Hello! Welcome to the next stop on the blog tour for The Last Wish of Sasha Cade hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. I'm really happy to share my thoughts on this book with you!
Title: THE LAST WISH OF SASHA CADEAuthor: Cheyanne Young
Pub. Date: October 2, 2018
Publisher: KCP Loft
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Pages: 320
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, TBD
The day Raquel has been dreading for months has finally arrived. Sasha, her best friend in the whole world -- the best friend in the whole world -- has died of cancer. Raquel can’t imagine life without her. She’s overwhelmed and brokenhearted.
And then a letter from Sasha arrives. Has she somehow found a way to communicate from the afterlife?
In fact, Sasha has planned an elaborate scavenger hunt for Raquel, and when she follows the instructions to return to Sasha’s grave, a mysterious stranger with striking eyes is waiting for her. There’s a secret attached to this boy that only Sasha—and now Raquel—knows.
This boy, Elijah, might be just what Raquel needs to move on from her terrible loss. But can Raquel remain true to herself while also honoring her friend’s final wish?
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I received a book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Last Wish of Sasha Cade was a remarkable book about love and loss. Cheyanne Young thoroughly ripped my heart out at the beginning, but she slowly tapes the pieces back together as the story progresses.
Despite dying really early on, I felt like Sasha was a very prominent character within the story. She left letters and video messages, cards and personal items, so it was like she was still there in a lot of ways. I think it helped both Raquel and Elijah to be reminded of her often, and Sasha went above and beyond to create unique adventures for them. I really enjoyed seeing what Sasha had planned for her favorites, and I'm glad she spent some of her last moments crafting something so thoughtful and spectacular.
At first I was a little frustrated with Sasha's one rule, but it makes sense later on. I could tell it was killing Raquel to keep the secret, and I would have been bursting to spill it myself. Who wouldn't want to tell the world about Elijah? He may have been secretive, but he really did get the shit end of the stick when it comes to childhoods. The guy has persevered and overcome many obstacles to get where he is today, and he still manages to find time for Raquel and whatever Sasha might have them do next. He was so sweet and always there for Raquel in the ways that mattered.
I was a little worried about Elijah at the beginning. He was too hesitant to talk about himself, and it felt like he was hiding something. Not an I-killed-someone-and-dumped-their-body-in-a-river vibe, but like he was is trouble and didn't want to get anyone else involved. I wish he had opened up to Raquel sooner, but I really liked their slow-burn romance. When something finally happens (in like the best possible place), it was perfection. It was seriously everything I wanted for the two of them.
I loved Sasha, Raquel, and Elijah! I also adored the secondary characters and thought they all played important roles. Raquel's father is gone a lot for work, but he makes time for his family when he's home. He knows when something is wrong with his daughter, and he wants to be there for her when he can. Additionally, I liked how much all of the adults seemed to care about the children. They were invested in their lives and asked important questions. Izzy, at the flower shop, is a beautiful person. It would be lovely if all bosses were as kind and considerate.
I wish Raquel had loved herself as much as she loved Sasha.
I wish Raquel had loved herself as much as she loved Sasha.
If you're looking for a sweet romance, awesome friendships, and a fantastic story, The Last Wish of Sasha Cade has all of that and more.
About Cheyanne:
Cheyanne Young is a native Texan with a fear of cold weather and a coffee addiction that probably needs an intervention. She loves books, sarcasm, and collecting nail polish. After nearly a decade of working in engineering, Cheyanne now writes books for young adults. She also runs a bookish Etsy shop.
Cheyanne lives near the beach with her family, one spoiled rotten puppy, and a cat that is most likely plotting to take over the world. Her newest book, The Last Wish of Sasha Cade, releases in 2018.
Cheyanne is represented by Kim Lionetti of BookEnds Literary.
Giveaway Details:
3 Winners will receive a finished copy of THE LAST WISH OF SASHA CADE, US Only.
Tour Schedule:
Week One:
9/24/2018- Literary Meanderings- Interview
9/25/2018- Dani Reviews Things- Excerpt
9/26/2018- A Gingerly Review- Review
9/27/2018- Moonlight Rendezvous- Review
9/28/2018- Adventures Thru Wonderland- Review
Week Two:
10/1/2018- BookHounds YA- Review
10/2/2018- Novel Novice- Guest Post
10/3/2018- Smada's Book Smack- Review
10/4/2018- Do You Dog-ear?- Review
10/5/2018- Here's to Happy Endings- Review
Week One:
9/24/2018- Literary Meanderings- Interview
9/25/2018- Dani Reviews Things- Excerpt
9/26/2018- A Gingerly Review- Review
9/27/2018- Moonlight Rendezvous- Review
9/28/2018- Adventures Thru Wonderland- Review
Week Two:
10/1/2018- BookHounds YA- Review
10/2/2018- Novel Novice- Guest Post
10/3/2018- Smada's Book Smack- Review
10/4/2018- Do You Dog-ear?- Review
10/5/2018- Here's to Happy Endings- Review
Oh boy, this one sounds like a heartbreaker! I already want to hug Elijah. I'm a sucker for sweet guys who have overcome lousy circumstances. And hooray for caring, involved adults in a YA novel!
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely heartbreaking, and it happens more than once, but it's totally worth the read. Elijah has a tragic past, and a complicated present, but there are a few people trying to give him a better future. He's also a really great hugger (according to Raquel), so hug away!
DeleteRight?? I love how involved the adults are. Even though they lost their daughter, they still invite Raquel over for lunch and dinner. They ask her about her day, school, work, college plans -- they're still there for her. Raquel's own parents are attentive and voice their opinions like parents should.
I cried so much in the beginning of this book, but by the end, it was all happy tears. Such a great ending.
ReplyDeleteThey synopsis says Sasha is going to die, but I was still unprepared for her actual death. She meant a lot to her parents, Raquel, and Elijah. It shows in how they act afterwards, and I loved that she took the time to send them on adventures.
DeleteThe ending was perfection! I'm so happy the author chose to wrap things up the way she did. <3
the topic sounds really touching but it looks well done too so I'm curious
ReplyDeleteA touching topic that was beautifully written and wonderfully executed! I highly recommend it. :)
DeleteYou and Sam have convinced me. I need to read this.
ReplyDeleteYay! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. <3
DeleteThat sounds kinda sad but good too.
ReplyDeleteIt was incredibly sad at the beginning, but there's also a lot of happiness. I feel very hopeful after the ending. <3
DeleteThis book sounds like it tugs at the heartstrings. I look forward to reading it. Thank you very much for the heartfelt review of the book.
ReplyDeleteYoung definitely tugs at the heartstrings! I was her willing puppet for the entirety of this book. I never wanted to put it down, and I was really invested in the lives of the characters. I hope you have a chance to read it soon! :)
DeleteI am really looking forward to this one! I know it will probably make me sob, and that's ok. I love that Sasha is still a big character in the book.
ReplyDeleteThere was a lot of sobbing at the beginning, and there were quite a few tears at the end. It was just so perfect! I was also thrilled that Sasha played a large role in the story. It really helped me connect to her on a more personal level, and understand why Raquel loved her so much.
DeleteI've had my eye on this one because I kept seeing the pre-order giveaway for it. Seems like I should've given in and bought it. :-)
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I'm kicking myself for not pre-ordering it! I saw the giveaway a few times, but dismissed it. I'm just lucky I was able to participate in the blog tour! It's an incredible book, Nicole. :)
DeleteThis sounds nice, and I like that the parents are involved/ invested in their kids- that's always good to see. I'm really liking these standalone contemps that make you feel positive and hopeful at the end- I never used to read contemps but now I'm finding there are some real gems.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those beautiful gems! It was heartbreaking and bittersweet, but there was love and new beginnings. Sasha new it would be hard for Raquel to move on after her death, so she created a grand adventure for her best friend and Elijah. She also tells Raquel that it's okay to find happiness even though she's dead. It was such a lovely story with brilliant characters -- I highly recommend it! <3
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