A review by betweentheshelves
How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow

emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.0

 Thanks to NetGalley and HarperTeen for an advanced copy of How to Excavate a Heart to review! I'm always looking for great new holiday romances, and while this one isn't super heavy on the holiday, it's a treat! You'll definitely want to add it to your winter TBRs.

How to Excavate a Heart reads like a typical rom-com. An accidental meet up leads to something more. The setting is around Christmas, but both of our protagonists are Jewish. They have quite a few conversations about the overall holiday season and I thought they were great. They added a different perspective to the typical holiday romance we see, and we need more of that!

The evolving romance between Shani and May is also adorable. Yes, they make teenage mistakes, but that's to be expected. Also, some of the subject matter gets a bit heavier than I was expecting. Be warned if you jump into this one, there are some discussions about sexual assualt. It adds an emotional depth but doesn't take away from that mostly lighthearted feel. I would equate it to the way Heartstopper deals with eating disorders/depression/anxiety.

All in all, if you're looking for an emotionally deep holiday story not centered around Christmas, I recommend checking this one out! 
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This is a cute, sort-of holiday romance you'll definitely want to read this holiday season! Stay tuned for a full review to come tomorrow!
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