• “Kells: Risin’ of the Rebellion” by Helen Walsh Folsom is an amazing and epic piece of

  romantic historical fiction! One of the most enticing and well-crafted novels I’ve read in

  a long time. I was completely drawn in from the get-go, and absolutely loved Ms.

  Folsom’s use of description of the Irish scenery and locales, and her attention to historical

  detail. There is something of everything… action, drama, history, strength and survival,

  relationships, and of course romance…and it absolutely captured my attention from the

  beginning and never once let it go. Each scene was riveting, imaginative, and well-

  crafted. I actually feel like I learned something too, as I’ve never heard of the Irish

  Rebellion of 1798, and it is really interesting to see how it shaped the history of a nation.

  There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but great dialogue and I was definitely

  pleased with how it all wrapped up, loved the epilogue and it seems like there will be

  another one coming? Hope so! A must read for fans of historical-romance literary fiction,

  and I’d love to read more from Ms. Folsom in the future. (5 stars) Claire Middleton –

  Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

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• From the opening pages of “Kells: Risin’ of a Rebellion” I knew it would be different from the books I’ve been reading lately and I was right! To say this is totally unlike anything I’ve ever read before would be an understatement! I’m not sure how to even describe this book as SO much happens, and it seems to touch on so many elements, themes, and subjects. It covers a long span of time in Ireland, from 1798-1829, and we experience this time of history through an intimate looks through several characters’ eyes, mostly Cait and Kells (love them!) Ms. Folsom sets of the backdrop and characterizations in a skillful way that not only pulls us in mentally, but also elicits a genuine emotional

  investment. I truly cared about the characters’ fates, and was shocked and saddened at certain things (no spoilers). An interesting and very diverse cast of characters, along with several intriguing plotlines interwoven against a fully-realized historical setting makes this a memorable read for me. And I’ve never really read much in the way of Irish history before (sad, I know) so I really felt like I learned something and it was very interesting! Ready for the next story about the Fitzmichael Family :-)(5 stars) Kaylee Stevens– 

  Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

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• Well this book took me a quite a while to read, but in the end I’d definitely say it was worth it! I loved how everything came together in the end, and I enjoyed reading this extraordinary novel! The author Helen Walsh Folsom writes very well… very descriptive and strong and we feel like we are there almost like watching a movie or something. The editing was pretty good, only a few things here and there… A wonderful novel to just get lost in and enjoy Folsom’s lovely, strong narrative and beautiful prose.

 

The conversations were so natural and authentic-sounding for the time and era, and the characters all

brought the story to life. Fortunately there weren’t really any ‘boring’ parts… even if it

slowed down some and was working on character development or something, it still was

so well-written that we are riveted until the satisfying end. I do enjoy historical fiction,

but this is a new subject for me (The Rebellion of 1798). Made for a great backdrop and a

I really enjoyed watching the relationship of Kells and Caitlin develop, even with some

pretty big obstacles along the way! I’m so glad I read it and I recommend to others with

the highest of praise. (4-5 stars) Brenda Maxwell– Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble;

Indie Book Reviewers

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• I was genuinely surprised by how much I liked “Kells: Risin of the Rebellion” by Helen Walsh Folsom. I admit it did take me a bit of time before I felt really hooked in the story, but once I was, I was all in. I liked it for so many different reasons, first the writing was stellar. The clear word choice and fluid prose makes it a very easy book to just get lost in. There are enough descriptions where you can picture everything perfectly, but not so  much that it bogs down the pacing. I almost feel like I just read 5 different books instead of just one – SO much happens, it would be impossible to sum up (I don’t do that anyways). And based on just the description, I think I expected something different… I liked that it was written in 3rd person omniscient so that we are able to see lots of perspectives, but on occasion I wished we had a more singular focus… but it does work this way too. There are some unexpected events that I didn’t see coming which is great because I hate books that are super predictable. But best of all I’d say is how immersed in the Irish culture/history/landscape it was, and I actually feel it was quite eye-opening! I loved all the characters – thought they were well developed and carried the plot forward nicely. Though the dynamic between Cait and Kells was terrific. Anyways, the writing was excellent and the plots and subplots were weaved together masterfully and gave a fulfilling payoff at the end. Well worth the time to read it, in my opinion, and I’d love to read more from Helen Walsh Folsom! (4 stars) Laura Clarke– Goodreads; Shelfari;  Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

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• I really enjoyed “Kells: Risin’ of the Rebellion” by Helen Walsh Folsom. I thought it was excellently written (a few minor editing things but nothing too major) and kept my attention the whole way through, with the crazy ups and downs and unpredictable twists of fate. Okay, maybe if you already know the history of some of these events isn’t as surprising… and sad… but for me it was! The fact that this is written about a real events makes it that much more interesting, yet it is still presented in a very enjoyable, ‘fiction- like’ manner. A wonderful romance with a great cast of supporting characters. I thought the narrative and pacing was great, and the ending was emotionally satisfying (the epilogue). This is one of those rare books where I feel like I learned something and feel more informed, and did so while reading a wonderful novel. Can’t wait for the next!

Highly recommend. (5 stars) Essie Harmon– Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble;

Indie Book Reviewers

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• How to describe this book, other than say it is by far one of the best novels I’ve read in a long time! I have already loaned it to my mother to read, and my sister is right after her (it is right up their alley!) Helen Walsh Folsom pulls us in to the story right from the beginning pages, and skillfully narrates a wide-ranging storyline full of complex and deeply emotional issues. In my opinion it really is the characters, especially Cait and Kells, who made this story so good, each so original and conflicted in their own way, and we pull for them throughout their personal journeys, through triumph and tragedy. A memorable read and a keeper for sure. Recommend for fans of literary and historical fiction. (4-5 stars) Karen Matthews– Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers