Book Review: Once And For All By: Sarah Dessen

"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)

Book Title: Once and For All 
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 :) 

Book Review: The Summer Sail By: Wendy Francis

 "A sail away to a tropical island. Yes, it was just the thing she needed.

She hoped her roommates would say yes" 

Book Title: The Summer Sail
Author: Wendy Francis
Paperback
Amount of Pages: 294 
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Publisher: Atria Books
From: Publisher 
I was not paid for this review 

Summary (From the back of the book): 

Three best friends reunite for a summer vacation they will never forget - but not for the reasons they expect. 

When Abby decides to renew her wedding vows for her twentieth anniversary on a cruise to Bermuda, she invites her best friends and former college roommates, Caroline and Lee to join her. As the ship pulls away from the pier, everyone is looking forward to an idyllic week of lounging by the pool, sipping cocktails, and reminiscing. 

If only it were that easy...

Caroline, a magazine editor, wonders when and if her longtime boyfriend, Javier, will propose. If he doesn't get his act together on the cruise, she may just leave him. Lee, a single mom, desperately wants to win back the affections of her daughter, Lacey, who has returned home from her freshman year of college as a bit of a monster. And happily married hosts Abby and Sam are hiding a major secret from everyone, including their twin sons, Chris and Ryan. 

As tensions flare and the fairy-tale ceremony threatens to unravel, three women will discover if their bond of friendship can sustain them in life's uncharted waters. 

Wdebo's Review: Sometimes you just need one of those summer reads especially now when the season is quickly changing from Fall to Winter. This novel was light, fast and fun - a great book to bring to the beach and just laze around and flip through the pages. Though there were some hiccups during the story, it was definitely a nice and quick read. 

I was thoroughly impressed by the friendships that were presented in the stories. The bond the roommates shared that had spanned for many decades is truly enviable. It made me wish that I have those sorts of strong relationships when I get older as well. 

While the relationships between the characters were great I found certain characterizations to be lacking. Some of the characters were written in a more stereotypical light especially in terms of the children. It definitely was written from the point of view of an older person who is trying to act younger without much conviction so it turned pretty cringey at times in terms of tone and mannerisms. Additionally, each roommates story was wrapped up too perfectly. Everything seemed to fall into place a bit too well and was slightly too idealistic for me. 

However, I do have to commend the fact that the story was written about three best friends who are all in different stages of life and relationships. It's rare to see that celebrated all at once but it is important since not all of us are in the same stages of life even if we are the same age and that is totally fine. 

Cafe Cover Chat: I find the cover to be cute - definitely makes you want to be on a sunny cruise. (B) 

All in all, a fun and quick little read - perfect to bring as a beachside companion. 

Grade: B

Wdebo :)