I didn’t realize our protagonist was 16. Oops! This could be a fun premise for an adult story. Stopped at 6%. It definitely reads as young adult. I don’t see it doing well in our libraries.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.

I really liked this one! I loved the focus it placed on art and artists, it added another dimension to the story. You could tell that Chen truly appreciates art, the descriptions were vivid and evocative. I also really liked the romance between Daniel and Chloe. I appreciated their arc as friends->lovers, even more so because it felt natural. They were adorable together! I really liked this one, and I'd definitely recommend it!

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

After she moves from New York to California to care for her elderly grandmother, Chloe’s boyfriend Jake breaks up with her by sending her a box containing mementos from their relationship. Chloe becomes inspired to exhibit the break up box along with others she receives. At the opening, she meets Daniel, a documentary filmmaker who, despite their strong connection, refuses to become her rebound boyfriend.

The adults in the story, particularly Chloe’s grandmother and parents, and Chloe and Daniel’s friends were so fantastic, they nearly overshadowed the hero and heroine. The diversity of the cast, which included LGBT and non-binary characters, was wonderful.

I enjoyed the focus on various foods and Chloe’s growing appreciation for all things Californian. I liked how her passion for planning was shown throughout the story, and the way Chloe and Daniel collaborated displayed their deep connection. I adored the subplot of the quest to discover Chloe’s grandmother’s special pineapple cake recipe.

At times the story felt a bit repetitive as Chloe continued to revamp and reimagine her show while relentlessly pursuing Daniel. Meanwhile, he made multiple iterations of his film project. Chloe’s ex Jake could have been utilized a bit more to create conflict. Nevertheless, this book is a charming YA romance read.

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

Thanks to Wednesday Books, an imprint of St. Martin’s Publishing Group, for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley.

Artifacts of an Ex was exactly the fun-loving book that I needed in my life. The characters and romancee were fun and they each had their own, emotional arc to follow. I like that there are a lot of layers to the story, so it didn't feel totally formulaic. All in all, it was a very entertaining book and I totally recommend it.

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow!! I devoured this book...I must sleep and I'll wrote more tomorrow 🤩 a YA debut success!

...
Ok Huge shout-out to the glorious person at St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books that invited me to read this Jennifer Chen's debut YA romcom via NetGalley 👏👏👏
Thank You!!

Here's some of what I just emailed them back:

...I had a blast living in their world for a few days. I'm not an art viewer/interpreter and I'm terrible at planners (though every year I try, but have always admired and looked up to those that are, that I wish I had the eye for it. This book was like being able to see what that looks and feels like, if that makes any sense at all 🤣

I know the booked finished beautifully, but I definitely wouldn't mind visiting Chloe, Daniel & their besties in LA again soon! ...I love their brains, so fascinating 👏👏👏

Let me begin by saying that I wish this book had just been called Heartifacts, like the art exhibit she curated. I didn’t remember the name anyway.

As for the book, I found it super interesting for its differences from typical YA: namely the art curation and filmmaking elements. I’ve never seen a curator in a YA book and I’ve only read one other with a filmmaker-in-training, though not documentaries. I also really loved the various cultural elements: food, language, traditions, etc.

However, I also had a hard time buying the ease with which she was able to curate this thing…like find the artists and secure a spot and afford to pay for the breakup boxes and such. I dunno. It was just a little too neat and tidy. But fun.