Review & Giveaway: The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel
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.
YES! I definitely want to go there too.
ReplyDeleteThat's okay. :) Thanks for stopping by, Nancy!
ReplyDeleteIsrael would be so interesting...and so amazing spiritually speaking.
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ReplyDeleteThat 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?
ReplyDeleteThank Jean! I don't really have one either, but more imaginary.
ReplyDeleteO, those are great places! I haven't been to Israel but loved Singapore! I would go back too!
ReplyDeleteMe too Brandy! I would love to go there!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, my friend. It's a great story and I hope you'll get the chance soon!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. I would always love to visit my family.
ReplyDeleteBrandy (I hope that's your name!), you made me laugh! Lol. I'd say it is very close! *wink wink
ReplyDeleteNice!
ReplyDeleteHow awesome! Here's to all of that!
ReplyDeleteLindsay, thank you for dropping by and especially for a chance to go on this adventure! What a great story!
ReplyDeleteYay! Congratulations! Yes, Yellowstone is also on my (imaginary - non written) list too!
ReplyDeleteRight, Vivian? I thought so too. And the journal entries were very profound.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Chanel!! All great dreams and I hope your's come true soon!
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!
ReplyDeleteEhh.. you don't really need to write on down. I haven't, but still have a few "dreams" to pursue.. LOL.
ReplyDeleteNice! Happy move then!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! So does that mean you have a general bucket list too? 😉
ReplyDeleteO, me too, Jan. Me too!
ReplyDeleteO, how fun!!! Love to watch those tiny homes! Soooo cute!
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!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of flyingeither, especially when I get older.those are great places! I want to go too!
ReplyDeleteFun! Hope you'll get to add the new adventures! I need to check out Hawaii too!heheh
ReplyDeleteMe too!me too!
ReplyDeleteWow!kudos to you! I'm too scared!
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