M. F. Jones, Writer
Stones River, the first book in The Sentinel Heart Trilogy, is available now as an ebook, paperback, and hardcover. The audiobook version will be released in late Fall 2025.
Please click on the link below to order the book. amazon.com/author/mimijo575
Welcome! I write the kinds of stories that, as a voracious reader, I love to savor. Enter my world of spirits, benevolent and demonic; of war, the resilience of the human soul, and the redeeming power of love; of the power of women’s friendship both to heal and to wound; and of the love and responsibility we bear toward our animal companions.
Stories That Haunt, Inspire, and Resonate
Early praise for Stones River:
From Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize Review:
“Jones's prose is engaging, and her passion for the subject is evident throughout this largely romantic tale. She steers away from romanticizing the war itself, instead balancing its horrors with individual stories of heroism, courage, and reality…. Jones's characters are sharply honed and serve as a driving force for this appealing tapestry of history, romance, and ultimately, self-discovery.”
From NetGalley reviewers:
"With rich historical detail and a heart-wrenching romance at its core, Stones River is a must-read for fans of paranormal romance and historical fiction."
"This isn't just romance in Civil War costume; it's a thoughtful exploration of love, loss, and how the past shapes the present....A surprisingly substantive paranormal romance that's both entertaining and educational."
From Bloggers, BookTokkers, and Instagrammers:
“Stones River is emotional, romantic, and beautifully written—a perfect choice for readers who enjoy love stories with history, heart, and a touch of the paranormal.”
“I am extremely impressed as this is the author’s debut novel and I think even the most experienced writer would struggle to mix the genre of Civil War History with paranormal romance. This is the first book that I have read of those two genres and the author has made it sensational.”
“Stones River is not only a ghost story but a meditation on history's insistent presence in the now, and the essentially human wish for a sense of some belonging and closure. Both heart-warming and distressing, the story lingers in mind like the memory of an old hymn. “
“It’s no small feat to make a ghost feel like a fully realized romantic lead, but Jones pulls it off beautifully. Lemuel is curious about modern life, yet grounded in his 1860s roots. He’s earnest, respectful, and refreshingly different from the typical alpha-male romantic hero.The novel … serves as a quiet tribute to those lost in war—especially those whose stories are buried in unmarked graves or forgotten battlefields. Through Lem, we see a man frozen in time, still aching for closure. And through Jessie, we experience the courage it takes to love someone you might lose.”
“I loved how Jones captured the tenderness of relationships alongside the eerie, magical realism of ghostly presences and time’s strange pull. The writing is lush, the atmosphere immersive, and the emotions? Raw and unforgettable.”
“I would have given Stones River: A Civil War Story of Courage, Sacrifice, and an Otherworldly Love one hundred stars if I could. I believe fans of historical fiction with a paranormal twist will not want to miss out on it. I am eagerly awaiting the second installment from The Sentinel Heart Trilogy, Soldier's Joy.”
From editing bestsellers to creating her own immersive stories
M. F. Jones is a writer and former editor with a passion for stories that linger long after the last page. She began her career in publishing, discovering and editing the blockbuster Ordinary People before becoming a fiction editor at Redbook and a senior editor at Family Circle and Reader’s Digest. Now, she crafts compelling novels and memoirs that blend history, mystery, and emotional depth.