Wow!! Such a good read!! There were so many emotions that this story invoked, it was hard to pinpoint just one.

Two sisters, twins, become separated by one's weak heart. When Megan goes to meets her heart donor's parents, they give her their daughter's bucket list, wanting her to fulfill it. Meanwhile her sister, Crystal, is having marital problems and decides a trip reconnecting with her twin might just be the answer.

Megan proves that she's not the weak be anymore, and Crystal makes amends with her past. But by putting her career ahead of her husband's wants and needs, she increases the distance between them.

Will Meg stop letting fear dictate her new life? And will Crystal realize what's important before she loses the best thing she's ever had?

A must read!

The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel is the ultimate adventure story. Megan and Crystal are sisters who have had very different lives. With Megan always sick, Crystal was the strong one who seemed to have everything. Now, as adults, they need each other more than ever. But can they overcome the hurts of the past and move forward? Looking for the ultimate summer read? Look no further! This book is an epic adventure that will take you along on a trip around the world. This book is fun and serious, with both romance and larger themes at play. It is an incredible masterpiece and I look forward to reading more books by this author. I received a digital copy of this book from the author. These opinions are entirely my own.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Twins Megan and Crystal were close in their childhood, but that changed after Megan's heart disease was diagnosed. The girls slowly drifted apart as Crystal played soccer, went to high school, and eventually moved to New York City, while Megan was in and out of the hospital. While waiting for their needed heart transplants, Megan and her best friend Caleb would pass their time in the hospital dreaming of a life where they would travel the world, Caleb photographing the sites and Megan writing articles about them. Three years after her heart transplant, Megan meets the parents of the teenager whose hear she received. They share their daughter's journal with Megan; she had created a bucket list of 25 items she wanted to complete, mostly comprised of seeing things around the world. Recalling her old dreams with Caleb, Megan feels compelled to complete the list for the woman whose heart she now has. Unexpectedly, Crystal asks to join Megan on the trip, and the two hope to bridge the rift that has sprung up between them.

This inspirational book had a sweet story that focused on faith, travel, and relationships. This was a book that I actually wish would have lasted longer. I would have loved to see more details of the girls' trip. Twenty-five items covered in detail would have made for a large tome, so I understand why the author only hit up the highlights. This book would make a good beach read or a light read when you're stuck at home but want to travel in your mind.

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.

The Heart Between Us : Two Sisters, One Heart Transplant, and A Bucket List by Lindsey Harrel was published in March 2018, but I think it makes perfect reading for summer, when you want to read an uplifting book about escaping from angst and an old life and finding solutions and a new life. The Christian publisher Thomas Nelson and the author have delivered just such a book in this novel. The novel is also filled with travel and adventure and a spiritual theme about trusting God.

To harken back to the title, the two sisters are Megan and Crystal. Their lives have been overshadowed by Crystal ‘s health and normalcy, and Megan’s heart disease. After years of hospital stays, Megan receives a heart transplant and becomes healthy, but remains a twenty-something young woman still living at home with a dead end job. Crystal who has had to live with the fear of losing her sister, has left home and moved to New York where she has a successful career as a young architect and a loving husband. Neither one has true happiness, however.

As the novel opens, Megan’s path crosses that of Caleb, a man who also received a transplant and who was her best friend during their younger years of long hospital stays. They had both dreamed of traveling the world together, Caleb taking photos and Megan writing travel stories to go with them. Caleb has become a photographer and a world traveler and accomplished this dream, but Megan is still living at home fearful to live out their dreams. When Megan shares with Caleb that she has been given the opportunity of meeting the parents of her heart donor, Amanda, he encourages her to do so. When Megan meets with them, her life—and the lives of those around her—are changed.

Amanda’s parents share her journal with Megan. The journal contains some dark things that had happened in her past, yet also included a bucket list of 25 items she wanted to complete all over the world. As Megan reads number 25 –“Give My Heart Away”— she is inspired to step out of her comfort zone and complete the list for Amanda who was unable to do so by her untimely death, and who has given her new life through her heart.

Megan takes the journal home and decides that she is going to complete Amanda’s list and travel the world, all the while keeping a blog about her journey. Crystal, whose own life is in turmoil with issues at work and with her marriage, is encouraged by their mother to accompany Megan, even though their relationship has been very rocky for years.

As the two set out on their quest to conquer the list, they both learn things about themselves and each other along the way.

This was not the most smoothly and powerfully written novel I have read recently, but it was good escape reading, and the characterization was quite good pulling me through to the end.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of this novel and for allowing me to review it,

The entire time I read The Heart Between Us, I thought, This book is the literary equivalent of my spirit animal. Have no fear, I don't go for all of the "woo woo" stuff spirit animals and such entail, but -- this book is me, folks. I love it. I want to be it. Surely a bigger reason worked behind the scenes to make the main character's name Megan. Even if it doesn't have the "correct" spelling ... kidding!

I don't think I can adequately capture just what the book meant to me at this point in my life. I read it while on a Hawaiian vacation (yay) as well as right around when I bit the bullet on an online travel-writing course. (This course has been on my bucket list for, no joke, years. And I'm doing it, folks.) Just too funny how many things came together.

Whether you love to travel or prefer the armchair-travel variety, I absolutely recommend The Heart Between Us. It will take you across the globe and whet your travel appetite (so maybe keep the wallet in another room?). The only bad thing to say about the book is that I finished reading it!

Reminiscent of Return to Me, The Heart Between Us and Megan's story inspire me to live life to the fullest. To be true to who God made and created me to be; stand up for myself; and breathe life into my desires and strengths.

Looking forward to checking out Harrel's other book, One More Song to Sing, as well.

I received a free ecopy of the book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was a great read, one that I would recommend. I will admit I connected to this book early on because I am the recipient of a donated organ. I found the characters emotionally true and the storyline natural in tone, nothing was forced. This was a feel-good experience that I enjoyed throughout. I also enjoyed the spiritual aspect that was fundamental to decision making and served as a foundation for the characters.

Megan Jacobs, library assistant, and her architect, twin sister, Crystal, have a stained relationship. This is due to Megan's constant health issues prior to a heart transplant 2-3 years before the story begins. Megan takes the step to meet the family of the her heart donor. That puts into motion a bucket list of activities, developed by the young heart donor. Megan and Crystal embark on a world tour to check off the items on the list. Along the way their hearts soften and they find their way back to one another. There are, however, other matters of the heart that are more complicated and the sisters need to work together and with God to move forward.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing me an ARC for a review in my own words.

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.

What I loved about “The Heart Between Us” was the way it caught me off guard. I was expecting a lighter read (and some of it definitely was), but the author also delved into some deeper topics like sibling relationships, the emotional affects of having a long term illness, and what makes life meaningful. It is a fun read, but also know you’ll be thinking about some parts of this book days after you finish it.

I highly recommend this heartwarming and soul-challenging novel. The focus on God to help us through our fears and to rely on His control is something everyone needs a reminder of regularly.

Must-read women’s fiction: ‘The Heart Between Us’ and ‘Just in Time’
Welcome back to Happy Ever After’s women fiction blog! Spring is here, and it is the time of new beginnings — a common theme in this genre. Mainly because, let’s face it, getting stuck in a rut, unable to move forward, just spinning our wheels but getting nowhere is something that happens to all of us at some time or another. Sadly, inertia is the killer of many dreams. But the heroines of this month’s books get that kick in the pants (and pay attention to it) to move forward to well-deserved happiness. So be prepared to be charmed, touched … and maybe a bit motivated to carve out your own new beginning.
The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel
What it’s about:
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.
Why you should read it: Author Lindsay Harrel successfully explores two sides of the coin with twin sisters Megan and Crystal. Megan, growing up with a congenital heart defect, lived a sheltered-by-necessity life, but Crystal — benignly ignored at times, learned to power through obstacles. Now, each has come up against a brick wall. Megan must learn to move forward, and Crystal must learn to stop moving and enjoy life. Especially poignant is the exploration of the donor/donor family and recipient connection. Faith and religion are well integrated into the story to provide an uplifting message of hope, optimism and courage.
Just in Time by Marie Bostwick
What it’s about:
Fifteen years ago, Grace Saunders vowed to take her beloved husband for better or worse. Now she’s coming to terms with difficult choices as she crafts a memory quilt from scraps of their life together—a life torn to shreds by an accident that has left him in a coma. Enduring months of limbo, Grace is at least not alone.
Nan has been widowed for twenty years, but now, with her children grown, her home feels painfully empty. Even the company of her golden retriever, Blixen, and a series of other rescue dogs, can’t fill the void. Then there’s Monica, a feisty woman with a biting wit who’s reeling following her husband’s death—and the revelation of his infidelity.
As for Grace, a chance evening with a man she barely knows brings a glimmer of joy she hasn’t felt since the tragedy—along with feelings of turmoil and guilt. But her struggle to cope will force all three women to face their fears, share their deepest secrets—and lean on one another as they move from grief and isolation to hope, and a second chance at happiness …
Why you should read it: Just in Time is filled with well-fleshed-out characters and genuine scenarios and wonderful knights-in-shining-armor beta heroes who know better than to try to save the heroines. But they are there to lend a helping hand. You’ll be charmed by Grace’s quiet courage and wonderful creativity, Monica’s brashness and marshmallow heart and Nan’s wisdom and love of animals. Bostwick intersperses sly bits of humor throughout the book — such as Monica’s hazardous attraction to Italian men. After reading the book, you’ll agree that this was time well spent.
Leigh Davis is a former contributor to Heroes and Heartbreakers. When she is not reading, she’s usually outside throwing balls to her insatiable dogs. She loves hearing and talking about great books. You can connect with her on Twitter and Goodreads.
MORE ON HEA: See more posts by Leigh

I’ve just finished “The Heart Between Us” by Lindsay Harrel and it was good! It took me a little time (just over a week) to get through it, mainly because the book felt really segmented.

NetGalley granted my access to “The Heart Between Us” so it’s thanks to them that I was able to read and review it.

3.5 Stars (3 Stars on goodreads)!

It’s told in third person about a set of female twins, Megan and Crystal. Megan has been sick since childhood with a heart condition. The events of the novel take place when the girls are in their early thirties. Megan recently had a heart transplant, while Crystal has been becoming an architect. Megan lives in Minnesota while Crystal lives in New York at the beginning of The Heart Between Us. They haven’t seen each other in years.

This novel is really about taking chances and not being afraid to be brave. The main part of The Heart Between Us is Megan wanting to travel the world for a good reason. As the sisters get to know each other again, on this trip do they grow closer or move further apart?

Two characters have suffered with heart problems in the past. It’s brought up quite a lot because Megan is one of the two main protagonists.

Spoilers Below...

“She’d filled out a lot in the last three and a half years since her surgery, looking healthier than she ever had. Would Caleb notice a difference in her?”

Megan has a crush on a secondary character, Caleb, in The Heart Between Us. He isn’t in the story too much but at the start she’s concerned about seeing him again at a hospital fundraiser. She’s more worried about whether or not Caleb will like her than the actual fundraiser, though.

“It was true, wasn’t it? She’d been hiding. Hiding in her parent’s home. Hiding at the library. Hiding from life”

This is why Megan visits the parents of Amanda, the girl who’s heart she now has. She’s seeking approval from Amanda’s parents. However, what she gets is a lot more than that. We’re introduced to Megan’s sister, Crystal in chapter 2. She comes across as more stressed than her sister because she has a stressful job as an architect. She’s suffering with a pain in her stomach.

“As far as stomach-aches went, Crystal Ballinger’s was off-the-charts painful”

is the first thing we know about Crystal. This pain goes on, until about half way through the novel. It’s a stomach ulcer we come to learn. I thought this was a little convenient. I think it would have been a better story if Crystal had had a form of cancer as well, like her sister. I don’t know if it’s realistic but Megan and Crystal are twins, so could both have cancer, I think.

Back to Megan; the parents of Amanda, her donor want her to go on a trip, around the world because Amanda wasn’t able to do it herself. As Megan has her heart, Amanda’s parents believe that Amanda will still be going on the trip. It had always been Amanda’s dream to go around the world. Her parents know this since reading her journal after her death. Her Dad tells Megan,

“In this particular journal she created a bucket list for herself. Things she wanted to do, places she wanted to see”,

which is significant to note because this bucket list is really the main plot of “The Heart Between Us”. Megan wants to take Amanda’s place on this trip and do it for her. Megan’s mother, who doesn’t have a huge role in the story wants her sister to go with her to protect her. Crystal doesn’t want to go at first. She’s more concerned with her job than her sister’s wishes.

I loved the descriptions of the places visited in “The Heart Between Us”. They all seemed so real, which they are of course but it was like I could touch the Taj Mahal in India when I read those scenes. It was very realistic. That was my favourite part. Another favourite part were the characters. They all had different personalities, especially the twins. Megan is okay with just letting things come and go as they please, whereas Crystal always needs to be in control. There’s a part of the novel that brings up Crystal’s control issues. She feels that she couldn’t do anything to help Megan get through her cancer so she feels the need to control everything else.

“A tiny sliver of Crystal’s control slipped away. "Come on Megan. There’s been a barrier between us for a long time"

Here, Crystal is trying to control the decisions of the trip. Also, the twins are trying to get on and working things out. Her job is all about control so she’s only doing what she thinks is right. She’s not trying to be difficult.

Of course, I love romance and although “The Heart Between Us” isn’t a romance novel it has elements that make it somewhat cute. Crystal is married but experiencing marriage problems, and Megan is single. Does Crystal work things out with her husband? Does Megan find love? One of Amanda’s bucket list items is to “kiss a stranger in the rain”. Does Megan do this? Does Megan complete the bucket list? You’ll have to read to find out...

What did I like about “The Heart Between Us”?

I loved reading about the places the sisters visited. It was almost like I was there!

I liked the family dynamic between Megan and Crystal. They argued a bit but they also still clearly loved one another.

I liked how there weren’t too many characters in the book to overtake from the story between the sisters. The other characters that were there just added to and enhanced the story.

What didn’t I like about “The Heart Between Us”?

I didn’t like how some parts of the story seemed vacant, like nothing was happening. It made the reading experience disjointed.

I didn’t like how the book’s chapters seemed to break the story up. Yes, chapters are obviously needed in a book but it would have been better to call them the place the twins were at in the world. For example; Chapter 22 - Galway, Ireland. This would have made the reading experience flow better.

I hated Crystal’s husband, Brian because he’s is so selfish and controlling. He blames Crystal for wanting to be better. He’s only concerned with his own needs. He was written well, he’s just a not nice character from my perspective.

Overall, The Heart Between Us is a good read if you’re interested in travel or geography of the world. The reason that I requested it is the Eiffel Tower on the cover, because I love France! The reason I’m only giving it 3.5 Stars is the pacing issues, and the controlling husband, which is just a trope that I don’t like reading about.

Sweet! I'm definitely checking out the author's other work now!

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….

A BIG Thank You to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for providing me a copy of “The Heart between Us: Two Sisters, One Heart Transplant, and a Bucket List” by Lindsay Harrel in exchange for my review. “The Heart between Us” is a very sweet heart-warming book. The two main aspects I liked about this book is the characters and the travel log.

Lindsay Harrel has defined the characters wonderfully well and they are all likable. The author has written their development in such a smooth and moving manner. I love how Megan progressively transforms and gain the courage and confidence to fulfill Amanda’s dreams. Not only this, the author also focuses on the relationship development between the two sisters, with her parents and with her loved ones, giving equal importance to all of them. Megan and Crystal’s personalities and story-lines are unique, yet, the author does a good job in blending them at times. I loved how both the sisters are fighting their own battles, but seek help from each other to overcome them. More than Megan and Crystal, my favorite characters in the book were Amanda’s parents. The way they remain so positive and hopeful for Megan even after losing their daughter is touching and inspiring.

Although I enjoyed reading both Megan and Crystal’s journey, I felt more emotionally attached towards Crystal’s story-line. This is mainly because I could relate to the difficulties she faces in managing her personal and professional life. From whatever I have experienced, it is not possible to allot equal time if you want to progress in both. I hoped the story would show that she can achieve all her goals (personal and professional) in a positive light. Unfortunately, Crystal has to choose between one over the other. The story also doesn’t become too preachy or religious even though it is termed as a Christian Fiction book.

Moreover, the author has vividly highlighted some gorgeous locations in this book. Ms Harrel has described these places so beautifully that I felt I was experiencing it with Megan. Whether it’s Paris, London or Egypt, the author has showcased all the important highlights worth visiting. After reading this book, I want to do the scavenger hunt in London and run with the bulls in Pamplona. I have longed to see some of these places and hope to tour them sometime.

The only reason I gave this 4 out of 5 stars is because the book seemed a bit predictable. It was also a bit monotonous at times. During the first half of the book where the sisters travel to a new destination, nothing really much happens other than Megan gaining her confidence. It is only towards the end of their travels that the story-line progresses. However, apart from this, I loved everything about this book! Overall, this is a charming, heart-felt book that I would recommend reading if you are in the mood for one.

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.

When Megan Jacobs receives her new heart she also receives a journal and unfulfilled bucket list of the donor. When her sister offers to help her fulfill the list, the girls are off on an adventure to be the sisters they've been unable to be behind hospital doors.

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.

Megan Jacobs has spent most of her life in hospitals waiting for a heart transplant. She finally received one in her twenties, but is still afraid to venture out beyond her hometown in Minnesota. She lives with her parents and works at the local library as a library aide. She dreams of adventure and traveling the world, dreams she used to share with fellow heart patient Caleb. Caleb received his heart transplant first and now travels the world for his work. Megan longs to reconnect and to travel as well.

Meeting the parents of the girl whose heart she received jump starts her. They give her their daughter’s diary and she finds a bucket list inside. Inspired, Megan decides to complete the bucket list with her savings, a GoFundMe account, and to blog about it on the way.

Megan’s twin sister Crystal is an architect in New York City. Crystal never had the health problems that Megan experienced and she’s working toward her dream of becoming a senior architect in her firm. She works long hours and doesn’t get much time with her husband, firefighter Brian. She also seems to have lost her inspiration and is having health problems. When Megan’s trip pops up, Brian suggests that Crystal join her to reconnect with her twin and to find her way back to their marriage and to what she wants from life.

The two sisters travel the world fulfilling the bucket list. Will the two be able to repair their neglected relationship? Will Megan be able to make the next step forward and live without the fear of illness? Will Crystal be able to figure out how to balance work and her relationship with her husband?

I loved this novel. It really connected with me. Personally, I’ve been in Crystal’s shoes the past few years where work was becoming all-consuming and affecting my health and relationships with my husband and children. I just switched jobs at the end of 2017 and it’s made a big difference. Sometimes you get wrapped up in trying to do a good job and work takes advantage of you.

I enjoyed how the story was a travel story to fantastic locations around the world and I also liked how it was a personal growth story for both sisters in their own lives and loves, and with each other. I like how they were able to get to know each other better on the trip and I liked that the story was equal between the sisters and didn’t just end with the trip. The story continued and wrapped up their storylines to see where they are going next after the trip. I wish I could keep reading about Megan and Crystal.

Favorite Quotes:

“Just because something is in “ruins” doesn’t mean it’s ruined. It’s just . . . different than before. It’s weather storms, but it’s still standing.”

“I know it’s not the destination we had in mind, but it’s where we’ve landed.”

“Wouldn’t it be a better use of your time to leave the big stuff like control and worry to God and instead spend it reveling in all the opportunities for great joy he’s given you.?”

“Then Nana turned, ‘Not everything is as easy to fix as that, I’ll admit. Life isn’t perfect. It’s messy. It doesn’t follow a pattern or a plan. Thankfully, we know the Big Guy is in charge.’ She reached down and squeezed Crystal’s hand. ‘And he is the super-gluer of souls.”

Overall, The Heart Between Us is a great travel and character story. I really identified with the main characters and their struggles and I greatly enjoyed the book.

Book Source: Review Copy as part of the TLC Book Tour. Thank-you!