ARC of 'The Book of Heartbreak' by Ova Ceren

This was such a beautiful and emotional read. The Book of Heartbreak completely pulled me in from the very first page. Ova Ceren’s writing is really, really good—smooth, lyrical, and packed with emotion without ever being too much. Every sentence feels carefully chosen, and the story flows in a way that kept me hooked until the very end.

What makes this book truly special is how it blends modern fantasy romance with rich Middle Eastern mythology and folklore. The story follows Sare Silverbirch, a woman cursed to die if her heart breaks five times.

After the fourth heartbreak triggered by her mother’s unexpected death, she goes on a journey to find out the truth behind her curse. This journey takes her to Istanbul, and that setting adds so much depth and atmosphere. The cultural details and references, especially the Easter eggs tied to regional myths, were absolutely lovely to discover. They never feel forced, they're woven naturally into the world and the plot.

Sare is such a strong and relatable main character. Her fear of love, her grief, and her courage to seek answers all feel real. And then there’s Leon, the mysterious seer who helps her through it all. Their relationship is slow-burn and bittersweet, and I loved watching it unfold, even with the constant tension of Sare’s fragile heart.

The book also does a great job mixing magic with emotion. Celestials, fate, curses, and destiny all play big roles, but the story never loses its human touch. It’s deeply romantic, but also full of mystery, ancient power, and self-discovery.

If you love fantasy with a strong romantic core, rich cultural roots, and writing that really sings, this is for you. The Book of Heartbreak is haunting and hopeful all at once. I absolutely recommend it and I’ll be looking out for anything Ova Ceren writes next.

Thank you to Alcove Press for the ARC.

ISBN: 9798892421751

Pub Date: August 26, 2025