Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Gracie is rebuilding her life from scratch. After twin child loss and catching her partner betraying her, she isn't sure where she stands, until she decides to start over again and get her life back.

*****

I wanted to love this one so much. It had all of the makings of the perfect redemption story of a woman choosing better for herself through personal growth. Unfortunately that redemption came about in the complete opposite way that I anticipated it. The consistent theme of unfaithful male leads and using false assault reporting against a man (which is an extremely rare occurrence and doesn't need support in a romance novel) left the general idea of recovery from child loss and personal growth instead feel like a male-centric read with an intense amount of drama and roots in misogyny.

The entire book just had too much going on that took away from the main thread of the story. All of the subplots woven into it distracted instead of enhanced it, and I found myself wondering why certain characters were included and what their impact would be, and getting distracted from the story in and of itself. I also felt that for such deep topics, this wasn't handled with much depth. The characters didn't have chemistry, light-hearted moments felt off, and loss was handled in a way that felt performative. This novel instead felt like a love note to the patriarchy of how women can only be fulfilled with children and a man - even as those men are horrible people.

Also that ending? That was not what I would identify as an HEA. This book was a disappointment, from a topic that could have been so impactful.

*****

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book so much, that I read it in one sitting. I loved the storyline and all the characters. I think they had great growth. I would definitely recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

Heavy topics dealt in a raw and open manner made How to Fix Broken Heart a heartfelt read. Gracie is dealing with grief, after being dealt with many blows, a miscarriage, a cheating partner, and just a sense of hopelessness. In her quest to move on, she uncovers a group of individuals who she's able to learn from and heal. While I don't like what Lewis did, I can see his viewpoint as well, with Gracie not being supportive of his pain. The lack of a womb does not make a man's pain any less. The growth of Gracie through the book was well written.

LOTS OF TRIGGERS.

#netgalley #HowToFixABrokenHeart

Was this review helpful?

Gracie is relatable and down to earth and doing her best despite grieving a terrible pregnancy loss. This book is about how we as humans bear the unbearable, sometimes stumble in the dark for a good long while, and try to regain footing in our own selves and in the company of those who support us, however imperfectly. It’s about finding perspective when deeply hurt—a very human story. I was definitely rooting for Gracie to find her way and find joy again.

Pregnancy loss isn’t written about in novels very much, so I greatly appreciated the author tackling this. I realize it’s a very sensitive subject, so just wanted to add this note.

This is my first time having the privilege of reading Nicola May. I appreciate the ARC from her and Storm Publishing.

Was this review helpful?

How to Fix a Broken Heart is the kind of book that sneaks up on you emotionally. It starts in a place of deep pain—Gracie’s loss is palpable and raw—but slowly, carefully, you watch her rebuild her life, and it’s impossible not to root for her every step of the way.

Nicola May delivers a story that’s equal parts heart-wrenching and hopeful. Gracie’s journey is messy, funny, sexy, and incredibly real. I appreciated how the book didn’t rush her healing process—she stumbles, makes questionable decisions, leans on unexpected people, and finds strength she didn’t know she had. The supporting characters (especially her sister and her therapist) add so much heart and color to the story, and Ed? Total book crush material.

This is more women’s fiction with romantic elements than a traditional romance, but the emotional payoff was worth it. It’s about grief, resilience, rediscovery, and learning to trust yourself—and others—again.

If you’re a fan of Jojo Moyes or Marian Keyes and like your books with a mix of tears, laughter, and spice, this one’s for you.

Was this review helpful?

Gracie walks away from everything when she can no longer hold it together following a devastating loss. She is a lovely character to get behind as she picks her way through her present and hopes for a better future and the cast she surrounds herself with are equally as charming, particularly the unexpected heartthrob!
A good poolside read for the summer!

Was this review helpful?

Gracie is sad. For a very good reason. She's stuck inside herself. She finds solace in an online group as they fully understand how she feels, but loses sight of talking to her boyfriend. He cheats on her and she walks away from everything.

Moving in with her sister, leaving her job, finding new friends, setting up her own business. A whole new life!

But, does she feel ready for love? She now has a choice of 3 men!
- a sexy, younger man she meets at the park
- a literal Hollywood heartthrob
- her cheating ex.

Which man is the right choice to fix her broken heart? Don't let the pretty cover fool you, this book packs an emotional punch and makes you think about what makes up the perfect family.

Trigger warning - miscarriage.

I was given a Netgalley digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This book was a mixed bag for me, and just okay. I was hoping for more from the plot and our main character.

Was this review helpful?

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

I have just finished how to fix a broken heart and wow what a rollercoaster of emotions I have been on. I have laughed and also cried while reading this book. I think trigger warnings need to be included as the book covers a lot about miscarriage and baby loss.

The story follows Gracie, who has just lost her baby twins at 5 months pregnant. Due to the horrific trauma she went through she also ended up having to have a hysterectomy. All Gracie wanted is to be a mum, and now feels that has been snatched away from her.

The book has lots of highs following the various dating hijinks Gracie gets into and also people around her. There are quite a few random story lines throughout the story that all link back together and it could be a bit confusing at points on who was being talked about.

Overall I enjoyed the book, I would carefully recommend this book and think that absolutely needs to be trigger warnings.

Was this review helpful?

This moving and uplifting novel follows Gracie Davies as she pieces her life back together after heartbreak and profound loss. With the help of an eccentric support system, an unexpected romance, and the discovery of her own resilience, Gracie’s journey is as emotional as it is empowering—a story of starting over, finding purpose, and embracing joy even when it feels out of reach.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author Nicola May for this eARC

I loved May’s last book “How Do I Tell You?” so I had very high hopes for “How to Fix a Broken Heart”. Sadly I was a let down.
I accepted very early on in the book that I, as a happily child-free woman, will not identify with our MC Gracie however, I kept reading, because one doesn’t need to see themselves in a story of healing to appreciate it.
Unfortunately I found Gracie to be pretty insufferable throughout the whole book. All the man were walking red flags and to top it off instead of the beautiful story about healing, acceptance and self-love I was hoping for I got the old “motherhood and men is what will make a woman truly happy and complete” topped with some other misogynistic and deeply questionable messages.
Very, very disappointed

Was this review helpful?

Beautifully written, this book puts together the stories of several women in a way that feels both intimate and inspiring. The connections between the characters is heartwarming, reminding us that everyone experiences ups and downs but there’s always hope on the other side. Romance, grief, friendship, and resilience all come together in one powerful narrative. It’s a touching read that leaves you feeling uplifted and connected to the characters. Would recommend in a heartbeat.

Was this review helpful?

What an emotional roller-coaster this story turned out to be! From start to finish, I found myself completely invested in Gracie’s journey—cheering her on, worrying for her, and hoping she'd find the peace and happiness she deserved. Her character felt so genuine and heartfelt that none of the guys ever really seemed good enough for her. Her purity, strength, and quiet resilience made her stand out in every scene.

I also loved the way the point of views transitioned smoothly, covering the story from all the angles. Even when the storyline threw intense, sometimes painful twists our way, the pacing never faltered. It kept me on edge, constantly guessing, yet somehow never feeling rushed or dragged out. Each chapter built up beautifully, keeping the tension alive without overwhelming the heart of the story. I loved how the narrative managed to balance raw emotion with excitement. And while I had my doubts about how it might all end, I must say the conclusion felt incredibly satisfying. This book left a lasting impression on me—I’d definitely recommend it!

Was this review helpful?

An unusual read for me. I enjoyed it. Grace was a lovely person who despite her own tragedies in life always had time for others. Some very interesting characters.

Was this review helpful?

In my mind, Gracie should be hailed as a hero. Although often marred by self deprecation, she learned that she is worth it and no one was going to tell her otherwise. She learned to walk away from situations that no longer served her such as her relationship with Ed. She founded a thriving business with Kate and through her forming a group that expressed grief due to miscarriage, also have others hope. Because she embraced her curves and created confidence as a natural woman, people were drawn to her such as Leo who she initially thought was totally out of her league. She formed a strong relationship with Maya who ultimately gave her the best gift of all. That is why she and Lewis worked out. By walking away, he finally realized what he lost. An uplifting read.

Was this review helpful?

Gosh, Gracie was NOT having an easy time at the start of this book. I couldn't imagine being in the situation she was after losing her twins, to then deal with her boyfriend's behaviour on top of that... I felt VERY sorry for her! The characters in the book are entertaining and varied- lots of coincidental relationships that felt very unrealistic but made for a more amusing story. I definitely found it easy to read and enjoyable so would recommend.

Was this review helpful?

This is my 2nd Nicola May book and wasn't disappointed.
This was a lovely book.
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reader copy.

Was this review helpful?

This was a mixed one for me. I appreciated how Nicola May tackled real-life struggles—grief, betrayal, messy family dynamics—and there were definitely some heartfelt and emotional moments. Gracie’s journey had its ups and downs, and I liked seeing her slowly find her footing again.

That said, there was a lot going on plot-wise, and not all of it felt necessary or fully fleshed out. Some character choices didn’t sit right with me, especially when it came to how the sister dynamic was handled. And while the themes around loss and healing were important, it sometimes felt a bit heavy-handed.

It’s an emotional, slightly chaotic ride with a sprinkle of romance and a few good laughs. Not quite my perfect cup of tea, but I can see why others would connect with it more than I did.

Was this review helpful?

It was a fast paced romance, extremely dramatic and some plot twists but the character choices felt forced. The emotional turmoils and back and forth wants just... Wasn't what I'd expect of a self loving strong woman. I got the ICK with Maya and the professor, her sister was gaslighting her so hard and she saw none of it!!! This addresses infertility and while I can understand the infertility aspect when I went through it, it felt like everyone and their mother was pregnant- this was forced and unnecessary. There was so much happening and yet none of it mattered to the whole plot of the novel. But Scott 😍 He has my heart. It can be a great fit for many people but just not me.

Was this review helpful?

I’m so glad I stumbled upon this book and this author! This was a delightful yet tearful story of a woman, Gracie, who finds herself in the depths of grief after losing her twins five months into her pregnancy.

Trying to cope, she isolates herself from her partner Lewis who, in turn, makes a terrible mistake.

During her time of mourning, she seeks counseling from a professor named Mr. Princeton. And despite his genuine attempts to help Gracie, his own life is quite the mess - of his own making.

I appreciated how the characters were all tangentially connected without everyone knowing it. And I appreciated the strength and confidence Gracie experienced by spending a year healing, being kind to herself, and learning to demand more for herself.

This was a remarkable story that I feel many will be able to connect with due to the various themes including: pregnancy, miscarriage, betrayal and loss along with friendship, sisterhood, hope, and love.

Thank you NetGalley, Nicola May, and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this marvelous five star novel in exchange for a review.

Was this review helpful?