Artifacts of an Ex by Jennifer Chen

The quick cut: A young woman who moves from NYC to LA with her family and is broken up with by her NY based boyfriend. The heartbreak sends her on an artistic adventure. 

A real review:

 Thank you to Wednesday Books for providing the arc for an honest review. 

 Heartbreak hurts every time, but when it happens during a difficult time? That makes it even worse. For Chloe, it moves her to express herself and show off her art curator skills. 

 Chloe's family is now based in LA, moving across the country from New York City after her grandma struggles with her health. As if that's not tough enough, her boyfriend Jake breaks up with her by sending her stuff to her in LA. Can she get past the pain? Or will she turn it into a new opportunity instead? 

 This is a very quick read and a light hearted story. If you go into this one knowing that, you won't be disappointed! For me it was the perfect change of pace from some intensely dark stories recently. 

 Chloe has had her life turned upside down moving to the other side of the country. So to have her boyfriend break up via mail? That just feels low and hurtful. She takes that pain and turns it into an expression that feels like a genuine response. 

 Daniel is a new LA friend who quickly turns into more for Chloe. He has his own reasons for avoiding a relationship. I don't want to spoil what they are, but they're unbelievable. I get it, lighthearted story. I still wish it was a more relatable reason. 

 Jake is nothing more than a low brow selfish jerk, almost too much so. The way the story ends leaves little resolution and it's almost too happy and ending for him. I hate that he didn't get what he deserved after how self centered he was. 

 A light story with a happy feel. 

My rating: 4 out of 5