Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

YES! After waiting for what feels like forever, I got to read Lock and Key! Now I own and have read every Sarah Dessen book.

****Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen****

Originality- 18/20
Characters- 20/20
Remembrance- 9/10
Quote-ability- 9/10

Entertainment- 20/20
Ending- 10/10
Recommend to read- 10/10
TOTAL- 96
Grade- A

“Ruby, where is your mother?”
Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she’s been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return. That’s how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she hasn’t seen in ten years, and Cora’s husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking Web site around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, the promise of college and a future—it’s a dream come true. So why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give?

OHHHH Sarah Dessen....you've done it again! Let me just say that I LOVE that Sarah includes characters and places from past books in her new ones. Such as...

- Marshall, who is Ruby's ex-boyfriend, is roommates with Rogerson, Caitlin's boyfriend in (Dreamland).
- Ruby moves to Wildflower Ridge, a neighborhood created by Macy's mother in (The Truth About Forever).
- Nate listens to Annabel (Just Listen) on the community radio.
- Owen from (Just Listen) helps Jamie put together a CD for Cora, though his name is never mentioned.
- Also seen/mentioned in Lock and Key is Kiki Sparks (Keeping the Moon), Kristy and Bert from (The Truth About Forever), Barbara Starr (This Lullaby), and Mallory and her friends from (Just Listen).
- Nate is making gift bags with chocolate houses for a client who happens to be a builder; the builder is Queen Homes, run by Macy's mother (The Truth About Forever).
- Ruby first goes to Jackson High which is Caitlin's school (Dreamland), Macy's school (The Truth About Forever), and Annabel's school (Just Listen)
- Ruby later goes to Perkin's Day, which is Rogerson, Caitlin's boyfriend's school (Dreamland)

I got that list from Wikipedia, but I never noticed Kristy and Bert being mentioned, and I didn't know that the girls from the mall were Mallory and her friends. I guess it's because it's been a while since i've read the rest of the books..

I LOVED all of the characters, well except for Nate's dad. I really don't know what else to say. Everything was great. Sarah has a way of sculpting a story that makes you feel that you're reading about your best friend. Everything is just really realistic. I wouldn't rank Lock and Key as my favorite Sarah Dessen novel, but it's near the top. Overall Lock and Key gives you insight on a not so perfect life but supportive friends and family.