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(Free-Press-Release.com) June 22, 2009 -- A Civil War novel written by historical fiction author Jessica James has climbed to #1 on Amazon in the romance/historical/U.S. category, edging past the classic Gone with the Wind and overcoming preconceived notions about independently published books.
Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia is the recipient of two prestigious Best Regional Fiction Awards and was named in the Top Five for Best Southern Theme in the 2009 HOLT Medallion Contest. It was also named FAVORITE BOOK of 2008 by two book review sites and was a finalist for ForeWord Magazine’s 2008 Book of the Year Award.
James said she was ecstatic to see her novel pass the iconic Civil War classic Gone with the Wind, even though she does not consider Shades of Gray a “romance novel.”
“It’s

interesting, because Civil War buffs don’t usually read fiction and romance/mainstream readers don’t usually read Civil War books, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how popular Shades of Gray has become,” James said. “The novel is appealing to both these groups, and even more surprising, is being praised by men, as well as women. I think everyone relates to a good, old-fashioned love story that stresses high moral values and solid principles like honor and duty.”
The book has been widely praised by historians for its balanced portrayal of the War Between the States, and by romance readers for its emotional description of the love that develops between the two main characters.
The Book Review Journal said in its review. “You cannot leave this book unchanged in

your understanding of the souls of the Civil War, while The Book Connection said, “Shades of Gray will touch you like no other work of fiction. If you only read one book in 2009, make it this one.”
James has been written about in the Washington Post and does frequent book signings in Virginia. She will be appearing in Smithfield, Va., on June 27 for their annual Olden Days festival.
Shades of Gray is available at bookstores and Internet retailers such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well as the author’s website www.jessicajamesbooks.com.