Cover Image: The Last Wish of Sasha Cade

The Last Wish of Sasha Cade

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Member Reviews

Very well written. Read it in three days. Probably would have read it faster but I was busy adulting. I LOVED It

•Love
•Loss
•Family
•Romance
•Self Discovery
•Acceptance
•Friendship
4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal and love leaves a memory no one can steal”

Book Name: The Last Wish of Sasha Cade

Author: Cheyanne Young

Genre: Contemporary Young Adult

Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Imagine you and your best friend, sitting on your bed, discussing a movie you just saw. Imagine sitting with your best friend in the cafeteria and complaining about a teacher. Now imagine finding out that your best friend has cancer. Imagine losing said best friend to cancer.

Raquel Clearwater is an average teenager who, for all her life, has lived in the shadow of her best friend Sasha Cade. She wasn’t unhappy. She was perfectly happy with this system. Until the day Raquel wasn’t a shadow anymore. The day her best friend, Sasha died. Although, Rocki knew this day would come, it still hurt like a ton of bricks. No one could have prepared her for this, not even Sasha.

The book gives you a roller coaster of emotions in the first few chapters itself. With the expectant death of Sasha, Raquel’s emotional breakdown and experiencing the raw and vulnerable narration of the situation. It’s not easy to function once a loved one has passed away and Young has given great thought in portraying those feelings. Everyone around Raquel gives her enough space to breathe and cope with the loss of Sasha instead of expecting her to act or feel in a certain way. It shows a great deal of how every person deals with grief in their own way.

But that’s not all, Sasha prior to her unfortunate demise, has planned a bucket list for Raquel and a mystery boy named Elijah. Cue entry of a handsome male, with a great build, rugged look, a motor cycle and piercing blue eyes. *drool* The pre-planned bucket list entails Raquel and Elijah to go on little adventures to give them some closure.

Not only, is Elijah super handsome, but also openly shares his feelings with Raquel. I guess it’s a Peter Kavinsky thing. Gives a fresh look on the whole ‘bad-boys-are-mean’ narrative. Bad boys have feelings. Boys/Men have feelings. Period. Raquel starts to fall for Elijah and learns of Sasha’s predictions of her feelings as well. #bestfriendbondforever

Raquel, doing right by Sasha, follows every instruction on the list, whilst also breaking a few major ones, tries to bring about changes in the lives of those who matter to Sasha. In doing so, she herself finds her peace and eventually goes on to becoming everything Sasha always wanted her to be.

A tear jerking book about friendships, forbidden romance, new relationships and moving on. Young has done an exceptional job at portraying life choices and how class differences shape who we are and who we grow up to be.

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Publication Date: October 2, 2018

Book Acquired: ARC, Netgalley

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The Quick Cut: A girl learning to adjust after her best friend dies of cancer is surprised when she starts receiving messages from her beyond the grave.

A Real Review:
Thank you to Kids Can Press for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cancer is a disease that affects everyone that the person whose dying from it touches. Something about watching a person's body betray them can really wreck you and those left behind can have a really difficult time adjusting to the new norm without that certain someone. In this tale, the girl with the cancer does everything she can to make sure her best friend moves on after her life ends.

Sasha and Raquel have been best friends for years. However, when the cancer diagnosis came for Sasha and continued to ravage her body, neither of their lives were the same again. In their small town, suddenly everyone was Sasha's friend and Raquel was spending all her time preparing for the today: the day her best friend died. There's one thing Raquel definitely wasnt ready for and that's Sasha's messages and videos after she died. She's sending her bestie on an adventure and she's NOT going alone.

The story here is very cute and the connection between the two girls really is the centerstone for the entire book. It's the thumping heart that the plot drives from and for this core piece, I applaud the author. They are more than just BFFs - they were really more like sisters. Yet, secrets come to light anytime someone dies and isnt there to protect them and its fascinating to see the play out for those moments. There's another character that plays a central role, but I can't talk about him without revealing too many details of the plot.

As enjoyable as the story is, it still has some flaws. The pacing for the major plot points is very odd and doesn't make for real smooth transition from one to the next. There's really 3 story sections and middle section felt too long while start and especially the end felt too short. It ends up feeling a bit like being on a malfunctioning car jerking back and forth.

Even with some odd pacing, this story about life after a death is quite charming and thoughtful with a strong heart at it's core.

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I LOVED this book, I had no idea what to expect going into it but it was so good. I cried so much while reading it but apart from that I have no complaints. It reminded me a bit of 13 Reasons Why if the tapes were positive and about drawing people together, not getting revenge. I liked how it didn't focus or dwell on the cancer rather focusing on Sasha's life and helping Rocky move on while also remembering her friendship and bond she had with Sasha. The characters were great and I could not fault this book in the slightest.

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The last wish of Sasha Cade had me feeling all the feelings. This book was absolutely adorable.It was an uplifting story of loss and finding love and a "new normal" after loss. It was fun, happy and sad all at once. More than a few times my eyes were damp from holdong back tears.

*I recieved an e-arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

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Okay but Cheyanne Young didn’t wait to leash the feels, she didn’t slowly test the waters and then hit us. No no no, she didn’t prepare us...she stabbed us in the heart with all the emotions all at once (literary as soon as you begin reading).
I was already near tears within the first chapter (and I don’t read and cry - that’s not me).
I love Young’s writing, I feel like I’m looking into a perspective of a high school student and not a writer trying to pretend to be a high school student, which I love!!!
1. I recommend this to EVERYONE AND ANYONE.
1a. I have the kindle version but I might treat myself to the novel version so I can hold and cherish this baby in real life. THAT’S HOW GOOD THIS BOOK IS!!
2. I’m adding more Cheyanne Young’s novels to my TBR list...that is all.

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There is no way around it, we’ve come to the day where Raquel’s best friend, Sasha, dies. She has died of cancer. There’s nothing Raquel can do to change that. She’s left with overwhelming sadness, until the first letter arrives. She has planned an elaborate scavenger hunt, starring a boy - Elijah. Is he the answer to helping her move on?

Honestly, one of the best books I’ve read recently! It was beautiful and sad and heartwarming all at the same time. I read it in one day because I just couldn’t put it down. It teaches you to understand grief, to not judge a book (or a person) by its cover, and to have fun, despite the sadness that might be lingering. I wish the story of Sasha and Raquel could have been longer, but it was such a beautiful story!!

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This novel is so good! Elijah and Raquel meet at the grave of her best friend, Sasha, both summoned by an email sent out by Sasha, set up before she died for exact dates’ delivery. It is Sasha’s last wish that Elijah, her brother who was not adopted with Sasha, could get to know her through her life experiences with Raquel. Raquel is the guide through surprise adventures but Sasha’s real intent is for Elijah and Raquel to find each other.

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I received this ARC for an honest review.
A story of loss and friendship and dealing with the difficulties of losing a friend in high school. This was a book with it all. There were laughter, and tears and happy times and frustrating times. I could have sped through this book in one sitting, but I wanted to read it at a more leisurely pace. I was able to kind of guess how the story would wrap up, but it was still a good read.

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This book was incredible. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. It gave all the emotions! Rocki and Sasha were the best of friends and it was so heartwarming to see the effort Sasha put into the videos and adventures that she set up for Elijah Raquel. Cheyanne Young is a talented author who conveyed the characters and everything that happened to them so well. I finished the book in 24 hours. I highly recommend it!

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I got this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. When I read the synopsis I knew its going to be lit!! And it will totally worth breaking my vow (I vowed not to request any more books from netgalley until I am done with my current TBR pile :/ ) I know.. I know.. We are doomed -_-

“The Last Wish of Sasha Cade” is a cute-adorable-beautiful story of friendship. I don’t remember when was the last time I read such a pure beautiful friendship story. A friendship that lasts even after the death do them part.

Sasha is a bright sunny girl and the B_E_S_T friend of Raquel, aka Rocky!! Rocky can not think of a time when Sasha was not beside her, her one and only friend. She was happy living on the shadows of Sasha’s life, but what happens when Sasha is no longer there to protect her from bullies, or take her along on her wild rides? What happens when Sasha dies of cancer? How Rocky copes up with her loss?

Sasha has a perfect plan for that, for helping Rocky move on, for making everyone she loves happy again.. So she makes an elaborate plan that involves another person she loves and Rocky knows nothing about, and sends them of on an adventure. All Raquel has to do is trust her friend and do as she says.. Easy, no?!!

-".. I guess that's life, huh? Sometimes it's beautiful like the lake and hilarious like these movies. Other times.." She pauses and looks down at her hands, than her wide blue eyes seem to bore into mine. "Other times it hurts like a motherfucker."-

The whole story is described from Raquel’s point of view. And I really enjoyed how I get to know their story bits by bits as a part of the adventure. The narration was so great that in no time it makes the reader feel the same pain a person feels upon her closest persons death, the rush she feels when she expects the loved ones pre-posted letters, the guiltiness upon finding happiness too close to her death when them bigger part of you is still mourning.. I loved how the story portraits a picture where you don’t need to be blood related to be a family…

-"We walk out of the courthouse together, this weird group of people who are all somehow related in ways that aren't blood."-

I specially loved the characters!! I loved Sasha! I loved Raquel!! And I am in love with Elijah ❤ *moony eyes*

I loved how every single lead characters of this story has his/her own voice and despite of having flows they knew to shine and love. I specially loved that the writer truly did honer to the mourners by not making them hormonal teens who forgets all about their other relations, respects and starts making out as soon as they are alone in a room, period!! (I really hate when that happens -_-)

-"She will never again be the girl sitting across from me on my bed, eyes wide, the air smelling like wet nail polish, listening to my stories and telling me exactly what she thinks about them. For the rest of my life, I will only have moments like these. Moments I will treasure, but moments I can’t share with her."-

Its by all means a realistic fairy tale where Happily Ever After is NOT a MYTH!!

A BLINKING 4.5 STARS!!!!

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This is the first book that I have read by this author and I absolutely loved this book. Raquel’s best friend is dying of cancer, they spend the most the time they have together . Sasha does die fairly quickly in the story but this book is more about letting us know they there is more to life after someone that we love passes.
When Sasha passes she leaves her bff one final gift, a series of things to do to help Raquel and Elijah deal wither her passing better by going on adventures. I wish that everyone would be able to experience that with there loved ones
This story was so heartfelt. You start the book with the smile on your face and as you read you feel all these different emotions, like you’re the one that lost there best friend. You see a story of love, loss, friendship and even romance.
The first few chapters were truly heart wrenching. I did get misty eyes reading it.
If you’re a lover of The Fault in Our Stars then I think you should check this book out.

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Thank you to Kids Can Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

The story starts off on a hard note - Raquel has lost her best friend Sasha. But, before long, Raquel gets small messages from Sasha that was left before her demise. Raquel is off on an adventure with Sasha's long lost brother, Elijah. Join the two of them as they continue to get messages from Sasha while they mourn their loss and gain something special out of it.

Cue the tears! Oh, I loved this book so much! So many emotions. If you loved The Fault In Our Stars, you'll love this book. Highly recommend it. An adorable story of friendship and love. And, I feel like this is a really unique story line with Raquel and Elijah's relationship. A refreshing story.

5/5 Stars

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We should all be so lucky to have a Sasha in our lives. Best friends since elementary school, she and Raquel are inseparable. Even when Sasha is dealing with a cancer diagnosis, Raquel is by her side through it all. She thinks she's prepared for anything, but really she's not. When Sasha eventually dies, Raquel is lost. Until the letter arrives.
It seems that, while Sasha was preparing herself for her eventual death, she was also preparing Raquel for life without her. And not just Raquel, but also her brother who she hasn't seen since they were adopted by different families as very young children. Through a series of letters, Sasha helps them come to terms with her death.
This was such a heartbreaking story while at the same time being so full of hope and optimism. Raquel's sadness at losing Sasha, her happiness at discovering Sasha's letters and clues...my emotions were all over the place with this one!

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I requested this book for the sole purpose of making myself cry. I just want to cry because there are things that are bothering me that I want to cry but cannot cry. I just thought why not find a tear-jerking book. I actually cried in the first parts of the book, the moment when Sasha finally left the world.

I couldn’t imagine the pain Raquel went through. I don’t want to go through that because I am not ready to lose anyone yet. But since this has something to do with cancer, it’s a tad bit acceptable. At least Sasha can now rest and not worry about her illness. I love the friendship in this book. I love that despite the wealth and popularity of Sasha, she stayed humble and just stick with Raquel throughout. That’s what real, true friendship should be like.

I have this growing hate with Zack! Even if he only appears on the first half of the book, I just don’t like his vibes. I dislike the fact that he is heartless with what Raquel is feeling. Dude can’t you see that she is mourning the lose of her best friend since grade school? Have a heart dude! Just because she’s not spending her time with her best friend anymore, doesn’t give you the right to demand her to return to who she was before the entire incident. I’m glad that he is no longer in the picture!

I cannot help but fall in love with how sweet Sasha can be! I want her to be my best friend even if she’s no longer here. Like how can someone do such great things for her best friend and for her brother. How can she go to that extent just to give her brother a piece of her life? She’s amazing like that.

Now, let’s talk more critically and talk about the feels later. The plot is amazing. This is the first book that I read that tackles this kind of friendship and dedication. I love how the author made it seem flawless. And the book is not hard to understand. No complex words that would drive you insane. It’s just so easy to read but heavy to read, do you get what I mean?

I love the fact that this book started off heavy for the heart but then we get to the adventure parts. It was easier to read. I really, really love Sasha and Raquel. I really cannot get over the friendship they share.

I adore Elijah so much. I like how positive his is despite the struggles he faced. I love that he still manages to look at the brighter side of everything. I also love that he was so into knowing his sister more through her best friend. Love that this story is not instalove but a slow burn love story, which is my guilty pleasure!

I love the resolution of the book. How everything went downhill to everything turning around. It’s nice to see a happy ending to a start beginning.

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This was cute! I already cried during the first few chapters, which never happens. It had an great ending and is a quick read! :)

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This book is heart wrenching in the best possible way. It’s a story about friendship, love, heartbreak, and the healing that comes after.

The story begins with Raquel Clearwater’s best friend dying of cancer. Sasha Cade was a radiant, pure soul without a bad bone in her body. She and Raquel had a friendship that comes once in a lifetime–their souls were connected even after one had departed.

I love this book because, unlike most YA contemporary, it doesn’t focus on petty drama. All but one of the relationships are completely wholesome and uplifting. Raquel is so lucky to have had what she did with Sasha and the (not so) mysterious Elijah. I adored all three of these characters: Raquel is smart, caring, shy; Elijah cute and witty and charming. The romance between them is one of the main aspects of the book, and it’s done with taste and elegance. Sasha, though, was the true star (at least for me). Although we didn’t see much of her while she was alive, she drove every aspect of the novel. She sends Raquel and Elijah on adventures, and through them, we are able to learn about the deepest aspects of her soul and how she came to be that way. I really, really like Sasha. She’s incredibly kind and thoughtful, and extremely graceful about the way she handles her inevitable death. Not only does she radiate positivity, she speaks from “beyond the grave” to help her family and her best friend come to terms with the loss, which seems like an incredible thing to orchestrate from a hospital bed. Her planning and intuition came naturally to her character, and I love how I was able to feel the essence of who she was through this characterization.

My favorite aspect of the story was the healing. Because of Sasha, Raquel is able to accept her death and even finds comfort knowing that she will always be in her heart. The facet of spirituality in the novel really fascinated me, and it gave me goosebumps because I felt as if I could feel Sasha too. But it came with a lot of sniffling. From both Raquel and me. Seriously, I cried at least three times, full-blown tears.

I’d highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something uplifting–it was heartbreaking in a way that made me feel stronger.

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This was such a sweet, worthwhile story. It's so rare that a book effects me in such a good way, but this one really did. The story and relationship between Sasha and Raquel can really hit home for anyone who has lost a loved one, but the friendship between the two makes it feel even stronger than that. It's always especially hard to read about death for most of us, but it still felt like Sasha was alive and present through so much of the story because of her notes, videos, and adventures. It's kind of like knowing that someone you love may not be here with you anymore, but the memories you have with them keep them alive in your mind and heart. I do wish that everyone could experience these little cards and videos from their loved ones even after their passing, though.

I don't usually "ship" very many relationships in young adult novels, but Elijah and Raquel's slow building love was really one of the most pure, sweet, and well-intended ones that I have come across. I loved each and every character in this book (besides Zach, but he's hardly even really a character, amirite), even down to the Reinhart's. This is the kind of story that breaks your heart and lifts your spirits all at the same time. Not to mention, the cover is so beautiful.

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The minute I finished this book I went and pre-ordered a physical copy. I love this book. It’s the perfect love letter to friendship. The Last Wish Of Sasha Cade is beautiful, heartfelt and wonderful. I cried literal happy/sad tears. Everyone deserves a friendship like this one. The length that Sasha went to for her friend was inspiring and wonderful. I can’t get over how great this book was. I love how it was about friendship and how Sasha gave Raquel a way to move on with her life while missing her best friend. I loved Elijah’s story so much. He was a wonderfully flawed character that you will just fall in love with. While most of this book takes place after Sashas passing, she still VERY much apart of it. I adored her character so much. It was so amazing that she spend so much of her last days on earth making sure her love ones could move on after she was gone.

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Thank you for the opportunity to read such a beautiful story! I was very excited to read this having loved several other books by this author. Normally the mention of cancer would put me off a book, but I loved the sound of the premise, even though I knew there would be some obvious heartbreak.

I’m so glad I read this book! Even though it begins with the tragic death of a best friend, the book isn’t really about death. It’s about friendship, family, love, loyalty, second chances, and a friendship so deep that it transcends death. (And if you enjoyed “P.S. I love You,” you will love this book. ;) I could have read it all in one sitting! It completely captivated me and Cheyanne’s writing flows effortlessly. I loved the suspense of the scavenger hunt created by Sasha’s letters to Raquel, and the mystery surrounding Elijah. I can’t elaborate too much without giving spoilers. So suffice it to say, there is so much love in this book that you owe it to yourself to read it.


This is a story that will hook you right away and take you on a beautiful adventure. You will think about this book long after you finish it. It’s just one of those stories that grips you emotionally and stays with you. It’s everything I love in a YA Contemporary. I highly recommended it.

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