Reviewed by Diana Coyle
In “Framed In Love” by Clifton Wilcox, we are introduced to character David Cross, who is struck by lightning while he is painting the twisted oak tree he has in his backyard during a bad summer storm. From that moment forward, his life seems to change drastically. He realizes that he sees things differently than he did only minutes earlier, before being struck by lightning. Everything is crisper and more detailed to him. As he returns to his attic room, he passes the dusty antique painting his grandmother had passed down to him. It is a landscape painting depicting a Victorian park. He is strongly drawn to it this time, unlike when he has looked at it before. Although this time, when he looks at it, he’s actually transported into the painting. Realizing this can’t be happening, he looks around and locks eyes with the most beautiful woman sitting in the park that’s not in the original painting. From this moment forward, their lives will change forever. Purchase Here.
I truly loved the entire concept of David being transported into the painting and meeting Abby, who had been waiting for his arrival for some time. As Clifton Wilcox slowly unfolded his story and showed the characters getting to know one another, I felt the spark between David and Abby. I had hoped that maybe, against the odds of the entire situation, some spark could happen between them, even though she was locked in the painting. The whole idea of her painting an interpretation of another artist’s version of this painting, then being transported into the scene, and then locked into the painting, just made my mind truly believe that this was happening. I loved how Abby explained that, over time, the painting would start to disappear, as if it had never existed in the first place. In turn, she would eventually disappear as well.
I enjoy stories that have a strong setting for the characters to exist in, and “Framed In Love” didn’t disappoint. The idea that the setting of this story had two settings, David’s real world and the painted landscapes, made this a unique story to watch unfold as I turned the pages. I loved that the majority of the story happened in a painting. This idea truly blew my mind because it was never something I would have thought of before Wilcox did it in this story.
Clifton Wilcox is an award-winning author, a retired federal employee, and a college professor. He spends his time writing and traveling with his wife and children.
Overall, “Framed In Love” by Clifton Wilcox is one story that will grab readers’ attention and hold it until the very last words are read. It has an intriguing storyline, well-developed characters, and the idea that love may very well overcome any obstacles one faces, including trying to save someone who exists in a painting. Well done, Mr. Wilcox!