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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
I think I was a little disappointed after Saint Anything as I really enjoyed that one.
I didn't really like Louna, I found her to be cold and I couldn't really relate. The story with her and Ethan was devastating. I also didn't really like Ambrose though he did grow on me. So that's probably why I couldn't fully appreciate the story. I had issues with the characters.
I didn't really like Louna, I found her to be cold and I couldn't really relate. The story with her and Ethan was devastating. I also didn't really like Ambrose though he did grow on me. So that's probably why I couldn't fully appreciate the story. I had issues with the characters.
I've loved Sarah Dessen's books since middle school, and it's always a treat to read a new one from her! While Once and For All was not my favorite one of hers, it was still enjoyable and sweet. I loved the characters, and as always, her writing is impeccable. The love story itself didn't do much for me this time around, but everything else more than made up for it.
Definitely a cut below Sarah Dessen’s usual work. Bummer!
A young woman comes to terms with a traumatic event in this young adult romance.
I’ve heard many great things about Sarah Dessen over the years. When I saw her latest novel available at my public library, I decided to give it a shot. While her writing is oh-so-charming, I have many issues with the plot and characterization of the novel. Let’s talk plot first. Based on the cover and blurb, I thought this would be a fun, lighthearted read. It’s not. It’s dealing with heavy issues, such as mass shootings, death, and grief. While it ends with a hopeful message, I honestly felt depressed reading it. Don’t read this novel if you are looking for a lighthearted read.
My other issue is with the main characters. This is very much Louna’s story, a story about a young woman coming to accept and overcome her grief from a past tragedy. If this novel had been promoted as a “women’s fiction” read, I think I would have walked away happy. But this is a romance. Amrbose’s characterization and story has to be strong too. He never develops past the charming playboy persona. While I enjoyed their friendship, I never felt any chemistry between the two. Sadly, we get a better romance between Louna and her first love than between her and Ambrose. Don’t read this novel if you are looking for a sweet romance.
Overall I’m just super disappointed. It’s obvious the author is an engaging writer, but I want more from my contemporary romances. I want connection and growth from both main characters. It’s just not here.
tl;dr A disappointing romance with poor character development and a surprisingly sobering plot.
I’ve heard many great things about Sarah Dessen over the years. When I saw her latest novel available at my public library, I decided to give it a shot. While her writing is oh-so-charming, I have many issues with the plot and characterization of the novel. Let’s talk plot first. Based on the cover and blurb, I thought this would be a fun, lighthearted read. It’s not. It’s dealing with heavy issues, such as mass shootings, death, and grief. While it ends with a hopeful message, I honestly felt depressed reading it. Don’t read this novel if you are looking for a lighthearted read.
My other issue is with the main characters. This is very much Louna’s story, a story about a young woman coming to accept and overcome her grief from a past tragedy. If this novel had been promoted as a “women’s fiction” read, I think I would have walked away happy. But this is a romance. Amrbose’s characterization and story has to be strong too. He never develops past the charming playboy persona. While I enjoyed their friendship, I never felt any chemistry between the two. Sadly, we get a better romance between Louna and her first love than between her and Ambrose. Don’t read this novel if you are looking for a sweet romance.
Overall I’m just super disappointed. It’s obvious the author is an engaging writer, but I want more from my contemporary romances. I want connection and growth from both main characters. It’s just not here.
tl;dr A disappointing romance with poor character development and a surprisingly sobering plot.
As someone who is not engaged but reads a lot of wedding websites (don't judge me!), I was excited for this book about Louna, the daughter of an elite wedding planner.
While the stories of all the weddings Louna works are entertaining, they all blend together in a jumble of organized chaos. At times it definitely comes off as shaming people who want elaborate, expensive weddings. There's a lot of conversations mocking various brides and members of the wedding parties. It's one thing to be snarky, it's another to make fun of literally every other character who appears on the page. Even the couple who decides to have a small, casual wedding regrets it and throws together a fancy last-minute production. So while the wedding planning aspect was what I was most looking forward to in this book, it was the biggest let down.
Now the romance... isn't that what we love about Sarah Dessen? That didn't work for me either. First you have the instalove with perfect Ethan, who dies in a school shooting. But at the same time you have a budding not-romance with goofy Ambrose. It was impossible to enjoy either boy and the dual narratives of both problematic relationships (plus all the boys Louna dates thanks to a bet with Ambrose) ensure that you will not fall for anyone.
While the stories of all the weddings Louna works are entertaining, they all blend together in a jumble of organized chaos. At times it definitely comes off as shaming people who want elaborate, expensive weddings. There's a lot of conversations mocking various brides and members of the wedding parties. It's one thing to be snarky, it's another to make fun of literally every other character who appears on the page. Even the couple who decides to have a small, casual wedding regrets it and throws together a fancy last-minute production. So while the wedding planning aspect was what I was most looking forward to in this book, it was the biggest let down.
Now the romance... isn't that what we love about Sarah Dessen? That didn't work for me either. First you have the instalove with perfect Ethan, who dies in a school shooting. But at the same time you have a budding not-romance with goofy Ambrose. It was impossible to enjoy either boy and the dual narratives of both problematic relationships (plus all the boys Louna dates thanks to a bet with Ambrose) ensure that you will not fall for anyone.
This review is frustrating for me to write. I am a big fan of Sarah Dessen's, and even if it's a little formulaic by now it's a formula I've come to love and appreciate. This one felt a little rushed, though; I was shocked when I noticed I was at 82%. I feel like she usually develops her characters far more, which allows the readers to really get a sense for the chemistry (as opposed to having the BFF character tell us about the chemistry). I wish I had more of Ambrose - I get that it wasn't his story (it was definitely Louna's), but it felt like pieces were missing and he was more of a caricature than a character. Also, the conflict and subsequent resolution fell flat for me.
It wasn't *bad* by any means, and it was a quick, enjoyable enough read. Sarah Dessen absolutely knows how to write about YA love, and how it gives everything a tint of magic. I think I just expect and want more, so I ended up disappointed.
It wasn't *bad* by any means, and it was a quick, enjoyable enough read. Sarah Dessen absolutely knows how to write about YA love, and how it gives everything a tint of magic. I think I just expect and want more, so I ended up disappointed.
Ugh. Not a good book. I never really connected with the main character as the side characters were far more interesting. The flashback aspects did not work well either, especially if they were meant to make me feel for Louna.
I love Sarah Dessen, and this is no exception to that. This was poignant and lovely and full of nuanced, realistic, and lovable characters. I love recommending her books to my students - #fullcircle.
I love Sarah Dessen's books, but this one was a bit too predictable for me.