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Holland Road
Spring, 1945. The war in Europe is nearing its end when Army medic Richard Dare returns home to Maine. Life in his back-woods hometown has carried on much the same as it always has, from the sermons of his minister father to the teasing flirtations of Grace, the girl he never forgot. But it's soon clear that two years of combat have changed him irrevocably, and not only because of the wounds he sustained. As he wrestles with the mystery of how to go on when so much of what-and who-he loved has been lost, Richard faces another impossible battle: the homecoming of a soldier.
Set against the backdrop of rural New England and the sweeping expanse of the European Theater of Operations, Holland Road is a story of brotherhood, faith, and the loss of these things, told by a non-combatant knee-deep in death.
Set against the backdrop of rural New England and the sweeping expanse of the European Theater of Operations, Holland Road is a story of brotherhood, faith, and the loss of these things, told by a non-combatant knee-deep in death.
597 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2024
6 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 3, 2025
Five stars from me, because I wrote it. ;)
October 7, 2024
Came back to Goodreads just to write this review!
Holland Road by Caroline Kelly is such a stunning debut, and I couldn't put it down. Kelly writes stunning poetic prose that pulls you into her characters' world without overshadowing the gritty realism and realistic dialogue. I've read so many WWII stories that either focus so heavily on heroism that you miss the humanity or the horrors that leave the reader exhausted by the end, and Kelly does no such thing with Holland Road. The war flashbacks are engaging and well-researched, and the time jumps are well-balanced in the story. Every character made me want to know more and spend more time in their world. I'm very excited to see what Ms. Kelly does next!
Holland Road by Caroline Kelly is such a stunning debut, and I couldn't put it down. Kelly writes stunning poetic prose that pulls you into her characters' world without overshadowing the gritty realism and realistic dialogue. I've read so many WWII stories that either focus so heavily on heroism that you miss the humanity or the horrors that leave the reader exhausted by the end, and Kelly does no such thing with Holland Road. The war flashbacks are engaging and well-researched, and the time jumps are well-balanced in the story. Every character made me want to know more and spend more time in their world. I'm very excited to see what Ms. Kelly does next!
October 17, 2024
I really don’t have the words for all my feelings about this book. I trusted Caroline would write a book I loved but I had no idea how enthralled I’d become with the beautiful characters and richly detailed settings. I felt like I could see everything happening in front of me and I laughed and cried with the characters. Also, banter is hard to get right but Caroline totally nailed it. Every historical fiction fan needs to get their hands on Holland Road immediately. So freaking proud of Caroline for creating this absolute masterpiece, I will now start pestering her for more content :)
October 19, 2024
I’m struggling to begin writing out my thoughts on this book because I fear I won’t be able to do it justice, but I am going to try nonetheless!
Holland Road is one of the best books I have read this year, and I have read some really good ones thus far. It tells the story of Richard Dare, a medic in the 82nd airborne during WWII who struggles to truly “come home” after experiencing the horrors of war. The book alternates between flashbacks of Richard’s experiences as a combat medic (these are very realistic and clearly well-researched) and bittersweet chapters about Richard’s life upon returning home to Caspar, Maine, as he wrestles with grief, trauma, guilt, and anger and is unable to find his old self again after all that he has been through.
Holland Road is an incredibly well-written debut novel, with beautiful and immersive prose. I found myself thinking of the characters often and squeezing in a few extra pages whenever I could! I loved all of the characters so much, and was especially moved by the relationship between Richard and his father. I don’t want to spoil too much, but the unwavering love, patience, and care that Richard’s dad showed to him, and the role that it played in his healing, was so special. In ways it was a parallel to the parable of the prodigal son, and it was truly beautiful.
I know a book is good when I’m not just reading about a character’s emotions, but I am feeling them right along with them. It actually takes a lot for a book to make me cry, and Holland Road succeeded in that. It was just so moving and heartfelt. The author doesn’t shy away from the brutality of war and the depths of human suffering and spiritual questions, but she also writes at length of the brotherly love between comrades, the devotion of family, sweet romance, and ultimately, hope. For dawn will always come even after the darkest night, and Richard’s story reflects that truth so well.
With characters that feel like friends, a cozy small town setting, a lovely old friends to lovers romance, and a powerful message of faith woven throughout, Holland Road is just a wonderful piece of literature. Ms Kelly is such a talented author and I can’t wait to read more from her in the future. I’m so happy to have this novel on my bookshelf to revisit sometime soon. 🫶
Holland Road is one of the best books I have read this year, and I have read some really good ones thus far. It tells the story of Richard Dare, a medic in the 82nd airborne during WWII who struggles to truly “come home” after experiencing the horrors of war. The book alternates between flashbacks of Richard’s experiences as a combat medic (these are very realistic and clearly well-researched) and bittersweet chapters about Richard’s life upon returning home to Caspar, Maine, as he wrestles with grief, trauma, guilt, and anger and is unable to find his old self again after all that he has been through.
Holland Road is an incredibly well-written debut novel, with beautiful and immersive prose. I found myself thinking of the characters often and squeezing in a few extra pages whenever I could! I loved all of the characters so much, and was especially moved by the relationship between Richard and his father. I don’t want to spoil too much, but the unwavering love, patience, and care that Richard’s dad showed to him, and the role that it played in his healing, was so special. In ways it was a parallel to the parable of the prodigal son, and it was truly beautiful.
I know a book is good when I’m not just reading about a character’s emotions, but I am feeling them right along with them. It actually takes a lot for a book to make me cry, and Holland Road succeeded in that. It was just so moving and heartfelt. The author doesn’t shy away from the brutality of war and the depths of human suffering and spiritual questions, but she also writes at length of the brotherly love between comrades, the devotion of family, sweet romance, and ultimately, hope. For dawn will always come even after the darkest night, and Richard’s story reflects that truth so well.
With characters that feel like friends, a cozy small town setting, a lovely old friends to lovers romance, and a powerful message of faith woven throughout, Holland Road is just a wonderful piece of literature. Ms Kelly is such a talented author and I can’t wait to read more from her in the future. I’m so happy to have this novel on my bookshelf to revisit sometime soon. 🫶
September 28, 2024
This is a book that reads like an immersive classic, and I often found myself daydreaming about this world the author created. The story is, at its heart, a spiritual homecoming (Richard, our MMC is a pastor’s son—though I do not think you need to be Christian for the message of this book to hit.) But it is equally grim and heartbreaking, plunging us deep into the disenchantment and hopelessness of a WWII medic with PSTD. The pendulum swings between flashback chapters of the war (these are extremely well written and quite graphic—not for the faint of heart) and heartwarming, albeit bittersweet post-war chapters, where Richard struggles to accumulate as his friends and family are forced to watch helplessly from the sideline. Yet, despite the heavy material, there are glimmers of hope everywhere you turn—from the author’s beautiful descriptions of a Maine blue hour, to Richard’s recollections of Grace while he’s away, to brotherly bonds under a starlit sky, and the comfortable silence of Richard’s father as he keeps vigil over son. There are glimmers to be found, and you will find them in Holland Road.
The author cares deeply for these characters and it shows, making for a wonderfully soulful debut. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
The author cares deeply for these characters and it shows, making for a wonderfully soulful debut. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
December 11, 2024
How do I sum up one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read? Holland Road is a masterpiece, a story about Hope and redemption that doesn’t shy away from the splinters and pain, but walks through the hard parts. Richard, the narrator and main character, is adjusting to life after coming home, injured, from the European theatre in WWII. In one sense he is “healed” and released from hospital, but we learn, living inside his head with him, that he has a long road to go.
The novel jumps back and forth between Richard’s years as a combat medic and his home back in Maine in his present day. It’s such a wonderfully unique novel because I’ve read a ton of WWII fiction and very rarely does it address the homecoming of soldiers - that’s usually treated as an epilogue, but here the aftereffects of war and the effect on loved ones takes center stage.
What I love is that the author treats the subject with such care and tenderness. The depth of research was truly impressive but one of the most impressive parts was what you can’t quite research, which is how they’re feeling and thinking. Richard and the other characters are written in nuanced, distinct ways. I LOVE the characters. I’m very picky when it comes to characterization in books but this one is so so good - each one jumped right off the page from the first moment, they were fully realized, and they were imperfect people who related to one another in a variety of ways.
It’s hard to choose a favorite. Of course Richard because we spend so much time with him and just want to give him a giant bear hug forever. And a special favorite of mine is Laurie, who is the fun younger brother with a teasing sense of humor. Richard’s parents are so great and really round out the family - I love the familial dynamics and how they love each other so much but how they have to learn how to readjust to loving one another when so much has changed.
Grace is a gem. You’ll be rooting for her and Richard from her first appearance. She’s amazing and lively without being a Mary Jane. And Mattie, and his war story, and the rest of the gang…
When I say I love the description and the period details and the world building I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH. The visual scenery you get makes you think this was written by a classical oil painter who just so happens to be a master at plot and character and prose too. I can see the author’s love for plants and animals and the riches of the natural world, and how she’s a truly great author who can make you feel like you’re inhaling the scent of pine or hearing a little creek in summer, but doesn’t belabor the point. She tells you just enough, then backs up and trusts that her readers will keep going.
I also love how faith is discussed. If you’re a Christian you know how hard it is to find great Christian art and the worry is always that “Christian” books are those Amish romances - NOT THIS! This book paints a picture of the realistic Christian life. The ups and downs and the wanting to give up and going through hell on earth and not knowing if there’s a god, but at the same time, how could there not be? A lot of care was taken to write Richard’s struggles with faith and his ultimate redemption so it wasn’t cheesy but you feel like, with Richard, you are swimming in the depths and fighting the current. Honestly the Faith filled parts were so beautiful and touching that several of them made me cry.
What else can I say except that I’ll love Holland Road forever? I wish everyone could read it and love it as I do. I’ll come back to it again and again and again. It’ll always feel like coming home.
The novel jumps back and forth between Richard’s years as a combat medic and his home back in Maine in his present day. It’s such a wonderfully unique novel because I’ve read a ton of WWII fiction and very rarely does it address the homecoming of soldiers - that’s usually treated as an epilogue, but here the aftereffects of war and the effect on loved ones takes center stage.
What I love is that the author treats the subject with such care and tenderness. The depth of research was truly impressive but one of the most impressive parts was what you can’t quite research, which is how they’re feeling and thinking. Richard and the other characters are written in nuanced, distinct ways. I LOVE the characters. I’m very picky when it comes to characterization in books but this one is so so good - each one jumped right off the page from the first moment, they were fully realized, and they were imperfect people who related to one another in a variety of ways.
It’s hard to choose a favorite. Of course Richard because we spend so much time with him and just want to give him a giant bear hug forever. And a special favorite of mine is Laurie, who is the fun younger brother with a teasing sense of humor. Richard’s parents are so great and really round out the family - I love the familial dynamics and how they love each other so much but how they have to learn how to readjust to loving one another when so much has changed.
Grace is a gem. You’ll be rooting for her and Richard from her first appearance. She’s amazing and lively without being a Mary Jane. And Mattie, and his war story, and the rest of the gang…
When I say I love the description and the period details and the world building I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH. The visual scenery you get makes you think this was written by a classical oil painter who just so happens to be a master at plot and character and prose too. I can see the author’s love for plants and animals and the riches of the natural world, and how she’s a truly great author who can make you feel like you’re inhaling the scent of pine or hearing a little creek in summer, but doesn’t belabor the point. She tells you just enough, then backs up and trusts that her readers will keep going.
I also love how faith is discussed. If you’re a Christian you know how hard it is to find great Christian art and the worry is always that “Christian” books are those Amish romances - NOT THIS! This book paints a picture of the realistic Christian life. The ups and downs and the wanting to give up and going through hell on earth and not knowing if there’s a god, but at the same time, how could there not be? A lot of care was taken to write Richard’s struggles with faith and his ultimate redemption so it wasn’t cheesy but you feel like, with Richard, you are swimming in the depths and fighting the current. Honestly the Faith filled parts were so beautiful and touching that several of them made me cry.
What else can I say except that I’ll love Holland Road forever? I wish everyone could read it and love it as I do. I’ll come back to it again and again and again. It’ll always feel like coming home.
December 27, 2024
This is a powerful book that opened my eyes to the experiences of WWII medics. The prose is rich and beautiful and makes you feel like you are at home in Maine... and on the frontlines. Although I will never fully understand the experiences of veterans, I feel far closer after reading this book, and I'm left with a lot to think about after finishing Richard's story. Highly recommend!!
September 24, 2024
3.5. (note: I received an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.)
The downside to having watched (via Instagram) the writing process over the course of multiple years is that I got distracted THINKING about that process and about the author while I was reading. That's a pet peeve of mine — but that's what I get for reading a book whose author I (kind of feel like I) know.
First and foremost I'm relieved to say that the writing itself is good (already ahead of a WHOLE bunch of fiction that not only gets written but gets published these days). As someone who cringes easily and often — the prose is quite nice! The author has an excellent vocabulary and a good command of language.
I think my biggest critique of the novel as a whole is that it feels like it was written to fill a word count. There is a LOT of description. In every sentence. Adjectives. Galore. The exact hue and shade of every color in sight. It feels like a lot of it was written in order for the writer to get a clear visual picture of the scene they were creating — but once they had that visual, I think the book would have benefitted from going back and ruthlessly editing most of that descriptive language out, making sure what was there had a purpose beyond just displaying that excellent vocabulary and being pretty for the sake of being pretty. There was a lot of telling rather than showing, and I found it distracting.
The flashback war scenes were, I imagine, the hardest to write (literally can't imagine accomplishing that) and were, without a doubt, the strongest parts of the book. Because they were much more focused on the action, there was much less to be distracted by, and they only got more and more vivid and compelling. My favorite was Nijmegen. Woah.
Andddd though it took me awhile to get a grasp on the cast of war characters, they got me by the end. Once I realized what the climax was going to be, my anticipation and dread was intense. Anddddd that scene, and Prodigal, after it — I was CRYING. Tears rolling down my face, need to get a Kleenex kind of crying. It's hard to overstate what an impressive thing that is for a writer to accomplish. Peter is the most real and vivid character in the book, and the build up of his relationship with Richard is flawless.
Richard's friendships with his comrades and the complexities of how the war has psychologically affected him was, to me, the heart of this story. The moments when the story really honed in on that — when I was existing inside the protagonist's head and feeling the shades of his anguish — was when it was most profound and effective. I only wanted to be even more drawn into his interior life, and I was mainly interested in his hometown life and relationships to the extent that they added extra layers to that.
Oh also weird note but sometimes I'm annoyed by how pets are written in books — but I loved Baxter and Hen 🐈⬛🐕
Congratulations to the author on this labor of love! For these characters are very loved, it is clear.
The downside to having watched (via Instagram) the writing process over the course of multiple years is that I got distracted THINKING about that process and about the author while I was reading. That's a pet peeve of mine — but that's what I get for reading a book whose author I (kind of feel like I) know.
First and foremost I'm relieved to say that the writing itself is good (already ahead of a WHOLE bunch of fiction that not only gets written but gets published these days). As someone who cringes easily and often — the prose is quite nice! The author has an excellent vocabulary and a good command of language.
I think my biggest critique of the novel as a whole is that it feels like it was written to fill a word count. There is a LOT of description. In every sentence. Adjectives. Galore. The exact hue and shade of every color in sight. It feels like a lot of it was written in order for the writer to get a clear visual picture of the scene they were creating — but once they had that visual, I think the book would have benefitted from going back and ruthlessly editing most of that descriptive language out, making sure what was there had a purpose beyond just displaying that excellent vocabulary and being pretty for the sake of being pretty. There was a lot of telling rather than showing, and I found it distracting.
The flashback war scenes were, I imagine, the hardest to write (literally can't imagine accomplishing that) and were, without a doubt, the strongest parts of the book. Because they were much more focused on the action, there was much less to be distracted by, and they only got more and more vivid and compelling. My favorite was Nijmegen. Woah.
Andddd though it took me awhile to get a grasp on the cast of war characters, they got me by the end. Once I realized what the climax was going to be, my anticipation and dread was intense. Anddddd that scene, and Prodigal, after it — I was CRYING. Tears rolling down my face, need to get a Kleenex kind of crying. It's hard to overstate what an impressive thing that is for a writer to accomplish. Peter is the most real and vivid character in the book, and the build up of his relationship with Richard is flawless.
Richard's friendships with his comrades and the complexities of how the war has psychologically affected him was, to me, the heart of this story. The moments when the story really honed in on that — when I was existing inside the protagonist's head and feeling the shades of his anguish — was when it was most profound and effective. I only wanted to be even more drawn into his interior life, and I was mainly interested in his hometown life and relationships to the extent that they added extra layers to that.
Oh also weird note but sometimes I'm annoyed by how pets are written in books — but I loved Baxter and Hen 🐈⬛🐕
Congratulations to the author on this labor of love! For these characters are very loved, it is clear.
December 11, 2024
Wow--it was great! Overall, the style reminded me of Leif Enger, Marilynne Robinson, and William Kent Krueger in that the characters had depth and the story unfolded in a deliberate and careful way.
Richard's wartime experience as a medic are visited in flashbacks that flow naturally into the current ebb of the story. You feel the weight of his wartime burden affecting his post-war relationships. And you wish you could tell him that he doesn't need to handle it all by himself.
I especially love the arc of Richard and Grace's relationship--it's so natural and genuine. Grace is a strong female character without being either bossy or mousy. She is confident in her sense of self and in her feelings toward Richard.
It is a lovely book with a highly satisfying ending--nothing is left unresolved. I highly recommend.
Richard's wartime experience as a medic are visited in flashbacks that flow naturally into the current ebb of the story. You feel the weight of his wartime burden affecting his post-war relationships. And you wish you could tell him that he doesn't need to handle it all by himself.
I especially love the arc of Richard and Grace's relationship--it's so natural and genuine. Grace is a strong female character without being either bossy or mousy. She is confident in her sense of self and in her feelings toward Richard.
It is a lovely book with a highly satisfying ending--nothing is left unresolved. I highly recommend.
September 30, 2024
Holland Road might just be the best book I've read this year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Richard was a medic in the 82nd airborne during WWII and returned home due to an injury. The book follows his story of his struggles during the war and the more nuanced but just as detrimental struggles he faces when he returns home to his small town in Maine.
The way this book illustrates the details of war - from the horrors and death to the comradship and brotherhood - are so impactful (a la Tim O'Brien - different war, similar emotions) and the way Richard wrestles with God and faith are so genuine it hurts my soul in the only way a truly great story can.
If you love war stories, asking the hard questions, and falling in love, Holland Road is for you.
Richard was a medic in the 82nd airborne during WWII and returned home due to an injury. The book follows his story of his struggles during the war and the more nuanced but just as detrimental struggles he faces when he returns home to his small town in Maine.
The way this book illustrates the details of war - from the horrors and death to the comradship and brotherhood - are so impactful (a la Tim O'Brien - different war, similar emotions) and the way Richard wrestles with God and faith are so genuine it hurts my soul in the only way a truly great story can.
If you love war stories, asking the hard questions, and falling in love, Holland Road is for you.
September 15, 2025
Kelly does an exceptional job depicting the chaos and trauma of war while also representing the deep relationships forged in the heat of battle. Her movement back and forth between the battlefield and scenes from the home front help build the backstory of the characters and advance the storylines in tandem. Her writing invites you into the thoughts and hearts of the characters as they struggle with the multitude of emotions and challenges faced by those who serve on the front lines and those who wait for their return home.
December 31, 2024
What an incredibly lush novel. Kelly has an incredible way with placing you in a scene. The way she writes war transports you to the battlefield, from every sense to every thought. She miraculously balances this depth of feel with pacing that makes sure you can't put this book down. My top read of 2024!
September 29, 2024
When I have a hard time beginning a review, it is usually because a book was a meaningful reading experience for me. I never have a difficult time reviewing books I find lukewarm or just plain outright bad.
There is so much World War II and wartime fiction and I have read many books set in this era over the years. Whenever an author commits to World War II, specifically, and manages to write convincing trench prose (or, here, fox hole prose?) It is impressive because of the research the author must do to learn battle specs, dates, vocabulary, and in Richard Dare's case, medical terminology. This author put in enormous time to be able to credibly write her action scenes, and it shows. Already a huge mark of distinction.
Other things that stood out about Holland Road for me:
-Good pacing. A lot of contemporary novels that I read, from star-studded authors though they might be, desperately needed a chop-happy editor to improve the glacial pace of the writing. Despite bouncing back and forth from Richard's year back in Maine to his time overseas during the war, the pacing is neither breakneck or toilsome but remains steady.
-Once I hit the 2/3 mark I was FLYING through the pages, which is an important note for me, because many times when longer books pass the halfway mark the writing starts floundering and loses momentum.
-Slow burn. I LOVE payoff for careful reading and build-up! Call me old fashioned, but I am very into having to read patiently and catch glimpses to be rewarded later for my due diligence.
-Romance is present but not overwhelming. I think one of the sweetest things that endeared this book to me (and Richard Dare) is the fact that it is not Grace, Richard's love interest, that breaks through to him at long last, but his father. There is a beautiful bond between Mr. Dare and Richard, and Mr. Dare's unconditional love for his son is evident even when Richard is playing the part of the prodigal son. That is something that will stay with me for a long time.
-Brotherly love and connection. Unclear why this seems to be so hard for many authors to write convincingly, but Ms. Kelly does not suffer this affliction. Richard's love for his wartime brothers is at the crux of his psyche and his long journey to a place of healing throughout the novel.
-The beauty and barrenness of rural living. Remote Maine, especially in the 1940s, is not a location for flimsy souls. The author's love for and connection to New England shine through her descriptions of Maine through Richard's eyes.
-Hints at racial divide and struggles that happened simultaneously/ all during, before, and after the wartime years in the Northeast. Petit Canada, a section of Caspar, Richard's hometown, is full of French-Canadian immigrants who are outcasts among the Maine folk because of their heritage. Growing up in the Southeast, I could tell you a lot about Black American segregation and Black American stories from the areas I have lived, but prejudice towards French-Canadian folks is something I have never considered. I appreciate Ms. Kelly including those elements despite racial divide not being a main theme in her work.
This book holds a proud place on my shelf and I look forward to revisiting with Richard from time to time and also to read whatever Ms. Kelly writes next!
There is so much World War II and wartime fiction and I have read many books set in this era over the years. Whenever an author commits to World War II, specifically, and manages to write convincing trench prose (or, here, fox hole prose?) It is impressive because of the research the author must do to learn battle specs, dates, vocabulary, and in Richard Dare's case, medical terminology. This author put in enormous time to be able to credibly write her action scenes, and it shows. Already a huge mark of distinction.
Other things that stood out about Holland Road for me:
-Good pacing. A lot of contemporary novels that I read, from star-studded authors though they might be, desperately needed a chop-happy editor to improve the glacial pace of the writing. Despite bouncing back and forth from Richard's year back in Maine to his time overseas during the war, the pacing is neither breakneck or toilsome but remains steady.
-Once I hit the 2/3 mark I was FLYING through the pages, which is an important note for me, because many times when longer books pass the halfway mark the writing starts floundering and loses momentum.
-Slow burn. I LOVE payoff for careful reading and build-up! Call me old fashioned, but I am very into having to read patiently and catch glimpses to be rewarded later for my due diligence.
-Romance is present but not overwhelming. I think one of the sweetest things that endeared this book to me (and Richard Dare) is the fact that it is not Grace, Richard's love interest, that breaks through to him at long last, but his father. There is a beautiful bond between Mr. Dare and Richard, and Mr. Dare's unconditional love for his son is evident even when Richard is playing the part of the prodigal son. That is something that will stay with me for a long time.
-Brotherly love and connection. Unclear why this seems to be so hard for many authors to write convincingly, but Ms. Kelly does not suffer this affliction. Richard's love for his wartime brothers is at the crux of his psyche and his long journey to a place of healing throughout the novel.
-The beauty and barrenness of rural living. Remote Maine, especially in the 1940s, is not a location for flimsy souls. The author's love for and connection to New England shine through her descriptions of Maine through Richard's eyes.
-Hints at racial divide and struggles that happened simultaneously/ all during, before, and after the wartime years in the Northeast. Petit Canada, a section of Caspar, Richard's hometown, is full of French-Canadian immigrants who are outcasts among the Maine folk because of their heritage. Growing up in the Southeast, I could tell you a lot about Black American segregation and Black American stories from the areas I have lived, but prejudice towards French-Canadian folks is something I have never considered. I appreciate Ms. Kelly including those elements despite racial divide not being a main theme in her work.
This book holds a proud place on my shelf and I look forward to revisiting with Richard from time to time and also to read whatever Ms. Kelly writes next!
September 30, 2024
I have been blessed this year to be able to read so many incredible ARCs by indie authors.
Holland Road is a dual timeline novel following a young Army paratrooper medic in his battles of WWII, followed by his return home to Maine, and the life that he must somehow acclimate to amidst survivor's guilt, a permanently altered physical body, and severe PTSD (in a time when that was not acknowledged and treated).
Sent back to New England following a devastating battle wound, our MMC, Richard, struggles to find where he fits back in to a life he spent the past three years from, including the love of a woman, Grace, he never had the courage to seize. But home is not a place he can settle back into, despite trying.
Kelly is a master at her craft, writing incredibly detailed, researched battle scenes from locations such as Sicily to Belgium; her D-day chapter had my heart racing and I felt the way I did the first time I watched Saving Private Ryan.
In the quiet moments, she guides us into understanding the bonds these men had and her genuine character development has you rooting for all the men, while at the same time terrified for them, because you know not everyone can return home.
Told from a unique perspective (I've read WWII books from soldiers, nurses, code breakers, Axis powers, etc, but never a medic), we see Richard's struggle as he begins to question his faith, and then seem to lose it altogether, as he witnesses the worst humanity can do to one another. Do not be put off by the issues of faith in this story; it encompasses a much larger picture of healing, forgiveness and hope as a whole (although I will say for my part, it hit home harder because of that).
This is an absolutely beautiful story, even in its dark moments, that had me in tears multiple times (and I don't cry at books!) and then chuckling at other times. It has such carefully crafted scenes with lines like, "She comes back to me as the needle scratches and the song changes, a slower instrumental, written for dying fires and empty drink glasses at the end of the night." Or such moody, atmospheric sections describing the local old guys as, "Their faces look like a hundred miles of bad road."
In turns brutal and bittersweet, heartbreaking and honest, Holland Road will have you feeling all the feels as you hope/pray that Richard can reconcile his conscious and find peace in knowing that grace is freely given, never earned.
Holland Road is a dual timeline novel following a young Army paratrooper medic in his battles of WWII, followed by his return home to Maine, and the life that he must somehow acclimate to amidst survivor's guilt, a permanently altered physical body, and severe PTSD (in a time when that was not acknowledged and treated).
Sent back to New England following a devastating battle wound, our MMC, Richard, struggles to find where he fits back in to a life he spent the past three years from, including the love of a woman, Grace, he never had the courage to seize. But home is not a place he can settle back into, despite trying.
Kelly is a master at her craft, writing incredibly detailed, researched battle scenes from locations such as Sicily to Belgium; her D-day chapter had my heart racing and I felt the way I did the first time I watched Saving Private Ryan.
In the quiet moments, she guides us into understanding the bonds these men had and her genuine character development has you rooting for all the men, while at the same time terrified for them, because you know not everyone can return home.
Told from a unique perspective (I've read WWII books from soldiers, nurses, code breakers, Axis powers, etc, but never a medic), we see Richard's struggle as he begins to question his faith, and then seem to lose it altogether, as he witnesses the worst humanity can do to one another. Do not be put off by the issues of faith in this story; it encompasses a much larger picture of healing, forgiveness and hope as a whole (although I will say for my part, it hit home harder because of that).
This is an absolutely beautiful story, even in its dark moments, that had me in tears multiple times (and I don't cry at books!) and then chuckling at other times. It has such carefully crafted scenes with lines like, "She comes back to me as the needle scratches and the song changes, a slower instrumental, written for dying fires and empty drink glasses at the end of the night." Or such moody, atmospheric sections describing the local old guys as, "Their faces look like a hundred miles of bad road."
In turns brutal and bittersweet, heartbreaking and honest, Holland Road will have you feeling all the feels as you hope/pray that Richard can reconcile his conscious and find peace in knowing that grace is freely given, never earned.
October 1, 2024
This book is a masterpiece. And I do not say that lightly. Anyone who knows me, knows just how incredibly picky I am as a reader. And wow. I was completely and utterly blown away. Kelly's prose is gorgeous (some of the best I've read in a long, long time), and she chooses each detail with care, never distracting but always enhancing the reader's understanding of what is happening. I was immediately drawn in to Richard's story and his visceral struggle to come to terms with God, his old life, and himself after what he witnessed as a medic on the front lines of WWII.
And those war scenes--wow, does Kelly know her stuff. As a WWII nerd myself, I was blown away by how truly and heart-wrenchingly she depicted the horrors soldiers experienced during WWII. She does so in a way that isn't gratuitous, but feels true to and respectful of the experiences of those who lived it, which is an incredibly difficult line to walk.
I cannot recommend Holland Road enough. What a fantastic debut from a new author. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with in the future!
And those war scenes--wow, does Kelly know her stuff. As a WWII nerd myself, I was blown away by how truly and heart-wrenchingly she depicted the horrors soldiers experienced during WWII. She does so in a way that isn't gratuitous, but feels true to and respectful of the experiences of those who lived it, which is an incredibly difficult line to walk.
I cannot recommend Holland Road enough. What a fantastic debut from a new author. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with in the future!
May 19, 2025
The story alternates between intense, traumatic moments on the battlefield and nostalgic, comforting scenes of Richard’s home town in Maine. An absolutely beautiful representation of life for a soldier returning home and trying to adjust into every day life after experiencing the horrors of war. This book is not my typical genre choice, but Kelly’s writing style is so engaging, I felt completely immersed in the world and invested in the characters from the first page. I can’t recommend this book enough.
August 5, 2025
A beautifully written story that entails one man’s crossroads between the past he can’t/won’t move on from and the future that patiently awaits him if only he’d forgive himself.
I cried many tears both sad tears and happy tears. There aren’t many stories where we let men have beautiful friendships and healthy father figures. I’m glad it’s getting representation in this book.
I’m excited to see where we go next by Caroline’s pen.
I cried many tears both sad tears and happy tears. There aren’t many stories where we let men have beautiful friendships and healthy father figures. I’m glad it’s getting representation in this book.
I’m excited to see where we go next by Caroline’s pen.
November 9, 2024
This was an amazing first book. I look forward to more books from this author. Very touching and insightful look into a soldier’s life.
March 22, 2025
Holland Road is a masterpiece. This is the second time I've read it in full, and it's even better the second time, with layers I didn't notice the first time around.
The setting and world building is incredible. The town of Caspar feels so alive, and is a character in its own right. The writing is stunning - I highlighted so many lines in this novel. Every word in the novel is chosen with care with a reason for being there. No page is wasted. The dialogue sizzles. The characters are fully formed and fleshed out, real people, even the ones that don't get much screen time. It truly feels as if you're dropped into a small town in Maine or onto a WWII battlefield, bearing witness to the pieces of a life disturbed.
Which brings me to Richard - his arc and story is so beautiful and resonates so deeply with me, and I know it will resonate with others, especially if you've felt too lost to come back to the light. This is a story of faith without being preachy, the kind of faith that matters and means something in your core. This is also a story of brotherhood, of wounds, of trauma, of romance. Of friendship and parenthood, of prodigal sons returning home. It is one that will stay with you long after you read the last page. I can't recommend it enough.
The setting and world building is incredible. The town of Caspar feels so alive, and is a character in its own right. The writing is stunning - I highlighted so many lines in this novel. Every word in the novel is chosen with care with a reason for being there. No page is wasted. The dialogue sizzles. The characters are fully formed and fleshed out, real people, even the ones that don't get much screen time. It truly feels as if you're dropped into a small town in Maine or onto a WWII battlefield, bearing witness to the pieces of a life disturbed.
Which brings me to Richard - his arc and story is so beautiful and resonates so deeply with me, and I know it will resonate with others, especially if you've felt too lost to come back to the light. This is a story of faith without being preachy, the kind of faith that matters and means something in your core. This is also a story of brotherhood, of wounds, of trauma, of romance. Of friendship and parenthood, of prodigal sons returning home. It is one that will stay with you long after you read the last page. I can't recommend it enough.
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