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Red Clover
Imagine feeling like an outsider. Now imagine feeling like an outsider in your own family.
The troubled son of a callous father and socialite mother determines his own meaning of success after learning shocking family secrets that cause him to rethink who he is and where heʼs going. In Lee Winekoop’s reinvention of himself he discovers that lifeʾs bitter circumstances can actually give rise to meaningful consequences.
What others are saying about Red Clover.
Windy City Reviews – “Red Clover is a wonderfully written detailed story about a man overcoming his upbringing and becoming his own man. The finished product, both the man and the story, are exemplary.”
Charlie Bray, Founder of INDIETRIBE.com – “Florence Osmund is a brilliant wordsmith who paints such a rounded picture of each character that the reader feels he is in the book with them.”
BestChickLit – “A beautiful moving story that gently absorbs you into the lives of the characters.”
The troubled son of a callous father and socialite mother determines his own meaning of success after learning shocking family secrets that cause him to rethink who he is and where heʼs going. In Lee Winekoop’s reinvention of himself he discovers that lifeʾs bitter circumstances can actually give rise to meaningful consequences.
What others are saying about Red Clover.
Windy City Reviews – “Red Clover is a wonderfully written detailed story about a man overcoming his upbringing and becoming his own man. The finished product, both the man and the story, are exemplary.”
Charlie Bray, Founder of INDIETRIBE.com – “Florence Osmund is a brilliant wordsmith who paints such a rounded picture of each character that the reader feels he is in the book with them.”
BestChickLit – “A beautiful moving story that gently absorbs you into the lives of the characters.”
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2014
205 people are currently reading
1019 people want to read
About the author
Florence Osmund
12 books109 followersAfter more than three decades of working in a business career, Florence Osmund retired to write books. In the course of writing seven novels, she learned a lot about how to be a successful writer and the publishing industry in general. Her book "How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Novel" is dedicated to helping new authors—offering advice she wishes she had received before starting her first book.
Osmund is a book reviewer for several local, national, and international organizations. She currently resides on a tranquil lake in northern Illinois where she is working on her next novel.
Osmund is a book reviewer for several local, national, and international organizations. She currently resides on a tranquil lake in northern Illinois where she is working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
August 21, 2015
I loved this book!
This book was read for Awesome Indies Books.
The review can be seen listed under Awesome Indies Reviews
Head on over to the website for this and more great indie books.
“The Awesome Indies showcases great stories that are well written and engaging. Our books step outside genre boundaries to offer you something different. We are the unique voices of independent fiction.” Tahlia Newland, founder.
This book was read for Awesome Indies Books.
The review can be seen listed under Awesome Indies Reviews
Head on over to the website for this and more great indie books.
“The Awesome Indies showcases great stories that are well written and engaging. Our books step outside genre boundaries to offer you something different. We are the unique voices of independent fiction.” Tahlia Newland, founder.
March 19, 2014
Reflecting back on this book, if I had first heard about it via the blogging community I’m pretty sure I would’ve said it wasn’t for me. However, I spoke to the author directly and I’m so glad I did because it’s a beautiful, moving story that gently absorbs you into the lives of the characters.
Having to endure a life full of criticism and isolation, one would assume Lee, the main character, would be more damaged and unable to cope with adult life. Instead, he is inspiring: generous, helpful and, in the end, wonderfully astute as he negotiates life at its very best . . . and worst.
At times I felt desperately sorry for Lee, wanting to soothe his child-self and move him on to happier times. The characters surrounding him are bittersweet – a few drag him down, whilst other lift him up – and it’s with them that you begin to witness his transition into a man learning to be comfortable in his own skin. It’s an uplifting tale that left me feeling a sense of peace once finished – although I would love (and hope) to see Lee’s story move on even further in a follow-up novel – and I encourage others to read this book and enjoy his journey.
Reviewed by Charlotte Foreman on behalf of BestChickLit.com
Having to endure a life full of criticism and isolation, one would assume Lee, the main character, would be more damaged and unable to cope with adult life. Instead, he is inspiring: generous, helpful and, in the end, wonderfully astute as he negotiates life at its very best . . . and worst.
At times I felt desperately sorry for Lee, wanting to soothe his child-self and move him on to happier times. The characters surrounding him are bittersweet – a few drag him down, whilst other lift him up – and it’s with them that you begin to witness his transition into a man learning to be comfortable in his own skin. It’s an uplifting tale that left me feeling a sense of peace once finished – although I would love (and hope) to see Lee’s story move on even further in a follow-up novel – and I encourage others to read this book and enjoy his journey.
Reviewed by Charlotte Foreman on behalf of BestChickLit.com
September 11, 2015
A wonderful, touching coming-of-age story
I really enjoyed this story and sympathized with Lee, a man who's been unsure of himself, having had the misfortune to be raised in a dysfunctional, upper-class family where he felt misunderstood, if not ignored. His father was critical and aloof and I cringed with compassion every time Lee interacted with him. As the story progressed, and as Lee slowly unraveled his awkward parents' secrets, he slowly began to create a circle of friends around him that, for the first time, helped him to feel at ease in his interactions with others. Predominantly, this story is about Lee's journey from childhood to adulthood, as we watch him stand on his own two feet and acquire self-assurance. Florence Osmund has done a wonderful job, creating characters that feel 100% real. The only downside is I felt the flow could be better at times, as some scenes/passages weren't necessary and could have been removed, especially in the second half of the book. Summing up, a great story and I shall look forward to reading more from this author.
I really enjoyed this story and sympathized with Lee, a man who's been unsure of himself, having had the misfortune to be raised in a dysfunctional, upper-class family where he felt misunderstood, if not ignored. His father was critical and aloof and I cringed with compassion every time Lee interacted with him. As the story progressed, and as Lee slowly unraveled his awkward parents' secrets, he slowly began to create a circle of friends around him that, for the first time, helped him to feel at ease in his interactions with others. Predominantly, this story is about Lee's journey from childhood to adulthood, as we watch him stand on his own two feet and acquire self-assurance. Florence Osmund has done a wonderful job, creating characters that feel 100% real. The only downside is I felt the flow could be better at times, as some scenes/passages weren't necessary and could have been removed, especially in the second half of the book. Summing up, a great story and I shall look forward to reading more from this author.
May 8, 2014
Too much swearing and one gay bar scene that was too explicit & not necessary. Leave that out & it would be a good read.
August 5, 2016
I absolutely could not put this book down! I read until 3:30 AM, then slept and started reading again. I should be grading papers, but I simply could not think about anything but this book until I finished it. It is THAT good.
The story is so well written, and the characters are so well developed and so real, you feel as though you are sitting right there with them at the Deer Bottom Inn, or are the proverbial fly on the wall and privvy to the private life of some very interesting people.
The descriptions in the book are excellent. I want my own field of Red Clover now... I can see Lake Geneva in my mind. All of these elements are the mark of a gifted storyteller. I cried when Lee and Henry had their heart to heart at the end. I really wish the story would have went on and on. I would love a sequel to catch up with everyone's lives in the future!
The writing is stellar, the plot is very good, and the story has enough twists and turns and secrets to keep anyone interested.
You definitely can not go wrong with this book. I highly recommend!!
The story is so well written, and the characters are so well developed and so real, you feel as though you are sitting right there with them at the Deer Bottom Inn, or are the proverbial fly on the wall and privvy to the private life of some very interesting people.
The descriptions in the book are excellent. I want my own field of Red Clover now... I can see Lake Geneva in my mind. All of these elements are the mark of a gifted storyteller. I cried when Lee and Henry had their heart to heart at the end. I really wish the story would have went on and on. I would love a sequel to catch up with everyone's lives in the future!
The writing is stellar, the plot is very good, and the story has enough twists and turns and secrets to keep anyone interested.
You definitely can not go wrong with this book. I highly recommend!!
June 25, 2015
Curious book. Overall, an enjoyable read but could have been a tad bit more involved.
February 11, 2019
This was a good book. It follows the life of a boy into adulthood and the struggles that he overcomes in his life. I would recommend.
September 5, 2022
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include RED CLOVER by FLORENCE OSMUND in the library of Awesome Indies'
Badge of Approval
recipients.
AIBA Book of the Week: 5 September, 2022: 212/41798
AIBA Book of the Day: 19 July, 2021: 212/41798
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (5 stars):
For a book to focus so intently upon the personal struggle and growth of the main character, one could be forgiven for thinking it’d be boring. But Red Clover is anything but.
Florence’s writing lures the reader into its murky depths with a siren song of beautifully engaging prose, fully formed and believable characters, and a twisting plot. She wraps it up in a way akin to the tender loving care of a mother with a new born babe.
Red Clover encourages the reader to firstly lose themselves, and then find themselves again. A little wiser and perhaps a little more whole for having experienced Lee’s story.
Witness the complex social rules and run the family gamut of the high-class Winekoop’s and experience the feeling of isolation, lack of belonging and crippling social anxiety issues Lee faces from his early years right throughout his life.
Engaging too is the twisting plot. The way new truths are discovered, unearthed and thrust upon the characters, it leaves the reader guessing as to how things will work out. Some twists are more obvious than others, but their guess-ability lends itself to drawing the reader in rather than boot them out.
Lee is a likeable character, he grows with the reader, and the gaggle of supporting cast is just as likeable. Florence caters to all tastes. Be they kooky, rough, highbrow or anything in between. You’re sure to find a character to like.
This story encourages the reader to look at themselves and check to see if they’re whole, or merely existing to please others. It lends its strength to the reader too in a way I can’t do justice to in this review. It’s just something you have to experience for yourself. 5 stars.
AIBA Book of the Week: 5 September, 2022: 212/41798
AIBA Book of the Day: 19 July, 2021: 212/41798
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (5 stars):
For a book to focus so intently upon the personal struggle and growth of the main character, one could be forgiven for thinking it’d be boring. But Red Clover is anything but.
Florence’s writing lures the reader into its murky depths with a siren song of beautifully engaging prose, fully formed and believable characters, and a twisting plot. She wraps it up in a way akin to the tender loving care of a mother with a new born babe.
Red Clover encourages the reader to firstly lose themselves, and then find themselves again. A little wiser and perhaps a little more whole for having experienced Lee’s story.
Witness the complex social rules and run the family gamut of the high-class Winekoop’s and experience the feeling of isolation, lack of belonging and crippling social anxiety issues Lee faces from his early years right throughout his life.
Engaging too is the twisting plot. The way new truths are discovered, unearthed and thrust upon the characters, it leaves the reader guessing as to how things will work out. Some twists are more obvious than others, but their guess-ability lends itself to drawing the reader in rather than boot them out.
Lee is a likeable character, he grows with the reader, and the gaggle of supporting cast is just as likeable. Florence caters to all tastes. Be they kooky, rough, highbrow or anything in between. You’re sure to find a character to like.
This story encourages the reader to look at themselves and check to see if they’re whole, or merely existing to please others. It lends its strength to the reader too in a way I can’t do justice to in this review. It’s just something you have to experience for yourself. 5 stars.
June 8, 2015
A triumph over adversity story
This is not normally the type of book that I read but it was free so I acquired it. However, it sat on my digital shelf for a while as I continued to read "better genres." Feeling adventurous, I wiped the dust off my Kindle screen and immersed myself into Red Clover not knowing what to expect.
I am glad I did. Ms Osmund is an extremely talented author and much of my reading pleasure was from enjoying her writing style. She tackles human emotions, relationships, opportunities and failures to spin a modern-day Pollyanna story about a rich kid who just doesn't meet the standards of his father's perceptions of what he should be. Having successful, much older brothers whom he hardly knows, a submissive mother who somewhat defends him to his father coupled with the social isolation of being home-schooled and sent to psychiatrists leaves Lee unable to relate, understand or even exist well around others.
Add to that, the pressures of not knowing what to do with his life and discoveries of family secrets, makes the story of Lee's life and his struggles a book you won't regret reading.
This is not normally the type of book that I read but it was free so I acquired it. However, it sat on my digital shelf for a while as I continued to read "better genres." Feeling adventurous, I wiped the dust off my Kindle screen and immersed myself into Red Clover not knowing what to expect.
I am glad I did. Ms Osmund is an extremely talented author and much of my reading pleasure was from enjoying her writing style. She tackles human emotions, relationships, opportunities and failures to spin a modern-day Pollyanna story about a rich kid who just doesn't meet the standards of his father's perceptions of what he should be. Having successful, much older brothers whom he hardly knows, a submissive mother who somewhat defends him to his father coupled with the social isolation of being home-schooled and sent to psychiatrists leaves Lee unable to relate, understand or even exist well around others.
Add to that, the pressures of not knowing what to do with his life and discoveries of family secrets, makes the story of Lee's life and his struggles a book you won't regret reading.
March 19, 2016
Poorly written like an elementary school child wrote it. The characters are all two dimensional and contrived from what seems like stereotypes but without the truth.
The story line is predictable and frustrating because of it and the main character who is narrating it is supposedly well educated and affluent and yet had none of the traits of either except to be well-spoken.
The story line is predictable and frustrating because of it and the main character who is narrating it is supposedly well educated and affluent and yet had none of the traits of either except to be well-spoken.
June 26, 2015
Great story line
Not a love story, but filled with love. A variety of characters that make the book worth reading! Truly enjoyed it!
Not a love story, but filled with love. A variety of characters that make the book worth reading! Truly enjoyed it!
January 23, 2016
Good read
Loved how everything came together for Lee. He was able to find his way to independence in spite of all those who tried to hold him back.
Loved how everything came together for Lee. He was able to find his way to independence in spite of all those who tried to hold him back.
August 8, 2019
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
Imagine feeling like an outsider. Now imagine feeling like an outsider in your own family.
The troubled son of a callous father and socialite mother determines his own meaning of success after learning shocking family secrets that cause him to rethink who he is and where he’s going. In Lee Winekoop’s reinvention of himself he discovers that life’s bitter circumstances can actually give rise to meaningful consequences.
My rating:
Story: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 5 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
General Fiction
Literary Fiction
Review:
This book is well written and has great character development. The subject is something anybody can relate to in some way or other. It tells the coming of age story of a troubled young man who find the courage and strength to stand up for himself, discover the truth about his family and forge his own path in life. The main character show great strength of character. Overall this is a nice and uplifting story.
Imagine feeling like an outsider. Now imagine feeling like an outsider in your own family.
The troubled son of a callous father and socialite mother determines his own meaning of success after learning shocking family secrets that cause him to rethink who he is and where he’s going. In Lee Winekoop’s reinvention of himself he discovers that life’s bitter circumstances can actually give rise to meaningful consequences.
My rating:
Story: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 5 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
General Fiction
Literary Fiction
Review:
This book is well written and has great character development. The subject is something anybody can relate to in some way or other. It tells the coming of age story of a troubled young man who find the courage and strength to stand up for himself, discover the truth about his family and forge his own path in life. The main character show great strength of character. Overall this is a nice and uplifting story.
June 24, 2019
Enjoyable coming of age tale about a youngest son who is not the same as his older brothers. He has no interest in team sports, formal society engagements, & is tired of being cold shouldered.
He chooses martial arts over team sports, science over partying, & becomes a botanist in university - as well as a black belt.
He unexpectedly receives an inheritance from an uncle...land & a coin collection, which he puts to good use helping clean up a crooked law enforcement department, spring a young woman from an overbearing & nasty boss, & hires an assortment of people to help him carry on what his uncle had wanted to do in the first place with the land - find a way to cure, or at least better treat, cancer using plants.
A motley assortment of people, a young man coming into his own, & the impact on his family make this an enjoyable read, not too heavy, yet still substantial.
He chooses martial arts over team sports, science over partying, & becomes a botanist in university - as well as a black belt.
He unexpectedly receives an inheritance from an uncle...land & a coin collection, which he puts to good use helping clean up a crooked law enforcement department, spring a young woman from an overbearing & nasty boss, & hires an assortment of people to help him carry on what his uncle had wanted to do in the first place with the land - find a way to cure, or at least better treat, cancer using plants.
A motley assortment of people, a young man coming into his own, & the impact on his family make this an enjoyable read, not too heavy, yet still substantial.
July 25, 2017
There are coming-of-age books and then there are books about coming to life...finding yourself, your own personal space and identity, in the melee of world. On the surface the book is about the protagonist—a boy (and then a young man)—finding himself a misfit in his successful, illustrious family and then how he works and fights his way to become who he wants to.
The underlying theme being: "It should never be your goal to be normal. Your goal should be to be whole!"
Red Clover encourages the reader to firstly lose themselves, and then find themselves again. A little wiser and perhaps a little more whole for having experienced Lee’s story.
The underlying theme being: "It should never be your goal to be normal. Your goal should be to be whole!"
Red Clover encourages the reader to firstly lose themselves, and then find themselves again. A little wiser and perhaps a little more whole for having experienced Lee’s story.
May 13, 2018
Florence Osmund is a master at character-driven novels about relationships. RED CLOVER displays Osmund's talent in the telling of twenty-six-year-old Lee Winekoop, a young man from a upper-crust family of which he's always felt like a misfit. He finally decides to grab his own life by the reins and figure out just who Lee is, rather than who the Winekoops want him to be. It's an extremely interesting story with extremely different character personalities, and a mysterious family secret to boot. Your heart strings will be pulled many times, but there are spots that will make you chuckle aloud. Good reading with a very rewarding conclusion!
December 1, 2023
amazingly honest look at sad parenting
I’m struggling with writing a review because I don’t have the knack of stringing words together. But, it’s important. I was raised by a cruel father, although in much different circumstances, so I can understand Lee’s emotional pain and heartache. The end isn’t how my story went, but I’m so happy for a happy ending for some.
The story needs to continue, though, now that things are better. There are so many unfinished storylines for characters lives that I’ve grown to love.
It started very slow for me, but it was well worth it to continue. It’s a story that will stay with me for years to come.
I’m struggling with writing a review because I don’t have the knack of stringing words together. But, it’s important. I was raised by a cruel father, although in much different circumstances, so I can understand Lee’s emotional pain and heartache. The end isn’t how my story went, but I’m so happy for a happy ending for some.
The story needs to continue, though, now that things are better. There are so many unfinished storylines for characters lives that I’ve grown to love.
It started very slow for me, but it was well worth it to continue. It’s a story that will stay with me for years to come.
December 30, 2017
Behind closed doors
This is a story I enjoyed very much. It goes to the point that money doesn't buy happiness and adversity sometimes allows a true character to come forward.
The family Lee was raised in puts a capital D in dysfunctional, but his ability to rise above the efforts to belittle him show the true and strong character that allows him to succeed in spite of his detractors.
I have thoroughly enjoyed all the stories from this author and will be eagerly awaiting more. I highly recommend this one.
This is a story I enjoyed very much. It goes to the point that money doesn't buy happiness and adversity sometimes allows a true character to come forward.
The family Lee was raised in puts a capital D in dysfunctional, but his ability to rise above the efforts to belittle him show the true and strong character that allows him to succeed in spite of his detractors.
I have thoroughly enjoyed all the stories from this author and will be eagerly awaiting more. I highly recommend this one.
April 14, 2018
Lee is a late arrival child of wealthy parents who senses secrets to which he is not privy. Since he bears no resemblance to his two older brothers was he the result of his socialite mother’s dalliance with another man and is that why nothing he does ever satisfies his father. And then there is his mother’s uncle Nelson whom he’s never met but leaves him half a million and a square mile of prime farm land in the dairy capital of America. The overbearing local sheriff and the perky bar maid. And who was growing pot in a hidden field on the property he owns.
September 18, 2018
I got this book as a freebie and it turned out to be an excellent read. Lee is the youngest of three boys and is nine years younger than his next sibling. Born into an extremely wealthy family, Lee never felt like he fit in. He felt like an outcast all through his school years until he inherited a large sum of money and land. He then started piecing his life together and found out why he always felt the way he did. In the end Lee feels whole. Excellent read about life.
April 22, 2019
I had no idea what to expect from this book but I just loved it. Now that I've read other reviews, several refer to it as a coming-of-age story and I guess it is but I never thought of it that way. The characters are delightful and different. It's just a beautiful story. Highly recommend it to anyone who likes character driven novels.
January 21, 2020
It was a free book. What can I say? The story line was practically screaming in between the sentences. The bad guys were punished. Everyone acknowledged their faults. Everyone had all the pieces for a happy ending.
Even though it was published in 2014, there were no anachronisms in the 1980s setting that I detected
Even though it was published in 2014, there were no anachronisms in the 1980s setting that I detected
July 14, 2017
Good 3.5 - 4.
Had no idea what this book would be about going into it. I saw a lot of the twists coming as they were quite predictable and there were lots of hints along the way but I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would.
Had no idea what this book would be about going into it. I saw a lot of the twists coming as they were quite predictable and there were lots of hints along the way but I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would.
May 5, 2018
Unbelievable human interest really great story
A terrific read, goes deep into soul, a human interest story that could teach the value of believing in one's self, and best of all, no violence
A terrific read, goes deep into soul, a human interest story that could teach the value of believing in one's self, and best of all, no violence
May 12, 2018
Finding wholeness
The story of becoming whole through fragments of family interaction is gripping. Who are we when we are not like those around us? And how do we become fully ourselves? Thoroughly enjoyed this.
The story of becoming whole through fragments of family interaction is gripping. Who are we when we are not like those around us? And how do we become fully ourselves? Thoroughly enjoyed this.
July 4, 2018
Kind of interesting
This story is kind of interesting. It's the kind where you're not sure where the story is going but you keep reading to find out. The story is about a socially awkward guy named Lee and his journey to become whole. I liked the tale.
This story is kind of interesting. It's the kind where you're not sure where the story is going but you keep reading to find out. The story is about a socially awkward guy named Lee and his journey to become whole. I liked the tale.
June 30, 2022
Red Clover
Interesting Read. Before now, I did not know much about Red Clover. It is a good book for people who are interested in horticulture. I am glad that things worked out for Lee and Dr. Rad
Interesting Read. Before now, I did not know much about Red Clover. It is a good book for people who are interested in horticulture. I am glad that things worked out for Lee and Dr. Rad
January 10, 2025
I enjoyed that this book was set in the 1900’s… mostly in the 70’s & 80’s away from all the social media and cellphone references. The storyline kept me guessing and was rather surprising over all. I enjoyed the book, but probably wouldn’t read it again.
September 30, 2017
I LOVED this book! Not only did it keep my interest but it was a very inspiring story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews