A person’s teenage years are difficult enough under the best of circumstances, but when an adolescent has to deal with the death of a parent, the struggles are intensified exponentially.

Such is the case for Michael Wilson, a 15-year-old North Carolinian whose seemingly idyllic life takes a sudden, tragic turn when his father is killed in a car accident. Author Kim Williams Justesen’s novel The Deepest Blue masterfully delves into the mind of the confused, angry teen with emotional prose that is accessible to both teen and adult readers.

The story opens with Wilson enjoying his Atlantic Coast lifestyle. His works with his father on their charter boat, the Mighty Mike, during the summer months, hangs out with his friends during his off-hours, and enjoys a close relationship with his father’s long-time girlfriend, Maggie. Wilson’s biological mother is no longer in his life, but the teen has come to terms with that.

Wilson’s father finally decides to pop the question to Maggie, but Fate intervenes and the teen suddenly finds himself dealing with tremendous grief and an uncertain future. He asks Maggie to adopt him and she gladly agrees to do so. But a dark cloud appears when Wilson’s biological mother shows up with plans to take him back to Seattle with her. Not wanting to leave his home, Wilson engages in a legal battle to stop the woman he hardly knows from uprooting him.

This beautifully-written story tackles the legal and emotional battles that Wilson faces, while providing surprising plot twists that keep the pages turning. I recommend this novel for both teen and adult readers, for there is much to be enjoyed in this heart-breaking and poignantly-fulfilling story. ( )