"It was like I'd waited all my life to have something like this, and I knew even then, at the start, that it would be hard, so hard to lose. The big stuff always is" (93)
Author: Sarah Dessen
Paperback
Amount of Pages: 357
Release Date: June 6, 2017
Publisher: Penguin
From: Bought
I was not paid for this review
Summary (From the back of the book): Louna has seen every sort of wedding, from informal on the beach to elegant in historic mansions, all because of her mother's wedding planning business. And working these events every summer means she has also seen every kind of outcome to that "perfect" day.
Maybe that's why she's deeply cynical about happily ever after endings. Or is there something else that has caused her to lock away her heart? When handsome, happy-go-lucky serial dater Ambrose enters her life, Louna doesn't want to take him seriously. He is sure he can change; Louna is betting that he can't. But Ambrose knows that Louna is the girl he's always been waiting for-the question is, can he convince her to feel the same?
Wdebo's Review: I, like many others in this community, grew up reading Sarah Dessen novels and falling in love with the simple, sweet love stories they present. Once and For All is no different.
The story's structure runs as a typical romance YA novel with hints of previous trauma from a lost relationship hurt in a topical way. Due to what happened to her, it is understandable why Louna struggles to open herself up to another relationship and I enjoy seeing her growth into accepting more love from those around her. However, the way the topic was handled only seemed to scratch the surface. There was a lot of potential for it to be deeper but it just never reached it yet. However, since this novel is more about Louna and Ambrose's connection it makes sense that it was only surface level but it would have added much more depth to the story.
Additionally, it may just be because I am older now and have been on way more first dates to count but the concept of having a player fall head over heels in love with you is just too unbelievable. However, maybe to enjoy the story more I just needed to tap into my innocent romantic high school side and not read it from my slightly jaded adult point of view. Heh
Cafe Cover Chit Chat: Aww cute cover that really ties the wedding theme together (B+)
All in all, a sweet, cheesy story. Another Sarah Dessen novel to check out if you're a fan of her work.
Grade: B
Wdebo :)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comment! I want to hear what you have to say =D