Finding Frances

Kelly Vincent

Feb 2020 · The Wild Rose Press Inc

About this ebook

Retta Brooks thinks her life is on track after convincing her overprotective mom to stop home-schooling her and allow her to go to Buckley High. She comes home from a night out with friends to find that her whole world has changed, and she has extremely hard decisions to make. Not to mention finding the answers to questions some people would rather she not know. Is she strong enough for what lies ahead?

Ratings and reviews

---4.5 Stars--- This book was intriguing, captivating, suspenseful, authentic, compelling, and emotionally consuming!! First off, I was very shocked to find out what the main theme throughout this book was. I definitely was not expecting this book to revolve around domestic violence. I found the blurb to be somewhat misleading and perhaps too vague for this heavy topic to just be thrown onto the reader. As a former child who had faced my dad physically, mentally, and emotionally abuse my mom and I and even having been kidnapped and almost killed by him, this topic is not something I take lightly. I think most abuse victims like myself have triggers and even after years of survivorship can quickly be in an uncomfortable state-of-mind when certain memories come crashing back. I understand the author wanted to keep the plot elements secret to not spoil the story. However, I personally think there should have been some mention or warning that this book focuses on domestic abuse so readers like myself aren’t startled when it’s sprung on them. At this time, the book blurb and book cover do not provide any clues or information that this book centralizes on domestic abuse. I really enjoyed reading this book and I’m really glad I read it. However, I wish I had known about the premise of this book, before stumbling into it and having all those emotions come racing back. I appreciate that the author puts a spotlight on such a dark topic. She also doesn’t hold any punches as she tells this story in a raw, realistic, true to life fashion – instead of the sometimes-usual cotton candy story line take that down plays the toll dv plays on victims and their families – emotionally, physically, and mentally. This book focuses more on the ripple effects of domestic violence rather than the actual account and physically shown abuse. This story felt so true and authentic – and scary similar to things my mom and I went through. I really liked the main character, Retta and couldn’t help but easily connect with her! I so wanted to tell her it was going to be okay and this will only make you stronger. Words that I can say now as an adult and survivor. I think the author did an amazing job on her character development as these characters were so real and personal on many levels! I liked that this book also focused on Retta’s experiences and how it was shaping her outlook on men and her future. Retta worries that the guy she likes may turn out to be like her abusive father. I personally can’t help but still look for the warning signs when I meet someone new. This topic isn’t often highlighted or mentioned and I appreciated that the author included this story line into the book. Domestic violence changes the way victims think, act, and perceive others. I also enjoyed the passages where Retta was connecting with her mom though her music, clothes, shoes, posters, scrapbooks, etc. Retta getting to know about her mom before everything changed were some beautiful and sweet character arc development moments. I really liked that the author included a note at the end of the book that detailed background information on domestic violence, warning signs and characteristics of abusive relationships, and information on how to get help. This book has a creative story line that evenly flows, excellent writing style with well-described scenes, strongly-developed characters, is steady paced, and completely keeps you fully engaged!! All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all contemporary young adult readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed! **Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**