Love from Lexie

The Lost and Found #1

by Cathy Cassidy

Ever since Lexie's mum vanished, her world hasn't stopped spinning. A new home, a new school - even a new family but Lexie never gives up hope that her mum will come back and writes her letters every day to tell her all about her new life.

There's plenty to tell - the new group of misfits she calls friends, the talent for music she never knew she had and the gorgeous boy with blue eyes and secrets to hide. But her letters remain unanswered and she's starting to feel more alone than ever.

Lexie's about to learn that sometimes you need to get lost in order to be found.

The first in a gorgeous new series from the bestselling author of the Chocolate Box Girls and the perfect next step for fans of Jacqueline Wilson.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult Contemporary

350 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

I was born in 1962 in Coventry (scarily ancient, I know). I wrote my first picture book for my little brother when I was eight or nine. I loved making comics, too - pages and pages of picture stories, features and competitions.

I went to Art College in Liverpool, then got a job as fiction editor on the fab and legendary Jackie magazine.

I have worked as agony aunt on Shout magazine and also as an art teacher in the local primary & secondary schools, as well as as a freelance illustrator. These days, I am a full-time author.

I love my family, I love living in the middle of nowhere and I love my work. Of all my jobs, writing has to be the best - it's the perfect excuse to daydream, after all!

Reviews

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll always read Cathy's books because they never fail to make me feel happy and kind of adorable.

Although, I'm knocking a star off because I wasn't a fan of the words used when describing a queer character, lots of 'broken', 'defective' style language that was not okay. The main character reacted terribly and in anger, making the coming out all about herself. In the next chapter, she tried to redeem herself, but I couldn't look at her the same way.

If this is a series, maybe the character will get to be the protagonist in another of the books and the representation will be better. Fingers crossed, because I really want to see more LGBT+ characters appear in Cathy's books, as I think this is the first I've noticed in her 15+ backlog.

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, powerful read from Cathy Cassidy. There are so many heavy topics featured in Love From Lexie such as adoption, bullying, mental health, relationships, activism. Lexie lives with a foster family after her Mum left her alone and never came back. She's always felt left out and therefore, decides to start a club for other kids like her who want some friends. Within days, the club has turned into a twelve piece band who soon learn that all of the town's libraries are planning to be closed down. A campaign is launched to save them all from closure, during which Lexie and the school's bad boy get to know each other but both have some hidden secrets. I loved that there was LGBTQIA+ representation but sadly, there was one chapter that didn't sit well with me. That turned Lexie's character quite menacing, which was frustrating and the language as mentioned in a previous review wasn't all appropriate.

[Sarah Faichney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love letter to libraries across the country...

THIS is how you engage young people. You write a book about current issues, in their language. 'Love from Lexie' is a perfect, gentle introduction to the power of community activism and a commentary on budget cuts and library closures. The author handles a range of complex issues including mental health, abandonment, looked after and accommodated children, young carers, domestic violence, refugees and sexuality with sensitivity and understanding. The characters are wonderfully true to life and the story uplifting in so many ways. I wish Cathy Cassidy had been writing novels when I was a young person. This book took me back to my youth, when hope was high and life seemed filled with endless possibility. And what more wonderful gift to give a child than that of hope? An empowering novel which will appeal to readers of all ages.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love from Lexie was an amazing book.I wish i could read it over and over again it was that good.It was very emotional. I nearly cried through the three last chapters of the book.It really shocked me when i was reading it, especially when it said that the person Lexie liked, liked another gender then girls but i still loved the book.I loved the part when Lexie kept writing letters to her mum.Also at the end she finds her grand parents because of her social worker and she didn't know if she wanted to know about her grand parents.it was a really good book and i loved it so much and i would recommend it.

[Lydia Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter (12) asked me to read this so we could chat about it, so I did. I was hooked from the first page. Gave me tears and smiles! Thoroughly enjoyed this. Recommend for tween/teen girls looking for something a bit more grown up.

[Bladelor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Une jolie histoire, comme toujours avec Cathy Cassidy, mais j'ai moins apprécié l'écriture cette fois.

[BookEater · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok.
I didn't enjoy it though. It may just be me however because I have always enjoyed more action-filled books and this book was more laid back. I also didn't enjoy certain twists in the story that i didn't agree with. But dont ignore this book because of me, it isnt my sort of thing but it might be yours!

[Berthouse Ona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Le livre est très intéressant. J'aime beaucoup l'histoire. J'ai hâte de lire les prochains tome Melody. Le seul problème, c'est qu'il y a quelque chapitre qui ne sont pas très intéressant.

[Lady K · Rating 4 out of 5]

-> http://antredeslivres.blogspot.com/20...

Lexie, 13 ans, n’a pas eu une vie facile. Abandonnée du jour au lendemain par sa mère alors qu’elle n’avait que 9 ans, elle vit en famille d’accueil. Toutefois, elle ne peut s’empêcher d’espérer voir sa mère apparaître sur le pas de la porte à tout instant. Heureusement, elle est bien entourée et peut compter sur ses amis. C’est d’ailleurs avec Bex et Happi qu’elle décide de fonder les Lost & Found.


Initialement ce devait être un groupe de parole. Mais à cause d’un quiproquo et sur l’impulsion de Marley, le mauvais garçon du collège, cela se transforme en un groupe de musique assez… hétéroclite. Malgré leurs différences, ils forment un groupe soudé, dans une relative bonne entente. Ils décident même de se mettre au service d’une bonne cause : empêcher la fermeture imminente de la bibliothèque du quartier grâce à leur musique.


Encore une fois, Cathy Cassidy nous offre une belle histoire servie par une plume fluide et toujours aussi agréable. Ses personnages sont si bien travaillés, leurs forces et leurs faiblesses sont parfaitement dosées, que cela leur donne de la substance et une vraie crédibilité. J’ai tout particulièrement apprécié Lexie et Marley.


Je les ai trouvés touchants, chacun à leur manière. Lexie fait un pied de nez à la vie en gardant son optimisme et en voulant sauver toutes les âmes esseulées qu’elle rencontre. Marley, quant à lui, se terre sous une carapace. Il joue un rôle de bad boy, cogne pour un oui, pour un non… Mais on comprend surtout que c’est pour cacher une grande souffrance.


De plus, en toile de fond, on a le droit à une belle réflexion sur les livres, la survie des bibliothèques, sans oublier la guerre sans fin entre le rendement et le côté humain du service public.


En conclusion, encore une fois Cathy Cassidy fait mouche. Cette nouvelle série me semble bien prometteuse. J’espère qu’on retrouvera sans tarder les Lost & Found dans les tomes suivants.

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi's mum abandoned her when she was nine after going out and not coming back, now aged thirteen, Lexi is with a foster family, Mandy and Jon with a foster sister who's slightly older, Bex. She's surrounded herself with lost items she's found in charity shops.



At school, she's keen along with her best friend, Happi and roped in foster sister Bex, to arrange a group for lost and found misfit students to feel free to meet up at to make friends and it may also help to keep their library where they hold the meetings open.



When Marley, a misunderstood student and Lexi's paths cross, he mistakes the group for auditions of a musical kind and takes along other musicians with him to what he believes are for a band. Despite the mix up, all their talent would be going to waste so they decide to create a band and so The Lost and Found are born! However trouble ensues as the council plans to close ALL the local libraries leaving them nowhere to meet up or any of the other groups to meet who use the library. As they begin to campaign to keep the library open, local celebrity Louisa Winters helps them out and from Lexie she has a huge shock I never saw coming at all as does Marley as he gets close to Lexie.



All the group have their secrets which I'm sure will be revealed little by little over time as the series develops on but for now the hints show many serious topics will be brought up from refugees, mental health, parenting and more.



The book is very serious as Lexie feels lost and that by writing letters to her mum she'll come back to her again. It's a sad premise but we see how settled and happy day to day she is now and hope is a good thing to keep for so long as she realizes deeper on into the story as you'll always get hurt but not everything is as bad as it may seem or feel.



A great new series beginning from Cathy once again!

[BlueBird · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If she loves me so much, why isn't she here? Why didn't she care enough to stick around? I hate her, Mandy! I hate what she's put me through. All these years, sick with guilt, thinking it was my fault..." (Pg.280-281)

I have been a fan of Cathy Cassidy since I've read Indigo Blue and I have been searching for more of her books for a while, so of course I was happy to have found one of books at Barnes and Nobles.
The book follows thirteen-year-old Lexie Lawler who is in foster since she was nine because her mom up and vanish, and has not been heard from since. She have a big heart for anything lost which leads her to making the Lost and Found group, a place for everyone to belong and feel safe. However, it does not go as planned and it becoming a roller coaster.
Here are my thoughts: I feel very strongly that anyone who has ever walked out of someone's life without much of a care, mostly a parent leaving a child behind, should read this book. Lexie has dealt with guilt and shame for believing she was the reason her mom left, sadness for being left alone.
No child should ever had to feel this way. I am really surprise that I did not shed a single tear on chapter 28.
A feel sorry for anyone who has ever left someone behind, someone who does not deserve it. Not only will they miss out on fun adventures from first dates to staring fun projects, but they took a part of someone with them. There are many children out there who has either felt/ is feeling the way Lexie has felt. Felt worthless, hateful, angry, and deeply hurt. Do we really want to put someone through that pain?
I know sometimes we leave because we may not have a choose, but can we all make time for that person. And if it doesn't work out, I don't know what to say...
Always make time for your children, for whatever you do will effect them.

[Nette_PierredeLune · Rating 1 out of 5]

Enorme déception, je sais que ce livre est un jeunesse mais quand même, si je l'avais lu à 8 ans, je ne pense pas que j'aurais tellement plus apprécié.

L'idée de l'histoire n'était pas mal : un groupe d'ados qui montent un groupe de musique, c'est cool. Sauf qu'il y a un énorme problème de réalisme : dans le roman, ils sont 12 musiciens dans le groupe, il y a un gars qui compose la musique et une fille qui écrit les paroles. Ils ont 12 ans !! Et à moins d'être un surdoué de la musique à l'oreille absolue c'est impossible de composé une musique géniale pour 12 instruments sans n'avoir jamais pris un seul cours de musique ! Bon à la limite j'aurais pu supporter en faisant preuve de beaucoup d'imagination, mais que le groupe devienne célèbre dans tout l'état et dans les autres états alentour (cela se passe aux USA) , non la je peux pas.
Mais bon, imaginons que tout cela soit possible, il y a plein d'autres problèmes dans ce roman.

Parlons des personnages, tout d'abord Lexie, la personnage principal du roman. Elle n'est pas du tout attachante, vraiment casse-pied et hyper égoïste ! Idem pour Marley ! Comme je vous l'ai dit, il y a 12 membres dans le groupe, c'est beaucoup trop, parce que l'autrice ne peut pas nous présenter tous les membres, donc on a l'impression qu'il y a des musiciens inutiles et on voit pas pourquoi ils sont là dans le roman ! Et puis bon, moi j'ai 14 ans, et je peux vous dire qu'il y a deux ans je n'était pas aussi gamine ! Enfait, les personnages sont des adolescents qui ont des capacités d'étudiants en musique et la maturité d'enfants de 9 ans...

Bref pas besoin de plus d'arguments, je n'ai pas aimé, je précise que ce n'est juste mon avis donc, je vous encourage à aller voir d'autres avis avant de passer à côté !

[Amy (Golden Books Girl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was beyond nervous about reading this book as I`m such a massive fan of Cassidy`s previous series, but I needn`t have been, as it was just perfect. The book is about a group of misfits forming a band called the Lost and the Found, and discovering friendship and themselves whilst using the band to protest against library closures. Lexie, a foster kid whose mum abandoned her, is our narrator for this book, and I found her to be really loveable and I enjoyed seeing things from her hugely positive perspective. Her fellow bandmates were also interesting characters, and I`m already beyond desperate to read their books when they come out, particularly Marley as there were a few things about him that I wouldn`t have expected from a Cathy Cassidy novel but am so thrilled to see her take on (which I won`t mention as it`ll spoil the book for you a bit). I also couldn`t have been happier that Jake from the Chocolate Box Girls is a character in this series too as I just love him (and am ashamed I didn`t catch on to who he was sooner!). The bittersweet ending has just made me even more excited to discover the rest of the Lost and the Found`s stories and I can`t recommend picking this book up enough.

[Justine Laismith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a great opening chapter. You can't help but root for the main character straightaway. I liked the unexpected way she found her group of friends.

Central to this story is saving the local library. What I find refreshing about this book is the music theme. The author has created inclusive characters. We have a young carer and a refugee. There are also fostered, abused and neglected children. They are all searching for themselves and learning to come to terms with their own lives. I also like how the author has shown that the retired folks are not to be forgotten. For these reasons I give it 4*.

There was one imperfection. The characters are thirteen years old. There are some who believe children read up, ie they read about other kids a couple of years older than themselves. This story suggests romance and first kisses for thirteen-year-olds is a norm. For readers at this impressionable age, this is not something I want to encourage. Whilst I am ok with characters coming to terms about their own sexuality in middle-grade books, I prefer to read about first loves and kisses when the characters are well into their mid-teens, in YA books.

In summary, this is easy to read, with compelling characters and storyline. The ending is sweet. Overall I rate it 3.5*.

[Manda Marigold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows a young girl named Lexie. One day, when Lexie was nine, her mom left her alone without a trace. This decision forces Lexie to be placed in foster care. Lexie finds her new life a struggle, so to keep herself comforted, she begins composing letters to her mom. These letters are meant to keep Lexie's mom abreast of the events or topics occurring in her daughter's life. These topics include her friends, talents, and crushes. The letters don't serve their intended purpose, as Lexie's mom is unresponsive. While writing the letters, Lexie reluctantly forms a band with some of her schoolmates. Lexie soon learns a valuable lesson: Sometimes, you need to get lost to be found.
Overall, this book was engaging to read. Cathy Cassidy's books have emotional undertones often, but the writing is so beautiful that I can't stop reading them. I am hopeful that I can find the rest of the series somewhere. I am eager to discover what's going on with the band and each of its members.TW:
Graphic
Abandonment
Moderate
Body shaming, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail

[Lucy Mangan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cathy Cassidy was the author that provided me with my first glimpse into teen fiction. Her books gave me the opportunity to discover a world I was yet to live in.

10 years on, I was doubtful as to whether I’d feel the same. I can confirm I did! Still relatable, still unpredictable and still providing me with a story I was hooked on.

Love From Lexie explores the world of foster care and the life of Lexie after her Mum goes out one day and never comes back. A story of true friendship and chance follow.

Suitable for a slightly older audience than some of her early novels, Cassidy had catered for an audience that has grown with her. Very glad I have it a chance. Thanks for the ARC netgalley

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a book about teenagers that accidently make a band together. They find real friendship and big power from the music that they create. Lexie has had a very big loss in her life but instead of being mad about it, it makes her want to help other people. It’s a book with emotions and feelings and shows how kindness can help with whatever life throws at you. That’s why I would recommend this book.

Quote:
I'll tell you something, Lexie: not only do we get used to it, it's our secret weapon. Because we have lived through difficult things, we have suffered, we sometimes felt lost or misunderstood, we can put emotion in our music. This is where the magic comes from; of our trials, of our secrets, of our sadness. Well, it's my opinion!

[Emy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! It was about a group of misfits forming a band called 'The Lost and Found' and Lexie a girl who lost her Mum, started it. Lexie and her friends wanted to save the local library nearby which was being knocked down for a new building by the council and with a bit of help from Louisa, a 60s singer and their band, they saved it.

Lexie started dating Marley a boy who got into fights and had gone out with lots of girls but something wasn't right between them. At the end there was a twist, which I did not see coming.

I would recommend this for Tweens and teens.

[Ellora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexie est une fille qui a été placée dans une famille d'accueil suite à que sa mère a disparue en allant à un entretien d'embauche. Elle raconte tout au long de l'histoire sa vie après cet évènement notamment avec le groupe Lost & Found dont elle tombe amoureuse du guitariste-leader du groupe. Elle raconte tout ça à sa mère disparue à travers des lettres.
J'ai aimé ce roman parce qu'il est très émouvant et même si normalement c'est écrit en anglais les mots sont forts et font bien ressentir les émotions.

[Nouran · Rating 5 out of 5]

(No spoilers): This book was so touching and inspiring. It follows thirteen-year-old Lexie Lawlor who joins a band in her school. This book explores her building bonds with new people but also coming to terms with her difficult past. I loved watching Lexie grow and find a supporting group of people in her life when she needed it most. This book also does a great job at depicting flawed characters who put an effort to improve themselves by the end of the book.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a nice, easy read but it wasn't moving or exciting in any way like other book I've read; it was just chill. Something disappointing is that a review had already spoiled one of the big twists in this book. I was also surprised by how much freedom a 13 year old in Year 8 had as I didn't have that much freedom when I was her age. Overall, a nice read. I recommend this book to 9-11 year olds.

[Mabel ღ]

No matter how old I get, Cathy’s books just never fail to tear, heal, and warm my heart. ♡ How do you do it Cathy, how?!

I wanted to hug Lexie throughout the entire book, the very premise of the story touched my heart and I simply couldn’t put it down. It carries that feel of bittersweetness, hope and longing at the same time, and that kind of love you can’t quite describe yet.

I’ll be thinking about this book for a long, long time.

[E2 Roxane]

I have finished this very nice book. The setting of my book impacts the character because Lexie the main character has lost her mum and this impacts the setting because all her friends and teachers feel sorry for her. In the end, Lexie hasn't found her mum but in the next book, she will maybe find her.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is really sweet! It has the perfect amount of drama, angst and heartwarming resolutions to keep me reading - and get me out of my (almost year-long) reading slump! The stories are filled with interesting and well-rounded characters whose stories kept me intrigued. Definitely something I will be recommending - it's perfect for middle grade readers!

[Salma El-Gammal · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first English book ever to read completely. I felt like I watch a movie, teenagers movie, I enjoyed it so much.I had a great message from it, it is ok to be lost many people are,somehow & sometime it will be going to be all right just do not give up.

Language is easy for first time reading a whole book in English , to more books from this series.

[Claire Ingram · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 An Interesting MG/lower YA story about Lexie a girl in the foster system after her mother leaves and doesn’t return
We see all lexies mixed emotions
She tried to create a group for misfits and lost kids which is mistaken as a musical group
I loved the lyrics written and it had really great representation and good characters

[Béatrice Forest · Rating 4 out of 5]

J'ai adoré le suspence dans ce livre a certain moment et la facon dont encore une fois Cathy Cassidy employa de beaux mots riches et remplies d'émotions. ce livre m'a grandement inspirée et les lettres écritents a sa mere mont touché tout comme la fin de ce livre nous donne donne envie d'une suite aussi formidable!

[Trish Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most fun, energetic teen novels I have read in ages! It's full of music, books, big dreams and taking chances! There's heart ache and sadness too but all in all, this is a fantastic, feelgood book for teens and adults alike!

[shrithika · Rating 4 out of 5]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i remember being really sad that the guy turned out to be not Lexie's love interest lol
that was an alliteration. lovely.

[Liver&Onion · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it would ne enjoyed by the target age group of ~12 years old.

I couldn't get past the amount of exclamation points used...no one is that excited, let alone a dozen preteens. I couldn't connect to the story or the characters in any way.

This book uses a lot of words to say nothing.