Title: The Heart Between Us: Two Sisters, One Heart Transplant, and a Bucket List
Author: Lindsay Harrel
Publisher: Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction
Release Date: March 13, 2018
Genre: Contemporary/ Literary Fiction
Links*: Amazon l Goodreads l Book Depository l CBD l Itunes
Megan Jacobs always wished for a different heart. Her entire childhood was spent in and out of hospitals, sitting on the sidelines while her twin sister Crystal played all the sports, got all the guys, and had all the fun. But even a heart transplant three years ago wasn’t enough to propel Megan’s life forward. She’s still working as a library aide in her small Minnesota hometown and living with her parents, dreaming of the adventure she plans to take “once she’s well enough.” Meanwhile, her sister is a successful architect with a handsome husband and the perfect life—or so Megan thinks.
When her heart donor’s parents give Megan their teenage daughter’s journal—complete with an unfulfilled bucket list—Megan connects with the girl she meets between the pages and is inspired to venture out and check off each item. Caleb—a friend from her years in and out of the hospital—reenters her life and pushes her to find the courage to take the leap and begin her journey. She’s thrown for a loop when Crystal offers to join her for reasons of her own, but she welcomes the company and the opportunity to mend their tenuous relationship.
As Megan and Crystal check items off the bucket list, Megan fights the fears that have been instilled in her after a lifetime of illness. She must choose between safety and adventure and learn to embrace the heart she’s been given so that she can finally share it with the people she loves most.
When her heart donor’s parents give Megan their teenage daughter’s journal—complete with an unfulfilled bucket list—Megan connects with the girl she meets between the pages and is inspired to venture out and check off each item. Caleb—a friend from her years in and out of the hospital—reenters her life and pushes her to find the courage to take the leap and begin her journey. She’s thrown for a loop when Crystal offers to join her for reasons of her own, but she welcomes the company and the opportunity to mend their tenuous relationship.
As Megan and Crystal check items off the bucket list, Megan fights the fears that have been instilled in her after a lifetime of illness. She must choose between safety and adventure and learn to embrace the heart she’s been given so that she can finally share it with the people she loves most.
MY THOUGHTS
My heart pitter-pattered along with Megan and Crystal in Lindsay Harrel's The Heart Between Us. Their journeys in finding themselves, each other and their future had me follow along with intrigue. Amanda's wise beyond her years, and all three characters, (yes, including Amanda), have given this reader a story of healing and living life to the fullest. How different they all are, and how captivating the story line of repairing a bond that was meant to stay together since birth. The travel was fun too.
The Heart Between Us touches a lot of points, from family to reconciliation, adventure to romance, and the meaning of life - learning to live it the way it is meant to, and in all to "give your heart away." A heart for love, a heart for friendship, a heart for a bond stronger than blood, but also a heart to find the faith to trust God. In all, a story that will connect with you one way or another.
The Heart Between Us touches a lot of points, from family to reconciliation, adventure to romance, and the meaning of life - learning to live it the way it is meant to, and in all to "give your heart away." A heart for love, a heart for friendship, a heart for a bond stronger than blood, but also a heart to find the faith to trust God. In all, a story that will connect with you one way or another.
". . . I've let fear chain me. I can see the key. . .you don't have to reach it yourself. Your chains have already been unlocked. You just have to choose whether to remove them."
"I'm learning that 'should haves' belong in the past. . . I was broken and didn't even know it. He [God] superglued me back together."
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Please note, if planning to share quoted quotes (quote graphics OK), please verify with release copy, since it was taken from an uncorrected proof copy (ARC). Thank you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd who lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. She’s held a variety of writing and editing jobs over the years, and now juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with writing novels. When she’s not writing or chasing after her children, Lindsay enjoys making a fool of herself at Zumba, curling up with anything by Jane Austen, and savoring sour candy one piece at a time. She loves to watch God work in ordinary lives to create something extraordinary, and she writes to bring hope to those who may have lost it along the way.
GIVEAWAY
Lindsay has graciously offered one reader on Just Commonly an ARC of The Heart Between Us. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below. US mailing addresses only. Thank you.
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
I like to make a bucket list each year. I list the top 10 places I would like to go. Some are from books I have read. Australia and New Zealand are at the top.
ReplyDeleteYES! I definitely want to go there too.
DeleteThat is so cool! So so you add the ones you didn't get to do to the following year's list or do you accomplish them all every year?
DeleteI don't have a bucket list.
ReplyDeleteNancy Burgess
That's okay. :) Thanks for stopping by, Nancy!
DeleteThank Jean! I don't really have one either, but more imaginary.
DeleteMy bucket list isn't written but I definitely have one. Next? Another trip to Israel and back to Singapore when possible.
ReplyDeleteIsrael would be so interesting...and so amazing spiritually speaking.
DeleteO, those are great places! I haven't been to Israel but loved Singapore! I would go back too!
DeleteI want to go to the Jane Austen Center in Bath!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMe too Brandy! I would love to go there!
DeleteI've been wanting to get my hands on this book for so long! It looks AMAZING, I love the premise of it. Thanks for sharing, Annie! <3
ReplyDelete~ Savannah | Scattered Scribblings
Good luck, my friend. It's a great story and I hope you'll get the chance soon!
DeleteI don't have a bucket list yet, but I would add a trip to Nova Scotia to visit family.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. I would always love to visit my family.
DeleteI don't have a bucket list....but I have lots of Pinterest boards!! Which is the same thing, right ?? :)
ReplyDeleteBrandy (I hope that's your name!), you made me laugh! Lol. I'd say it is very close! *wink wink
DeleteI want to go to Capri!
ReplyDeleteNice!
DeleteI definitely have a bucket list ... and growing!! I'd like to publish my book, which is a top item. Travel-wise, Nepal, Iceland and Italy are very high on my list!
ReplyDeleteHow awesome! Here's to all of that!
DeleteThanks for the great review, Annie! So blessed by awesome bloggers like you.
ReplyDeleteLindsay, thank you for dropping by and especially for a chance to go on this adventure! What a great story!
DeleteYes, we have a bucketlist of places we want to travel too while we are able to travel. On top of the list is a trip to Yellowstone which we hope to mark off the list this July.
ReplyDelete2clowns at arkansas dot net
Yay! Congratulations! Yes, Yellowstone is also on my (imaginary - non written) list too!
DeleteWhat an interesting story! What this girl learns from reading the journal and doing a bucket list sounds great. Vivian Furbay jtandviv(at)q(dot)com
ReplyDeleteRight, Vivian? I thought so too. And the journal entries were very profound.
DeleteI love bucket lists! It just encourages you to dream a dream and do it, whether it's someday or today. I would love to travel, learn a language, visit the mountains and so much more.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Chanel!! All great dreams and I hope your's come true soon!
DeleteSeveral years ago my husband and I made a bucket list of things we want to do together. One of mine that is not on that list (because he's too chicken) is to go on a hot air balloon ride!
ReplyDeleteHAHAH. But that is a great idea! I might just borrow that and do one with my Darcy. O, Hot air balloon ride! I was going to go on one in Napa Valley when I lived in the area many years ago, but it was too cloudy or too windy of a day, so they closed it. I forgot what the reason was but definitely weather related!
DeleteI don't have a bucket list. For over 25 years I longed to go to Europe and that dream was finally realized last fall. Now I need to come up with some new dreams.
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! So glad you've reached that goal! Time for celebration!
DeleteI have been hearing great things about this book! I don't have a bucket list. Not sure what this says about me!
ReplyDeleteEhh.. you don't really need to write on down. I haven't, but still have a few "dreams" to pursue.. LOL.
DeleteOne thing on my bucket list is to move back to Michigan in the next couple of years.
ReplyDeleteNice! Happy move then!
DeleteOn my ultimate bucket list: visit Israel!!!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! So does that mean you have a general bucket list too? 😉
DeleteI don't have a bucket list written down. I would like to catch up my the piles.
ReplyDeleteO, me too, Jan. Me too!
DeleteI dont persay have a bucket list.. I have a must do dream. I am going to get a tiny house, live in it and travel the world. I just want to go!
ReplyDeleteO, how fun!!! Love to watch those tiny homes! Soooo cute!
DeleteI have never had a bucket list, but someday I would love to fly in a jet and attend a music concert (never done either one). Crazy, I know!
ReplyDeleteReminds me of this romantic comedies where the handsome and rich man Whisks our main girl away on an adventure or a romantic dinner! Lol! Love it!
DeleteI'm afraid of flying. I would like to go to NC to the Billy Graham Library and The Cove.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of flyingeither, especially when I get older.those are great places! I want to go too!
DeleteThe two places to visit on my bucket list are Hawaii and Paris. If I ever do get the chance to visit those, I will add some new adventures to my list. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! Would love to have a copy of this book!
ReplyDeleteTiffany Hall
jtabalk@hotmail.com
Fun! Hope you'll get to add the new adventures! I need to check out Hawaii too!heheh
DeleteI want to go to Hawaii and Australia someday.
ReplyDeleteMe too!me too!
Deleteswim with sharks
ReplyDeleteWow!kudos to you! I'm too scared!
Delete