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Change of Plans
From acclaimed and #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Dessen comes a romantic coming-of-age novel about an unassuming girl who learns to stand on her own while falling in love during a life-changing summer.
Finley has always felt most comfortable in someone else’s shadow. Fortunately, she’s got Colin, her magnetic boyfriend, who sweeps her along for activities, friendships, and future plans. Then she goes on a last-minute trip with her distant mom to a family vacation house that Finley didn’t know existed and is now about to be sold.
Her mom was estranged from her own parents and siblings since leaving home for college, and it’s a novelty for Finley to see her aunts and cousins, and to meet the handful of teens who work at the Egg, her aunt’s diner, and make up a found family of their own—including undeniably handsome guitarist Ben.
Then her relationship with Colin goes into freefall, and Finley’s roadmap for life after high school is gone. She has no choice but to live, for the first time, without plans. The longer Finley stays, the closer she gets to the truth about why her mother stayed away—and why she’s brought Finley here now.
And the closer she grows to new friends at the Egg, the more she starts to fall for charmingly awkward, soulful Ben and to realize how much of herself she’s been missing. By the end of the summer, nothing will be the same—for this community or for Finley herself.
Finley has always felt most comfortable in someone else’s shadow. Fortunately, she’s got Colin, her magnetic boyfriend, who sweeps her along for activities, friendships, and future plans. Then she goes on a last-minute trip with her distant mom to a family vacation house that Finley didn’t know existed and is now about to be sold.
Her mom was estranged from her own parents and siblings since leaving home for college, and it’s a novelty for Finley to see her aunts and cousins, and to meet the handful of teens who work at the Egg, her aunt’s diner, and make up a found family of their own—including undeniably handsome guitarist Ben.
Then her relationship with Colin goes into freefall, and Finley’s roadmap for life after high school is gone. She has no choice but to live, for the first time, without plans. The longer Finley stays, the closer she gets to the truth about why her mother stayed away—and why she’s brought Finley here now.
And the closer she grows to new friends at the Egg, the more she starts to fall for charmingly awkward, soulful Ben and to realize how much of herself she’s been missing. By the end of the summer, nothing will be the same—for this community or for Finley herself.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2026
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May 14, 2026
reliving my youth
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
(review to come)
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
(review to come)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
WAR IS OVER SARAH DESSEN HAS A NEW BOOK!!
An update: I GOT THE ARC LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!!
The Review:
Change of Plans feels like coming home.
I grew up on a healthy diet of Sarah Dessen and revisiting her now has been so nostalgic and lovely. (I say this while Saint Anything still gets a yearly reread)
In many ways this is a classic SD coming of age. We get the character growth, the swoony summer romance, family drama, and a wonderfully quirky cast of secondary characters. Ben was very sweet and I love how different he felt to the typical YA boyfriend, I also appreciated how Ben and Finley mirrored Sydney and Mac from Saint Anything in several ways. I don’t know if it was intentional, but it was a nice homage.
There were a few things I didn’t love. One, it takes a bit to really get a grasp of this novel and get invested in the characters. I was hoping it would grab me right away and it really is a grower of a novel. I also wanted more of a resolution with Finley’s mom, that whole side plot felt half-baked. And on that, I think we could have used a few extra chapters to really take our time with the resolution. Sarah really loves to end on a high and I appreciate that, especially because that feels very indicative of the YA category, but I think we needed a bit more time to get where we did.
A big thank you to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for letting me revisit my teen years for a few hundred pages.
An update: I GOT THE ARC LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!!
The Review:
Change of Plans feels like coming home.
I grew up on a healthy diet of Sarah Dessen and revisiting her now has been so nostalgic and lovely. (I say this while Saint Anything still gets a yearly reread)
In many ways this is a classic SD coming of age. We get the character growth, the swoony summer romance, family drama, and a wonderfully quirky cast of secondary characters. Ben was very sweet and I love how different he felt to the typical YA boyfriend, I also appreciated how Ben and Finley mirrored Sydney and Mac from Saint Anything in several ways. I don’t know if it was intentional, but it was a nice homage.
There were a few things I didn’t love. One, it takes a bit to really get a grasp of this novel and get invested in the characters. I was hoping it would grab me right away and it really is a grower of a novel. I also wanted more of a resolution with Finley’s mom, that whole side plot felt half-baked. And on that, I think we could have used a few extra chapters to really take our time with the resolution. Sarah really loves to end on a high and I appreciate that, especially because that feels very indicative of the YA category, but I think we needed a bit more time to get where we did.
A big thank you to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for letting me revisit my teen years for a few hundred pages.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Reading an ARC of new Sarah Dessen book, somewhere around 20 years after I read one of her books (Just Listen) for the first time, genuinely felt like coming home. To me, this story was classic Sarah Dessen. There were layers to all the characters, there was nuance to the story and the family dynamics, and there was so much more to the main character than her romantic choices. This was a coming of age story with all the heart and depth I always expect when I read one of Sarah's books.
There were also so many treats for the die-hards, those of us who know the universe. We got a brief return to Lakeview with updates on Luna Blu, plus a clearer link between Lakeview and the setting from The Rest of the Story, North Lake (and Lake North). The reference to the hurricane that ruined the Pavilion made me smile. Getting an Owen mention and one more "Hate Spinnerbait" made me cry tears of nostalgia (and had me immediately planning to re-read Just Listen for the first time in 20 years). All in all, this was exactly what I hoped it would be. Welcome back, Sarah Dessen!
As always, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
*Pre-read: Sarah Dessen is coming back and I’m ready to get nostalgic and pretend to be my teenage self for a few hundred pages 😭✨
There were also so many treats for the die-hards, those of us who know the universe. We got a brief return to Lakeview with updates on Luna Blu, plus a clearer link between Lakeview and the setting from The Rest of the Story, North Lake (and Lake North). The reference to the hurricane that ruined the Pavilion made me smile. Getting an Owen mention and one more "Hate Spinnerbait" made me cry tears of nostalgia (and had me immediately planning to re-read Just Listen for the first time in 20 years). All in all, this was exactly what I hoped it would be. Welcome back, Sarah Dessen!
As always, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
*Pre-read: Sarah Dessen is coming back and I’m ready to get nostalgic and pretend to be my teenage self for a few hundred pages 😭✨
March 2, 2026
This one hurts to write…
Sarah Dessen was the author of my teen years, so I was ridiculously excited for her first new release in about seven years. Truly, I went into Change of Plans ready to be emotionally wrecked in the best way. Unfortunately… this was not the return I wanted. Sarah whyyyyyy.
I could barely keep up with this book—not because it was complex, but because everything felt oddly all over the place while also being painfully slow. The pacing dragged, the storyline felt unfocused, and I kept waiting for it to click. It never did. Most of the book follows Finley working at a diner, and I’m sorry, but it was boring. Not cozy-boring. Just boring.
The secondary characters didn’t help. They weren’t memorable or particularly likable, which is wild because side characters are usually one of Dessen’s biggest strengths. Here, they all blurred together, and I felt zero attachment to the found-family vibe the story clearly wanted me to love.
I also don’t want to spoil anything, but the storyline involving Finley’s mom was handled so poorly. It’s a plotline that desperately needed emotional depth, and instead it felt brushed over—then randomly brought up again like it was supposed to hit hard. It didn’t. At all.
Everything just felt out of place, like familiar Dessen elements thrown together without the heart that used to make them work. I hate saying this, but the book felt stale.
I’ll always read whatever Sarah Dessen writes—but this one? A disappointing 2 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah Dessen was the author of my teen years, so I was ridiculously excited for her first new release in about seven years. Truly, I went into Change of Plans ready to be emotionally wrecked in the best way. Unfortunately… this was not the return I wanted. Sarah whyyyyyy.
I could barely keep up with this book—not because it was complex, but because everything felt oddly all over the place while also being painfully slow. The pacing dragged, the storyline felt unfocused, and I kept waiting for it to click. It never did. Most of the book follows Finley working at a diner, and I’m sorry, but it was boring. Not cozy-boring. Just boring.
The secondary characters didn’t help. They weren’t memorable or particularly likable, which is wild because side characters are usually one of Dessen’s biggest strengths. Here, they all blurred together, and I felt zero attachment to the found-family vibe the story clearly wanted me to love.
I also don’t want to spoil anything, but the storyline involving Finley’s mom was handled so poorly. It’s a plotline that desperately needed emotional depth, and instead it felt brushed over—then randomly brought up again like it was supposed to hit hard. It didn’t. At all.
Everything just felt out of place, like familiar Dessen elements thrown together without the heart that used to make them work. I hate saying this, but the book felt stale.
I’ll always read whatever Sarah Dessen writes—but this one? A disappointing 2 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
January 7, 2026
Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026:
A queen of YA is back with her first novel since 2019. This story follows a girl named Finley, whose life is upended when her mother announces they're spending the summer at a family vacation house that Finley didn't know existed. Finley's thrown into meeting aunts and cousins that she's never spent time with before, and she's found community in the teens who work at her aunt's diner. She's also developing feelings for a local boy at the same time her relationship with long-time boyfriend Colin begins to falter. It's a story of a girl finding herself, her voice, and her passion–something Dessen's always done so well. —Kelly Jensen
A queen of YA is back with her first novel since 2019. This story follows a girl named Finley, whose life is upended when her mother announces they're spending the summer at a family vacation house that Finley didn't know existed. Finley's thrown into meeting aunts and cousins that she's never spent time with before, and she's found community in the teens who work at her aunt's diner. She's also developing feelings for a local boy at the same time her relationship with long-time boyfriend Colin begins to falter. It's a story of a girl finding herself, her voice, and her passion–something Dessen's always done so well. —Kelly Jensen
March 18, 2026
This felt like someone took every Sarah Dessen book and smushed them together.
The premise is very similar to Dessen’s previous books. The main character being dumped by her overachieving boyfriend is The Truth About Forever. Girl working at diner (or catering) and finding close friends - Truth About Forever again, and Keeping the Moon. Late night meetings with love interest and issues with a cold, distant parent - Along for the Ride. Not to mention it is so close to the basic set up of The Rest of the Story where a young girl goes to the lake to connect with her mother's family. I had reservations from the moment I heard the premise of this because my first reaction was "didn't I just read a Dessen book with that plot?"
I feel like I could go on. There were characters in this that felt like characters from previous books, too.
Speaking of characters, there are too many and they all sound really similar to each other. I had no idea the relationships of some of them and I had to really fill in the blanks. I didn't realize Clark was a cousin until halfway. Lana and Ben are employees at the aunt's diner, but they are kinda just constantly running errands for her? Even like personal ones it seems? And I get that there is a found family situation going on here, but something about the dynamics threw me off because they weren't really clear from the beginning. And I had no grip on how old these characters are. Anne is getting married and seems like a way older cousin but then it says she’s not even 21 yet. Clark is in business school but is rooming with Ben who is maybe the same age as Finley? Cardoon seemed middle aged until he was suddenly a love interest for Lana who I think is 18?
Every scene is completely chaotic and repetitive. The diner is busy every morning so every scene of a morning in the diner needs to be explained and we are told how busy it is. People come and go in the house constantly. New people show up and then just stay! They are just a part of this family after an afternoon?
Then there’s an Easter egg about a character from a previous Dessen book.
Maybe I’m getting lost in the weeds with all this. Maybe readers unfamiliar with Dessen will like it more. But this was okay at best. Too much going on and not much happening. And it felt like a rehash of everything Dessen has done before but without the magic. Her strength has always been the relationships between characters and showing poignant moments between them as they become closer. There was none of that here. Just people rushing in and out of a diner and a house.
This might not land for the older fans of Dessen which is fine. YA isn’t really written for that audience. But this was lacking.
The premise is very similar to Dessen’s previous books. The main character being dumped by her overachieving boyfriend is The Truth About Forever. Girl working at diner (or catering) and finding close friends - Truth About Forever again, and Keeping the Moon. Late night meetings with love interest and issues with a cold, distant parent - Along for the Ride. Not to mention it is so close to the basic set up of The Rest of the Story where a young girl goes to the lake to connect with her mother's family. I had reservations from the moment I heard the premise of this because my first reaction was "didn't I just read a Dessen book with that plot?"
I feel like I could go on. There were characters in this that felt like characters from previous books, too.
Speaking of characters, there are too many and they all sound really similar to each other. I had no idea the relationships of some of them and I had to really fill in the blanks. I didn't realize Clark was a cousin until halfway. Lana and Ben are employees at the aunt's diner, but they are kinda just constantly running errands for her? Even like personal ones it seems? And I get that there is a found family situation going on here, but something about the dynamics threw me off because they weren't really clear from the beginning. And I had no grip on how old these characters are. Anne is getting married and seems like a way older cousin but then it says she’s not even 21 yet. Clark is in business school but is rooming with Ben who is maybe the same age as Finley? Cardoon seemed middle aged until he was suddenly a love interest for Lana who I think is 18?
Every scene is completely chaotic and repetitive. The diner is busy every morning so every scene of a morning in the diner needs to be explained and we are told how busy it is. People come and go in the house constantly. New people show up and then just stay! They are just a part of this family after an afternoon?
Then there’s an Easter egg about a character from a previous Dessen book.
Maybe I’m getting lost in the weeds with all this. Maybe readers unfamiliar with Dessen will like it more. But this was okay at best. Too much going on and not much happening. And it felt like a rehash of everything Dessen has done before but without the magic. Her strength has always been the relationships between characters and showing poignant moments between them as they become closer. There was none of that here. Just people rushing in and out of a diner and a house.
This might not land for the older fans of Dessen which is fine. YA isn’t really written for that audience. But this was lacking.
May 19, 2026
At one point in this novel our main character has a chat with her mom about giving someone your all or nothing. They agree it's better to give other people something in the middle. I think Sarah Dessen took this advice for herself when writing this novel and gave us a whole bunch of something.
I was excited to jump back into Sarah Dessen, whose novels I have not read since I myself was in middle-school. I loved the way she wrote young adult romance and her settings, side characters and conflicts always felt so realistic. I don't know if it is her writing style that has changed or me, but this novel disappointed me. There was too many things going on at once; I couldn't tell if I should be focusing on her relationship with her mom, the wedding drama going on, her love life or newfound friendship. IT WAS TOO MUCH! While it was easy to read, I didn't really like any of our characters and found myself rolling my eyes most of the time at the random side plots that were going on.
Long story short, this rushed through too much and left me with severe whiplash.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
I was excited to jump back into Sarah Dessen, whose novels I have not read since I myself was in middle-school. I loved the way she wrote young adult romance and her settings, side characters and conflicts always felt so realistic. I don't know if it is her writing style that has changed or me, but this novel disappointed me. There was too many things going on at once; I couldn't tell if I should be focusing on her relationship with her mom, the wedding drama going on, her love life or newfound friendship. IT WAS TOO MUCH! While it was easy to read, I didn't really like any of our characters and found myself rolling my eyes most of the time at the random side plots that were going on.
Long story short, this rushed through too much and left me with severe whiplash.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Want to Read
July 23, 2025YES!! A new Sarah Dessen book! FINALLY!
May 23, 2026
This book is nothing but nostalgic. I know I’ve aged out of her target audience since I read “just listen” and “along for the ride.” But I went into it with high hopes since I’ve always found Sarah Dessan to be well written. And she still is to an extent.
Despite being her first book in seven years tho the story feels under developed.
It’s very difficult to keep track of all of the characters and family members. The names are just literally thrown at you and intermixed so much it’s a big jumble with no defining traits to separate ppl.
The setting is pretty much just “the woods” and a small town. Greater detail could’ve enhanced the story. Sooo much of the story was her working at the Egg. Which did not add anything to the story.
It is also very dialogue heavy with minimal character development if any unless you consider the final sentence development for the main FMC. She’s 18 tho so I wasn’t expecting much and that’s fine.
Compared to her other books I was surprised that this one didn’t wrap up neatly. It leaves you wondering a lot. What will happen to the estate? What happens with her mom? With Ben? With Colin? With school?
This is a surface level story at best. I think much more could have been explored that would resonate with YA readers. In particular she could have gone deeper with the aspects of planning your future so young and putting so much into a highschool relationship, and the importance of family and real connections. These are topics YA readers not only deserve to read but can help sort out their own feelings through books.
The small town and leaving to do your own thing could’ve been elaborated on too. Encouraging YA readers to go beyond their world.
There’s so much left unsaid that could’ve enhanced the story. We get more conversations at the egg than actually with Colin. He comes and leaves. Same with her conversations with her mom. Why not add them on the page?
As a stylistic choice the onomatopoeia is a tad excessive. But this could be a me problem.
Bang
Bzzzz
Chirp
Beep!
Bing
Clunk
Whizz
It was a lot. Bzzzz was used so often.
I think this book will do well due to the nostalgia. Readers however may be better off reading her earlier books.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the ARC. This book has been purchased for my local library now.
NOTES FROM BEFORE I READ IT
Omg my fav as a kid/teen is publishing a new book?? I’m so ready 🥹😭 brb while I get nostalgic af
*immediately pre orders*
I JUST GOT AN ARC TOO AHHHH
Despite being her first book in seven years tho the story feels under developed.
It’s very difficult to keep track of all of the characters and family members. The names are just literally thrown at you and intermixed so much it’s a big jumble with no defining traits to separate ppl.
The setting is pretty much just “the woods” and a small town. Greater detail could’ve enhanced the story. Sooo much of the story was her working at the Egg. Which did not add anything to the story.
It is also very dialogue heavy with minimal character development if any unless you consider the final sentence development for the main FMC. She’s 18 tho so I wasn’t expecting much and that’s fine.
Compared to her other books I was surprised that this one didn’t wrap up neatly. It leaves you wondering a lot. What will happen to the estate? What happens with her mom? With Ben? With Colin? With school?
This is a surface level story at best. I think much more could have been explored that would resonate with YA readers. In particular she could have gone deeper with the aspects of planning your future so young and putting so much into a highschool relationship, and the importance of family and real connections. These are topics YA readers not only deserve to read but can help sort out their own feelings through books.
The small town and leaving to do your own thing could’ve been elaborated on too. Encouraging YA readers to go beyond their world.
There’s so much left unsaid that could’ve enhanced the story. We get more conversations at the egg than actually with Colin. He comes and leaves. Same with her conversations with her mom. Why not add them on the page?
As a stylistic choice the onomatopoeia is a tad excessive. But this could be a me problem.
Bang
Bzzzz
Chirp
Beep!
Bing
Clunk
Whizz
It was a lot. Bzzzz was used so often.
I think this book will do well due to the nostalgia. Readers however may be better off reading her earlier books.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the ARC. This book has been purchased for my local library now.
NOTES FROM BEFORE I READ IT
Omg my fav as a kid/teen is publishing a new book?? I’m so ready 🥹😭 brb while I get nostalgic af
*immediately pre orders*
I JUST GOT AN ARC TOO AHHHH
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
huge thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
3.95
i think if there was one way to describe a sarah dessen novel is that it's summer in page form. her books make me personally feel how i feel like emily henry's books feel for some people. they just have that depth ?? to them.
this book was such a lovely fun summer romance, legit perfect for a beachtime read or even an airplane read. it has found family, a very sweet cute relationship with our love interest, ben. and an icky ex, colin. but let's be honest, when has a colin not been a jerk. no offense to the nice colin's out there.
read this book if you like:
.✧ found family
.✧ summer romance
.✧ the funniest side characters
.✧ small town vibes !!!
pre review
full review to come! dare i say sarah dessen's best work yet
3.95
i think if there was one way to describe a sarah dessen novel is that it's summer in page form. her books make me personally feel how i feel like emily henry's books feel for some people. they just have that depth ?? to them.
this book was such a lovely fun summer romance, legit perfect for a beachtime read or even an airplane read. it has found family, a very sweet cute relationship with our love interest, ben. and an icky ex, colin. but let's be honest, when has a colin not been a jerk. no offense to the nice colin's out there.
read this book if you like:
.✧ found family
.✧ summer romance
.✧ the funniest side characters
.✧ small town vibes !!!
pre review
full review to come! dare i say sarah dessen's best work yet
Currently Reading
May 3, 2026⋆˙⟡ 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓊𝓅𝒹𝒶𝓉𝑒 (5/3/2026, 3 PM): I’m 45% of the way in and I have a feeling the book is losing the plot and missing the point🥲😬
⋅˚₊‧ ୨ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: ୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ I got this from the Read Now section on NetGalley MONTHS ago and I screamed when I saw it because Sarah Dessen was literally 90% of my middle school TBR. I always say that Emily Henry brought me BACK to reading romance as an adult, but Sarah Dessen was the author that started me down the path of reading romance books over a decade and a half ago. Like, I’m not even kidding, I read pretty much every single book she had out back in the day. I can’t believe she’s back and I can’t wait to start this!💙🧡☀️
Thank you to Sarah Dessen, Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.Change of Plans will be officially published on May 5th, 2026!
⋅˚₊‧ ୨ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: ୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ I got this from the Read Now section on NetGalley MONTHS ago and I screamed when I saw it because Sarah Dessen was literally 90% of my middle school TBR. I always say that Emily Henry brought me BACK to reading romance as an adult, but Sarah Dessen was the author that started me down the path of reading romance books over a decade and a half ago. Like, I’m not even kidding, I read pretty much every single book she had out back in the day. I can’t believe she’s back and I can’t wait to start this!💙🧡☀️
Thank you to Sarah Dessen, Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.Change of Plans will be officially published on May 5th, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First of all- massive thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuester for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am devastated to say this is my first 2-star Sarah Dessen and it HURTS.
I, like many others, grew up on Sarah. I've read everything she's written and her words have fundamentally changed my teenage self. She helped shape my youth. But I loved her as an adult too. I've re-read many as an adult, my favorite Sarah Dessen is The Rest of the Story which I first read in 2018. This is to say: I didnt dislike this because I'm an adult and this YA. While i can imagine that is a FACTOR, it is not the reason.
This book is too busy while simultaneously doing nothing? the first page genuinely overwhelmed me with how many characters were getting named, and yet Colin is referenced like 3-4 times before you know who he is in one page. it was a lot, it was chaotic and set the tone in a negative way.
the other issue is, the most compelling story in here is Catherine's. Unfortunately the main character is Finley. Now, I can imagine this book will have its audience with kids who are in similar situations to Finely and Catherine, and they will probably identify with Finley and not care that Catherine's story isnt the focus. I love that for them.
but for me, I didn't really see what Finley's arc even was? This felt like The Rest of the Story's reheated nachos, going to spend time to get to know your mothers family that you've been estranged from. But.... i'm missing the WHy of it all. Like genuinely what was the story trying to do. I dont mean that cruelly, i just left the book feeling more like i read someones "this is what i did on summer vacation" paper than feeling like i watched characters grow.
and then.... it just.... ends.
where is the resolution to like..... anything besides the lukewarm romance?
I will continue to pick up and read every Sarah Dessen because i love her, and her strength is in the relationship building and interpersonal dynamics - it just was SO crowded in this book, i felt like there was a new character every page and it was exhausting.
I am devastated to say this is my first 2-star Sarah Dessen and it HURTS.
I, like many others, grew up on Sarah. I've read everything she's written and her words have fundamentally changed my teenage self. She helped shape my youth. But I loved her as an adult too. I've re-read many as an adult, my favorite Sarah Dessen is The Rest of the Story which I first read in 2018. This is to say: I didnt dislike this because I'm an adult and this YA. While i can imagine that is a FACTOR, it is not the reason.
This book is too busy while simultaneously doing nothing? the first page genuinely overwhelmed me with how many characters were getting named, and yet Colin is referenced like 3-4 times before you know who he is in one page. it was a lot, it was chaotic and set the tone in a negative way.
the other issue is, the most compelling story in here is Catherine's. Unfortunately the main character is Finley. Now, I can imagine this book will have its audience with kids who are in similar situations to Finely and Catherine, and they will probably identify with Finley and not care that Catherine's story isnt the focus. I love that for them.
but for me, I didn't really see what Finley's arc even was? This felt like The Rest of the Story's reheated nachos, going to spend time to get to know your mothers family that you've been estranged from. But.... i'm missing the WHy of it all. Like genuinely what was the story trying to do. I dont mean that cruelly, i just left the book feeling more like i read someones "this is what i did on summer vacation" paper than feeling like i watched characters grow.
and then.... it just.... ends.
where is the resolution to like..... anything besides the lukewarm romance?
I will continue to pick up and read every Sarah Dessen because i love her, and her strength is in the relationship building and interpersonal dynamics - it just was SO crowded in this book, i felt like there was a new character every page and it was exhausting.
May 4, 2026
3.75/5
As a massive Sarah Dessen fan since my preteen days, I cannot describe the absolute delight I felt upon learning we were getting a new book. And as soon as I cracked open my ARC copy, (thank you Simon Teen!) I devoured it in one single sitting.
We follow Finley, a recent high school graduate who is unexpectedly swept away to her estranged mother’s hometown for the summer. Within hours of being there, she is unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend of two years over face time. Now faced with the barren canyon of her future, and the mysteries of her mother’s past, Finely must construct her own plans for who she wants to be.
Within two pages of this book you learn Finley turned down her dream school to attend the same University as her boyfriend, and I think that really sets the tone for this book. Throughout high school, she basically build her whole life around him. Now she’s in a new place, with new people, and a new family. And she’s taking an active role in her life, rather than a passive one.
I’ve always felt like Sarah captures teenagers better than anyone else. So often authors try hard to stay in trend. They have their teen characters be mouth pieces for their entire generation, instead of just regular kids. Sarah’s characters feel so much more grounded and real.
Change of Plans has so many quintessential Sarah Dessen elements. Diners, lakes, late night meetups. Reconnecting with family, and making new friends. We got some nods to some of her past books, which left a little confusion around the time period this book takes place in. But my heart grew three sizes to see a Hate Spinnerbait mention in 2026.
I will say this did feel a little too similar to The Rest of the Story, her previous release before this. They both take place lakeside and feature a reconnection with the maternal side of the family. And Ben isn’t one of my favorite love interests. I felt like we didn’t delve deep enough into his characterization. He was mostly just there. He came off a little whinny at the end, but I don’t fully hold that against him. I think Lana was the best side character we got, and seeing Finley’s friendship with her was the sweetest.
The ending felt a little open ended. There were a lot of questions we don’t get answered, no distinct framework for after the story finishes. It’s very much living in the now and I don’t particularly hate it. It feels very real to life and the point of Finley’s journey. But I do wish we got just a little bit more of a satisfying conclusion.
I now have an unrelenting urge to reread all of Sarah Dessen’s books!!
As a massive Sarah Dessen fan since my preteen days, I cannot describe the absolute delight I felt upon learning we were getting a new book. And as soon as I cracked open my ARC copy, (thank you Simon Teen!) I devoured it in one single sitting.
We follow Finley, a recent high school graduate who is unexpectedly swept away to her estranged mother’s hometown for the summer. Within hours of being there, she is unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend of two years over face time. Now faced with the barren canyon of her future, and the mysteries of her mother’s past, Finely must construct her own plans for who she wants to be.
Within two pages of this book you learn Finley turned down her dream school to attend the same University as her boyfriend, and I think that really sets the tone for this book. Throughout high school, she basically build her whole life around him. Now she’s in a new place, with new people, and a new family. And she’s taking an active role in her life, rather than a passive one.
I’ve always felt like Sarah captures teenagers better than anyone else. So often authors try hard to stay in trend. They have their teen characters be mouth pieces for their entire generation, instead of just regular kids. Sarah’s characters feel so much more grounded and real.
Change of Plans has so many quintessential Sarah Dessen elements. Diners, lakes, late night meetups. Reconnecting with family, and making new friends. We got some nods to some of her past books, which left a little confusion around the time period this book takes place in. But my heart grew three sizes to see a Hate Spinnerbait mention in 2026.
I will say this did feel a little too similar to The Rest of the Story, her previous release before this. They both take place lakeside and feature a reconnection with the maternal side of the family. And Ben isn’t one of my favorite love interests. I felt like we didn’t delve deep enough into his characterization. He was mostly just there. He came off a little whinny at the end, but I don’t fully hold that against him. I think Lana was the best side character we got, and seeing Finley’s friendship with her was the sweetest.
The ending felt a little open ended. There were a lot of questions we don’t get answered, no distinct framework for after the story finishes. It’s very much living in the now and I don’t particularly hate it. It feels very real to life and the point of Finley’s journey. But I do wish we got just a little bit more of a satisfying conclusion.
I now have an unrelenting urge to reread all of Sarah Dessen’s books!!
May 3, 2026
But it was that dance I’d come back to more than anything. How after so long of my being sidelined, feeling shapeless, I’d been brought into a place I fit perfectly. From then on, all I wanted was to remain there, like a planet in endless orbit, forever.
Omg but this was so good!
4.5 stars
“I think the thing with Colin is…I just got swept up and lost myself. Like a tornado. It was dizzying.”
I am always skeptical of small-town romances. I live in a small town. It’s not romantic. But this was so cozy and heartfelt, uplifting and joyful, while also bringing the emotions. Honestly, Sarah Dessen can write, and I’ll read what she writes, no notes.
“We could be in touch with each other too.”
“You think our epic awkwardness will translate?”
“Maybe,” he said, “we could make it a goal to be even more so. Think of all that could be cringeworthy over text.”
“The possibilities are endless,” I agreed.
This book was about finding joy in the small things. About diner breakfast rushes, a run-down family home, new friends, new loves, and finding yourself. I love the glimpses into the side characters we got. I felt like they had so much to say and each had their own voice.
“This place does that. It’s full of ghosts. One reason I’ve stayed away.”
“Ghosts or memories?” I asked.
“Sometimes they’re the same thing,” she replied.
I loved Finley, our FMC, struggle with her absentee mom and her inner thoughts. It was heartbreaking to see that her “friends” were not her friends, but only there because of her ex, so I loved that she found her people in her mom’s old hometown.
My mother was late. Not just late. A half hour late. And not answering her phone. Two things that never happened. Clearly, she was dead.
The whole estate sale and trip down memory lane made this super fun (and yes, emotional like I said above. This was only 4.5 and not 5 stars because our FMC was…emotionless at times? Bland? I dunno what I want to say, but she said/did a few things that made me go wut. And the biggest letdown was Colin. I WANTED the confrontation, and we were robbed of that, so that was a choice.
“Hopefully right now you’re really impressed by my bravery.”
“Totally,” I replied. “I’d be even more so, except you tried to get me to go ahead of you.”
Overall, I’d highly recommend this book (and all other Sarah Dessen books)!
Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster and the author for a physical ARC and an eARC!
Omg but this was so good!
4.5 stars
“I think the thing with Colin is…I just got swept up and lost myself. Like a tornado. It was dizzying.”
I am always skeptical of small-town romances. I live in a small town. It’s not romantic. But this was so cozy and heartfelt, uplifting and joyful, while also bringing the emotions. Honestly, Sarah Dessen can write, and I’ll read what she writes, no notes.
“We could be in touch with each other too.”
“You think our epic awkwardness will translate?”
“Maybe,” he said, “we could make it a goal to be even more so. Think of all that could be cringeworthy over text.”
“The possibilities are endless,” I agreed.
This book was about finding joy in the small things. About diner breakfast rushes, a run-down family home, new friends, new loves, and finding yourself. I love the glimpses into the side characters we got. I felt like they had so much to say and each had their own voice.
“This place does that. It’s full of ghosts. One reason I’ve stayed away.”
“Ghosts or memories?” I asked.
“Sometimes they’re the same thing,” she replied.
I loved Finley, our FMC, struggle with her absentee mom and her inner thoughts. It was heartbreaking to see that her “friends” were not her friends, but only there because of her ex, so I loved that she found her people in her mom’s old hometown.
My mother was late. Not just late. A half hour late. And not answering her phone. Two things that never happened. Clearly, she was dead.
The whole estate sale and trip down memory lane made this super fun (and yes, emotional like I said above. This was only 4.5 and not 5 stars because our FMC was…emotionless at times? Bland? I dunno what I want to say, but she said/did a few things that made me go wut. And the biggest letdown was Colin. I WANTED the confrontation, and we were robbed of that, so that was a choice.
“Hopefully right now you’re really impressed by my bravery.”
“Totally,” I replied. “I’d be even more so, except you tried to get me to go ahead of you.”
Overall, I’d highly recommend this book (and all other Sarah Dessen books)!
Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster and the author for a physical ARC and an eARC!
May 4, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a free digital copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
As a teen growing up in the 2010s, I was the perfect age for Sarah Dessen. Her books used to take up an entire wall at Barnes & Noble, all with those glossy, dreamy covers that suggested summertime romances and coming-of-age journeys. When I finally decided to read one for myself, after hearing so much about these book from my peers, I was pleasantly surprised to find that her books were also quite introspective, replete with quirky characters that felt more like real people than the broody bad boys and means girls you normally find in YA literature.
I did have some quibbles with Dessen's writing. She was much more daring when she first started out—my favorite books of hers were two of her earliest: This Lullaby, which features a feisty and assertive main character, so unlike the other protagonists, and Dreamland, a dark but beautifully written book about a girl surviving an abusive relationship. As time wore on, however, Dessen's writing got safer and more formulaic, with the main girls all starting to fit the same cookie-cutter model. She also had a knack for writing Manic Pixie Dream Boys who all appeared at the beginning of the summer and instantly fell for our leading lady.
Still, I was stoked to read a new Sarah Dessen book after her seven-year hiatus, and I was interested to see how her books would fit today's audience. Even when I was a teenager, the characters felt a bit retro: technology has taken over our lives, parents monitor their children more closely, and kids today are more mature than past generations in some ways and less mature in others. Teens spend less time dating and partying, but they're also more serious and more aware of what their decisions could cost them. As it was, the cover threw me for a loop--gone are the whimsical photos, replaced now by those comic book images girls today prefer for some reason. And sure enough, Dessen quickly found a way to prevent both her newest girl, Finley (another Dessen trademark, weird names) and her love interest from using cell phones for most of the story.
Alas, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Change of Plans is essentially a re-write of The Truth About Forever with a dash of Along for the Ride thrown in. A Plain Jane protagonist with a complicated relationship with her mother is dumped by her overachieving boyfriend at the beginning of the summer. She stumbles into a new job in the restaurant industry where she is befriended by an adorkable local girl and meets a dreamy musician with sleeping issues. They have secret nighttime rendezvouses, go through a brief, manufactured estrangement, and are fully in love by the end of the book. Throw in a wedding, a baby sibling, and a Spinnerbait reference, and you have all the Dessen trademarks. There's even a scene where a car gets stuck in a pothole and has to get pulled out by the locals.
But even if that sounds like a perfect read for you, Dessen appears to still be working on getting her groove back after years away. Change of Plans is incredibly slow-paced, yet there were many times where it felt like key scenes had been omitted: Finley or another character would make a remark, and I'd be left scratching my head over whether I skipped a page somewhere. The side characters are all still quirky, yes, but not distinctive. This is most damning for the love interest, Ben, who is both dreamy and awkward but mostly just kind of forgettable. Finley's relationship with her mother, a corporate executive who relinquished primary custody of her when she was a little girl and only sees her a few times a year, goes through many phases that should pave the way for great drama—abandonment, health scares, her mother's years of separation from her sisters and parents—none of which reap satisfying results. The main plot of the story, set around clearing out and selling Finley's grandparents' lake house, is painfully dull, and by the end, it felt like Dessen just wanted the book to be done with so she could submit it to her publisher and move on to something else.
If one good thing came out of Change of Plans, it's that it made me want to revisit some of Sarah Dessen's earlier books again. I've read that she's already working on her next book, and I'm hopeful we'll start to see some of the old magic pop back up again. And I hope that this book will gain the attention of teen girls who have not yet heard of her. I would simply recommend skipping this particular book in favor of one of her others.
As a teen growing up in the 2010s, I was the perfect age for Sarah Dessen. Her books used to take up an entire wall at Barnes & Noble, all with those glossy, dreamy covers that suggested summertime romances and coming-of-age journeys. When I finally decided to read one for myself, after hearing so much about these book from my peers, I was pleasantly surprised to find that her books were also quite introspective, replete with quirky characters that felt more like real people than the broody bad boys and means girls you normally find in YA literature.
I did have some quibbles with Dessen's writing. She was much more daring when she first started out—my favorite books of hers were two of her earliest: This Lullaby, which features a feisty and assertive main character, so unlike the other protagonists, and Dreamland, a dark but beautifully written book about a girl surviving an abusive relationship. As time wore on, however, Dessen's writing got safer and more formulaic, with the main girls all starting to fit the same cookie-cutter model. She also had a knack for writing Manic Pixie Dream Boys who all appeared at the beginning of the summer and instantly fell for our leading lady.
Still, I was stoked to read a new Sarah Dessen book after her seven-year hiatus, and I was interested to see how her books would fit today's audience. Even when I was a teenager, the characters felt a bit retro: technology has taken over our lives, parents monitor their children more closely, and kids today are more mature than past generations in some ways and less mature in others. Teens spend less time dating and partying, but they're also more serious and more aware of what their decisions could cost them. As it was, the cover threw me for a loop--gone are the whimsical photos, replaced now by those comic book images girls today prefer for some reason. And sure enough, Dessen quickly found a way to prevent both her newest girl, Finley (another Dessen trademark, weird names) and her love interest from using cell phones for most of the story.
Alas, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Change of Plans is essentially a re-write of The Truth About Forever with a dash of Along for the Ride thrown in. A Plain Jane protagonist with a complicated relationship with her mother is dumped by her overachieving boyfriend at the beginning of the summer. She stumbles into a new job in the restaurant industry where she is befriended by an adorkable local girl and meets a dreamy musician with sleeping issues. They have secret nighttime rendezvouses, go through a brief, manufactured estrangement, and are fully in love by the end of the book. Throw in a wedding, a baby sibling, and a Spinnerbait reference, and you have all the Dessen trademarks. There's even a scene where a car gets stuck in a pothole and has to get pulled out by the locals.
But even if that sounds like a perfect read for you, Dessen appears to still be working on getting her groove back after years away. Change of Plans is incredibly slow-paced, yet there were many times where it felt like key scenes had been omitted: Finley or another character would make a remark, and I'd be left scratching my head over whether I skipped a page somewhere. The side characters are all still quirky, yes, but not distinctive. This is most damning for the love interest, Ben, who is both dreamy and awkward but mostly just kind of forgettable. Finley's relationship with her mother, a corporate executive who relinquished primary custody of her when she was a little girl and only sees her a few times a year, goes through many phases that should pave the way for great drama—abandonment, health scares, her mother's years of separation from her sisters and parents—none of which reap satisfying results. The main plot of the story, set around clearing out and selling Finley's grandparents' lake house, is painfully dull, and by the end, it felt like Dessen just wanted the book to be done with so she could submit it to her publisher and move on to something else.
If one good thing came out of Change of Plans, it's that it made me want to revisit some of Sarah Dessen's earlier books again. I've read that she's already working on her next book, and I'm hopeful we'll start to see some of the old magic pop back up again. And I hope that this book will gain the attention of teen girls who have not yet heard of her. I would simply recommend skipping this particular book in favor of one of her others.
Read
May 24, 2026perhaps my problems could be solved by moving to a small coastal town and working with a ragtag bunch of lovable misfits
April 26, 2026
I’m pretty disappointed to be rating this one so low. Sarah Dessen used to be my go-to author when i was a teen, i had such high hopes of coming back to that feeling. Unfortunately this book is….not it.
The characters are half baked at best. I don’t feel as though we ever really get to know Finley. Even when she realizes that she has allowed herself to be consumed by Colin, she never becomes her own person. She never develops any likes or dislikes, she doesnt have any hobbies, she doesnt express herself or find herself at all. Is she still going to college with Colin? Does she move to The Woods?
We get told over and over again how awkward Ben is but every time he’s on page he’s nothing but normal? Not even quirky. Just a standard dude in too many school spirit tshirts. I’m supposed to feel like him saying whats on his mind is weird and awkward and cringey but nothing he says lends itself that way. Im just told he feels uncomfy, and finley feels uncomfy, so just believe it.
The storylines are a complete mess with nothing wrapped up. Finley and her mom’s arc is probably the best developed and still we don’t get enough closure or understanding there. The house the entire story revolves around is hinted at being saved, but there’s no resolution there. And also, how is it simultaneously emptied out and then also having three people live there full time?
Why doesnt anyone ever go to the lake? It’s summer and the restaurant is open for only breakfast. Why was there not a single swimming scene? For anyone??
ALSO, did she make up the Moonakis flower? I looked it up and could find nothing. Is it slang for a different flower?? Why would she need to create a flower when there is an entire flower language out there with hundreds of flowers?
Anyway, I’m upset but thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced Reader’s Copy!
The characters are half baked at best. I don’t feel as though we ever really get to know Finley. Even when she realizes that she has allowed herself to be consumed by Colin, she never becomes her own person. She never develops any likes or dislikes, she doesnt have any hobbies, she doesnt express herself or find herself at all. Is she still going to college with Colin? Does she move to The Woods?
We get told over and over again how awkward Ben is but every time he’s on page he’s nothing but normal? Not even quirky. Just a standard dude in too many school spirit tshirts. I’m supposed to feel like him saying whats on his mind is weird and awkward and cringey but nothing he says lends itself that way. Im just told he feels uncomfy, and finley feels uncomfy, so just believe it.
The storylines are a complete mess with nothing wrapped up. Finley and her mom’s arc is probably the best developed and still we don’t get enough closure or understanding there. The house the entire story revolves around is hinted at being saved, but there’s no resolution there. And also, how is it simultaneously emptied out and then also having three people live there full time?
Why doesnt anyone ever go to the lake? It’s summer and the restaurant is open for only breakfast. Why was there not a single swimming scene? For anyone??
ALSO, did she make up the Moonakis flower? I looked it up and could find nothing. Is it slang for a different flower?? Why would she need to create a flower when there is an entire flower language out there with hundreds of flowers?
Anyway, I’m upset but thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced Reader’s Copy!
May 7, 2026
I've been shamelessly cranking through Dessen's books since I was like 9 years old, and at age 27 I am certainly not stopping now
May 6, 2026
Okay, I’m kinda sad. I am the biggest Sarah Dessen fan, and I will always read anything she writes, but I didn’t love this :( it had potential, but it ultimately fell flat to me. I liked the setting, the family dynamics, and the secondary characters were lovely, but it just didn’t tie together.
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc
March 3, 2026
My first Sarah Dessen book! She’s a beloved author of YA contemporaries (I had no idea the Mandy Moore movie “How to Deal” is based on two of her books) but for some reason, I had never read anything by her. It’s always been in the back of my mind to give one of her books a try so here I am, reading her newest release.
My expectations were super high going into this, which might have actually worked to the book’s detriment. I’ve heard people praise this author’s stories and character work, but while I liked the story and characters fine, nothing about this really stood out to me.
First off, it took forever for me to figure out who was who. Finley’s mom’s sisters (her aunts) seemed like the same person to me and I could never remember who was who. I thought Cardoon (definitely the strangest name I’ve come across in a book, and I’ve read Colleen Hoover!) was in his 50s but I think he was college age? Maybe? Most of the secondary characters were introduced in one big lump so it was hard to remember who was who and how they knew or were related to Finley.
The story itself was pretty slow. Finley spent a lot of time working in the family(? I think? I’m pretty sure her aunt owned it) diner and as such there was a lot of time spent taking and filling orders, and life working in a busy restaurant. I did like seeing Finley come into her own as she realized how much she depended on her boyfriend.
But for me, the biggest letdown was the ending (or lack thereof). I’ve heard this author’s other books have had neatly wrapped up endings. Not the case here. This one was totally open. Finley got together with Ben but that’s literally it. What happened to the mother’s cancer? Did they sell the family home? It seemed like they didn’t want to and everyone had bonded with the place but then there was an estate sale and…I don’t know. What about Lana? Did she and Cardoon stay together? And the cousin’s issues with her husband’s family? The book just sort of ended, and it felt like something was missing for me. And the whole reason for the mother self exiling from her family was ridiculous. The entire thing was due to a lack of communication. I couldn’t stand the mother.
Overall I found this to be a fairly average read, but I’m still looking forward to reading more of her backlist.
My expectations were super high going into this, which might have actually worked to the book’s detriment. I’ve heard people praise this author’s stories and character work, but while I liked the story and characters fine, nothing about this really stood out to me.
First off, it took forever for me to figure out who was who. Finley’s mom’s sisters (her aunts) seemed like the same person to me and I could never remember who was who. I thought Cardoon (definitely the strangest name I’ve come across in a book, and I’ve read Colleen Hoover!) was in his 50s but I think he was college age? Maybe? Most of the secondary characters were introduced in one big lump so it was hard to remember who was who and how they knew or were related to Finley.
The story itself was pretty slow. Finley spent a lot of time working in the family(? I think? I’m pretty sure her aunt owned it) diner and as such there was a lot of time spent taking and filling orders, and life working in a busy restaurant. I did like seeing Finley come into her own as she realized how much she depended on her boyfriend.
But for me, the biggest letdown was the ending (or lack thereof). I’ve heard this author’s other books have had neatly wrapped up endings. Not the case here. This one was totally open. Finley got together with Ben but that’s literally it. What happened to the mother’s cancer? Did they sell the family home? It seemed like they didn’t want to and everyone had bonded with the place but then there was an estate sale and…I don’t know. What about Lana? Did she and Cardoon stay together? And the cousin’s issues with her husband’s family? The book just sort of ended, and it felt like something was missing for me. And the whole reason for the mother self exiling from her family was ridiculous. The entire thing was due to a lack of communication. I couldn’t stand the mother.
Overall I found this to be a fairly average read, but I’m still looking forward to reading more of her backlist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2026
took me back to the days i'd go the library and check out all the sarah dessen books i could in one go.
tonally this brings you into the feels of the sarah dessen romance universe exactly the way same way as her other books.
i think there were a couple aspects of the main character finley's coming of age story that needed more exploration. all the other characters felt more realized than her in my opinion.
i guess this is really perfect representation for the introverted nerds who get swept into the whirlwind of being friends with many extroverts. so much so they lose their own identities along the way. worry not - she finds her way out of the tornado at the perfect time.
this was very cute overall. i loved the full house/hectic family in the deep suburbs energy of it. you're getting last minute summer chaos, current devastating family news, historic family drama, a cast of really likeable characters. change of plans is a nice, light summer read!
ty s&s for the earc!
tonally this brings you into the feels of the sarah dessen romance universe exactly the way same way as her other books.
i think there were a couple aspects of the main character finley's coming of age story that needed more exploration. all the other characters felt more realized than her in my opinion.
i guess this is really perfect representation for the introverted nerds who get swept into the whirlwind of being friends with many extroverts. so much so they lose their own identities along the way. worry not - she finds her way out of the tornado at the perfect time.
this was very cute overall. i loved the full house/hectic family in the deep suburbs energy of it. you're getting last minute summer chaos, current devastating family news, historic family drama, a cast of really likeable characters. change of plans is a nice, light summer read!
ty s&s for the earc!
April 27, 2026
this was so boring, if i’d sat in an empty room and did absolutely nothing i’d have been more entertained.
this mc had literally no goals and no personality. her narration was so bland even beige almond moms wouldn’t want her. i wanted to rip my hair out, cry, maybe bash my head against the wall idk
the love interest was so wack i can’t even 😭 bro was like “im so awkward and weird 🥺” i will literally curb stomp you like please spare me the im not like other guys INCANT HANDLE IT
and the whole romance thing with whatever her ex’s name was so dumb. like ig good for her for having some character development but i literally couldn’t care less. sh started off so codependent and then yay she learned to make a decision.
nothing about this story was compelling. the summer vibes were not even there. the entire thing is just the mc floating around like a meaningless ghost while her family is freaking out over some wedding and house and i’m just sitting here like who ordered the dgaf coffee and why did i drain the whole pot.
*thank you to netgalley for the arc. all opinions are my own*
this mc had literally no goals and no personality. her narration was so bland even beige almond moms wouldn’t want her. i wanted to rip my hair out, cry, maybe bash my head against the wall idk
the love interest was so wack i can’t even 😭 bro was like “im so awkward and weird 🥺” i will literally curb stomp you like please spare me the im not like other guys INCANT HANDLE IT
and the whole romance thing with whatever her ex’s name was so dumb. like ig good for her for having some character development but i literally couldn’t care less. sh started off so codependent and then yay she learned to make a decision.
nothing about this story was compelling. the summer vibes were not even there. the entire thing is just the mc floating around like a meaningless ghost while her family is freaking out over some wedding and house and i’m just sitting here like who ordered the dgaf coffee and why did i drain the whole pot.
*thank you to netgalley for the arc. all opinions are my own*
May 19, 2026
This book. This FUCKING book. Wow. I am so disappointed, to say the least. This was bad.
Let's talk about it (Rhett and Link voice).
I was so excited to see that Sarah Dessen put out a new book after seven years. I even took the train in to meet her, got a picture with her, AND got this book signed. I wish it was another book now.
I don’t know if Dessen’s just aged out of writing coming of age stories, but I could not get into this. The first chapter didn’t draw me in. Okay, no worries, it will eventually, right? WRONG! I also couldn’t get connected to Finley Hope’s character. She was just so stock, and basically a carbon copy of all of the other Dessen Mary-Sue esque main characters put together, as well as the books (including a few in particular. I’m looking at you The Rest of the Story).
Remy Starr/This Lullaby is the only character/book to deviate from this, and guess what? It’s my favorite, and so obviously in my opinion, the best one. Double guess what? Remy’s extroverted personality wasn’t even Dessen’s idea – it was her publisher’s!
Seriously, you can only do so many introverted, introspective main characters with an extroverted BFF before it starts to get ultra stale. Finley’s whole thing is that she is finally starting to live life by the seat of her pants, but it hardly feels like that. She had no discernible personality, evident by her boring ass dialogue that's also indiscernible.
So many of the interactions happen with other characters while Finley is in a room listening in. This is how the story feels in general, like the readers are watching it all play out rather than living it. Finley’s essentially a y/n self-insert, who goes through little character development – she literally just lets things happen to her. Some examples, you may ask?
- She doesn’t ask Anne what’s wrong even though something obviously is. Instead, she lets Lana do it for her (Go Lana!).
- She doesn’t buy the linen chest for Anne even though she obviously sees it’s important. She just lets it get hauled away.
Justice for Anne.
That’s another thing – the side characters went through more character development than Finley. That’s not to say they were a standout, because they weren’t. Lana and Clark were my favs, while the rest (especially the aunts) blurred together. That’s not even to mention the wonky ages, timeline, locations, and confusing relations. I didn’t even know Clark was a cousin until I read another bad review. But all the side characters are introduced so haphazardly that it’s hard to keep track.
And there’s also Ben. Ugh. But more on him later.
As for their development – I appreciated how Anne stood up for herself and got the wedding she wanted, but her calling it off just seemed like a plot contrived by Dessen. So much of the prose (which isn’t that good tbh, and riddled with errors) seems like what Dessen expects a book to sound like. I can literally picture her typing the final few paragraphs of a chapter with a satisfied harummph and a nod and being like, “Yes. That is a book.” There’s even a line where Finley says she doesn’t believe in love because Jonathan and Anne broke up. You have literally. Seen them together once. Again, contrived.
I honestly should have known this book would be bad based on the cover alone, as well as the fact that the tropes are listed in the description. Red flags numbers one and two. And if you still don’t believe me about the contrived part, Lana’s neglectful family lore is dropped in one paragraph and hardly mentioned again. Just to add some one-dimensional depth to the characters, because they’re already there, so you may as well try and make them multifaceted. Spoiler alert, it doesn’t work.
The entire plot of the book is about Finley reconnecting with her mom, Cat, as a person rather than an authority figure. But we hardly see them interact. All of Finley’s new knowledge of Cat comes from what she’s learned from other people. The book focuses on her relationships with her new friends more. Which is fine, but don’t market it as something else.
Cat was annoying as well. Her entire reasoning for leaving her family doesn’t even make sense. That, and Finley’s address of her leaving when she was a toddler were wrapped up all too quickly. The latter should have been dragged out wayyy more, and should have been the climax as well. Not the wedding that we hardly care about. (Sidenote – I thought the wedding had already happened by the time I got the chapter about the wedding. My subconscious was literally wishing it was done). In fact, as much as Cat’s character grew on me, I found myself hoping she would DIE just to get something to happen in this book. That’s how much of a whole lot of nothing it was. And at least that would have given Finley some development.
To beat in that point: I took a break during what I thought was the climax of the book and didn’t care to return to it. I also found myself counting the pages until it ended. I couldn’t wait to leave a semi-scathing review.
I found myself thinking how the book could be better. It being from Cat’s perspective would have been way more interesting, and possibly more up to Dessen’s speed (I also liked Cat’s romantic relationship more than that of the main couple). Also, Finley finding out about Cat’s cancer when Cat fainted would have been more of a punch to the gut. The rest of the book could then focus on their mother-daughter relationship fully.
Now let’s talk about Finley’s relationships. Again, her breakup with Colin felt like it was only there because the plot needed it to happen. It didn’t feel like the characters would actually do that. Colin was an interesting character but he was pissing me off. He’s basically just a bipolar Ian Gallagher mixed with Ross when he found out Rachel and Joey were dating. Honestly, I would have liked the book more if that was the route Finley had taken. But seriously, I feel like Dessen could have focused on that psyche a bit more, maybe having Finley be annoyed that she’s always the one to talk him down.
Everyone else was pissing me off in relation to Colin as well. When he shows up to Finley’s house, her aunt is chummy with him. When Finley and Colin are obviously having an important chat, Lana doesn’t care and constantly interrupts them. And you want to know the kicker??? We don’t even see Finley tell him to leave. A scene that should have shown her putting her foot down, and all her character development, and it’s glossed over.
Now… Ben… oh boy. He was the main one pissing me off in terms of Colin, which is crazy since he’s the main love interest. He gets mad at Finley for checking in on Colin even though that’s a totally normal thing to do seeing as how they were in a serious relationship for two years. How long have Ben and Finley known each other, you may ask? Three weeks. Yeah, she moved on quickly – again showing how contrived that breakup was. Ben also has no personality besides being “awkward” but it doesn’t even show. And if I have to hear one more time about what shirt he’s wearing, I’ll scream. Literally, take a shot every time it’s mentioned. You’ll be plastered by the end of the night. Also is he seriously mad at her because she gets a cell phone?? Be so for real.
The whole story would have been better if they didn’t end up together at the end. Finley obviously needs some time by herself, but Dessen obviously thinks romance is what we wanted to see. Nope. We don’t even get to hear about the state of her mom’s cancer, or the sale of the house. (I was so done with the book at this point I didn’t even care). Instead, the book ends when Ben and Finley patch up their relationship.
Honestly, Finley had more chemistry with Cardoon than with Ben. But Cardoon is already paired off with Lana, because apparently everyone needs a romantic interest.
I just finished The Thrashers by Julie Soto (five stars) and of course I have to mention it here. That book is a mystery and still has more character depth and a better romance than this one where you are literally inside the characters head. That’s so crazy.
Now, let’s get into some nitpicky things as well:
- How is toothpaste of all things an important aspect? It’s honestly fitting that it acts as a metaphor for Finley and Ben’s relationship, because it is Booooring.
- Speaking of boring, so many of the descriptions are unnecessary. Like what a bumper sticker says, or Ben’s shirt, or random bugs flying. BZZZ. Also take a shot whenever there’s an onomatopoeia. You’ll have to get your stomach pumped now. I get it is to symbolize Finley’s lack of cell phone, but it’s so cringe. Tryna reach that word count?
- There’s multiple mentions of “the phone store.” Just say fucking Apple. Or Best Buy. Please. I beg of you.
- Also: why would Finley look at Ben and then let go of Colin's hand? Girl. Now it seems like that was a show.
I really really hope this book doesn’t put me in a slump. Honestly the only good thing about it was how cheap the meet and greet experience/book was, as well as the experience itself. That was cool.
Now, to sign off…
I hope Finley is turned off from cell phones forever.
Let's talk about it (Rhett and Link voice).
I was so excited to see that Sarah Dessen put out a new book after seven years. I even took the train in to meet her, got a picture with her, AND got this book signed. I wish it was another book now.
I don’t know if Dessen’s just aged out of writing coming of age stories, but I could not get into this. The first chapter didn’t draw me in. Okay, no worries, it will eventually, right? WRONG! I also couldn’t get connected to Finley Hope’s character. She was just so stock, and basically a carbon copy of all of the other Dessen Mary-Sue esque main characters put together, as well as the books (including a few in particular. I’m looking at you The Rest of the Story).
Remy Starr/This Lullaby is the only character/book to deviate from this, and guess what? It’s my favorite, and so obviously in my opinion, the best one. Double guess what? Remy’s extroverted personality wasn’t even Dessen’s idea – it was her publisher’s!
Seriously, you can only do so many introverted, introspective main characters with an extroverted BFF before it starts to get ultra stale. Finley’s whole thing is that she is finally starting to live life by the seat of her pants, but it hardly feels like that. She had no discernible personality, evident by her boring ass dialogue that's also indiscernible.
So many of the interactions happen with other characters while Finley is in a room listening in. This is how the story feels in general, like the readers are watching it all play out rather than living it. Finley’s essentially a y/n self-insert, who goes through little character development – she literally just lets things happen to her. Some examples, you may ask?
- She doesn’t ask Anne what’s wrong even though something obviously is. Instead, she lets Lana do it for her (Go Lana!).
- She doesn’t buy the linen chest for Anne even though she obviously sees it’s important. She just lets it get hauled away.
Justice for Anne.
That’s another thing – the side characters went through more character development than Finley. That’s not to say they were a standout, because they weren’t. Lana and Clark were my favs, while the rest (especially the aunts) blurred together. That’s not even to mention the wonky ages, timeline, locations, and confusing relations. I didn’t even know Clark was a cousin until I read another bad review. But all the side characters are introduced so haphazardly that it’s hard to keep track.
And there’s also Ben. Ugh. But more on him later.
As for their development – I appreciated how Anne stood up for herself and got the wedding she wanted, but her calling it off just seemed like a plot contrived by Dessen. So much of the prose (which isn’t that good tbh, and riddled with errors) seems like what Dessen expects a book to sound like. I can literally picture her typing the final few paragraphs of a chapter with a satisfied harummph and a nod and being like, “Yes. That is a book.” There’s even a line where Finley says she doesn’t believe in love because Jonathan and Anne broke up. You have literally. Seen them together once. Again, contrived.
I honestly should have known this book would be bad based on the cover alone, as well as the fact that the tropes are listed in the description. Red flags numbers one and two. And if you still don’t believe me about the contrived part, Lana’s neglectful family lore is dropped in one paragraph and hardly mentioned again. Just to add some one-dimensional depth to the characters, because they’re already there, so you may as well try and make them multifaceted. Spoiler alert, it doesn’t work.
The entire plot of the book is about Finley reconnecting with her mom, Cat, as a person rather than an authority figure. But we hardly see them interact. All of Finley’s new knowledge of Cat comes from what she’s learned from other people. The book focuses on her relationships with her new friends more. Which is fine, but don’t market it as something else.
Cat was annoying as well. Her entire reasoning for leaving her family doesn’t even make sense. That, and Finley’s address of her leaving when she was a toddler were wrapped up all too quickly. The latter should have been dragged out wayyy more, and should have been the climax as well. Not the wedding that we hardly care about. (Sidenote – I thought the wedding had already happened by the time I got the chapter about the wedding. My subconscious was literally wishing it was done). In fact, as much as Cat’s character grew on me, I found myself hoping she would DIE just to get something to happen in this book. That’s how much of a whole lot of nothing it was. And at least that would have given Finley some development.
To beat in that point: I took a break during what I thought was the climax of the book and didn’t care to return to it. I also found myself counting the pages until it ended. I couldn’t wait to leave a semi-scathing review.
I found myself thinking how the book could be better. It being from Cat’s perspective would have been way more interesting, and possibly more up to Dessen’s speed (I also liked Cat’s romantic relationship more than that of the main couple). Also, Finley finding out about Cat’s cancer when Cat fainted would have been more of a punch to the gut. The rest of the book could then focus on their mother-daughter relationship fully.
Now let’s talk about Finley’s relationships. Again, her breakup with Colin felt like it was only there because the plot needed it to happen. It didn’t feel like the characters would actually do that. Colin was an interesting character but he was pissing me off. He’s basically just a bipolar Ian Gallagher mixed with Ross when he found out Rachel and Joey were dating. Honestly, I would have liked the book more if that was the route Finley had taken. But seriously, I feel like Dessen could have focused on that psyche a bit more, maybe having Finley be annoyed that she’s always the one to talk him down.
Everyone else was pissing me off in relation to Colin as well. When he shows up to Finley’s house, her aunt is chummy with him. When Finley and Colin are obviously having an important chat, Lana doesn’t care and constantly interrupts them. And you want to know the kicker??? We don’t even see Finley tell him to leave. A scene that should have shown her putting her foot down, and all her character development, and it’s glossed over.
Now… Ben… oh boy. He was the main one pissing me off in terms of Colin, which is crazy since he’s the main love interest. He gets mad at Finley for checking in on Colin even though that’s a totally normal thing to do seeing as how they were in a serious relationship for two years. How long have Ben and Finley known each other, you may ask? Three weeks. Yeah, she moved on quickly – again showing how contrived that breakup was. Ben also has no personality besides being “awkward” but it doesn’t even show. And if I have to hear one more time about what shirt he’s wearing, I’ll scream. Literally, take a shot every time it’s mentioned. You’ll be plastered by the end of the night. Also is he seriously mad at her because she gets a cell phone?? Be so for real.
The whole story would have been better if they didn’t end up together at the end. Finley obviously needs some time by herself, but Dessen obviously thinks romance is what we wanted to see. Nope. We don’t even get to hear about the state of her mom’s cancer, or the sale of the house. (I was so done with the book at this point I didn’t even care). Instead, the book ends when Ben and Finley patch up their relationship.
Honestly, Finley had more chemistry with Cardoon than with Ben. But Cardoon is already paired off with Lana, because apparently everyone needs a romantic interest.
I just finished The Thrashers by Julie Soto (five stars) and of course I have to mention it here. That book is a mystery and still has more character depth and a better romance than this one where you are literally inside the characters head. That’s so crazy.
Now, let’s get into some nitpicky things as well:
- How is toothpaste of all things an important aspect? It’s honestly fitting that it acts as a metaphor for Finley and Ben’s relationship, because it is Booooring.
- Speaking of boring, so many of the descriptions are unnecessary. Like what a bumper sticker says, or Ben’s shirt, or random bugs flying. BZZZ. Also take a shot whenever there’s an onomatopoeia. You’ll have to get your stomach pumped now. I get it is to symbolize Finley’s lack of cell phone, but it’s so cringe. Tryna reach that word count?
- There’s multiple mentions of “the phone store.” Just say fucking Apple. Or Best Buy. Please. I beg of you.
- Also: why would Finley look at Ben and then let go of Colin's hand? Girl. Now it seems like that was a show.
I really really hope this book doesn’t put me in a slump. Honestly the only good thing about it was how cheap the meet and greet experience/book was, as well as the experience itself. That was cool.
Now, to sign off…
I hope Finley is turned off from cell phones forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2026
This was such a classic Sarah Dessen scenario all around and I love that so much after having grown up obsessed with her books. The family drama and growth around that, the mommy issues, going to a new place to spend the summer, meeting new family and friends that help you learn more about yourself and your own story, the guitar-playing love interest. A perfect SD recipe.
I really loved all of the family aspects and Finley trying to find her place among it all. The family characters were perfect for the roles they needed to play. My only complaint is that the love story development felt like it could’ve used another fifty pages to really get me fully invested but it was a sweet ending regardless. Overall this book felt like a warm hug from 2006.
I really loved all of the family aspects and Finley trying to find her place among it all. The family characters were perfect for the roles they needed to play. My only complaint is that the love story development felt like it could’ve used another fifty pages to really get me fully invested but it was a sweet ending regardless. Overall this book felt like a warm hug from 2006.
March 9, 2026
I have loved Sarah Dessen books since I was 13 so when my 32 year-old self got approved for this ARC, I did a little dance around the house (ask my husband). I was a bit nervous to read a YA book again since they’re normally but my cup of tea anymore, but Sarah will ALWAYS be an exception.
After 7 years, it was SO good to be back in Lakeview and North Shore Lake - my homes away from home. This book had everything I loved in a Sarah Dessen book - a teenager trying to find her way, a sweet love interest, some family drama, and a found family. There were also little nods to previous Sarah Dessen books that made me kick my feet when they appeared on the page.
This was definitely one of the more.. Emotional Sarah Dessen books. There were a lot of times my heart sank for these characters, but the family they created really shined through and made it such a special read. I loved Finley’s growing relationship with her aunts, cousin, mom, and loved watching her friendships with Lana, Clark, and Ben grow. She really surprised me as a character, overall and she grew a lot with deciding what she wanted and asking for it.
Initially I gave this book a 5 star, but I pushed it down to 4.75 after thinking it over. I do feel like the ending was left unfinished… There was so much left up in the air and subplots left unfinished that could’ve had another 50ish pages or an epilogue AT LEAST to wrap things up.. But maybe that was done on purpose and maybe this isn’t our last summer at The Woods?
**Thank you to Simon and Schuster, Netgalley, and the author for a copy of the e-book in exchange for a honest review**
After 7 years, it was SO good to be back in Lakeview and North Shore Lake - my homes away from home. This book had everything I loved in a Sarah Dessen book - a teenager trying to find her way, a sweet love interest, some family drama, and a found family. There were also little nods to previous Sarah Dessen books that made me kick my feet when they appeared on the page.
This was definitely one of the more.. Emotional Sarah Dessen books. There were a lot of times my heart sank for these characters, but the family they created really shined through and made it such a special read. I loved Finley’s growing relationship with her aunts, cousin, mom, and loved watching her friendships with Lana, Clark, and Ben grow. She really surprised me as a character, overall and she grew a lot with deciding what she wanted and asking for it.
Initially I gave this book a 5 star, but I pushed it down to 4.75 after thinking it over. I do feel like the ending was left unfinished… There was so much left up in the air and subplots left unfinished that could’ve had another 50ish pages or an epilogue AT LEAST to wrap things up.. But maybe that was done on purpose and maybe this isn’t our last summer at The Woods?
**Thank you to Simon and Schuster, Netgalley, and the author for a copy of the e-book in exchange for a honest review**
May 22, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️.75
Sarah Dessen is a fantastic author, so I went into this book with high expectations. Unfortunately, it did not meet them.
With that being said, I do want to emphasize that book isn’t bad, it just isn’t on par with some of Sarah’s other works (Just Listen, This Lullaby, Lock and Key, Along for the Ride, and The Truth About Forever). I’m going to sound harsh here, but overall the plot was very cute (if not totally predictable, which I will get into) and the characters were very endearing.
Like many Sarah Dessen novels, Change of Plans is about Finley, an 18-year old girl who is entering her final summer before college. Also like many Sarah Dessen novels, Finley’s boyfriend unexpectedly breaks up with her. Also like many Sarah Dessen novels, Finley’s family situation is complicated. Again, also like many Sarah Dessen novels, Finley finds herself in a vacation town mainly filled with summer tourists, where she gets a job at a local restaurant.
All of Sarah Dessen’s books are formulaic, but this one was too much. It’s almost like she wrote down elements of her other books, threw them into a jar, shook it, and started randomly drawing them out to piece together a new book.
If you’ve never read one of Sarah’s books, you’ll probably find the story cute, emotional, and refreshing. If you’ve read several like me, you’ve pretty much read this book before.
Another issue I noticed was Sarah’s struggle to manage dialogue in scenes with many characters. There were a few times where several characters were in separate conversations simultaneously in a large room, and it became very hard to keep track of who was speaking to who.
Overall, if you’re looking for an easy-to-read YA novel that pulls on your emotional heartstrings, I’d choose another one of Sarah’s amazing books!
Sarah Dessen is a fantastic author, so I went into this book with high expectations. Unfortunately, it did not meet them.
With that being said, I do want to emphasize that book isn’t bad, it just isn’t on par with some of Sarah’s other works (Just Listen, This Lullaby, Lock and Key, Along for the Ride, and The Truth About Forever). I’m going to sound harsh here, but overall the plot was very cute (if not totally predictable, which I will get into) and the characters were very endearing.
Like many Sarah Dessen novels, Change of Plans is about Finley, an 18-year old girl who is entering her final summer before college. Also like many Sarah Dessen novels, Finley’s boyfriend unexpectedly breaks up with her. Also like many Sarah Dessen novels, Finley’s family situation is complicated. Again, also like many Sarah Dessen novels, Finley finds herself in a vacation town mainly filled with summer tourists, where she gets a job at a local restaurant.
All of Sarah Dessen’s books are formulaic, but this one was too much. It’s almost like she wrote down elements of her other books, threw them into a jar, shook it, and started randomly drawing them out to piece together a new book.
If you’ve never read one of Sarah’s books, you’ll probably find the story cute, emotional, and refreshing. If you’ve read several like me, you’ve pretty much read this book before.
Another issue I noticed was Sarah’s struggle to manage dialogue in scenes with many characters. There were a few times where several characters were in separate conversations simultaneously in a large room, and it became very hard to keep track of who was speaking to who.
Overall, if you’re looking for an easy-to-read YA novel that pulls on your emotional heartstrings, I’d choose another one of Sarah’s amazing books!
May 7, 2026
SARAH DESSEN IS BACK!!! Her first book in over 7 years and man, Change of Plans had me feeling so nostalgic for my preteen and teenage years, when I first discovered and fell in love with Sarah’s YA books. Thank you so much to @simonteen for the free early copy!! This is the perfect summer book for any young adult reader or Sarah Dessen fan.
Change of Plans follows Finley, a recent high school graduate, who is forced to go with her mom on a summer trip to her mom’s old lake house, when she would rather be with her high school boyfriend on a cruise. Finley has very little connection with her mom and her mom’s family and is suddenly thrown into a whole new life over the summer. To make matters worse, Colin, her high school boyfriend, suddenly breaks up with her a week after their graduation. Suddenly, Finley isn’t sure what comes next for her.
I loved how nostalgic and emotional this book felt. Sarah writes such great YA characters and I really found myself connecting with Finley’s journey and growth as she found her world flipped upside down after high school, trying desperately to figure her life out.
I loved the found family and friends that Finley formed over her summer at the lake and found myself really relating to the many lessons she learned, especially to go with the flow and let go of things and people she may have outgrown.
Although the romance between Finley and Ben felt a little too quick and awkward to me (ah young love), I think it really summed up teenage feelings and connections well. Personally, I enjoyed this book as more of a YA character study and contemporary with the romance as a subplot!
The perfect summer read, I hope all the OG Sarah Dessen fans are excited to read this!! Change of Plans is out NOW 🤍
Change of Plans follows Finley, a recent high school graduate, who is forced to go with her mom on a summer trip to her mom’s old lake house, when she would rather be with her high school boyfriend on a cruise. Finley has very little connection with her mom and her mom’s family and is suddenly thrown into a whole new life over the summer. To make matters worse, Colin, her high school boyfriend, suddenly breaks up with her a week after their graduation. Suddenly, Finley isn’t sure what comes next for her.
I loved how nostalgic and emotional this book felt. Sarah writes such great YA characters and I really found myself connecting with Finley’s journey and growth as she found her world flipped upside down after high school, trying desperately to figure her life out.
I loved the found family and friends that Finley formed over her summer at the lake and found myself really relating to the many lessons she learned, especially to go with the flow and let go of things and people she may have outgrown.
Although the romance between Finley and Ben felt a little too quick and awkward to me (ah young love), I think it really summed up teenage feelings and connections well. Personally, I enjoyed this book as more of a YA character study and contemporary with the romance as a subplot!
The perfect summer read, I hope all the OG Sarah Dessen fans are excited to read this!! Change of Plans is out NOW 🤍
April 24, 2026
Finley has always followed her boyfriend’s lead—until a spontaneous trip with her estranged mom introduces her to a hidden family, a tight-knit diner crew, and a summer without a plan. As her relationship unravels, she uncovers long-buried secrets and begins to discover who she is on her own.
What a gift to be back in the Dessenverse—this time at North Lake [The Rest of the Story], but with all the same small-town friendship charm. The nostalgia I felt the whole way through!!
I don’t think this story adds any new layers or revelations to Sarah’s writing. Everything still feels very fueled by uncertain decisions, family strain, and the budding of unexpected relationships — classic YA.
If you like small-circle casts in quaint locations focusing on a recent high school graduate navigating a breakup, her mom’s cancer, and a will-they-won’t-they co-worker summer romance, grab this as your next summer read!
Thank you @simonteen @simon.audio for the books!! What a treat to dive back into a Sarah Dessen #simonteenpartner #simonaudioinfluencer
Perfect for you if you like:
Coming of age
Small lake town
Teenage relationships
Similar:
Falling Like Leaves by Misty Wilson
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Mason
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
🌶️kisses only
⚠️some mild language, breast cancer diagnosis, breakup, strained relationship with mother, underaged drinking
What a gift to be back in the Dessenverse—this time at North Lake [The Rest of the Story], but with all the same small-town friendship charm. The nostalgia I felt the whole way through!!
I don’t think this story adds any new layers or revelations to Sarah’s writing. Everything still feels very fueled by uncertain decisions, family strain, and the budding of unexpected relationships — classic YA.
If you like small-circle casts in quaint locations focusing on a recent high school graduate navigating a breakup, her mom’s cancer, and a will-they-won’t-they co-worker summer romance, grab this as your next summer read!
Thank you @simonteen @simon.audio for the books!! What a treat to dive back into a Sarah Dessen #simonteenpartner #simonaudioinfluencer
Perfect for you if you like:
Coming of age
Small lake town
Teenage relationships
Similar:
Falling Like Leaves by Misty Wilson
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Mason
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
🌶️kisses only
⚠️some mild language, breast cancer diagnosis, breakup, strained relationship with mother, underaged drinking
May 15, 2026
Reading Sarah Dessen is like reuniting with an old friend. It’s an easy style to fall back into with familiar beats and eccentric characters. This book did disappoint me a bit though. It felt a little too much like The Rest of the Story, focusing on a fairly straitlaced girl going to a small beach town and getting to know better a mother she barely knew. Finley didn’t really feel dynamic to me. I didn’t see her as someone always with a plan, thrown into chaos. I wasn’t terribly invested in her story. The ending also rushed right up to me. I was waiting for this big moment that was skipped over, then the book ended, and I couldn’t help but say, “Wait, that’s it?” I did like the other characters and the things they dealt with, and I wish there was more with them. The book was easy to read and didn’t endlessly frustrate me, it was just a little clinical in its delivery.
May 7, 2026
3.5 rounded up
This was a fun, lighthearted YA summer romance that has one teen girl dealing with a lot of unexpected changed when her boyfriend dumps her out of the blue and her mom takes them to a small town to spend the summer with her estranged family. There's family secrets, cancer diagnoses, new love interests, a last minute wedding to help plan and pull off and a heartwarming found family situation as Finley finds herself jumping into a waitress role in the town's greasy spoon. Lots of coming of age growth mixed with great emotional depth. This was good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Jenna Evans Welch or K.L. Walther.
This was a fun, lighthearted YA summer romance that has one teen girl dealing with a lot of unexpected changed when her boyfriend dumps her out of the blue and her mom takes them to a small town to spend the summer with her estranged family. There's family secrets, cancer diagnoses, new love interests, a last minute wedding to help plan and pull off and a heartwarming found family situation as Finley finds herself jumping into a waitress role in the town's greasy spoon. Lots of coming of age growth mixed with great emotional depth. This was good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Jenna Evans Welch or K.L. Walther.
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