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.
My Thoughts
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!
Meet the AuthorLindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd who lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. She’s held a variety of writing and editing jobs over the years, and now juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with writing novels. When she’s not writing or chasing after her children, Lindsay enjoys making a fool of herself at Zumba, curling up with anything by Jane Austen, and savoring sour candy one piece at a time. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com.
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.
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