One of the requests I get the most in the library is for books like those Sarah Dessen writes. This translates to books that are about the real struggles of teen girls with a side of romance. This means books with complicated characters and a strong sense of place.
Here are my go-to recommendations for readers who crave more of these kind of books, with a mix of backlist and newer releases.
The Chance You Won’t Return by Annie Cardi
Goodreads | Amazon
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Goodreads | Amazon
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Goodreads | Amazon
Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
Goodreads | Amazon
Better off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg
Goodreads | Amazon
The Story of Us by Deb Caletti
Goodreads | Amazon
Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson
Goodreads | Amazon
Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
Goodreads | Amazon
The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord
Goodreads | Amazon
The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding
Goodreads | Amazon
Golden by Jessi Kirby
Goodreads | Amazon
Perfect Escape by Jennifer Brown
Goodreads | Amazon
What are your favorite books to suggest to fans of Sarah Dessen?
wrapped up in books 
Excellent list! I agree with all of these! (Mostly because I frequently want to read books like Sarah Dessen’s, too. Ha.)