The Heart Between Us
Two Sisters, One Heart Transplant, and a Bucket List
-
-
4.8 • 8 Ratings
-
-
- $6.99
-
- $6.99
Publisher Description
“Lindsay Harrel has penned a charming story that is sure to touch the hearts of her readers. Through the stories of Megan and her sister Crystal, readers get a glimpse of adventure, restoration, conquered fears, and realized dreams. Lindsay will no doubt win readers with this heartfelt story.” —Lauren K. Denton, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Hideaway and Hurricane Season, on The Heart Between Us
From award-winning author Lindsay Harrel comes a powerful story of adventure, healing, and learning how to live life to the fullest.
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.
“A sweet story of sisterhood, familial bonds, sacrificial love, and finding your own identity amidst the storms of life. Poignant with tender moments, as well as laughter, The Heart Between Us is a touching novel that is sure to please.” —Catherine West, author of Where Hope Begins
“I love this story of facing our fears. Harrel pens a clever, well-written love story between two sisters, the men in their lives and the dreams of a heart donor. Life is more f letting than we know, and this timeless story reminds us to love well.” —Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author, on The Heart Between Us
“The Heart Between Us is an absolute gem of a story. The intriguing premise drew me in from the start, but it was the authentic characters and their relatable struggles that kept me reading. I especially loved getting to travel vicariously through Megan and Crystal! A heart-tugging, not-to-be-missed book from an author who belongs on your keeper shelf.” —Melissa Tagg, author of the Walker Family series
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A bucket list from the diary of an organ donor sparks a healing journey for two sisters in this poignant tale from Harrel (One More Song to Sing). Megan Jacobs, born with a defective heart, finally receives a heart transplant at the age of 28. Although she is soon feeling much better, she also feels guilty that she isn't making full use of her new vitality and decides to meet the family of the heart donor to express her appreciation. The donor's parents give Megan her old diary, which also includes a bucket list: visit the Great Wall of China, swim the Great Barrier Reef, run with the bulls in Pamplona, kiss a stranger in the rain, and so on. During Megan's years of sickness, her twin sister, Crystal, braced for losing Megan by distancing herself. In an act of spontaneity, Crystal decides to take a sabbatical from her job as an architect and agrees to accompany Megan. Traveling together brings reconciliation and relaxation for the sisters. Although light on faith elements, Harrel's book, with many descriptions of delicious foods and famous landmarks from around the globe, will please readers of travel fiction looking for an inspirational story.
Customer Reviews
A Poignant, Faith-Affirming Read
“Vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness. I think that’s true strength shining through.”
The Heart Between Us explores many profound themes, especially the nuances of emotional strength.
Megan feels anything but strong, despite having survived years of illness and a heart transplant. When she learns that the young woman who was her heart donor had a bucket list involving world travel, Megan decides to finish the list. But she still doubts her own strength to follow through.
Megan’s twin sister Crystal appears to be the epitome of strength, with her drive, successful career, and Manhattan lifestyle, but her refusal to face past pain and present dysfunction is eroding her marriage and wellbeing. Almost impulsively, Crystal decides to accompany Megan on her travels, in hopes of gaining perspective and healing their strained sisterly relationship. What follows is a spiritual and emotional odyssey that parallels their international journey, as both women confront years of heartache and fear, and wonder if they can embrace a source of strength that is beyond either of them.
This is a moving story with some absolutely beautiful moments. Forgiveness, reconciliation, love, faith, and healing are all themes in the story, but the most prominent is the idea of finding in God, the strength to live an abundant life .
I definitely recommend this book to any reader who loves a poignant, faith-affirming read.
A wonderful story of finding faith, hope, and love
I am always excited when I finish reading a terrific book by an author who is unfamiliar to me.
Lindsay Harrel is that author, and “The Heart Between Us” is that book.
There’s a somewhat unusual storyline: A heart transplant recipient decides to fulfill the heart donor’s bucket list. That plot would seem to make this a very sad and sorrowful storyline. It’s the exact opposite:It’s an inspirational story that’s filled with courage, adventure, hope, faith, and love. As twin sisters Megan and Crystal check the items off the list, they each learn how to celebrate the opportunities that God brings into their lives. Make sure you have a box of tissues nearby as you finish this touching story. The ending to this book was perfect.
I’m already looking forward to another book from Lindsay Harrel.
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher for review. I was not required to write a positive review. This is my honest opinion about the book.
INTENSELY INSPIRATIONAL!
INTENSELY INSPIRATIONAL! Lghudson, MS
This is a beautiful story of twins with heart issues. Megan spent years missing out on life because of a heart condition that required many lengthy hospital stays and eventually received a heart transplant. Crystal felt guilty for having a healthy heart and buried herself in controlling all the things within her power. This novel will take you on an adventure of a lifetime with the characters where they discover new things about themselves and rediscover the love they have for each other. It’s a novel filled with misunderstandings, worry, illness, old friends, healing, hope, bright future, restoration, familial love and romantic love. What more can you ask for in a good novel? I was provided an ARC by the Publisher. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.