Synopsis: 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.
Sarah Dessen’s many, many fans will adore her latest, a richly satisfying, enormously entertaining story that has everything—humor, romance, and an ending both happy and imperfect, just like life itself.
Review: I did not really know about Sarah Dessen but when I heard about this novel, I was immediately intrigued! It must be said that the setting really made me want to try it!
We discover Louna, a girl who helps her mother and her best friend as a Wedding Planner. It’s really not an easy job, that’s for sure! This job, which at first seems rather extraordinary, has made our heroine a little cynical about love, and her latest story has reinforced her this way. But now, in addition to all this, she will meet the unbearable Ambrose, employed by her mother and who seems ready to do anything to make her go crazy!
I really found the story very nice and at the same time I was really surprised by the themes that I did not necessarily see coming at the beginning of the novel. This is how we follow our heroine in the present time and some chapters in the past allow us to better identify her. It is very easy to get into the story, to focus on the characters and see where they will carry us. We perfectly understand Louna and her doubts, especially after what she went through and her work always gives her a good excuse to stay in her loneliness. Ambrose will change that, despite being very irritating. I was curious to learn more about him even though he remains quite enigmatic.
You’ll understand that it’s a very nice story with very interesting themes and settings! I recommend it!
Mary Kirkland
I like how this one sounds. Thanks for the great review.
Melliane
my pleasure
blodeuedd
I have only read a YA by her
Melliane
it was my first one
Heidi
I still haven’t tried this author, everyone loves her books, I need to read one maybe I will start here.
LilyElement Book Reviews
I feel like I’ve read one of her books before, her name is really familiar hmmmm
Melanie Simmons
I can’t imagine being a wedding planner for my mother. I can barely plan a long weekend vacation with her. LOL
Melliane
she is working with her but the mother is the boss
Sophia Rose
I’ve heard that her books always have a nice, underlying serious piece to them that grabs the emotions. Dealing with all the stress of planning weddings would make me wary of them, too. LOL
Melliane
lol that’s probably the case yes
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
I’ve heard such amazing things about Sarah Dessen! One day I would love to try one of her books, and this one has been on my radar for a while. Glad to hear it worked out for you!
Melliane
yes it was my first try
herding cats
Aw yay. It’s lovely when you try someone new and it turns out to be a nice read 🙂
kindlemom1
I love emotional this author’s books can be. I definitely need to pick her back up again. Wonderful review!
Carole Rae
13!? Woah! I think I’ve read one or two over the years.
Melliane
it was my first one
Lindsi
I borrowed the audiobook for this from my library! It’s next on my list. I’m so happy to see you enjoyed it. I love Dessen.
Do You Dog-ear?
Melliane
Oh I hope you’ll enjoy it as well