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I bought this book at Barnes & Noble.
Summary:
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, now that he’s met the one girl he really wants.
My Review:
This book is all about weddings, so having a subtle person throwing flowers into the air was certainly a nice touch. It’s a simple cover, yet it tells a lot about what the book may entail. I especially love the background color and, like all of Dessen’s books, the title, and author name pop out nicely and are large enough to be seen.
While I haven’t read all of Dessen’s books like most people, I’m trying to catch up. This is the author’s latest book and I grabbed it as soon as I could to keep up with the times. It didn’t disappoint.
I felt as though this plot was a bit cliche. Louna works with her mother planning and working weddings but she doesn’t date herself. She doesn’t really believe in love. Then her mother hires Ambrose, an interesting character. Of course, Louna is distant toward him but Ambrose keeps trying. I’m sure you can already tell what’s going to happen.
Still, Dessen did it right. Louna carries baggage from a past boyfriend which heats things up a bit.
I enjoyed all the characters. Louna made a great female lead and while Ambrose was annoying at first, he grew on me.
Louna’s mother was also a great character. She was the perfect mother figure but she and Louna had a good relationship with each other which made me feel good.
This book is a decent length with some lengthy chapters. It all flows well and reads easily. It’s got a good pace and can be a quick read but you want to take your time with it.
Dessen didn’t disappoint. If you enjoy a little romance, but not over-the-top romance, and like young adult, check out this book. Or any of Dessen’s books.
Once and for All by Sarah Dessen gets…
5 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
“Everyone’s always in their own world, when it’s still an option.” –Sarah Dessen, Once and for All
Buy the book:
Have you read this book? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, I’d love to chat!
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Do you have a favourite of hers?
Probably Saint Anything, which was her latest before this one.
Ah, all right. I’ve been meaning to read her books. I just don’t know where to start.
Yeah she has a lot. I’m just picking and choosing as I go along.
Haha sounds like a cliched “Chick Flick”
That’s a good way to describe it! It was good though because I usually don’t care too much for it.
Can’t wait to read this! I’ve read all her books, and there’s definitely a loose formula that Dessen follows but they’re all so satisfying. I’m actually surprised that the main character and the mom have a great relationship. Usually, Dessen’s main character has a bad relationship with at least one of the parents.
I’ve only read a couple of her books but I do agree with you. They’re all so great. I’m looking forward to reading her other books. 🙂
Have you read Dreamland? It’s my favorite. But a close second is Saint Anything.
I have! The review is on here somewhere, though it’s older so the review format isn’t great, lol. But I think that was the first one I read by Dessen.
New author to me! Thanks for posting . Great review
I hope you enjoy her books if you give them a try. Thanks for reading!
OMG – You paid for a book! I cannot remember the last time I actually cracked open my wallet and bought a book in the bookstore…
I got to the bookstore every week. 😉 Though requests from author keep me pretty busy, lol.
I’ve had a sampler of this kicking around for ages but have never picked up the full book. Looks like I have to after that great review!
Thanks! If you’ve read Sarah Dessen before, you won’t be disappointed. I hope you enjoy it either way.
This sounds like a super fun beach read!
Yes, that’s a good way to explain it!
Great review! I might have to add it to my TBR.
Thanks! It’s a good one. Have you read Sarah Dessen before?
I love this cover. I’ve heard lots of positive things about her books. Will definitely be picking some up.
The cover is great, I agree. She seems to have a lot of great covers, lol. I hope you enjoy her books when you get around to it. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Great review, I absolutely love the cover as well. I haven’t read any Sarah Dessen books yet, even though I have a few of her books on my tbr list. But I am very hopeful that I can get too read one of her books one day. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.
Yeah, I love this cover. It’s simple but tells a lot.
I hope you enjoy her books when you get around to reading them. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. 🙂
I’ve never read anything from this author. Sounds like I need to, though.
Yeah, she’s great. I hope you enjoy her books if you get around to it.
I’ve seen this book around and have been meaning to check out this author. I really like the cover and your review makes this something I should add to my list.
It’s a great read, all of her books are. I hope you enjoy it if you get around to it. Thanks for reading and commenting. 🙂
Sounds like a sweet read. The cover is gorgeous. Great review, I’ve actually never heard of the author before.
Oh, really? She’s a popular one as far as I’ve seen. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I still can’t believe I have yet to pick up a Sarah Dessen book. The covers are all gorgeous and I think I have two or three on my Kindle. I just haven’t gotten to them yet. This one sounds great 🙂 I really enjoyed your review! I love how you break it down and touch on all the different points.
It took me a while too. I’ve only read a couple of her books.
Thanks. I appreciate you reading and commenting. 🙂
I sooo want to read this book! I do agree that it seems kind of cliche but it seems like a good read and plus…..it’s Sarah Dessen.
If anyone will check out my book review of the Truth About Forever I would greatly appreciate it! I just started my blog and it would be awesome to get more followers!
I agree you can’t really go wrong with Sarah Dessen, lol. I think this book is coming out in paperback at the end of this month, too.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. 🙂