Sunday, April 22, 2018

THE HEART BETWEEN US by Lindsay Harrel, reviewed by Karen Klepsteen





The synopsis of The Heart Between Us makes you think that the book was going to be primarily centered around Megan's journey around the world, but at least half of the story was about her twin sister, Crystal. The dual viewpoint in the story helped me to see both sides of the girls' relationship. It was exciting to see Megan come out of her shell and learn more about herself and what she wanted out of life. In some ways I was more drawn into Crystal's story, though. I feel like I got a better glimpse of her weaknesses and her struggles than I did of Megan's. Maybe this was because the story takes place three years after Megan's heart transplant, and most of her health struggles are in the past. 




This story has so many themes: overcoming fear, moving past trauma, having or being a chronically ill family member, and correctly aligning our priorities. I feel like this story is very relatable since we all have struggles in life and have to learn how to prioritize our relationships with God and with those around us. I'd recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a light read that still has depth and true heart.

BACK COVER BLURB:
Lindsay Harrel presents a powerful story of healing, adventure, 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 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.


BUY  The Heart Between Us at Amazon
BUY The Heart Between Us at Christianbook.com

***I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and am under no obligation to post a review, nor a positive review. All opinions are my own

1 comment:

  1. Karen, I just saw that Lindsay Harrel is going to be at the CFRR in 2019. I JUST SIGNED UP, so I'll get to meet many of our online friends --readers, reviewers and authors!

    Thanks for sharing this review with us.

    ReplyDelete

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