In How to Mend a Broken Heart, Rachael Johns offers us two leads for the price of one, with her latest novel centred equally around a mother and daughter at very different stages of their lives. She also introduces an older woman, who I very much enjoyed meeting.

I really liked this book and loved the last two-thirds but the pacing of the first part was off a little for me. I think that's possibly because Johns takes some time to introduce us to New Orleans. I realise many readers would probably like to learn about the place's history and its food and culture but it felt like a bit too much information for me. I would probably have preferred a smattering of subtle references to reflect the fact Johns had done her homework but less detail, which would also shave some of the length off this book.

That focus on scene-setting also meant that (Felicity) Flick's relationship with Theo - which I was enjoying - felt a little rushed. I hadn't realised it would be threatened (a couple of times) after that, so it felt a little anticlimactic that they were kinda circling each other with interest and suddenly full-on 'together'. Of course Johns does throw the couple some curveballs so...

However, though I wasn't really wedded to the focus on 'place' I really enjoyed the plot once Zoe arrived in New Orleans. It was a surprise as the Flick we initially meet is feeling quite despondent that her daughter and closest friends have found love and she's been 'betrayed' (in a sense) by her former husband. I loved the plot line around Flick's ex husband and Sofia and think it's done really deftly but also with honesty and uncertainty - particularly on Flick's behalf.

When Zoe settles down I really liked her and loved the direction in which Johns takes her character as well as the introduction of Aurelia (Miss H) and her whole backstory. I had a real sense of seeing the world through their very disparate eyes and liked the relationship they developed. In fact I became totally engrossed in their story and the backdrop of town's ghostly history and long-buried (metaphorically!) mysteries. In some ways I didn't want this element to end. 

I should mention though I said earlier it felt rushed I liked Theo, Flick's love interest, and he seemed like such a genuine and kind soul. (Related: Where do I buy one like that?!)

I really enjoyed this latest release by Johns. I think it will have wide appeal as readers will be able to relate to a number of characters and she manages to reflect the different stages of life with sadness, wistfulness and joy.

It’s been four years since Felicity Bell’s marriage ended, hers is a very unique situation and it’s been extremely hard. Her ex Sofia has started dating Mike, her daughter Zoe is married to her childhood sweetheart and her son Toby has joined the Australian Air Force. Flicks on her own, emotionally she's struggling, she needs some space between her and Sofia and time to heal. An opportunity comes up to live and work as a taxidermist in the French Quarter of New Orleans for a couple of months and she accepts the job at Bourbon Street Taxidermy Art.

Zoe Thompson is happily married to Beau, they met in high school and she’s ready to start a family. She desperately wants to be a mother and Beau doesn’t seem as keen as her to make a baby and she shattered when she discovers why. She quits her job, packs a suitcase and catches the next plane to New Orleans. Flick loves her daughter, but when she arrives unexpectedly it throws her plans of having time to herself out of the window and she’s very concerned about her daughter’s behavior.

Felicity and Zoe meet Aurelia Harranibar and things don’t get off to a great start. She’s an artist, lives alone in the Garden District and needs some assistance. The three women become friends, Zoe helps Aurelia, and Flick’s very distracted by her spunky neighbor Theodore and is she ready to have a romantic relationship?

Rachael Johns has done it again, I read How to Mend a Broken Heart in a day and I really like Flick and the continuation of her story. The plot combines themes of heartbreak, lost love, self-discovery, a fresh start and romance and set in the spirited city of New Orleans. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley, its brilliant and five big stars from me.

Thank you, thank you, thank you Rachael Johns for the perfect story for Felicity Bell, I have been waiting for this story since I read The Art of Keeping Secrets and it rocked, I loved it so much from page one the setting is awesome, New Orleans was the best and the emotion and feelings that flowed throughout made everything come to life, this is a story that is a must read even if you haven’t read The Art of keeping secrets.

It has been four tears since Flick’s life changed, her ex has found someone else her children, Zoe and Toby are settled and now is the time for Flick to find herself and do something for her future, she loves her job as a taxidermist and when an opportunity arises for her to go to New Orleans for three months on a working holiday she jumps at it although very excited she is also worried but it is time for a new start, life in New Orleans will open up a whole new world for her and see her stepping up and finding herself.

Zoe has been married for four years now and is more than ready to start a family but when her husband Beau shatters her dreams and her life, she needs her mother and a trip to New Orleans is a must to see her, Zoe throws herself into the life in The French Quarter but is it the right thing for her.

Flick and Zoe have both been hurt in love and neither are looking for it again but when Flick meets her neighbour Theo the bar owner and jazz singer and gets to know him she feels herself opening up to him, she feels so good with him, is a holiday fling what she wants or will it be something more and for Zoe her meeting with ghost hunter Jack sees her emotions running wild. When they meet Aurelia Harranibar an artist Zoe becomes an instant friend but what do these three woman have in common, can they leave their pasts behind and look to the future?

I loved this story so much, Flick is so caring and loving and seeing her find that love and happiness for herself in such a gorgeous city was an awesome journey, Zoe opened up and matured in a way that had me cheering her on and Aurelia was so very different but I loved her. Rachael Johns has taken me on a fabulous journey to New Orleans I felt like I was there with the descriptions of the city and the food and the drinks and the fabulous people who live there, it is a story to immerse yourself in and feel everything the characters are feeling, a must read in my opinion, it truly is fabulous, thank you Rachael Johns this one is a keeper and is going to stay with me for a long time to come.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.

How to Mend a Broken Heart by Rachael Johns follows Flick who is still trying to navigate life after her husband (now ex) transitioned into a woman named Sofia four years ago. I love how Flick and Sofia are friends especially after everything they went through in a previous book by this author called The Art of Keeping Secrets.


I absolutely love Flick and the fact that she is a taxidermist is so interesting. She comes across as being so strong but I could definitely see how much pain she was still in especially as the story progressed. I loved Theo because he was kind and very intriguing. New Orleans was definitely exactly what Flick needed in order to rediscover who she is.

So I have to admit that Zoe really aggravated me at the start because of the way she treated Flick. I get that she was heartbroken but that was no excuse. Thankfully she met Miss H which made her do a total 360 with her personality. I also think that Jack was a great influence on her and I actually really liked him.

I am in total awe of how vividly Rachael managed to bring New Orleans to life with her words. It felt like I was actually there with Flick and Zoe. This was another fantastic book by Rachael Johns and I can’t wait to see what is next.

I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.

Felicity (Flick) Bell was in an unhappy frame of mind when she found an ad online for a taxidermist to fill in for a few months in New Orleans. She might have even had too much to drink. But the upshot was that she was travelling to New Orleans on her own to help old Harvey out as he spent time with his dying sister. The French Quarter in NO was a fascinating place to Flick; she knew there would be so much to see and do – but first she needed rest.

Flick’s daughter Zoe was desperate to start a family with her husband Beau. They were only young, but Zoe and Beau had been together since they were children and loved each other dearly. But shock was to hit Zoe’s life as well and within a few hours of her discovery, Zoe was on a plane to join her mother. The tears Zoe cried wouldn’t let up and when her mother saw Zoe on the shop’s doorsteps, she had trouble believing what had happened. What would the two women do in their time of unhappiness and grief?

The day Aurelia Harranibar – Miss H – came into the taxidermy shop with a bulging bag was the day things changed. Miss H was a reclusive artist whose work Zoe loved. Zoe also dabbled in art and the elderly Miss H and young Zoe hit it off. Three women; different circumstances; different ages – all linked by one common thread…

How to Mend a Broken Heart by Aussie author Rachael Johns is another work of art by this prolific author. I loved the setting in New Orleans, learning about the ghost tours, 25c cocktails, jazz bars and their owners, exotic restaurants and then some! What a fantastic place to visit! My favourite character was Miss H – she made me laugh with her crusty demeanor and sarcastic comments. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

If I could snap my fingers and be anywhere it would be New Orleans, How To Mend A Broken Heart is a delightful story set in this decadent city of food, fun and of course, music. This book has absolutely everything expected of a best seller, romance, mystery, intrigue and heartbreak. Add to this a touch of supernatural and taxidermy and you have How To Mend A Broken Heart in a nutshell.

With endearing characters and faultless narrative I felt like I was living in New Orleans, this book was so well researched it jumped from the pages, bring every chapter to life. I am feeling homesick for a place I have never visited so for that I hold Rachel Johns responsible!

A truly wonderful story that you will lose yourself in for its duration. A big five stars from me!

Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC it was such a joy to read.

What a wonderful way to spend a few days, New Orleans is not somewhere I’ve ever thought of visiting but Rachael Johns sets the scene so well.
When I started reading this book, I wasn’t aware that it followed on from ‘The Art of Keeping Secrets’. That worried me initially because even though I enjoyed that previous book, it was my least liked of the author’s, as I felt it was too ‘sweet’ for me but rest assured, this can be read as a stand alone and I didn’t get any vibe of sugary sweetness from this one at all.
Flick has decided that she needs a break from her current life, so she accepts to keep shop for a Taxidermist business half way round the world in New Orleans. What she doesn’t expect is her daughter landing on her doorstep or a second chance of love.
With hints of romance, mystery and ghosts this novel sets the scene to loose yourself for a few hours.
Really very enjoyable and a great novel to get me out of a reading funk.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.

thanks so much to Rachael Johns, harlequin publishers and NetGalley for the advanced copy of ‘how to mend a broken heart.’

I loved the related book to this one ‘the art of keeping secrets’ which follows Flic, Emma and Neve. This one focuses solely on Flic, her daughter Zoe and features some old favourites from the previous book. I’d been dying to know what happened to Flic. It’s no secret I’m a HUGE Rachael fan so I was delighted to receive an advanced copy.

How to mend a broken heart is set in New Orleans so all the jazz bars, French quarter and haunted places. I was getting real hart of Dixie vibes and felt like I was actually in New Orleans!

Rachael did such a justice to Felecity’s story and the feelings of heartbreak and moving on again and the emotion involved in it all. Especially the feelings of everyone around you being happily coupled up and feeling as single as ever..Thanks so much Rach for giving Flic an ending she deserved. I feel like I know all her characters personally, that’s how well she lets us get to know them.

How to mend a broken heart will be released on the 5th of May 2021.

This book has me hooked from the first chapter. In a departure from Johns' usual Australiana fiction, 'How to Mend a Broken Heart' was full of vivid imagery interwoven with a rich storyline. The characters meshed together and I was captivated the entire way through.

I love a Racheal John’s novel and really enjoyed ‘How to Mend a Broken Heart ‘ The story takes place in New Orleans and we revisit characters from ‘The Art of Keeping Secrets’ . Flick heads over to New Orleans to work for 6 months, escaping a marriage break up. Her daughter Zoe also heads there after her marriage ends . They meet Theo and Jack and get involved in life on Bourbon Street . It’s a fun story but I did learn some of the history of the area . Massive thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy to read and review .

“Heartbreak comes in many different forms, as does betrayal… I know our situations are not exactly the same, but sweetheart, I do know what it feels like to think your life is going one way and suddenly have it switch directions without your consent.”

How To Mend A Broken Heart is the twenty-fifth novel by Australian author, Rachael Johns. it’s been some years since Felicity’s marriage broke down, and she thought she was handling it well, but then it is revealed that her ex was moving on with someone else. The realisation that she’s not over the heartbreak spurs forty-nine-year-old Flick into impulsive action: three months in New Orleans standing in for Harvey Nedderman at Bourbon Street Taxidermy Art.

She’s barely been there a week, still finding her feet after a near-assault on the first night and a flood the next morning, when she finds her twenty-four-year-old blissfully-married daughter Zoe, in tears on her doorstep. Beau, the love of Zoe’s life, has confessed infidelity and walked out, claiming he’s not ready to be tied down to marriage or fatherhood.

So there they both are, in the vibrant French Quarter of America’s liveliest city: one believing all men are bastards after just one thing; the other not yet ready to forsake hibernation to venture back into the world of dating. But right under their noses, neatly placed to break moulds and banish ruts: Theo, a gorgeous piano player who more than proves he’s a good guy; and Jack, a sexy ghost-hunting nerd who rejects first-date sex.

Throw in Aurelia Harranibar, an elderly, eccentric local legend with a talent for gothic and ghoulish art (like skeleton bride paintings) who resides in a dilapidated, probably haunted, mansion, a fortune teller at a voodoo shop; the Casket Brides Fancy Dress Contest; and an unexpected visit from the ex, and you have a delightfully funny, sweetly moving romance.

The characters are appealing, the dialogue snappy and the relationship that Flick has with her ex adds an interesting twist to the story. Johns gives her characters plenty of wise words and insightful observations including the much appreciated “Don’t you know that once you step into an airport all rules about drinking disappear? It’s like a parallel universe with no time zones”

The picture Johns paints of New Orleans would keep travel agents busy with bookings in a COVID-free world: she easily captures the vibe of the city, so that reader can see, hear and smell the sights, sounds and aromas the place has to offer, and her descriptions of the local dishes will have mouths watering. A very enjoyable and entertaining read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and HQ Fiction.

I loved the fact that the author decided we needed to know what happened to Felicity Bell after The Art of Keeping Secrets finished. She was in such a difficult position and it was hard to see how she would move forward.

The answer was to move to New Orleans which gave Rachael Johns the opportunity to write about that city's beauty and its magic as the background to Flick's new life. Then Zoe, her daughter, has marital issues too and flies out to be with her mum. There is a lot of drama, some tears and the possibility of new lives for both of them.

I enjoyed it all very much and found it hard to put the book down. There is a nice epilogue which rounds things off well but it would be excellent if the author ever felt like giving us Zoe's story! This is an excellent read whether you have read the first book or not.

Another great book by Rachael Johns. I really enjoyed the story and location. Her characters are so likeable. It’s made we want to travel to New Orleans.

4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 I loved this novel, I was a little bit wary about whether I would feel I'd missed anything by not having read The Art of Keeping Secrets, but Rachael put enough information into the story that I didn't feel I was missing anything, I would like to read it at some point though, it's been on my shelf since it was published back in 2016.

New Orleans is one of the few places in America that I am interested in visiting and it was great to be able to experience it with Flick and Zoe. I wish someone would offer me the opportunity to work someplace wonderful for a few months like Flick is able to do. I found learning a bit about taxidermy quite interesting, I have a friend who practices the art of taxidermy, and while it's definitely not my thing, it is very interesting.

I completely understood Flick's need to take off from her life, while everyone around her was moving on, even her ex-husband, she felt stuck and lost. Flick's ex-husband, now a transgender female, Sofia, would have been a hard person to continue being close with after all they had been through, but I could see how hard it was for Flick to admit that even to herself.

I really enjoyed seeing Flick come alive again and find herself. It certainly helped that she met Theo, the owner of the jazz bar next door. As well as helping her to learn to have fun, their blossoming relationship also forced her to really take stock of her feelings and her hangups and determine what was important in her life. Theo was gorgeous (I want to meet my own Theo), he had a secret that caused a big issue, I got a bit nervous at one stage that things weren't going to work out the way I wanted them to.

Zoe suffers heartbreak from her ass***e husband and follows her mother to New Orleans. I have to admit to not liking Zoe much to start with, I completely understood her heartbreak and the grief she was going through, but she treated Flick awfully in the first week of being there, I thought her spoiled and self-indulgent. She did grow on me though, especially after she met Mrs Harranibar(Miss H). After literally knocking her over.

Miss H's story is a sad one and in the end, being knocked down by Zoe changes her life completely. 

I really liked ghost hunter Jack who bumps into Zoe when she first arrives in New Orleans. He was a lovely warm character and I liked how much of a gentleman he was. I hoped Zoe would wake up to herself, and though her marriage had just ended, who is to say when is too soon to meet another person. 

A wonderful heart filled read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy in return for an honest review.

This really was an uplifting novel about learning to move on after heartbreak.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about the main characters of Felicity and Zoe in the beginning.
Maybe it was because I haven’t read The Art of Keeping Secrets?
Maybe it was my fascination about Flick’s job as a taxidermist that distracted me a little?
However, by the time I was 60 percent through the book I was bawling, and completely understanding of both their journeys.

I have to say, I loved having a mature main character, especially one that has a sex life!
Also, I’ve never been to New Orleans but the description was so vivid I could imagine being there.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#HowtoMendaBrokenHeart #NetGalley

I have read quite a few of Rachael's novels, and must say that this one is my new favourite of hers!
Having read The Art Of Keeping Secrets a while back , I was familiar with the main character Felicity and her friends and family, and really enjoyed how the reader gets to experience more of her in this book.. Whilst this is not a sequel, the two books are linked, and I liked having that familiarity and the back story, so I do recommend reading The Art Of Keeping Secrets to gain further insight into Felicity's life and enjoy more of her, even though this makes for a perfectly entertaining stand-alone novel.
As mentioned, Felicity is the main character, and she has been separated for 4 years. She has two adult children, and is a taxidermist.
When she discovers that her ex has a new partner, Felicity feels as though she needs a change, and when the opportunity arises for her to travel to New Orleans to work in a taxidermy store, she seizes it.
Her daughter Zoe is married and hoping to have children, but her world is shattered when she finds out that her husband is cheating on her. On a whim, she quits her job and follows her mother to New Orleans.
What follows is a journey of self-discovery for the two women. They make some great relationships, and experience some fantastic opportunities in New Orleans.
I love how Rachael really bought the surroundings of New Orleans to life. I feel as though I know so much more about the culture, cuisine, jazz music, nightlife and traditions of this city.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

Being a huge Rachael Johns fan, I was very eager to read How to Mend a Broken Heart and was not disappointed.

Rachael Johns has such a great knack for bringing her characters to life and transporting to you some fabulous locations.

In this novel we follow the story of Felicity, who's marriage has broken down and is struggling to move forward with her life. Her children are grown up and doing their own thing and her Ex has found another partner. So Felicity decides to take up an offer of work in New Orleans as a taxidermist in the hope of a fresh start and a new perspective.

Zoe (Felicity's daughter) happily married and trying for a baby has a bomb-shell thrown at her when her Husband tells her that he wants out of their marriage. In shock and absolutely heartbroken, Zoe jumps on a plane and lands on her Mother's door step in New Orleans.

Along the way they meet an older lady Aurelia with is suffering her own heartbreak. Zoe quickly forms a bond with Aurelia and the two come to a mutual agreement.

Is New Orleans the place where Felicity and Zoe mend their broken hearts and open themselves up to the possibility of love?

I highly recommend reading How to Mend a Broken Heart. A story of heart-break, lost love, new beginnings and happily ever afters.

A big thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for and advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

How to Mend a Broken Heart is set in New Orleans and is rich in detail and atmosphere of this place. I have to admit it's not a place I am drawn to, however I soon managed to let that go and enjoy the story.

Felicity has made the big step go going to New Orleans to gather herself and step out into a new life. We have met her before in How to Keep a Secret. While you don't have to have read that book, it was still great to see what she is up to now. Her marriage fell apart in a spectacular way in that book. Flick is a taxidermist and has jumped at the chance to move from Australia to New Orleans to look after a taxidermy shop for three months.  She wants to be by herself for awhile. But... 

Zoe her daughter has been what she thought was happily married until one day she is shocked and there is only one place she wants to be ... with her mother. 

So we follow the ups and downs of both Felicity and Zoe, the adventures and challenges they have.

My favourite character was actually Mrs H an old woman who is a recluse and grumpy and idolises her cats. When one dies she finds her way to the taxidermy shop, and this is where the story really takes off for me.

There are love interests of course, an old mansion and maybe a ghost. Life lessons are learned and a new era begins.  If you are a New Orleans lover, this is one for you.

What another great book - Rachael Johns continues to be up there as one of my favourite authors. I find her books so easy to read and feel so connected to her stories when I am reading them. How to Mend a Broken Heart led me to New Orleans, a place I have never been, but after reading this story, makes me want to visit! When I started reading the book the characters (ie a taxidermist) felt so familiar – it was then that I realised this book is a ‘sequel’ or follow on story to ‘The Art of Keeping Secrets’, another great book by Johns. It can however be read as a standalone.
How to Mend a Broken Heart is the story of a Mother and Daughter who are both suffering their own heartbreak and looking for a fresh start. When the opportunity arises for Felicity (the mother) to travel to New Orleans, she takes a chance and jumps on a plane to the other side of the world. What she doesn’t realise is just how much this trip will change both of their lives.
Despite being a story of heartbreak, it’s also a story of lust, love, friendship and insight into a place I have never really thought about. I even googled the ingredients to make a po-boy!
I suggest you read go and read ‘The Art of Keeping Secrets’ so you are ready the next instalment of Felicity Bell, which is released on possibly the best day of the year (my birthday!).
Thanks to NetGalley and Rachael Johns for the opportunity to read and review this book.

What an amazing story of embracing life in the French Quarter, the music and atmosphere of the jazz bars, the historic buildings, amazing food and new relationships!
Flick gets a work offer and moves to New Orleans, when Zoe joins her mum they both start to learn how to move on from old hurts. Flick and Zoe meet Aurelia, an elderly reclusive artist who needs their help to confront her demons! The mystery of ghosts in a world away from home, mixed with love and loss, and the strength of female friendships helps in healing broken hearts.
I felt that I too had travelled to New Orleans and didn’t want this amazing adventure to end!
Thank you Rachael Johns for writing ‘How to Mend a Broken Heart’! Another wonderful journey of romance, friendship, discovery and new beginnings, definitely a must read!

‘I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own’.