I'm Going to Revel in My 40 Degree Spring Weather

With spring just around the corner, despite taking its jolly good time rounding the corner to State College, I think it is time that everyone find that warm, relaxing, "beach" book. Do you know what I mean? That book that makes you feel all warm and gooey on the inside because the plot is lighthearted and cute with minimal problems for all of you passive-aggressors out there.

What spring weather should look like! Image provided by Courtney McGough.

What spring looks like for everyone else living in State College. Image provided by Wayne Cappleman. 

Sarah Dessen, an author with many novels published specifically for lovestruck or lovesick teenagers, published Once and For All last June. Her novel hits home for all of those who have loved before only to be ripped of their happiness and hope. While all of the broken hearts in high school may not be dealing with quite as serious a situation as the main character, these high schoolers will be able to compare their own lovesick experiences leaving them torn and raw to this story's incredible testimony of life after true love. 

The backstory to this novel is explained by Sarah Dessen herself on her online site. Dessen describes how she, after publishing literally a dozen novels, was not too enthusiastic about embarking on publishing yet another novel, making a delightful baker's dozen. Going against her initial instincts to throw in the towel and call it a day, Dessen decided to take advantage of her surroundings. During this sabbatical so to say, two different friends of Dessen were engaged and planning their weddings, forming a basis for her characters in her 13th novel.

Image provided by ActualLitté. 

Once and For All is a novel revolving around Louna, the main character, using her work to disguise her haunting past relationship as well as hide her true pessimism towards lasting love. Louna, her mother, and her mother's assistant are always swamped as wedding planners - especially when working for the most dramatic brides. Spending so much time witnessing the chaos of weddings and unfortunate marriages bound to break, these three planners confide in one another their unrealistic perceptions of happy endings, betting on each marriage's lifespan within five minutes of each reception's conclusion. 

Amidst this atmosphere, Louna doesn't stand a chance in the world of love. She has made herself calloused, a hardened shell of protection too deep to penetrate her heart strings, until one determined young man enters her world with a bang.  Ambrose is everything she never expected, but the tears in her heart from her broken relationship the year before hold her back from seeing Ambrose, her true Prince Charming, that was tossed into her life. 

Publishers Weekly writes how, "Dessen's fans will revel in the familiarity of her steady, empathic writing, as well as her attention to detail--particularly the painstaking care Louna and her mother devote to every aspect of a wedding, including their nervous and tightly wound clients--and the emotionally layered characters that populate her story." 

When I first read this novel, I was on vacation last summer with my family. Being on a cruise, I scored the lottery when I discovered a cozy little reading room filled with comfy nooks to curl up in and read for hours. I spent plenty of time finishing this novel over the course of a week, and after turning the last page, and handling a few tissues (I cry at almost anything), I had a warmed heart and a soothed mind. 

This easy read is a page turner with a rich backstory and a fluid chain of events. The ending of this story will surely give you an initial shock, but fret not! For what would a great "beach" book be without a feel-good finale? So grab yourself a lawn chair or blanket, camp out in the sun, and get to reading!