OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Frame For Flowers" by Sean Storin.]

A frame for flowers (the lower case letters are the choice of the author) by Sean Storin is a fiction novel about the life of Katie Kelley. The story is set in Boston and begins when Katie is 37 years old. Almost immediately, the story flashes back to Katie’s past. Katie lost both of her parents by the age of 18. She used the money from their estate to send her younger brother to school in New York. Katie was young and lonely when she first met Frank Bruno. His confidence was very comforting in the beginning. He helped Katie feel safe. However, his arrogance and rigidity became serious problems for Katie.

The story is mostly told from Katie’s point of view and chronicles her life in an abusive relationship. Everything comes to a head for Katie when she receives a very difficult cancer diagnosis at the age of 37. Flashback stories are common throughout this book and provide a lot of background information. These stories are sometimes in the voices of different characters and explain key points in each character’s journey. This provides a well-rounded story and allows the reader a clear understanding of the characters in the book.

I was quite taken with this book. The story was very well written. I felt like I was a part of the story and a part of the characters’ lives. Their home felt familiar and so did their neighborhood. I really enjoyed the main characters of Katie and her son, Anthony. I truly missed them when the book was over. I also really enjoyed getting to know their neighbor, Vida.

This book covers the difficult topics of abusive relationships and dealing with cancer. It does so with grace. It was a sad story but not maudlin. It made sense without making it feel too painful for the reader. It was easy to feel for and empathize with the characters but it wasn’t overwhelming. This was a book I couldn’t put down. No negatives came to mind when I read it. I will say that it does need one final round of editing to clean up the last of the typos and grammar errors.

I rate A Frame for Flowers 4 out of 4 stars. If it was possible, I would give it 3.75 out of 4 stars. The book itself was thoroughly enjoyable and very well done. It does, however, need a final edit. This was a book full of compassion and courage. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy life stories, stories about families, and especially stories of courage in the face of difficult life situations.

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A Frame For Flowers
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Nice review! This definitely sounds like a book I would read. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your review.

Wow! There are definitely some difficult topics in this book. It seems like it would be a difficult read. Still, abuse and cancer are something that people deal with every day. Thanks!

This book does cover some difficult topics but I didn't find it a difficult read. It was really well done. I'm still sad that the book is finished!

I think my favorite books are the ones where there is a sense of the characters "including" me in the story - this sounds like one of those based on your review. Tough subject matter and I might have passed it up if I only had a summary so I appreciate your observation that the story is realistic and relatable but not overwhelming. Thank you - this is definitely a "want to read" for me!

Amazing review. Facing Cancer and having abusive relationships are the difficult problems to face. This book is all about courage and compassion. Thank you.

This seems like an lovely book to read. I like it when the reader gets involved in the story or with the characters of the book, and this gives the sense of feeling what happens between his pages. Would like to read this one.

I think I know how katie feels been in a abusive relationship I think I can relate to her. I think it will provide a good read to readers who does not no what it is like and start appreciating what they have. Thanks for sharing this thought-provoking book!

Thanks for your review! Abusive relationships are tough to write about so I’m happy that the author was able to handle the subject in such a skillful way.

I usually avoid sad books as I cry too easily. But once in a while, a good cry is good. Trials such as the ones Katie undergoes are painful. I wonder how she will emerge in the end.

I'll keep this book in my "to cry for" list.

I often think that books surrounding cancer are too raw for the people experiencing it. This sounds like a good read for someone who may have a friend going through similar situations looking for a way to empathize. Thank you for this lovely review!

I will say this book is very relatable to people’s lives. It may be a little too much for certain age groups but how it comes from a woman point of view. Overall the review is good and more realistic.

You know it’s a good book when you miss the characters when it’s over. Abuse and cancer are certainly difficult issues to cope with in life. I’m glad to hear the author navigated these issues with grace. I enjoyed your review!

Thanks for your review. The book does sound intriguing and it handles serious subjects like cancer and abuse. I love reading such emotional books. Great review

It seems that the story tackles two things: an abusive relationship and a cancer diagnosis. The protagonist has experienced both, so it would be interesting to read how her personality will be changed by both. It would also be inspiring to read if she will be able to overcome both challenges.
Congratulations to the author for BOTD!