“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 … 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
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THE HEART BETWEEN US by Lindsay Harrel is the story of two sisters, Heart Transplants, and the bucket list of a deceased teenager.
Megan and Crystal Jacobs may be twins but they seemed to be complete opposites. Megan was born with a bad heart that plagued her with medical problems just about all her life leaving her on the sidelines or in the hospital and finally almost to her dead-bed only to be given another chance through a heart transplant.. Crystal had participated in sports, went on to college, had a husband and a rewarding career but still felt out of sorts unable to deal with her feelings of the past or to look to the future.
After coaxing from Caleb, a friend and a fellow heart transplant recipient, Megan decides to make connection with her heart donor’s family for some sort of closure. Her heart donor was Amanda, the teenage daughter of Charlene and Gary Abbott. However, instead of a closure, it opens up a whole world of adventure after Megan reads her donor’s journal to heart and decides to fulfill her bucketlist. This means leaving the security of her home and parents and travelling to the far corners of the earth but she knows that she has to do it – for Amanda and for herself.
Crystal is going through some tough times of her own – trouble in her marriage, being unable to be productive at work and needing to deal with her feelings of the past. At the urging of her husband, she decides to take the trip with Megan hoping to mend their twin relationship, ease her Mother’s worry on Megan travelling afar and to find answers for herself.
They have an extraordinary, fabulous trip seeing sights to give them memories of a lifetime. Along the way they were able to find their way through the past, realizing that the other’s life wasn’t as rosy as they though and finding their way back to being sisters.
The sisters are visited by the men, Caleb and Brian, in their lives along the way which makes each of them think about how much they love their guys and what direction they want the future to go.
After arriving back home, Megan realizes that the “ending” she thought she would feel upon completing Amanda’s list wasn’t as satisfying as she thought it would be. It wasn’t until she realizes that SHE needed to complete the whole list herself and she does item 25 herself is the journey complete for her.
This book is emotionally charged. While turning the pages, you learn about family, working through problems by seeing all sides of a situation, that things worth having are worth fighting and working for, that faith is not only believing but turning over control and that love is worth taking a chance on.
This is the first book by Lindsay Harrel that I’ve read. However, after reading THE HEART BETWEEN US, it definitely won’t be the last. She has an amazing way of putting word to paper that lead you on your own journey as you turn the pages. I would highly recommend this to anyone that likes a clean, Christian book to read with adventure, romance and lessons to learn along the way.
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.
***I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and am under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I’m going to just go ahead and admit that I’m not usually crazy about contemporary fiction. But this cover was adorable and the synopsis pulled me right in. I was very pleasantly surprised! I actually really liked this book!
I wouldn’t be surprised if this book is picked up for a lifetime movie. Seriously, it has all the makings—a troubled past, an uncertain future and the sweetest romance.
In The Heart Between Us, there is a young woman who had a heart transplant. She’s convinced that to get her own life on track, she must fulfill the bucket list that belonged to her donor.
As the story progresses, we find out that the donor had her own sad story. Her parents are struggling to cope with losing their daughter. They support Megan’s decision to complete their daughter’s list.
Last, The Heart Between us has one of the sweetest romances that I’ve read in a while. I was rooting for Caleb from the moment Megan bumped into him at a fundraiser. They were absolutely adorable together.
The only reason I give this book a four star instead of a five is that it was more of a clean read than Christfic. There’s very little faith content and the characters are seen drinking and skinny dipping on one occasion.
The book was in no way inappropriate but it also wasn’t overly faith-filled…until the end. By that point, it felt so disjointed to me. You have these characters that struggle with life and faith until suddenly everything is completely right. But that took place without a conversion. I didn’t see conviction or a gradual work of the Lord in their hearts. One day the girls were miserable and the next it was miraculously all better after a little Jesus. I mean, yes, Jesus makes all things better but I didn’t really see Jesus in this book.
Overall, I still enjoyed the book. Had the faith content felt less forced and disjointed, I could have given this book a five-star. I would definitely read this author again. Though this book is not a genre that I would typically read, I’m very glad that I picked up the book.
The Heart Between Us is an emotionally gripping book that’s perfect for readers who love contemporary chick-lit.
This book was provided to me by BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
Have you ever picked up a book and right from the start, the story spoke to your heart? This was that book for me. I really liked Crystal and Megan. They were realistic and interesting. Lindsay Harrel weaves important truths such as forgiveness, trust, hope and peace throughout this story. I find for me that the Lord uses stories to touch our own life. Growing up I was teased and picked on a lot. Those kids probably didn’t realize the impact they made on my life. I hadn’t really thought of this in awhile and I’m reading this book and realizing that these truth’s were meant for me as well. This is an amazing story of forgiveness and second chances that will touch your heart as it did mine.
I liked reading about the different places they visited. The story flowed well and kept me interested.
I recommend this book to my family and friends.
I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest review.
The Heart Between Us was a beautiful story. It was my first read by Lindsay Harrel, but it definitely won’t be my last. This story, in my opinion, is a perfect example of contemporary fiction done well. There’s romance, but there is so much more to the plot. In fact, the romance is secondary to the sister’s (Megan and Crystal) journey…and what a journey it was!
It took me a couple chapters to get hooked by the story but after that I was flipping pages quickly and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I think one of the biggest reasons why I loved The Heart Between Us so much is because the characters were very likable and the plot was believable. I also found the whole idea of a heart transplant recipient trying to fulfill her donor’s unfulfilled bucket list to be an amazing storyline.
All in all, The Heart Between Us was a phenomenal read and one I highly recommend.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
different. I was intrigued by the thought of a heart recipient fulfilling a bucket list for her donor. And what a bucket list it was–including travelling to several different countries and continents to see some of the wonders of the world and other fascinating places. Megan, the heart recipient, and her twin sister Crystal set off together on a whirlwind trip and learn more about each other in the process. I enjoyed visiting all the places vicariously and learning more about them. The author had obviously done a lot of research for the story.
Carefully woven into the tale are messages of faith, courage, and hope which add depth to it. With engaging and layered characters and the unusual story line, this book is sure to appeal to many readers. I would recommend it to those who enjoy contemporary or women’s fiction with a dash of romance in it.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Heart Between Us was an endearing tale of twin sisters Crystal and Megan, one healthy and one not. Megan was diagnosed with a heart disease when only eight years old. She spent a good portion of her life very sick until she was able to receive a heart transplant. The twins now 32 years old, have drifted away from each other. Crystal is married and a busy, very busy architect in New York City. Megan still lives at home with her parents working at the library part time. Those things are what define them from the outside. From the inside, though, both of these women have a lot going on. I really liked how the author showed that sickness in family effects everyone, not just the seriously ill.
There is another person who is a piece of this puzzle, and that is a teenager by the name of Amanda who is Megan’s heart donor. We meet and get to know Amanda through her journal that she recorded her bucket list. Both sisters have been living with fear their whole lives. Megan decides to push through hers to fulfill Amanda’s dreams of traveling the world. Crystal who is under great stress from work and her marriage decides to take her husband’s advice and go with Megan. And what an adventure it was to vicariously see the world its magnificence and its dangers through the eyes of the sisters and their experiences.
I really enjoyed the travel part. The romance for both sisters is subtle but when it shows up it shows up in simplest forms and makes a great impact. I liked that through the story we got to know about Amanda and her struggles and dreams. How after a traumatized childhood she wanted to live again. How Amanda inspired Megan to follow her dreams as a writer and to grab life and live it to its fullest. Crystal, sometimes I just wanted to shake her and tell her to stop and slow down to see what she was missing. But I realized she had built walls as well to protect her heart.
This was quite an unexpected story by a new to me and very talented author. I look forward to more from her writing pen.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Even though this kind of around the world adventure seems highly unlikely for many of us to actually experience, the authentic relationships and layers and struggles are completely relatable. You don’t have to have a sister to enjoy this story! Face your own fears alongside Megan and Crystal as they plow through the strain of the awkward distance between them.
This story has so many delicious layers that I would recommend it to a wide variety of readers from women’s fiction or romance fans. Readers who travel and those who are content to live vicariously through others, folks who’ve lived with illness and even those of us who haven’t will all be entertained by and even challenged by this story. I can’t wait to get my hands on Harrel’s previous and future work!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed this book. I think take the story of two sisters, set apart by time, illness and work load and really put them together and it just makes for good story.
The writing is superb, and really pulls you into the story, making you journey with the two sisters, each told from their point of view.
It reminded me of Katherine Reay’s books a bit or maybe even Hilary Lodge’s writing. I just wanted to savor the book, but at the same time, I wanted to finish the story. While there is a hint of romance, that is not the focus of this book.
This book is more on forgiveness, communication and finding what is truly important to you, beyond your work, your health even or where you live. It is about relationship and communication the most, was what I saw.
I cannot wait to read more of what this author has to give us in the future!
Oh my goodness, this book! It was big and bold yet quiet and intricate at the same time. Quite honestly it took my breath away in the most beautiful way. Typically this story probably wouldn’t have caught my eye but after a glowing recommendation from one of my favorite authors I was intrigued and found myself anxiously awaiting it’s release. And I will forever be grateful for that prompt to read this because I fell in love with every single part of this book.
The journey Megan and Crystal took, both emotionally and physically, had me swept into their lives, never wanting to stop turning pages. To say they’d had a hard go of things would be an understatement and I cannot imagine going through either side of their story. One had to live with a life-threatening condition and the other had to live never knowing if their other half would suddenly be gone. Misunderstandings and failure to comunicate had created a seperation that neither knew how to bridge, until this unexpected trip.
I loved seeing all the sights through their eyes and watching as slowly but surely they opened up to each other, becoming sisters once again.
The romance was more of a back burner to the story but that didn’t stop it from being wonderful and heart melting. I absolutely loved Caleb’s character. His steady encouragement of Megan and the way he was there for so many of the hard parts in her life. They both were fighting to live, and they inspired and cheered for each other along the way. I love how their story came full circle, from kids cheering each other up, to adults with new hearts ready to embrace life’s adventures.
Crystal’s story with her husband was heart-breaking at times but I still loved it and was rooting for them as they worked through things.
Really there wasn’t a second of this story I didn’t love and I’m now anxious to read her first novel and can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Harrel wrote another fabulous book! This story will stay on my shelf to read again! It was that good!
Lindsay does an excellent job of weaving so many layers into her stories. Just as her debut book had so many elements, so does this one. The Heart Between Us is a beautiful story. It touches on so many different themes: hope, love, bravery, trust, peace, and joy.
The story also involves many different relationships. Over and over again, you will see how one person’s decisions or circumstances impact so many of the people around them. The decisions or circumstances not only have an immediate effect, but a lasting one that isn’t even realized until years later.
I love how Lindsay weaves so many lives together. When the book begins, I had no idea how all the lives would connect, but Lindsay has such a way of piecing the story together. There are many life lessons to be learned in her story. The story deals with doubts and fears, but how ultimately, we can have hope, hope in Someone greater, and we can overcome our fears.
Lindsay takes you on adventure around the world! You feel like you are really traveling right along aside the characters. The descriptions were so real that I like I was there with them. If you love traveling and adventure, then you will definitely love the journey the characters go on.
The Heart Between Us is a story you will not want to miss. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for future stories!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
After reading The Heart Between Us, I felt like I had been on a journey. I felt as though I had traveled with the characters to places I had never been to before. The descriptions and experiences were so real that I felt like I had done it, too. Besides the travel, the story is a story of healing. Twin sisters who were estranged find their way back to each other in the journey. While the relationship eventually is renewed, it takes more than each has to give. They must learn to trust and hope. Romance is woven into the story as well as forgiveness and letting go of fears. Each person has to come to terms with who they are and accept the others in their lives as they are, too. Trusting in God and trusting the people they love does not come easily, but helps them heal in the ways they need to.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is one I will share with others.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to post a review.
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 heartbreaking storyline. It’s the exact opposite: A heartwarming book 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.
The Heart Between Us is a heartwarming story of twin sisters, Megan and Crystal. Born with a weak heart, Megan spent her childhood in and out of hospitals in the mean time, her sister Crystal enjoyed her life, played sports and got all the guys. Crystal is the overachiever sister and feels guilty for having a healthy heart. She throws herself in everything within reach and controls everything. Megan tries to do everything right due to the heart transplant and extremely cautious to not over do. Megan meets the heart donors parents who give her their daughters journal and an unfulfilled bucket list. This book will bring you on a journey of a life time with each character where they rediscover the twin bond and sisterly love. Hope, love, mercy, romantic love, healing, and without God we are nothing. I enjoyed the story and how the author was able successfully weave two sisters who were at odds with each other, but eventually rediscovered each other and put the past behind them. Change is always good, especially if it is good change. This was the first book that I have read by Lindsay Harrel and looking forward to reading her other books.
I received an Advance Readers copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
What a wonderful book. There were so many facets to this story. Family relationships, marital relationships, work, life goals, medical issues (i. e., heart transplant), bravery, and trusting in God are just a few.
I loved this tale about Megan and her adventures while she continues to grow and mature and become the person God intended.
The dynamics between the characters were very real. Whether it was Megan and her parents, Megan and her sister, her sister and her husband, her sister and her boss…the emotions were real and ones to which I could relate in and believed were true.
Looking forward to more books by this wonderful author!
Thanks to the author for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
INTENSELY INSPIRATIONAL!
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.
The Heart Between Us
What a unique and engaging story of love, brokenness, forgiveness, reconciliation, life and storms in life that threaten to paralyze us if we let them.
This story tells of a set of twins, Megan and Crystal, and the journey that helps them find themselves as well as healing their broken relationship and finding their way back to God.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley, but was not required to give a positive review.
I just finished this book and it’s midnight. I couldn’t put it down until I finished. This story is a poignant look at family, and priorities. What is the most important thing in life? Two sisters embark on a trip of a lifetime to figure this out. A romantic tale of finding love, re-claiming love and offering forgiveness. I definitely recommend this book because it shows hope in overcoming hardships in relationships.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Beautiful story showing how even while stressful circumstances can cause tension between siblings, there is hope to find the way back to each other. Each person in the story handles life in different and unique ways. I cried while reading this one. The author writes with great emotion and empathy. A story I will read again. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my own personal honest opinion.