“The phrase Jorunn had taught her was lighter than the English ‘I love you’ and much lighter than the Norwegian phrase ‘Eg elske deg’, which was reserved for soulmates… and sometimes ice cream.”
TITLE—Even If We’re Broken
AUTHOR—AM Weald
PUBLISHED—2024
PUBLISHER—self-published <3
GENRE—romance
SETTING—Newfoundland, the US, & Norway
MAIN THEMES/SUBJECTS—second chance romance, archaeology, summer field school, relationship dynamics, mental health, chronic pain, depression & anxiety, internalized fatphobia & low self-esteem/self-worth, supportive friends, grief, creative outlets, healing, yoga & physical therapy, nature, queer rep, women defending & celebrating women
“Summer archaeological field school—the rite of passage for all would-be archaeologists. Where everyone was equalized by sweat and dirt and port-a-potties (or holes in the ground). Where beer was a staple food group, the sharing of hard liquor around the campfire was commonplace, and nonsmokers puffed away. Where one made friends and colleagues for life, or at the very least got laid.”
My thoughts:
More & more I’ve been enjoying romance novels & Weald’s book that featured not only an absolutely precious romance storyline but lovable characters, excellent mental illness & queer rep, & flawlessly represented archaeology is one of my favorite yet from the genre!
I would recommend this book to readers who love the second chance romance trope with middle-aged MCs & themes of mental illness & trauma from previous relationships. This book is best read at summer field school!
Final note: So glad I got to read this book with the @ArchaeoBookclub crew. 🫶🏻
“Maybe similarities weren’t the key to a good relationship, but rather appreciating and celebrating the differences.”
★ ★ ★ ★ .75
CW // depression, suicide attempt, domestic psychological abuse & toxic relationships, internalized fatphobia (Please feel free to DM me for more specifics!)
Season: Summer
Music pairing: Ane Brun
Further Reading—
DO YOUR WORST by Rosie Danan—TBR
SURFACING by Kathleen Jaime
CAFE NEANDERTAL by Beebe Bahrami