Book Review: The Divorcétante by Mia Heintzelman

Mia Heintzelman’s The Divorcétante—the first installment in The Divatantes series—is a sparkling, binge-worthy romantic comedy that reinvents the Southern debutante trope with modern flair. Centered on Ebony Grace Livingston, a perfectionist event planner navigating post-divorce reinvention, the novel blends wit, heart, and a touch of glamour. Heintzelman’s voice is fresh and engaging, offering a contemporary twist on themes of self-discovery, societal expectations, and the messy joy of second chances. Fans of Emily Henry and The Wedding Planner will find much to love here.

Content and Themes
Ebony Grace, raised to embody flawless elegance, must rebuild her life after her marriage crumbles. The synopsis hints at a journey that balances humor and vulnerability as she confronts the gap between her curated persona and her authentic self. Heintzelman explores:

The Performance of Perfection: The pressure of societal and familial expectations, particularly for Black women in elite spaces.
Reinvention: The messy, liberating process of starting over.
Romantic and Platonic Bonds: The novel promises layered relationships, from swoony love interests to fierce friendships (the “Divatantes”).

Strengths
Voice and Humor: Heintzelman’s prose crackles with sharp one-liners and relatable introspection.
Character Depth: Ebony Grace’s evolution from “flawless” to human feels ripe for emotional resonance.
Atmosphere: The Southern debutante world is rendered with vivid detail—think lush garden parties and whispered scandals.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing: Early chapters risk leaning heavily on setup; a quicker plunge into the central conflict could heighten engagement.
Originality: While delightful, the premise treads familiar rom-com ground. Subverting tropes further could elevate its impact.

Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
Originality & Freshness: 3.8/5 (Charming but familiar tropes)
Character Development: 4.5/5 (Ebony Grace shines; supporting cast hints at potential)
Pacing & Plot Structure: 3.5/5 (Strong mid-act momentum; slower start)
Thematic Depth: 4/5 (Smart commentary on perfectionism; room to delve deeper)
Romantic Chemistry: 4.5/5 (Promises sizzle!)
Overall Rating: 4.1/5

The Divorcétante is an effervescent escape with substance, perfect for readers craving a rom-com that balances levity with emotional truth. Heintzelman’s debut in The Divatantes series sets a strong foundation for future installments, leaving audiences eager to see where Ebony Grace—and her squad—head next.

Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and Mia Heintzelman for providing an advance copy of The Divorcétante. This review reflects my genuine enthusiasm for the novel’s blend of humor, heart, and Southern sophistication.

This was my first book ever by this author, and I enjoyed it! I love finding more BIPOC authors to add to my reading list. Ebony Livingston is a very wealthy debutante. She is an elite event planner who knows how to get people talking about her gorgeous galas. Through her job, she is able to make many connections with other wealthy elite families. She soon finds herself betrayed by her husband, creating a high society juicy scandal that reminds me of Gossip Girl and the elite families in that show. Lincoln Bridges (mmc) is a charming architect. He's currently overseeing the venue where Ebony is planning a high-profile wedding. They have a very VERY different outlook when it comes to the creative aspect of the event, which opens up old wounds. Did I mention that he was one of the FIRST people to see through her husband and Ebony's marriage (DRAMAAAA)? The chemistry that these two characters had was easily seen as soon as they started talking to one another. They may butt heads but my gosh the tension was HOT.

Read if you like:
-A high society JUICY scandal
-Legacy families
-A divorced debutante event planner x Charming architect
-Second chance
-Rom com

This book had me at go! The lifestyles of the rich, famous and faulty always captivate me. This is a well developed storyline with well developed characters. It kept me flipping pages nonstop until the end. This second chance romance will tug at your heartstrings and leave you wanting more. Enjoy the slow burn! Enjoy the comeback!