The Heart Between Us

March 15, 2018

Growing up, twins Megan and Crystal Jacobs could not have led more different lives. While Crystal was off playing sports and dating, Megan's bad heart sidelined her to a childhood of hospitalizations. Even the heart transplant Megan receives as an adult is not enough to give her the courage to try life on for size. She chooses instead to remain in the comfort zone of living with her parents and working in a library. Crystal, now married, is off on yet another adventure and seemingly too busy for her sister. When Megan receives the journal of her teenage donor, she discovers a bucket list that was never completed. Armed with new confidence, she decides that she will honor her donor by completing the items on the list one at a time. Joined by friend Caleb and surprisingly, Crystal, Megan takes an unforgettable journey that brings new hope for a new life for all. VERDICT A tenderhearted story of second chances, Harrel's sophomore effort (after One More Song To Sing) pairs expressive language with well-drawn characters and will attract admirers of Laura Frantz and Melissa Tagg.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 2, 2018
A bucket list from the diary of an organ donor sparks a healing journey for two sisters in this poignant tale from Harrel (One More Song to Sing). Megan Jacobs, born with a defective heart, finally receives a heart transplant at the age of 28. Although she is soon feeling much better, she also feels guilty that she isn’t making full use of her new vitality and decides to meet the family of the heart donor to express her appreciation. The donor’s parents give Megan her old diary, which also includes a bucket list: visit the Great Wall of China, swim the Great Barrier Reef, run with the bulls in Pamplona, kiss a stranger in the rain, and so on. During Megan’s years of sickness, her twin sister, Crystal, braced for losing Megan by distancing herself. In an act of spontaneity, Crystal decides to take a sabbatical from her job as an architect and agrees to accompany Megan. Traveling together brings reconciliation and relaxation for the sisters. Although light on faith elements, Harrel’s book, with many descriptions of delicious foods and famous landmarks from around the globe, will please readers of travel fiction looking for an inspirational story.