Book Review: Red is for Remembrance

Title:  Red is for Remembrance
Author:  Laurie Faria Stolarz
Pages:  320
Publication Date:  2005
Version:  Paperback
Genre:  Young Adult Fiction/Paranormal/Mystery

Summary Via Goodreads.com:
""I know you're alone . . ."

Shattered by her boyfriend's tragic death, Stacey is struggling in her first year of college, hoping that somehow, somewhere, Jacob is still alive. Now her nightmares are back, haunted by ghosts and misery. Casting healing spells brings Stacey closer to Porsha—a troubled girl who's also dreaming of death—and to a strange boy whose life is in danger. To save him, it'll take all the strength and magic they've got. And maybe even cost them their lives. Don't miss a single book in the series:Blue is for NightmaresWhite is for MagicSilver is for SecretsRed is for Remembrance "

My Review:
Stacey is nothing but an emotional mess since the drowning occurred of her boyfriend and soul mate, Jacob.  She somehow just feels that he is still alive somehow, somewhere, but no one else thinks so.  She is finally going back to school, even though that is the last thing she really wants to do, but she promised her mother and friends she would go and she has a full scholarship to one of the best colleges around so why not go.  Stacey has a huge adjustment at college too, of only having her friend Amber around instead of all of her friends, as they went to different colleges.  Stacey soon finds out that her scholarship may not have been given to her for her grades at all or her studies, but because the president of the school wants her help for his daughter Porsha, who is having nightmares like Stacey has.  He wants Stacey to help his daughter sort it all out and be able to live a "normal" life again.  How can Stacey help Porsha when she is such a mess herself?  Do her feelings of Jacob being out there somewhere really "hold any water" so to speak?  Is Porsha having nightmares or is she really just a crazy kid who belongs in a mental hospital?  What can helping Porsha do for Stacey?

While this was another good book in this series, I felt it lacked the luster that the other three did.  It just didn't seem to have that pizzazz that the other books had for me.  It was still a good book, don't get me wrong, just not quite as good as the other ones in the set.  My heart broke for poor Stacey in this book and I could just feel the pain and anguish she has over the loss of Jacob, her one true love and soul mate.  I also felt the loss she felt over her friends separating from her to go to different colleges after being together and through so much for so long.  The new character of Porsha was a nice twist though.  I think she adds to the need for Stacey to move on with her life and solve old mysteries at the same time.  I thought the plot was still a pretty good one with a very nice flow to it.  The characters were great, though I did miss the constant of Drea and Chad, I enjoyed watching Stacey, Amber, and PJ grow more.  I also enjoyed the new faces of Porsha, Tim, and Janie.  The new bonds were fun to watch develop between new and old characters.  I was absolutely amazed by the ending of this book!  If you read this series, this book is worth it for the ending alone!  Definitely worth the read.

4/5 Stars!