Spotlight: You Have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis

Here's what I wrote after I read You Have Seven Messages, the debut novel by Stewart Lewis: “Following Luna through a hazy grief state after the death of her mother is like a beautiful dream. This book takes your hand and leads you on a wonder-filled adventure.”

I loved the sights and souunds of NYC that sparkle throughout the book, and Luna's journey--party mystery, part coming of age, is lovely.

Check out the official description:

It's been a year since Luna's mother, the fashion-model wife of a successful film director, was hit and killed by a taxi in New York's East Village. Luna, her father, and her little brother, Tile, are still struggling with grief.


When Luna goes to clean out her mother's old studio, she's stunned to find her mom's cell phone there—charged and holding seven unheard messages. As Luna begins to listen to them, she learns more about her mother's life than she ever wanted to know . . . and she comes to realize that the tidy tale she's been told about her mother's death may not be the whole truth.

Intriguing, right? But don't just take my opinion.

“. . . a lovely contemporary fairy tale, with a sad Upper West Side princess at the heart of it, and that’s a kind of folklore that many readers will enjoy.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Recommended

“Luna is someone to weep with and to cheer for, to wish was your best friend. Readers will fall in love with Luna and her dazzling world.” --Emily Wing Smith, Author of BACK WHEN YOU WERE EASIER TO LOVE (and a Contemp!)

“The book contains various delights. . . . the love story element shines, and the book offers a nice window into the life of privileged New York youngsters, refreshingly filled with protective and involved adults.”—Kirkus Reviews


Hey, even Kirkus is in! Check out the trailer too: