Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber follows Evangeline Fox, a young woman determined to save her heart and the boy she loves. Set in the enchanting city of Valenda, the story explores themes of magic, heartbreak, and the consequences of making deals with immortal fates. As Evangeline navigates the mysterious disappearance of a church door linked to the Prince of Hearts, she confronts the risks of believing in magic and the fates that govern her world. This captivating tale is perfect for fans of fantasy and romantic adventures, drawing readers into a world where love and fate intertwine. With its richly woven narrative, Garber's novel invites readers to explore the delicate balance between hope and despair.

Key Points

  • Explores the journey of Evangeline Fox as she seeks to reclaim her heart
  • Delves into the lore of immortal fates and their impact on human lives
  • Set in the magical city of Valenda, filled with enchanting elements
  • Highlights the dangers of making bargains with fates and the rules governing them
276
/ 302
1
The Whisper Gazette
WHERE WILL THE BROKENHEARTED PRAY NOW?
By Kutlass Knightlinger
The door to the Prince of Hearts’ church has disappeared. Painted the deep bloodred of broken hearts,
the iconic entry simply vanished from one of the Temple District’s most visited churches sometime
during the night, leaving behind an impenetrable marble wall. It’s now impossible for anyone to enter
the church—
Evangeline shoved the two-week-old newsprint into the pocket of her
flowered skirt. The door at the end of this decrepit alley was barely taller
than she was, and hidden behind a rusted metal grate instead of covered in
beautiful bloodred paint, but she would have bet her fathers curiosity shop
that this was the missing door.
Nothing in the Temple District was this unattractive. Every entry here
was carved panels, decorative architraves, glass awnings, and gilded
keyholes. Her father had been a man of faith, but he used to say that the
churches here were like vampires—they weren’t meant for worship, they
were designed to entice and entrap. But this door was different. This door
was just a rough block of wood with a missing handle and chipped white
paint.
This door did not want to be found.
Yet it couldn’t hide what it truly was from Evangeline.
The jagged shape of it was unmistakable. One side was a sloping curve,
the other a serrated slash, forming one half of a broken heart—a symbol of
the Fated Prince of Hearts.
Finally.
If hope were a pair of wings, Evangeline’s were stretching out behind
her, eager to take flight again. After two weeks of searching the city of
Valenda, she’d found it.
When the gossip sheet in her pocket had first announced that the door
from the Prince of Hearts’ church had gone missing, few imagined it was
magic. It was the scandal sheet’s first article, and people said it was part of
a hoax to sell subscriptions. Doors didn’t simply disappear.
But Evangeline believed that they could. The story hadn’t felt like a
gimmick to her; it had felt like a sign, telling her where to search if she was
going to save her heart and the boy that it belonged to.
She might not have seen much evidence of magic outside of the oddities
in her fathers curiosity shop, but she had faith it existed. Her father,
Maximilian, had always spoken of magic as if it were real. And her mother
had been from the Magnificent North, where there was no difference
between fairytales and history. All stories are made of both truths and lies,
she used to say. What matters is the way that we believe in them.
And Evangeline had a gift when it came to believing in things that
others considered myths—like the immortal Fates.
She opened the metal grate. The door itself didn’t have a handle, forcing
her to wedge her fingers into the tiny space between its jagged edge and the
dirty stone wall.
The door pinched her fingers, drawing a drop of blood, and she swore
she heard its splintered voice say, Do you know what you’re about to step
into? Nothing but heartbreak will come from this.
But Evangeline’s heart was already broken. And she understood the
risks she was taking. She knew the rules for visiting Fated churches:
Always promise less than you can give, for Fates always take more.
Do not make bargains with more than one Fate.
/ 302
End of Document
276
You May Also Like

FAQs of Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

What is the main conflict in Once Upon A Broken Heart?
The main conflict revolves around Evangeline Fox's quest to save her heart and the boy she loves amidst the backdrop of magical and perilous fates. After the mysterious disappearance of a church door linked to the Prince of Hearts, Evangeline embarks on a journey filled with risks and challenges. She must navigate the complexities of love, magic, and the consequences of her choices, all while dealing with the immortal fates that have the power to alter her destiny.
Who are the immortal fates in Once Upon A Broken Heart?
The immortal fates are powerful beings that once ruled parts of the world with their magic, which is both benevolent and malevolent. They are known for their jealousy and possessiveness, often making deals that come with significant risks for those who seek their help. Evangeline learns about their nature and the rules that govern interactions with them, including the dangers of falling in love with a fate and the importance of making careful bargains.
What themes are explored in Once Upon A Broken Heart?
Once Upon A Broken Heart explores several themes, including the nature of love, the consequences of desire, and the interplay between fate and free will. The story delves into the idea of believing in magic and the risks that come with it, particularly in the context of making deals with powerful beings. Additionally, the novel examines the emotional struggles of heartbreak and the quest for hope in the face of despair.
What is the significance of the missing church door?
The missing church door serves as a pivotal plot device in Once Upon A Broken Heart, symbolizing both opportunity and danger. It is linked to the Prince of Hearts and represents a gateway to magic and the fates that Evangeline seeks to confront. The disappearance of the door ignites Evangeline's journey, prompting her to explore the mysteries surrounding it and the potential consequences of her actions.
How does Evangeline's background influence her journey?
Evangeline's background, particularly her father's belief in magic and her mother's heritage from the north, shapes her understanding of the world around her. Growing up in a curiosity shop filled with oddities, she develops a strong belief in the existence of magic and the stories that intertwine with reality. This belief drives her determination to find the missing church door and confront the fates, showcasing her courage and resilience in the face of heartbreak.
What role does the setting of Valenda play in the story?
The setting of Valenda is crucial to the narrative of Once Upon A Broken Heart, as it is depicted as a vibrant and magical city filled with enchanting elements and hidden dangers. The temple district, with its ornate churches and mysterious lore, provides a rich backdrop for Evangeline's journey. Valenda's atmosphere enhances the themes of magic and fate, immersing readers in a world where every corner holds the potential for adventure and heartbreak.

Related of Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber