”
– Becky Laney, Becky’s Reads
“In its brief, brilliant, and tragic history, the Southern Confederacy exhibited extraordinary valor and devotion and high honor. This should never be forgotten by Americans. As long as there are writers like Jessica James, there is no danger of such forgetting.”
– Clyde N. Wilson, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History, University of South Carolina