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The Reaper's Bride
It’s not an easy task ushering souls to the afterlife—just ask James, the Reaper. When he stumbles upon 83-year-old Molly at a funeral, he realizes she has the uncanny ability to see into the secret world of reaping souls.
James must convince Molly of her talent and entice her to join him as a recruit. But if he thinks this task is without its challenges, he’s sorely mistaken. Molly’s best friend, Mildred, wants in too. Unlike Molly, Mildred is a sharp-tongued, politically incorrect senior who lacks the empathy and tact to make it as a successful recruit.
With Molly’s natural abilities at guiding souls, James is determined to add her to his growing network of recruits—even if this means taking on Mildred.
He must ensure that Mildred fulfills her reaping contract without further angering the Gods and losing control of his reaping empire. Although Mildred seems hell-bent on making mischief for James, Molly isn’t so innocent herself. She must outwit both James and Mildred to get what she truly wants.
A suave reaper, two cantankerous elderly ladies, and a melange of dead souls make up the quirky cast of The Reaper’s Bride.
James must convince Molly of her talent and entice her to join him as a recruit. But if he thinks this task is without its challenges, he’s sorely mistaken. Molly’s best friend, Mildred, wants in too. Unlike Molly, Mildred is a sharp-tongued, politically incorrect senior who lacks the empathy and tact to make it as a successful recruit.
With Molly’s natural abilities at guiding souls, James is determined to add her to his growing network of recruits—even if this means taking on Mildred.
He must ensure that Mildred fulfills her reaping contract without further angering the Gods and losing control of his reaping empire. Although Mildred seems hell-bent on making mischief for James, Molly isn’t so innocent herself. She must outwit both James and Mildred to get what she truly wants.
A suave reaper, two cantankerous elderly ladies, and a melange of dead souls make up the quirky cast of The Reaper’s Bride.
- GenresFiction
204 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2019
6 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Richmond
2 books16 followersA.J. Richmond grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. After a sojourn in British Columbia, she settled back into Manitoba with her husband, where she’s a button-pusher by day and an author by night.
When not writing, you can find her exploring cemeteries or curled under a blanket with tea and a good book.
When not writing, you can find her exploring cemeteries or curled under a blanket with tea and a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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March 3, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/3/2020)! 🎁
June 11, 2019
I will admit I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I picked up the Reaper's Bride. After reading it, I am still not entirely sure what category I'd put it into. It's got some Urban Fantasy elements and some Magical Realism elements, but it isn't typical of either category.
What it is, however, is funny, clever, original, totally unique, and an awesomely fun and quick read.
A.J. Richmond has created a totally unique world around death - hear me out, I'm not typically a "let's read a book about death!" kinda girl as I lean heavily towards happily ever afters and comedy - but this isn't a sad or dark book by any means. The actual structure for reaping souls, or ushering souls to the afterlife, that Richmond has constructed is unlike anything I've read before and based entirely around practicality and paperwork. It's as if the Reaper (James, who is vastly intriguing and I want to know more about) is a sort of harassed middle-upper management boss just trying to get his delegates to do what they're supposed to so that everything can run smoothly and he can have a few minutes of just not.
The main characters of this book, Molly and Mildred, are in their early 80s and as wildly different from each other as they are from typical Urban Fantasy heroines. Mildred's just flat out a crotchety, mean old lady but very funny in that meanness. Molly, on the other hand, is so sweet and thoughtful that I really found myself rooting for her...which is why I'm like HOLY CRAP WHERE IS THE SECOND BOOK ALREADY?
Do yourself a favor and pick up this fun, unique, and quick read.
What it is, however, is funny, clever, original, totally unique, and an awesomely fun and quick read.
A.J. Richmond has created a totally unique world around death - hear me out, I'm not typically a "let's read a book about death!" kinda girl as I lean heavily towards happily ever afters and comedy - but this isn't a sad or dark book by any means. The actual structure for reaping souls, or ushering souls to the afterlife, that Richmond has constructed is unlike anything I've read before and based entirely around practicality and paperwork. It's as if the Reaper (James, who is vastly intriguing and I want to know more about) is a sort of harassed middle-upper management boss just trying to get his delegates to do what they're supposed to so that everything can run smoothly and he can have a few minutes of just not.
The main characters of this book, Molly and Mildred, are in their early 80s and as wildly different from each other as they are from typical Urban Fantasy heroines. Mildred's just flat out a crotchety, mean old lady but very funny in that meanness. Molly, on the other hand, is so sweet and thoughtful that I really found myself rooting for her...which is why I'm like HOLY CRAP WHERE IS THE SECOND BOOK ALREADY?
Do yourself a favor and pick up this fun, unique, and quick read.
June 28, 2019
I was lucky enough to have seen this book in its developmental stage, so I was already excited about it before it was transformed into its current polished state.
It's a hard book to categorise. Paranormal? In places, but spooky? Only a little bit. Humorous? Definitely. It's an adult contemporary paranormal fantasy.
Two old women, Mildred & Molly go to funerals to critique them and fantasise about their own, until one of them sees something she shouldn't be able to see - the Reaper. When he realises he wants to recruit her and turn them into his helpers, only downfall is she won't join alone.
A J Richmond creates funny, and vivid characters that enthrall, and carry you through the book. And gives the read a glimpse into an imagined afterlife. I would love to meet James on a dark night - or Angel. They were captivating.
The only downfall is that it's left on such a huge cliffhanger! I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.
If you want funny and slightly spooky, this is the book for you.
It's a hard book to categorise. Paranormal? In places, but spooky? Only a little bit. Humorous? Definitely. It's an adult contemporary paranormal fantasy.
Two old women, Mildred & Molly go to funerals to critique them and fantasise about their own, until one of them sees something she shouldn't be able to see - the Reaper. When he realises he wants to recruit her and turn them into his helpers, only downfall is she won't join alone.
A J Richmond creates funny, and vivid characters that enthrall, and carry you through the book. And gives the read a glimpse into an imagined afterlife. I would love to meet James on a dark night - or Angel. They were captivating.
The only downfall is that it's left on such a huge cliffhanger! I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.
If you want funny and slightly spooky, this is the book for you.
May 22, 2019
I was absolutely blown away with how I was hooked within the first chapter!! One of those hard to put down after you pick it up reads!! Can't wait for the next book!
May 27, 2020
This is a totally outlandish idea of the transition from death to afterlife.
Totally appealed to me though as it didn't promote any specific religion.
In fact it tended to treat how we might move on with a certain amount of humour.
I hope to read more of the series when I have some time.
Totally appealed to me though as it didn't promote any specific religion.
In fact it tended to treat how we might move on with a certain amount of humour.
I hope to read more of the series when I have some time.
May 11, 2019
Official review: A clever, fast-paced read, The Reaper’s Bride is packed with humor, hi-jinks, and the undertones of a dark, twisted mystery. I am dying to read book two and can’t wait for more readers to learn what a skilled storyteller A. J. Richmond is!
an ang just finished the book for the second time and can't even review!
must. have. book. two. right. me-OW.
#lovelovelove #holyhotreaper #MOAR
(full review coming to my blog on Tuesday 5/14/19)
an ang just finished the book for the second time and can't even review!
must. have. book. two. right. me-OW.
#lovelovelove #holyhotreaper #MOAR
(full review coming to my blog on Tuesday 5/14/19)
December 30, 2019
This reads like a train, has beautiful rounded characters and keeps a smile on your face throughout. A lovely book.
November 11, 2019
Reaping souls, or seeing those who’ve just died across that great barrier between life and death, shouldn’t be a place to laugh, but this book is both sensitive and funny. It gripped me from the first page right through to its bittersweet end.
Meeting Molly and Mildred is the first thing you’ll do, two sassy old women attending funerals purely for something to do. I laughed out loud at their antics, but then began to see beyond the prickle and sarcasm to something much deeper. I don’t want to give anything away in this delightful tale, but one of these old women has talents that make her special, and as I read I wanted nothing more than her success. Throw in James, the Reaper, and those he works with and you have the eclectic cast of a fascinating book.
Richmond enthralled me throughout, keeping me guessing and page turning, writing with humour, empathy, and deep warmth. This is a book that will captivate you and, like me, you will be left wanting – wanting the next book in the series, that is.
Meeting Molly and Mildred is the first thing you’ll do, two sassy old women attending funerals purely for something to do. I laughed out loud at their antics, but then began to see beyond the prickle and sarcasm to something much deeper. I don’t want to give anything away in this delightful tale, but one of these old women has talents that make her special, and as I read I wanted nothing more than her success. Throw in James, the Reaper, and those he works with and you have the eclectic cast of a fascinating book.
Richmond enthralled me throughout, keeping me guessing and page turning, writing with humour, empathy, and deep warmth. This is a book that will captivate you and, like me, you will be left wanting – wanting the next book in the series, that is.
January 1, 2021
Such a wonderful book, it left me wanting more! So looking forward to the next book. The characters are so well written and so believable. Like nothing I've ever read before! Great story.
July 17, 2019
Can't say I was impressed with this one. I picked it up thinking it might be in the vein of a cozy mystery. But no not really, which isn't a bad thing. I just wasn't connecting with this story. I may or may not pick up the next book, maybe it gets better. But right now I'm leaning towards not.
None of the characters were very strong or really popped off the page. They were very one dimensional. Mildred, was rude, bitter and not likable. She's not even one of those crotchety old characters you like in spite of themselves. Molly was just starting to get interesting towards the end. I mean she's identifying toxic relationships in her life, getting rid of them, taking stock of where she is, what she's done and where she wants to go not to mention trying to do some good in the world. But that really doesn't go anywhere. Angel and Alex started to spark my interest but as they're side characters they get little screen time on their own. Sadly I would have preferred following their adventures as reapers. Maybe. okay probably not, but I liked them better than Mildred, Molly was about even.
James the reaper. I guess he was trying to subvert the trope of dark and gloomy, but he wasn't a complex engaging character either. Overworked office man, who still doesn't come across as intimidating. Even though all the characters say he is.
The whole afterlife, death system thing. Not feeling it.
Overall Story. Eh. It's not a buddy adventure cozy mystery type story with Older characters in the lead roles. Barring that I was still expecting mystery intrigue, amusing characters. Either way I wanted an interesting story with an engaging plot. It's not a bad book, some people will like it. It's not the worse I've seen. And it's a first book so I expect time to be taken to establish the world, the rules and the characters. but I was looking for a cute story about two old ladies who take the reaper world by storm, due to everyone underestimating them because of their ages. Not what I got. Which wouldn't have been a bad thing if the book was good enough to circumvent my expectations and exceed them. It wasn't.
So
Recommended? not so much
buy/borrow? Borrow
None of the characters were very strong or really popped off the page. They were very one dimensional. Mildred, was rude, bitter and not likable. She's not even one of those crotchety old characters you like in spite of themselves. Molly was just starting to get interesting towards the end. I mean she's identifying toxic relationships in her life, getting rid of them, taking stock of where she is, what she's done and where she wants to go not to mention trying to do some good in the world. But that really doesn't go anywhere. Angel and Alex started to spark my interest but as they're side characters they get little screen time on their own. Sadly I would have preferred following their adventures as reapers. Maybe. okay probably not, but I liked them better than Mildred, Molly was about even.
James the reaper. I guess he was trying to subvert the trope of dark and gloomy, but he wasn't a complex engaging character either. Overworked office man, who still doesn't come across as intimidating. Even though all the characters say he is.
The whole afterlife, death system thing. Not feeling it.
Overall Story. Eh. It's not a buddy adventure cozy mystery type story with Older characters in the lead roles. Barring that I was still expecting mystery intrigue, amusing characters. Either way I wanted an interesting story with an engaging plot. It's not a bad book, some people will like it. It's not the worse I've seen. And it's a first book so I expect time to be taken to establish the world, the rules and the characters. but I was looking for a cute story about two old ladies who take the reaper world by storm, due to everyone underestimating them because of their ages. Not what I got. Which wouldn't have been a bad thing if the book was good enough to circumvent my expectations and exceed them. It wasn't.
So
Recommended? not so much
buy/borrow? Borrow
July 31, 2021
This book kept me intrigued and interested. Such an interesting concept and such a different read from so many other books that seem to have the same storyline told over and over again. The humour and charming characters make it a great book to read! Can hardly wait for the next book!
January 31, 2022
Such a well put together story. You're not really sure where it is going right up to the end. And such a unique tale with very interesting characters
October 24, 2024
Interesting how the author perceives transitioning to the afterlife! Great read with many different characters….can’t wait for the second book!
October 14, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had no idea what to expect, I didn’t read the description of the book nor check the reviews before hand but it was recommended to me by a friend. I love a book that makes me feel the emotions along the way and this one did just that. I felt the humour, hatred, sadness, peace. My only issue with it was I wanted more! (cliché I know).
I’m so glad the author is working on a second!
I’m so glad the author is working on a second!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews