I’d like to tell you about a really good book I just read….and this is a book I read on my 
own timeframe…(I’m saying this because I’ve occasionally caught myself over-committing myself to agreeing to read and review books, and it’s nice to have time to squeeze in others here and there 😉 )
the heart between us by Lindsay Harrel
I think I won this book in a giveaway–and I was thrilled! I’d heard so much good about it, and knew that this was one I had to read!
Traveling the world is one of my dreams, and so this book appealed to me on more than one level!
Megan is an amazing character. The more I got to know her, the more I identified with her.
She’s the recipient of a donor heart, and has always had to be concerned about her health. Now, it seems the sky’s the limit. When she’s given a journal containing a bucket list compiled by the girl whose heart she received, it seems only fitting that she honors her memory by trying to complete that list
In the process, she reconnects with her twin sister Crystal, and the journey they take (globally and relationally) is so incredibly amazing.
I loved the way the author describes the different settings as they travel.
I also loved the depth that is shown between the characters. Between the sisters, and then, well, yes, there’s also a romance between….well….don’t want to give the story away, so I’ll leave that one for now. Suffice it to say that it’s a charmingly sweet romance.
Excuse the pun, when I say this really is a ‘heart-tugging’ story. It will run you through the whole gamut of emotions.
I especially love the way forgiveness and redemption are portrayed here. Hope. Love. And much, much more.
This is one of the best contemporary fiction novels I’ve read all year, and I look forward to reading more from this author!
Back cover copy:
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.
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. Connect with her at LindsayHarrel.com.
All-of-a-kind Mom 