Library and Bookstore Order Information

Attention Librarians and Bookstore Owners: Our books can be ordered through Ingram, B&T or directly from us by emailing your order to patriotpress@live.com.


MEDIA ROOM

COMING SOON!

Information on our authors, Jessica James and Michael Aubrecht

Reviews for Shades of Gray

"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

“Jessica James has created one of the most moving Civil War stories I have ever read. I had to remind myself this was fiction.”
– 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

“I felt like I had actually lived in the beautiful state of Virginia!”
– Betty Cox, New Book Reviews

“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

“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

“… Exciting, intense, romantic, and thrilling from start to finish.”
– Bob O’Connor, Author of The Virginian Who Might Have Saved Lincoln

Shades of Gray is a Recommended Read for Book Sense by Heartland Reviews and received a four-star review. You can read the full review here: http://www.heartlandreviews.com/Historical_Novels.html

“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


“ 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”

“Re-enactors, historians, and followers of The War for Southern Independence will love this novel! It is fast moving and holds the reader's interest from cover to cover.”
– David Wright, past commander Dearing-Beauregard Camp 1813, Sons of Confederate Veterans

"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, Pinstripe Press

“Absolutely, a beautifully written novel. I want to go back and read it again.”
– Donna Edwards, Media Specialist, Pembroke Elementary School

"... 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 Book Reviews
Read the full review here: http://blbooks.blogspot.com/2008/02/shades-of-gray.html


Civil War blogger Scott Mingus was nice enough to post this awesome review on his site at www.scottmingus.wordpress.com

One of the trends in tradebook publishing in the past two decades has been the strong growth of historical fiction, particularly those books aimed at women. Combining plots that strongly emphasis character development and personal interrelationships with believable historical situations and settings, these books generally sell very well and appeal to a broad audience. Some, like Cold Mountain, have become best sellers that have cut across across wide genre of readers.

The most recent addition to this segment of the book industry comes from a Gettysburg author, Jessica James. Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia (ISBN 978-0-9796000-0-5, softback, 524 pages) is a worthy addition to the line up. Published by Patriot Press, the novel concerns the growing relationship between a Virginian who is a ardent secessionist and Confederate advocate. The lead female character, by contrast, is a devoted Unionist. The interplay of their divergent beliefs, coupled with the backdrop of the growing war, is well written and sustaining. Crisp, well flowing, and with a storyline that holds your attention, James shows off her talents as a novelist, as well as revealing a solid understanding of the Civil War era.

Her powerful prose is both descriptive and evocative, vividly painting a word picture that draws the reader into the action. For example, in a passage concerning the bursting of an artillery shell that kills the heroine’s horse, James writes, “Justus, startled by the thunderous clamor, reared high in the air, throwing Andrea backward and off balance. She heard an appalling thud, a loud crack, the sound of iron consuming flesh and bone. She leaned forward, grabbing erratically for a handful of mane to regain her balance. But there was no mane to grab. The strong, well-muscled animal between her legs had dissolved. Disappeared. He was gone.” Similar strong passages dot the book.

I trust that Jessica James will continue to share her talents in future books. Her work stands out among the best of the historical novelists, and is a worthy addition to the Civil War fiction line-up. Huzzah!

About Patriot Press

Though small and independent, Patriot Press is no less committed to quality books than the larger publishing houses. In fact, we take our subject matter to heart, valuing the integrity and strong Christian principles of the patriots that created, defended and maintain our great nation.

Patriot Press is proud to publish books that emphasize traditional American values. Our high standards insure good, wholesome content that is both educational and inspirational.

It is our privilege to invite you to take a step back in time and meet the men and women who were destined to teach future generations the meaning of virtue, courage, and honor.

All of our books are proudly printed in the USA.

The Southern Cross

The Southern Cross: A Civil War Devotional
By Michael Aubrecht
ISBN: 978-0-9796000-1-2
Retail: $19.99
196 pages. Soft cover.
April, 2008


Filled with stories that are both educational and enlightening, The Southern Cross recognizes the five virtues of the 19th-century Christian soldier. These are: Courage, Duty, Faith, Honor and Mercy.

Each of these positive character traits is illustrated by some of the most inspirational stories to come out of the War Between the States. Every devotion contains a relevant verse of Scripture, an associated quote and a short vignette on a related topic.

There are forty of these uplifting devotions, ten encouraging essays, a special sermon that was presented to the soldiers in the field and a short biographical tribute to six of the South’s most pious commanders. A bonus study-guide that will enable the user to read the Bible in one-year is also included.

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PRESS RELEASES

Author Interview 9/12/2008
Check out Jessica James' latest interview and feel free to leave a comment! It's on Marsha Ward's blog Writer in the Pines.


Press Release 7/13/2008

Patriot Press novels wins another award

Patriot Press has announced that Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia, by Gettysburg author Jessica James, has won a gold medal for Best Regional Fiction in the Indie Book Awards contest and was a finalist in the Historical Fiction category. The book also garnered a silver medal for Best Regional Fiction in the 2008 Independent Publisher Book Awards.

“I am certainly honored that Shades of Gray is receiving such wonderful praise from the Civil War community,” James said, “and the awards are a wonderful bonus.”

Because of the quality and style of writing in Shades of Gray, James has been asked to review a spec script for a two-hour pilot of a Civil War movie.

“I was delighted when they asked me to review the screenplay and help with the dialogue,” James said. “I spent a lot of time reading nineteenth century literature in order to make the dialogue in my novel sound authentic and natural.”

Lauded for its ability to evoke intense emotion, Shades of Gray presents the passionate debate of The War Between the States in an epic tale of love and adventure. Bookpleasures.com says “[emotions] seem to transcend the pages to settle in the very marrow of the reader’s bones.”

Shades of Gray can be purchased at bookstores or from Internet book retailers like Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Signed copies can be purchased from James through her Web site www.jessicajamesbooks.com.


Press Release 4/7/2008

Publisher discounts book for American Civil War Birthday April 12

In recognition of April 12 being celebrated as the birthday of the American Civil War, Gettysburg publisher Patriot Press is discounting the price of their 2008 release Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia for one day only.
At 4:30 a.m. on April 12, Confederates under Gen. Pierre Beauregard opened fire with 50 cannons upon Fort Sumter in Charleston, S.C., marking the beginning of the bloody four-year war that claimed more than 600,000 lives.
“To mark that historic event and draw attention to the significance of that day, my publisher has agreed to offer a one-day discount of 25% off the purchase price plus free shipping at their Web site www.patriotpressbooks.com on April 12,” said author Jessica James. “I’m so pleased that those readers who have seen all the wonderful reviews will now have the chance to purchase it at a discounted price.”
The Civil War is the backdrop for the page-turning plot of Shades of Gray, which is gathering attention for its accurate portrayal of the conflict and its passionate description of the private lives of Virginians forever changed by war.
Hailed as a “sympathetic and loving portrait” by the Historical Novel Society, the novel has captured the attention of Civil War authors and historians, as well as avid romance readers. Bob O’Connor, award-winning author of “The Virginian Who Might Have Saved Lincoln,” calls “Shades of Gray” the most accurate account of the War Between the States he has ever read, describing it as “exciting, intense and romantic from start to finish.”
Shades of Gray (ISBN: 978-0-9796000-0-5) is available at www.patriotpressbooks.com, as well as Internet retailers and bookstores everywhere.

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Press Release 3/21/08

‘The Southern Cross’ released by Patriot Press

GETTYSBURG, Pa. – Gettysburg publisher Patriot Press announces the release of “The Southern Cross: A Civil War Devotional” by Virginian historian Michael Aubrecht.

Filled with stories that are both educational and enlightening, The Southern Cross recognizes the five virtues of the Christian soldier: Courage, Duty, Faith, Honor and Mercy. Each of these is illustrated by some of the most inspirational stories to come out of the War Between the States. There are 40 uplifting devotions, as well as 10 encouraging essays that address some of the subject matter in greater detail.

Also included is a special sermon that was presented to Confederate soldiers in the field. Six biographical tributes to the South's most pious commanders follow and testify to the strength and spirit of 19th-century military leaders. As a bonus, a Bible reading plan will enable the reader to apply the principles of these patriots in their own lives.

Michael Aubrecht is a Christian Civil War historian and author from Fredericksburg, Va., who specializes in Southern Civil War history and the positive role that Christianity played during the War Between the States. His non-fiction book titles include: "Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall," "Christian Cavalier: The Spiritual Legacy of JEB Stuart," and "Houses of the Holy: Historic Churches of Fredericksburg."

The Southern Cross is available online at www.patriotpressbooks.com, as well as www.BarnesandNoble.com, www.amazon.com and bookstores.
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Press release of 3/21/20008

Jessica James to sign Civil War book in Frederick

GETTYSBURG, Pa. – Gettysburg author Jessica James will sign copies of her debut book SHADES OF GRAY: A NOVEL OF THE CIVIL WAR IN VIRGINIA at Molly’s Meanderings, 17 N. Market St. in Frederick, Md. on April 5, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Hailed as a “sympathetic and loving portrait” by the Historical Novel Society, “Shades of Gray” has captured the attention of Civil War authors and historians, as well as avid romance readers.

Bob O’Connor, award-winning author of “The Virginian Who Might Have Saved Lincoln,” calls “Shades of Gray” the most accurate portrayal of the War Between the States he has ever read, describing it as “exciting, intense and romantic from start to finish.”

Released in January, 2008, by Gettysburg-based Patriot Press, “Shades of Gray” is an epic love story that takes readers on a journey across the rolling hills of northern Virginia. It is an emotional and moving story that illuminates the fine line between friends and enemies at a time when traditions and principles were worth defending at all costs.

“Well written and expertly executed,” says The Book Review Journal. “You cannot leave this book unchanged in your understanding of the souls of the Civil War.”
Frederick County Public Libraries is sponsor of the April 5 event “Much Ado About Books,” which is bringing 18 regional authors to different spots in the downtown area. Molly’s Meanderings is located in historic downtown Frederick and is filled with treasures of a vintage, Victorian style.

Shades of Gray is available online at www.patriotpressbooks.com, www.amazon.com and at bookstores everywhere.

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Press Release of 2/17/2008

Newly released novel and Amazon data prove Virginia is for lovers
'Shades of Gray' a top romance read

GETTYSBURG, PA. According to Amazon.com, Virginia is for lovers. And according to reviewers and avid book readers-so is a newly released novel that takes place entirely in the Old Dominion.

Virginia is well represented in Amazon.com's recent list of Most Romantic Cities, garnering three of the spots in the Top 20 list, and capturing the number one spot with Alexandria.

"Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia" by Jessica James, is also collecting attention for its sweeping portrayal of the War Between the States and its passionate description of the private lives of Virginians forever changed by war.

Hailed as a "sympathetic and loving portrait" by the Historical Novel Society, "Shades of Gray" has captured the attention of Civil War authors and historians, as well as avid romance readers.

Bob O'Connor, award-winning author of "The Virginian Who Might Have Saved Lincoln," calls "Shades of Gray" the most accurate portrayal of the War Between the States he has ever read, describing it as "exciting, intense and romantic from start to finish."

Released in January, 2008, by Gettysburg-based Patriot Press, "Shades of Gray" is an epic love story that takes readers on a journey across the rolling hills of northern Virginia. It is an emotional and moving story, that illuminates the fine line between friends and enemies at a time when traditions and principles were worth defending at all costs.

"Well written and expertly executed," says The Book Review Journal. "You cannot leave this book unchanged in your understanding of the souls of the Civil War."
Shades of Gray (ISBN: 978-0-9796000-0-5) is available at www.patriotpressbooks.com, as well as Internet retailers and bookstores everywhere. (532 pages, Softcover. $27.99)

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2009 Jessica James Book Signings


Jan. 8: Jessica James radio interview on The Authors Show.

Feb. 21: Civil War Authors Meet and Greet, 12 to 4 p.m.
Historic Blenheim, 3610 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax.
Come see this 1859 house that contains one of the area’s largest quantity and best quality of Civil War graffiti. The walls of the attic, first floor, and second floor contain more than 110 signatures of Union soldiers along with dates, regiments, sayings and drawings.

March 7: Random House Book Festival at Carroll County Community College

March 21: Virginia Festival of the Book, Charlottsville, Va.

April 18: Manassas Museum, 1 to 4 p.m.
9109 Prince William St., Manassas.

April 19: 17 on the Square, noon to 4 p.m. as part of the History Meets the Arts event in Gettysburg, Pa.

April 25: Confederate Flag Dedication Ceremony, Tampa, Fla.
The event of the year! I wouldn't miss this for anything.

May 10: Bluemont, Va. TBA

May 16: Tredeger Book Exchange, Richmond, Va.



My 2008 Events

Nov. 22: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Book Signing at Homespun Gifts and Gardens in Winchester, Va.

Nov. 10 through Nov. 22
Author Chat on LibraryThing

Oct. 3, 11 a.m.-2p.m.
Waterford, Va. for the Waterford Homes Sale and Crafts Exhibit

Sept. 28, 11 a.m-1 p.m.
Baltimore Book Fair

Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Warrenton, Va. for the annual Warrenton-Fauquier Heritage Day.

July 11, 9 to 11 a.m.
Duck's Cottage in Duck, N.C.

July 5, 4-6 p.m.
Patriot Point Village, Steinwehr Ave., Gettysburg

July 4, 9 to 11 a.m.
American Civil War Museum/Gettysburg Gift Center on Steinwehr Aveue in Gettysburg, Pa.

July 3, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sheppard Farm in Hanover, Pa. for the Battle of Hanover re-enactment.

July 2, 4-6 p.m.
Union Mills Homestead, Union Mills, Md. for the J.E.B. Stuart Ride re-enactment.

April 5, 5 to 9 p.m.Molly's Meanderings, Frederick, Md.

March 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Patriot Point Village in Gettysburg, Pa., during Re-Enactor Appreciation Weekend.

Come out and say hello!

Michael Aubrecht's Resume

Michael Aubrecht is a Christian Civil War historian and author from Fredericksburg, Virginia. He is a happily married father of four, as well as a devout and active Presbyterian. He attends Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church in Central Virginia.

Michael specializes in Southern Civil War history, 19th-20th century baseball, and the positive role that Christianity played during the War Between the States. His non-fiction book titles include: "Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall," "Christian Cavalier: The Spiritual Legacy of JEB Stuart," and "The Southern Cross: A Civil War Devotional." Michael recently signed on with regional-history publisher 'The History Press' to produce his first secular (and fourth) title: "Houses Of The Holy: Historic Churches of Fredericksburg."

From 2000-2006 Michael was a contributing writer for Baseball-Almanac.com, and has written over 400 studies on MLB history, as well as an online eBook titled "Luckiest Fans On The Face Of This Earth: History of the New York Yankees in the Fall Classic." In 2005, Michael was commissioned to write the Introduction to noted UK sport's author John White's "Baseball Miscellany," and in 2006, he optioned the rights to one of his most popular baseball stories to a film producer in CA. He is also featured in four consecutive 'Faith Writer's Anthologies,' as well as 'The SPC Post,' 'Cross-Times,' and 'The Citizen's Companion.'

Michael is a longtime member of Faith Writers, co-founder of The Jackson Society, an Associate Member of the Sons Of Confederate Veterans (Camp #1296), Honorary Member of the John Bell Hood Historical Society, a Founder for the Gettysburg Foundation and also a contributing writer for various newspapers and magazines including 'The Free Lance-Star' and 'Civil War Historian.' In 2007, he was recognized by the FLS for penning letters that had an impact in the community, and he has received citations from the United Daughter's of the Confederacy, as well as 'Excellence in Design' awards in the Creativity Annual Awards #'s 32, 33, 34, 35. Michael received a Silver Award in #36.

He is also a member of a fast-growing community of Civil War bloggers and has been recognized by "North and South Magazine" and "Civil War Interactive" for his online editorial. His blog, is an extension of his website which promotes various books and newspaper articles that focus on the positive role that Christianity played during the Civil War.

This website represents a portfolio of Michael's work and provides links to many published materials in both print and on the web. Pinstripe Press content may NOT be reproduced without expressed written consent from Michael Aubrecht. Please email for permission to quote any research in your publication. If you're looking for someone with a great work ethic and an attention to detail to help with your publications next project, look no further. Email for free a quote. References available upon request.

Michael is periodically available for guest speaking, book signing engagements, and online chat presentations. Discounts and/or fees waived for church, military, heritage, and non-profit groups.

Email Michael at stlrsfan1(at)aol.com

Michael Aubrecht's Events

Michael Aubrecht is periodically available for guest speaking, book signing engagements, and online chat presentations. He can provide both print and online advertising materials. These materials may include press-ready black & white print ads, email blasts, and/or promotional flyers. Fees determined by location and length of session. Books may be purchased in advance from the publisher, or provided by the author. Travel expenses are negotiable. Power Point projection requested for speaking events. Michael will provide media on CD. *Discounts and/or fees waived for church, military, heritage, and non-profit groups.

Email Michael for booking information and schedule availability at Stlrsfan1(at)Aol. Com

PRESENTATIONS:
March 19, 2008 Lee's Hill '55 Club (South Community Center)
This presentation will use digital satellite maps and VA roadside markers to highlight noteworthy historical sites in and around the Lee's Hill Community.

April 24, 2008 Spotsylvania Presbyterian Community Lecture Series
This lecture will present the histories of Fredericksburg's landmark churches during the War Between the States and Reconstruction Era. (Reception and book signing to follow.)

May 28, 2008 Fredericksburg Civil War Roundtable (University of Mary Washington Alumni Center)
This program will present the life and death of Sgt. Richard R. Kirkland: The Angel of Marye's Heights. Transcripts of his personal letters will be included.

June 7-8 Winchester, Va. Civil War Gathering of Eagles.
“A Gathering of Eagles” is an educational experience designed to enlighten all who desire to learn the causes, not just the effects of the War Between the States. Individuals educated in all aspects of the contest will involve themselves in discussions that will not only entertain, but stimulate listeners to seek further knowledge of America’s greatest crisis.

August 25, 2008 Manassas Museum: Lunchtime Lecture Series
This program will present the story of the Great Revival that took place among the Confederate Army during the war. It will focus on the spiritual awakening from the perspective of the common soldier. (Book signing to follow.)
www.manassasmuseum.org
703-257-8264

TBD U.S. Christian Commission Museum, Gettysburg, PA
Great Revival presentation and book signing.



RADIO:
TBD Daily Devotional Recordings (The Southern Cross spots)
89.5 Bluegrass FM Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania, Va.

BOOK SIGNINGS:
TBD 2008: Gathering of Eagles III: Winchester Courthouse Museum