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 and living with her parents in her small Minnesota hometown, 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.
Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd with a B.A. in journalism and M.A. in English. She lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. Lindsay has held a variety of jobs, including curriculum editor for two universities, medical and business writer, and copywriter for a digital marketing agency. Now she juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with working freelance jobs, teaching college English courses online, and — of course—writing novels.
When she actually has time to do other things, she loves to sing, read, and sip passion iced teas from Starbucks. 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. Connect with her at http://www.LindsayHarrel.com and any other place she hangs out online, including Facebook and Twitter.
My Impressions:
Although The Heart Between Us can be categorized as chick lit, don’t let the label fool you. This book is not about shopping or finding romance. It is about traveling, both in the way you expect and in a way you don’t. It takes the two main characters and the reader on a journey of discovery — of what it means to really live and what it means to give over control to God. From the Incan ruins of Peru to the Great Barrier Reef and on to the streets of Pamplona, this novel takes you on a ride of a lifetime. I loved this book and think you will too.
Megan Jacobs has a new heart, but hasn’t really started living yet. With dreams she is afraid to pursue, she is letting life slip past her. When she is given the journal of her heart donor, she musters up enough courage to complete the girl’s bucket list. Accompanying her on her adventure is her twin sister Crystal. The two have been estranged, but Crystal asks to go along to watch out for Megan. But this trip is a turning point for Crystal as well, as she seeks to find balance and a way back to what is important in her life.
I loved the two main characters, Crystal and Megan. Although identical twins, their personalities differ. Their life experiences have also shaped who they are and have caused them to grow apart. Megan’s illness affected not only her life, but that of her sister. Travel trials and the exotic locales are a bonus for readers of The Heart Between Us — who doesn’t want to run with the bulls, at least vicariously? But the real story is the spiritual journey the two are on. It’s what gives this book real heart (sorry for the pun 😉 ). Living life fully, forgiveness, and allowing God to take control are some of the themes that are explored. There is some romance too, which spices the book up nicely.
I loved traveling along with Crystal and Megan as they discovered life and love and what is really important. Pick up a copy of The Heart Between Us and get going — you’ll love the trip!
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
To purchase click HERE.
(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
This sounds really good. I like a heartfelt story and like that she does the heart donors bucket list. Great Review!
Mary
The bucket list trip was a great framework for the story. Looking forward to more great books from Harrel.