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 … lies ahead?
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—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!
Thankfully, unlike Retta’s mom, my mom didn’t keep secrets from me. We’ve always had a very close relationship and it would have been hard to keep from me since I could remember the abuse. But like the main characters, we cut all family ties, and we ran. We moved every 6-9 months as he hunted us. Like the book reveals, dv cases back then weren’t taken seriously and police often looked the other way as it was a “personal family matter.” Thankfully, there are now stricter laws and more awareness – including thanks to this book – but today’s stats still list that more than ten million people experience domestic violence in the U.S. each year!!!
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.**
This was such a great book! This is my first book by this author, and I can’t wait to read more of her books!
This book is well written, and will have you on the edge of your seat, wondering how it will turn out! I don’t want to give away the storyline, so I’ll just say this,,, READ IT!!!!!
Great book for YA…This book presents real issues that could/ do happen everyday…. It also deals with domestic violence, death and family secrecy, which can be tough subjects for teens, but it does not glorify them. The author does a great job at telling the story with the characters asking the right questions and addressing the natural fears in the story.
Finding Frances is a good book about a teenager trying to find herself in a world that she has been sheltered from. Retta has been homeschooled her whole life. She finally gets her mother to give in and allow her to attend a public high school. Being around other people her own age, part of the story is Retta figuring out who she is as fitting in. The other part of the story is Retta trying to uncover the truth that her mother is determined to keep hidden. This leads to a story that will keep you turning the pages until the end.
There are some topics in here that are difficult for the target audience of teenagers to read…but I feel that Kelly Vincent tackled these topics in a way that is honest and not disturbing. Life can be ugly, and Kelly Vincent did not shy away from that and created a book that is both heartbreaking and triumphant.
Beautifully written about a topic that needs to be told. This was a great story of Retta finding herself through a tragedy.
The topic in the book was well written and the 15 year old had to make tough choices to be her age. The abusive father tracks the mother and daughter down, and the good part of the story is the network of women who risk their lives, safety, and status quo to help her. The book will teach others how to go about and get help. I learned something new about the underground world of help which should be broadcasted for others to learn about. Good book.
Well written
Retta is finally not being home schooled and is going to a regular hight school.She plans on joining the track team her mother is secretive and paranoid about her staying out and having friends.One night after sneaking out to be will friends her whole world changes.Retail has a lot to deal finding out her mother left and abusive relationship in non conventional way to keep them safe..Thus book will keep you engaged from the first to last page.
I’ve never read anything by this author but after reading this book I will definitely read more! I loved the storyline and the characters!
This was such a great book! This is my first book by this author, and I can’t wait to read more of her books!
This book is well written, and will have you on the edge of your seat, wondering how it will turn out! I don’t want to give away the storyline, so I’ll just say this,,, READ IT!!!!!
3.5 stars!
I enjoyed the premise of this book but felt it was a little lackluster. The ending left me feeling unsettled and wanting more. In certain parts, the pacing moved too quickly over parts that needed more and was too mundane in others.
I also wish more had been revealed about their secret past. I get it was Retta’a book and not her moms, but so many questions remained unanswered.
This book was intriguing, captivating, suspenseful, action packed, compelling, and emotionally consuming!! I was interested from page 1 till the end!!
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this story because I don’t really read teenage books but I figured I would try and I was surprised. Retta has never been allowed out or even to school but her mother would never tell her why but Retta convinced her to let her attend school which was a big mistake. This story deals in domestic violence but not the side you normally see. Really interesting story and I was not disappointed.
I really enjoyed Retta’s story. I had some suspicions about her mom’s secret. Retta goes through the most terrible thing any teen can experience. In the aftermath of that night, she is faced with many things. This was an amazing story about a truly strong young woman and how she overcame everything.
Jam packed with tension that had me worrying about the main character and turning pages.
—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!
Thankfully, unlike Retta’s mom, my mom didn’t keep secrets from me. We’ve always had a very close relationship and it would have been hard to keep from me since I could remember the abuse. But like the main characters, we cut all family ties, and we ran. We moved every 6-9 months as he hunted us. Like the book reveals, dv cases back then weren’t taken seriously and police often looked the other way as it was a “personal family matter.” Thankfully, there are now stricter laws and more awareness – including thanks to this book – but today’s stats still list that more than ten million people experience domestic violence in the U.S. each year!!!
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.**