Happy book birthday today to author Lindsay Harrel for her new contemporary heart adventure-of-a-story, The Heart Between Us. This little story encompasses relationships, travel, romance, and a poignant story of siblings as they embark on a life-changing journey. I don’t think I’ve EVER been to so many countries and continents vicariously through just 1 story. đź—Ľ
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.
I like surprises. The Heart Between Us surprised me in the best way! I expected a cute, fun story about Megan, maybe even a journey of self discovery, with emotional moments, of course. I did NOT expect all that and more as the viewpoints of BOTH Megan and Crystal switch off and tell a poignant story of sister-friendship, healing, and bravery all against a backdrop of continent-hopping and adventure.
The heart-journey of these sisters, both literal and figurative, explores the dynamics of relationships and the honesty required in true connections. This process also shows the beauty of letting go of fears and trusting that God’s control is constant, even amid misunderstandings and the sometimes-unfairness of circumstance.
I would be remiss not to mention the sweet romance born of friendship that Megan and Caleb share. It was perfectly timed in Megan’s life. I just loved the way Caleb was always a gentleman and so encouraging to Megan.
Thank you to the publisher and author for the review copy. This is my honest review.
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 www.LindsayHarrel.com.
The Green Mockingbird 