Once and for All by Sarah Dessen
Reviewer: Langley N.
Star rating: 4
Once and for All, by Sarah Dessen, is the
author’s latest coming of age drama. The story focuses on Louna Barrett, the
daughter of an esteemed wedding planner. Having grown up with her mother’s
business taking center stage, Louna has dealt with every kind of love story.
She’s comforted brides with cold feet, found runaway ring-bearers, and even
dealt with full-on disasters. Because of this lifestyle, her own mother’s
failed love story, and the tragic tale of her first love, Louna has developed a
rather cynical attitude towards love. But when Louna’s mother takes on a new
client, and the brother of the bride (a Casanova named Ambrose)
weasels his way into Louna’s life, things change for them both.
In a general sense, Once
and for All has the same storyline as almost every other Sarah Dessen
book. A teenage girl falls for a boy, and the effects of that relationship
change the girl in some way. However stereotypical this story is, it still
hooks the reader to the very end in typical Dessen fashion. The characters are
relatable, complex, and the details of the story are full of originality. I
would recommend this book to fans of John Green and romantic comedies. Overall,
I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. The ending left room for
possibilities, but tied up the story nicely. Though it may be nothing outside
of the author’s comfort zone, Once
and for All had me crying, smiling, and overall satisfied.
