Jessica James is an award-winning author of small town women's fiction, suspense, historical fiction, and patriotic 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. By weaving the principles of courage, devotion, duty, and dedication into each book, she attempts to honor the unsung heroes of the American military?past and present?and to convey the magnitude of their sacrifice and service.

This book has been updated and enhanced into the Shades of Gray Trilogy (Duty Bound, Honor Bound and Glory Bound)

Honor and conviction clash with loyalty and love in this epic Civil War love story that pits brother against brother. Often compared to Gone with the Wind, Shades of Gray chronicles the clash of a Confederate cavalry officer with a Union spy as they defend their beliefs, their country, and their honor.

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.

NOTE: Shades of Gray was re-published as Noble Cause with a happily-ever-after ending. The original Shades of Gray was expanded and enhanced into the Shades of Gray Civil War Trilogy.

"It is a book that I think could have the impact of a "Gone With the Wind.' - J. A. Noyalas, Assistant Professor of History and Director for Civil War Studies, Lord Fairfax Community College

"Andrea and Alex will surely take the place in my heart of Rhett and Scarlett as the perfect Civil War fictional love story!" - Angel Deyarmin

"I am reluctant to admit I enjoyed it (Shades of Gray) more than Gone With the Wind! This book takes you through so many emotions! Jessica James is a very talented writer! A must read!" - Amazon Reviewer

"Not since reading Gone With the Wind have I enjoyed a book so much as Jessica James's Shades of Gray! I could not put Shades of Gray down, from start to finish! Unforgettable." - Sarah Winch

"This is what epic stories are made of. I will not get rid of this one ... it is a keeper that I will read time and time again." - T Weatherby

I'm a civil war historian with roots deep in the sSuthern states and I couldn't put this book down. I'm not usually into books with a romantic element, but Shades of Gray really is that good! - B Webb