The Color of Frost

by Kasey Rogers

The Color of Frost tells the story of Nina DeMarco, an adopted twenty-seven-year-old woman suffering from anxiety and depression. As the story unfolds, Nina begins to overcome the despair of her failed marriage by challenging herself to find the owner of a series of letters she finds hidden in the crawlspace of her new attic apartment. Nina feels connected to the author of the letters, a mysterious Lilia Michaud, the woman who once lived there. While the two women are born decades apart, Nina becomes fascinated by Lilia's unconventional life, having escaped an abusive guardian when her uncle comes and rescues her.
The Color of Frost alternates between Nina's story, which takes place in 1974, and that of Lilia throughout periods of her life that she documents in the letters. However, common threads emerge that unexpectedly link the two women. The Color of Frost is part mystery and part historical fiction, with the year 1974 connecting the reader with relevant themes that are featured prominently in today's headlines.

302 pages, Hardcover

Published November 11, 2022

Reviews

[Susan Colton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Color of Frost, Kasey Rogers takes us on Nina’s journey past depression as she learns to trust new friends and become a friend. Her discoveries of letters hidden in her home lead her to define who she becomes. This is a beautifully written tale of loss, exploration and love.

[Becky Ahamad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this book!! From the plot, to the characters to the historical events interwoven. Especially the message about women empowerment and equality. ❤️

[Lisa Towles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book - the cover, the title, the beautiful writing and, most importantly, the surprising story. Surprisingly because, on the surface, it seems like a typical tale of rediscovery of your identity post-divorce. But going deeper, we encounter the historical investigation of a mysterious author, who wrote a series of letters that pull Nina's life in a different direction. It's a wonderful story with tremendous depth and impact; you will love Nina. Highly recommended.

[Senali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina is a newly divorced woman who is depressed and hopeless about life. The book focuses on her growth and the new friendships and family she builds. Swipe the picture to see the blurb.

This book was wholesome. Some serious topics like suicide , abuse and lgbtq discrimination in that contemporary setting are included in this book.  Unlike certain authors who romanticise trauma , Kasey Rogers meticulously elaborates the reality. ( But don't worry , the book has a happy ending. )

I love how the plot flowed flawlessly while arousing the curiosity of the readers. I speculate that this book is a rare kind of book because unlike most of the books that revolve around romance , this book revolves around platonic love , support and the found family. That is why I find this book so wholesome. Moreover, the plot , surprisingly and strongly intrigued me.

Everything in the book was so raw and strong so that my speed of reading was vehemently boosted. I would certainly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys reading ,

💙 Historical fiction
💙 Found family
💙 Character growth
💙 Mystery
💙 Platonic relationships

[Ron Kinscherf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding work. So many issues tackled by Rogers in such an understated manner. One of those books that makes you think more after you have completed the read. One of the coolest parts of the book is how Rogers uses the house to help the story ... even taking the reader outside the house to another building to discreetly fill a story line. Well done ... particularly for a first novel!

[Kristin Harnedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about the power to change one's life. A page-turner of a journey where Nina goes from the very depths of despair into discovering who she really is. I couldn't put it down. I felt like I became part of the incredible little community of strangers that become a family of their own. It's a novel that left me full of hope.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. The last chapter disappointed. There should have been two more chapters at least to complete the thought process.

[Debbie Hagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina DeMarco sets out to blaze her own trail after a bitter divorce. But going out on her own proves to be a bit harder than Nina had anticipated. In this story's beginning, she sees her life in total ruin. One night, Nina decides that she cannot go on like this (even though she has managed to retain from the marriage the family's big old estate and rents rooms to help keep up the place). On a night of despair, Nina almost ends her life by swallowing a handful of pills.

Fortunately, Ben, one of Nina's tenants, finds her unconscious body. He calls for an ambulance, and, in the nick of time, paramedics save her. Afterwards, Nina awakens and sees that Ben has given her a second chance. She chooses to live and this gift of life she uses to research the former owners of the old family estate. By a stroke of luck, Nina finds a cache of old letters stuffed into the eaves of the house, and this sends her on an incredible journey.

Former owner Lilia Michaud was a baker much like Nina. Even though the two women live in this old house, decades apart, Nina feels a kinship to Lilia, who had also fled an abusive relationship. But in Lilia's case, the abuser was not her husband, but a guardian.

The Color of Frost alternates between Nina's story, set in 1974, and the various stages of Lilia's life. As Nina reads through the letters, she draws courage and strength from Lilia. This is an enjoyable read...part mystery, part historical fiction, and part women's celebration of breaking down the barriers that have suppressed them too long.