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Thursday 3 September 2015

{Review} The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler

18689664Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 21st, 2013
Finished Date: July 28th, 2015
Publishers: Simon Pulse
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Gifted
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Buy: Amazon UK Amazon US / The Book Depo

When all signs point to heartbreak, can love still be a rule of the road? A poignant and romantic novel from the author of Bittersweet and Twenty Boy Summer.

Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one.

Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas?

Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong?

Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking.

The Review: This is the second book I’ve read by Sarah Ockler and I have to say, I’m really impressed by what I’ve read so far and I can’t wait until I own another one of her books to read! 

Jude Hernandez wanted to spend her last summer before starting college experiencing things she’s never experienced before and that means road-tripping with her two best friends. But when her father health takes a turn for the worst, her priorities change and she vows to do everything she can to make her father happy – even if that means helping him restore an old vintage bike he’s had in the garage for the last two decades. But Jude doesn’t know much about restoring bikes and realises she needs help. Help comes in the form of Emilio Vargas who is more than happy to help, however Jude’s been sworn off dealing with the Vargas boys ever since two of Emilio’s brother’s broke her two sister’s hearts. Deciding to keep Emilio’s surname a secret from her family, Jude realizes that the more time she spends with Emilio the more she enjoys his company – especially when he’s not put off by her father’s weird behavior. But can Jude honor the oath she’s made with her sisters or is she willing to break it for love? 

The Book of Broken Hearts is a great YA contemporary and Jude’s story is good one but also a heart-breaking one too. When I went into this story I wasn’t quite expecting the emotional turmoil that came with watching Jude’s father slowly deteriorate from Alzheimer's. I’ve heard bits and pieces about the disease but reading it for myself through Sarah Ockler’s words it really does feel for anyone who has had a watch a loved one suffer from it especially when there is no cure. This book brings a lot of awareness to a disease that, in my opinion hasn’t been wildly expressed throughout the YA genre before. So well done Sarah Ockler! 

And while this story is focused around Jude and her father’s relationship which was very touching and loving – it’s also about Jude’s journey to finding out whom she really is and learning to take risks of her own like her father did when he was younger. Emilio definitely helps Jude with that. Not only does he help her come to turns with her father’s disease, he also becomes a pillar of strength for her, helping her out when she needs it. They seem to form a bond while restoring the bike together and it really added to the sweetness of their relationship which had several swoon-worthy moments which of course made you totally swoon.

In all, I’m glad I’ve finally managed to read another one of Sarah’s books because I definitely wasn’t disappointed by The Book of Broken Hearts and I simply can’t wait to own/read more! 
 

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