Book Review: ‘Seeking Sasha’ by Laura Frost

Debut novelist and wildlife biologist, Laura Frost, is releasing her new book, Seeking Sasha, this February. And the suspense is felt not only in its anticipated release, but also throughout every page of the book. This novel promises an emotional roller coaster. And with poignant moments of longing, readers are pulled into the chaos that comes navigating multiple identities.

In efforts to escape the abuse that characterized her childhood, Sasha finds herself craving change, including the desire to escape who she is. Leaving without warning, her best friend Cole is stuck with more questions than answers. He is left feeling just as lost as Sasha upon her disappearance.

After moving west to start a new life, she finds herself back in her hometown of Lashburn almost a decade later. However, this time, she has a new name, a precarious job, and sketchy roommates. Unexpectedly, and unfortunately for Sasha, she bumps into Cole at a party and immediately the lie of a life she was living slowly begins to crumble, leaving her little to hold onto. Every page following, I could feel Sasha’s turmoil, the push and pull of her inner compass working as my guide throughout the novel.

For Cole, Sasha’s reappearance was unexpected. After not hearing from her since their high school graduation, and not being able to track her down online, Cole never anticipated seeing her again. But, now that she has returned, he’s determined to do whatever it takes to keep her in his life. Even if that means sharing his apartment and helping her put her life back on track. The care Cole shares for Sasha throughout the book is undeniable. From his attention to her body language to the patience of his speech made Cole’s character unforgettable.

Amidst her struggle with identity, Sasha undeniably finds immediate comfort in the familiarity of being around her childhood best friend. But, maintaining alternative identities around him has proven difficult. With Cole working in law enforcement, Sasha wrestles with accepting his unwavering assistance. In moments of fear, she pushes him away, not knowing what is best for her survival: staying in Lashburn or again running away to the west. It was hard not to hope that she’d decide to stay and be with Cole.

Through the third-person narrative of both Sasha and Cole, Frost captures the depth and lasting effects of childhood experiences. Demonstrating the extent to which young friendships can shape life choices into adulthood, including that of value and identity. 

As a suspense thriller, Seeking Sasha captivates readers by bringing us into the world of each character. It allows us to feel the anxiety, the love, and the pain of their relationship. Both Sasha and Cole juggle with trying to protect each other from the uncertainty of the world. And alongside this, from themselves and the intensity of their connection. This novel truly uncovers the limits and costs of unconditional love.

Frost wonderfully uses descriptive language to set the scene in each chapter. Like the description of clutter in Sasha’s home in the neglected community of Saxton, to the noise and movement within the police station as Cole struggles to focus. As I read, I was fully immersed into the world of the characters. And this itself made me want to continue to the next page, gripping the book a bit tighter with each successive chapter. 

I’d describe this book as beautifully deceiving, and anxiety-provoking, with an immense longing for Sasha to find a place that feels like home. Ultimately, this novel left me craving more in the best of ways. Seeking Sasha engages with its audience beyond just the words on the pages. It also elicits imagination, passion, and an addictive reading experience. 

Frost is scheduled for a few book signings in the Edmonton area this February with the release of her debut novel. If 2026 is the year of yearning, then this book is undoubtedly the perfect read to begin the New Year!