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The Heart of Everything
Even death can’t break the bond between father and son in an uncannily funny and poignant novel about love, loss, memory, and family by Marc Levy, the bestselling author of P.S. from Paris.
There’s nothing too unusual about a father asking his son for a favor—unless, of course, the father in question has been dead for five years.
Thomas, a young virtuoso pianist living a quiet, carefully structured life in France, is stunned when his late father, Raymond, suddenly appears in his home. He’s not a ghost in the traditional sense—he’s real enough to ask for help. His request? That Thomas travel with him to San Francisco to find Camille, the long-lost love of his life.
For Thomas, it’s as surreal as it sounds. And yet…it might be his last-in-a-lifetime chance to know his father as a man and to square the regrets of the past. Together they embark on a five-thousand-mile journey that questions the very nature of existence, proves that love never fades, and rekindles the curious, heart-tugging bond between a parent and child that somehow endures beyond death.
There’s nothing too unusual about a father asking his son for a favor—unless, of course, the father in question has been dead for five years.
Thomas, a young virtuoso pianist living a quiet, carefully structured life in France, is stunned when his late father, Raymond, suddenly appears in his home. He’s not a ghost in the traditional sense—he’s real enough to ask for help. His request? That Thomas travel with him to San Francisco to find Camille, the long-lost love of his life.
For Thomas, it’s as surreal as it sounds. And yet…it might be his last-in-a-lifetime chance to know his father as a man and to square the regrets of the past. Together they embark on a five-thousand-mile journey that questions the very nature of existence, proves that love never fades, and rekindles the curious, heart-tugging bond between a parent and child that somehow endures beyond death.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2026
3232 people are currently reading
8204 people want to read
About the author
Marc Levy
195 books4,440 followersMarc Levy was born in France. When he turned eighteen, he joined the Red Cross, where he spent the next six years. In 1983, he created a computer graphics company based in France and the United States. Six years later, he co-founded an interior design and planning company with two friends; the company soon became one of the leading architecture firms in France.
At thirty-seven, Marc Levy wrote a story for the man that his son would grow up to be. In early 1999, his sister, a screenwriter (now a film director), encouraged him to send the manuscript to a French publisher, who immediately decided to publish If Only It Were True. Before it was published, Steven Spielberg (Dreamworks) acquired film rights to the novel. The movie, Just like Heaven, starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo, was a #1 box office hit in America in 2005.
After If Only It Were True, Marc Levy began writing full-time. Since then, he has written 18 novels. His work has been translated into 49 languages and has sold over 40 million copies worldwide.
In addition, Marc Levy has directed a short movie, written short stories and song lyrics for various artists, including Johnny Hallyday.
Le Figaro newspaper recently commissioned a nationwide poll asking the French to rank their favorite author: Marc Levy and Victor Hugo were #1.
Marc Levy currently lives in New York City. Readers can learn more about him and follow his work on www.marclevy.info
At thirty-seven, Marc Levy wrote a story for the man that his son would grow up to be. In early 1999, his sister, a screenwriter (now a film director), encouraged him to send the manuscript to a French publisher, who immediately decided to publish If Only It Were True. Before it was published, Steven Spielberg (Dreamworks) acquired film rights to the novel. The movie, Just like Heaven, starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo, was a #1 box office hit in America in 2005.
After If Only It Were True, Marc Levy began writing full-time. Since then, he has written 18 novels. His work has been translated into 49 languages and has sold over 40 million copies worldwide.
In addition, Marc Levy has directed a short movie, written short stories and song lyrics for various artists, including Johnny Hallyday.
Le Figaro newspaper recently commissioned a nationwide poll asking the French to rank their favorite author: Marc Levy and Victor Hugo were #1.
Marc Levy currently lives in New York City. Readers can learn more about him and follow his work on www.marclevy.info
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
January 10, 2026
Thomas, a young pianist, lives a quiet and uneventful life. He likes it that way, visiting his mother from time to time to check on her and not to feel so…lonely. But when his late father, Raymond, shows up, Thomas is shocked, even more so when his father asks him for a favor: to go to San Francisco to find Camille, his long-lost love, and to reunite their ashes.
Even though the request sounds crazy, just as much as his father appearing to him from the afterlife, Thomas realizes that this may be his last chance to actually get to know his father and to mend their relationship that was falling apart at the seams before he died. So, Thomas buys a plane ticket, packs his bags, and together they set out on an adventure that changes his life forever.
Oh. My. Gosh. I freaking loved this! 💛 I am a HUGE fan of stories that involve…well, ghosts, spirits, or whatever you want to call them. 😅 I actually watched Just Like Heaven (a movie I've never seen before) with Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo last night, and I was smiling at the fact that some of the scenes in the movie were similar to the ones in this book. And I thought to myself, how fortuitous. 😉
It makes me sad to think that I almost didn’t download this. I would have missed out on a hilarious and touching story about a son doing a favor for his father that he didn’t really understand. And when I say hilarious, I mean that I was actually laughing out loud. Thomas and Raymond’s jokes, insults, and sarcasm were everything that I needed. It has been a fat minute since a story has made me laugh as much as this one did. 😂 Did I get some confused and concerned looks from my family? Yes, but it was worth it.
What’s also great about this book is that it is quite short, imo. Twenty fairly short chapters with an even shorter epilogue, and I loved every minute of it. I honestly don’t think it was too short or lacked any details or plot points. The writing was simple, straightforward, yet moving. The story kept me engaged and interested all the way to the very end (which is a hard feat for me nowadays 😅). And I loved the characters! Thomas and Raymond were SOO funny! I loved them together, even though they got on each other’s nerves. 😂 It’s a pretty realistic portrayal of a relationship between a father and his son (or daughter, because my parents and I have pretty much the same humor and like to go at it 🤭).
Ooh, and the fact that Thomas was a virtuoso pianist was the cherry on top! I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE classical music! I played the violin in middle school, and although I wasn't very good at it (just ask anybody and they’ll tell you how horrible I was), my love for the greats like Debussy, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and so many other fantastic composers was born and has been going strong for many, many years. So when I saw the various concertos and pieces Thomas would play in the story, I literally freaked out and pulled them up on YouTube to listen to them again. 😍🤭 That made me so happy and doubled my overall enjoyment for this book.
Do I recommend this book? Heck yes! I loved everything about this and want to read it again as soon as possible. 🩵
Thank you to AmazonCrossing and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions death and dying.
Swearing: A little.
Spice: No–only kissing and mentioning love making.
Even though the request sounds crazy, just as much as his father appearing to him from the afterlife, Thomas realizes that this may be his last chance to actually get to know his father and to mend their relationship that was falling apart at the seams before he died. So, Thomas buys a plane ticket, packs his bags, and together they set out on an adventure that changes his life forever.
Oh. My. Gosh. I freaking loved this! 💛 I am a HUGE fan of stories that involve…well, ghosts, spirits, or whatever you want to call them. 😅 I actually watched Just Like Heaven (a movie I've never seen before) with Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo last night, and I was smiling at the fact that some of the scenes in the movie were similar to the ones in this book. And I thought to myself, how fortuitous. 😉
It makes me sad to think that I almost didn’t download this. I would have missed out on a hilarious and touching story about a son doing a favor for his father that he didn’t really understand. And when I say hilarious, I mean that I was actually laughing out loud. Thomas and Raymond’s jokes, insults, and sarcasm were everything that I needed. It has been a fat minute since a story has made me laugh as much as this one did. 😂 Did I get some confused and concerned looks from my family? Yes, but it was worth it.
What’s also great about this book is that it is quite short, imo. Twenty fairly short chapters with an even shorter epilogue, and I loved every minute of it. I honestly don’t think it was too short or lacked any details or plot points. The writing was simple, straightforward, yet moving. The story kept me engaged and interested all the way to the very end (which is a hard feat for me nowadays 😅). And I loved the characters! Thomas and Raymond were SOO funny! I loved them together, even though they got on each other’s nerves. 😂 It’s a pretty realistic portrayal of a relationship between a father and his son (or daughter, because my parents and I have pretty much the same humor and like to go at it 🤭).
Ooh, and the fact that Thomas was a virtuoso pianist was the cherry on top! I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE classical music! I played the violin in middle school, and although I wasn't very good at it (just ask anybody and they’ll tell you how horrible I was), my love for the greats like Debussy, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and so many other fantastic composers was born and has been going strong for many, many years. So when I saw the various concertos and pieces Thomas would play in the story, I literally freaked out and pulled them up on YouTube to listen to them again. 😍🤭 That made me so happy and doubled my overall enjoyment for this book.
Do I recommend this book? Heck yes! I loved everything about this and want to read it again as soon as possible. 🩵
Thank you to AmazonCrossing and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions death and dying.
Swearing: A little.
Spice: No–only kissing and mentioning love making.
January 11, 2026
Not my usual type of book but that’s what Amazon Firsts are all about; taking a risk because these books are like a free gift.
The parent and child relationship can be the most challenging, fulfilling, rewarding, hurtful, beautiful thing. You can luck out as a parent, make all the right decisions and have the most amazing relationships with your children. As a child, you can also luck out and you might have the loveliest relationship with your mum and dad. Relationships take respect and love on both sides.
This book made me miss my mum and dad. What I would give to spend more time with them or have one more conversation. I’d apologise to my mum for being a horrid teenager and I’d give my dad all of those hugs that I wish I’d given him.
Thomas didn’t have a close relationship with his dad, Raymond at the end of his life. He didn’t really understand him. Maybe Raymond didn’t tell Thomas how much he loved him and then it was too late. Raymond has one wish and that is to be reunited with the love of his life and only Thomas can help. Thomas does what a loving and caring son would do. He helps his ghost dad.
It’s a sweet and sentimental book.
“Heaven is the place where you say, I love you, son. That’s what it means to be a father, and I will always be yours. For all eternity.”
The parent and child relationship can be the most challenging, fulfilling, rewarding, hurtful, beautiful thing. You can luck out as a parent, make all the right decisions and have the most amazing relationships with your children. As a child, you can also luck out and you might have the loveliest relationship with your mum and dad. Relationships take respect and love on both sides.
This book made me miss my mum and dad. What I would give to spend more time with them or have one more conversation. I’d apologise to my mum for being a horrid teenager and I’d give my dad all of those hugs that I wish I’d given him.
Thomas didn’t have a close relationship with his dad, Raymond at the end of his life. He didn’t really understand him. Maybe Raymond didn’t tell Thomas how much he loved him and then it was too late. Raymond has one wish and that is to be reunited with the love of his life and only Thomas can help. Thomas does what a loving and caring son would do. He helps his ghost dad.
It’s a sweet and sentimental book.
“Heaven is the place where you say, I love you, son. That’s what it means to be a father, and I will always be yours. For all eternity.”
December 4, 2025
Amazon First Reads December 2025
“Hey, Dad. What does it mean to be a father?”
Told from a decidedly male POV, THE HEART OF EVERYTHING, by award winning, French author, Marc Levy, is unique in this genre. Amazon lists it as Ghost fiction, Paranormal Romance or Marriage and Divorce Fiction. For me, it was more Coming of Age, Father and Son. It’s also worth noting that the translation is magnificent. Had it not been identified, I’d have never suspected.
Thomas, the son and Raymond, the father, are the primary characters. Raymond appears to Thomas after he has a few hits of weed he found at his mother’s apartment. He’s in a fragile place: feeling unprepared for a big concert, his love life is a mess and it’s the 5th anniversary of his father’s passing. Thomas tries to sleep it off but no luck - dad is still here.
Dad needs a favor. Could you fly to San Francisco and unite my ashes with those from the love of my life so we can spend eternity together? Oh, and by the way, you have just a few days. Her funeral is on Friday. The remainder of the book is Raymond convincing Thomas to do his bidding and the escapades making it happen. Think I Love Lucy, Laverne and Shirley being Touched by an Angel - DAD!
Levy includes a nice assortment of secondary characters that serve to move the story along and fill in historical information. None are developed but that’s not their job. Father and son are given an opportunity many would love to have, me included. I’d give almost anything to spend a week with my father, no matter how preposterous the ask!
For those who are wondering, this male driven story does follow the basic traditions for the genre and a 9th hour HEA does happen for the destiny bound couple. There might even be progress on the love front for Thomas but more importantly, he finally gets an answer to his opening question about what it means to be a father; no spoiler from me📚
“Hey, Dad. What does it mean to be a father?”
Told from a decidedly male POV, THE HEART OF EVERYTHING, by award winning, French author, Marc Levy, is unique in this genre. Amazon lists it as Ghost fiction, Paranormal Romance or Marriage and Divorce Fiction. For me, it was more Coming of Age, Father and Son. It’s also worth noting that the translation is magnificent. Had it not been identified, I’d have never suspected.
Thomas, the son and Raymond, the father, are the primary characters. Raymond appears to Thomas after he has a few hits of weed he found at his mother’s apartment. He’s in a fragile place: feeling unprepared for a big concert, his love life is a mess and it’s the 5th anniversary of his father’s passing. Thomas tries to sleep it off but no luck - dad is still here.
Dad needs a favor. Could you fly to San Francisco and unite my ashes with those from the love of my life so we can spend eternity together? Oh, and by the way, you have just a few days. Her funeral is on Friday. The remainder of the book is Raymond convincing Thomas to do his bidding and the escapades making it happen. Think I Love Lucy, Laverne and Shirley being Touched by an Angel - DAD!
Levy includes a nice assortment of secondary characters that serve to move the story along and fill in historical information. None are developed but that’s not their job. Father and son are given an opportunity many would love to have, me included. I’d give almost anything to spend a week with my father, no matter how preposterous the ask!
For those who are wondering, this male driven story does follow the basic traditions for the genre and a 9th hour HEA does happen for the destiny bound couple. There might even be progress on the love front for Thomas but more importantly, he finally gets an answer to his opening question about what it means to be a father; no spoiler from me📚
December 11, 2025
I feel bad rating a book so low but this was just not good. I’m not sure if it’s the translation but the writing was so clunky. I could barely tell who was talking until halfway through a paragraph at times. Nearly all the characters were unlikable. The story was… unbelievable? Which is a weird thing to say given the premise. I just couldn’t get into the idea of anything that was happening throughout.
January 17, 2026
“Hey dad, what does it mean to be a father?”
The Heart of Everything by Marc Levy follows Thomas, a pianist who lost his father 5 years ago. But one night, back in his mother’s house, he finds himself looking at a silhouette of his father, listening to his voice speak to him, as if he’s there. He thinks that it’s a consequence to the pot he’s smoking, but what’s even stranger? He’s not imagining it. And his father has come back to give them one last adventure, and also to steal the ashes of his mistress???
That is probably what the synopsis of this book would be if it was explained very badly. I think that the premise of this book is quite different to my usual reading genre (since it doesn’t usually involve many supernatural elements), but I think that people who are familiar with Levy’s work or this genre would find this book quite heartwarming and entertaining. Thomas’ character is quite closed off and avoidant, especially after his father has died, even if he hasn’t realised it. And Raymond died with so many regrets, this trip was meant to make up for it. I did enjoy many aspects about this book, the fact that Thomas is a classical pianist (we don’t really read a lot about those but we secretly want to), and the whole trip thing, and they are French??? Oui oui merci to the Frenchmen. And the concept is great, and the story was okay, and the characters were okay.
But although the whole point of this trip/adventure was to reunite with Camille, the whole premise kind of set it up to be more like a father-son reuniting bonding trip as well. Otherwise, it would be crazy of Thomas to even agree if he didn’t want anything to do with his father, which he so definitely does. He definitely has trauma from his father leaving so abruptly. But the whole bonding thing wasn’t really illustrated throughout the whole plot line. It was more so like the dad was giving commands while the son nodded his head and committed crimes. I also understand why the divorce happened, Thomas’ mother was much too carefree and spontaneous for that. Raymond’s character was so similar to his archnemisis, in more ways than he would imagine. So it makes me wonder if Raymond and Camille would even live happily ever after in the afterlife, given that their partners before that they were apparently unhappy with are so similar to each other.
I think that was what this book was lacking, because I was very much expecting it to be a deep, thoughtful reconnection between father and son, and I do wonder if the message got lost in translation, because the language was very cold? There were some cute and deep lines scattered throughout, but mainly, the words of advice his father gave him were a bit generic as well.
The part I probably enjoyed most about the book was the last few chapters with Manon and Thomas, but I wish we would’ve gotten more time to see them as the ending was very sudden and abrupt.
It was exactly what I expected though, just a quick read to pass time, left me wanting more though.
“Masculine bravado can go to hell, because even is the place where you say, I love you, son. That’s what it means to be a father, and I will always be yours. For all eternity.”
Thank you to AmazonCrossing and Netgalley for this ARC! All thoughts are my own.
The Heart of Everything by Marc Levy follows Thomas, a pianist who lost his father 5 years ago. But one night, back in his mother’s house, he finds himself looking at a silhouette of his father, listening to his voice speak to him, as if he’s there. He thinks that it’s a consequence to the pot he’s smoking, but what’s even stranger? He’s not imagining it. And his father has come back to give them one last adventure, and also to steal the ashes of his mistress???
That is probably what the synopsis of this book would be if it was explained very badly. I think that the premise of this book is quite different to my usual reading genre (since it doesn’t usually involve many supernatural elements), but I think that people who are familiar with Levy’s work or this genre would find this book quite heartwarming and entertaining. Thomas’ character is quite closed off and avoidant, especially after his father has died, even if he hasn’t realised it. And Raymond died with so many regrets, this trip was meant to make up for it. I did enjoy many aspects about this book, the fact that Thomas is a classical pianist (we don’t really read a lot about those but we secretly want to), and the whole trip thing, and they are French??? Oui oui merci to the Frenchmen. And the concept is great, and the story was okay, and the characters were okay.
But although the whole point of this trip/adventure was to reunite with Camille, the whole premise kind of set it up to be more like a father-son reuniting bonding trip as well. Otherwise, it would be crazy of Thomas to even agree if he didn’t want anything to do with his father, which he so definitely does. He definitely has trauma from his father leaving so abruptly. But the whole bonding thing wasn’t really illustrated throughout the whole plot line. It was more so like the dad was giving commands while the son nodded his head and committed crimes. I also understand why the divorce happened, Thomas’ mother was much too carefree and spontaneous for that. Raymond’s character was so similar to his archnemisis, in more ways than he would imagine. So it makes me wonder if Raymond and Camille would even live happily ever after in the afterlife, given that their partners before that they were apparently unhappy with are so similar to each other.
I think that was what this book was lacking, because I was very much expecting it to be a deep, thoughtful reconnection between father and son, and I do wonder if the message got lost in translation, because the language was very cold? There were some cute and deep lines scattered throughout, but mainly, the words of advice his father gave him were a bit generic as well.
The part I probably enjoyed most about the book was the last few chapters with Manon and Thomas, but I wish we would’ve gotten more time to see them as the ending was very sudden and abrupt.
It was exactly what I expected though, just a quick read to pass time, left me wanting more though.
“Masculine bravado can go to hell, because even is the place where you say, I love you, son. That’s what it means to be a father, and I will always be yours. For all eternity.”
Thank you to AmazonCrossing and Netgalley for this ARC! All thoughts are my own.
December 10, 2025
This book is the English translation and American release of a 2019 book, originally written in French, called "Ghost in Love". I haven't yet read the French version, but I suspect there was a lot lost in the translation. The dialog in the English version is stilted in many places, and overly direct and plain at times where nuance seems to be called for. The tone of the narration and most of the dialog (usually serious and heavy) doesn't match the tone of the story events (hijinks with funerary urns, conversations with ghosts in public). And all of the characters sounded the same to me.
Since it's billed as a book about the relationship between father and son, I expected a lot more talk about fatherly advice and how the young can teach the old new things. Maybe some time given to the (often toxic) need for masculinity in father-son relationships that inhibits their ability to really share what matters. There *was* some of that in the book, but it was hampered by the fact that Raymond (the father) is a pretty insufferable character. He spends most of the book appearing to care about himself and his own agenda, without much caring about the impact it has on his son's life. He is flippant with his son up until the deeper conversations toward the end of the book, in his last chapter, and his son Thomas seems ill-equipped to do much pushing back. The resulting dialog is pretty frustrating to read and doesn't have much in the way of meaning.
Raymond is also a womanizer, and his views on women in general, even those he loves and claims to respect, are rather misogynistic and sexist in today's world (and... again keep in mind the book was written in 2019... so still in today's world). In addition to giving a lot of "ick" while reading it, it rather weakened Raymond's role as the provider of wisdom.
The ending is predictable and sappy, but I suppose as "happy" an ending as a story about leaving the living and the afterlife can be. Overall I got the feeling that this story was written to become a Hallmark made-for-TV movie - and I don't know how much of that is really an artifact of translation vs innate to the story itself.
Since it's billed as a book about the relationship between father and son, I expected a lot more talk about fatherly advice and how the young can teach the old new things. Maybe some time given to the (often toxic) need for masculinity in father-son relationships that inhibits their ability to really share what matters. There *was* some of that in the book, but it was hampered by the fact that Raymond (the father) is a pretty insufferable character. He spends most of the book appearing to care about himself and his own agenda, without much caring about the impact it has on his son's life. He is flippant with his son up until the deeper conversations toward the end of the book, in his last chapter, and his son Thomas seems ill-equipped to do much pushing back. The resulting dialog is pretty frustrating to read and doesn't have much in the way of meaning.
Raymond is also a womanizer, and his views on women in general, even those he loves and claims to respect, are rather misogynistic and sexist in today's world (and... again keep in mind the book was written in 2019... so still in today's world). In addition to giving a lot of "ick" while reading it, it rather weakened Raymond's role as the provider of wisdom.
The ending is predictable and sappy, but I suppose as "happy" an ending as a story about leaving the living and the afterlife can be. Overall I got the feeling that this story was written to become a Hallmark made-for-TV movie - and I don't know how much of that is really an artifact of translation vs innate to the story itself.
January 15, 2026
It got abit too slow for me.
January 10, 2026
Lost in translation?
I get it. . .books take you on a journey, making the unbelievable, believable but this novel missed the boat. Two starts is generous. . . I don’t understand the 4- and 5-star ratings. Originally written in French, perhaps translation skewed the story but highly unlikely.
I get it. . .books take you on a journey, making the unbelievable, believable but this novel missed the boat. Two starts is generous. . . I don’t understand the 4- and 5-star ratings. Originally written in French, perhaps translation skewed the story but highly unlikely.
January 15, 2026
Absolutely loved this story, tender, funny, magical
All I know is if my Dad would come back and needs a favor, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second just to spend one more day with him ❤️
All I know is if my Dad would come back and needs a favor, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second just to spend one more day with him ❤️
January 17, 2026
✨I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ✨
Wow - this is the best thing I have read in months! I adored this book from the start to the very end. Great premise, great characters, great twists, great relationships, great settings…. I loved the magical elements and the hope in the grief dotted throughout. I laughed out loud several times. The book was the perfect length for the story and the ending was beautiful. I had never heard of this author before but will be trying to read his backlist now!
Wow - this is the best thing I have read in months! I adored this book from the start to the very end. Great premise, great characters, great twists, great relationships, great settings…. I loved the magical elements and the hope in the grief dotted throughout. I laughed out loud several times. The book was the perfect length for the story and the ending was beautiful. I had never heard of this author before but will be trying to read his backlist now!
January 20, 2026
A poignant tale about grief and father-son relationships, awash in magical realism that adds depth and emotion. Recommended.
January 24, 2026
Traveling to the other side of the world alongside his father’s ghost is an unimaginable adventure for Thomas, a pianist more accustomed to live on the world’s greatest stages than to confronting the past.
As always with Marc Levy, the story offers just the right blend of mystery, gentle humor, meaningful lessons, and a touch of the supernatural. The journey is captivating and deeply moving, leading to a heartfelt ending that lingers long after the final page. I must admit, I finished this book with tears in my eyes and a smile in my heart, also because of the amazing dad I had.
As always with Marc Levy, the story offers just the right blend of mystery, gentle humor, meaningful lessons, and a touch of the supernatural. The journey is captivating and deeply moving, leading to a heartfelt ending that lingers long after the final page. I must admit, I finished this book with tears in my eyes and a smile in my heart, also because of the amazing dad I had.
December 5, 2025
Beautiful premise
The Heart of Everything has a beautiful premise - a father who died 5 years ago reappears to his adult son requesting he accompany him on 1 final journey. As the synopsis indicates, this is a story about father-son love that was complicated when the father was alive, to which he's now trying to atone.
Some of the dialogue is corny and you have to suspend belief since the story is a bit fantastical (dead father reappearing), but it is entertaining & a quick read.
Not your typical RomCom.
The Heart of Everything has a beautiful premise - a father who died 5 years ago reappears to his adult son requesting he accompany him on 1 final journey. As the synopsis indicates, this is a story about father-son love that was complicated when the father was alive, to which he's now trying to atone.
Some of the dialogue is corny and you have to suspend belief since the story is a bit fantastical (dead father reappearing), but it is entertaining & a quick read.
Not your typical RomCom.
December 15, 2025
Excellent!
Almost gave it 5 stars! Superb on so many levels and hysterical too! Clever writing and should be made into a movie!
Almost gave it 5 stars! Superb on so many levels and hysterical too! Clever writing and should be made into a movie!
December 9, 2025
Having lost my own father a little over a year ago, and still mourning him, this book gave me hope that in the end, there is happiness and peace. It's a novel that is a bit silly in parts and certainly unbelievable, and at the same time intriguing. I had to know what happened in the end, and I was not disappointed.
Amazon First Reads choice.
Amazon First Reads choice.
February 4, 2026
Sweet, silly book. One day Thomas can see his father, his dead for five years father, and he can hear him too. His father tells him about losing the love of his life, not Thomas's mother, and that he needs help to be reunited in the afterlife. She has just passed away, and their ashes must be mixed together so that they can be together forever.
These kinds of books deal with these ridiculous premises in less than realistic ways. Thomas is a pianist in Paris, and his father's amore is being cremated in San Francisco, CA. No one can see Raymond but that doesn't stop Thomas from having very animated conversations with him all over Paris, on the airplane, and in Ubers in California. Even when people look at him funny or comment on his seemingly speaking to no one, not once does Thomas do anything to mitigate the situation, like pulling out his phone and pretending to be on a call, when he needs to communicate with the dead.
Anyway, more shenanigans ensue, but with the help of the woman's daughter (because of course there's a single daughter in the mix) the dead father gets his happily ever after.
These kinds of books deal with these ridiculous premises in less than realistic ways. Thomas is a pianist in Paris, and his father's amore is being cremated in San Francisco, CA. No one can see Raymond but that doesn't stop Thomas from having very animated conversations with him all over Paris, on the airplane, and in Ubers in California. Even when people look at him funny or comment on his seemingly speaking to no one, not once does Thomas do anything to mitigate the situation, like pulling out his phone and pretending to be on a call, when he needs to communicate with the dead.
Anyway, more shenanigans ensue, but with the help of the woman's daughter (because of course there's a single daughter in the mix) the dead father gets his happily ever after.
January 22, 2026
Well this was a unique [and often hilarious] story that I ended up really enjoying.
An interesting look at relationships between a parent and a child and what happens when said parent reappears 5 years AFTER their death to ask a huge favor that will take both father AND son on the adventure of a lifetime, and forever change the son and how he views both his father and everything in his own life.
I just recently "discovered" Simon Mattacks as a narrator and am now convinced I would listen to him narrate anything. He does an absolutely amazing job here [his French pronunciations are spot-on], and made a good book even better with his great narration. Well done - I look forward to listening to Mr. Mattacks again.
Thank you to NetGalley, Marc Levy, Maren Baudel-Lackner - Translator, and Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio for providing the audiobook ARC [the kindle book was a Kindle First pick] in exchange for an honest review.
An interesting look at relationships between a parent and a child and what happens when said parent reappears 5 years AFTER their death to ask a huge favor that will take both father AND son on the adventure of a lifetime, and forever change the son and how he views both his father and everything in his own life.
I just recently "discovered" Simon Mattacks as a narrator and am now convinced I would listen to him narrate anything. He does an absolutely amazing job here [his French pronunciations are spot-on], and made a good book even better with his great narration. Well done - I look forward to listening to Mr. Mattacks again.
Thank you to NetGalley, Marc Levy, Maren Baudel-Lackner - Translator, and Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio for providing the audiobook ARC [the kindle book was a Kindle First pick] in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2026
4.25⭐️
Operation Urn. Seaweed so the driver has an unforgettable night. Ghost in Love. Those were just a few of the moments that made me LOL or pulled at my heartstrings. This book was filled with many of those moments. This was such a moving and funny story. Thomas and his father Raymond were so quirky and endearing. What I wouldn’t give to have one last adventure with my mom as would most people who have lost a beloved parent. I just loved this book. It had so much depth especially considering it was a short story. I didn’t realize until I’d finished it and looked into his other books but this is a story where characters overlap in his books and now I really want to read more by him!
Operation Urn. Seaweed so the driver has an unforgettable night. Ghost in Love. Those were just a few of the moments that made me LOL or pulled at my heartstrings. This book was filled with many of those moments. This was such a moving and funny story. Thomas and his father Raymond were so quirky and endearing. What I wouldn’t give to have one last adventure with my mom as would most people who have lost a beloved parent. I just loved this book. It had so much depth especially considering it was a short story. I didn’t realize until I’d finished it and looked into his other books but this is a story where characters overlap in his books and now I really want to read more by him!
December 15, 2025
This book was so sweet and touching. A son who helps his father fulfill a final wish and learns who he truly is in the process. The movie Just Like Heaven is from a book by the same author and I could absolutely see this being a movie as well. As a result the ending is mildly predictable but enjoyable nonetheless.
January 6, 2026
The Heart of Everything is a quirky, heartfelt story about a son reconnecting with his dad’s ghost and navigating a bizarre, emotional journey to his father’s past love. The time they spend together is surprisingly sweet, and the story balances humor, heart, and a touch of the surreal.
3.75⭐️
Thank you to Amazon Crossing for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
3.75⭐️
Thank you to Amazon Crossing for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 12, 2025
A very endearing and heartfelt story of a final adventure between father and son. Learning of a past untold, and more about his father than he knew in life. Really makes you think what love truly means. The love of a father. An unexpected love between 2 souls. The love you’re afraid to open yourself up to. A wonderful read.
December 15, 2025
Without giving any spoilers, this short story is a unique love story. At times I was not sure where the author was taking us other than an unusual adventure to the USA filled with humor and then it all came together beautifully.
December 28, 2025
So many memorable lines
Such a cute story but one that rugged on my heart strings. What I wouldn't give to have a few days of a week with my mom to have the unguarded, unfiltered conversations that we avoid in life.
Such a cute story but one that rugged on my heart strings. What I wouldn't give to have a few days of a week with my mom to have the unguarded, unfiltered conversations that we avoid in life.
January 1, 2026
Unique Premise
This book had a very unique premise. I feel like it would be very interesting for healing for someone who has lost a parent. Was not really my favorite and the style of writing was a bit different.
This book had a very unique premise. I feel like it would be very interesting for healing for someone who has lost a parent. Was not really my favorite and the style of writing was a bit different.
January 4, 2026
3⭐️
This book was okay, I liked the music element and it kept my attention partly, but I don’t think I was that connected to the characters. Everything was likable and I liked the writing style as well.
This book was okay, I liked the music element and it kept my attention partly, but I don’t think I was that connected to the characters. Everything was likable and I liked the writing style as well.
January 13, 2026
this book wrecked me. what a beautiful book with the simple message that the heart of everything is love. “what does it mean to be a father?” — and i am a puddle of tears in my cubicle. god, i loved this one so much. so heartbreakingly beautiful.
December 3, 2025
Wonderful Storyline!
I LOVED this book SO much that I didn’t want it to end, but I loved how the story ended. The characters sense of humor was very entertaining.
Having lost my husband 12 years ago & my mom 3 years ago, I enjoyed the writer’s portrayal of the deceased’s ability to visit his son after his death & that heaven is real.
I LOVED this book SO much that I didn’t want it to end, but I loved how the story ended. The characters sense of humor was very entertaining.
Having lost my husband 12 years ago & my mom 3 years ago, I enjoyed the writer’s portrayal of the deceased’s ability to visit his son after his death & that heaven is real.
January 11, 2026
Magical realism, interesting, well-developed characters. Music, books, love, a little mystery, sweet story. Lovely
January 22, 2026
An interesting concept and a unique story of a father/son relationship. It kept my interest in as far as I wanted to see how this urn deliema was solved.
December 11, 2025
So Funny! So Touching!
If I could give this book more stars I would. Well written, hilarious & plain old heart warming. OMGOSH I LOVED SO MUCH! This is how I want to write... and feel everyday with the books I read.
If I could give this book more stars I would. Well written, hilarious & plain old heart warming. OMGOSH I LOVED SO MUCH! This is how I want to write... and feel everyday with the books I read.
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