A fun, clean take on friends to lovers. Perfect for preteens/teens. A lot of diversity and inclusion. I did get slightly annoyed with what could be viewed as a Happy Planner commercial through the entire book (although I will say curiosity did get the best of me and I went to insta for the @planitgirl username she uses A LOT in the book and did find one, but it’s been inactive since 2015). Thanks to NetGalley for the arc to read and review for free.

Artifacts of an Ex is a story of a girl name Chloe, who moves across country with her family to take care of her ailing grandmother. Inspired curator, Plan It Girl influencer , and New York babe - Chloe is devastated when her first ever boyfriend breaks up with her. Instead of being depressed, she has a game plan to get it him back. Here in lies, Heartifacts, an exhibit of artifacts of past relationships. Along the way, she meets some new friends that make her fall in love with LA and maybe a new love too?

This story is a diverse voice so that romance isn't entirely defined by one voice. Chloe's exhibit idea is "What Love is and What Love Isn't plays a pivotal theme in this story and is a self-discovery of the meaning of love, heartbreak, and growth from this vulnerability.

Very relatable in terms of culture. I felt like I knew Chloe and Daniel so well. I loved the same kinds of food that they ate, the shops that very venture, and the family bonds that were important to them. Filial piety is an important concept in asian culture and I love that this was showcase in such a loving manner.

The friendship that Chloe made with Franny, Daniel and Vincent was the best. They help integrate her in this new home and open her eyes to newer and better things.

Overall this was a great novel to read. I enjoyed it very much.

Chloe is a teenage organizational guru whose dream is to be an art curator. After messing up her first show in New York, and eventually getting dumped because of it, she decides to curate her own show based on the box of items her ex-boyfriend sent in the mail as his break up message.

Daniel, a documentarian to be, shows up at Chloe’s exhibit with some choice words about what he sees. The two strike up a friendship that reads flirtatious to everyone around them; however, Daniel is the perpetual rebound guy, and he doesn’t want to end up in that situation again as Chloe is seemingly still not over her ex.

This story really embraces the idea of building a strong friendship and not just jumping into love when you’re not ready. The only thing that held me back from liking it more was how easily influenced Chloe was when Jake reentered her life. It felt like a stereotypical response rather than what I assumed her character would stand for.

This will be a cute YA read!

3 stars – Artifacts of an Ex by Jennifer Chen is a very cute YA read. Chloe is a 16-year-old Chinese American girl that moves with her family from NY to LA when her grandmother’s dementia becomes too much for her handle on her own. Simultaneously with the move, Chloe and her boyfriend Jake break up. Jake blames long distance being too much to deal with sends Chloe a box of her things and their dating mementos. Heartbroken, Chloe uses the box of memorabilia to design an art exhibition and collects similar materials from other broken up couples. Chloe and her new friend Daniel spend a lot of time together and are interested in each other but given her recent breakup are unsure about starting a new relationship.

There are a lot of story lines happening in this book. What I was having a hard time with is the amount of art exhibitions and social media projects that take a lot of time when these teens are supposed to be in school or getting ready to start up after winter break. It seems like a lot of happenings are crammed into a 3-week period. Overall, I liked the characters and writing style. The story was very interesting and did keep me reading along.

A big Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday books for sharing an ARC in exchange for an honest review and feedback.

Book : Artifacts of An Ex
Author : Jennifer Chen
Pub Date : 14 Nov 2023

Thank you NetGalley, St Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books & the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book was so cute from the cover to the storyline/plot etc. I typically do not gravitate towards YA but I’m happy I’m branching out. I sat down yesterday evening and could put this book down until I had finished. I adore Chloe , our MC. I loved watching her grow through the book and develop.

I have recommended this book to my daughter who I feel as a YA would love this book as well. The book was written in such a way it appeases both the YA and Adult readers. I can’t wait to see what else the author comes out with.

Artifacts of an Ex by Jennifer Chen is a cute and quick read that explores themes of new friendships, self-discovery, and young love. The story revolves around Chloe Chang, who gets dumped after moving from NYC to LA. Instead of discarding her box of memories, she starts buying other teenagers' break-up boxes to create an art exhibit called Heartifacts. However, things take an unexpected turn when she meets Daniel Kwak, who initially captures his best friend's reaction to his ex's box. Their encounter leads to a creative partnership, friendship, and a growing crush for Chloe.

One of the highlights of the book is Chloe's relationship with her Ahma (grandmother), which tugs at the heartstrings and adds depth to her character. The multiculturalism and diversity of the characters is also a positive aspect, contributing to a rich and inclusive narrative. The book incorporates LGBTQ representation, which is well done and adds further dimension to the story.

While Artifacts of an Ex is an enjoyable read, there are a few aspects that could have been improved. The focus on Chloe's relationship with her planner addiction and YouTube channel takes precedence over her art curation, which is the main premise of the book. Additionally, the portrayal of Chloe's age feels somewhat inconsistent, as it doesn't quite come across that she is in high school but rather feels more like she is in college or older.

The book introduces a number of characters, but unfortunately, many of them remain underdeveloped, and the reader doesn't get a chance to truly know them beyond Chloe's perspective. There are also some subplots that could have been trimmed, as they don't significantly contribute to the characters' development or motivations.

Furthermore, some of Chloe's questionable decisions are glossed over, and the transitions between her emotions and relationships could have been better fleshed out. The pacing occasionally feels rushed, and it leaves the impression that important details are missing.

Overall, Artifacts of an Ex offers a light and entertaining reading experience. It successfully explores themes of new friendships, self-discovery, and young love, with some touching moments and passages that will bring a smile to readers' faces. However, the book could have benefited from more focus on the main premise, stronger character development beyond the protagonist, and smoother transitions between important plot points. Despite its flaws, it provides a pleasant reading experience for those looking for a cute contemporary novel with diverse representation.
3.6 rounded up to 4/5.

This was just what I needed for a short weekend trip. It has great LGBTQ side character rep, it’s cute and lighthearted with themes of new friendship, self discovery and the meanings of love through teenagers eyes.

I enjoyed getting to know each character and watching Chloe’s relationships bloom with her friends. Her relationship with her Ahma was by far my favorite relationship in the book. It tugged on my heartstrings and made me miss the special bonds that I had with all 3 of my own grandmothers.

I loved the idea of the relationship boxes, however I feel like there was something lacking with the whole premise and there was a lot more that could have been built on it. It felt like there was more focus on Chloe’s planner addiction and her YouTube channel with that than there was for her art curating. It also comes across that she is older, like she’s in college or something, not 16-18 and still in high school. This especially more pronounced I feel like with how school was hardly mentioned and that she supposedly had such a large social media following along with her own small business. Either way it is very much a YA story, I just don’t think many high school students will be able to relate.

Aside from the few issues I had, it was enjoyable. It’s short enough and the pace is quick that it would make a good travel book or for a buddy read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy.

This was a solid 3.5 star read, and I prefer to round up. There was a lot I enjoyed about the characters, though I had a hard time wrapping my head around everything Chloe had achieved while still a high school student? Maybe? Actually unclear on if they are in school still? That was definitely a detractor - there is mention of winter break, but very little mention of school and school work...

I enjoyed the multiculturalism and the diversity of the characters. The planner stuff made me want to be a planner person... and the art stuff made me miss my high school art days... And the stuff with Chloe's grandmother was very sweet and definitely gave me heart hugs.

As much as I enjoyed the characters, it almost felt like there were too many and I never got to sit with anyone long enough. There were a couple times Chloe made some shit choices that were really glossed over and I was frustrated no one pointed out the major reason she messed up. There were a lot of threads that had inconsistent focus.. like at times they seemed to be a key element, but then they would fade into the background without the kind of attention you expect.

Anyhow. It is an easy read, a cute read, and there were many passages I reread because they made me smile. Would definite recommend to anyone who enjoys a YA rom com, though be prepared to look back on your high school years thinking you were a lazy blob that accomplished nothing...

I really loved the idea for this book. I mean, who didn’t have a “relationship box” when they were a teenager for all sentimental things? I sure did. Unfortunately there wasn’t much I enjoyed past the basic idea. It was heavily YA focused, which I normally don’t mind too much, but I just found myself cringing a lot.

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

Artifacts of an Ex was exactly the kind of summer contemporary romance read I needed to kick off the warmer months. Set in sunny Los Angeles, Artifacts of An Ex tells us Chloe's story as she is ripped away from her beloved New York and immersed in the high school art scene in Los Angeles. The book opens with her long-distance boyfriend breaking up with her via snail mail, returning all of her things. The break-up, while devastating, leads her to a whole new friend group, and one special friend in particular. Between helping run her ill grandmother's bakery, filming videos as a planner-focused influencer and curating art exhibits inspired by her own heartbreak, Chloe works to control every aspect of her life.

Through the story she soon learns not everything is within her control, especially love.

There's a lot to love about this book. The setting is deftly done and the characters are well rounded, generally kind human beings. The depth of the understanding of curation and the art community/artist process can wind over into feeling like you've stumbled into a college art class in some places, but the overall effect is well worth it. I definitely recommend this book for anyone look for a fun YA read with sweet characters you want to root for finding their happily ever after.

The overview of the book pretty much sums it up. It is a cute teenage romance that Gen Z will enjoy. It was easy to read and I appreciated all of the cultural influence that was included.

This was such a fun and sweet read!

I absolutely loved the characters and their dynamics towards each other!

Overall this read is perfect for the summer time and I would highly recommend it!

*thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review. It is much appreciated!

*a more in depth review will be left closer to the publication date!

What happens to the artifacts of a relationship after you break up?
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Chloe Chang’s boyfriend dumped her via USPS after she moves from NYC to LA. He sent her all the things she’d given him in their relationship and instead of throwing it away, she uses it and other ex-couples’ breakup boxes to open an art exhibit called Heartifacts. It’s there she meets Daniel and together they embark on a mutually benefiting creative endeavor. Chloe starts to actually like Daniel, but he’s sick of being girls’ rebound. He wants to make sure Chloe really likes him before they become official. Can Chloe move on from her ex into something new?
💔
This was just okay for me. The fact that the main character is opening art exhibits, had her own YouTube channel and business made me think this was for adults until I read she was sixteen! Definitely a hustler, but might not relate to every reader who is just trying to pass Algebra 2 at sixteen instead of create an empire. Great LGBTQ rep in side characters. This title releases 11/14.

Artifacts of an Ex is the story of Chloe, a high school student who has moved from NYC to LA with her family to care for her grandmother. Chloe dreams of being an art curator and swears by planners, stickers, and specific pens for organization, which if you are a connoisseur of pens and such, will make your heart absolutely sing to read about.

When her boyfriend dumps her via shoebox in the mail, Chloe sets out to make an art exhibit, Heartifacts, about the experience. In the process, she makes new friends, finds a new love interest, and learns to balance her desire for success in art shows with her need to share authentic art that changes people for the better. Chloe grows so much as a character healing from the pain of heartbreak, learning from her own mistakes about her career trajectory, and finding time for a very loving family that, like all families, is not without complications.

This is a wonderful YA read, especially for readers interested in art, organization, figuring out balance even when tempted to overzealously plan everything, diverse representations of love, and books that will make them warm and smiley. Also, the cover art is SO gorgeous. It matches the vibe of the book perfectly.

Thank you so much St. Martin’s Press and Wednesday Books for the eARC!

This was a really sweet book. I loved seeing Chloe and Daniel as they grew and overcame things that happened in the past. The friend group was really fun. And all the food!! I was drooling over the descriptions of sweets. If you need something short and cute, this is perfect!

Sometimes you just need a really fluffy YA novel that doesn't get too convoluted and leaves you feeling happy—and maybe a little hopeful—at the end. That is exactly what this book did. Full of vibrant characters and meaningful relationships, this is the perfect book for any teen who has experienced a breakup, rejection, or unrequited crush. Chloe and Daniel's chemistry was palpable from the start, and Ahma and Vincent were arguably the best characters. I dare you to prove me wrong. You'll find yourself siding with either Francesca or Selena at every point, swooning over the descriptions of the art, and full-on planning the layout for your own heartifacts. Overall, 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press Wednesday Books for the eARC of this book!

First, a special thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Artifacts of an Ex is a cute YA romcom story in which Chloe Chang uses her recent break up, through a box of mementos mailed to her, as inspiration for her art gallery. Throughout Chloe's journey to take her heartbreak and create a meaningful and relatable gallery of what love is and isn't to others, she grows to notice her feelings for Daniel, who is there every step of the way. He's the literal definition of a "cinnamon roll" boy who is intensely obsessed with film and art. (Picture Dawson from Dawson's Creek.) From the beginning, they seem destined to end up together but he's a self-proclaimed "rebound guy". There are a few ups and downs throughout the development of Heartifacts, one that includes trying way to hard to please the influencers of the world (a small pet peeve of mine), but as the gallery grows, so does the relationship between Chloe and all of her friends, including Daniel.

In the end, the whole story is a rather cute read but there is A LOT going on throughout the book. There were some subplot lines that probably could have been left out but they did add a little dimension to the characters and their motives, so it's fine. There is a great amount of representation in this book for the LGBTQ+ and Asian American communities that was refreshing to see in a story for a younger audience. A solid 3 star read for me!

A cute rom-com. In the beginning, Chloe is dumped by her boyfriend Jake. She has just moved to California and he's back in NYC. But he breaks up with her by sending her a note and a box of their things (ticket stubs and such). Chloe arranges an art installment of breakup boxes and meets Daniel.

And then you kind of know how the rest of the book will go. Chloe pines over Jake for way too long. But of course, you know they won't be together in the end.

Overall this was a quick and cute read, but it felt like it was missing parts. In one chapter Chloe is desperate to get Jake back then all of a sudden she’s madly in love with Daniel? She doesn’t even really know him. Also what was the point of Chloe getting the text from Jake right before the re-opening? Why wouldn’t she block him, especially after the disastrous event that she did based on Jake’s recommendations? Why did she listen to him anyway

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.
I was not able to read the book. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t for me and I had to DFN.
This is my opinion, purely a personal thing.