From her high school in the suburbs to the serene streets of Spain and back again, Everly embarks on a search for her best self, something she’s not sure she can find.
A fiercely independent yet hopeful romantic, Everly always imagined a life with Jackson—her first love. But when his family moves away, she must find a new source of comfort and friendship. As she navigates the drama of high school and the unexpected challenges of college life, she encounters quirky, fascinating, and downright shady characters, each with their own desires and demons.
Everly struggles with the reality of finding a job and the weight of depression when she finally catches a break—only to have Jackson show up after ten years of silence. Will their bond be like it was before? Can she ever forgive him for abandoning her? Or will he leave her again, shattered and broken?
With its intricate storytelling and beautifully drawn characters, this coming-of-age novel weaves a tale of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of young adulthood. Deftly blending heartwarming moments with heart-wrenching choices, the story will resonate with readers of any age who have ever experienced the power and vulnerability of falling in love.
Wow! I feel like I was transported into this book! I probably gasped out loud 10 times during the last 50 pages & wow I did not see that ending coming! I may have shed a tear too🥲 The message about forgiveness & healing at the end was so powerful & has me laying in bed still thinking about it! I was ready throughout the entire book to go to battle for Everly because she deserves the world! Period!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “The Potential of Heartbreak”! Full of twists and turns, it takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, making it difficult to put down! The young protagonist, Everly, suffers one heartbreak after another, leaving you wondering if she’ll manage to get back on her feet each time. Yet she does, reminding us that when one door closes another one opens, and that each heartbreak gives the potential for growth. The language is descriptive and lavish, making it a wonderful read. My favorite line from the book is, “A hug is simply an immense collection of emotions too powerful to be spoken; it must be felt.”
I highly recommend delving into this book. I very much look forward to reading more by the talented Emma Wagner!
intense, hilarious, and full of surprises :) Emma Wagner perfectly captures the innocence and naivety of first love in beautiful bits of prose that you want to clip off the page and keep in your pocket. at many times i wanted Everly to make different decisions for herself, which is a testament to Wagner's ability to dream up a character who is wonderfully human and flawed and fiercely herself, whose journey i became deeply invested in. The Potential of Heartbreak is a true romance novel at heart, and it is also a lovely ode to leaning on your pals, a lesson in resilience, and a bittersweet coming of age story. i found it accessible to read and hard to put down!
This novel encapsulated the highs and lows of love and heartbreak flawlessly. Following the main character, Everly from middle school all the way up to her life as a young adult the story is full of twists, turns, various adventures and missteps. After each heartbreak there is reflection, emotional development, and supportive friends. The author use of sensory imagery is so vivid that you’ll become fully engrossed in the story. Overall an excellent read!
The Potential of Heartbreak is a story about a young woman on a journey to find out who she is, who she wants to be, and who her people are. The novel draws you in from the beginning and takes you alongside Everly for all the ups and downs of her young life. There will be times you laugh and times you cry. When the plot twists are revealed (there are a few and boy are they juicy), you may make declarations out loud that scare the cat, or dog, or spouse - they are that good! I may be beyond the age of the intended audience for this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed cheering Everly on throughout her journey.