The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler: A Review

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.

(From Edelweiss)

My Review:


I had never read anything by this author before, but I've heard of her and the other books she's written. Now I wonder why I haven't read her yet. This book, simply put, was amazing.

I wasn't sure, at first, if it was going to be lighthearted fare or not. Given the premise, it could easily go either way. Though there are some amusing moments, it definitely doesn't fall under lighthearted. It's kind of a serious book, but not morbidly so. There are many ways that the author keeps it from being a totally depressing endeavor, which is quite a feat, considering the serious tone of the story's underlying subplot. It's something I didn't expect, but it was handled with such care and beauty, it only served to enhance the story of Jude and how she comes to discover who she really is and where she fits in within her family's framework.

This was just such a beautiful story of how one girl grows up, falls in love, and discovers what she will do for that love - and what she's willing to give up for it. This is just a stunning book and I would highly recommend it. Fans of the author will be very pleased with this book.