Looking for a book that has whimsy, magic, and a dash of heartbreak? Check out my Once Upon a Broken Heart book review in today’s post!
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Some books are pure magic the first time you read them—and somehow even more enchanting the second time around. Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber is one of those rare stories. This review isn’t from my first read-through, but from a reread, which I’m enjoying reading aloud to my husband. Experiencing this whimsical fairytale world together has made me fall in love with it all over again. From the lyrical writing to the dreamy setting to the mysterious Prince of Hearts, this book is full of charm and surprises. Whether it’s your first visit to the Magnificent North or your fifth, this series is pure bookish joy.
Once Upon a Broken Heart Review
📔 Book: Once Upon a Broken Heart
✍️ Author: Stephanie Garber
⚙️ Genre: YA Fantasy Romance
🏢 Traditionally Published
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story is unlike anything I’ve ever read before—playful, romantic, mysterious, and dripping with magic. Stephanie Garber’s writing style is whimsical in the best way: full of vivid descriptions, imaginative twists, and fairytale vibes that feel both nostalgic and fresh. It reads like a storybook for grown-ups, but with emotional depth and layered characters that keep you turning the pages.
Evangeline Fox, our hopeful and heartbreakingly naive heroine, makes a deal with the Prince of Hearts—Jacks—in a desperate attempt to win back the love of her life. But as with all fairytales, nothing goes quite as planned. Watching her unravel the consequences of that choice is both heartbreaking and mesmerizing. She’s so relatable in her desire for love and happy endings, and yet you can feel the danger beneath the sparkle from the very beginning.
What makes this reread so special is sharing it with someone else. Reading it aloud to my husband has reminded me just how magical the world of this trilogy is—and how fun it is to discover (or rediscover!) a story with someone who’s never read it before. He’s completely hooked and always eager to hear what happens next. (Spoiler alert: I’ve told him book two is my favorite in the trilogy!)
Once Upon a Broken Heart is clean, romantic, and addictive in the best way. And Jacks? He’s the definition of trouble—you’ll love him even when you know you shouldn’t.
Some Things You Might Enjoy:
Prophecy 🔮
Magic 🪄
Slow burn romance 🔥
Fairytale vibes ✨
Young adult readers who enjoy immersive fantasy settings, morally gray love interests, and a story that feels like a frosted fairytale laced with intrigue and heartbreak will love Once Upon a Broken Heart.
For a detailed look at how I rate and review the books I read, check out my rating system.
Summary From Amazon:
For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings . . . until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.
Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.
But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game — and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy.
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