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Reviews
WOW! Where Love Once Loved is a winner. by Dr. Rollo K. Newsom, August 15, 2010
This is a Christian novel and more. Some of that more is a romance and more of the more is an unusual form of a coming of age story. Romance gone wrong due to incomplete communications and immature or irresponsible judgments lead to lives prematurely separated in young adulthood. Those separate lives are not all that bad but leave the principles feeling unfulfilled and incomplete in mid-life. Tensions in the novel stem from efforts and events that work toward reuniting the protagonists. But this is not easy and requires sometimes painful change for the two main characters...(more)
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A great first novel! by Sandy Althaus, September 4, 2010 Amazon.com
I am proud to say I bought Sid's very first book and loved reading it. Rollo has covered the overview so well, but I want to comment on the theme and characters. I thought it was so very creative to use the bookmobile as a center of so much acton and activity, and much to my surprise it kept popping up throughout the book. It was so well described I could picture myself being there. I "got into" the characters quite early in my reading, and my interest kept growing. I especially appreciated the comfortable but truthful way the Christian message was presented. I know lives will be touched when reading this book. A Great first novel! Excited to read your next one.
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Where Love Once Lived by Katheryn Lawrence, September 25, 2010 Amazon.com
I enjoyed many things about Where Love Once Lived. I especially liked the way you handled the racial relationships and was glad that Brian and Karen finally got together. Like many of us, Brian struggled with good vs. evil and his spiritual path in life.
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Enjoyable Book by Elizabeth Barron, October 20, 2010 Amazon.com
This book is a fun read with identifiable characters and situations. With a gentle, truthful tone throughout, the author deals with human choices: quick decisions made long ago, creating the losses and challenges that ensues; rare opportunities to make new decisions to right wrongs; and decisions about young love and acceptance. The characters are nicely developed and easily relatable in their struggles and their spiritual journeys. The bookmobile is an interesting character in itself. And I found myself caring about what happens to the characters long after I finished the book. More books please.
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Where Love Once Lived by Janet Thompson, November 16,
2010
Karen and Brian had been college sweethearts. Karen was sure that Brian would ask her to marry him. Instead, he told her he was going back to California to visit with his parents during the holidays. While there he ran into one of his high school classmates. One thing led to another and they ended up marrying due to a baby being on the way. That sets in motion other events that come to life later in the story. This book is packed with situations that are relevant to most of us today...(more)
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Great romance with God's grace! by L. Wagner, November
18, 2010
Sidney weaves a calamitous story of these two loves. Secrets rule in
their lives throughout most of the story. Sidney delicately
describes the lives of these two loves that have gone separate ways
over the past thirty years.
Sidney genuinely understands the
issues that abound and does a fabulous job of emanating the hurts
and pains of the two loves. The humor and shenanigans of Liz, his
librarian on the bookmobile, lifts your spirits as you struggle
through the lives of Brian and Karen.
Woven throughout the
story is God's grace and mercy...(more)
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My Church Library, December 1, 2010
The library committee is very pleased to report that a copy of Sid Frost's new book, "Where Love Once Lived" is in the library collection and ready to check out.
The novel, which takes place in Austin, is an absorbing account
of Karen Williams and Brian Donelson's reconnection after 30 years
of separation. Their attempt to find happiness does not come easily.
Themes of faith tested and faith steadfast, family relations between
parent and child are an integral part of the story. How race
relations can affect generations within a family are also explored.
Even the economic repercussions of a frivolous business lawsuit on
individuals is included.
All these themes are woven seamlessly into a story that is believable, thought provoking and interesting. If you are looking for an inspirational Christian novel, this one is highly recommended!
Also, Sid will be at the Book Fair on December 5 with autographed copies of his book for sale at a special price.
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A positive read! by Mayrene
T, February 6, 2011
Where Love Once Lived, signed by the author, was a delightful
surprise under this year's Christmas tree. OK, maybe not such a big
surprise since I had left a pretty broad hint! Even so, it was a
read that I had looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed. How
refreshing to find a novel that clearly expresses Christian values
without preaching to the audience! Karen and Brian are characters
who would be right at home among my friends. They struggle with real
issues, apply Christian values in meeting those issues, and
encourage the reader as they work their way through life's
disappointments, joys and challenges. Where Love Once Lived does not
disappoint!
Thank you, Sid. I'm looking forward to book #2!
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A fantastic and enjoyable
book! by Diane Craver, March 12, 2011
Where Love Once Lived is a story of the worst kind of deception that
changes the life path of not only the two main characters, Brian and
Karen, but of several other characters. I couldn't stop turning the
pages to see how God would work in Brian's life as he tries to erase
the heartache he caused Karen in the past. The characters became so
real to me that I felt deeply troubled about what had happened to
both of them as young lovers.
Having Brian buy and drive the
bookmobile was a clever and unique device to use in the book. Brian
thinks that the bookmobile and returning to the place where he and
Karen were college sweethearts would remind her of former romantic
times. Instead she becomes upset with Brian. She can't forget how he
had hurt her deeply thirty years ago when he dumped her with no
explanation. Frost includes a group of college friends (named the
Combine) which works very well in the story. It's interesting how
they are all together again, and Karen agrees to go with Brian to
see all of them...(more)
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It's never too late for love
by R.L. Mullins, Jr.,
Sidney Frost is a man who believes in both the power of God and the power of love. His story of Brian and Karen and love seemingly long lost and found again (with the help of a bookmobile!) is a good read. You'll notice right away that Mr. Frost spent a lot of time crafting his story and delivering it in an uplifting manner. If you're looking for a positive, Christian romance, then you'll want to read Where Love Once Lived.
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A heartwarming love story,
one of forgiveness and acceptance by
ibjoy1953,
Where Love Once Lived is a love lost between a Bookmobile driver and his college sweetheart. Brian broke his engagement with Karen, never explaining why, and left town. Now 30 years later he shows up at the school she teaches as a Bookmobile driver again. Karen is furious and now realizes who has been sending her flowers at school each Tuesday for months. She certainly doesn't want a relationship with him after leaving her stranded 3 decades earlier. Brian is so in love with Karen, he is doing everything he can to charm her back into his life. As the story unfolds and it seems like Karen might me a little interested in him, Brian is faced with many obstacles that make it almost impossible for things to turn out like he wants with Karen. A lawsuit is filed with his business he sold earlier in California. His ex-wife wants more money, and wants to sue him as well. If this isn't enough, his daughter Amy shows up in Texas with news that threatens to rip his world apart. Seems his ex will do anything she can to hurt him...(more)
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A Moving Story of Enduring
Love by Jan Marie ,
Most of the books that I read, and there are many (just ask my long-suffering husband), by male authors are books about mystery and suspense, filled with breath-taking action and adventure. Therefore, when I heard about this book, written by a male author, and learned it was not the usual fare but was, instead, a love story, I wondered how a love story might be presented by a male author. I was very interested to see if it would be very different from a love story written from a female perspective. Mr. Frost has written a truly touching, heartfelt, and romantic story. He has done an excellent job of portraying the love from the viewpoint of the male figure. In Brian, Mr. Frost has molded a character who portrays the attributes that Christ demands of a husband in Ephesians 5:25-33 (KJV) when He says, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church..." (more)
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Comments
Joyce: Where Love Once Lived -- a delightful read! What a treat to read your newly published novel! Thank you so much for my complimentary copy.
Since the primary purpose of reading the draft was to critique, my enjoyment of the story was even fuller as I read your newly published book. Not only did I enjoy your descriptions and style of writing, but having lifed in the Austin area since 1980, your use of local color was vived and fun! The Quarry was especially intriguing to me. Where was it located? In addition, I commend your sensitivity to a woman's feelings and perspective. -- a quality rare in men!
Thank you again, Sid, for introducing me to your inspirational Christian story -- truly a delight.
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Janet: Sidney, I
haven't quite finished the book yet but I really, really love it! (I
think I've got too much going on right now!!) When I do finish it I will
be posting my review everywhere I can! The love story is beautiful! I
really like the fact that you are another author not afraid to write
about what really happens in the lives of people. Thank you for that! I
also love the bookmobile! There was one in my town while growing up and
I was there every Saturday! May God continue to bless you, Sidney!
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Diane: Hey, I finished your book today. I loved it and the characters. I did have a problem with Brian in the beginning because of the way he treated Karen. And I wasn’t sure why he waited 30 years when he divorced his wife after 18 years. I guess Karen was married longer and he was busy with his company. I loved how you revealed Brian’s struggles with returning to his faith. I think I remember seeing there’s a sequel. I definitely will buy it. It will be fun to see what happens in the next book. You do a great job with writing descriptions – I struggle with that aspect. I like writing dialogue the best. I’ll write a review after the holidays.
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Virginia: I read your book over the Christmas holiday. I loved it! I want to read more. Congratulations!
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Betty: Where Love Once Lived..wow anyone who was in austin in the 40,50,60,70 and 80’s must read this wonderfully written book.the way Sid brings in a love from long ago to one today..Shows God is in charge and will be there for us all.
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Diane: I loved Sid’s book - it’s a powerful and wonderful romance of hope and God’s love. Thanks for commenting.
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Imo:
I'm sure you are surprised
to hear from me. The reason --- Lorraine gave me your book to
read. Now, I am not a book reader. However, when I
started to read it I could not put it down. It was so easy
reading and SO interesting! I enjoyed it thoroughly. I never
knew you were a writer.
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Vivian:
Sid, I am glad that you left your card with me when you came to
visit in January. I asked at the library for your book and
found that it was in circulation, so I put it on reserve. I
finally got a copy March 6 and enjoyed it very much. It is an
excellent novel, and I wonder if this is what earned you first place
in the Southwest Writers conference?
Your characters are well developed. I suspect they are not all
fictitious! Your training as a Stephen Minister is especially
apparent in the dialogues of Brian, Karen, Phil.and his Dad, and even
the feisty Cathy and Liz. They are affirming, supportive, and
non-judgmental.
I hope to see more of our neighbor and promise to read whatever you
write! You might not appreciate my “editing,” but I need to know
how Brian resumed ownership of his company in California. Perhaps
he delegated that responsibility to Ron while he went honeymooning in
Germany!