Francey by Martin Dubow

Francey is a young lady who is wise beyond her years. She lives with her father, Rick, who is a brilliant architect. Francey herself is quite a student with a passion for learning and is an absolutely spellbinding artist. But how has such a young child been graced with such immeasurable talent with paints, pencils, pastels, and paints? She lives with her loving father and attends a school near home. All seems well until the nightmares come; her nights are suddenly plagued by horrific and gripping nightmares that seem to possess her—but where could these terrifying dreams have come from?

Luckily, Francey has a sweet, lovely teacher, Ms. Gingery and her father, among others, to look out for her and help her sort out this dark mystery that plagues her sleep. Who is this mysterious Lady Susan Sebastian whose life was full of love, betrayal, and anguish and keeps reappearing in Francey’s nightmares?

Across the Atlantic Ocean, Lord Crimson is a man who has worked hard all his life and has accumulated great wealth and a title, yet there is something missing. Something that has thus far proved unattainable, despite the fact he has met with some of the most talented architects around the world. Completely sure, yet unsure of what he is looking for, he has already tired out many architects who have not been able to design Lord Crimson’s elusive building. Johnny Falstaff is called in, and he directs Francey’s father to his lordship, believing that Rick is the one who would most likely have the skill necessary to attempt to satisfy Lord Crimson’s wishes and design what he is looking for. Could Lord Crimson and his project hold a piece of the puzzle about Francey’s nightmares? Why would memories of Lady Susan and her star-crossed lover, Edward Delaney, from centuries back be surfacing in a sixth-grader’s dreams?

I don’t want to give away too much here, but Francey and the others soon find themselves delving into a mystery from the past that is more complex and surprising than they would have ever believed was possible! A maze of secrets surrounds the mysterious couple but Ms. Gingery, Rick, and other acquaintances are determined to unearth these long buried truths. But with the intensity of Francey’s nightmares increasing, will they be able to get to the bottom of the things before her nightmares consume her and prevent her from awaking ever again?

Author Martin Dubow has woven a gripping story of intrigue within Francey! Although it started off a bit slow and was a bit predictable near the end, Francey was a well-written novel with a great cast of characters! I especially liked the main idea behind this book—it was very interesting and extremely well played out in the book! I really enjoyed this book, and for all you out there looking for a novel with mystery, intrigue, adventure, and a healthy dose of romance, I suggest you go pick up a copy of Francey!