The Last Little Blue Envelope

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson (NY: HarperTeen, 2011).

This novel picks up where 13 Little Blue Envelopes left off. Ginny Blackstone has returned to her home in New Jersey after her European adventure following a series of enveloped instructions from her recently deceased artist-aunt Peg. Ginny's backpack--and all the envelopes--had been stolen in Greece, but she had read all but one and was able to complete the tasks, or so she thought. But as she procrastinates about writing her college application essays, she receives a message from a guy in London named Oliver who happened to purchase her stolen backpack and has her letters, including the last one. Ginny has to go to London and get it, which leads to another adventure. She's hoping her romance with actor/playwright Keith can pick up where it left off, but she soon finds that he has a girlfriend. And the guy who has her letter won't give it back to her unless she'll make a deal with him about the art this new adventure will yield.

Johnson delivers another fine story of travel and personal growth. Ginny's awkward reunion with Keith is well rendered as is her nascent relationship with Oliver. Recommended for ages 13 & up. Mild sexual situations, alcohol.