Soon after reading the ARC of Once and For All, I was able to meet Sarah Dessen and fangirl over her fantastic writing and characters. I have been reading her novels since I was a teen and was not disappointed with this one! Dessen is a star at exploring the experience of growing up and falling in and out of love. Louna's character is flawed but charming in a relatable way. I loved the story from start to finish and would recommend this to my students who love a good teen romance. The story moved a little quickly toward the end, but overall, I think it was still a classic Dessen story that new and old fans will love.

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Initial reaction: I really enjoyed the journey in this latest book from Sarah Dessen. Sweet romance story in places, but it's also a great story surrounding grief and family as well. Louna was a nice protagonist to follow, though I did feel certain moments and revelations felt a bit rushed.

Full review:

I still struggle to try to frame my thoughts around Sarah Dessen's "Once and for All" - because this story has a lot to unpack with being a slice of life romance paired with a overarching story of grief and coming to terms. It follows right in the vein and voice of many of Dessen's other novels, and I thought the experience was heartfelt and identifiable on the whole. I didn't realize how much I'd like this read for the type of story it told until I picked it up and decided to run with what it had to offer. An overarching critique I could give this narrative is that it has bumpy pacing (moves too fast in some points and too slow in others - something I'll reflect upon in this review) and a certain plot point was delayed far too long when it was obvious after a certain point that it was coming.

Louna tells two tales in this overarching narrative. In the past (and told in flashbacks), Louna reflects on a whirlwind romance she shared with her former boyfriend Ethan. It's a bit of instalove considering the terms in which they meet, but somehow I felt I could get behind it because of the intimacy of the character detail and their chemistry. Their relationship is mercilessly cut short, and Louna thinks she's basically one and done - had her ideal romance and another one won't really come along again. Ironic, even as she points out, because she helps her mother in her famous wedding planning business.

Louna's perspective changes with the entrance of Ambrose - spontaneous, good-humored, but reckless and full of flaws. Even from the first time they meet, he's the thorn in a time-sensitive wedding ceremony that she has to haul him into (literally) at the last moment. He is her polar opposite in every way, but he attempts to create a relationship with her every chance he can. It was fun to watch their interactions in the slice of life moments. He isn't aware of Louna's relationship with Ethan and the barriers that keep her cynical and reluctant to be in another relationship. The story eventually has a coming of terms for Louna in both her grief and her ability to know what she wants for the future. I appreciated that this was definitely a coming of age tale for Louna and remained firmly in her viewpoint, with moments of the supporting characters around her to shine and create a nice familial focus to boot. The wedding planning aspect of the novel was fun to watch and felt very realistic, while also being a unique aspect that I haven't seen in a lot of YA novels.

I think the major issue that kept this book from being a higher rating from me personally was the uneven pacing. Part of that was due to the way that the conflict around Ethan was framed. While impactful and horrifying, it wasn't as much of a mystery (though it portrayed itself as such) after it came to a certain point. It felt like the book was dragging its heels just to get to that revelation. Once that revelation came, and Ambrose recognizes the truth behind it, the conflict associated with that revelation moved too quickly to be able to feel Louna's full weighing the balance of it. I understand that the story had to be that way (past interspersed with present) in order to frame the narrative, but maybe it could've came a lot sooner than it did, especially with the impact it had to Louna's relationship with Ambrose and being a part of the "bet" that's developed between them.

It's a good, character driven story, and one that I think teens would enjoy for a sweet coming to terms story showcasing much growth on the part of the protagonist. Yet, I think some pieces of it work against it from having more emotional punch, particularly with the difficult and very relevant backdrop it paints.

Overall score: 3.5/5 stars.

Note: I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley from the publisher.

Once and for all has the feel of a romcom and was a great read right from the start. The two stories - that of Louna’s first love, and her subsequent work in her mother’s wedding planning business are interwoven in an interesting way, and the characters are a good mix of quirky and relatable.

While this is a YA novel, there was plenty to interest older readers (it would make a great film!). I also appreciated the fact that while there is plenty of romance there isn’t any explicit action, so I will be able to recommend this to some of my younger students.

As a huge Sarah Dessen fan, I knew going in that I would love this book. However, I didn't know how much I would love it.
Once and for All is a perfect summer read that makes your insides feel all warm and fuzzy. I am a wedding fanatic so I loved the wedding planning aspect of it. The romance itself of the book, to me, rates about a 3 out of 5 because I liked it, but didn't absolutely love it like I usually do with Sarah's books.
I would definitely recommend this book and rank this in one of my top 5 Sarah Dessen books.

I love Sarah Dessen and I am always excited to pick up her next book. I really enjoyed the character development here and the story was cute while still being serious.

The idea of a wedding planner's daughter who doesn't believe in true love intrigued me and it did provide for a great read. The flashbacks that explain the reasons for her feelings were well done and made me understand the character better.

Super annoyed by this book. The only part of the story that I cared about was with Ethan. Everything else was dull and uninteresting. I used to LOVE Dessen's books, but they just don't do it for me anymore.

This is a feel good book- reminds me of a Hallmark show!

You can always count on Sarah Dessen for a great summer read. Once and For All did not disappoint. It had a great friend and mom. What stood out the most was the quirky guy and all the weddings! At first, I wasn’t a big fan of the bet that was involved, because bets always seem to cause problems. It ended up being ok, though. When I was done with the book, I was disappointed that Ambrose was such a strong character and Louna was annoyed with him most of the time. She fell flat compared to him. Other than that, it was good and I’m glad that I got to read it.

This makes me so sad, but this just wasn't for me. I adore Sarah Dessen and I'm grateful for everything she'd done for YA literature, but this was not her best. Chock full of telling, not showing, and all the backstory at the beginning--it didn't make me want to read more and it did nothing to endear the characters to me. I'll stick with her earlier work.

I was sooooo excited to have my wish granted through Netgalley and receive a copy of this book to review! I've only read two other Dessen titles - one I rated two stars, and one I rated four - but I've been wanting to read more as I'm on a bit of a contemporary YA kick. I was hoping "Once and For All" would give me some sweet swoony times and a storyline with a bit of meat to it, and for the most part, I'd say this book delivered just that.

Starting with Louna, I would say she's introverted, not necessarily shy but not overly outgoing either. She's very cautious romantically, being brought up surrounded by her mother's and William's attitudes - not exactly flattering to men! (On a bit of a sidebar, I am not loving her name, and here's why: I had a great aunt in Australia, who I never actually met, and her name was "Luna". My mom said she was "crazy" and whenever I hear that name, I think of "Loony Luna"! It's a good thing this book is told in first person, so I didn't have to read Louna's name on the page very often, otherwise I'd be thinking "Loony Louna" the whole way through!)

Ambrose is pretty much Louna's exact opposite. He seems hyper to me - maybe he has ADHD? He's definitely annoying, but he knows it and kind of owns it. He's charismatic, charming, spontaneous, caring, and pays attention. All great things, but Louna doesn't trust the chemistry between them because he flirts with EVERYONE! Everyone loves him, and he loves everyone, too, so why should Louna be the special one who wins his heart? I don't blame her one bit for being apprehensive about him.

And then there's Louna's backstory. Oh my goodness, so heartbreaking! I was really surprised at how the flashbacks pulled me in so much. Dessen unfolds everything so gradually, I was turning the pages frantically to find out what really happened, and, well, sigh. Things sucked, I'll say that much. Can't give anything more away, because spoilers, but I hated what happened there, ugh.

Back to Louna and Ambrose. They start off as...well, I was going to say friends, but it was really less than that. Let's just say they were forced to work together, and eventually, they did become friends. Then comes the bet: Louna will try dating freely, as freely as Ambrose does, at least three dates a week, for two months (I think). Ambrose will try the opposite: date one girl exclusively for two months. The person to win the bet gets to choose the next date for the other. I remember thinking that the terms of this bet would be equally difficult for both to stick to: Louna hasn't gone on a date in a year, for reasons that soon become apparent, and Ambrose has never dated a girl more than two or three times, if memory serves. Maybe neither of them would succeed! I guess you'll just have to read "Once and for All" yourself to see how things work out.

Oh, and one more thing I loved about this book: the weddings! I remember planning my own wedding, and thinking that being a wedding planner would possibly be the best job in the world. That far fetched dream never came to fruition, and after reading this book, I'm rather glad it didn't - seems a bit more stressful than I'd envisioned! But if you've ever wondered what that type of job would be like, or if you are just a fan of weddings in general, than you won't be disappointed with this title.

Sarah Dessen's latest title does not disappoint! I can't wait to share this title with my YA students-sweet, funny, and very real!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

With her mom as a famed wedding planner, Louna lives amidst many teen girls’ dreams, taking a ringside seat working at lavish weddings. Being part of the planning and execution, however, is not as glamorous as one may think. Though they make their livelihood on love, Louna’s mother Natalie and her mother’s business partner William don’t believe in it. In fact, their post-wedding celebration includes a bet on how long (or not) each marriage will last. Their cynicism is starting to rub off on Louna; she can feel it. With her own first love ending tragically last year, Louna feels like she missed out on her one and only. It takes meeting Ambrose, an impossible and annoying son-of-the-bride (and later brother-of-the-bride) to bring Louna out of her shell. With the support and distractions of her best friend Jilly, who is constantly taxiing her siblings around while her food truck parents work, Louna enjoys one last memorable summer of wedding planning.

THOUGHTS: Fans of Sarah Dessen’s sweet teenaged romance novels will swoon over this newest book. Set amongst a beautiful summer wedding season, it successfully looks at love and loss. Descriptions of sex and teen drinking may not be suitable for younger readers.

I haven't ready many Dessen books, but have always heard great things. I can see why with this book. I really enjoyed the story and all of the wedding stuff. I really enjoy books about wedding planners for some reason so this was right up my alley. Can't wait to recommend this to my students when school starts again.

My 1st Sarah Dessen and I LIKED it! Definitely a story about 1st and young love. I'm not sensing forever love, but if it's ok with the heroine, it's ok with me. Was concerned the tragedy would be done very heavily or quite sensationalized for effect, but it was mild and tasteful (as someone with family in Littleton, I definitely hesitated to pick this up).

Louna is preparing for her senior year of high school and is looking forward to getting a real job. She helps her mother with her wedding planning business and has experienced every type of wedding. Since she has grown up around weddings and knows that many people have more than one, she is very cynical about love and everything that goes with it. It doesn't help that her one experience with love ended in a tragic way. In walks Ambrose and he is not willing to take no for an answer. Will Louna find love again?

Once and for All is the newest stand-alone novel by Sarah Dessen. The story is slow to take off, but if readers hang on for a few pages, the overall story is worth it. Louna has a secret that isn't completely explained until the end and readers will try and pull it out alongside Ambrose. The flashback storyline took some getting used to, but overall it wasn't a complete distraction. Once and for All is a good escape into a romance.

I dove into Sarah Dessen’s back list last year, and I have enjoyed some of her books. Most of them have been middle of the road for me, however, and Once and for All was more of the same. There were plenty of things to like about this book - I thought Louna and her mother had a wonderful relationship, as did Louna with her mother’s friend, William. Louna was responsible and someone her friends and family could count on, and I enjoyed her character. Her friend, Jilly, and Jilly’s family were a wonderful addition to the story, and I like that they had so much in common as far as working with their families and shouldering a lot of responsibility went. But this book just felt disjointed and abrupt, and the use of flashbacks here didn’t work for me. While I did enjoy the scenes and Ethan’s character very much, I don’t feel like it added anything to the book. That was due, in part, to the fact that his ‘story’ fell flat. Sarah Dessen has never pushed the envelope, in my opinion, and that’s never bothered me until now. But I feel like her attempt to cover a very serious subject was lame; it was something she flirted with instead of fully committing to, and it showed in the lack of depth to what could have been a stellar storyline.
Present day was a problem for me in that for the first half of the book, Ambrose’s character felt more like a caricature of a young man than a real young man, but then, once the book hit 50%, he did an about face and toned down, with no explanation. I loved him when he was toned down, but it was such a jarring change of character that I wasn’t quite able to buy into it. I also liked Ambrose’s dog, Ira, and how he acquired him, and that Ambrose was so honest and open. It was such a nice change from the game playing I sometimes read in YA. But I didn’t really feel as though anyone changed throughout this story, and that was a problem for me.
Overall, while Once and for All was an OK read for me, it was lacking in character development and consistency, and I’d only recommend this book if you’re a long-time Sarah Dessen fan.

Sarah Dessen
Once and For All
Viking Books for Young Readers / June 6, 2017 / $19.99 print, $10.99 digital

For those of you who grew up reading Sarah Dessen’s books—her first book, That Summer was published over twenty years ago—you know that she writes exquisite stories around present-day issues. If you need your memory refreshed, check out Class of 2012: A Superlative Sarah Dessen.

For those who missed her books, you really need to try them, especially if you’re reading women’s fiction now. Because Louna is dealing with disillusionment about love and happily-ever-afters brought about by her mother’s and godfather’s attitude toward love; her own first-hand observations as she viewed brides and grooms vow “til death do us part,” only to divorce a couple of years after their weddings; and her own tragic experience with love.


On the one hand, I lived and breathed the wedding dream, dragged along to ceremonies and venues, privy to meetings on every excruciating detail from Save the Date cards to cake toppers. But away from the clients and the work, there was a constant, repetitive commentary about how it was a sham, no good men really existed, and we were all better off alone. It was no wonder that a few years earlier, when my best friend Jilly had suddenly gone completely boy-crazy, I'd been reluctant to join her. I was a fourteen-year-old-girl with the world-weariness of a bitter mid-life divorcee, repeating all the things I'd heard over and over like a mantra. “Well, he'll only disappoint you, so you should expect it,” I'd say, shaking my head as she texted with some thick-necked soccer player. Or I'd warn: “Don't give what you're not ready to lose.”...

Because this theme is one that is often used in romance novels and women’s fiction, there’s an ageless quality to the book, making it easy to forget that you’re reading about teenagers on the cusp of adulthood. Truly, this book is a perfect introduction to a super-talented author.

I’ve written two First Looks on her books. In my First Look at Sarah Dessen’s The Moon and More, I stated:


Many of Sarah Dessen’s readers, like myself, have long left behind their coming of age years. But even if the problems her characters face are no longer relevant to my life, the lessons they learn always seem so meaningful and far-reaching. That is one reason Ms. Dessen’s books have such a widespread appeal.

But most engaging to me is Ms. Dessen’s talent in creating multi-dimensional characters—drawn with strokes of realism and authenticity.

In my First Look at Sarah Dessen’s Saint Anything, I wrote:


I rarely venture into Young Adult books, but I make an exception for the very talented Sarah Dessen. Her plots are relevant to today’s issues—you could almost borrow Law and Order’s tagline: taken from today’s headlines, for her books. Dessen’s characters are so vividly created—their actions and emotions so genuinely authentic—that it almost seems that Dessen has a psychological advantage in understanding our human condition. Her characters make sense—their actions make sense, and the emotions they feel just seem appropriate.

So, in writing the First Look on For Once and for All, it's almost like wash, rinse, and repeat, because the same goes: Wonderful characters; meaningful and far-reaching lesson; realism and authenticity and universal appeal. Of course, I sure don't mind saying these things again because this is a great novel!

If you have read her books before, then you know that some are darker than others. While the heroine’s tragic past governs her current actions and beliefs, the book has a lighthearted feel to it too. Part of that is due to the scenes written around the hero. Truly, Ambrose Little is a delight.


“People never believe me when I tell them this,” Ambrose replied, folding his arms on the table. “But I’m not trying to annoy her. She’s just very sensitive.”

“You really think that’s the issue?” my mother asked.

He nodded, somber. “Always has been.”

“I heard your mother sent you here because she was so frustrated with dealing with you.”

“True,” he agreed. “And I wrecked her car. But in my defense, she is also very sensitive. I think it’s a genetic thing.”

Oh, for God’s sake, I thought, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. Of course it was everyone else’s fault. Next he’d blame the tape dispenser. My mother, however, smiled at him, clearly amused. “Did I hear Bee say you need a job?”

“That’s what I’m told,” he replied.

“You’re told?”

“It’s actually more of an ultimatum,” he admitted.

“Apparently I am both annoying and expensive.”

Instead of replying, my mom just studied him, one hand twisting the diamond necklace she wore every day. I didn’t like the look on her face even before she said, “How about this: you work for me this summer, and I’ll take your wages off my fee, which your mother is paying.”

So, this is how it came about that Louna Barrett must deal with an annoying co-worker. At first, she honestly thought her mother had lost her mind—it was so out of character. However, her mother spills on the real reason she offered Ambrose a job: He’s causing so much havoc at home that his mother offered Natalie Barrett Weddings, her mother’s business, a bonus if Natalie would keep Ambrose busy.

Louna should get hazard pay, since she is the one that is showing Ambrose the ropes. A simple trip to pick-up flowers for a wedding turns into a kidnapping:


I was just reaching forward to change the radio station (now an addiction for both of us, clearly) when the passenger door suddenly opened again and he tumbled inside. “Go,” he said. He was holding something in his arms.

“What?”

”Go. Drive. Now!”

It was only after I shifted into reverse again, for some reason blindly following this directive, that I looked over and saw that what he was clutching was, in fact, the dog.

“Ambrose. You stole that man’s dog?”

“I prefer to look at it as a rescue” he corrected me as it wriggled wildly in my side vision.

Ambrose and Louna are so sweet together. He brings a much-needed levity into her life and she challenges him to become more responsible. Although Louna doesn’t always see it that way. On the surface, she considers him a gnat—annoying and bothersome.


Ambrose patted the seat beside him. “Come on, honey. Time for our close-up.”

I looked at my mother, who held up ten fingers, symbolizing the hundred bucks I’d been promised for going through with this. It was not enough. Still, I sat down.

“Okay,” the photographer said, squatting sown and lifting the camera. “Now, let’s have the groom open the book and hold it in his lap. Louna, lean into him and point to something on the page.” . . .

“And Ambrose, shift your hand so we can see the ring on Louna’s finger a bit better. It’s just so pretty!”

“Three months' salary,” he told her, insisting, still, on being in character. “But my baby deserved a rock!”

My mom, who was the actual owner of this ring, snorted.

William said, “You guys actually look really cute together, if you don’t mind me saying."

I was about to tell him that, in fact, I did, when Ambrose moved in closer behind me, his mouth right at my ear. “FYI, your tag is sticking out. Let me get it. It’s what a fiancé would do.”

A second later, I felt his fingers on the small of my back, smoothing down the fabric of my dress there. And the weirdest, craziest thing happened: I felt something. That unmistakable, sudden rush of feeling when your body responds to a touch in that certain, specific way.

Against the always appealing backdrop of wedding planning, you’ll be charmed, delighted, and pleased as Dessen marvelously convinces the cynics in this book that true love is real.

Sarah Dessen offers another feel good young adult romance. While somewhat predictable, the book still leaves the reader hoping for the expected and ultimate outcome through the difficulties placed in the path of romance.

I can't really review this because I couldn't finish it. The story just didn't grab my attention.

I Was Provided A ARC Through NetGalley
(Possible Spoilers)

Once And For All is a beautiful book about second chances, the many forms of love, and life. Louna Barrett & Ambrose Little are characters that I instantly want to revisit.

Louna Barrett is looking forward to a easy summer. She's preparing for college in the fall, and spending the last summer working for her mother and godfather at where they run a sucessful wedding planing bussiness. But the summer might not be so easy when she has her best friend, pushing her to make it a epic one, before they head to college. Her best friend, Jilly, wants her to embrace the dating life and get back out there. But Louna isn't so sure she's ready for that. She's still dealing with a past relationship, one she finds hard to talk about.

One thing that is sure making her summer interesting, and she can't decided if its in a good or bad way yet, is the tall, handsome, a little unique, and just a lot to take in, Ambrose Little. He's a loud, says what he wants, pain in her side. And now he'll be working next to her all summer. But Louna finds her self fascinated, with the way Ambrose lives. He just lives his life, does not care what anyone thinks, and does everything with a smile. Maybe the epic summer of memories isn't such a far off idea for Louna. If only the past, didn't make her so nervous of the future.

Amazing characters. Silly, loving, strong and real. While reading Louna & Ambrose's story, I felt like I've know them forever. Louna is a sweet and simple, girl. She grew, healed, and found something special in her epic summer before college. Ambrose was a very different, but total lovable, goofy, sweet character. I couldn't get enough of him. Not only did I love Louna and Ambrose, like with all Sarah Dessen's Novels, I was fascinated by each one of the side characters in this book. Each one brings something special to this fantastic story.

Each time I open the pages to a new Sarah Dessen novel, I find myself instantly hooked. Captivated by the flawless storytelling, each unique and lovable character, and a story that is sure to stay with me. Sarah Dessen's writing has held my attention for years. I have been reading her work since I was fourteen, and twelve years later, I still get so excited to dive into her books. I am drawn into her stories and I don't want to leave. I fall in love with each book. Every time.

After reading and falling in love with this book, and shedding a few tears, I will hands down recommend everyone read this book. All Sarah Dessen books. She is a great voice for all generations. She makes you reminisce about first crush's and love. See the dynamics of all kinds of families, friendships and relationships. Touches on real, scary and sad things that happen in our world. And shows the hope everyone has, for love, life, happiness and second chances.