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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Rachael John's latest novel How to Mend a Broken Heart has the main heroines, forty-nine year old, Felicity Bell, and her daughter, Zoe, twenty-four, travel to New Orleans, US for some new adventures.
Felicity has been grieving her twenty-year relationship with her kids' father, who now was a she.
Her daughter's marriage with her high school sweetheart is not going that great either.
So, when Felicity stumbles upon a Facebook post about seeking someone to work in a taxidermy shop, with board and pay, she decides to take this new challenge on, to at least be by herself for a while, without anyone's expectations on her shoulder.
Unfortunately, she doesn't have that long by herself, as Zoe, heartbroken and lost, comes to stay with her, so she has to put her mother hat on, again.
But all is not lost. New Orleans is the perfect place, apparently, to mend one's broken heart. And nothing gives one a spring in their steps like a new love/hanky panky interest.
This was delightful and made me want to be in New Orleans. The food porn in this novel was outrageous, I was ravenous the entire day. :-)
Unfortunately, even the aroma of those delicious sounding dishes or the walks around New Orleans didn't prevent my cynical self from thinking that one of the men sounded too good to be true, especially when it came to dating a woman his own age. But luckily, most people less cynical than I and I'm pretty sure they'll love this second chances novel.
Felicity has been grieving her twenty-year relationship with her kids' father, who now was a she.
Her daughter's marriage with her high school sweetheart is not going that great either.
So, when Felicity stumbles upon a Facebook post about seeking someone to work in a taxidermy shop, with board and pay, she decides to take this new challenge on, to at least be by herself for a while, without anyone's expectations on her shoulder.
Unfortunately, she doesn't have that long by herself, as Zoe, heartbroken and lost, comes to stay with her, so she has to put her mother hat on, again.
But all is not lost. New Orleans is the perfect place, apparently, to mend one's broken heart. And nothing gives one a spring in their steps like a new love/hanky panky interest.
This was delightful and made me want to be in New Orleans. The food porn in this novel was outrageous, I was ravenous the entire day. :-)
Unfortunately, even the aroma of those delicious sounding dishes or the walks around New Orleans didn't prevent my cynical self from thinking that one of the men sounded too good to be true, especially when it came to dating a woman his own age. But luckily, most people less cynical than I and I'm pretty sure they'll love this second chances novel.
I enjoyed this trip to New Orleans but I didn’t entirely love it! Felicity Bell travels to the other side of the world to escape heartache and heartbreak. Ironically, her daughters relationship also falls apart and so she turns up on her doorstep as well. There are many quirky elements to this novel that keep the reader entertained; taxidermy, ghost hunting and an eccentric old lady. Somehow the whole novel seemed a little contrived and unrealistic, hence the three stars.
This was fantastic. I read it in one go.
I liked how Felicity and Zoe’s experience were as similar as they were different. I kind of felt like Felicity got robbed of the opportunity to discover herself when Zoe turned up, but I think it worked out better for their relationship.
Theo just sounds yummy. Smooth, patient and creative. He’s the perfect guy to help Felicity move past her marriage.
The trans aspect, from Felicity’s point of view was written very well. Her emotions on her relationship with her ex and their transition were very realistic and sensitive.
I kind of hoped Remy would be alive and show up with a fantastical tale of why they disappeared, or if Aurelia had murder him. But I learned something new about grief, and New Orleans and taking chances.
Much of Felicity’s life with her ex resonates with me, to a lesser extent. And if anyone if offering up a trip to The Big a easy, I might be up for the challenge.
I liked how Felicity and Zoe’s experience were as similar as they were different. I kind of felt like Felicity got robbed of the opportunity to discover herself when Zoe turned up, but I think it worked out better for their relationship.
Theo just sounds yummy. Smooth, patient and creative. He’s the perfect guy to help Felicity move past her marriage.
The trans aspect, from Felicity’s point of view was written very well. Her emotions on her relationship with her ex and their transition were very realistic and sensitive.
I kind of hoped Remy would be alive and show up with a fantastical tale of why they disappeared, or if Aurelia had murder him. But I learned something new about grief, and New Orleans and taking chances.
Much of Felicity’s life with her ex resonates with me, to a lesser extent. And if anyone if offering up a trip to The Big a easy, I might be up for the challenge.
I was so excited when I picked up this book and realised it was a continuation of The Art of Keeping Secrets. It’s so lovely that Flick has been able to move forward and that Sofia can finally be her true self
How to Mend a Broken Heart is the best kind of escapist read. Rachael Johns took me to New Orleans at a time when traveling was impossible.
This story of heartache & healing combines all the very best elements of romantic fiction - characters you care for, a fabulous setting, a little mystery, a lot of romance and a story you don’t want to end.
I absolutely loved the New Orleans setting and all the great details about its food, history and culture that Rachael weaved into the story. Reading this book filled me with a sudden desire to pack my bags and head to New Orleans (if only this were possible!).
This was the first Rachael Johns book I’ve read and I can’t wait to read the rest!
This story of heartache & healing combines all the very best elements of romantic fiction - characters you care for, a fabulous setting, a little mystery, a lot of romance and a story you don’t want to end.
I absolutely loved the New Orleans setting and all the great details about its food, history and culture that Rachael weaved into the story. Reading this book filled me with a sudden desire to pack my bags and head to New Orleans (if only this were possible!).
This was the first Rachael Johns book I’ve read and I can’t wait to read the rest!
Now I want to go to New Orleans! How To Mend a Broken Heart is a wonderful new novel from Australian author Rachael Johns and I loved it. The majority of this story is set in New Orleans and I learnt a lot about this famous American city.
As well as the story of the main characters Felicity and her daughter Zoe, there is the story of the place, which really is like another character. It is a vibrant place, full of music, colourful people, amazing sounding food and ghosts. There is a lot of history and stories behind the streets and the buildings and Racheal has clearly researched it well. I loved l arming all about it and it made me want to travel there and see it all for myself, when the world reopens of course.
I haven’t read The Art of Keeping Secrets, the first book that introducers these characters, but How To Mend A Broken Heart can be read as a stand alone easily. I don’t feel like I missed anything in the story.
Felicity Bell takes the opportunity to escape her life and work in New Orleans for a few months. Her ex has found love again and she is struggling to move on. Can she make a new start on the other side of the world? Her daughter Zoe is ready to become a mother but her husband has betrayed her and she runs to be with her mum. This could be the new start they both need. New surroundings, new people, new loves?
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for my advanced copy of this book to read.
As well as the story of the main characters Felicity and her daughter Zoe, there is the story of the place, which really is like another character. It is a vibrant place, full of music, colourful people, amazing sounding food and ghosts. There is a lot of history and stories behind the streets and the buildings and Racheal has clearly researched it well. I loved l arming all about it and it made me want to travel there and see it all for myself, when the world reopens of course.
I haven’t read The Art of Keeping Secrets, the first book that introducers these characters, but How To Mend A Broken Heart can be read as a stand alone easily. I don’t feel like I missed anything in the story.
Felicity Bell takes the opportunity to escape her life and work in New Orleans for a few months. Her ex has found love again and she is struggling to move on. Can she make a new start on the other side of the world? Her daughter Zoe is ready to become a mother but her husband has betrayed her and she runs to be with her mum. This could be the new start they both need. New surroundings, new people, new loves?
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for my advanced copy of this book to read.
Moving forward after her marriage fell apart four years ago has been very difficult for Felicity (Flick) Bell. Whilst her ex husband has found someone else to share his life with and her children are settled and living their own lives, it’s now time for Flick to do what will make her happy. Flick enjoys her job as a taxidermist, so when she receives an offer to work in New Orleans for a few months she jumps at the chance as this could be her time to make a fresh start finally.
Zoe is left devastated and so upset after her husband betrayed her so much so that she quits her job, packs a suitcase and before she knows it she is on a plane to New Orleans to join her mother. Both Flick and Zoe have been hurt by their husbands, so neither of them are looking for love, but could that all change when they meet Theo a jazz bar owner and Jack a local ghost hunter.
How To Mend A Broken Heart by Aussie author Rachael Johns was a truly delightful book to read. The scenery of New Orleans was so well written that it made the reader feel like they were right there in the jazz bar sipping a delicious cocktail. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I can’t wait to see what this author writes next. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Zoe is left devastated and so upset after her husband betrayed her so much so that she quits her job, packs a suitcase and before she knows it she is on a plane to New Orleans to join her mother. Both Flick and Zoe have been hurt by their husbands, so neither of them are looking for love, but could that all change when they meet Theo a jazz bar owner and Jack a local ghost hunter.
How To Mend A Broken Heart by Aussie author Rachael Johns was a truly delightful book to read. The scenery of New Orleans was so well written that it made the reader feel like they were right there in the jazz bar sipping a delicious cocktail. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I can’t wait to see what this author writes next. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“Sometimes what you think is going to be the most painful time of your life, simply turns out to be the storm before the rainbow.”
Readers familiar with The Art of Keeping Secrets will recognise How To Mend a Broken Heart’s main protagonist, Felicity Bell. It’s been four years since her divorce after Felicity found she couldn’t reconcile the changes in their relationship wrought by her husband’s gender transition. Though the two have remained friends, and Flick is supportive of Sofia, she struggles with the continual reminders of the life she has lost. When an unexpected opportunity arises for taxidermist Felicity to take three month position at Bourbon Street Taxidermy Art, a small store in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans, she seizes the chance, hoping to spend some time focusing on herself.
How To Mend A Broken Heart explores the themes of heartbreak, self discovery and moving on as Felicity learns to let go of the past and explore new possibilities. I thought Johns portrayal of the complicated relationship Flick has with her ex to be sensitive and honest. Johns portrayal of Flick’s struggle to trust in love again is sincere and poignant as the protagonist’s romantic relationship blooms with Theo, the handsome owner of the bar that neighbours the taxidermy store.
Felicity is just beginning to find her feet in New Orleans when her daughter unexpectedly appears on her doorstep. Zoe’s husband of four years has left her after confessing to an affair and, and she is devastated by her childhood sweetheart’s betrayal. Zoe too is now confronted with the challenge of recovering from heartbreak and forging a new life for herself. It’s easy to sympathise with Zoe whose faith in love, and herself, is shattered. She makes a mistake or two in her effort to forget the anguish, taking advantage of the French Quarter’s nightlife, but at least one turns out to be quite serendipitous.
Johns introduces the elderly Aurelia Harranibar, a cantankerous, reclusive local artist whose own life has been marred by her inability to move on from the loss of her sweetheart. Modelled on the Charles Dickens character Miss Havisham, Miss H lives alone in a decaying mansion in the New Orleans Garden District. When she is accidentally injured during a visit to the taxidermy store, Zoe, an aspiring artist herself, volunteers to assist Miss H at home and forges a sweet relationship with the eccentric old woman. Miss H becomes a key figure in the story, not only serving as an example of what failing to accept the demise of a relationship and move on could look like, but her past also introduces a thread of mystery as Zoe tries to determine what really happened to the artist’s lover.
It’s New Orleans, arguably America’s most haunted locale, so there is no surprise that Johns includes a tiny hint of the supernatural in the story. Zoe believes Miss H’s house is haunted by more than the artist’s sadness. I enjoyed accompanying the characters on a ghost tour of the city, and learning of the tragedy of ‘The Casket Girls’. Felicity’s unusual occupation also plays well into the mystique of the city, which the author describes vividly, and with obvious affection for all of its atmosphere and eccentricities, despite its darker side.
How To Mend a Broken Heart is a heartfelt and entertaining novel set in a vibrant location, sure to have wide appeal.
Readers familiar with The Art of Keeping Secrets will recognise How To Mend a Broken Heart’s main protagonist, Felicity Bell. It’s been four years since her divorce after Felicity found she couldn’t reconcile the changes in their relationship wrought by her husband’s gender transition. Though the two have remained friends, and Flick is supportive of Sofia, she struggles with the continual reminders of the life she has lost. When an unexpected opportunity arises for taxidermist Felicity to take three month position at Bourbon Street Taxidermy Art, a small store in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans, she seizes the chance, hoping to spend some time focusing on herself.
How To Mend A Broken Heart explores the themes of heartbreak, self discovery and moving on as Felicity learns to let go of the past and explore new possibilities. I thought Johns portrayal of the complicated relationship Flick has with her ex to be sensitive and honest. Johns portrayal of Flick’s struggle to trust in love again is sincere and poignant as the protagonist’s romantic relationship blooms with Theo, the handsome owner of the bar that neighbours the taxidermy store.
Felicity is just beginning to find her feet in New Orleans when her daughter unexpectedly appears on her doorstep. Zoe’s husband of four years has left her after confessing to an affair and, and she is devastated by her childhood sweetheart’s betrayal. Zoe too is now confronted with the challenge of recovering from heartbreak and forging a new life for herself. It’s easy to sympathise with Zoe whose faith in love, and herself, is shattered. She makes a mistake or two in her effort to forget the anguish, taking advantage of the French Quarter’s nightlife, but at least one turns out to be quite serendipitous.
Johns introduces the elderly Aurelia Harranibar, a cantankerous, reclusive local artist whose own life has been marred by her inability to move on from the loss of her sweetheart. Modelled on the Charles Dickens character Miss Havisham, Miss H lives alone in a decaying mansion in the New Orleans Garden District. When she is accidentally injured during a visit to the taxidermy store, Zoe, an aspiring artist herself, volunteers to assist Miss H at home and forges a sweet relationship with the eccentric old woman. Miss H becomes a key figure in the story, not only serving as an example of what failing to accept the demise of a relationship and move on could look like, but her past also introduces a thread of mystery as Zoe tries to determine what really happened to the artist’s lover.
It’s New Orleans, arguably America’s most haunted locale, so there is no surprise that Johns includes a tiny hint of the supernatural in the story. Zoe believes Miss H’s house is haunted by more than the artist’s sadness. I enjoyed accompanying the characters on a ghost tour of the city, and learning of the tragedy of ‘The Casket Girls’. Felicity’s unusual occupation also plays well into the mystique of the city, which the author describes vividly, and with obvious affection for all of its atmosphere and eccentricities, despite its darker side.
How To Mend a Broken Heart is a heartfelt and entertaining novel set in a vibrant location, sure to have wide appeal.
Another fabulous book by Rachael. Couldn't put it down and I now want to visit New Orleans more then ever.