The Heart Between Us: Two Sisters, One Heart Transplant, and a Bucket List

By Lindsay Harrel

Book Overview

"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

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0718075706
• ISBN13: 9780718075705
• Release Date: March 2018
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

The LORD is with us

The Heart Between Us Is about life, love, relationships, family and Faith. It is a tale of two sisters. One who has a life of privilege compared to the other who has had to fight for her every breath - literally. This book takes you on their journeys and you will be very surprised - not just with your preconceived notions but with all the travel - but know GOD is with them both with whatever both of them go through - good or bad…. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own. if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com

A Sweet Romance

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.