The Heart Between Us

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

HARREL, LINDSAY
THE HEART BETWEEN US

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 hear 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 Review:

publsihed in 2018

This is me, struck speechless by a book. Again. I kinda knew what to expect when I started listening to The Heart Between Us (yes -- another audible selection for me! Wonderful narration by Emily Sutton-Smith) but I wasn't prepared for the impact both Megan and Crystal's stories had on me. Their journeys -- in faith, love, life -- struck a deep chord within me. Had me analyzing my own fears, questioning what's holding me back. Because, that's what is at the heart of this book -- finding the faith to let go and trust God so that you can conquer your fears and live the life God has in store for you. So powerfully moving! And inspiring!

Loved Megan from the get go. I could relate to her cautious nature and her need to make everything all right for everyone else. Her contentment with modest goals and cautious outlook. And the regret because of all that. Had some problems with Crystal though, because I found her obsession with over-achieving made her selfish and abrasive and I couldn't understand why when she'd been blessed with so much. That's where the storytelling magic happens. As both women grow and learn and transform on a global journey of self-discovery, I found myself championing Crystal as much as Megan.

In some ways, this book is about the psychological impact chronic illness has on a family. How relationship dynamics shift and change each family member. Heighten their weaknesses. Smother some of their strengths. Harrel delves deep and delivers an emotional blockbuster of read!

I'm not sure what else I can say without revealing too much -- this is definitely the kind of story you want to experience all the feels for yourself. I'll just reassure other romantical loving readers like me that romance plays a part in this story too. So, yes, happy sighs, and toe-curls await.

A profoundly thought-provoking read that challenges. And inspires.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Heart Between Us, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 7 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!