For Keeps by Natasha Friend

For Keeps
Natasha Friend
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Release Date: April 6, 2010
Pages: 267

Rating: 4.5 stars

Having been deserted by her father before she was born, Josie fears abandonment and heartbreak. Her mother fuels this fear with her own reluctance to pursue relationships. Luckily Josie's best friend, Liv, encourages her to make connections with her family and with the very cute and enigmatic Matt. When the parents of Josie's estranged father move back to the area, Josie forges a friendship with her grandfather that gives her some insight into her roots. A tragedy brings the truth about Josie's family to light and provides an unexpected opportunity to forge new relationships. Believable characters and smart dialogue make this story both memorable and entertaining. Fast-paced and full of little twists, Josie's story is a sweet and savvy coming-of-age tale. The story is only slightly marred by its unfortunately saccharine ending, in which everything conveniently works out for the best. Readers will root for Josie and Matt's budding romance, sympathize with the difficulties surrounding unconventional families and be inspired by Liv's honesty and quirkiness. Hopeful and endearing.


Natasha Friend weaves a beautiful story of a girl being a teen. It was sweet and enticing. For Keeps was very well written and the writing just flowed.

I loved the characters. My favorite aspect of all of the characters in For Keeps was how easy it was to relate to them. All the characters brought something different to the table. Natasha Friend also made it easy to like all the characters. For example, Liv was such a laugh. I loved her confidence and everything she brought to the story. Big Nick had his sweet buying addiction. Josie's reactions to everything that happened continued to surprise me. Her journey she takes through the plot of the story makes you love her as a character. Matt was the guy any girl could easily fall for.

The storyline was cute, and once I got several pages into the book, I couldn't put it down! Many things that happened were very predictable, but that made it better. You knew what was going to happen, then you were waiting for characters to figure it out and see their reaction.

This was my first book by Natasha Friend, but it surely won't be my last! I would definately reccomend this one, especially to anyone looking for a quick cute read.