Scan barcode
elenajohansen's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
What I what to commend this book for is how it created a world where queerness is universally present in what seems like an effortless way. I know it isn't, as writing anything is never effortless, but that's how cohesive the worldview is here--more people are queer than not, and the types of queerness vary, and it's all very open and accepted to the point where I almost missed the "they" that flagged a character as nonbinary, the lack of an obvious binary gender pronoun simply didn't stand out at all.
The same can't be said for the worldview of mental illness, because that's where most of the conflict arises to the romance, and both leads struggle greatly with self-acceptance of their issues, but it's all handled in a compassionate tone. Both Kate and Ben accept each other's flaws in a way that they can't accept their own, at first.
I don't want to spoil much of the actual plot, because I think the character revelations are best experienced as that character, but I will say I love how the romance arc is as much about connecting with themselves in order to heal as it is connecting with the other person in order to love. Any variation of "love doesn't fix mental illness" applies here, but neither of them think their romance will solve their problems; having love and support does, however, give them the strength to work on fixing/accepting themselves.
The same can't be said for the worldview of mental illness, because that's where most of the conflict arises to the romance, and both leads struggle greatly with self-acceptance of their issues, but it's all handled in a compassionate tone. Both Kate and Ben accept each other's flaws in a way that they can't accept their own, at first.
I don't want to spoil much of the actual plot, because I think the character revelations are best experienced as that character, but I will say I love how the romance arc is as much about connecting with themselves in order to heal as it is connecting with the other person in order to love. Any variation of "love doesn't fix mental illness" applies here, but neither of them think their romance will solve their problems; having love and support does, however, give them the strength to work on fixing/accepting themselves.
ceallaighsbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
“The phrase Jorunn had taught her was lighter than the English ‘I love you’ and much lighter than the Norwegian phrase ‘Eg elske deg’, which was reserved for soulmates… and sometimes ice cream.”
TITLE—Even If We’re Broken
AUTHOR—AM Weald
PUBLISHED—2024
PUBLISHER—self-published <3
GENRE—romance
SETTING—Newfoundland, the US, & Norway
MAIN THEMES/SUBJECTS—second chance romance, archaeology, summer field school, relationship dynamics, mental health, chronic pain, depression & anxiety, internalized fatphobia & low self-esteem/self-worth, supportive friends, grief, creative outlets, healing, yoga & physical therapy, nature, queer rep, women defending & celebrating women
“Summer archaeological field school—the rite of passage for all would-be archaeologists. Where everyone was equalized by sweat and dirt and port-a-potties (or holes in the ground). Where beer was a staple food group, the sharing of hard liquor around the campfire was commonplace, and nonsmokers puffed away. Where one made friends and colleagues for life, or at the very least got laid.”
My thoughts:
More & more I’ve been enjoying romance novels & Weald’s book that featured not only an absolutely precious romance storyline but lovable characters, excellent mental illness & queer rep, & flawlessly represented archaeology is one of my favorite yet from the genre!
I would recommend this book to readers who love the second chance romance trope with middle-aged MCs & themes of mental illness & trauma from previous relationships. This book is best read at summer field school!
Final note: So glad I got to read this book with the @ArchaeoBookclub crew. 🫶🏻
“Maybe similarities weren’t the key to a good relationship, but rather appreciating and celebrating the differences.”
★ ★ ★ ★ .75
CW // depression, suicide attempt, domestic psychological abuse & toxic relationships, internalized fatphobia (Please feel free to DM me for more specifics!)
Season: Summer
Music pairing: Ane Brun
Further Reading—
- DO YOUR WORST by Rosie Danan—TBR
- SURFACING by Kathleen Jaime
- CAFE NEANDERTAL by Beebe Bahrami
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual harassment, Suicide attempt, and Fatphobia
merlinagarance's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
If I had to pick one word to describe this book, it would be "Compassionate."
Never does the book judge its characters for their failings or their hurts. And there is a lot of pain on page but it's normalized. This book might ultimately not be about romance as much as about health, mental or physical, and how to take care of oneself and others. It has elements of found family and one thing I love which is step-parenthood.
The main reason this is not a 5* for me is I would have liked to see more of Esben and Kate's relationship when they first met to get into their mindset and experience their budding feelings with them. Considering we spend more time in the present it was a bit difficult for me to go along with the romance for a bit, but that's just me.
Overall I recommend this book.
Never does the book judge its characters for their failings or their hurts. And there is a lot of pain on page but it's normalized. This book might ultimately not be about romance as much as about health, mental or physical, and how to take care of oneself and others. It has elements of found family and one thing I love which is step-parenthood.
The main reason this is not a 5* for me is I would have liked to see more of Esben and Kate's relationship when they first met to get into their mindset and experience their budding feelings with them. Considering we spend more time in the present it was a bit difficult for me to go along with the romance for a bit, but that's just me.
Overall I recommend this book.
throst's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
whatjaninareads's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I received an advanced reader copy of Even If We're Broken in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this opportunity.
As a kid I loved archaeology and I still find it really fascinating, so combine that with a second-chance-at-love trope and it's a no-brainer for me to want to read the resulting book, even if the protagonists are fifteen+ years older than me.
I did indeed struggle a bit with relating to the two main characters because I'm in my early/mid twenties, so their experiences still seem very distant to me in terms of academia, relationships, kids and aging. I knew that going into the book, so it's not like I wasn't prepared for this kind of disconnect, but it did inhibit the way I experienced the story.
However, the setting gave me summer camp vibes and the plot was super easy to follow along, so it was an enjoyable read for me nevertheless.
And oh my god the casual representation of queer (bi, lesbian, non-binary) characters as well as both mental (depression, anxiety, PTSD, body image issues) and physical health issues was everything! I loved how well all of these topics were included in the plot and how respectfully and lovingly they were discussed between most of the characters. It did irk me a little that we had almost only lesbian/bi female characters and none that were ace or demi, but that's just me wishing for more representation of myself and not any kind of real criticism.
All in all, this was a good read that I think I will want to return to when I'm older and better able to relate to these characters and understand what they're going through on a deeper level.
3.5/5 stars.
As a kid I loved archaeology and I still find it really fascinating, so combine that with a second-chance-at-love trope and it's a no-brainer for me to want to read the resulting book, even if the protagonists are fifteen+ years older than me.
I did indeed struggle a bit with relating to the two main characters because I'm in my early/mid twenties, so their experiences still seem very distant to me in terms of academia, relationships, kids and aging. I knew that going into the book, so it's not like I wasn't prepared for this kind of disconnect, but it did inhibit the way I experienced the story.
However, the setting gave me summer camp vibes and the plot was super easy to follow along, so it was an enjoyable read for me nevertheless.
And oh my god the casual representation of queer (bi, lesbian, non-binary) characters as well as both mental (depression, anxiety, PTSD, body image issues) and physical health issues was everything! I loved how well all of these topics were included in the plot and how respectfully and lovingly they were discussed between most of the characters. It did irk me a little that we had almost only lesbian/bi female characters and none that were ace or demi, but that's just me wishing for more representation of myself and not any kind of real criticism.
All in all, this was a good read that I think I will want to return to when I'm older and better able to relate to these characters and understand what they're going through on a deeper level.
3.5/5 stars.
sienna36's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
verlorenzwischenwelten's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lljzmc's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A warm beautiful story about the kind of love that heals
Kate and Esben have known each other for decades and, from their first meeting on an archaeological field site as college students, the pull between them has been strong. But an ocean and time and other relationships and duties kept them apart, and they each suffered losses that nearly broke them.
By the time they come back together at another site in middle age, they are both afraid to hope. "Even If We're Broken" is the story of how their never-quite-lost friendship begins to heal them both, helping them conquer their fears and regain hope and joy and enough courage to honestly reach out to each other in ways they'd never been able to do before.
We get to see the two of them find their way to the relationship they'd always wanted, dealing with chronic pain, disability, mental health issues, and grief and betrayal together, healing themselves and each other in ways that help the young people around them too.
Weald's writing is clear and sparse and never gets in the way, letting us feel the weight of Ben's depression and the fluttery panic of Kate's anxiety while revealing them both in all their lovableness and their generous care for each other. Readers should be aware that characters deal with these issues as well as fat-phobia (internalized and external), sexual harassment, domestic abuse, and questions about sexuality.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (thank you so much!); my thoughts and words are entirely my own. I savored this lovely book and highly recommend it.
5 stars
Kate and Esben have known each other for decades and, from their first meeting on an archaeological field site as college students, the pull between them has been strong. But an ocean and time and other relationships and duties kept them apart, and they each suffered losses that nearly broke them.
By the time they come back together at another site in middle age, they are both afraid to hope. "Even If We're Broken" is the story of how their never-quite-lost friendship begins to heal them both, helping them conquer their fears and regain hope and joy and enough courage to honestly reach out to each other in ways they'd never been able to do before.
We get to see the two of them find their way to the relationship they'd always wanted, dealing with chronic pain, disability, mental health issues, and grief and betrayal together, healing themselves and each other in ways that help the young people around them too.
Weald's writing is clear and sparse and never gets in the way, letting us feel the weight of Ben's depression and the fluttery panic of Kate's anxiety while revealing them both in all their lovableness and their generous care for each other. Readers should be aware that characters deal with these issues as well as fat-phobia (internalized and external), sexual harassment, domestic abuse, and questions about sexuality.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (thank you so much!); my thoughts and words are entirely my own. I savored this lovely book and highly recommend it.
5 stars
jessbengel's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A debut novel that delves into relationships, mental health, and anthropology? Sign me up. Weald provides numerous heartfelt scenes, along with a satisfying HEA that will appeal to romance readers. I enjoyed the portrayal of middle-aged characters and the challenges they face when it comes to attraction and new relationships at that stage of life. Beyond genre preferences, the narrative explores the stories we tell ourselves about our identities and worth, offering beautiful insights and emotional depth. Looking forward to more from this talented author!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage and Suicide attempt
ladyinverse's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I've never binged such a thick book so quickly.
I was laughing, I was crying, I was kicking my feet and fist pumping the air, I was yelling "NO!" as loud as my voice would allow in public spaces without weird looks.
this felt like an indie film that spanned over three seasons of 12 episodes each. there was just the right amount of little plot twists and gasping moments of reveals that just kept you hooked in.
this book sets the bar for slow burn for me and you definitely need to read this book.
I was laughing, I was crying, I was kicking my feet and fist pumping the air, I was yelling "NO!" as loud as my voice would allow in public spaces without weird looks.
this felt like an indie film that spanned over three seasons of 12 episodes each. there was just the right amount of little plot twists and gasping moments of reveals that just kept you hooked in.
this book sets the bar for slow burn for me and you definitely need to read this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Body shaming, Mental illness, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Medical content, Sexual content, Self harm, Miscarriage, Suicide attempt, Drug use, Death of parent, Abortion, and Fatphobia
More...