Katelyn S. Bolds's Blog
September 21, 2022
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman
according to the Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter – the world’s only totally reliable guide to the future – the world will end on a Saturday.
Next Saturday, in fact. Just after tea…
People have been predicting the end of the world almost from its very beginning, so it’s only natural to be skeptical when a new date is set for Judgement Day. This time though, the armies of Good and Evil really do appear to be massing. The four Bikers of the Apocalypse are hitting the road. But both the angels and demons – well, one fast-living demon and a somewhat fussy angel – would quite like the Rapture not to happen.
And someone seems to have misplaced the Antichrist…
My ReviewWhat better way to restart my reviews than with a review of one of my favorites… Spoiler alert: It’s a good book. And if you don’t like books, the Amazon Prime show is pretty good too.
What can be said about this book that hasn’t already been expressed by it’s many fans? There’s nothing new under the sun.
But it’s precisely that which drives the book: Armageddon has been predicted since the beginning, and predicted again by a clever witch named Agnes Nutter, who wrote it all down in a nice and accurate way. Obviously we all know what’s going to happen right? It’s ineffable!
This book combines the brilliant historical and cultural wittiness Neil Gaiman is known for along with Terry Pratchet’s iconic fantastical and nonsensical writing. Balancing dark humor and lighthearted nonsense, readers are kept on their toes until the very end… of time.
Characters are charming and human, even the ones who aren’t quite human but wish to be. The desires of their hearts (to be seen, loved, known, good, useful) are ones that are relatable no matter how young or old, cynical or trusting a reader is.
Definite PG-13 content along with witchcraft, demons, and hellhounds makes this a book for older readers and people who are comfortable contemplating their own existence before brunch.
Have you read Good Omens? Share your thoughts.
Click here to purchase the book in paperback, hardback, ebook or audiobook (narrated by Neil himself).
December 5, 2018
The Curse of Misty Wayfair
The Curse of Misty Wayfair
By Jaime Jo Wright
Bethany House, Jan 2018
Book Description
Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday. Now grown, her search takes her to Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin, in 1908. When clues lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a post-mortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. However, she never expected her personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death.
A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother–who is battling dementia–compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity. When she catches sight of a ghostly woman who haunts the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns–and with it, Heidi’s fear for her own life.
As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, can they overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined?
My Review:~Jaime Jo Wright’s most powerful work yet~~
The Curse of Misty Wayfair is another incredible timeslip novel jumping between the stories of Thea, a postmortem photographer in 1908, and Heidi, the family black sheep coming to visit her mother who’s in the last stages of dementia. As the two attempt to settle in to life in Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin, they both begin seeing the specter of a woman who haunts the asylum at the edge of the woods, and learn the story of Misty Wayfair.
In with the thrilling ghost story and the rest of the plot, Jaime Jo Wright takes on the massive enigma of the history behind asylums, mental health and insanity, tackling superstitions and stigmas. Characters with autism, anxiety, and other mental illnesses play key roles in the story in an empowering and respectful manner.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller, but also to readers looking for a little more depth than your typical Christian fiction read. Jaime Jo Wright’s writing stands out on its own level of greatness.
November 19, 2018
Romanov by Nadine Brandes
Romanov
By Nadine Brandes
May 1, 2019
Back Cover:
From the author of Fawkes comes a magical take on the story of Anastasia Romanov.
The history books say I died.
They don’t know the half of it.
Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them . . . and he’s hunted Romanov before.
Nastya’s only chances of saving herself and her family are either to release the spell and deal with the consequences, or to enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya’s only dabbled in magic, but it doesn’t frighten her half as much as her growing attraction for Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her . . .
That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other.
My Review:Romanov is not for the faint of heart. The true history of what happened to the Romanovs makes this a tragic story, and quite different from the other books Nadine Brandes has previously written. That being said, this is by far the best historical fiction fantasy I have read. It goes a step farther than just rewriting history, because it gives a reader hope.. Not just hope for the story of the Romanovs execution, but hope in the humanity of us all, no matter what side we fight on.
Brandes writing is so well-researched, rich with historical details as well as Russian words and phrases. While magic plays a large role in the book, it is not too hard to imagine everything in the book actually being true. Especially since the magic in the book could pretty easily be replaced with some other technology or medical ability. The true feeling of fantasy and magic comes from the hope that it brings and this declaration of survival: “Because I have a story I was meant to live. And not even you can unwrite it.”
November 16, 2018
Review ~ Miles from Where We Started
Miles from Where We Started
By Cynthia Ruchti
Gilead Publishing
Oct 16, 2018
These no-longer-newlyweds want out of this road trip–and their marriage. Too bad they can’t find the off-ramp.
Weeks away from their one-year anniversary, Mallory and Connor Duncan can’t even agree on how to end their marriage. But when a last-minute crisis lands them on a three-thousand-mile road trip together, Mallory wonders if their story may not be over after all.
The trip begins to unravel before the key is even in the ignition, and an at-risk, trouble-seeking missile of an eleven-year-old is unexpectedly launched into their travel plans. Close quarters get even tighter, and the couple believes this whole experience will spell disaster.
But as new challenges pop up around each bend, Mallory and Connor are surprised by the strengths they see in one another–and how they complement each other. Their first year of marriage hasn’t been the arm-in-arm togetherness they expected . . . but can they find a new beginning when the road ends?
My Review:Cynthia Ruchti never fails to captivate. Readers of this book will be drawn in to the marriage struggles between this young couple who don’t know how to communicate how they truly feel. Connor is a workaholic who has just learned that his father’s life threatening disease is a genetic complication which could cripple him and leave his wife nothing but a care-taker. Mallory doesn’t care, but struggles to express herself properly to this new version of the man she married. When the couple is thrown together on a cross-country road trip, close quarters force them to reconsider their impending divorce.
Stuck together with them in this tiny camper is a foster child with quite an attitude. He was probably my favorite character of the book, and helps in some of the best scenes. I found myself wanting to slap the characters upside the head (OFTEN) because of their communication issues, the issues that they are having are common and only seem obvious because the reader hears both sides of what the characters are thinking.
All throughout the book, Cynthia’s writing remains excellent, tying together the simple moments life, laughter, and despair. Her message of hope is resounding and leaves you with the inspiration to go and hug your loved ones.
Recommended reading for lovers of contemporary women’s fiction, clean romance, and inspirational titles. No content which justifies an age limit.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Bold.Reads (@bold.reads) on Nov 9, 2018 at 9:35am PST
Click here to purchase Miles from Where We Started – Now only $11 on Amazon!
November 14, 2018
Mark of the Raven (The Ravenwood Saga #1)
Mark of the Raven
The Ravenwood Saga #1
By Morgan Busse
Bethany House Publishers
Lady Selene is the heir to the Great House of Ravenwood and the secret family gift of dreamwalking. As a dreamwalker, she can enter a person’s dreams and manipulate their greatest fears or desires. For the last hundred years, the Ravenwood women have used their gift of dreaming for hire to gather information or to assassinate.
As she discovers her family’s dark secret, Selene is torn between upholding her family’s legacy–a legacy that supports her people–or seeking the true reason behind her family’s gift.
Her dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations, but who will also bring about the downfall of her own house.
One path holds glory and power, and will solidify her position as Lady of Ravenwood. The other path holds shame and execution. Which will she choose? And is she willing to pay the price for the path chosen?
My Review:Morgan Busse weaves a dark story about the heir to the House of Ravenwood who has just learned her family’s secret; her mother and the Ravenwood women before her use their gift of dreamwalking to gather information and assassinate their enemies. Now Lady Selene is stuck in a web of political intrigue, lies and betrayal while the Seven Houses ready for war with the Domina Empire.Another reviewer mentioned that it reminded her of Game of Thrones and Assassin’s Creed, which I agree with completely. The only thing that this book has that those stories do not is a thread of hope that lies within the Light. Overall, I would highly recommend this book for readers of YA and adult fantasy adventures. I might recommend pre-reading it if you have younger readers who might be put off by some non-graphic but violent content, as the book does contain assassins, war, etc.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.*
November 12, 2018
An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White
An Hour Unspent
By Roseanna M. White
Bethany House, Sept. 2018
Back Cover:
Once London’s top thief, Barclay Pearce has turned his back on his life of crime and now uses his skills for a nation at war. But not until he rescues a clockmaker’s daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.
Evelina Manning has constantly fought for independence, but she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiancé to end the engagement and enlist in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clockwork repair with her father, she can’t help being interested. But she soon learns that nothing with Barclay Pearce is as simple as it seems.
As 1915 England plunges ever deeper into war, the work of an ingenious clockmaker may give England an unbeatable military edge–and Germany realizes it as well. Evelina’s father soon finds his whole family in danger–and it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape.
My Review:A thoroughly enjoyable book, An Hour Unspent continues the Shadows over England series that follows a family of street urchins (think a nice version of Charles Dicken’s Fagin gang) who steal to provide for themselves. They’ve gained such a reputation as clever thieves that they are recruited by a mysterious “Mr. V” who needs their special skills as WWI begins to rage around the European countryside.
The first book in the series followed Rosemary, an uneducated but passionate reader who poses as a librarian in the home of a potential traitor to the British crown. Her job–to find proof of his ties to Germany. But what she uncovers is a lot more surprising…
The second book followed her “sister” Willa, an untrained but gifted violinist who plays by ear. Her task is to steal a cypher from a famous violinist and the son of a brilliant cryptographer. He immediately falls head-over-heels for her, and proposes marriage, but Willa’s only in it for the mark.
The third book follows their “brother” Barclay Pearce as he befriends a clockmaker and his daughter. When the clockmaker disappears, Barclay’s dark past comes in handy, and he must decide what he values most.
Roseanna White’s characters are brilliantly written and delightfully well-crafted. There is a lot of quick wit and unexpected plot twists that keep you on your toes, while still providing a happy ending and a satisfactory smile on the face of the reader. Highly recommended for people who like classics and historical fiction. It’s a nice twist on both.
Click here to view A Name Unknown (Book 1) on Amazon.
Click here to view A Song Unheard (Book 2) on Amazon.
Click here to view An Hour Unspent (Book 3) on Amazon.
I would recommend all books in the series, although I would suggest starting with Book 1 if you plan to read it. Book 2 and 3 provide spoilers even though they follow different main characters.
November 8, 2018
Review ~ Silent Days, Holy Night
Silent Days, Holy Night
By Phyllis Clark Nichols
Gilead Publishing, Oct. 30, 2018
The sounds of Christmases past echo through a silent house . . .
Everyone in town knows Emerald Crest, the green granite mansion atop the highest hill: the legendary, lavish Christmas festivities that used to light up the nights— and the silence that followed when the parties abruptly stopped many years ago. And everyone has heard whispers about the reclusive, mysterious master of the manor, Henry Lafferty the Second . . .
When eleven-year-old Julia Russell steps into the great house for the first time and meets Mr. Lafferty, the entire course of her life is altered. She meets a man who is nothing at all like the rumors she’s heard from neighbors and classmates. He’s kind and extraordinarily talented—he also happens to be deaf and uses a wheelchair. And when she overhears a secret about him, Julia decides it’s time for the town to bring Christmas back to Emerald Crest—an act that will change them all forever.
For me today was not a silent day, in fact it was quiet chaotic. Which I say so you know how peaceful it was to dive into this beautiful Christmas read and have a Holy Night.
Phyllis Clark Nichols voice catches me off guard as a writer who effortlessly creates a world that is believably good, where excessive plot and shock value doesn’t need to move the plot along, because it is moved by characters that enchant the mind of the reader. Her writing has such an elegant style which I have difficulty comparing to other writers. Her plots move a little slower, but that doesn’t keep me from being edge-of-my-seat interested. The fact that she can entertain an audience through the story of a young girl, is not a talent most writers can boast. The humanity she shows in her writing is universal, no matter the age of the character being written about.
I particularly love the tidbits of knowledge that she weaves into the story, like a history of the full moon being called a beaver moon and the detailed description of birds that one of the character observes.
Her books are not just to entertain but to be savoured, so we might see the goodness of God left in the world and try our best to honor Him more. I wouldn’t recommend this book for someone in need of a fast-paced read but more for someone who needs a book to feed their soul. Which, let’s face it, is all of us during this very broken time in the world and thankfully it is the perfect season to get into Christmas!
I also am excited that there is a recipe in the back of the book for the ~famous~ Grancie’s pound cake cookies!
Recommended reader: no age restriction due to content. I would recommend as the perfect book for someone looking for a calming read by the fire!
Click here to purchase this as a Christmas gift for yourself or your family.
October 30, 2018
🖤 Cover Reveal – The Story Raider by Lindsay Franklin 🖤
GUYSSSS I’m so excited to be a part of this cover reveal. I absolutely can’t wait to dive into this story as soon as I get the ARC. (Promise, no spoilers.) Check out this teaser below and watch for updates and info from Lindsay A. Franklin by following her here: https://www.instagram.com/linzyafrank...
The Story Raider
By Lindsay A. Franklin
Enclave Publishing | April 30, 2019
Deceiving an empire is a treacherous game
Tanwen and the Corsyth weavers race to collect the strands of an ancient cure that might save Gryfelle. But Tanwen has a secret–Gryfelle isn’t the only one afflicted by the weaver’s curse. As Queen Braith struggles to assert her rule, a new arrival throws her tenuous claim to the Tirian throne into question. Braith’s heart is turned upside down, and she’s not sure she can trust anyone–least of all herself.
The puppet master behind Gareth’s rise to power has designs on Tanwen and the story weavers, and will stop at nothing to reclaim the throne. A plot to incite the angry peasants of Tir takes shape, and those dearest to Tanwen will be caught in the crossfire. As the fight for Tir consumes the realm, no one can remain innocent.
Click here to preorder your copy today or put it on your Christmas wishlist!
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Bold.Reads (@bold.reads) on Oct 30, 2018 at 8:33am PDT
The Story Raider releases April 30 and is available for pre-order right now! Link down below. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Bold.Reads (@bold.reads) on Jul 27, 2018 at 1:09pm PDT
September 26, 2018
Cover Reveal – Romanov by Nadine Brandes
Romanov
By Nadine Brandes
Harper Collins | May 6, 2019
From the author of Fawkes comes a magical take on the story of Anastasia Romanov.
The history books say I died.
They don’t know the half of it.
Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them . . . and he’s hunted Romanov before.
Nastya’s only chances of survival are to either release the spell, and deal with the consequences, or enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya’s never dabbled in magic before, but it doesn’t frighten her as much as her growing attraction for Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her . . .
That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other.
Click here to preorder your copy now.
September 18, 2018
Return of the Song by Phyllis Clark Nichols
Return of the Song
By Phyllis Clark Nichols
Gilead Publishing, September 2018
Back Cover:
Caroline Carlyle’s dreams were crushed when her fiancé died six weeks before their wedding. For years she wrestled with aching loss and shattered faith, struggling to find the inspiration that once came so easily. Abandoning her half-finished piano compositions, Caroline trades her old ambitions for the comfort and familiarity of life as the town’s piano teacher.
But Caroline’s world turns upside down when a mysterious stranger enters her life. Filled with courage and fresh purpose, Caroline embarks on a quest to track down the beloved, rare piano she played as a child. Her search leads her to Rockwater, the Kentucky estate of a wealthy gentleman, where Caroline finds her heart may be composing a surprising new song.
My Review:
Reminiscent of Jan Karon’s Mitford series, Phyllis Clark Nichols has woven a beautiful story with remarkable depth, gorgeous scenery and food description, and a small town filled with lovable, zany characters. While there is a romantic thread throughout the story, the main focus is the character development and the issues that Caroline deals with in the small town of Moss Point, Georgia.
I would greatly recommend this book for readers of the Mitford series, as well as readers of Debbie Macomber and Southern fiction.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Bold.Reads (@bold.reads) on Aug 27, 2018 at 5:57pm PDT
Preorder today. Return of the Song releases just next month! #therockwatersuite #rockwatersuite #christianfiction #piano #savant #fiction #bookstagram #amreading #booklove #booklovers #phyllisclarknichols @phylliscnichols
Please note, I received an ARC of this book and was not required to leave a positive review.
