Finding Franklin

by Katie Shands

After a personal tragedy, Charlotte Clark returns to Franklin, Tennessee, the Southern town where her mother abandoned her as a newborn. Haunted by unanswered questions and an unrelenting desire for roots, Charlotte purchases a dilapidated Victorian near the historic downtown and sets out to solve the mystery of her birth. Colin Hamilton, a skilled craftsman and house-flipper, sets his sights on Charlotte after she moves in down the street from the Craftsman bungalow he is restoring. Though Charlotte is a bit standoffish, he offers to help with some handyman projects at her house, and the pair forges an unlikely bond. As they work together, they uncover another mystery behind a wall in Charlotte’s home—a diary penned by a woman who disappeared from the small town decades ago. Within the diary’s pages, Charlotte believes she has found answers to the lifelong questions about her own past. The only problem—someone wants those secrets to remain buried and would kill to keep it that way. When Charlotte is faced with a reality much different than what she had envisioned, she must decide what the past means for her present.  Finding Franklin  explores the nature of family and demonstrates how God can transform our greatest tragedies into lessons of love and grace.

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2018

Reviews

[Anne Brannan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t see anywhere this book was Christian fiction. Not my type of book, but read it for a local event with author. Found the reference to Franklin interesting since I live nearby, but beyond that found myself skimming chapters when bible verses came up.

[L.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book ❤️

The characters are super sweet, but believably so. The storyline was full of interesting activities and some unexpected turns. Fans of Colleen Coble will enjoy this, it's very similar to her books. Fans of Franklin, TN (or small town America in general for that matter) will appreciate the "tour" of town. I actually bought this book (autographed!) at the Landmark bookstore which is mentioned.

So much to enjoy in this book I kind of want to turn back to page 1 and start all over again, and I'm not one to reread books so that's saying something :)

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved Franklin, Tennessee it was charming and had a small town feel to it. I found the most amazing bookshop on main street called Landmark booksellers. I had to purchase.... something so I found a local author section and perused this one. The bookseller told me it was great (lie) and when I asked if it was Hallmark coded she said no (lie). Oh well... I supported a local bookshop and got the cheap thrill of recognizing places and historical happenings within the pages.
Just to prove how rough it was: "This is incredible, Charlotte." Hearing her name on his lips felt like coming home to a warm dinner after a long day." That is just one example of many that made this book difficult for me to enjoy.
Despite disliking this book I'm going to keep it rather than donating it to a lending library. I loved reading about Frankin especially the Carnton house which was one of my favorite parts of my trip. This book is a vacation memento although it will most likely live in the dark corner of my bookshelf.

[Tim Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

An award-winning novel by first-time author Katie Shands, Finding Franklin celebrates the heritage and lifestyle of the American South and, specifically, Franklin, Tennessee. Beyond its geographic appeal, its wholesome storyline will please a broad audience of readers. The book combines mystery and romance to deliver uplifting messages about faith and family values.

Shands’ book is noticeably devoid of the crass language and unrealistic superheroes that readers find these days in some of the books cranked out by the industry. Oh, that there would be more refreshing reads out there like this one. Finding Franklin will leave a smile on your face.

[Chiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a story where the reader is drawn into a character's life. The ups and downs are sprinkled with mystery, romance, and faith. Add a little town ambience and it's the whole package. Finding Franklin was just that for me. Working through life situations, journeying with people of different backgrounds along the way, and finding the meaning to life is not a big mystery at all.

As an author of a few indie-published books myself, Ms. Shands did a great job of telling a wonderful tale. Plus, it doesn't hurt to showcase a beautiful town like Franklin, TN. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Winnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes place in downtown Franklin, TN. I live in Franklin so it was appealing for that alone. If you enjoy Christian fiction, love stories, feel-good, and happily-ever-after books, this is a book for you. I read this following a couple of "heavy" books so it was a quick, light read. Well written and believable.

[Erik Rostad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book that takes place in my new favorite city, Franklin, TN. Not only that, it takes place at some of my favorite places in the city - my favorite coffee shop, church, and bookstore. Well-done book with some neat twists and turns that just made me want to spend even more time in Franklin.

[Jerré Wassenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I could hardly put it down. I don’t want to say to much because I don’t want give anything away. It’s about about finding a family, love, and faith. All while surrounded by a mystery with a big twist at the end that I didn’t see coming.

[Julie Rae H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book situated in a sweet historical town I know well! Great story captivated me & characters I cared about. Intriguing mystery was a page turner. If you know Franklin, you will LOVE this book, if you don’t know Franklin, you will want to visit!

[Rebecca Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story and a fun find in a Franklin book shop (Landmark Books, highly recommend). Kept me company hunkered down during tornado warnings in Nashville and showed me a few places I needed to get on my itinerary.

On the rating—as Christian fiction goes I give it four stars.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so so good! Katie has a gift with words and this story is both predictable and unpredictable. I read it in two days and just couldn't put it down.

[Jeanne Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet storyline and wonderful writing!! Good summer read!

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a sweet story, even though it was very predictable. The characters are likable and it was an enjoyable read. It had some unexpected twists too. The references to Franklin were a nice touch.

[Dana Croft · Rating 5 out of 5]

headed to Franklin

I was so excited to find this sweet story in the weeks headed up to our anniversary trip to Franklin! Great faith based story of forgiveness, love and family….