"Just as readers think they know how this story is going to end, a big plot twist changes the tale’s course. . . . Fans of Sarah Dessen and realistic fiction with a poignant and sad slant will find this an enjoyable read. VERDICT For general purchase, and especially for those school libraries needing realistic fiction." —School Library Journal
"A deeply moving tale of unimaginable loss and the redemptive power of love. Sedgwick masterfully delves into the painful details of losing a loved one, breaking your heart even as her beautiful words stitch you back together. Romance and friendship, true growth and authentic healing, this story blew me away. It takes a special book to bring tears to my eyes and make me swoon." —Rachel Harris, New York Times bestselling author
"Chantele Sedgwick's Love, Lucas, is a beautiful story about finding hope, first loves, and learning to live again after the loss of a sibling. With a fantastic cast, and the gorgeous setting of the California coast, this book is one fabulous read." —Jolene Perry author of The Summer I Found You
"A beautiful, moving novel of loss and love. Sedgwick’s elegant prose weave a heart-breaking tale that stays with you long after you have finished the last page." —G. R. Mannering, author of Roses
"An emotional summer of love, hope, and healing! Love, Lucas is easy to adore with Sedgwick’s real relationships, sweet romance, and tale of renewal." —Lizzy Charles, author of Effortless With You
"Chantele Sedgwick navigates the dark waters of grief with a deft hand and plenty of heart. Love, Lucas will drag readers under before bringing them back to the surface for a life-saving breath of hope." —Amy Finnegan, author of Not In the Script
"Just as readers think they know how this story is going to end, a big plot twist changes the tale’s course. . . . Fans of Sarah Dessen and realistic fiction with a poignant and sad slant will find this an enjoyable read. VERDICT For general purchase, and especially for those school libraries needing realistic fiction." —School Library Journal
"A deeply moving tale of unimaginable loss and the redemptive power of love. Sedgwick masterfully delves into the painful details of losing a loved one, breaking your heart even as her beautiful words stitch you back together. Romance and friendship, true growth and authentic healing, this story blew me away. It takes a special book to bring tears to my eyes and make me swoon." —Rachel Harris, New York Times bestselling author
"Chantele Sedgwick's Love, Lucas, is a beautiful story about finding hope, first loves, and learning to live again after the loss of a sibling. With a fantastic cast, and the gorgeous setting of the California coast, this book is one fabulous read." —Jolene Perry author of The Summer I Found You
"A beautiful, moving novel of loss and love. Sedgwick’s elegant prose weave a heart-breaking tale that stays with you long after you have finished the last page." —G. R. Mannering, author of Roses
"An emotional summer of love, hope, and healing! Love, Lucas is easy to adore with Sedgwick’s real relationships, sweet romance, and tale of renewal." —Lizzy Charles, author of Effortless With You
"Chantele Sedgwick navigates the dark waters of grief with a deft hand and plenty of heart. Love, Lucas will drag readers under before bringing them back to the surface for a life-saving breath of hope." —Amy Finnegan, author of Not In the Script
05/01/2015
Gr 7–10—Oakley Nelson has just lost her older brother and best friend, Lucas, to cancer. Her parents are heading toward divorce in the aftermath of their grief. Oakley herself is struggling with depression. Her mother decides to take her to California for a stay at her aunt's beach house. After they settle in, Oakley's mother hands her a notebook, containing letters from Lucas. They are full of funny memories along with some good advice, like "Try something new" and "Don't be afraid of being embarrassed." When she gets to the one written by her mother, Oakley knows this is the last letter. Oakley begins to see a way to be herself without her brother. Along the way she meets Carson, a surfer and kindred spirit who becomes her first boyfriend. Carson has his own problems that he is working out with his family. Just as readers think they know how this story is going to end, a big plot twist changes the tale's course. Although the parents are rather simplistically drawn, their grief is believable. Fans of Sarah Dessen and realistic fiction with a poignant and sad slant will find this an enjoyable read. VERDICT For general purchase, and especially for those school libraries needing realistic fiction.—Deanna McDaniel, Genoa Middle School, OH
