True Love: I'll Be Seeing You / Don't Die, My Love / A Rose for Melinda

by Lurlene McDaniel

Love, romance, and friendship abound in this three-in-one omnibus edition of Lurlene McDaniel's bestselling inspirational young adult novels, all of which explore the timeless question "Can love survive, now and forever?"  I'll Be Seeing You Carley Mattea never expected to become friends with a boy as handsome as Kyle Westin—especially not in the hospital. His doctors don't know whether he'll get his vision back, and he's deeply depressed. Carley can relate. She's been scarred by a facial deformity, but she's keeping that a secret from Kyle. She's worried that if his bandages are removed and he sees her, it will be the end of their relationship. Carley wants what's best for Kyle. But what will that mean for Carley?  Don't Die, My Love Julie Ellis and Luke Muldenhower describe themselves as "meant for each other." Now in high school, they are deeply in love. Luke is a talented football player and is sure to receive an athletic scholarship to a top college, and Julie intends to follow. When Luke gets a virus, Julie persuades him to see a doctor. The test results are devastating. But Julie believes their love is stronger than anything. Or is it?  A Rose for Melinda Jesse and Melinda have been friends since the first grade. When Jesse and his mom move to California, he and Melinda bridge the miles with e-mail. When Melinda suddenly falls ill and her plans to become a prima ballerina are shattered, Jesse travels to see her, to be by her side. As their bond grows stronger, Melinda wonders whether she and Jesse can be more than just friends—and whether a new love could be enough to save her.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Fiction, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction

660 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Lurlene McDaniel (born c. 1948) is an author who has written over 50 young adult books. She is well known for writing about characters struggling with chronic and terminal illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and organ failure.


Other places to find her are...
https://www.facebook.com/lurlenemcdan...
http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/aut...
http://www.youtube.com/user/LurleneMc

Reviews

[Readaholic Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a collection! Lurlene McDaniel is an amazing author.

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't Die My Love
this book was excellent I liked it very much. It is touching and moves you to tears in the end.

I'll Be Seeing You
This book was also very good and got me thinking a lot about people who are different and get teased or bullied about it. Or they are constantly asked questions like Carley with her disfigured face. She was really a normal girl just people treated her differently.

A Rose for Melinda
This book was also really good. I liked how Melinda and Jesse could still be in love after living apart for so many years.

I picked out this book cause I saw the title True Love and I thought a book about love just my thing. Then I read Don't Die My Love and I cried so much at the end don't get me wrong it was such a great book I just thought that the love stories would be more upbeat and have happy endings.
I was happy when I finished I'll be Seeing You because it had a happy ending and I was longing for one story to have a happy ending. It had a good ending I don't totally disaprove of where the author left off but I do admit that if she had continued the story a little longer it would have been good too. I just have to say that I would have done the same thing that Carley did had I been in her situation. I liked how all three stories were sort of different from each other. They all were about people with cancer which is very sad but they were different too. I'll Be Seeing You had a happy ending, was also about a blind person, and the main character wasn't going through cancer right at the time. I liked how A Rose for Melinda was different because it was mostly toold through letters, emails, and journal entries (very cool). If I had to pick one that was my favorite I would say that A Rose for Melinda was cool being told by letters emails and journal entries but I really do think that Don't Die My Love what Luke did for Julie after he died (hope i didn't give anything away, sorry) was so romantic and special i cried so much through the ending of this book. If you are looking for a happy light read don't read this book(S), but do read this book because it is amazing, meaningful, and sad.

[Eryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required reading for High School students. To get them to be less self absortbed and become more understanding now insted of later in their lives. these three stories by: Lurlene McDonald show how peoplecome together in the face of tragic/ bad circumstances. It demonstrights just how much we as a socieity place value on looks insted of valuing true qualities of people. McDonald shows us in three stories how to treat people with respect and to be open to new experiences/ rerlationships despite being afraid. That taking a risk can be worthwhile. And it doesn't take an extrodinary person to be kind, loving and respectful. But,should be required and expected esecially when times get tough. This book will rem in d you to stop and look around you. Apriciate little things like the changing of the seasons and that you only have one chance to live. So you better make it worth it. What will you do with tomarrow?...

[Carissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last book A Rose for Melinda, was the sadest.

[Sami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, Im sorta on the boarder line on how I feel about this book. The stories are sweet and the characters are relatable....WHICH IS GOOD!!! but the same reason I like the book, is also the same reason I DONT.

t was easy to create bonds with the characters, but it kinda took me a while to fall in love with the story. Im more of a fictional type person myself, so getting through these chapters without one vampire or werewolf, or some kind of midevil battle to the death scene showing up was really hard :D
but i think i had judged the book a little too soon because the ending of "Dont Die my love" made me want to start crying, it was loving and heartbreaking and I think the point of the story was to teach you to appreciate what you have, because, nothing last forever....well nothing except True Love ^^.
REALLY REALLY good STORY.

Next came "Ill Be Seeing you" which was amazing. I LOVED ALL the characters :)
I loved how Carley and Kyle meet, and how they bond, and all the drastic measures Carley goes through to try and prevent Kyle froming knowing about her deformed face. Basicly to sum up the story, it was about "True Love" and that if it's real it can survive EVERYTHING and ANYTHING life throws at it. we should all take the hint and realize, "It doesnt matter what you look like on the outside, its the INSIDE that counts."
from the second I started the story I didnt put it down until I finished it.

Finally, "A Rose For Melinda"
The ending of the book was so sweet. I loved Melinda's and Jessie's final notes to each other, Im was just upset that every character in this book (all three stories) that seemed to have future potential , DIES!!
but over all, I think my favorite story was "Dont Die My Love

[Morgan Kilburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY NEW FAVORITE BOOK! I cried numorous times. And any book that can make me cry, is a great book. Definitely a MUST read!

[Mary Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of these books. I love all the characters and plot of each.

[lili · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll Be Seeing You-- this book was fantastic! I loved Kyle's character, he was so sweet and I fell for him right along with Carley. The only thing I didn't like was that Carley was so hesitant to let Kyle see her face, although I do understand why she didn't. I liked Janelle's character and wish at least a chapter of the book could have been from her point of view. I feel that she was a major character in the story, simply because she helped Carley lie to Kyle in the beginning. I disliked Jon in the beginning because he seemed to be so nervous around Carley because of her facial deformity. I loved that at the end, he explained why and they were able to become friends.
This was by far my favorite novel in this book! It was so sweet and innocent, yet had touches of hard topics that really made the reader think. (Or at least, it made me think)

Don't Die, My Love-- I loved this book as well. Although in the beginning, I didn't like Julie. I thought she was a bit pushy and knew how to get her way. I came to like her in the end though. Luke was a total sweetheart. I loved how he always brought Julie flowers, even when he was dying, because he knew it made her happy.

A Rose For Melinda-- This was probably my least favorite of the three novels in this book. It was written in letter format, which I didn't care for. I thought the story was sweet, but dragged on at times. I love the 'friends for forever then fall in Love concept in books, so that made up for the book being written in letters and such.


All in all, these books tugged at my heartstrings from the very beginning. I love Lurlene McDaniel's books and these did nothing but make me love them even more!!

4/5 stars for this book as a whole!!

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started like we're on the third book in a series, knowing all characters, how they met etc.which was off putting... So much so I wasn't interested in learning how their relationship evolves through all the hardships. Not when I don't even know the beginning.

Later we may have gone back in time, other stories could have been better, or whatevs, still how this first one was written ruined it for me.

[Apple Teoh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though her stories are not that of a typical happy ending, I enjoyed every minute spent reading this book! The first and the last story really hit straight into my heart!! Was bawling like a small kid when I got to the last page.

[R. Pion · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read about cancer and young love. So heartbreaking and touching at the same time.

[squeakers · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC

[Farhanah Atiqah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't Die,My Love

Julie Ellis,a straight A 's student fell in love with Luke Muldenhower,a football player who played for Julie's father team.They knew each other since childhood and could not be separated.When Luke is diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma,a form of cancer that develops in the lymph system,both of them are devastated.But Julie's love for Luke is really strong since they've been together for three years.She doesn't want him to die.Luke tried hard to make Julie happy,such as planting tulips on the stadium,because he know Julie like flowers very much..Luke then in need for a bone marrow transplant since the cancer had attacked his bone marrow.In the end,Luke made a life-or-dead decision that would change his and Julie's life forever.

I'll Be Seeing You

At the age of 12,Carley Mattea is diagnosed with cancer.Her once perfect face was tore in order to remove the tumor.As a result,she had to lose parts of facial bones,which could never be replaced.Her face was permanently disfigured and scarred.Carley lose her life as she start becoming a joke to her 'friends'. No one in the school would talk to her,no guy would ask her out.Her life changed when she met Kyle Westin,a guy who had to be hospitalized because he had accidentally burned his eyes while experimenting with rocket fuel.Devastated,Kyle thought he's going to become blind.Carley befriend him after she was caught sneaking into Kyle's room.They became close to each other and because of Carley's positive personality,Kyle started to feel more optimist about his life.He took a liking to Carley and hope to introduce her to his family and friends.At first,Carley didn't agree and gave him many excuses but finally gave in to Kyle's request.But she didn't want Kyle's friend to tell Kyle how ugly she was so she asked her beautiful sister,Janelle,to act as if she was her.The plan succeed and Kyle's friends told him Carley is a beautiful girl.After she was well enough to be discharged from the hospital,Carley cut all contacts with Kyle and hope not to meet him again.She realised that she liked Kyle.However,one day Kyle call the bookstores where she worked and told her that he finally able to see again and he wanted to meet her.

A Rose For Melinda

October 1

Dear Melinda,
I don't like school.But I like you.Do you like me?

Your friend,
Jesse

October 1

Dear Jesse,
I like you.But I like school.Reading is the best part.

Your friend,
Melinda

Childhood friends Jesse and Melinda could not be separated.When Jesse's mother and father divorced,Jesse usually is left at Melinda's house as her mother goes to work.Jesse and her mother move to California not long after the divorce,leaving Melinda and her family.But,they always keep in touch by sending letters and e-mail to each other.Soon Melinda is accepted into Washington School of Classical dance for its training program.She worked extremely hard while in there.One day,she collapsed and was brought to hospital.She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukimia.Her world shattered and her dreams of becoming a ballerina is robbed from her.But,she never gives up hope.Jesse rush to her side and soon both of them realised that they love each other.Melinda needed a bone marrow transplant.Her mother is her donor.But,something goes wrong during the isolation period and Melinda fell into coma.Will she ever survive?

[Nely · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Love consists of three novels written by Lurlene McDaniel which make up this 600+ page tome.

Don't Die My Love
Julie Ellis and Luke Muldenhower have been together since the sixth grade. They're now in high school and still love each other unconditionally. Luke is the star quarterback on the football team. They lack for nothing - popularity, good grades, but especially love. They are considering what colleges they plan on attending, Luke is expecting a full scholarship as an athlete, everything is looking up for them. That is, until the day Luke confesses that he hasn't been feeling all that well. He has been lethargic, weak and has been losing weight. Upon examination it is discovered that Luke has Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Not only is Luke's life in jeopardy but will their love be able to surpass such a devastating blow?


I'll be Seeing You
Kyle Westin is blinded when a chemistry experiment goes wrong. While at the hospital he meets Carley Mattea. As their friendship and their feelings for one another grow, Carley suffers more and more knowing that she hasn't been truly honest with Kyle. For although Kyle is blind he is a very good looking young man. But Carley is not pretty - her face is deformed and she cannot help but doubt that Kyle would still love her if he really knew how she looked. Will their love be able to overcome the superficial or will that age old battle between beauty on the outside rather than the inside prevail?

A Rose for Melinda
Told in epistolary fashion using letters, journal entries, e-mails, doctors' reports and instant messages, chronicles the relationship between Melinda and Jesse. They have known each other most of their lives and although they now live away from each other and Melinda has been accepted into the Washington School of Classical Dance’s summer program through their correspondence we are able to learn that Melinda has been diagnosed with leukemia and how this affects her dream of becoming a prima ballerina.

I can definitely see why Lurlene McDaniel's novels are a hit with teen girls. Her stories all pretty much have the same recipe - usually one or both of the main characters is suffering from a traumatic illness or injury and how these events affect their relationships. The romance in all three stories was very sweet and clean, very G-rated. I think Ms. McDaniel definitely has a way of connecting with young girls through their feelings relating to love, loss, hopes and dreams. Each story had a good message and I think that's important on books for young adults. I do have to tell you one thing though, I literally sobbed while reading some parts of these stories. I recommend that you keep tissues handy (and by tissues I mean a whole box of them). I mean my chest hurt by the time I was done reading this book.

All in all, this was a sweet book with some very lovely, if sad and depressing stories. I would recommend to young girls or anyone looking for a book where they can just have a good cry while reading it.

[Dreamergirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

The things that I liked about this novel (or novels) was how realisticly it was written. There was not a word out of place and the dialogue was breathtaking. But why I had to read it in 2 goes isn't because of the size of the novel, though it was big (660 pages) but more because of the ghastly vibe, which while might be appealing to some, to me it was a bit depressing. Though I loved how McDaniel dealed with the issues and I knew all the while deep inside that it could happen to any of us, our loved ones, any time, any day. The first story was the best, and I stopped reading the book for a while in the middle of the second, "Don't Die My Love", until I saw it on my bookshelf a couple of months later and decided to give it another go. What most surprised me than where the characters. They were very deep and beautifully thought out. The reason why I gave this novel 3 stars than is because, I'll break it to you slowly- I hate doctors and hospitles. I know they are there to help the characters the whole time but even though, I hated them, dispieced them, I don't know if I have a strong enough word to show the emotion I felt for them. Now you must understand why I stopped reading at the second story :) But finally- here is a novel that made my heart break for the characters and the novel that inspired the great story I've been writing lately (or at least I think it's great) with a similar plot, but this time mine is a "background" plot and there is another plot going on all the while alongside it. Here is one of my favorite parts from this book:

"Day after tomorrow."
Too soon! her mind cried, but her voice said,
"But it will make you better, won't it?"
"They think so."
"Will you do it?"
"I talked it over with Mom and (D-word ahead!) my doctors, and it's what I want to do."
She had fears and doubts. She had a host of reasons why he shouldn't, but she saw his steely look of determination and knew he would do what he wanted and that nothing she could say could dissuade him. Not that she was sure she should try.

The next part was really a teary-eyed chapter, but see what I mean? "His steely look of determination", the author was a genious (though a crazy one :). It was a really sad novel so be prepared for endings you didn't expect (another thing I didn't like or more, was mad about) though it was worth it because of the awesome writing and gorgeous characters and dialogue. I'd recommend.

Interest level: Medium-high
Reading level: Medium-high

[Kristy Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was 3 books in one. So I will review each individual book. My review doesn't necessarily contain spoilers, but you can probably figure out what happens in each book by my reviews, so maybe they would be considered spoilers. I don't know, I'm just giving a heads up now.



Don't Die My Love

Ugh, talk about heart wrenching. I felt like I went into mourning after reading this book. I loved Luke and Julie's relationship. It was very innocent and pure, not clouded up by sex. It was refreshing to read about such an innocent love, but a strong love just the same. One thing I wished would have happened though was that they would hav gone ahead and got married. If I were Julie I would have fought harder for that. I loved the last page of the book. So bitter sweet.

Geez, I'm crying again just thinking about this book. Not sure if I want to read the other two stories in this book.



I'll Be Seeing You

This was a sweet story. I liked watching their relationship progress. Although it was sort of frustrating to read. I understood Carly's motives for keeping her physical appearance a secret from Kyle... at first. But it went too far. Once she brought her sister into it I started getting annoyed. I really wanted her to just be honest with Kyle when he started to question her disappearing acts. I really started to feel worse for Kyle then I did for Carly because of the way she was treating him. It was so cruel of her to tell him the whole boyfriend lie, she just kept on hurting that poor kid.

The ending was really sweet, but I wished he would have been waiting for her in the parking lot or something. I needed more closure than what I got.



A Rose for Melinda

Also another sweet story, but also very sad. I really wished that Jesse and Melinda had more time to spend together. I hated that they obviously loved each other so much, but had very limited time together. It made the ending that much more sad, when Jesse wrote in her diary for her. And the last 2 notes of the book... ugh, you don't even have to read the book to start crying at what they say.





So after reading this whole book, I keep asking myself, was it worth it? Was it really worth getting myself invested in these tragic love stories? I guess if I want a good cry I know what book to pick up.

[Cindya Carrasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book True Love this book is soo good! You can learn so many things about love in this book. I know i did. What made me love this book is that it has a stroy at the end that talks about never failing the pearson you love because it might bring something back to you. It might be good or it might be bad.


Ive been recomending this book to the people who are in love. Ive been there with them helping then understand the book. I recomend this book to my mom already. She said she tought it was going to be pretty boring. But when she finished it she had alot of connections with it.


This book changed me in many ways.This changed me by actually beliving that true love does excist when you find the right boy or girl. The three novels in this book make you cry the last story of a rose for melinda is so sad about having cancer.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been crying so much reading this book(books). The first story "Don't die, my love" is really happy and then really sad and then really happy and so on.
"I'll be seeing you" is a happy story. There are points where I just wanted to throw the book because I was so frustrated with the character, Carley. But the book ended on a happy note...yay!
"A rose for Melinda"...so far is kinda 50% happy and 50% sad. I like the characters and how the whole story is written in letters or emails or journals. It's a good way to tell how everyone keeps in touch while Melinda has cancer. I am halfway through this book and will prabably finish sometime today.
All in all, three amazing books. I am addicted to Lurlene McDaniel's style of writing. I hope to get more of her books eventually.

[Skylar Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is seriously the sadest book i have ever read. the first story started out a classic love tale with two teens that have known eacheother forever and all that junk, but you can truley tell their relationship is pure because they stick to gether and try to get through lukes cancer..but sadly he doesnt make it and is just so heartwrenching to read. the second story is what i think every relationship should be about..loving someone not for what they look like but for whats inside them. and the ending was jsut spectacular. the third one was another one of those sad stories... i really like how the two teen lovers had their relationship form when they were so young and then bonded over email. but the story got riduclously sad when she got cancer and everyything ended

[Sydnee Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so incredibly heart wrenching but is also so true to the idea of lost love. It is a definite tear jerker and you will need a box of tissues at your side when you read it. This book is not going to be for everyone but if you are someone that likes a good love story then you have 3 in one novel. Lurlene is an exceptionally good writer and you can tell by the way she writes that its full of love, compassion. I recommend this book to anyone that likes a good lost love story and I myself know it was good healing book for me after I myself lost someone I loved more than anything. This is and all around amazing book and Lurlene is a fantastic writer. I know I'm excited to read some of her other works as well.

[Michala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book even though it was a teenage romance book. I usually am annoyed by these types of books but when I go to the library I just grab whatever looks somewhat good and go home to read it. My favorite was the last story and my second favorite was in the middle. The first story didn't appeal to me as much.
This was a really good read and I'm looking forward to going back and getting other books by this author :)
If you pick this up and are unsure about it, stick with it and it gets better as you keep reading. I recommend it for almost anyone. By mostly teenage girls, obviously the intended audience.

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not going to lie. I didn't like this book. Well, I didn't like two of the three stories inside. But it made me see that cancer is serious and can really put peoples' lives to a halt.

The endings were the ruining point to me because they had their whole life ahead of them. They had futures. They had soul mates. Then they died and it ended. How could it just end there?
Then the people who died, Luke and Melinda, expected their lovers to fall in love again with someone else. No.

The only one acceptable to me was the middle story, I'll Be Seeing You. Kyle sounds like the perfect person.

[Siobhan Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Lurlene McDaniel did an amazing job of captivating my heart and making me really emotionally invested in it! I felt as if I knew the characters and they were close to me. I cried like I've never cried before in a book! It was extremely well written and well thought out! I cried for about an hour after I finished the book because it felt like I knew the person and they were trully taken away from me!

[Princess Bookie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book for one story basically, I'll Be Seeing You. I have a habit of reading about blind people who fall in love don't ask me why. The story was alright. The ending was just so abrupt I wanted to know what happened next!

Another recommendation is His Eyes by Renee Carter! That story is one of my favorites!

[Renee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should have known based on the titles of the stories (Don't Die My Love, I'll Be Seeing You, A Rose for Melinda). The conversation between characters was unrealistic and felt very fake. I often cry when reading books, but this didn't make me sad at all - just disgusted. Honestly I didn't completely read all of the stories, (I couldn't make it!)

[Kiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think that this book was great. its because its about 2 couples that are in love. there names are juliet and roman . one day roman got went to the docters and he found out that he got cencer and that he has to fight it just for girlfriend and he wants to to life .also he promise that he was going to marry her .

[C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first book in this bind up of 3 novels by Lurlene McDaniel.
It's called: Don't Die my Love.

It was very well written but the end was completley devastating... :'(


Honestly, I liked it but the end made me sob and SOB. That's all I could do!!

[Willa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad but so amazing. Everyone should read it. It deals with what life is like for people who are sick. Lymphoma, leukemia, being blind, facial deformities. It does it all. It made me really think about who I am and how lucky I am.
True Love is amazing.

[Lesleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED all three books! There's just something about McDaniel's writing that sucks you in, you can't put it down till your finished. Don't die my, my love and I'll be seeing you were really good but A Rose for Melinda really had me crying at the end and all three were just so relatable.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It is one of my favourites. There are three stories within the whole book. These stories will break your heart and you will need a box of tissues. But you should still read the book.