The Colors of Snow

After acheiving commercial success as an artist Frankie Cleverdon finds herself growing uninspired, and decides to retreat to the country in search of revitalization

This engaging first novel begs the reader to consume it in one sitting, enjoying the company of Frankie Cleverdon, painter, philosopher and woman of many passions. When she decides to leave London and rent a Yorkshire cottage, she hopes for solitude and inspiration amid the harsh beauty of the English moors. But Frankie discovers more than heart-stopping landscapes and a band of colorful eccentrics: the self-possessed young woman finds love in the unlikely form of the stammering local vicar, who is married, a la Mr. Rochester, to an alluring madwoman harboring dark secrets. Fenton brings a fresh wit and sensibility to this contemporary Jane Eyre , shedding light on the play between reason and romanticism, and the way these opposing forces can twist and shape individual fates.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Artist Frankie Cleverdon flees London and her depressing relationship with a married man for an isolated cottage on the bleak North Yorkshire Moors, where she hopes to recover her creative spark. (Fenton herself lives on the moors in North York.) Financially successful and much in demand, Frankie has been painting to please everyone but herself, as her friend and former lover Sebastian is always pointing out. Convinced that the romantic isolation of the moors will rejuvenate her painting, Frankie is just beginning to think she made a mistake when she meets Ned Cowper. They become friends, and Frankie finally begins to paint. It is not until she is emotionally involved with Ned that she discovers that he is the local vicar, and a married man. This is a thoughtful, entertaining, modern-day love story, complete with colorful characters and a dash of mystery. Enjoyable reading that fans of Mavis Cheek's Dog Days ( LJ 11/15/90) should like. Recommended for public libraries.
- Elizabeth Mellett, Brookline P.L., Mass.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.