“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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WOW!!
The Heart Between Us left a profound impact on me. This story is an emotional roller coaster no one can prepare for, but I’m glad I experienced it.
Lindsay Harrel is a new author to me, and I look forward to reading more of her books. She does a wonderful job of drawing you into the story, creating realistic people and scenarios.
I knew the basic premise of the story; a young woman, Megan, who is 32 years old, struggles with heart disease until age 29 when she receives a heart transplant. What I didn’t know or expect was the heartfelt authenticity of the story, in keeping with the timeless classics, I found myself truly feeling for the characters as if I’d known them for years.
I empathized with Crystal, Megan’s sister, who felt she could never be enough because her parents’ focus was always on her twin sister’s physical problems. The problems Crystal and her husband faced within their marriage were true to life.
Sometimes it’s easier to revert to autopilot and become a super controller than it is to confront and fix problems, but failing to solve existing issues spawns new ones.
Traveling around the world with Crystal and Megan brings us many delightful and breathtaking moments, along with insightful glimpses into our own humanity.
The story is one of growth and healing, of questioning God, of reconciliation and of anger, with a large dose of jealously. Ultimately, we experience redemption and healing.
Maybe the past didn’t have to be a bitter mark always marring the surface of her heart. Maybe life really could be an amazing adventure, one not of her own making, but the kind that comes from toil and heartache and love.
Especially love. (pg. 281)
“God can handle your questions, Meg. If you want to know, ask. A relationship is about trust, and trust is grown through communication.” (pg. 227)
Some parts of the story are predictable. However, the predictability does not detract from the entirety of the story. Be prepared to laugh, cry and perhaps grow just a little in the process, too.
I received this book from The Fiction Guild. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
The Heart Between Us was packed with depth and emotion! I ended up with both a paperback copy and an audio copy. I listened to most of the book on audio and then finished out the last eighteen chapters by reading the paperback. The narrator did a nice job on this story, using differing voices for the various characters. I enjoyed the narration on this audio book very much.
I loved the journal entries in this novel. It helped slowly reveal who Amanda (the heart donor) was, and what she had endured in her young life. I loved the main character, Megan. She had a lot of growing to do in the story, in order to overcome her fears, yet she did everything in a kind and caring manner. Crystal was a difficult character for me to embrace, however, I ended up really enjoying her journey and the life lessons she learned.
I found that even though the sisters, Crystal and Megan, were the main characters, I actually really liked the men in this book! Brian and Caleb were truly stand up guys.
The traveling and sightseeing was so nicely done in this story, I felt like I was experiencing things right along with Megan. I found myself yearning to visit some of the places myself.
Although I received a complimentary copy of this book in print form, I also purchased the audio copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
“But one thing I’ve realized in my years of therapy? If-onlys don’t exist. And I kind of think that’s the perspective I need to embrace if I’m ever going to really live.”
What an amazing story!!! This book has all the components to make it an incredible contemporary women’s fiction/romance novel. The author combines lyrical, fluid writing with a fantastic and fast-moving plot; memorable and ever-so-real characters; heart-wrenching raw emotions; head-on look at some tough issues like depression, psychological ramifications of being medically sick, and sexual abuse; beautiful soul-stirring descriptions of ancient cities in Europe and Africa; and engaging and revealing dialogue amongst the characters. Everyone should read this book!
The story focuses on Megan, who is a heart transplant recipient. Though she had the surgery three years ago, she still lives in fear and hides behind that fear, letting it shadow her joy, hope, and radiance. Despite her lack of confidence in who she is, Megan is sweet and gentle and just wants to be loved. Then there is Caleb, Megan’s friend who also received a heart a few years prior to Megan. He’s dashing, daring, yet so so sweet and tender and firmly grounded in who he is. Their friendship is achingly beautiful and sweet.
Megan’s twin sister Crystal is the opposite of Megan – brash, assertive, type A – who runs from her emotions and difficulties of life. Yet she, too, is fearful and fears losing control. Her husband of five years is understanding, loving, and sweet. His acts of service and love for Crystal are heartfelt and special.
These two couples and their journey, individually and together, had me tearing up at every chapter. The sisters’ nostalgic memories made me choke up, the honest and difficult conversations between the couples and between the sisters had me bawling at times. Whew!
The ending of the book had me begging for more of their story. Will there be a follow up? Please?!?!
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel is the story of Megan Jacobs who has had heart problems since she was a little girl. Her twin, Crystal, was the healthy one. Three years after a heart transplant, Megan meets the donor’s family. They give her a journal that their daughter kept. In it was a bucket list of twenty-five things she wanted to accomplish. Megan decides to try to fulfill that list. Crystal accompanies her on the journey. As they both travel the world and mark things off the list they discover their real selves and that God is the only answer. The story started out a little slow but picked up speed along the way. I enjoyed reading about their travels to different locations, since I’ve also visited several of the same places. So, it was easy to picture where they were. I sympathized with Megan, sometimes we let fear stop us from achieving what God has in store for us. I loved the “be still and wait for God’s timing” aspect of the story. If we could all learn this lesson in life, we’d be a happier group of people.
I received this book from Thomas Nelson publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Twin Sisters. A Bucket List. A Life-Changing Trip Around the World.
Author Lindsay Harrel has crafted a unique and fun story with these elements and so much more. Twin sisters, Megan and Crystal, are barely acquaintances when the story opens. Each has led a very different life. Each sees something in the other that they perceive they lack.
I loved the way these sisters find their way back to connection. And the travel adventures. And the relationships that are deepened through the story. And the diary. I loved the writer of the diary that begins the whole journey! And the romance. The men who care for each sister are enough to leave a grown woman sighing.
Harrel does a wonderful job of making each locale come alive. Reading as each sister interacts and learns something about themselves and each other adds fun and depth to the story.
After a bit of a slow beginning, the story picked up and found a good beat with my heart.
With a little romance woven into a women’s fiction sister story, The Heart Between Us will touch the hearts of many readers. If you like redemptive stories that weave in adventure, romance, and restoration, this is a book you will love.
***I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed this book very much.
After a heart transplant, Megan decides to complete her donor’s bucket list. Her sister Crystal decides to join her. Sounds like a load of fun, right? It wasn’t always. Megan feels she has always lived in Crystal’s shadow, and Crystal feels she has always been overshadowed by Megan’s medical problems.
I enjoyed the dynamics between the sisters, but at times they got on my nerves, but that’s also real life. As the sisters travel the world, they discover so much about themselves, and each other. They also reunite with Megan’s hospital friend, Caleb, which is an eye opening experience for Megan.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
An amazing debut novel! I started reading and could not put it down, I read until almost 3 in the morning and got up and finished it the next day! Lindsay Harrel is an author to watch! What a creative storyline. I absolutely loved the lessons learned in this book. They are applicable to us all.
“The Heart Between Us” is a heartwarming novel about two sisters as they embark on a journey around the world. Megan and Crystal couldn’t be more opposite. While growing up, Megan had a weak heart and spent much of her time in and out of hospitals, desperately awaiting a heart transplant, while her twin sister, Crystal, led an active and more traditional life of a teenager. This caused friction between the sisters, who eventually started to grow apart as Crystal moved away to pursue college and a future career as an architect. Once Megan finally received a heart transplant, she found herself somewhat in a rut. The fear of her pushing her new heart caused her to stay where she was in life. That is, until she was encouraged to visit her heart donor’s family. There, she learned about the young girl that lost her life much too soon. Her family shared with Megan a bucket list that the young girl had made, a list of dreams she had hoped to complete during her lifetime. This is where the story begins, as Megan takes it upon herself to complete the list and fulfill the bucket list of the girl that had given her another chance at life. Accompanied by her sister, they travel the world, checking things off the list one by one, as they attempt to mend their fragile relationship.
I found this story to be entertaining and the characters easy to relate to. You can’t help but root for them both as they make their journey across the world and realize that there is more to each other than meets the eye. This inspirational story is one that I enjoyed reading and it was one I wasn’t quite ready to end. Not every book has the ability to stay with you long after the last page has been read and this one definitely has. I look forward to reading more by Lindsay Harrel in the future!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication in exchange for an honest review!
The Heart Between Us is an engaging and adventurous tale! One of my favorite things about this story is that the main character, Megan, is not naturally a strong, independent woman. Megan’s stronger than she thinks, but she has some growth that needs to take place. She learns just how strong she is and all that she’s capable of. This is a very well written story that deals with organ donation, long-term illness, difficulties with parents and siblings, travel and adventure, and (my personal favorite) falling in love.
The Heart Between Us is a truly unique, one of a kind story. It’s engaging and will be keep you drawn in until the very last page. I truly enjoyed it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Sweet story
Sibling healing and a fun bucket list
I love love loved this book and once I started reading it was difficult to put it down. I have recommended it to several. Great read
I would have given this book a 4.5 had it been possible. Let me start by saying that, although there are life-issues that get heavy in this book, it is over-all a really easy read – and not so angst-ridden that you want to hurt yourself! Ha! It’s a really sweet book and quite uplifting. Megan, the twin who received a heart transplant, is a great character, but I loved her walled-up sister (Crystal) even more. Looking at the way sickness in a family affects the care-takers rather than just the one affected by the affliction (in this case, heart failure leading to a heart transplant), was a true eye-opener and a very bitter-sweet reality check on how others’ perspectives of themselves are formed when in a stressful situation that lasts for years on end. Both the women’s perspectives were well represented, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. I didn’t give it five stars because I got tired of Megan’s fears lasting as long as they did…LOL! Again, even with the issues that surface between the two sisters and their respective guys, this is a light read over-all and an sweet, enjoyable read.
The relationship between the two sisters was impressively written. I enjoyed the journey Megan and Crystal took as they completed the bucket list. They each had much to learn about how life is meant to be lived. It was a moving story.
Adorable!
Prepare yourself for an excited review 😉
I’d been eyeing this book for a while just because of the cover alone, so you better believe I snatched it up eagerly when it became available to review! I knew it was one of those books that even if I didn’t like it, the cover was enough for me to drool over it continually. But of course, no worries about not liking the book – I more than liked it! In fact, I quite loved this novel! “The Heart Between Us” has quickly become one that I hug to my chest and squeal a little bit. Yes, it was that good.
The reading of it gave me so many happy feelings!! But I will try to calm myself in an attempt to write a helpful review…
The plotline was unique and gripping from page one. Oh, and page one – the prologue – I have to make a comment here: that was an amazing sentence opener. I marked it, just because the writer and reader in me loved it. “Amy says in order to move forward, I have to stop clinging to the past.”. This sentence is from Amanda, Megan’s heart-donor. <3
Back to the plot – so yes, Megan is used to sitting on the sidelines due to heart-problems most of her life. But now she’s got a new heart…however, she still fears that life might be passing her by. When she finally meets her heart-donor’s parents, they give Megan their daughter’s journal which is filled with Amanda’s bucket-list. Megan sets out to accomplish each item on the list in honor of Amanda. Right there we’re shown we’re about to embark on the story of a life-time.
Another aspect of this story is about Crystal, Megan’s twin sister. They may be twins but they’re very different from the other, and haven’t had a good relationship in years. When her job and marriage are on the line, she agrees to tag along with Megan on her travels. Will it mend their relationship, and help Crystal right her life-priorities?
Both character’s were great to follow along-with. At first I wasn’t sure how I’d bond with Crystal, already having deeply connected with Megan, but I shouldn’t have been worried. They each go through such life-lessons, and are easily relatable.
I rooted for both Crystal and her husband Brian, and Megan and Caleb. Which brings me to another happy-moment; Caleb, and any scene involving the two. Just…ah soo many good feelings <3333
I loved visiting all the travel-destinations with the sisters – places I may never actually visit, but had the pleasure of seeing them through story. So fun!! In my opinion, this book could’ve capped 500 pages with more details on each travel-stop and I would have been super content with that. ^.^
My favourite places they visited? Oh hard question…I really loved their time spent in Ireland, Scotland, and England. And Paris. And just really every stop. 😀
The faith aspect of the book was very good too. It could’ve been a little more included in the beginning, but it’s also understandable why it wasn’t as strong there – we had to see the sisters grow. It was good.
So yep, I loved this book. And will be looking forward to the author’s next book, whatever it may be!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers; I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
As I write this review I reflect on my life and how precious our lives are. This story is emotionally charged with characters that penetrate the deepest part of our souls. I loved the character Megan. She is definitely a fighter and when given a second chance at life takes it with full force. I admired her determination to fulfill someone’s bucket list. The connection between Megan and her donor heart is without question written with pure compassion and respect.
What I liked about Megan’s sister, Crystal is her need to be wanted. For so many years she has lived in the shadow of her sister . Megan was always sick and kept her parents attention directly on her and Crystal is left looking on from the sidelines. I am guilty of doing that to my oldest son. His younger brother was very sick and spent a lot of time in ICU. It is easy to forget the child who is well when all you see is your sick child suffering.
The story is one of discovery and healing for the sisters. It shows how relationships can be repaired and give hope to new beginnings. Their journey takes them all over the world. The author does an amazing job of describing the different places and helps readers feel like they are seeing the world with the sisters. The story is an inspiration to me because it reminds me that family is the most important gift you can have. I encourage everyone to grab a copy, tissues and get comfortable as the author takes you to far away places. If there is a hero to recognize in the story it has to be Amanda. She gave the gift of life and I love how Megan chose to honor her .
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G…..I love books with depth of character and flaws and this book doesn’t disappoint. It deals with family dynamics, stepping out of your comfort zone, being willing to share truth no matter how much it hurts, taking the risk of giving your heart away, taking off the masks we hide behind, being real, and finding a stronger Faith through it all. Thought provoking and well written by a new author to me. These sisters are so different but so similar in ways they don’t realize until they take a journey together. Not just a physical journey but a journey of emotions and heart. You will love these characters and not want it to end. I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Guild. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
“It all boiled down to fear . . . . . ..and what she was going to do about it.”
Fear is a brutally heavy chain to wear, and through no fault of her own, Megan Jacobs is well acquainted with its weight. Born with a weak heart, she struggled with serious health issues for years; enduring months of hospitalization before she was given the gift of a new heart, its donor having lost hers. Or did she? Braving an introduction with the young woman’s family inspires Megan to complete a “bucket list” of sorts, buried within the teen’s journal. As Megan travels the world proving her willingness to step outside her comfort zone, will she realize that freedom is really a relationship with the “superglue-er of souls” ?
Crystal Ballinger has a twin sister; Megan Jacobs, whom she hardly knows anymore. Their relationship broke apart years ago in a hospital room and neither of them has made a concerted effort to put the pieces back together. Now Crystal faces another relational schism when the love of her life whispers, “I just want my wife back”. Her push for success as a New York architect is destroying everything she holds dear, so how can a trip around the world with a estranged sister possibly provide the answers to a different kind of post-adventure life?
An impressive debut, with its delightful cadence and life changing implications.
I received this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
I received a copy of this book from the Fiction Guild, I was not required to give a favorable review. When you read the title it tells you a little about the story but once you start reading it you feel everything that both the sisters, the family of the young woman receiving the heart, and the family of the young person who lost their life. You can feel every emotion and see how not just the patient has a lot to process so did her twin sister. The bucket list was the young persons life list but her recipient made sure it came about. Megan always wanted to be a writer and her friend Caleb who went through everything she did helped her want to travel. This make you want to make sure that you check you license to be organ doaner so that someone can have a chance to fulfill their bucket list.
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 donor’s parents who give her their daughter’s 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 Reader’s copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.