Finding Frances

by Kelly Vincent

Retta Brooks thinks her life is on track after convincing her overprotective mom to stop home-schooling her and allow her 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?

Genres: Young Adult

322 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2020

About the author

Kelly Vincent wrangles data weekdays and spends the rest of their time playing with words. They grew up in Oklahoma but have moved around quite a bit, with Glasgow, Scotland being their favorite stop. They now live near Seattle with several cats who help them write their stories by strategically walking across the keyboard, with their first novel, Finding Frances, a fine example of this technique. Their three subsequent books, Ugly, Always the New Girl, and Binding Off, were released in 2022. Finding Frances won several indie awards and Ugly was selected as the Honor book for SCBWI’s Spark Award in the Books for Older Readers category for 2022. Kelly has a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Oklahoma City University’s Red Earth program. Find them at kellyvincent.net, @kvbooks on Instagram, and @kv_books on TikTok.

Reviews

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retta Brooks is over joyed when she finally talks her mom into letting her go to a brick and mortar school instead of being home schooled. For the first time in her life she has friends and she can join the track team. Retta loves to run.

Retta has a lot of questions and she knows that her mom is hiding something from her. What she has no idea every time she questions her she gives her very vague answers which then causes Retta and her mother to get into big fights.

Then one day after school Retta comes home to a tragedy that will change her life forever. Her life is turned upside down and she has no idea who to trust anymore. What is her mother hiding from her? Retta’s life is turned into a whirl wind and sends her on the run with people chasing after her.

Finding Frances is a very intense and heart wrenching story that is filled with suspense and action that keeps the pages rolling. Retta’s story jumps off the page and right into your heart and will have you rooting for Retta the whole way.

Finding Frances is one of the best books I have ever read. I was very proud of Retta and how well she dealt with everything she was experiencing and with the people around her. Retta is a very strong and independent girl.

I recommend Finding Frances to all YA Contemporary fans.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Francis Retta

Beautifully written about a topic that needs to be told. This was a great story of Retta finding herself through a tragedy.

[Ally Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

---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.**

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Vincent's Finding Frances is a wonderfully insightful and intriguing coming-of-age story about a girl searching for her family's history.

As the story opens, Retta Brooks is being home-schooled by her apparently obsessive and possessive mum, Jenny. Retta has managed to persuade her mum to send her to the local Comprehensive - Buckley High School. Although language geek Retta has not mixed with others, be they either children of a similar age or adults, nevertheless, she manages to find herself a few friends on her first day. What follows is a fascinating and exciting tale as the reader gets a glimpse into the life of a girl being allowed to grow-up surrounded by both friends and foes. But there is one massive problem - Jenny. Retta's mum hasn't always been totally honest with her, so Retta dives headlong into her mother's past, desperate to seek the truth about her mum and consequently, herself. But what will those discoveries reveal, and to what end?

With its fair dolloping of typical teenage angst including; anxieties relating to acceptance; fitting-in; first love; and friendships, to name only a few, Kelly Vincent's Finding Frances was a great read. The author's characterisation was spot-on, regardless of whether the particular individual curried favour with me or not, as all had their relevant parts to play. Apart from Retta, who was clever, surprisingly outgoing and respectful, I also liked Jack for his perseverance and good-nature. I took rather a dislike to Retta's Aunt Samantha virtually from her first emergence, as she appeared mistrustful and secretive, and I couldn't quite shake off that feeling.

The plot was evenly paced - quick enough and easy to follow, but never allowing for boredom or tedium to take root, holding my interest perfectly. Kelly Vincent's writing was elegant and mature, not always seen in the YA genre. The ending was unexpected though fulfilling, and it befitted the story.

Overall, Finding Frances is a delightful novel and I recommend it with confidence, so please don't miss out!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A girl's life is upended by the ripple effects of domestic violence in this harrowing contemporary YA novel by Vincent. 15-year-old Retta Brooks has been homeschooled for most of her life, but finally manages to convince her overprotective mother to allow her to attend Buckley High. Slowly but surely, Retta begins to adjust to life as a high schooler. She has a small group of friends she eats lunch with, her first high school crush, and has even joined the cross country team. But Retta finds herself arguing more with her mom about her mother's paranoia and over protectiveness as Retta attempts to have a normal teenage life. She suspects her mom is hiding information about her father and her family's past, but her mom always beats around the bush. Retta's life drastically turns when she returns home after a night out with friends and finds her mother murdered. She is taken to safety with the help of an underground group that helps women escape domestic violence. This leads Retta on a journey of self discovery as she uncovers family secrets and more about her own hidden past. Retta's resilience is inspiring and readers will empathize with her emotional journey as she seems the truth while mourning her relationship with her mother.
Although the story's pacing is uneven at times, Vincent's writing slow well and is easy to understand. The author handles the sensitive topic of domestic abuse well, focusing on the ripple effect it can have on people's lives, rather than the abuser-victim relationship. My only issue with the novel is the lack of trigger warnings. The book's blurb is vague enough to draw a reader's attention without spoiling anything but fails to even hint at the topic. There is also no warning at the beginning of the book, so readers mat be thrown off or triggered when the topic does appear. Still, Vincent leaves a short but informative author's note at the end of the book, including signs on recognizing abusive relationships and resources for those experiencing domestic violence

[fanboyriot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting way to tell a thriller/mystery and adding in a few pages at the end for those dealing with domestic violence/abuse was something I wish more books would include because while this is fiction, there are people struggling through situations similar to this.

Onto the story though, I really enjoyed the main character investigating her past and questioning why things her mom said wasn’t adding up.

I appreciated the ending and how well the main character got through all the hardships she had to deal with and the plot twist along the way.

It did make me wonder how different things could have gone if the mom had been honest with her about why she was so paranoid.

Read For
✓ Thriller
✓ Secret Life
✓ Track Team
✓ High School Setting
✓ Lots of Family Secrets

⚠️ Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder
Minor: Domestic abuse, Violence, Vomit

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Spice Level: n/a
Sad Level: 💧💧💧

Plot: 7/10
Pace: 7/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 6/10
Enjoyability: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Would I Recommend? Yes
Favorite Character: Jamie

Favorite Quote:❝"Personally, I think a lot of the time it misses the point by overemphasizing the so-called feminine perspective and romanticizing it."❞

POV: First Person
Pages: 322
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Release Date: 03, February 2020
Rep/Extras: racial diversity

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely engrossed in this book pretty much from the start. It isn't your typical YA contemporary novel.

Retta has lived a pretty sheltered life. Her mother insisted that she be homeschooled for years. She isn't allowed to go out on her own. She has no friends. And she suspects that her mom has been lying to her for quite some time about their past. She has finally won the battle to be allowed to attend the local high school and her mom says she'll eventually reveal more of their past. But her mom continues to be highly overprotective and drags her feet about saying much of anything.

Still a typical teenager in many ways, Retta rebels and tries out for the track team, because she loves running, and ends up making friends. She finds ways to spend time with them, even though she really isn't supposed to, until finally something horrific happens and Retta's life changes forever.

As all of this is going on, she dives deeper into her mother's past, desperate to find out the truth about her mother and subsequently herself. And she is having a hard time trusting people, which makes perfect sense, especially as more is revealed throughout the book. It's completely riveting watching her go on this quest for the truth. A bonus is that her mom was a Pearl Jam-loving grunge girl, and therefore follows my own heart.

And a side note thank you to those women who run the underground and save so many lives.

Thank you to the author and Goddess Fish for providing me a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[esther archerlakhani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retta doesn't know who she can trust. Raised by single mother who is protective to the point of damaging, Retta has been told the rest of her family died in a car crash long ago. Her life changes when she begins to question the truth of this. What unfolds is a heart-wrenching story that moves along at a fast pace, going totally unexpected places, and reaching deep into the dark reality of family abuse. It's a tense and tragic read, but one I am glad I've read because it deftly deals with this subject face on without sweeping any of the ugly uncomfortable aspects under the rug. I didn't know this topic was what I was going to be reading about when I picked up Finding Frances. I was shocked about midway through the story, but did not once think about putting the book down. Kelly Vincent does a wonderful job of telling a complex tale in a fully developed and relatable manner. Mystery, tragedy, yet also, Triumph. Retta has grit. She never gives up. That's a great message to send any young adult.

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Vincent gives readers an action-packed and drama filled story with Finding Frances (The Wild Rose Press, 2020). A mystery that I could not put down. There is so much packed in this story I am trying to think of what to say that will not give anything away.

Vincent writes a complex teenage heroine in Retta who typically is at odds with her controlling mother. Vincent aptly displays the seesaw of emotions that people feel when we argue with those that we love and at the same time are furious and frustrated with. All the while Vincent keeps up the undercurrent of suspense.

Then bam! Do not get lulled like I did (laugh). I relaxed and then Vincent whammed me. (laugh) Retta’s journey is complex, at times dark, and angst filled. You want to take this journey in Finding Frances because Vincent makes it worth the ride.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

[Cindy Dyson Eitelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this absolutely. Be warned--it gets a little scary at points. But that was necessary for the story she was telling--a girl is growing up and beginning to reach the rebellion age. Her mother has kept in near-isolation for all of her growing up years--she's schooled at home, discouraged from going outside, has no relatives. The story is that they all died in a car crash from which only she and her mother survived.

She decides to go to public high school in order to run on the cross country team and try for an athletic scholarship to college. I'm not sure if that's possible but it made the plot work. And then things happen.

I wanted to read more about her running but that's not where the story went. Did the author try to put that in but have it trimmed out by an editor? If it had been there, with feelings, that would have turned this from a 4-star book into a 4.5. But never mind. I enjoyed it a lot and would have enjoyed it even more when I was younger.

[Hannah Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly Vincent should feel very proud of Finding Frances. They do a wonderful job holding the delicate balance of Retta being an inexperienced, angsty teen, while also needing to grow up fast to navigate this new world she is suddenly thrust into. It's an art and a skill.

Vincent gives us a relatable story about resilience through life's tumultuous ups and downs. We follow Retta as she grows and blossoms at her new school, so struggling through the deepest grief she's known. Though skillfully written with engaging characters and a well-paced plot, I would like to give a content note that those who have C/PTSD around domestic violence may find this book triggering. I'd advise those to take care and be gentle with themselves as needed.

That said Vincent handles the subject with the respect and tenderness it deserves. I enjoyed this book's lessons and characters (even the ones I didn't like!), and I hope you do too.

[Raisa Mbalule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping Emotional Story

I'd like to start of by saying that this book does talk about domestic violence and its effects as experienced through a teenager. Kelly Vincent's "Finding Frances" follows the story of Retta Brooks, a 15 year old who suddenly finds her life turned upside down after her abusive father tracks her and her mother down.

What follows is a gripping story of how Retta courageously faces the effects of abuse head on. Retta is a strong character and you can't help but like her. She bravely tackles whatever she faces and also leans on those around her for support. The other characters were also very relatable.

Vincent expertly tackles the issue of domestic abuse in a very raw, yet empathetic way. I enjoyed reading this book; it tugged at my heart in so many ways. It was also interesting seeing how Retta viewed men and relationships after experiencing domestic abuse.

All in all this was an emotional, yet enjoyable read.

[Rosanna Ingram · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Frances
by Kelly Vincent
Pub Date 03 Feb 2020
The Wild Rose Press, Inc
Mystery & Thrillers | Teens & YA


Retta Brooks Finally feels as if her her life is on track after convincing her overprotective mom to stop home-schooling her and allow her to go to Buckley High. But one night after coming home after spending the night out with friends, she discovers her whole world has changed.



Soon she has to make an extremely hard decision, Not to mention finding the answers to questions some people would rather she not know. Is she strong enough for what lies ahead?



Finding Frances is a powerful read for the young adult mystery fan. I give it five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this through Voracious Readers Only, and will this ignore the fact that it switched from first to third person on one occasion as a mistake that will soon be edited. The writing was quite simplistic - frustratingly so, at some points, but easy to read.

I wanted to really like this book. The concept was great, but I felt that it didn't go into the help networks enough to be really intriguing. The 'mysteries' didn't quite feel mysterious enough. I completely didn't understand why on earth Retta was suspicious of Jack and I found that bit made the narrative a bit jarring. I didn't think the characters were very developed - there were lots, but they all felt very superficial. Still, as a YA book addressing some tough topics, it was not a bad one.

[Shannon Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m retired from teaching at-risk youth and sadly, more teenagers than society realizes are victims of the main topic of the novel. Vincent does an excellent job of providing the truth and it’s consequences while showing change is possible. I spent years as a victim and found her characters, their reactions, and society’s attitudes so realistic that the story brought me back to those awful years, but I felt safe. In a Hedgebrook Workshop, Claire Dederer said the job of a writer is to give the reader a safe place to explore their own feelings. Vincent does that here. I also enjoyed the pacing, the structure, and the well crafted sentences. My daughter teaches at a similar school like I used to and I will be telling her about this book.

[Chidinma Anozie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finding Frances was a good read. The domestic violence theme shows the ripple effect this has on not just the victim but their friends and family.

Retta had a hard time accepting and understanding why her mother was overprotective, as she was never told their whole story. She has no idea who her father is or if she has any other relatives.

Later in the book, she also has a hard time knowing who to trust and handling all the emotions that come with discovering the truth.

The book was a bit fast paced and I wanted to read more about her mother's story but it was glossed over and not much was said.

[Westiegirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The book moved along at a good place and it kept my attention. I really wanted to know how it was going to end up and the book kept me hooked until the end. Kelly Vincent did a good job of building Retta Brooks as a character. The characters felt really authentic and the entire story was believable/realistic.

Kelly Vincent did a good job of discussing an issue in society that can be difficult to discuss and is often avoided in an engaging and relatable way. I enjoyed the Buffy references.

I would recommend this book to friends.

[Bridget Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 at best.

This one was all over the place. Started slow, then just as I thought ok, it's going somewhere it takes a hard turn. It goes so far off course and never really corrects. I was not impressed and truthfully almost stopped reading multiple times. I would have had this not been an arc.

I loved Jack. I loved the concept of this book (witness protection/other identity) but the way it was done, not so much.

[Robyn Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 broadasted for others to learn about. Good book.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I found the characters intriguing and the book well paced and suspenseful. I also appreciated the time taken to point out signs of domestic abuse as well as the lingering effects of domestic violence. Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads for offering it in a giveaway that I was fortunate enough to win quite some time ago. I apologize for the delay in getting this review posted.

[Meleaha Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Amanda Whitley · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be quite enjoyable, especially once it picked up the pace. The story had several moments where you were left wanting to know what was going to happen next. The characters were well-developed, and I became invested in their lives and curious about their outcomes. I highly recommend giving this book a read.

[Writehandle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retta Brooks’ Finding Frances is a thrilling coming of age story that readers of all ages can comfortably relate to. Retta, the main character, has to constantly struggle for independence and deal with abusive parents.

She is a likable and strong character, and the story’s plot is thick and fast-paced, brilliant for a quick read. I like it.

[Beary Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

One thing that stood out to me about this story was the characters. I found them to be relatable and pretty realistic. Retta is a strong but vulnerable character and I was rooting for her. Overall, this is one you don’t want to miss. I enjoyed it.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book fast read. first book by this author and I will read more by her.

[Eckerbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retta's life went wholly off track and into the deep weeds. Actional and emotional!

No one can be prepared for the difficultness she had to endure. Nopeness.

Much strength needed.