Ruby Cooper is forced to live with her estranged sister, Cora, and Cora's husband, Jaime, after Ruby's mother abandons her. Ruby is transported from a dingy yellow house, a public school, and pot smoking friends to a million dollar house, a private school, and Nate, her new neighbor with a dark secret. Can Ruby find happiness in her life, learn from her mistakes, and help someone else in need? The story follows Ruby's journey of adapting to a new environment, forming new relationships, and discovering the true meaning of family.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, each facing their own challenges and growth, with Ruby at the center of a dynamic involving family and friendship.

Writing/Prose:

Dessen's writing is engaging and relatable, characterized by vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue that enhances emotional connection.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows Ruby's transformation from an abandoned girl living in chaos to a more stable life with her sister, exploring themes of family and self-acceptance.

Setting:

The setting emphasizes social contrasts and personal growth, enhancing the narrative's emotional depth.

Pacing:

Pacing is methodical, balancing between character development and plot progression, culminating in an emotional climax.

I was braced for pink. Ruffles or quilting, or maybe even appliqué. Which was probably kind of unfair, but then again, I didn’t know my sister anymore, much less her decorating style. With total stran...

Notes:

Ruby, the main character, struggles with feelings of abandonment after her mother leaves her.

The story explores themes of family, trust, and learning to lean on others for support.

Ruby's sister Cora, whom she hasn't seen in ten years, takes her in after Ruby is discovered living alone.

The setting is primarily in Lakeview, North Carolina, providing a rich backdrop for Ruby's story.

The novel addresses serious issues like child neglect, substance abuse, and the complexity of familial relationships.

Ruby forms a close friendship and potential romantic relationship with her neighbor Nate, who also has his own family struggles.

The book covers Ruby's journey over the course of a school year, allowing for realistic character development.

Dessen weaves in the importance of community and chosen family throughout Ruby's transformation.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of child abandonment, emotional trauma, familial abuse, and substance abuse.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present in the book, primarily developing between Ruby and Nate.

From The Publisher:

From the award-winning and New York Times bestseller Once and for All

Unlock your heart and the rest will follow.

Ruby is used to taking care of herself.

But now that she's living with her sister, she's got her own room, she's going to a good school, and her future looks bright.

Plus there's the adorable boy next door.

Can Ruby learn to open her heart and let him in?

"All the Dessen trademarks here" -Publishers Weekly, starred review

Sarah Dessen is the winner of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for her contributions to YA literature, as well as the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award.

Books by Sarah Dessen:

That Summer

Someone Like You

Keeping the Moon

Dreamland

This Lullaby

The Truth About Forever

Just Listen

Lock and Key

Along for the Ride

What Happened to Goodbye

The Moon and More

Saint Anything

Once and for All

Ratings (19)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (6)
It Was OK (6)

Reader Stats (30):

Read It (22)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (3)

2 comment(s)

hhnpal051

4 months

This was a nice summer read. The protagonist was relatable and I could understand her mentality.

The love story was subtle and sweet. Yet the outcome is open ended like a small chapter of someone's life. Although you do wonder what truly happens after.

The idea of both the protagonist and her love interest battling a broken home and different levels of abuse, is touching. It doesn't come across as preaching and yet gives a person pause to think how they would react. It also shows how blind some people can be to what they are looking at.

Christin Daoud

Incredible

2 years

I love almost all of Sarah Dessen’s books, and “Lock & Key” is definitely one of my favorites! The character of Ruby is somebody relatable and sympathetic going through a rough time. The story itself is also really good and told well.

What can you read after
Lock and Key?

See the list (68 books)

About the Author:

Sarah Dessen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen novels for teens, which have received numerous awards and rave reviews, and have sold millions of copies worldwide. She is the recipient of the 2017 Margaret A. Edwards Award from the American Library Association. …

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.