The Color of Snow

by Brenda Stanley

When Sophie, a beautiful 16 year old girl, is found sequestered in a cage-like room, she can recall only the red flag at the end of her drive and the warnings about a curse. She has known only a desolate and snowy home. Her new relatives, whom she had never met, insist on calling call her Callidora, and she wonders why they insist on calling her by this strange new name. The mystery is resolved when she finds out why her father had caged her, changed her name, and felt he had to keep her under lock and key. Solving the mystery and facing her challenges means she can free herself from the demons of the past and live a normal life.

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Abuse, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Teen

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2024

About the author

Brenda Stanley is former television news anchor and investigative reporter for the NBC affiliate in Eastern Idaho. She has been recognized for her writing by the Scripps Howard Foundation, the Hearst Journalism Awards, The Idaho Press Club and the Society for Professional Journalists. She is a graduate of Dixie College in St. George, Utah and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She is the mother of 5 children, including two sets of twins. Brenda and her husband Dave, a veterinarian, live on a small ranch near the Snake River with their horses and dogs.

Reviews

[Giselle · Rating 4 out of 5]

" […]no matter how much I prayed, what I did, or how I changed, I would never be treated like everyone else. I would always be the girl who was raised in a cage."
-Quoted from the uncorrected proof

While I'm not sure what I truly expected, The Color of Snow far exceeded what I was hoping for. A tale of love, loss, and self discovery, we get the highs and lows of Sophie's story: Kidnapped as a baby, she's now 17 and entering a world far more complicated than she could ever have imagined.

Not only do we get alternating point-of-views from Sophie and her kidnapper (who she knows as Papa), we learn the story systematically going to and fro, her past and present. This builds curiosity, creating anticipation for the eventual disclosure of her complicated life. It lets us understand the sequences of events and their circumstances that eventually brought on her distraught situation, as well as her beliefs. Scattered throughout, we also get a few pieces of the story told from subsidiary characters that, except for Carpo whose manuscript story felt out of place, manage to really fuse the chain of events together. Out of the two main POVs, however, it's hard to pick a favorite. Papa's is the past, the unraveling of the story that is impossible to not capture your full attention and leave you thirsting for more. Then Sophie's present; her reentering society after living secluded her whole life is incredibly enticing with emotional ups and downs that leave you saddened, but hopeful, with humorous moments to lighten the air. Though not having an effect on the story, I did find the time period of the book felt off. A setting of the 1990's to almost present-day, rather feels decades old. I'm placing most of the blame on the story's location of a small Mormon town where its residents live an old-fashioned lifestyle. In any case, it's just a matter of adjusting your mind's eye.

Curses, religious differences, mental illness, old-fashioned beliefs and ways of life, abduction, abuse; layer after layer, we're thrown into this tale that has so much going on, though not overwhelmingly so, that it becomes truly extensive and fascinating. Consequently, it's hard to predict how it's all going to tie together, as well as what is real, and what's not. Is Sophie really cursed, or is her grandmother simply crazy? One part of the novel that I was a bit iffy about, was the talk of religion as it often breaks the deal for me. Dealing with tough subjects, set in a very old fashioned small town, God and Faith surrounds this plot quite a bit. Fortunately, the way Brenda goes about incorporating it is actually welcoming. The perspectives we get are from people who are skeptics, making it very open arms. It fits so seamlessly in the plot that my initial concerns were left unfounded.

Overall, I found myself wholly consumed by this novel. It's heartbreaking, yet strangely beautiful. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone who enjoys books that deal with strong subject matters and unraveling secrets.

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For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads

[Hilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

“What color is the snow?”

“White,” I said, sharply.

Stephanie squinted and took a deep breath as she looked out at the field. “How do you know it’s white? Who taught you that snow is white?”

Sophie is the girl who lived in a cage. For seventeen years of her life, she has lived in isolation with her father. Her father told her that this is for their own good. The outside world is bad, and this is his way of protecting her. Bars in her windows and tall chain-linked gate are supposed to be Sophie’s barrier to the outside world. Her father did all these things to protect Sophie… wasn’t he?

Papa didn’t mean to kill Damien. He shot him because he wants to scare Damien… not because he wants Damien dead. There is no mirror in their house because it takes away from focusing on God. Sophie is a curse and she has to keep hidden, because anyone who loved her would die. Sophie’s mother is dead because of her. Sophie has always believed her father, but when things happen and she has to live with family she believes hating her, secrets start to come out. Now it’s time for Sophie to choose which side she has to believe.

I’m not very fond of drama on every page, but I’ll make exception for this book. This book is full of raw emotions and surprising twists. It’s a very complex story when a girl has to suffer because of what generation before her did. The characters in this book are vivid and very realistic. I’m so relieved that Sophie meets Stephanie, her step cousin. Stephanie helps Sophie questioning about the life she has always known. She’s truly a best friend to Sophie.

The curse is not something that I expected. Brenda Stanley did an amazing job of showing us parts when Sophie’s parents met. The author leads us to believe that the curse might really exist. I was taken to a journey with Sophie to unravel the secret behind her birth and the curse that was said put upon her. The ending is full of hope and I’m really glad how it turns out. Sophie may always be the girl who lived in a cage, but in the end she learns how to free herself.

I knew it was for the best and tried to accept why it was necessary. But even though I had never been to another person’s house or seen another girl’s bedroom, I knew in my heart that this wasn’t right…that I wasn’t normal. My isolation was even more apparent, and for the first time in my life, it mattered.

Read other reviews in my blog! :)

Catch the Lune

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three Stars: An enthralling read about old secrets and a girl hidden away for years trying to find her footing in the real world.

The loud banging reverberates through the small house. Sophie’s father hands her the gun and tells her it is up to her now to finish it. The police are at the door. He tells her again that everything he has done was to protect her from the harm that exists in the outside world, and reminds her that he loves her. The police woman barges in and finds seventeen year old Sophie huddled in her closet. Papa is hauled away and Sophie learns that she is the missing baby known throughout Idaho as Callidora. She was kidnapped by her father from her maternal grandparents when she was just a few days old. For seventeen years her father hid her away in the quiet hills of Arbon Valley. Sophie has been alone with no friends, except Damien and Donnie the boys that used to come and play when she was eleven. Now, Sophie is going to live with her grandparents and try to find her way in the real world. Can she really find love or is she truly under a curse?

What I Liked:
*I knew the minute I saw the synopsis that I had to read this one because it is set in Idaho, the state where I grew up. I am familiar with every single location in the book having traveled there on numerous occasions. The author does a wonderful job of bringing the Idaho setting to life. From the rural farm lands, the small towns and the culture right down to the green jello with carrots, a Mormon staple. I especially appreciated how she showed how difficult life can be in a small town that is predominately Mormon for an outsider due to prejudices.
*I was fascinated by the entire story and eagerly flipped the pages to learn how everything plays out. The book relates the tale of a young couple who engage in a forbidden love back in the early 1990’s. Fate tears them apart and they are separated. Each never forgetting the other, but the world is cruel and circumstances keep them away from each other until the fateful day of the birth of their illegitimate child. The girl is reared in a small house in the sequestered hills of the Arbon Valley. Not knowing that she was kidnapped. The reader sees the world from her sheltered and naive eyes, as she slowly tries to acclimate herself to her new surroundings. Sophie is convinced that she is cursed and that everyone who loves her and shows affection toward her will die. Imagine never having contact with anyone and being forced to live a strict lifestyle. Her story is engaging and interesting.
*I admired Stephanie, Sophie’s step cousin. She is a girl who attempts to rehabilitate Sophie and show her that some of the religious dogma she has beens spoon fed by her father is erroneous, along with the idea that Sophie is cursed. She tries to show Sophie the good in the world and shelter her from the evil that is roosting in her own home. I was heartbroken when I found out the truth about her past and why she almost ended her life. She is a strong and admirable young lady, who not only is fighting from the horror in her own life, but also against the prejudices that come from not being a part of the Mormon in-crowd that is the majority of the small town.
*I loved how Ms. Stanley was able to weave together the events of the past with the present in order to give the reader a full understanding of all the secrets, betrayals, heartache, mental illness and misfortune that led to Sophie’s kidnapping. In the end, the reader is presented with a fascinating, complex read with some surprising twists. I truly raced through the pages wondering how everything would come out for Sophie in the end. Could a girl surrounded by so much heartache and sadness find a bit a peace and happiness?

And The Not So Much:
*While I appreciated the author relaying the history and backstory behind the events, it was a little jumbled in its delivery. For instance, the story would flash back from present day to the early 1990’s and then to the mid 2000 years and then forward. There was no pattern for the glances to the past, and it tended to jump around a bit.
*The narration shifts from Sophie’s first person narration to a third person narration with a couple of strange interjections at the beginning of the chapters that were Sophie’s voice in present day looking back. I wish the book had stayed with one type of narration.
*I was disappointed that I didn’t get completion on the back story of Sophie’s Aunt Elise. She has a hand in the events that ultimately tear the young couple apart and it seems that she is haunted by her role. Unfortunately, there wasn’t any further expansion on her story. I wanted to know why she disliked Sophie, was it because of her guilt? What happened to Elise after Vee dies how did she deal with all the aftermath?
*I was very confused over a scene that occurs when Sophie attends a youth stake dance. There is a moment where it seems that there is some type of paranormal activity that leads her to Damien, but it is never explained. I was left scratching my head over that one and wondered just exactly what happened.
*There are some dark themes in this one such as suicide, sexual abuse, mental illness, betrayals and lies. A few times I feared that it was going to get uncomfortable as the story delved into some dark subjects. Thankfully, the author steers clear of the details and just eludes to the bleak material.
*I am not sure that I completely agreed with Sophie’s sudden change of heart at the end. She spends the entire book questioning her full existence and then it seems she is able to let it all go and just move on. I felt that her actions weren’t quite in line with her previous thinking and behavior. Furthermore, I was a little bothered by the fact that Sophie never received any kind of professional mental care after spending her entire life sequestered away. I think trying to acclimate a young girl to the outside world would definitely require the intervention of a mental health professional.
*Another storyline that was dropped and not finished was the involvement of the detective Carpo who worked on Sophie’s kidnapping case. He has an ulterior motive in trying to get Sophie’s story, and at one point he ends up driving her to Boise to see her father and then he just disappears after that leaving me wondering why he was even a part of the story.

The Color of Snow is a book that lingered with me for days after I finished reading it. This is a haunting and powerful story that covers so many different angles and events that snowball into heartbreak. Can a girl overcome her burdensome, lonely childhood and step into the real world and find a chance at love? It truly is a thought provoking read.
Favorite Quotations:
“I felt my body collapse into her. The relief was like a warm blanket on a windy night.”
“Just because she goes to church doesn’t mean she’s a good girl.”
“It rained all day; the sky was exceptionally gray. It was as if the weather was scripted for a day of sorrow.”
“I felt my secret was slowly killing me, and the only way I could get relief was to talk about it. I was still scared that once it was out, it would sprout wings and fly out of control.”
“These people are pathetic. They are so small town that they aren’t happy unless they are feeding off someone else’s pain. If you lived somewhere else, you wouldn’t have to deal with this.”
“One of these days you’ve got to just go for it. Hold your head high and don’t care about what people think or say.”
“People need religion because they need something to blame terrible things on, or give credit for the good. It’s used to make people feel guilty so they do what’s right.”
“It seems the more I learn about my life the more complicated and difficult it becomes.”
“That is life. You can either accept it or bury your head in the sand, but either way, eventually you must face it. It does no good pretending things will go away.”

A big thanks to Nicole at Tribute Books for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. Be sure to visit Tribute Books for more information on this title and many others.
Originally posted @RainyDayRamblings.com”

[nick (the infinite limits of love) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read more of my reviews at Nick's Book Blog

The Color Of Snow had an interesting premise that immediately caught my attention upon reading the synopsis. The concept of a kidnapped and caged young woman isn't one that I have seen very often in YA books. I'm really glad I joined the blog tour for this book because I ended up really liking the story.

Sixteen years old Sophie has lived an isolated and caged life with her father since she was a baby. He prevents her from having any contact with the outside world insisting that he's protecting her. Because she loves her dad, she obediently heeds him. When she was younger, she met two boys, Donny and Damien, who secretly came to visit her. Tragedy strikes after she kisses Donny and he finds himself dead. Sophie continues her secret relationship with Damien a few years later eventually falling in love with him. Soon after, her dad finds out and attempts to shoot him. The result ? Police officers swarm their home and Sophie finds herself whisked to her mother's family's, who she didn't know existed, place because it turns out she is the famous missing child, Callidora.

As you can figure out, Sophie was an extremely vulnerable and delicate character. Having lived her entire life caged and not knowing that it was something wrong, she found herself being confused and uncomfortable with what was going on around her. Her dedication and love for her father acted like a definite obstruction to her new life, but I thought the author dealt with it in a believable manner. Discovering the outside life after having lived a life similar to a zoo animal isn't something that's easy to get over. The author did a fabulous job at depicting Sophie's new reactions and feelings to the whole process. It was almost like a culture shock to her since her life with her dad was completely different from the lives of others. She wasn't allowed to have friends, she wasn't allowed to look at herself in a mirror, she wasn't even allowed to watch television. Sophie was brave to have been able to go through something like that knowing that life on the outside was much more happier. Sophie wasn't a character I necessarily identified with, but she was one I sympathized with. You can't help but feel for her after all that she went through in her childhood. Her innocence and vulnerability is what made her character likable for me. She gradually began to mature while learning about everything around her, showing her inner strength. Sophie was a unique, complex and refreshing character whose head I liked being inside.

There was so much going on in the book that you can't help but keep flipping the pages until the very end of the story. Family disputes, religious clashes, curses, kidnapping, new relationships and growing up all formed part of the plot line. This kept me engaged throughout my reading process and ensured that I wasn't bored. The author tackled the issues in the book in a masterful way and I do applaud her for that since this isn't a topic that's easy to write about. Most of all though, I loved the originality and uniqueness of the story line. The growing friendship between Sophie and Stephanie, her step-cousin, was also one aspect I loved in the book. It seemed genuine and I appreciated how Stephanie helped her out. There were also so many questions that kept popping into my head whose answers I was yearning to know and fortunately they were all answered at the end of the book. Also, the author blends the past, which tells the story of Sophie's dad, and the present, to ensure that the reader is well-informed of the history behind Sophie's kidnapping.

The Color Of Snow ended up being an intense book that had me immersed in the plot line. It's a different story from the usual YA books and that's a good thing. We need new and fresh ideas in this genre now and Brenda Stanley provides us with exactly that. To sum up, The Color Of Snow was an intense, highly emotional and breath-taking read.

[Tia Bach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever finished a book and sat breathless, unable to close it?

After reading The Color of Snow in twenty-four hours, I sat and did just that while uttering one single word... wow.

When the story begins, Sophie is being rescued from what appears to be her kidnapper, but who is actually her father. Torn from all she's ever known, Sophie is given back to her mother's family. People she has never met. She's confused, delicate, and afraid.

Sophie's mother and father, Luke and Vee, fell in love hard. A tragic event tore them apart and started a chain reaction of dishonesty, dispair, and death. Sophie is now living with the burden of a curse, one that she believes causes people she loves to die. A curse conjured by her own grandmother.

Terrified to lose those dear to her, Sophie struggles to love. Her newfound cousin, Stephanie, fights to get Sophie to see her own power in the choices she makes. Can she love her new family and Damien, the man willing to prove the curse wrong?

With each page turn, I tried to guess what was coming next. I couldn't. The author does an amazing job building an intricate and seamless storyline. Rarely have I seen flashbacks so effectively woven into a story. Never was I confused or disoriented, because each piece was carefully constructed to not give too much away but always keep the reader engaged.

There's so much about this story to love: memorable and haunting characters; a well-paced, intricate storyline; emotionally charged highs and lows; unforgettable story developments; and the desire to know more when it ended. It's stunning, taking the reader on a journey of sadness and salvation. The scene where her father finally admits the truth took my breath away and broke my heart.

If you aren't yet convinced to read The Color of Snow, I'll leave you with the opening sentence. One I believe is an excellent example of hooking the reader from page one: It had snowed over five inches the day I was born, and it wasn't until the day I was saved that the snow was as deep or as blue.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

[Cecilia Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to thank Tribute Tours for giving me a chance to read this wonderful story.

The title of this book plays a significant part in this story. The beginning starts with "It had snowed over five inches the day I was born, and it wasn't until the day I was saved that the snow was as deep or as blue."

The end: As I stood taking in the view lie a rebirth, I couldn't help but notice the snow. I marveled at how deep it was, how endless it seemed... and how blue."

Absolutely beautiful.

After Sophie is found by the police after 16 years living with her father, she is taken to live with her grandparents. Not only is she gawked at, but there are people who are waiting just to take advantage of her innocence. In the course of the two years she learns to trust her instincts, and learns who to trust.
It was really great to read how the writer alternated different POVs. The main views were Sophie and her father's, but in between sparsed with other characters. Just when I read,thinking I knew what the story was all about, it took a sudden twist left me wondering why I hadn't seen that coming.

Every one of the character thought what they were doing was to protect their loved ones, and like a chain reaction each of those reasons ended up unknowingly hurting them, or other people they cared or didn't care about. It was good to read about Sophie's journey, finally discovering everything about her life. I enjoyed reading about the characters in the story, but the ones who touched my heart most - other than Sophie - was Stephanie, and of course, Sophie's father. Stephanie is a survivor despite what happened to her. Her friendship, advice and encouragment wowed me. So wise for a girl so young. Luke, Sophie's father. He'd lost so much, survived it all despite everything else that stood in his way. I really liked his stubborn nature. I was shocked at his twisted logic about his idea of protecting everyone against his daughter. As I said, lots unexpected turn of events in this great story. Ms Stanley did a good job of creating characters with individual flaws, pasts, and problems just like every other person.

I look forward to read more works from the author.

[Paula Ratcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gripping story. This one grabs you from the first page. When Sophie is found living with her father in a cage of a bedroom it's up to the police to rescue her from her father. Everything Sophie has known has been turned upside down. She has been taught to not get close with anyone due to a curse, what she doesn't know is that tragedy strikes everyone. You also learn about a relationship between Luke and Vee who ultimately are Sophie's parents you also learn about mistakes everyone made in life. Sophie finds solace with her cousin Stephanie. Stephanie shows Sophie that the world is hers and she needs to make herself free of her crazy upbringing.

Sophie learns alot about the people around her who have left the world at different times. She learns that simple explanations were not given would have made Sophie feel not so freakish. She also ends up falling in love with the boy her father shot Damien whom she had been friends with for a long time. About how he never gave up on her even when she pushes him aside.

This was a great journey for Sophie and I felt like I was right next to her. It was a great book full of mystery and parts left made you wonder how crazy some people can be. Definitely a book for those ya junkies! Loved it!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book. I am enjoying how Brenda develops the story by laying a foundation, then skillfully telling the story in two different timelines. This not only creates interest, but creates anticipation for what is going to happen next. She also broaches difficult subjects that deal with complex family dynamics, religion, crime, and morality. I am enjoying Brenda's descriptive writing style that allows me to empathize with the characters in the book. I am anxious to try her other works.

[Lissette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie Theotokis has led a very sheltered life. Her father has kept her out of the public eye from a very young age and has done everything in his power to make sure no one knows where they live or who they truly are. She's made do with what little she has and has never questioned her father whenever he's issued her an order. Yet she cannot deny that she yearns for something more.

Her solitary existence has taught her that she's not supposed to co-mingle with others. Yet when she's introduced to her neighbor's sons, she realizes she's missed out on quite a bit. She begins to yearn for company and does everything she can to spend as much time with her new friends, never knowing that there will be consequences for her doing so. Her father has always told her that she's cursed. That she can never truly let anyone else to come in contact with her. Part of her considers that fact as some sort of lie, one he told her to keep her near him at all times. Yet when one of her friends disappears unexpectedly, she can no longer deny that her father might have been right. She's cursed and anyone she kisses or comes in contact with eventually dies.

When it's discovered that she's the baby girl that was kidnapped seventeen years ago, Sophie's not sure as to what to make of the revelations that have come to light. In her mind, everything her father has done has been for her own protection and she can't quite fathom that she's who people now say she is. The appearance of a family she never knew makes her feel as if she's on the outside looking in. They're strangers to her and she doesn't know a thing about this new family. Never-the-less, she's willing to give things a shot in order to get to know these people she must now live with.

Sophie does her best to adjust to her new life, although that's easier said than done. Despite the fact that the secrets about her past have surfaced, there's quite a bit she doesn't understand. Her new family is willing to give her the time to come to terms with everything and have even gone as far as helping her make friends and go to school. While all of it has been quite daunting, she's come to the realization that sometimes having someone around when everything seems so hopeless is actually quite reassuring. Yet even that has its disadvantages.

She does her best to overcome her doubts and insecurities despite the fact that she yearns to return to the way things were before. Throughout her entire ordeal, there's one constant she's never truly gotten rid. Her love for Damien follows her every wake. She'll do anything to know whether the two of them can ever have a chance at happiness. Part of her wants to explore that option, while another keeps her tied to the shadows she's always lived in. Her entire world has been turned upside-down and she's no longer sure of what is right and what is wrong. She also knows she'll need to place trust her in someone else's hands if she's to succeed in moving forward. Unfortunately, the ghosts of her past are intent on keeping her from doing just that.

Chock-full of topics that aren't normally covered all at once in books these days, The Color of Snow is a thought-provoking book that touches upon subjects like that of religion, incest, and mental illness. The author has done an incredible job in creating a world that is sure to pull the reader in from the moment they begin reading. The amount of research that went into this book is greatly apparent as we dive into the life of Sophie Theotokis, her father, her new family, and the history surrounding their existence.

This is a book that's definitely worth reading. Granted, it's not romance, exactly, but there are elements of it throughout the entire book. The Color of Snow gives us a glimpse into the circumstances surrounding several lives that weren't of the characters' choosing. These lives have been tightly intertwined throughout the passing of time, culminating in an end that none of them ever saw coming. Engrossing and truly intriguing, I truly recommend this book for reading.

[Diana (Offbeat Vagabond) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original post here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-color-of-snow-blog-tour-indie.html

Wow! To say this book took me by surprise is an understatement. The level of tragedy is heartwrenching, but so profound. From the first page, you are immediately sucked in. How deep this story goes is amazing and will leave you breathless.

The Color of Snow follows a young girl named Sophie whose lived a very sheltered life. She has been brought up differently. All she does is read, draw and do chores around the house when her father isn't home. Her father keeps her in their home away from people because he warns her that they could hurt people. He says they are both cursed. But Sophie is always daydreaming about having human interactions with others especially the boy she has been in love with since she was eleven. Of course, dad never knew, but things change one day that could stop her from seeing him forever when it seems the curse has made an appearance. But Sophie doesn't know the true extent of who she is and whether her father or the people who claim to be her lost family are lying to her.

Goodness, this book was hard to read, but in a good way. It is so heartbreaking, you do need to stop and catch your breath a few times. I love Sophie and the emotional rollercoaster she puts us on. A girl who has been told one thing all her life, kept isolated most of her life thinking she is cursed. I love that even though she is told these things, she wants to be more. She is brave and strong, but she doesn't know it. You relate to her a lot and root for her to find her own answers and herself. She learns how to do more of that though through her "kind of" cousin Stephanie. Meeting her is one of the best things that happens to Sophie. You will love her, trust me.

I love how the book alternates between Sophie's POV and her father's. It really builds up the mystery of the story more. You really can't stop trying to get to the bottom of it all. We see Sophie flashback to when she first met Damien and all that has happened to them to this point which lead to strange people knocking at her door. She is definitely scared and all she wants is to go home. Just imagining a girl being sheltered and then thrust into another family in less than a day is just overwhelming. You share those feelings with her. I love following her journey to discover the truth. It is such a significant part of the story and her life as a whole. Then her dad's story of his love for a girl he shouldn't be with because her dad saw him as nothing but a mule. The pain they both share is intense, but more so with her dad. His story is where the actual romance comes in, not much with Sophie. But the things that follow are just...goodness, I can't say it.

Another review that is difficult to write because it is so good and I don't want to reveal too much. Stanley has done such a beautiful job with this book. She handles topics in this book that most avoid and does it in a way that feels real and not like propaganda. This is one of the freshest YA books I have read. It packs a punch and the fact that this is Contemporary is surprising given that this book isn't as paranormal as it sounds. You are good Stanley. Seriously, this book feels so real, but you wouldn't have guessed that it wasn't paranormal. But even with my unconditional love for all things paranormal and fantasy, this book managed to feed into that without actually having it (that made sense, right?) The Color Of Snow is one of those reads that when you finish it, it will stick with you for a while and probably have you crying for sometime too. This is a very thought-provoking read that I believe everyone should be reading. Okay, I am stopping here, spoiling is becoming too tempting. Read this pronto!

[Kelly Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets, lies and a hint of the supernatural had me unable to put down The Color of Snow until it had revealed the depths of its mysteries. The constant change in both time and PoV made for great pacing and kept me eager for more!

Told from two different PoVs, from both Sophie and her father Luke, gave The Color of Snow the opportunity to flesh out a truly all-encompasing history surrounding Sophie's kidnapping and subsequent sequestering. Luke's PoV was written from when he was a teenager dealing with the death of his father and the guilt of being blamed with causing the fatal fire which took his life. It was captivating to be leaked details at a slow and steady pace and his chapters always ended just short of revealing even more - which, of course, caused me to read further! I really sympathized with Luke, up until he kidnapped Sophie. I didn't fully understand why he didn't just exercise his right as the father in order to gain custody.

As for Sophie, she is probably the most innocent protagonist I have ever read about. A life spent without consistent human interaction has made her naive and slightly fearful of the world past her front yard. I was confused at first, over why she wasn't more sullen or withdrawn, but I quickly realized that while her father may have kidnapped her and kept her from society, he did love her and that was never something she doubted. His belief that he was merely protecting her from causing others harm did take it's toil on Sophie though - she's a delicate protagonist and a lifetime of beliefs was not something she was able to overcome easily. Her growth, however, is exponential in the grand scheme of things even if it seems minuscule compared to most YA heroines.

I absolutely loved Stephanie's analogy of the colour of snow, and how well it tied in to the title of the novel. It also went full-circle, come the end of The Color of Snow with Sophie's final discoveries and I really appreciated Stanley's forethought with this imagery.

There were a few things that bothered me in The Color of Snow though. For example, even though the time was clearly identified at the beginning of each PoV switch, I had a hard time picturing The Color of Snow as being set during the late 90s and into the late 2000s. I'm not sure if it was the multitude of religious propaganda and references to small town Mormonism or Sophie's slightly outdated manner of speaking, but I was caught off guard every time something current - like Facebook or a cell phone - was mentioned. I didn't believe in Sophie's love for Damien, as other then the time they spent together as children, I didn't get to see them interact much. She also didn't seem overly concerned about his health after being shot, or about seeing him now that she had the freedom to do it. I also had a hard time believing Sophie's fears of being cursed - like Stephanie points out, if she were truly worried about being cursed, about causing harm to those who love her, she wouldn't let her new-found family (or anyone, for that matter) get close to her for fear of hurting them. Actually, the whole curse theme in general lacked credibility when every example as to how Sophie was cursed was able to be explained away by logic. There was also a LOT going on. Besides Sophie's personal issues, there are references to mental illness, questions of faith, molestation and pedophilia.

Those few issues aside however, I really enjoyed The Color of Snow. The constant shroud of mystery made for great pacing, as there was always something else to uncover. I didn't necessarily relate to Sophie, but I enjoyed following her on her journey of self-discovery.

[Sky Rose Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It had snowed over five inches the day I was born, and it wasn’t until the day I was saved that the snow was as deep or as blue."

Synopsis

16 year old Sophie is rescued from when she has been locked away by the man she called papa but is he really the abuser seen by all outsiders or is he a man trying to protect the world from the daughter he loves very much.
After being discovered by the police Sophie is sent to live with her grandparents, will she settle for life on the outside world or will she yarn for the life behind closed doors where she was not stared at by all and treated like a social outcast.

Review:

How many ways can you say wow because you will be saying every single one. This book had me from the moment I opened it to the moment I closed, proverbially speaking since I had the ebook. It is a fantastic story which had me in tears before it even ended. I am trying not to spoil it for you because it is constructed so when each piece falls into place things make more sense.

This book is not only clever but has realistic although not always likable characters which adds to the overall dimension of the book after all not everyone is pleasant. The characters even those we know we are not meant to like are realistic, they come out as real people rather than a cartoon cut out of a villain. This book had me caring about the characters as if they were actually were. I laughed, loved and grieved with them.
As protagonists go Sophie is a damn good one, she portrays the naïve confined character very well although at times I was rather exasperated by her especially since the book deliberately makes the villain of this story rather vague. You are left wondering who to believe, who to like and who represents the real danger to Sophie.

The book also has frequent cuts away from the main plot line and explores several memories from Sophie’s past as well as the life of Luke Theotoktis, Sophie’s father. This serves as a useful device which explored the character’s past and shows how they became who they are currently, once again this adds to the all roundedness of the character making them more realistic in the readers mind.

The one thing that confused me about the book was the setting, while it seemed to be set between 1991 to 2009 it seems like it was set in the sixties. I may be looking from the point of view of a person who lives in London, known for its loose religious beliefs but I felt like the book was a bit heavy on religion but if life is that religiously orientated then cancel my flight to Idaho.

So here comes the verdict

This book is an amazing story about being human full of love and losses and managed to reduce me to tears several times, a record which has not been broken since I read Noughts and Crosses at 14.

Overall

I give this book a record high 5 starts with a super guarantee that you will enjoy it despite the slightly long page count.

[JennRenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow is all I can say. I am going to try to get through his review. It will be hard since I just finished the book and have not had time to let it all sink in. This book captivated me, broke my heart, and now haunts me.

The story, or should say stories were amazing. There was so much going on in this book and I really didn’t know what I was being thrown into. This is what I knew of the story… There was a girl, kidnapped, lived a life in isolation. The girl is almost grown when she found. Can she live a normal life? The story sounds pretty intense just from what I knew form the summary. The book is so much more!!! There are so many issues going around in this book, I felt that with almost every page my heart was being wrenched out of my chest. I am not going to give away any spoilers, so you will just have to read the book and I strongly recommend it.

The writing style is amazing. There are 3 parts to the story, the present, Sophie’s past and the beginning before she was born. The book does flash back and forth but in an amazing way. When it flashes fits so well that it’s hard to even notice the interruption. The biggest issue with the flipping back and forth, I wanted more of the story and had to continue reading. It was hard to put the book the down. I wanted to shut the world completely out and read. Warning: Do not read this book on lunch or breaks at work may cause tardiness and distractions for regularly performed duties.

Sophie was an amazing character. She is so smart, kind hearted, and very brave. She was told that she was cursed and at the cost of her happiness she would do what must be done to keep other safe. I adored her from beginning to end. I could not imaging going through what she went through and then try to live a normal life. Everything she was told growing up is different what she is told now. She loses the one person she knew growing up and she still embraced a new family.

Another great character that I have to mention is her cousin Stephanie. Stephanie is in your face, say it like it is, kind of girl. She takes Sophie in under her wing first thing and stays loyal to her till the end. She was an amazing supporting character and made the story that much better.

All the characters were strong. The good I loved, the evil I hated, and the ones that were in between I just felt sorry for. The story is focused around relationships, family, romantic, and friendship. I felt that each one was very real, vivid, and raw. Each character developed so well that I knew their reactions and actions before the story did.

I really think this is a must read book. It is definitely one that will leave you thinking about it long after it’s done. I dove deep into my soul and I am not sure I will ever full recover. Amazing, I look forward to more of Brenda Stanley’s books.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing story of a kidnapped child raised in isolation, accepting the situation because she knows no other. It follows her as she is introduced to the larger world and begins to learn to cope with it and to unlearn some of the misconceptions she grew up with.

While interesting and engaging, it is hard to imagine that one person could have such bad luck in a family: a crazy paternal grandmother and father, a dead mother, a controlling maternal grandfather (though somewhat softened by years), a well-meaning but shallow maternal grandmother, a self-centered aunt, a lecherous uncle, and a cousin reeling from abuse; even her first "date" is abusive beyond his years and the detective rescuer just wants her story for is own gain. Even Damien (despite being loving and handsome) shows a selfish lack of concern for Sophie by taking her to bed when she can't possibly be ready for that level of relationship (or the potential consequences that her mother faced at way too young of an age). And it's clear he and Sophie have a long road ahead, because her healing won't be the overnight process the book implies.

I think surrounding her with so many ill-willed people makes the story lack plausability. In addition, there were a number of things in the book that didn't quite make sense. First, when Luke first meets Mrs. Graham (while Sophie is in utero), she tells Luke she has 2 sons, but when Sophie meets the Graham boys 11 years later, Donny is younger than her. The editor should be fired for missing that alone. Next, if Theta Theotokis went missing ca. 1992, how did she manage to maintain her prescription drugs for the next 4 years? Why would Gene Richardson pick out a Greek name for his granddaughter when he was so reluctant (to put it mildly) to acknowledge Luke as the father? How could Luke legally inherit Pete's land when Pete was buried in the woods and his death was never legally documented? For all the world knew, he had just gone missing too. When Elise shoots Lonny, her father shrugs it off like it's no big deal that his daughter is headed to prison. Sure, Lonny and Elise aren't characters the readers like, but she's still Gene Richardson's daughter. I realize it's a teaching moment for Sophie, but it's hard to imagine he'd be capable of such philosophical distance within hours of the crisis.

Setting the inconsistencies aside, the novel does give the reader some intriguing things to think about, and I enjoyed the read.

[Sana · Rating 3 out of 5]

"It had snowed over five inches the day I was born, and it wasn't until the day I was saved that the snow was as deep or as blue."

When I began reading The Color of Snow it never occurred to me that the first line of the book will sound so beautiful at the end. It also never occurred to me that Brenda Stanley would overwhelm me to the point of feeling and empathizing with the characters as though they were real and breathing. That their happiness, their sorrow, their dreams will hum a tune I will recognize as my own.

The Color of Snow is longer than a typical contemporary book but it is different than any other book I have ever read. It reminded me that indeed, it is always darkest before dawn and that pain and suffering is not the end of the world. I was intrigued that despite being contemporary, how could it be that the mystery does not have any paranormal element in it. Needless to say, I ended up admiring the mystery part of the story.

Sophie has lived in isolation all her life because of the belief that people need to be protected from her. She doesn't know why this needs to be but she understands it and had adjusted to her life. Sophie's upbringing is done in a very unusual way with some very strange religious concepts. They do not have a mirror in their home for instance, because it takes away the focus from God to vanity. Luke Theotokis, her father, is rumoured to have kidnapped his own daughter from her mother's home after she died during childbirth.

In all its entirety, The Color of Snow is paced perfectly and the alternating chapters of Brenda's story, the events leading up to her birth (Luke's story) and a part of Brenda's younger version all blend together to form a very emotive and thought-provoking tale. I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the story Luke had to tell and what changed him from being an atheist to such a religious person. How Sophie adjusts to her life in her grandparents' home and with Stephanie after her father is taken away to jail for attempted murder of Damien. And just how Damien entered Sophie's life.

The Color of Snow is a heartbreaking story of Sophie adjusting to a normal life, letting go of her beliefs and finally, discovering herself. The title is very significant to her story and I admired how Stephanie played a significant role in saving Sophie. The Color of Snow is a gem of a book and I admire Brenda Stanley for writing such an intense book.

[Marie DeLaRosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie has always lived with her father, isolated from everyone else, she was accustomed to not having any contact with anyone in fear that the curse that haunts her would hurt the ones that got close to her, or at least that is what her father tells her…But after Damien, a boy she has gotten close to, tries to take her away and is shot by her father, she is introduced to a family she had been told did not love her and blamed her for her mother’s death. The Color of Snow is a book about self discovery and making your own future.

First I want to say that most of the books I read are mainly that of the Paranormal, Scifi, Fantasy genre, but I love to come across books that can grab my attention and drag me in just as easily. The Color of Snow did just that for me. Brenda Stanley has engulfed me by her writing, as throughout the book I felt as if I was right aside Sophie, feeling what she felt and encountering everything through her eyes. For those who watch Lifetime, I am sure you know how some of their movies can have you awing and tearing up easily, I felt as if a Lifetime movie was unraveling before my own eyes.

Sophie is introduced to a family she didn’t think would want her, but slowly and surely starts to connect with them in a way that she hasn’t been able to before. Though, like some of the girls from many books, Sophie is so stuck in what she had been raised to believe that she starts to push Damien, the boy that loves her away in fear of getting him hurt. Sophie had been told that anyone that loves her and kisses her will die, and because of that she has kept to herself so that she does not feel the burden of their death on her. I am happy to say that towards the end we see a much more mature Sophie who realizes that she is the one in control of her life and the “curse” does not control it.

The emotions and characters from the book are incredible as each draws you in more closely, like I said its as if you are right there with them, the emotions come clear across from the pages and you have no trouble connecting to them. I especially loved Stephanie, she was the voice of reason and the only one that really told Sophie how it is.

This book will have you astonished, wide eyed with tears as you go on the journey with Sophie about discovering the truth, coming into the realization of your future and love, love of family, friends and the one who you can’t live without. 5/5 Bats.

~Marie

[Jax O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought out the best of me and the worst of me. I teetered on absolutely loving it and wanting to throw my Kindle across the room because it worked up my emotions to the point of a break down.

“The Color of Snow” is a dramatic book with such strong characters that the constant switch of times with each chapter works out wonderfully. In fact, I think it made the book. The story has three time zones that it shares with its readers. One is the story of Luke and Vee. The second is the story of Sophie living with her father and the third is after her father has been arrested and she is living with her grandparents. If this had been any normal book, I don’t think it would have jumbled the reader but Stanley makes the transitions so smoothly that I was never confused.

The plot is filled with heavy emotions that are not settled until the very last page. As the reader, you will see that each section stores brutal pain, young love, desperation, lies, truth, friendship, self-discovery, and hope. To me, all these emotions are why I found myself absorbed into this book.

I am going to focus a little on the main character Sophie. I feel like if I go into the rest of the characters, I would be giving some secrets away. During Sophie’s younger years, she lived a very sheltered life. Her father kept her hidden in the house on a plot of land very far away from town. So when Sophie’s father is taken to prison, her grandparents get custody of her and a whole new world opens up. Normally, a whole new world would be something to be excited about. But Stanley writes Sophie’s character so well that you get to experience the fear, the wonderment, the newness, and confusion of a whole new world. In Sophie’s eyes, her new way of living was a little scary.



The only thing I will say that was confusing to me, and I have noticed that other reviewers felt the same way, is that the story between Luke and Vee felt like it was written in the past. When you read about their story, it is set in the 1990’s, but it feels like it could just be picked up and place in the 1920’s and work.

So, if you are looking for a book that can make you feel like you have been put through the wringer, this is the book for you. It will break your heart but mend it back together again and again.~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~

[Lizzy Lessard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore dark fiction. The Color of Snow is about Sofie, who believes that she is cursed. Those who love her die. And the reason I loved this book is that until the very last chapter, I wasn’t sure whether or not the curse was real. This is a non-linear book. It flip-flops between the current story of Sophie and the past with Sophie’s father, Luke, prior to her birth. Both Sophie and Luke are easy to sympathize with, and although Luke kidnapped his daughter at birth, as the story progresses nothing is black and white.

It felt like I was playing Russian roulette with each chapter, wondering if Sophie and the other characters would survive to the next chapter, particularly towards the end. Call me morbid, but I like the possibly of the star of the book dying. Extra props for possibility of murder or suicide. Although I loved the ending, there are quite a few unanswered questions. Without revealing any spoilers: I know what happens to Sofie and Stephanie, but all the other characters seem to be in limbo in the final chapter. I’m not sure if this is a setup for a sequel, but I’m really left wondering.

This book is labeled at YA contemporary but don’t expect the traditional romance. In fact, romance really takes a back-seat in this novel. There’s more development between Luke’s romances than Sophie’s. As someone who doesn’t enjoy romances much, its a plus. If you like your romances, you may be disappointed in that department.

I liked how the many of the characters evolved from past (Luke’s POV) to present (Sophie’s POV). Also, the grandparents were really fleshed out, as Luke and Sophie had very different perspectives on them. I also likes Stephanie – she was a great friend to Sophie and her past was nearly as messed up. My jaw dropped when I figured out what had happened to her. I totally wasn’t expecting anything like that, but it definitely helped the story. I liked the morals of The Color of Snow: Things aren’t always what people tell you they are. Bad things happen to everyone. You can either give up or keep going.

Overall, I really liked this book. But as a stand-alone, I wish some of the minor plot lines were tied up before the story concluded.

*I received a copy of this book as part of the Tribute Books book tour.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: Brenda Stanley
Published By: Tribute Books
Age Recommended: YA
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For GMTA
Rating: 5


Review:


"The Color of Snow" by Brenda Stanley was a real very interesting fiction and even though it was a long read, I found it hard to put down until I had finished it. There are just three words that describe this wonderful read and that would beabsolutely beautiful written...of a girl name Sophie that had been locked up from the world. Why would any father do this to his child? What is this curse and just where did it come from? You will find that this story will go back and forth from present day to past events...that will give you a really good story.


This author really worked her magic in her descriptions in this read and the title..."Color of Snow".... just what color was this snow that only starts at the beginning and goes until the last word? Sophie's journey which was very heart-breaking story that started at the beginning on this emotional roller coaster ride and discovering everything about her life....her dad (Luke) , mom, grandparents, a cousin...Stephanie...Danny, Damien...her friends...only naming a few because there are more that will simply keep you on this journey until the end. You will find that in this novel... love, loss, secrets, self discovery, social class issues, and a difference in religious beliefs. With Sophie being kidnapped as a baby ...now seventeen entering a very complicated world that will have you asking the question will Sophie be able to endure and just why did Sophie's dad Luke think she was cursed? There will be a lots of lies and secrets...a lots with many twist and turns that will be revealed in this novel. All of these questions that need to be answered will only be if you pick up this good read and find out what, why, and how.


After you finish with this read of "The Color of Snow" you will get the jolt of raw emotions that will leave you saying wow and the big question answered to Will Sophie be able in the end with she find the strength to lead a rich and full life? I enjoyed this read and I would recommend "The Color of Snow"d to you as a excellent read.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

[This review appears on Andi's Young Adult Books. I received a complimentary ebook in exchange for my honest review.]

Sophie's story is a tough one to read. She suffers from what is called "Stockholm Syndrome." Yes, she should love her father, but what he has done to her is unforgivable. She doesn't know any better, though, and is quick to defend him. At the same time, she is torn because she senses something isn't right. She deserves love but is brainwashed to think otherwise. She doesn't understand that people can love her. She doesn't understand what a normal teen's life is like. She has no idea what beauty is. I think one of the most heartwrenching parts is when her cousin finds a self-portrait that Sophie drew. It is all distorted, because the only reflection of herself she has ever seen is the one in the toaster. You just want to reach in and beat the man she calls "Papa." The more you get to know, though, you also start to feel a little sorry for him. It's heartbreaking.

Living with her grandparents, it is like the cycle begins all over again, only by different means and from multiple directions. Thank God for her cousin Stephanie, who is the source of truth and light in her life now.

Three stories are being told at the same time. One is present-day, told by Sophie in the first person, as she gets used to her new life with her family and away from Papa. A second one is set a few years before, also told by Sophie, about her growing relationship with Damien. The third is told in third-person about a man named Luke and the love of his life, Vee. Their story is also a tragic one. At first, when the story shifts to this first flashback about Luke, you're thrown off for a bit. As the book progresses, you begin to see how the stories eventually merge together.

What is frightening about this story is how plausible it could be. Think of the high profile kidnapping cases we have seen over the last several years. It doesn't even have to be a kidnapping case for some girls to be abused in this way. It's really sad, and unfortunately, that is what makes it so intriguing to read. I felt protective of Sophie, just like I would for any of my own "kids."

[Ruth Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most amazing young adult books I have read in a while. The story was expertly crafted, and the message came across in a very real way. I was drawn in from the first page through the very last sentence.

I connected with this book in a real way since I was married to a possibly schizophrenic man at one time in my life. He also came from a family where mental illness was a problem. Unfortunately, he did not control it through medication like he should have, and my marriage had to be dissolved to protect my daughter and me from living a controlled possibly violent life. The end of the book, when Sophie began to face the truth about her past, resonated with me, and I understood, to a degree, what she was feeling. Even using the Bible and God to justify her father's treatment of her was something that sounded familiar.

The way in which Brenda Stanley wrote the book was truly amazing. The beginning of the book reminded the reader of similar stories in the news, and I felt that I had to keep reading so I could put all the pieces together. The author jumped back and forth between various years in the character's lives, and so the reader is often left hanging and wondering why something happened or what was going on. But in the end, all the questions were answered--I was certainly glad of that!

I appreciated the fact that there were no bedroom scenes, and the profanity was extremely minimal. Real issues such as racial prejudice, religious intolerance, pedophilia, and murder were dealt with on a real level. Even the discussion of whether "curses" were real or not was explored. And the message of not having to follow established family patterns and breaking cycles was dealt with in an understandable fashion.

I can't recommend this book enough to everyone. I have never read anything by Brenda Stanley, but she has quickly become one of my favorite young adult books. The book was a very readable book, and its message will resonate with a good share of readers.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All her life, Sofie has thought she was living under a curse. Her father kept her secluded from the world to protect others. When Sofie’s Papa is arrested for shooting the boy she loves and her only friend, she is taken away from him and forced to live with extended family she never knew and questions everything she was ever taught about herself and the world around her.

I think the author did a great job at capturing the feelings of Sophie and the hardships she had to face when she learns everything about her family’s past. I also felt that the scenery descriptions were lovely, there was something very serene about the way it all came together. I did like the fact that Brenda wrote this book in different points of views in different periods of time but at a few points in the story, it would jump to Sophie’s point of view in the present or future. It wasnt explained who’s POV it was or when it was written (which was different than the rest of the chapters which clearly stated that information) so I thought a bit of clarity on that end would have been nice. While the love between Sophie and Damien was very pure, I didn’t really FEEL their love, nor did I ever get a sense that she loved him other than the fact that he was her first and only friend. More descriptions of their time spent together while growing up would have brought this story together beautifuly.

I also enjoyed the fact that while there are religious aspects to this story, there were all different sides presented and the Author didn’t try to steer the reader to believe in any certain religion.

It’s hard to read about a girl who thinks she doesn’t deserve love or that she needs to hide from love because she will end up hurting others. It was great to see Sophie have such a wonderful support system of family and friends to help her realize that she deserves to be happy and that sometimes what we are taught in life isn’t always true, just like the color of snow isn’t always white.

All in all I did thing that The Color of Snow was a lovely book.

Via http://thereadiacs.com

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Color of Snow is a story that will stay with you well after you finish reading the last page.

Sophie lived with her father in a remote cabin in Arbon Valley. She almost never left the property, had no friends and relied on her father for everything. She believed him when he told her they lived like they did because he was protecting them. At the age of seventeen, her entire world crumbles when her father is arrested for shooting the boy who was trying to save her. Forced to live with a family she knew nothing about, she must learn a whole new way of life while trying to understand what this means for everything she knew before.

The story flips between Luke's (Sophie's father) version of events up until right after her birth, a young Sophie's version of events and Sophie at present day. As we flip from the different points of view, we get an understanding of what drove a young man to do what he did as well as how that decision not only affected himself, but Sophie's life and those of both of their extended family.

Sophie is in a spot that no one would want to be in. On the cusp of being an adult, you suddenly find out that everything you believed in was wrong. She handled these turn of events with a strength that is awe inspiring. She tried to fit into her new life, but she didn't take everything everyone said at face value and instead asked questions to gain understanding. She wanted to know what had led to her father taking her and why he felt it necessary to keep her isolated.

What was even more heartbreaking, to me, is when she discovered that everything with the way she lived seventeen years was due to mental illness. While that discovery destroyed whatever foundation she had left of her old life, it also opened her up to rebuilding a new life, with the man she loves, without worrying about curses.

This was a tough read, but the characters were wonderfully thought out and written, with a storyline that kept you wondering exactly what happened all those years ago.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew going into this read after the first few chapters that it was going to be a complicated story. One that was not just Sophie's story but Luke's as well. Maybe not even just their story either, but maybe all the characters stories.

I also knew once finishing it that writing a review for it wasn't going to be easy. Nothing about this story was easy, except maybe how easy it was to get swept into the storyline.

It was definitely unusual and had lots of twists and turns and was just...well, I don't think I have the proper words to describe it.

I really hope I can write a review that will give this book justice.

This book has a lot of very real and very serious issues in it. It isn't a light YA read by any means.
It deals with so many things that you are bound to get caught up in lives of the people, in their emotions, in their struggles, their love, their hate, and their sickness.

Stanley really did a beautiful job writing this, especially considering some of the heavy issues and circumstances that it covered. It is a raw gritty take on mental illness, on abuse, on love, on friendship, and on family.

So much transpires in Sophie's life and in Luke's that intertwines and all lead back to one another, things you don't always see coming and that knock you for a loop.

Sophie was a really strong character but not in the normal sense. There was a lot she didn't know and had to discover about not only herself but about life in general too and there were times that I didn't know if she was going to make it, if she was going to be as strong as she needed to be to get through it all, but she was and I was proud of her in the end.

This is one of those stories that will make you think and keep you on the edge of your seat in suspense wanting to find out more, wanting more of the story and wanting to know how it ends.

I give this one a very sold 4 Stars!

[Christie Cote · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Color of Snow by Brenda Stanley
★★★★☆
Sophie was discovered to be the missing girl, Callidora, who had been kidnapped by her father when she was a baby. She had been discovered because her father shot her friend Damien, who only wanted to save her from her caged environment. Only Sophie had known that the cages were not to keep her in... but others out. It was believed that she was cursed and would bring harm to the people she loved. She had been sheltered for sixteen years and had not ventured from her property, and now, she was being thrust into the world with a family she had never known. Before long, she found out not everyone had her best interests in mind.

This story had a lot more depth to it than I expected. It was a fantastic read that made me really feel for the characters, even the father who kidnapped Sophie. This wasn’t a clear-cut kidnapping; there was a lot more to it, and most people did not understand.

I liked that the book had the father’s point of view from the past and Sophie telling the story in the present, while also referring to past events. I really liked getting to know both characters and getting a different understanding than I thought I would have when I started this book. I thought I would hate the kidnapper, but it wasn’t that simple. I also didn’t expect what was found out in the end, even though I should have figured it out with the clues in the book. There was foreshadowing, which was used well; I just didn’t think about it deeply enough. I liked that I didn’t figure it out, though, because it was more of a mystery that way.

The author had a wonderful use of language and created vivid images. I liked how easy it was to picture the scenes in my head, making the story even more enjoyable.

I received this book from Tribute Books for review.

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I would like to thank Tribute Books for allowing me to be a part of this tour. When I first read the blurb for this book I was intrigued by it. It is not a normal YA read and I would actually consider it a NA or New Adult book because of the issues it deals with. With that being said I have to say this story captured my heart and caused me to go threw a box of tissues. It tore at my heart and left me reeling with raw emotion.

Sophie does not know what the outside world is like. She is kept locked up in her father's house and she is not allowed to see the outside world. But Sophie is hiding a secret from her father and that is she has been seeing two boys who are her best friends and they decide to get her away from her father. As their friendship develops Sophie will lose one and cling to the other. The living brother falls in love with Sophie and tries to get her out of her house when he is attacked by the father and the police have to intervene.

Once the police get involved they figure out who Sophie is and they tell her she has been kidnapped and taken away from her mother. As she is returned to her mother the secrets start to unravel. What Sophie finds is that she will treated differently and people will treat her badly. As she struggles through her feelings and her uncovering of the secrets and lies she has to decide what she will do and who she can trust.

This is a must read but I must caution you that this book is full of raw emotions and issues that will tear at your heart. Thank you Brenda for writing such a great book and not being afraid to write what you felt. I really loved it and I know people will love it to.

[Sara Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, this book started out kind of slow for me. It flips back and forth from present day events and then the past events surrounding Sophie's disappearance. Here's the weird thing- after I finished the book I literally slapped myself in the head because all of the signs were there pointing to the ending. Had I thought a little longer about everything you're reading in the book- I would have figured it out. I went from sympathizing with Sophie's father because he never got a fair chance and he was doing what he felt was right by kidnapping Sophie. I mean, it's a little messed up but I can absolutely see how this could be logical. Then once you learn more about Sophie's paternal grandmother and what she did to Sophie, then you start thinking perhaps this entire situation is completely screwed up. And then.... THEN Sophie goes to the home she shared with her father and when she finds what she finds... oh boy. It's not that I didn't like Papa in the end, I just felt sorry for him.


Let me just say that in the end you'll probably feel incredibly sorry for Sophie and at the same time relieved that her story ends up as it does because to think of what could have happened? Kind of terrifying.


So when you read the book, don't get discouraged about the slowness of it in the beginning. Try to think through everything you're reading otherwise you'll find yourself re-reading some pages at the end because you'll be totally caught off guard with the ending. This was a really great book that I finished in just a few hours because I had to know what the hell Sophie's father was doing and why. It just didn't make sense until the end. Trust me.

[Cheryl Malandrinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this novel, but the official synopsis fascinated me. Who would willingly lock their daughter away from the world and why? What is this curse and where did it come from? Is Papa good or evil?

All these questions and more were answered in this moving, beautifully told story. Told from two point of views, The Color of Snow captures the reader quickly and doesn’t let go until the last word. The present day story is told by Sophie, as she tries to come to terms with being separated from her father, wades through her confusion over what–if anything–she should believe about her new family, wonders what to do about her relationship with Damien, and copes with the difficulty of being a legend in her own community. The story of a romance from the past is told from Papa’s POV.

In addition to her well-drawn characters, Stanley manages to portray what I would say is an accurate picture of how Sophie’s peers react to her. Some are kind, some are cruel, and after years of isolation Sophie is ill-prepared to deal with the way they treat her. She’s also not sure what to make of her step-cousin, Stephanie. Not only does this girl have secrets of her own, she’s much wiser about how the world works. They form a great bond, but Sophie isn’t quite sure if she should act the way Stephanie suggests. I loved the friendship between these two young women.

The Color of Snow is a superb story. I stayed up late reading it. I pushed the chores aside to read it. I wasn’t satisfied until I read the last word, and then I wanted to read it over again. If you like mysterious stories with engaging characters, you’ll want to read this one.

Highly recommended.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I think this is one of the best books I've read this year. I laughed, cried, and got really pissed off!
This book changes from past to present, but not too fast. This story is told by Sophie, or Callidora, her birth name. It is the story of her life as she lives with a curse that was put on her family. Stolen by her father at 2 days old, Sophie is hidden away for years from her mother;'s family and society as a whole and also to avoid hurting anyone with the curse. It tells how and why she is kept out of the public eye, and also how she tries to forge friendships along the way.
You know a book is good when you feel and display the same emotions as the characters in the book. There were a few parts that really pissed me off asking myself, "Hasn't this girl been through enough?" It was one of those books that kept me awake until 4am. The only thing negative I have to say about this book is that it could have been more descriptive. I wasn't really seeing the faces or bodies or clothes the characters were wearing. The same with the landscape. I was halfway through the book before I could picture in my mind what this one landscape looked like. But, as I said, that was the only negative throughout the whole book for me. What made me sad was the fact that Sophie doesn't realize how much she is loved.
**IMPORTANT**
There are sensitive situations in this book. I don';t want to give this away but, in my opinion, this book would be best suited for ages 18+.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book begins with Sophie living through the arrest of her father. She has been living with him in isolation. She has had two friends and has never gone to school. This does not meet that she is uneducated or backwards, she is a resilient young lady who has never know her life to be different.

She remembers events from her life and how she started to learn that her life is different and there is more that she is missing. Her flashbacks to her younger life occur as she is being questioned at the police station. She finds out that she is a missing child and that her maternal grandparents have been searching for her for 17 years.

The events leading to her kidnapping by her father are complex. I enjoyed that we learned most of them through the POV of her father. His story is also shared illustrating past events. He had a rough life, dealing with his Greek families expectations and trying to fit in to a society that he felt shunned in.

The story deals quite a bit with Sophie learning about what happened with her parents, re-entering society, learning about her mother's family and their religious views, and her trying to adjust to life in general. She is also very naive. This puts her in precarious positions.

This is a moving book. I couldn't help but feel sympathy for Sophie and her stuggles. I did struggle with some of the portrayal of extreme religious views. I am a Mormon.

Overall, this is a very well written book. It is very interesting. My only content warnings are mild swearing and non-descriptive sexual situations.