The Book of Broken Hearts By Sarah Ockler Review

Title - The Book of Broken Hearts
Author - Sarah Ockler
Hardcover - 352 pages
Published May 21st 2013 by Simon Pulse
Characters - Jude Hernandez, Emilio Vargas, Bear Hernandez, Mariposa Hernandez, Araceli Hernandez

Summary

When all signs point to heartbreak, can love still be a rule of the road? A poignant and romantic novel from the author ofBittersweet and Twenty Boy Summer.

Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one.

Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas?

Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong?

Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking.

Review

“Don't settle, okay? Not for anything. I mean it. You only get this one chance at life, far as I know. Take it. Even if its not with me.” 

The Book Of Broken Hearts was a rather refreshing read. It was as fun as it was cute. This book deals with Alzheimer’s Disease with great care. There are depictions as to how awful this illness can be. The way in which Alzheimer’s affects the dynamic of Jude’s family is heartbreaking.
Jude here is the baby girl of the family with three older sister all set off with their life off to college,married etc. so Jude is the only one left at home with her parents. Although she is crushed when she finally realizes the severity of her father's illness she has done a remarkable job of taking care of him. 

She think that if she is can fix his old bike than maybe it will help him get better. She finds a guy to help and it sure doesn't hurt that he's so hot :D But there's a catch, he's a Vargas. Jude's sisters have had some bad history with his family. They've gotten their hearts broken one too many times and they don't want her to go through the same fate. 

This book is "cute" in many ways. Even though it has a deep meaning based around family and dealing with a disease, it's a nice romance too. Emilio's was an amazing character. He was an awesome guy, and I loved his interactions with Jude. I loved their banter, and how they each got under the other’s skin. It was obvious to me as the reader where they were headed, but watching them GET there was the real treat.He gave Jude strength and a friend she didn't know she needed. He encouraged her to be someone who could deal with what was going on around her instead of being in denial. 

Overall,The Book of Broken Hearts is an engaging story about love, family, and loyalty. This is my first book by Sarah Ockler and I've really enjoyed reading it.