I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

"Francesca of Lost Nation" is a beautiful coming of age story about nine year old Sarah, and her wonderfully close relationship with her grandmother Francesca. The story is set in the summer of 1947 Iowa. Sarah is left behind at "Home Farm" with Francesca while her parents are on a luxurious trip to France. Little did they know their summer together would be filled with adventure, mystery and danger.

This was quite a page turning novel. Francesca is such a gutsy woman, and well ahead of her time. When she falls in love, she loves fiercely, and when her heart breaks, it broke deeply. Of course, not only did she dislike dresses, but she loved fast cars! Even though the story was primarily about Francesca, the main character and narrator is Sarah. For a little girl, she comes across intelligent and wise beyond her years. This is a great summer read, filled with mystery, romance and adventure!


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It was the summer of 1947 in Lost Nation, Iowa, and Sarah was nearly ten years old. This is her memoir of her adventures with her grandmother, Francesca, that summer while her parents were on a trip to Paris, France. Her father had won the trip in an essay contest. Francesca was the person nearest and dearest to Sarah’s heart. She was not the type of grandmother who sat on the front porch in a rocking chair. Oh no! She was eccentric and in love with life and she and Sarah were best friends.

But, there were a few problems ahead as there was an arsonist that was on the loose. The sheriff feared for Francesca and Sarah at home by themselves so he asked his brother, Matt, to stay there and watch over the pair. Matt was a pilot until an accident changed his way of life. His attitude expressed he was not happy with his situation. But he hadn’t met Francesca.

This is a wonderful and comfortable story and I fell completely in love with the characters. It was a bit drawn-out in the middle, yet I never experienced a lack of interest. It has a bit of mystery, but primarily it’s about growing up, love, bonding, and the release of secrets. I rated Francesca of Lost Nation at 4 out of 5.

http://www.fictionzeal.com/francesca-lost-nation-lucinda-sue-crosby/ ( )

I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

"Francesca of Lost Nation" is a beautiful coming of age story about nine year old Sarah, and her wonderfully close relationship with her grandmother Francesca. The story is set in the summer of 1947 Iowa. Sarah is left behind at "Home Farm" with Francesca while her parents are on a luxurious trip to France. Little did they know their summer together would be filled with adventure, mystery and danger.

This was quite a page turning novel. Francesca is such a gutsy woman, and well ahead of her time. When she falls in love, she loves fiercely, and when her heart breaks, it broke deeply. Of course, not only did she dislike dresses, but she loved fast cars! Even though the story was primarily about Francesca, the main character and narrator is Sarah. For a little girl, she comes across intelligent and wise beyond her years. This is a great summer read, filled with mystery, romance and adventure! ( )

This book reminded me a little of To Kill A Mockingbird with the way it was written. Not terribly exciting until the end, but very well-written, I didn't regret spending my time with this book. Excessive descriptions of settings and areas usually irritate me, but this one really didn't. I enjoyed seeing Iowa in the late 40's through the eyes of a little girl. I felt Francesca was extremely deep for a character on the page, and I know she will stay with me for a while as I ponder her quirks and emotions, but I connected with Sarah the most. I realize that at times, the feelings and emotions this 10 year old girl exhibited was more than your ordinary child. Yet, I didn't feel this was impossible as Sarah seemed to be a deep thinker and character in her own right and the setting only added to the possibility of advanced knowledge. Rural Iowa with only a slight mention of 'moving pictures' is enough to amend this in my mind. I will read this again, if just to get a taste of a era gone by. There is a little bit of swearing. ( )

Free on Amazon. Nicely written romantic tale told by a girl about her incredible & unbelievable grandmother. The rest of the family was pretty unbelievable too. So, a fantasy....