A unique story. Nicely written. Well developed characters. Nostalgic. Tender. Heart warming. Five stars.

In one of The Key to Everything’s defining moments, our hero states, “It’s not that I don’t get scared. I just try not to let being scared stop me from doing whatever I’ve made up my mind to do.” Enter Peyton, born to the superfluously wealthy Cabot clan of Georgia. Every Spring the family holds an annual picnic, where the kin who cannot stand one another, gather en masse. It’s here that Peyton’s grandfather reminds his children yet again, Peyton’s father Marshall is the favorite. And the favorite will inherit the leadership and fortune of Grandfather Cabot’s vast estates. Money makes the world go round, as they say, and Uncle Julian seems to believe it. When Marshall Cabot takes a fall and turn for the worse, Peyton and his mother are helpless to watch Uncle Julian seeks to claim it all. What begins with an idyllic scene of the not-so-distant past, turns into a story about heartbreak and betrayal.


Peyton finds himself taking the same steps his father took before the War took Marshall’s spirit. In the wake of personal tragedy, Peyton decides to take the same bicycling trip to Key West, the trip where his father found his mother and decided their future. Now Peyton needs answers. He has spent most of his life living under the shadow of others, but now he’ll step beyond everything he’s ever known. As our hero so eloquently puts it, “Somewhere along the way, you gotta draw your own map.”


The pacing of this story is slow and steady, and doesn’t really pick up until Peyton begins his journey in and out of the lives of strangers. Along the way, he demonstrates, again and again, the kind of altruism that seems unthinkable by today’s standards. Peyton makes a hundred dollars helping a race car driver win, then later uses that money to get his friend out of jail the same day. Unlike the rest of the Cabot clan, Peyton knows money means nothing, not if people aren’t willing to give it up to do the right thing and help one another.


There were several times I wanted to shout at Peyton through the pages: not to be so trusting, not to give it all away in the face of an uncertain future, not to hinge so much on the hopes of one girl. But therein lies the miracle of Peyton Cabot. He’s not a perfect kid by any stretch, but he is selfless, generous, and willing to take big risks to find answers. Peyton is the kind of person we all wish it were safe enough to be, and because of this, I found myself rooting for him anyway.


Author Valerie Fraser Luesse surrounds the reader with people, places, and a time that soon draws you deeply into her story. The Key to Everything doesn’t set out to be profound, and even Peyton Cabot doesn’t see his deeds as grandiose. The beauty of this novel shines through the same way it does in life, through the surprising in-between moments we aren’t looking for. The little moments we often miss when we’re distracted. Luesse is inviting us to take a pause, and truly look and see the world around us, the same way Peyton comes to see things. I found this to be a lovely read in uncertain times, and it’s stories like this I believe we need most of all. To remind us to listen quietly, love deeply, and to remind us, as Luesse writes, “You are not the only one who has felt forsaken. That is how you know you are not.”

**I was provided with a copy of The Key to Everything by the publisher and this is my voluntary and honest review.**

I absolutely loved this book so much. It was written so well and so beautifully. Literally the only reason I'm giving it 4 stars and not 5 stars is because the first 60 pages were slow moving and dragged a little. But immediately when bike ride started I loved it so much. It's such an interesting story with a lot of depth. It talks about creating your own path but also accepting the paths your parents carft.

I enjoyed reading this book so much more than I thought I would!

It is set in Georgia and Florida in the 1940s, with some backstories earlier than that. It follows the very wealthy Cabot family--“one of the richest clans in Georgia”-- in which most of its members are greedy, selfish, pretentious, and treat those outside of their family like total dirt.

The main character, a 15-year-old boy named Peyton Cabot, along with his parents and grandfather, are not at all like the rest of the Cabot family--they believe in working hard for an income, not having everything handed to you, and dedicate much of their lives to helping the needy.

These differences in personalities cause conflict in the family. I especially enjoyed the scenes where certain characters are put in their place for their unkind words and actions.

The story mostly follows Peyton. This is a wonderful young boy that I really loved getting to know, seeing how he handles different life situations, and following his adventurous travels from Georgia to the Key West, where he met some really fascinating and lovable characters along the way. Peyton's great Aunt Gert (not a Cabot) turned out to be one of my favorite characters in this book.

Overall, this is a beautiful story that I can see myself revisiting again in the future.

Note: I received a copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful!

Peyton Cabot has grown up listening to stories about how his father, Marshall, rode over six hundred miles from Okefenokee to Key West (and back) in 1921, the summer he was fifteen. When Peyton’s father is hospitalised and loses his memory after a riding accident, Peyton decides to replicate his father’s journey.

As such, this is a definite coming-of-age story, which is common in Young Adult fiction. But I don’t know how many modern teens would want to read a novel set in The Olden Days (i.e. any time before the invention of the iPhone) and a plot that meanders at the speed of a bicycle rather than a Tesla.

Because it is set in The Olden Days (1947), The Key to Everything brings us back to a forgotten time … or perhaps a time that never really existed. In Peyton’s world, the police are the good guys, people are kind to strangers, and it’s perfectly safe for a teenager to ride unaccompanied for hundreds of miles with only a weekly collect call home to assure his mother he’s okay.

As such, it is an odd novel. The writing is excellent, with a strong voice that fits both the time and the place. Peyton is a young man of character and compassion, despite a privileged upbringing that could have taught him to overlook people less fortunate. He also has a refreshing lack of racism—although I have no idea how accurate that is for post-war (and pre-Civil Rights) Georgia and Florida.

No matter. We’re living in strange times right now, and The Key to Everything was a fresh distraction with excellent characters, and some serious life lessons sprinkled along the journey.

Recommended. Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

I very much enjoyed this unique story. Having read many novels set during or in the aftermath of WWII it is nice to enjoy one that has a something different to offer. This book is a wonderful addition to the YA historical fiction genre but I think most age groups would appreciate it. Peyton's story is one of tragedy, growth, adventure, and love. As you travel with him on his journey through Georgia and Florida the words come to life; making you feel as though you are really there, witnessing everything first hand. I also loved the epilogue. We always imagine where our new "friends" end up in life, it was nice to have the author answer those questions for us.

The Key to Everything
By Valerie Fraser Luesse
4 stars

This historical novel set in the 1940s was a very enjoyable read with relatable characters and a immersive atmosphere of the south.

You'll find yourself rooting for our teenage hero as he bikes his way from Georgia to Florida as he tries to understand his past and his future. Many quirky, lovable characters you'll meet along the way!

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This is a beautiful coming of age story.

Peyton, honestly, seemed a bit too mature for a fifteen year old (I know many) but that made him more likeable. If we could all be more like Peyton we would all be better for it. He easily gave to others without thought for himself.

I didn’t love this story, because there were a lot of big coincidences that seemed pretty far-fetched but never the less it was a sweet story with a good message. I even had to hold back some tears at the end.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

*This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell, through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.*

There was something tangible about this story when I picked it up. Although I read it slowly, I loved Peyton's story. As he biked across Florida I could see and smell the fresh ocean and hot sun. The people he met along the way, and his love for his parents encouraged him to know their story.

The romance was sweet. I was a bit unsure how I felt about the such strong love at a young age, but it was done so well and sweet. There isn't a strong spiritual message...a lot about finding happiness, but I appreciate the hope that was found in Peyton's journey.

I recommend this beautiful story that's a perfect summer read and may make you want to go to Florida for a few weeks.

After personal tragedy strikes fifteen year old Peyton, he embarks on the personal journey of a lifetime on his bicycle, the same one his father took twenty years ago. The journey is not only for his father, but for Lisa as well, the love of his life who has been sent to Florida by her family because her family think her and Peyton are getting too exclusive.
You meet a lot of quirky, yet loveable characters along the way, and they all end up loving Peyton and helping him to grow up more that memorable summer. You meet an old fisherman who is friends with his Aunt Gert, a racecar driver, a Mexican family who treats him as their own, a Navy pilot who further justifies Peyton's love of flying, and a shop owner who makes sure Peyton dresses like a local while in the Florida Keys. The most memorable characters are Bonnie and Jasper, two sweet poor kids who Peyton helps throughout the entire book.
This was a great break from my usual genre and really a great read if you enjoy historical fiction. The book seemed to take me longer than usual to read, but this was a big journey for a boy, and there was a lot of adventure to be had along the way. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book for you.

Peyton Cabot's family is dysfunctional, and rich. His father came back from WWII, and just can't seem to get a grip on the world. Set in Georgia, Peyton's father dies in a horseback riding accident. Where does this Peyton? Uncle Julian is determined to take over the family, and no one in the family will speak out against him.

Peyton has grown up hearing about the epic bicycle ride his father took at age 15, biking from Georgia to Key West, Florida. So, at age 15, Peyton decides he needs to replicate the trip. Along the way, he meets many nice people, some of whom remember his father on his trip. Peyton reaches out to people, and meets them with kindness and concern. Peyton's Aunt Gert is a big part of the story, and probably the strongest character. Peyton's mother tells her story of young love and better times.

From the start, the story felt like Peyton's odyssey. He met caring people and in turn, learned to care deeply.

Truthfully, I was not too excited to start this book. However, it wasn’t long before I was totally drawn in to the story and looked forward to getting back to it whenever I had to stop reading for any reason.

Peyton aka “bicycle boy” is 15 years old and is re-enacting the bicycle trip his dad had taken at the same age. His dad has recently passed away and it seems at least a part of Peyton’s trip is to get to know his father better at his same age. I fell in love with Peyton, who almost seems too good to be true. He is polite, calls his mama,, makes new friends easily wherever he travels, and even takes in two orphaned children to help them find a better home. He is very responsible, and secures jobs when needed. He has to also be trustworthy, as, towards the end of the book, he gets a job ferrying boats to different port cities.

But at the end of his travels, in Key West, he locates Lisa, whom he loves (need to read the book to find out why; they both live in Savannah).
It seems his dad had met his mom on his trip and they fell in love and eventually married.

All in all, a feel-good, coming of age story. Loved it!!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

I have read Valerie Fraser Luesse’s previous books and The Key to Everything is by far my favorite to date. I loved reading Peyton’s story. It was great watching him grow as a person throughout his journey and adventure. It was learning some valuable lessons within its pages. It is all around a beautiful and heartwarming tale.

I am giving The Key to Everything four and a half stars. I would love to read more like this one by Valerie Fraser Luesse in the future.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

A powerful novel of a boy becoming a man in the midst of grief.

The Key to Everything isn't your usual coming of age story. It spans two childhoods, a son searching for answers in his father's life after a tragedy.

I don't know that I have read any coming of age story from a boy's and mother's point of view, and I find that I liked it. And I loved the way that The Key to Everything ended, really, this novel has to be read to feel the emotion that it has in every word.

While I enjoyed the book, I did not like how there was not any spiritual content, though there are mentions of being protected by a saint.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing (Revell), through Interviews & Reviews.

A coming-of-age story, or actually two – a generation apart - the opening has us drawn straight into the story : the writer sure knows how to set a scene! And she imparts so much information in those few paragraphs, which in other hands could have been rote-writing. Oh, what a wonderful, wonderful book : it’s one of the extra-special ones, that gradually sneaks up on you until you find yourself caring so much about the people that they are no longer just characters. The author manages to make an almost unbelievable series of coincidences, believable. Maybe because the hero does not panic, no matter what befalls him – so we do not either. I appreciate its being a good, clean read. (And should I mention? I was just 15 when I first started going out with my now-husband - & that will be 46 years ago this Christmas...)

In this book, that is part epic tale and part a story of self-discovery, I enjoyed taking a journey from St. Augustine to Key West with Peyton. Forces that he doesn’t even quite understand at first, prod him to set out to retrace the route that his father had taken long before Peyton was born. But the reason becomes clear in the end.

This type of story – coming of age – appeals to me, so that’s the first reason I was eager to read the book. The second reason was because many moons ago, my brother and I had talked about taking a long bicycle ride. Not as long as Peyton’s, but long enough that it was going to be a challenge. My brother and I chickened out on our venture, but Peyton did not.

I’m so glad he didn’t.

Now we can all enjoy this wonderful recounting of his adventure, complete with mishaps, joyous moments, and wonderful characters who help him along the way.

Of the supporting cast, I liked Aunt Gert the best. She’s such a delightful character, and it was fun to see her often irreverent interactions with Peyton, as well as her friend, Finn. She has grace and humor and wisdom, and I couldn’t control my laughter when she told Peyton, “Oh, don’t kill yourself, honey. You’ll miss the sunset.”

She tossed that quip out after she’d been sharing some details of his parent’s relationship that Peyton found incredibly embarrassing to hear. That led him to say that if she didn’t stop, he’d throw himself off the pier.

At another point, she counsels him, “Everything worth knowing has to be learned by doin’.”

Please, can I have my very own Aunt Gert?

This is definitely a sweet romance story, with the relationship of Peyton’s parents mirroring his relationship with Lisa, the girl he loves. And the girl he sets out to find in Key West, just like his father made the trip to find his true love.

Sometimes the book reads like a travelogue or a series of journal entries. But for me, that didn’t take away my enjoyment. Right from the beginning, I was truly invested in Peyton, and the people in his life, and I was happy to go along for his ride.

The Key to Everything by Valerie Fraser Luesse is a delightful flavour of nostalgia that takes you on vacation without leaving your home's comfort.

Peyton Cabot is a determined, polite young man who has lost his father in a tragic accident. He decides to take a journey on his bike, from Georgia to the Florida Keys. He does it for two reasons, to reconnect with his father, who did the same thing at his age and to reconnect with Lisa Wallace, the girl of his dreams.

And so we set off on the journey with Peyton. We see the sights, meet new friends and experience the pain that comes with riding a bike all day for such a long trip. Along the way, we learn, as Peyton does, the importance of family, love and friendship.

This poignant story clarifies that family isn't about blood relations, but about those who go out of their way to love you and make you feel wanted. And while this book didn't have a significant emphasis on God, it did bring to mind how God directs our paths before we begin to walk them.

This is a sweet romance that will leave you sighing as you close the last page. A definite keeper!

I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing/Revell, through NetGalley.

A fascinating coming of age set in the South and a story I greatly appreciated!
I enjoyed Payton's story to the fullest and I especially enjoyed the journey. But along with riding a bike, I don't think I would have any legs left by the time the journey was over though,
Kind of reminded me of the trip we took West in 2005.
I couldn't put this book down until I was finished with it.
I especially loved the epilogue at the end where Valarie gives us insight on how she came up with the idea for this story. I thought it was a neat idea! I think that was my most favorite part of the book.
But really I enjoyed it altogether with Payton of course being my favorite character. I love his ambitious self to do what his father did.
The scenes through Georgia and Florida made me feel like I was there.
I just moved to Florida this past month but I still enjoyed the story.
I highly recommend this book.
IMy thanks to Baker/Revell Publishers for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own
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This novel reminds me of the movie Forrest Gump (as both characters went on an adventure that had them meeting fascinating people). There is a Forrest Gump kind of feel mixed with a coming of age story minus the graphic sexual side of things.

From the start readers get to know Peyton and his mother after a tragic event. They are waiting for medical news about their loved one. It’s then Peyton learns the details of his mother and father’s love story and a few surprising things about himself.

This is heart-warming and delightful story of Peyton and his quest to go on the same journey his father went on when he was 15 years old. He sets out with his bicycle and backpack filled with his stuff and goodies from his mom.

The expedition begins in GA and goes all the way to Key West, Florida. I enjoyed Peyton’s adventures and the interesting people he meets. I lived in Ga and Florida, so I appreciated the trip through the streets of GA and Florida and all he saw there. Peyton says to Lisa, “Do you think my father found it” Peyton propped on his elbow, looking down at Lisa. “Yeah, I think he did. But the sad thing is, he left it here.”

“I don’t want to do that, Lisa. Because there’s something else I’ve figure out. You can’t follow anybody else’s path, like I tried to do with Daddy – Like Daddy thought he had to do with Granddaddy. Somewhere along the way, you gotta draw your own map.”

Good point. I loved the charming cast of characters (including the ones you were not meant to like) with a captivating deep story I could not stop reading. It was a grand adventure mixed with a splash of young romance, family drama and a remembrance of a life well lived.

At the end the author shares what inspired her to write this story, “…General Patterson really did ride his bike to Key West and back, Sleeping in police and fire stations,..Like Peyton, General Patterson loved to fly, completing 101 missions as a US Air Force fighter pilot during the Korean War… couldn’t resist giving Peyton Cabot just a little bit of my own dad, Junior Freser, whose creative, adventurous, take-it-as-it-comes spirit always amazed me growing up. There’s just a touch of Daddy in my protagonist. I don’t think Holly will mind. There’s room for both of our heroes in Peyton.”

This is a book that would work well for a book club pick. There is so much to talk about.
If you have not read a book by this author, I highly recommend you read this heart-warming tale that will leave you with a smile on your face and a happy heart.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network Blog www.bookfun.org

The Key to Everything is a historical novel that begins in 1947 Savannah. Peyton Cabot is 15 years old when a family tragedy prompts him to retrace his father's long ago bicycle ride from Savannah to Key West. Over the summer trip he discovers his dreams, a sense of family, and first love.

I wanted to read The Key to Everything because I am originally from Savannah and was intrigued by the setting. I also love vintage Florida and was curious about that aspect of the novel.

This novel is such a lovely, leisurely road trip! Peyton is such a likable, kind-hearted young man and I enjoyed his pursuit of an unlikely dream - to travel to Key West on bicycle. My father was just a little older than Peyton during this time period and I found the novel particularly interesting because of this connection.

The details of life in Savannah and vintage Florida (especially St. Augustine and Key West) were lovely. The author does a beautiful job at evoking another time and place, with passages like:

"St. Augustine was a marvel. Peyton had grown up around historic architecture in Savannah, but this place was seriously old. Everywhere, you could see remnants of Spanish buildings— and others still intact and in use. Tourists swarmed the centuries-old fort on the waterfront. He picked up a map in a candy shop, where he couldn’t resist the aroma of chocolate, and wandered cobblestone streets while he nibbled on fudge. Eventually, he made his way to the Ponce de Leon, a grand hotel built by the man who had dreamed up the railroad to Key West. It looked like something out of Arabian Nights." (Kindle location 1242)

The coming of age aspect of this book and the iconic nature of Peyton's journey (and his father's journey years ago) was so moving. This passage encapsulates the family legend:

"The boys listened as their Uncle Gil retold his favorite story, the same one he told at every spring picnic. 'Marshall says to me, he says, ‘I believe I’ve seen all this ol’ camp has to offer.’ And I says, ‘What you plan on doin’ about it ?’ That’s when he pointed at the bicycles Papa had left for us. He says, ‘I’m gonna ride my bicycle to Key West and see what those islands look like.' The cousins finished the story with their uncle, repeating his favorite line in unison: 'And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the last time Marshall Cabot ever let anybody tell him what to do.'" (Kindle location 120).

I truly enjoyed The Key to Everything and recommend it highly for fans of historical fiction, southern fiction, and for anyone interested in life in Georgia and Florida during the 1940's.