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.
