Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber has received praise for its captivating and whimsical storytelling, with readers appreciating the enchanting world-building and imaginative plot twists. However, some critics noted inconsistent pacing and underdeveloped characters. Overall, it's a charming read for fans of magical adventures, though it may not satisfy those seeking deeper character exploration.

Readers who enjoyed Caraval by Stephanie Garber or The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern will delight in Once Upon a Broken Heart. This enchanting tale blends romance, magic, and adventure, appealing to fans of whimsical fantasy, intricate plots, and seductive storytelling. Perfect for those who revel in fantastical settings and emotionally rich narratives.

In Stephanie Garber's Once Upon a Broken Heart, Evangeline Fox seeks help from Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, to stop her love Luc's wedding, leading to a series of cursed kisses and dangerous prophecies involving true love, manipulation, and self-discovery in a magical land. Themes explored include heartbreak and deceit.

- During the creation of Once Upon a Broken Heart, author Stephanie Garber described her writing process as very intuitive, which led her to unexpected plot developments and twists as she discovered the story alongside her characters.
- The book is set in the same universe as Garber's Caraval series, introducing readers to new magical elements while expanding on the enchanting world established in her previous works.
- Once Upon a Broken Heart features a unique hybrid of fantasy and fairy tale influences, wherein the protagonist must navigate a tapestry of whimsical yet treacherous magical realms.

**Evangeline Fox**  
The protagonist with rose gold hair who is both optimistic and naive, driving her quest for a happy ending.

**Jacks**  
The enigmatic Prince of Hearts with vivid blue eyes, known for his fatal kiss and complex motivations.

**Marisol Tourmaline**  
Evangeline's stepsister, whose actions and relationship with her mother play a significant role in the narrative.

**Prince Apollo Acadian**  
The crown prince of the Magnificent North, whose emotions are frequently manipulated, affecting his interactions.

**LaLa**  
The Unwed Bride Fate who cannot marry but finds fulfillment in assisting others with their weddings.

**Luc Navarro**  
Evangeline's first love, whose actions set off a series of key events that shape Evangeline's journey.

**Prince Tiberius Acadian**  
Apollo's younger brother, involved in efforts to maintain the closure of the Valory Arch.

**Princess Donatella**  
Connects the story to the Caraval series, with a past intertwined with Jacks that influences current events.

**Chaos**  
A unique Fate with a vampire aspect, possessing resources and intelligence distinct from others.

Stephanie Garber

Novel

Once Upon a Broken Heart

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Once Upon a Broken Heart reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Once Upon a Broken Heart | SuperSummary

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Overview

Garber’s fantasy novel plays with fairy tale tropes to probe themes of love and redemption. Learn more with this summary of Once Upon a Broken Heart.

Once Upon a Broken Heart Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Tale of Evangeline Fox”

Part 1, Chapters 1-3

Get ready to explore Once Upon a Broken Heart and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Once Upon a Broken Heart Part 1, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-7

Once Upon a Broken Heart Part 1, Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 8-10

Once Upon a Broken Heart Part 1, Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Magnificent North”

Part 2, Chapters 11-15

Once Upon a Broken Heart Part 2, Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 16-19

Once Upon a Broken Heart Part 2, Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 20-25

Once Upon a Broken Heart Part 2, Chapters 20-25 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 26-31

Once Upon a Broken Heart Part 2, Chapters 26-31 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 32-36

Once Upon a Broken Heart Part 2, Chapters 32-36 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Chaos”

Part 3, Chapters 37-42

Once Upon a Broken Heart Part 3, Chapters 37-42 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 43-45

Once Upon a Broken Heart Part 3, Chapters 43-45 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 46-50

Once Upon a Broken Heart Part 3, Chapters 46-50 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 51-54

Once Upon a Broken Heart Part 3, Chapters 51-54 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Once Upon a Broken Heart Character Analysis

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Themes

Once Upon a Broken Heart Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Once Upon a Broken Heart Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Once Upon a Broken Heart Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Once Upon a Broken Heart Essay Topics

Once Upon a Broken Heart

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Once Upon a Broken Heart?

Reading Age

Book Details