How to Excavate a Heart

Written by Jake Maia Arlow

Narrated by Hope Newhouse

Stonewall Honor author Jake Maia Arlow delivers a sapphic Jewish twist on the classic Christmas rom-com in a read perfect for fans of Kelly Quindlen and Casey McQuiston.

It all starts when Shani runs into May. Like, literally. With her mom’s Subaru.

Attempted vehicular manslaughter was not part of Shani’s plan. She was supposed to be focusing on her monthlong paleoichthyology internship. She was going to spend all her time thinking about dead fish and not at all about how she was unceremoniously dumped days before winter break.

It could be going better.

But when a dog-walking gig puts her back in May’s path, the fossils she’s meant to be diligently studying are pushed to the side—along with the breakup.

Then they’re snowed in together on Christmas Eve. As things start to feel more serious, though, Shani’s hurt over her ex-girlfriend’s rejection comes rushing back. Is she ready to try a committed relationship again, or is she okay with this just being a passing winter fling?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Nov 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9780063078758

Jake Maia Arlow

Jake Maia Arlow is a Stonewall Honor author, podcast producer, and bagel connoisseur. They studied evolutionary biology and creative writing (not as different as you might think) at Barnard College. They live with their girlfriend and their loud cat in the Pacific Northwest.

Reviews for How to Excavate a Heart

[jana.spoerer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great and quirky story. I loved the twist to the "normal" Christmas Holiday stories.

[Moira · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book started off as the Jewish version of a classic christmas rom com but ended up being something slightly more serious and complex. It's still a perfectly enjoyable and lighthearted book most of the way through, just be ready for the discussion of sexual assault in the last third of the story. Overall, a good romance that I would definitely recommend, with charming characters and a cute little dog!

[Nóra Ni Fhearghaile · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Gorgeous sapphic joy. Loveable characters, realistic interactions, just pure wonderful.

[Michelle Dowzer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was such a fun read! I really enjoyed it! ?

[Andrea Author · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After her first heartbreak, college freshman Shani swears off relationships. Until she meets May, whom Shani's mother hit with her car. Naturally, May is a bit hostile at first. But as they get to know each other, an attraction develops between May and Shani. Will Shani's past come between them?

This book is romcom-ish, more quirky than funny. I like that it features women in STEM, as well as Jewish characters navigating conflicting feelings about the winter holiday season.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.