The Faded Photo

by Sarah Price

Some things should be kept private. Frances Snyder can never quite get her mother’s voice out of her head―how to be the perfect wife, the perfect mother. Frances’s home life is demanding, and while she’s busy seeing to everyone else’s needs, Frances doesn’t have the luxury of spare time. So when she is diagnosed with breast cancer, she thinks that she can handle it on her own. Dealing with endless tests, brutal chemotherapy, and the looming specter of surgery, Frances chooses to face cancer on her own alone. That is, until she finally understands that unexpected friendship―and unconditional love―can offer hope in the darkest hours. With tenderness, grace, and flashes of humor, bestselling author Sarah Price draws upon her own experience as a breast cancer survivor to create a story about one woman’s determined and solitary journey into the unknown―in hopes that she’ll find her way back home.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction

268 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2017

About the author

ECPA Christian Fiction Bestseller (June 2014, July 2014)

Amazon Top 100 Author for Books & eBooks (January 2016, September 2013, August 2013, May 2013, April 2013, February 2013, January 2013, December 2012)
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The author of over 30 novels, Sarah Price publishes with Realms, an imprint of Charisma House and Waterfall, an imprint of Brilliance Audio.

Her book, An Empty Cup, was #3 on Amazon Top 100 eBooks in January 2016.

Follow her on social media:
Blog:http://www.sarahpriceauthor.com.
Facebook: http://facebook.com/fansofsarahprice.
Instagram: @SarahPriceAuthor
Twitter: @SarahPriceAuthr
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SarahPrice

FAMILY HERITAGE

During the early 1700s, the Preiss family arrived in America aboard an old sailing vessel called the Patience. The family left Europe, escaping Catholic persecution for their Anabaptist beliefs. Sarah Price comes from a long line of devout Mennonites, including numerous church leaders and ministers throughout the years.

In 1969, Sarah Price was born in Pennsylvania and lived on the land of her ancestors, Johannes Preiss and "King Tammany", otherwise known as Tamanend, a chief of the Lenni Lenape nation in the Delaware Valley.

In the early 1970s, her family moved to Morristown, New Jersey where she still resides with her husband, two children, and assortment of animals.

Ms. Price has advanced degrees in Communication (MA), Marketing (MBA), and Educational Leadership (PhD).

Ms. Price was a former full-time college professor. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, she now writes full-time.

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a sobering yet relevant topic...breast cancer.

In The Faded Photo Frances, married and mother of a tween and teenager, learns she has breast cancer. It was educational and heartbreaking to go through the journey with her.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew!
As I'm reading this book about a woman going through cancer treatments, I'm wondering, "Am I really going to like this book? It's so different than any other book I've read in the last few years." But I couldn't put it down, and it will be a book that will linger in my thoughts for quite some time.

Frances, a great mother and wife, who is the epitome of class, organization and control, has just been left with a ticking bomb in her hands, and is now a member of the cancer club, as they call it.

Trying to keep it together so her family is not affected by this life altering event, Frances just can't find the right time to tell her family.

Meanwhile, a lonely elderly woman, going through the same treatments becomes her new friend. Madelyn, by virtue of both wisdom and past poor choices becomes in integral part of Frances' emotional and spiritual healing.

The photo of the title eventually plays a part in the story and it did surprise me. I got so caught up in the story I didn't even think of the photo.

If given a choice of reading an historic Christian fiction book or a book about a woman battling cancer, I'd choose historical fiction every time. But truthfully I cannot say I'm sorry I read this. Terrific writing, kept my interest from this morning until late tonight, and not one I'll soon forget.

I'd recommend this to anyone who is going through the same battle, or know someone who is, because I'm sure all the emotions Frances went through, and her troubles with not wanting to be a burden to her family will resonate with many people.

[Constantine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.0/5.0

This was a great read about a protagonist who becomes a patient of cancer. I loved Frances' character. She was very genuine in her feelings. We get to understand how as a housewife she is neglected and not well treated by her husband and her children despite being the one taking care of all of them and handling everything.

I personally have a close relative with cancer so I know about the accuracy of the diagnosis and treatment process that the book talks about through the story and I think this accuracy comes from the author who personally suffered from this disease. I have read many books in the past that have characters with cancer but many of them sound very naive and uninformed, unlike this one.

I have won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and this is my honest and unbiased review and opinion. The Faded Photo gets a 4.0 out of 5.0 stars from me.

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. This women's fiction novel really delves into the emotions the main character experiences when she is diagnosed and then treated for breast cancer. I love the realistic, imperfect main character, Frances, and how she is ultimately changed through the trial she has to undergo. I stayed up a couple of nights just reading through this because I couldn't put it down. I recommend this especially for Christian readers searching for true women's fiction that deals primarily with family relationships/marriage/parenthood, but it's definitely an excellent read for those who enjoy mainstream women's fiction, as well.

[Patricia Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think every woman should read this book whether your life has been touched by breast cancer or not. If your life has been touched by cancer it is even more of a must read. No book has touched my very core as this book did.

[Lisa Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman's journey through cancer is told in a stark, yet compassion inducing manner. Written by a cancer survivor, this fictional story would be helpful for anyone starting their battle against cancer or a family member or friend lending moral support to them in their journey for health and life.

The good, the bad and the ugly are frankly, yet humorously addressed regarding family, friends, doctors, nurses, hospitals, cancer treatments, etc.

This book is very helpful! Authentic about the journey's serious implications, yet humorous.
Highly recommended!

[Cathy Cavalcante · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just recently finished reading this book, The Faded Photo, by Sarah Price and let me tell you...it is an amazing story of 'Hope in the Darkest Hours'!
'I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion and was not required to write a positive review.'
THAT being said...Once I started reading it, I could hardly put this book down! I can relate to this story in many ways...while some aspects are different from my own life...in many other ways, they were the same. For her first time writing 'women's fiction', Sarah Price hit this one out of the park, mainly because she COULD use her own personal life experiences to weave this tale into such a believable and emotional story that kept me riveted!
The main character, Frances, is diagnosed with breast cancer and in her misguided effort to shield her children and not have it affect THEIR lives, partly from the way her mother always had to have things perfect, or at least 'appear perfect'....as well as Frances keeping the news from her husband, Nicholas, whom she feels is just too busy to be bothered and too involved in his work, that she just can't let it affect his busy schedule, though she does TRY to tell him...she goes it alone, save for her best friend, Charlotte...the only person she does tell. Through her hiding her diagnosis, her going through chemo, and trying to maintain a 'normalcy' in her home life...for the sake of her family...she neglects herself as far as the support she now NEEDS from her family.
At the Cancer Center, she meets Madeline, an older woman, who is also going though treatment for breast cancer...alone. They strike up a casual friendship and Frances learns some of Madeline's story about her own family...but things aren't always as they seem as Frances finds out in the end. Not only with Madeline, but in her own perceived notions of her children, her husband, her family life and a faded photo memory from the past, that ties it all together.
This is a story of fear, of hope, of struggles and of letting go of what you 'believe to be' and allowing yourself to see what 'really is'...and being open to letting people in and giving them the chance, at least, instead of pushing them away.
This story is a testament that healing is much more than just a physical thing...

[JenBsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I didn't love this one. It bumped up my TBR when I picked up a physical copy for the LFL (library book sale). I still went with audio/Kindle, both included in KindleUnlimited (I have a 3-month subscription from PrimeDays).

Admittedly, it is a hard topic (breast cancer) and while I haven't had major health concerns, I could identify with some of the characters thoughts about not wanting to be a burden, to keep the diagnosis to herself, not feeling like she could/should tell her husband as he was so busy. Of course, then it is frustrating when the husband and kids don't support her ... not knowing. Sad that such big changes (cutting off her hair, getting a wig, having a port put in, being tired all the time, being violently ill, spending the time at chemo) could go unnoticed, or not noticed enough for a couple of months. Was that realistic, even with an oblivious family? All the times they did ask "are you okay?" and she would say "I'm fine" which wasn't just hiding things, but then that's an outright lie on her part.

I think what bugged me though, was the whole "faded photo" theme, title, prologue and ultimate tie-in. Such a stretch, and not even needed for the story at all (in my opinion). Did the MC really learn anything from Madeline, other than some support when she needed it? Madeline's "gift" ... giving so much, bringing her(Francis's) family back together (per some of the last lines of the book). WHAT? What did Madeline have to do with anything, other than apparently disrupting her own family? Francis's family would have reacted exactly the same way regardless of Madeline, once they found out, it had nothing to do with Madeline. They never even met Madeline. Francis didn't really even know her and I don't think much of anything really changed in her own life because of knowing Madeline.

Labeled as Christian fiction ... there was more GOD talk than I like, although it really wasn't overly Christian, and I didn't really even get any connection to faith.

3rd person / Past tense - all from the POV of the MC Frances.
Snuck. Emollient.

[DianFlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful. Provocative. Poignant. Emotive. That's what this reader has to say about Sarah Price's astounding new release, The Faded Photo. Drawing on her own experience as a breast cancer survivor, Ms. Price has penned a story about a 42 year-old woman who finds herself encountering every woman's nightmare—breast cancer. Frances Snyder certainly has no time in her busy life for breast cancer. However, it found time for her and she sets out to conquer it...alone. She expects perfection from herself as does her family and her dearly beloved "jerk" of a husband. Sorry for the name calling, but Nicholas totally fits that description—too busy with his career to make time for Frances. So she faces chemo alone, successfully keeping her illness a secret. The self-centered jerk ... er, Nicholas, rather (sorry), is even too busy to notice she is wearing a wig and so what if she's staying wrapped around the toilet from the ravaging effects of chemo. But God puts an unexpected friend in Frances's life, offering her hope and light in the midnight hour of her soul.

What a thought provoking, eye-opening book this was for me! My emotions were in a tailspin as one minute I wanted to wrap my arms around Frances and the next I simply wanted to shake her! However, she was not unlike so many women...losing her own identity for the sake of her family. I truly thought this would be too dark a read, but actually it was an intriguing one that I finished in two short evenings. I could hardly put it down! Interspersed with humor, insight, and a surprising conclusion, I highly recommend this book to every woman. Not simply a novel about breast cancer, The Faded Photo also deals with a dysfunctional family who needs healing. Sarah Price has truly established herself as one amazingly diverse author—who is able to write anything from Amish, YA, and contemporary fiction with finesse and the ability to totally captivate her audience.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion and was not required to write a positive review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frances is on this journey and its a journey she believes is better kept under wraps, some secrets are better left that way in private. But along the process she struggles with friends, family and healing. Can she fight this her way and have it go the way she planned or will she need those close to her more then she realizes?
Where can I even begin with this book. This book hits super close to home with me. This book is not a traditional amish book that Sarah is known for but this book is just as good and just as amazing. I truly read this book in one sitting and was not going to bed till I found out what happened. I had a very much love hate relationship with Carrie and Nicholas and wanted to reach in the book and throttle Nicholas. I loved Andy his sweet spirit no matter what but a typical teenager all the same. I really enjoyed Madeline and how Sarah gave her this mystery that a made you want to know more about her. I loved how Sarah did not make this family perfect how she made them feel like you were catching up with friends rather then reading a story. This story is so worth the read and you so can not go wrong.

[C Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking

I didn't know what to expect with this book but after finishing this, I found myself thinking about the message.

Frances Snyder was always striving to be a perfect mother and wife. Typical of most woman's lives, her home life is very demanding and always hectic. Unfortunately Frances is diagnosed with breast cancer. She is of the mindset a wife and mother always keeps going. She decides she can handle this on her own and to protect her family. So Frances has all the tests, then endless doctor appointments and even most of the chemo without sharing with her family. Her family does finally find out and a lot of emotions are finally free.

This is Sarah Price's first novel about women issues. I was struggling with M's Price's portrayal of Frances and wondering how a family can be so oblivious. However the more I thought about it, the more I recognized myself. Women can be a faded photo in her role as wife and mother. We do forget to caretaking with love is not just for our family. Thank you for this insight. I look forward to more of your books M's Price.

[Barb Peterson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I understand this website is "good" reads - but I have to give an honest review of this book about a woman facing cancer. It is TERRIBLE. If you have ever worked with a woman who thought she was the only one in the world who had ever had a baby or experienced a disease such as cancer, that is what this book is like. It is just so over the top with " I have to protect my family" - I ask from what? " I have two children and they have activities " - I say BFD - so do a million other people! And she is already taking Xanax - I say for what - her stressful life of volunteer work & 2 kids. Then there is the cancer information she had learned from "her research". I roll my eyes and say "oh puh-lease" . There is no reason she needs to " go through this alone" other than the fact that she's apparently not very bright. When she finally decides to tell her husband, she drives to his work unannounced, after hours and pretty much barges into a meeting. Ridiculous. I am on page 83 of 257 and I am done and throwing it in the trash. Only reason I got to page 83 was inability to find the charger for my kindle!

[Sonnetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a highly emotional and gripping book. Frances is a mom is wants to handle everything on her own. She wants to be the best wife, mother and woman. She does not leave much time for herself. Even after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer she does not stop. I love how the author dealt with the issues a cancer survivor faces after diagnosis. I could not help but laugh at being reminded that we are not alone in our struggles. One of the sentences that got to me was on Page 229.
" Each day she had moved through her routine with no one showing her any love or tenderness. Instead, everyone had just focused on their own needs, not realizing that Frances had been just barely treading water in the sea of neglect."

The lessons of our past has such a profound influence on our present and future.

I would recommend this book to anyone going through a tough time. It is a reminder that we do not have be alone unless we chose to do so.

[Judith C. Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful novel well done


What a pleasure to read this novel from Sarah Price. It is rich with truth, deeply drenched in her own life experience.
It is clear the author has matured as a writer. Insightful and interesting, the characters and plot grab the reader. I particularly liked the thread of family dysfunction that wound throughout the story. But I applaud the message of hope that leaves a tough ending feeling uplifting. The photograph in the title is a small thing that becomes most significant in the end. The message here is clear...family matters, and cancer isn't just a disease. Chemo doesn't kill you, but the cancers in your relationships just might. I love this novel for its many layers that bring insight to the reader. In addition, this is a damn good story.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have the tissues handy!

When I started reading this book, it seemed like I was just going through the motions. Before long my perception changed and I was hooked, and I was so touched that my own emotions spilled over. Hence the warning about having the tissues handy.

In addition to dealing with the subject of cancer, this book opens up into how the diagnosis affects everyone involved. It certainly opened my eyes and has forever changed my life because it is such a candid look at a difficult subject.

Highly recommended!

[Denise Levendoski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Sarah Price and Goodreads.com I won this book in a Giveaway.

I am so torn about loving this book and hating it ! The way the family treats their mother is alarming and I just wanted to smack each one of them. Personal servant came to mind. On the flip side the mother let them treat her like that. Deeply concerning.

I was happy that the family was able to refocus their energy on the mother and her situation, which is something that everyone needs to do. Whatever it takes !

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking and enjoyable book. As you read, you share a woman's breast cancer journey, get to know her family and her new friend. And get inside the head of a woman who follows the faulty pattern of her mother In her marriage and home. And the whole time I was reading this, I wanted to give her daughter a good old fashioned spanking....if she'd gotten a few when she was much younger, I doubt she would have been the brat she was in this book!

[Tammy Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its Superbly Written Once Again Sarah Price

I felt like I was in the story. It made me cry in a couple of places as it reminded me of my own experience with cancer. My Mom passed away 12 yrs ago with Pancreatic cancer. I thank God he allowed us to be with Mom her last hours. Thank you Sarah!

[karen downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice reminder

I was taking back at this book. It's a nice reminder to live. The author constructed great characters that you hated then find redemptions in and as she drives her final meaning to not hold grudges and live life. I can easily imagine the author as very introspective and definitely would read more books by her and recommend this to others.

[Regina Reighard · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't have to go it alone

The story is of one women's quest to go thru the chemotherapy alone. While her personal journey takes its course she finds that those who are in her life love her more that she imagine. In the end of one's life a renewal of family and love come full circle.

[Cheryl Olivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way the story was told. It was very nostalgic and takes place just 15 minutes from my home. The story was close to my heart. I even got angry at times for the fact that the main character, Frances didn't tell her family she had cancer. She didn't want to complicate their lives. I highly recommend this book. Overall a great read!

[Tina Kaiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good lesson

This book kept me intrigued. I had many late nights trying to sneak in a few pages. The writing was done so well, it drew me into the emotions of the characters. Maybe because I can identify with wanting to be the strong one who keeps everyone together. Such an important lesson on the importance of family and friends.

[Kmt1944 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who can really know how one will react to a cancer diagnosis. Especially if a person has been taught to put herself last in everything. This was an enlightening and emotional story of a woman who tried to do it all without her family. Negligent husband and spoiled children. One good friend. And somehow matters were taken out of her hands and better things ensued.

[Sherry Vycital · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant and lovely

The Faded Photo is a beautifully written story. Not only insightful to the walk many who face cancer treatment might experience, it invites the reader to join characters intimately through their own inner journeys, whether patient, family, friend, or caregiver. Complete with a lovely “aha!” ending, this book has touched me deeply.

[Linda Bennicoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faded Photo

This was another fabulous book by Sarah Price. This book makes you see things in a new perspective. It also shows how much we need our family in our life even if we don't think so.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my first to read by Sarah Price. I couldn't put it down. It was such an amazing book about courage, strength and faith during such a dark time in ones life. I look forward to reading more by her because I just became a huge fan!!

[Paulette Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peace at Any Price?


When she is diagnosed with cancer and her husband cannot spare her five minutes to even discuss it, Frances revisits the history of their marriage and how she got to this point of worthlessness.

[JoAnn McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful! The story is about a woman who finds out she has cancer. The author is remarkable with the description of what cancer patients go through. It was an eye opener! The story, the characters and the true meaning of the book will stay with me for a very long time !

[Deb Wolshuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads Giveaways. Thank you.

Good story. The weak minded and stubborn Fran was infurating, but a good lesson for those who lean toward putting everything before self.