As bubbly as champagne and delectable as wedding cake, Once and for All, Sarah Dessen’s thirteenth novel, is set in the world of wedding planning, where crises are routine.
Louna, daughter of famed wedding planner Natalie Barrett, has seen every sort of wedding; on the beach, at historic mansions, in fancy hotels and clubs. Perhaps that’s why she’s cynical about happily-ever-after endings, especially since her own first love ended tragically. When Louna meets charming, happy-go-lucky serial dater Ambrose, she holds him at arm’s length. But Ambrose isn’t about to be discouraged, not that he’s met the one girl he really wants.
Sarah Dessen’s many, many fans will adore her latest, a richly satisfying, enormously entertaining story that has everything – humour, romance, and an ending both happy and imperfect, just like life itself.
Once and for All Review
I’ve always been a fan of Sarah Dessen’s novels. So I was super excited to hear that she was coming out with another book. Once and for All certainly does not disappoint!
Once and for All follows Louna as she helps her mother plan weddings. Because she is constantly surrounded by weddings, she tends to keep people at a distance. Which is exactly what happens when she meets Ambrose.
Sarah Dessen has such a knack for creating unique characters that tug at your heartstrings. Louna is a wonderful main character. She’s sweet and caring, but also very guarded. She really grows throughout the book, which I really enjoyed seeing.
Another thing I loved is the dynamic between Louna and her mother as well as Natalie and William. These three characters are definitely a trio and I loved their moments together.
Ambrose is a great character as well. He’s unique and full of personality! He’s witty and quirky, which really comes across through Sarah Dessen’s writing. I just thoroughly enjoyed him!
While I enjoyed this book overall, I will say that I think the ending was a bit abrupt. I always want to have a satisfactory ending and I just didn’t feel like I got one. It’s not a terrible ending, but I have some unanswered questions. Let’s just say, I would love to have had a more concise ending for Louna and Ambrose.
I think I’ll always be a fan of Sarah Dessen. Her books are always quick, easy and enjoyable reads. While her novels largely follow a similar pattern, I’ve never once been disappointed by her books. They’re always reliable for me.
Overall, I definitely recommend Once and for All. It’s perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen or those looking for a quick and enjoyable summer read! I’m sure you’ll be able to devour this book in one to two sessions, like I did!
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favourite Quote
Isn’t that the way everything begins? A night, a love, a once and for all?
About the Author
Sarah Dessen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen novels for teens, including Once and for All, Saint Antyhing, This Lullaby, The Truth About Forever, Just Listen and Along for the Ride. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and have sold millions of copies worldwide. That Summer and Someone Like You were made into the movie How to Deal. She is the recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award from the American Library Association for outstanding contribution to young adult literature. A North Carolina native, Sarah currently lives in Chapel Hill with her family.
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Buy Once and For All
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