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What the Heart Remembers
Whispers of the past…
When young Eden Harrison receives a heart transplant from an unknown donor, her seemingly charmed life falls apart. Haunted by dreams of people and places she doesn’t recognize, Eden is convinced that her new heart carries the memories of its original owner. Eden leaves her old life behind as she is mysteriously drawn to the city of San Diego.
Whispers of the mind…
There, Eden becomes fast friends with Darcy, a young woman recently widowed by Peter, her wealthy, much older husband. But Darcy is unsettled by her inability to mourn, and more unsettled by recurring thoughts of Adam, a young musician she was having an affair with--who has suddenly vanished.
Whispers of the heart…
Yet, the more Eden learns about Darcy, the more she realizes that all is not as it seems, and she begins to suspect foul play behind Peter's and Adam’s fates. As the tension around them escalates, Eden’s mysterious dreams become more and more frequent. Can Eden listen to what her heart is trying to tell her before it is silenced forever?
When young Eden Harrison receives a heart transplant from an unknown donor, her seemingly charmed life falls apart. Haunted by dreams of people and places she doesn’t recognize, Eden is convinced that her new heart carries the memories of its original owner. Eden leaves her old life behind as she is mysteriously drawn to the city of San Diego.
Whispers of the mind…
There, Eden becomes fast friends with Darcy, a young woman recently widowed by Peter, her wealthy, much older husband. But Darcy is unsettled by her inability to mourn, and more unsettled by recurring thoughts of Adam, a young musician she was having an affair with--who has suddenly vanished.
Whispers of the heart…
Yet, the more Eden learns about Darcy, the more she realizes that all is not as it seems, and she begins to suspect foul play behind Peter's and Adam’s fates. As the tension around them escalates, Eden’s mysterious dreams become more and more frequent. Can Eden listen to what her heart is trying to tell her before it is silenced forever?
363 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2012
3 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
Debra Ginsberg
16 books80 followersDebra M. Ginsberg is a London born, American author. She is the author of three memoirs as well as two novels. Her first memoir Waiting: The True Confessions of a Waitress was published by HarperCollins Publishers in 2000, followed by Raising Blaze: A Mother and Son's Long, Strange Journey Into Autism, which chronicled her longtime struggle to get her son the education he was entitled to.
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Twitter.com/DebraMGinsberg
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 4, 2013
It was unanimously decided in my book club that this book deserved a 2.5 which, at this point, is one of the lowest ratings we have placed on a book.
Unfortunate to say, this book was my choice for the month. I had strolled past it in the book store and was intrigued by the concept. I have done no research myself to say if cellular memory from a organ transplant is feasible; however I thought it to be "out of the box".
Much like a book we read last year, Ginsberg did not deliver on this intriguing concept. Firstly, it was hardly Eden's story. Ginsberg had so many subplots happening I thought I would have to start writing them down. Eden did not have enough page time, in my opinion.
The other issue with Ginsberg's writing is the extent of unresolved issues by the end of the story. Ginsberg is certainly remarkable in her suspenseful build-up of Eden's story as she makes the drastic move South to San Diego after her transplant operation. Yet, when Eden is finally ready to return home, we have no information as to how everyone's lives proceed. What happens to Darcy? To Derek? What about Peter's sister, Lisa? It leaves the reader incredibly dissatisfied which in this case, is not positive.
I would not recommend this book to anyone unless they truly preferred an open-ended story. Otherwise, save yourself time and look at something else.
Unfortunate to say, this book was my choice for the month. I had strolled past it in the book store and was intrigued by the concept. I have done no research myself to say if cellular memory from a organ transplant is feasible; however I thought it to be "out of the box".
Much like a book we read last year, Ginsberg did not deliver on this intriguing concept. Firstly, it was hardly Eden's story. Ginsberg had so many subplots happening I thought I would have to start writing them down. Eden did not have enough page time, in my opinion.
The other issue with Ginsberg's writing is the extent of unresolved issues by the end of the story. Ginsberg is certainly remarkable in her suspenseful build-up of Eden's story as she makes the drastic move South to San Diego after her transplant operation. Yet, when Eden is finally ready to return home, we have no information as to how everyone's lives proceed. What happens to Darcy? To Derek? What about Peter's sister, Lisa? It leaves the reader incredibly dissatisfied which in this case, is not positive.
I would not recommend this book to anyone unless they truly preferred an open-ended story. Otherwise, save yourself time and look at something else.
November 10, 2024
What the Heart Remembers is deliciously atmospheric. I was drawn in from the start and instantly immersed myself in this world of secrets, betrayals, broken hearts and a taste of the supernatural.
Cellular memory is a main theme in the story. Each character was well developed in this multi-layered novel. Different aspects of the story and the characters were slowly revealed and as the book took twists and turns, I never guessed what was just around the next corner.
Author Debra Ginsberg does a fantastic job and keeping you hooked as you read, she gives you just enough to tease you, but you must keep reading to find out the rest.
Cellular memory is a main theme in the story. Each character was well developed in this multi-layered novel. Different aspects of the story and the characters were slowly revealed and as the book took twists and turns, I never guessed what was just around the next corner.
Author Debra Ginsberg does a fantastic job and keeping you hooked as you read, she gives you just enough to tease you, but you must keep reading to find out the rest.
September 10, 2012
Eden Harrison used to love running. She also loved her fiancé, Derek. That stopped when Eden required a heart transplant. Now, Eden is a changed person. Even since her transplant, she has been experiencing strange visions. Although the visions are like from scenes of another life she lived.
Darcy Silver recently lost her husband. In a strange consequence, Darcy also lost her lover. When Darcy meets Eden she feels an instant connection towards her. Eden and Darcy will soon discover just how close they really are.
I found this book to be read-worthy. The premise of it was what had my attention. While, the characters were nice it did take me time to warm up to them, especially Darcy. In the beginning I found Darcy to be cold and emotionally detached. Where as with Eden she did have the whole transplant and visions thing going for her. Otherwise, I did find her boring as well in the beginning. As the story progressed it did get better. Then there was a lag during part 2 when things slowed down but part 3 picked up again and stayed steady until the end.
I quickly figured out whose visions Eden was having so there were no surprises there. However, this book was not so much about the element of surprise as it was about the story and the connection between the characters. Overall, this was a nice first introduction for me to this author. What the Heart Remembers is a spell bounding read!
Darcy Silver recently lost her husband. In a strange consequence, Darcy also lost her lover. When Darcy meets Eden she feels an instant connection towards her. Eden and Darcy will soon discover just how close they really are.
I found this book to be read-worthy. The premise of it was what had my attention. While, the characters were nice it did take me time to warm up to them, especially Darcy. In the beginning I found Darcy to be cold and emotionally detached. Where as with Eden she did have the whole transplant and visions thing going for her. Otherwise, I did find her boring as well in the beginning. As the story progressed it did get better. Then there was a lag during part 2 when things slowed down but part 3 picked up again and stayed steady until the end.
I quickly figured out whose visions Eden was having so there were no surprises there. However, this book was not so much about the element of surprise as it was about the story and the connection between the characters. Overall, this was a nice first introduction for me to this author. What the Heart Remembers is a spell bounding read!
May 15, 2018
This one I found a bit dumb. I’m not sure if there were “twists” in it, but if there were they were like prairie rainstorms... you could see them miles away. A good premise, poorly executed.
June 12, 2020
2.5 stars. I thought this was a really interesting premise, the concept of cell memory following transplant. It really fell flat for me. I truly was not at all invested in any of the characters-they were just names to me. There was a decent twist, but this will not be a memorable book for me.
September 11, 2012
The story is intriguing as it deals with cellular memory and a little bit of paranormal, mystery, and romance. The mystery comes in with Eden's sudden gear shift from doting fiance to a near personality change as she feels the pull to San Diego and a certain restaurant. She has odd dreams that repeat themselves and feel very real yet show scenes of a life she hasn't lived. There are a number of mysteries to be solved in this story, some of which pose questions without answers. That was my one complaint. That and some sudden scene changes. There is a murder committed, possibly more. The biggest question answered is who's heart is beating in Eden's chest and why is she remembering things that didn't occur in her life?
The idea of cellular memory is a lot like muscle memory. I may not remember exactly how to play a piece on the piano until I sit at the piano and, without conscious thought, I can play a long forgotten song. My fingers know the keys. Or riding a bike. The difference is that the memory is within the heart and a transplant patient is having the memories of the important aspects of the donor's life and death. The patient is drawn to the same people.
The romance is between Darcy and Peter, Darcy and Adam, and Eden and Derek. While Eden abandons her life in Portland, Derek continues to pursue Eden and the idea of cellular memory. Eden is torn between who true self and the person that used to own the heart she now has. It is an interesting concept and the story is well written. It isn't altogether believable as it escalates yet the concept is not altogether unbelievable, either.
It's a good, solid read.
3.5 stars
The idea of cellular memory is a lot like muscle memory. I may not remember exactly how to play a piece on the piano until I sit at the piano and, without conscious thought, I can play a long forgotten song. My fingers know the keys. Or riding a bike. The difference is that the memory is within the heart and a transplant patient is having the memories of the important aspects of the donor's life and death. The patient is drawn to the same people.
The romance is between Darcy and Peter, Darcy and Adam, and Eden and Derek. While Eden abandons her life in Portland, Derek continues to pursue Eden and the idea of cellular memory. Eden is torn between who true self and the person that used to own the heart she now has. It is an interesting concept and the story is well written. It isn't altogether believable as it escalates yet the concept is not altogether unbelievable, either.
It's a good, solid read.
3.5 stars
February 4, 2013
Young Eden Harrison's life does a complete turnaround shortly after she has a heart transplant. She starts having strange memories of life in a warmer climate, and she completely pulls away from her life in Oregon and travels to San Diego. Derek, her fiancé, tries desperately to find her so he can convince her to come back to come back to him. When she settles in San Diego she meets a woman named Darcy and they seem to have an instant connection. The story centers around these three people with a lot of unanswered questions, unusual twists and a little bit of romance. The main theme in this fictional novel is the interesting concept of cellular memory, which is the belief that cells contain memories that are not part of the brain. This phenomenon is not recognized by science but has been documented by many people as a real condition. The story woven around cellular memory is intriguing, mysterious and Ginsberg's writing style is smooth making this a quick read. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
December 20, 2014
With a thriller like What the Heart Remembers by Debra Ginsberg, I wouldn't want to give too much information away. Reading how the story unfolds is what makes this a thriller after all. In the story, Eden Harrison receives a heart transplant. After that her life changes. She, in a way, becomes a different person. She moves from Portland, Oregon to San Diego where she becomes friends with Darcy Silver, a beautiful, rich, young widow. The mysterious connection between these two women unfold in a surprising way.
Central to this story is the concept of cellular memory (Wikipedia):
"A variation of body memory, the pseudoscientific hypothesis that memories can be stored in individual cells"
Author Debra Ginsberg is very clever in the way she presents this idea as truth.
My Book Blog: http://postingfornow.com
Central to this story is the concept of cellular memory (Wikipedia):
"A variation of body memory, the pseudoscientific hypothesis that memories can be stored in individual cells"
Author Debra Ginsberg is very clever in the way she presents this idea as truth.
My Book Blog: http://postingfornow.com
July 6, 2018
The intriguing premise, psychological twists and turns made this a "heart pounding" read, no pun intended. I was drawn into the characters and the story and read it in one day. I agree with some of the other reviews on several points but don't want to give anything away. Suffice it to say that it was an enjoyable read which begs us to ask how far will someone go for love and what moral boundaries would someone be willing to cross. I had some reservations at the outcome of the novel but am looking forward to checking out Debra Ginsberg's other books.
September 19, 2012
Interesting mix in this story, heart transplant and soul identification with a little suspense, mystery on the side. Definitely held my interest, something a little different but very readable.
September 17, 2018
One of the better books I've read lately and I found it at the Dollartree. Definitely a STEAL for $1. Just when you think you know how it ends, you're wrong.
August 19, 2012
Like her book The Grift, this one also represents an epistemological departure from the empirical realm. Normally I’m not big into the “woo-woo” side, but this author has now managed to rope me in twice!
Eden (“Edie”) Harrison has just been proposed to by her boyfriend Derek and is loving life in Portland, Oregon, when she develops heart disease bad enough to require a transplant. Just when she thought she would survive no longer, she gets a donor and has successful surgery. Afterwards, although Derek is loving and patient during her recovery, Edie is no longer very interested in him. Nor does she even like Portland anymore, or the same colors, or music, or foods of which she used to be fond. She has troubling dreams, and feels an overwhelming compulsion to relocate to San Diego. She drops Derek, and moves.
Meanwhile, in San Diego, we meet Darcy Silver, the beautiful trophy wife of a manipulative, controlling, and rich older man. Darcy is having an affair, and desperately needs someone to talk to about everything. When Edie and Darcy meet, they feel an immediate empathic connection, and become each other’s only friend.
But a lot of things are wrong. Edie is not who she used to be. Darcy is not who she seems to be. Edie’s unbidden thoughts and dreams are getting stronger, and often involve Darcy. The tension in the book ratchets up as the suspense and danger build. And Derek still hasn’t given up on Edie, or at least the Edie he once knew. But can he help? Can anyone help?
Discussion: This story is based on the idea of “cellular memory” – the belief that, in this case, the heart is not “just a pump or a senseless lump of muscle,” but that it remembers.. Getting a transplant, according to this way of thinking, means that you get more than merely tissue; you also receive the consciousness of the donor, which then merges with your own personality. It’s a clever plot device, but you really have to suspend any scintilla of biological knowledge while you read! (Or I should say, I had to – there are many people in many professions who believe in cellular memory.) But Ginsberg manages to throw in enough suspense and interesting plot developments that it is an entertaining book no matter what your intellectual biases!
Evaluation: This is a fun summer read, by an author who is able to spin phenomenological notions into diverting suspense novels.
Eden (“Edie”) Harrison has just been proposed to by her boyfriend Derek and is loving life in Portland, Oregon, when she develops heart disease bad enough to require a transplant. Just when she thought she would survive no longer, she gets a donor and has successful surgery. Afterwards, although Derek is loving and patient during her recovery, Edie is no longer very interested in him. Nor does she even like Portland anymore, or the same colors, or music, or foods of which she used to be fond. She has troubling dreams, and feels an overwhelming compulsion to relocate to San Diego. She drops Derek, and moves.
Meanwhile, in San Diego, we meet Darcy Silver, the beautiful trophy wife of a manipulative, controlling, and rich older man. Darcy is having an affair, and desperately needs someone to talk to about everything. When Edie and Darcy meet, they feel an immediate empathic connection, and become each other’s only friend.
But a lot of things are wrong. Edie is not who she used to be. Darcy is not who she seems to be. Edie’s unbidden thoughts and dreams are getting stronger, and often involve Darcy. The tension in the book ratchets up as the suspense and danger build. And Derek still hasn’t given up on Edie, or at least the Edie he once knew. But can he help? Can anyone help?
Discussion: This story is based on the idea of “cellular memory” – the belief that, in this case, the heart is not “just a pump or a senseless lump of muscle,” but that it remembers.. Getting a transplant, according to this way of thinking, means that you get more than merely tissue; you also receive the consciousness of the donor, which then merges with your own personality. It’s a clever plot device, but you really have to suspend any scintilla of biological knowledge while you read! (Or I should say, I had to – there are many people in many professions who believe in cellular memory.) But Ginsberg manages to throw in enough suspense and interesting plot developments that it is an entertaining book no matter what your intellectual biases!
Evaluation: This is a fun summer read, by an author who is able to spin phenomenological notions into diverting suspense novels.
May 18, 2018
Good summer read. A bit predictable, but with a a little twist (albeit an odd one, but still...)
September 13, 2012
I started this book awhile back and sadly got distracted when school started so it took me awhile to finish but I really enjoyed this book! I found the story really intriguing because it was a mix of paranormal, mystery, and a bit of romance. It also talked about cellular memory which is a really controversial subject so that was interesting. I really love how we get a bit of background information about Derek and Eden as a couple and Darcy and Peter as a couple before Eden got sick. I really enjoyed Eden as a character, she was very 'human' in the book. We got to see her in a very vulnerable time in her life which made her feel more real to me. I also really enjoyed Derek, even though he bordered on stalker at times I get it was out of love and concern. Derek and Eden's relationship was really sweet, I love how he was so wrapped up and in love with her in the beginning that he didn't even see Wendy was smitten over him. I feel like he was always powered/driven by his love throughout the story which was really romantic. Peter and Darcy seemed like they had a nice relationship in the beginning but we soon find out it's just some facade. Peter is obviously afraid Darcy is going to leave him for someone who is younger so he starts to act really controlling and crazy. Darcy feels trapped in a controlling relationship and doesn't know what to do until she meets Adam and ends up falling in love with him and having an affair.
After receiving a heart transplant Eden starts thinking thoughts that aren't hers, liking things she usually didn't, and having dreams that aren't hers either. She ends up moving to San Diego and is drawn to a restaurant she's never even been to, she gets a job and meets Darcy. They become friends almost instantly and everything starts to get worse. This book kept me guessing until the end and I honestly was shocked when I found out who Eden's heart came from. The only problem I had with this book is I feel like it took awhile for things to actually start happening and when they did it went by really fast. I still really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to friends.
My sincerest apologies to the publisher and author for this review being late. Thank you for providing me with a copy of What the Heart Remembers to read!
After receiving a heart transplant Eden starts thinking thoughts that aren't hers, liking things she usually didn't, and having dreams that aren't hers either. She ends up moving to San Diego and is drawn to a restaurant she's never even been to, she gets a job and meets Darcy. They become friends almost instantly and everything starts to get worse. This book kept me guessing until the end and I honestly was shocked when I found out who Eden's heart came from. The only problem I had with this book is I feel like it took awhile for things to actually start happening and when they did it went by really fast. I still really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to friends.
My sincerest apologies to the publisher and author for this review being late. Thank you for providing me with a copy of What the Heart Remembers to read!
September 12, 2012
Eden Harrison has been waiting for heart transplant so that she can get on with her life and marry Derek. When a donor is found and the transplant is completed something strange starts to happen. Eden starts having nightmares about people, places and events that were never part of her life. She likes different food and pink is no longer her favorite color. She is convinced her new heart carries the memories of the original owner. She feels drawn away from Portland and to San Diego. She leaves everything behind including Derek to pursue the life her heart wants to lead.
Dollycas's Thoughts
I have kept my synopsis brief on purpose. Sometimes the best books are found just from the title. Most of the time I don't read the back of the book before starting the story. This way I am not looking forward or waiting for something to happen, the story just evolves before my eyes. I can take it in and enjoy it at my own pace.
This is my first Debra Ginsberg novel and Wow! It is fantastic!! She had me engaged from page one.
These characters touched my own heart many times over. My father-in-law was a heart transplant recipient and I wish he was still alive because after reading this book I have dozens of questions. The whole concept of cellular memory is extraordinary and immediately after finishing the book I was searching the internet for more information.
In addition to the medical and psychological aspects to the story there is a wonderful mystery interwoven within the pages. Who was Eden's donor? How did they die? Accident, natural causes or murder? As Eden tries to figure it out and put everything together she may be putting her own life at risk.
The is a gripping novel that you will want to read all in one sitting. It has the twists and turns you expect from thriller that will make your own heart rate quicken, but it also has moments of heartbreak that will make you shed a tear.
If I tell you more it will ruin your reading experience. Let me just say this is a story I will never forget and I know you will enjoy it just as much as I did. Thank you Debra Ginsberg for an awesome story!!
Dollycas's Thoughts
I have kept my synopsis brief on purpose. Sometimes the best books are found just from the title. Most of the time I don't read the back of the book before starting the story. This way I am not looking forward or waiting for something to happen, the story just evolves before my eyes. I can take it in and enjoy it at my own pace.
This is my first Debra Ginsberg novel and Wow! It is fantastic!! She had me engaged from page one.
These characters touched my own heart many times over. My father-in-law was a heart transplant recipient and I wish he was still alive because after reading this book I have dozens of questions. The whole concept of cellular memory is extraordinary and immediately after finishing the book I was searching the internet for more information.
In addition to the medical and psychological aspects to the story there is a wonderful mystery interwoven within the pages. Who was Eden's donor? How did they die? Accident, natural causes or murder? As Eden tries to figure it out and put everything together she may be putting her own life at risk.
The is a gripping novel that you will want to read all in one sitting. It has the twists and turns you expect from thriller that will make your own heart rate quicken, but it also has moments of heartbreak that will make you shed a tear.
If I tell you more it will ruin your reading experience. Let me just say this is a story I will never forget and I know you will enjoy it just as much as I did. Thank you Debra Ginsberg for an awesome story!!
November 6, 2012
Deeply engaging and haunting, What the Heart Remembers by Debra Ginsberg follows young Eden Harrison fresh off receiving a heart transplant from an unknown donor. At first things are fine, but things begin to change when Eden begins to have dreams of people and places that she doesn’t recognize. Convinced that her new heart has a memory of its own, she leaves her old life behind and moves to San Diego, where she meets and befriends Darcy, a recent widow. Adding more mystery to the story, Darcy was having an affair with a young musician named Adam, who has also suddenly vanished out of her life. Eden begins to suspect that there is more to the story than what meets the eye and tension escalates between the two girls. Will Eden be able to get to the bottom of the mystery? And will we ever find out how the two of them are linked? You must read the story to find out….
I have had this book scheduled for review but wasn’t sure if I would have it read in time in order to post a review due to a mailing mix-up … but I started reading What the Heart Remembers last night and couldn’t put it down. This book is amazing. Debra does such a fantastic job at creating a seamless mystery surrounding a donated heart that leaves you fully engaged and mesmerized. I loved the tension between the two gals and was absolutely blown away by the ending. Wow! I may be a little sleep deprived today but it was well worth it. It’s been a while since I’ve had my pulse quicken while reading, but this book was that good. Overall, a great read with a suspenseful plot!
I have had this book scheduled for review but wasn’t sure if I would have it read in time in order to post a review due to a mailing mix-up … but I started reading What the Heart Remembers last night and couldn’t put it down. This book is amazing. Debra does such a fantastic job at creating a seamless mystery surrounding a donated heart that leaves you fully engaged and mesmerized. I loved the tension between the two gals and was absolutely blown away by the ending. Wow! I may be a little sleep deprived today but it was well worth it. It’s been a while since I’ve had my pulse quicken while reading, but this book was that good. Overall, a great read with a suspenseful plot!
January 4, 2016
My process for choosing a book is a little eclectic. If it's written by an author I know I like, I just get it, no questions asked. When looking for a new author, however, a catchy title or showy cover will grab my attention. If I like the blurb on the back, I'll give it a chance. I never open the book and read a sample before making my decision. What if I catch a glimpse of a critical moment in the book, and the whole experience is ruined because of this slip? (#booknerdproblems). This particular book was set on the shelf backwards, with the back facing out. The plot sounded interesting. I was hooked.
When I began the book, I was struck by the style of writing. It was very simple, almost juvenile compared to the poetic prose of the last few books I had read. Three pages in, and I was trying to remember the last time I put a book down without finishing it. But the blurb on the back sounded so good, so fresh and different from what I'd been reading. So I decided to give it a chance. I'm glad I did.
I'm not sure if the writing got better, or if it just stopped bothering me, but I suspect that the writing improved as the author hit her stride. There were several descriptions that struck me like an electric shock because they were so good. I enjoyed the story, was surprised by the twist, and felt satisfied by the ending.
Once again, I am humbled and reminded that good authors come in all genres, structures, and styles. What one author lacks in fanciful language, she make may up for in creative execution and original ideas. Four and a half stars.
When I began the book, I was struck by the style of writing. It was very simple, almost juvenile compared to the poetic prose of the last few books I had read. Three pages in, and I was trying to remember the last time I put a book down without finishing it. But the blurb on the back sounded so good, so fresh and different from what I'd been reading. So I decided to give it a chance. I'm glad I did.
I'm not sure if the writing got better, or if it just stopped bothering me, but I suspect that the writing improved as the author hit her stride. There were several descriptions that struck me like an electric shock because they were so good. I enjoyed the story, was surprised by the twist, and felt satisfied by the ending.
Once again, I am humbled and reminded that good authors come in all genres, structures, and styles. What one author lacks in fanciful language, she make may up for in creative execution and original ideas. Four and a half stars.
August 25, 2012
The 411 by Maria:
I read this last week while I was recovering from surgery oddly enough. Although it was nothing like the heart transplant in the book, it was a good read to get through the worst, most painful of my days.
In What the Heart Remembers we meet Eden who has received a heart transplant from a donor. She suddenly changes her life after dealing with feelings that aren't necessarily her own. For most of the book, I was unsure of who the heart belonged to. The writer does a great job of building suspense and crafting a story with great characters.
Darcy, Eden, Derek are the main focus of the book with three secondary characters that are quite important to the story. The story of Eden leads us to wonder, are our organs really just components to allow our body to do what they need for us, or do they make up who we are, storing memories and personality traits that are our personal makeup?
Great read! Easy to jump in and out of if you can't dedicate constant time to reading
I read this last week while I was recovering from surgery oddly enough. Although it was nothing like the heart transplant in the book, it was a good read to get through the worst, most painful of my days.
In What the Heart Remembers we meet Eden who has received a heart transplant from a donor. She suddenly changes her life after dealing with feelings that aren't necessarily her own. For most of the book, I was unsure of who the heart belonged to. The writer does a great job of building suspense and crafting a story with great characters.
Darcy, Eden, Derek are the main focus of the book with three secondary characters that are quite important to the story. The story of Eden leads us to wonder, are our organs really just components to allow our body to do what they need for us, or do they make up who we are, storing memories and personality traits that are our personal makeup?
Great read! Easy to jump in and out of if you can't dedicate constant time to reading
November 20, 2012
It's not that I didn't like the story. I was actually into it trying to figure out what the big secret Darcy was keeping but once I found out whose heart Eden really had, I guess I was disappointed. The thought of an ex-lover scorned was too typical and, well, dumb. I would have liked it better if somehow Darcy's husband had planned the whole thing to get her back for the affair and dropping in on her when she figure it out. I didn't really understand Lulu's character or learned much about her so she didn't fit right with the story. I guess it was one of the reasons I didn't like the story. We learned about Darcy, Peter, and Adam then out of nowhere Lulu is thrown into the mix. It wasn't hard to understand that Lulu was in love with Adam but the secret/memory should have been bigger than that. I just needed it to be a little more dramatic for a twist to give it more than two stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2016
I’d heard about cellular memory before and it made me interested in reading What the Heart Remembers and I was excited when I find out I’d won this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway. The story immediately drew me into the lives of Eden and Darcy. The mystery of why Eden’s new heart was affecting her life was told in a way that had me thinking I’d figured it out only to find out that it wasn’t the person we’d been led to assume.
While I really enjoyed the story, there were times when it seemed weighed down with too many details and I wasn’t too crazy about how it ended…it seemed a little rushed.
While I really enjoyed the story, there were times when it seemed weighed down with too many details and I wasn’t too crazy about how it ended…it seemed a little rushed.
September 17, 2012
Book Review & Giveaway: You know I’m a sucker for intriguing book covers, and What the Heart Remembers by Debra Ginsberg definitely qualifies! Add in two of my top ten favorite cities and a very interesting sounding concept, and I jumped on it with both feet. When I began reading, I thought “Hmm, I don’t know about this after all. This idea may have been done to death.” But then I got into the story and realized it had a completely new slant. What the Heart Remembers has been compared to a cross between Laura Lippman and Kate Atkinson, a dead-on comparison in my opinion. Read the rest of my review & enter to win at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4611.
September 5, 2012
What the Heart Remembers drew me in and captivated my mind. Although science themed books are not my normal choices I couldn't put this book down. The relationship of Darcy and Eden was wonderful and the idea of cellular memory facinating. There were a few side stories that I felt were left unresolved....the kiss between the waitress and Eden as well as Darcy, Lisa, and the lawyer never figured out what that was all about. For those reasons, I only give the book a 4 star, but would recommend it to friends.
December 31, 2012
I didn't hate it but really didn't care for it either, I would give it a 2.5! I really liked the thought behind the book, what an amazing story to follow, but I felt it fell a little flat. Ginsberg did great in swaying our thoughts to think the heart belonged to a certain person but while doing that she left a lot of major questions unanswered, that just bothered me through most of the story. I struggled through reading this, I did want to know what would happen so great job there but it may have also been me just wanting and hoping my questions would be answered.
March 27, 2013
Oy. I read this one fairly quickly, so that says something. Actually, that says that it was easy reading, but that's where my positive comments end. Although the subject matter (cellular memory) is fascininating, this book was one big cliche. It read like a movie of the week. However, I've heard good things about this author so I may check out her other books.
As an aside, I often unwittingly choose books that have similar themes. This is the second book I've read lately with a character who can no longer run - something I've experienced in my own life.
As an aside, I often unwittingly choose books that have similar themes. This is the second book I've read lately with a character who can no longer run - something I've experienced in my own life.
December 29, 2015
This book, which combined women's fiction and suspense, was the best Christmas gift. I was on vacation on Sanibel Island, Florida, and my daughter picked out a YA novel she wanted from this wonderful independent bookstore called MacIntosh Books and Paper. When I purchased her book, they had a basket of books wrapped in Christmas paper that you could select for free. I picked one labeled "thriller," opened it up and thought, "I might just like this." I proceeded to read it every chance I got and enjoyed every twist and turn!
June 28, 2012
I've been waiting a long time for Ginsberg's newest, and "What the Heart Remembers" is definitely worth the wait! Both a chilling mystery and a fascinating exploration of two women, it's a quick-paced read, one that I couldn't stop thinking about. "What the Heart Remembers" is the sort of book that tempts me to read at stoplights (don't worry, I don't!) and I can't wait to see what Debra cooks up next!
January 30, 2013
I won this book in a first reads free giveaway on Good Reads. Looking forward to reading it. Eden needs a heart transplant and finally gets one. Everything seems fine at first but than she starts remembering people and places she doesn't know. She is drawn to San Diego and that is where her adventure begins. Full of mystery with lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed the story. Thanks for my copy of the book.
September 18, 2012
I liked this book very much. The twists and turns kept me questioning where the story plot was going. At first, I thought Eden's heart formally belonged to Peter. Then, I was sure the heart was Adam's. When I found out the heart actually belonged to Lulu, I was shocked but satisfied. This book could have only been more perfect if I knew that Derek and Eden remained together for good after reconciling at the end of the novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2012
Debra Ginsberg's best novel to date, What the Heart Remembers is based on the concept of cellular memory, which at this time is merely anecdotal in nature and not yet embraced by the scientific community. When a young woman receives a heart transplant, her life changes drastically as she takes on the memories and thoughts of her organ donor. The book will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire read.
July 15, 2013
A little predictable. I was back and forth between being drawn into the story and thinking it was a ridiculous plot. There's a difference between cellular memory (which is supposed to explain everything that is happening) and a person who is completely taken over by another person's spirit (which is really what was happening). It kind of felt like I was reading a ghost story, especially towards the end.
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