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‘Sometimes time is all we have with the people we love the most. I ask you to slow down in life. To take your time, but don’t waste it….’
Maggie O'Hara knows better than most that life can change in a heartbeat. Eighteen years ago she was given the most precious gift- a second-hand heart, and a second chance at life.
Always thankful, Maggie has never forgotten Lucy Harte – the little girl that saved her life. But as Maggie's own life begins to fall apart, and her heart is broken in love, she loses sight of everything she has to live for…
Until an unexpected letter changes everything and brings Maggie back into the life of Lucy Harte – and a chance for Maggie to get her life back on track once more.
Lucy's final gift to Maggie is much more than the heart that beats inside her. It's a legacy that Maggie must learn to live by. A chance to make her heart skip a beat with every new discovery she makes; a promise to live, laugh, fall in love and heal her broken heart for good.
Because as the keeper of a borrowed heart, Maggie's time is more precious than most and she must make every cherished second count…
Maggie O'Hara knows better than most that life can change in a heartbeat. Eighteen years ago she was given the most precious gift- a second-hand heart, and a second chance at life.
Always thankful, Maggie has never forgotten Lucy Harte – the little girl that saved her life. But as Maggie's own life begins to fall apart, and her heart is broken in love, she loses sight of everything she has to live for…
Until an unexpected letter changes everything and brings Maggie back into the life of Lucy Harte – and a chance for Maggie to get her life back on track once more.
Lucy's final gift to Maggie is much more than the heart that beats inside her. It's a legacy that Maggie must learn to live by. A chance to make her heart skip a beat with every new discovery she makes; a promise to live, laugh, fall in love and heal her broken heart for good.
Because as the keeper of a borrowed heart, Maggie's time is more precious than most and she must make every cherished second count…
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2017
815 people are currently reading
1283 people want to read
About the author
Emma Heatherington
20 books260 followersEmma Heatherington is from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone.
Her latest novel, THE PROMISE, is out now in Ireland (HarperFiction) and available elsewhere on Kindle and Audio.
Her latest novel, THE PROMISE, is out now in Ireland (HarperFiction) and available elsewhere on Kindle and Audio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
March 30, 2020
"You are inside me. You are a part of me. You are within my every move. I feel like I know you, Lucy Harte, I really do. But you will never, ever know me."
Maggie was given a second chance of life when she was given a heart transplant eighteen years ago. Now she is at a low point in her life going through a divorce.
The brother of her organ donor contacts Maggie. He feels that it would help him deal with the loss of his sister, Lucy Harte, if he could meet Maggie. He gives Maggie the gift of Lucy's diary where she wrote of things she wanted to experience, and places she wanted to visit. Maggie decides to fulfill some of Lucy's dreams, and starts on a journey of self-discovery. She regains her sense of joy, and reaches out to mend fences.
Emma Heatherington is an author from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. She set this book in her home country as well as Nashville and France. "The Legacy of Lucy Harte" is women's fiction with a positive message about living life fully.
Maggie was given a second chance of life when she was given a heart transplant eighteen years ago. Now she is at a low point in her life going through a divorce.
The brother of her organ donor contacts Maggie. He feels that it would help him deal with the loss of his sister, Lucy Harte, if he could meet Maggie. He gives Maggie the gift of Lucy's diary where she wrote of things she wanted to experience, and places she wanted to visit. Maggie decides to fulfill some of Lucy's dreams, and starts on a journey of self-discovery. She regains her sense of joy, and reaches out to mend fences.
Emma Heatherington is an author from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. She set this book in her home country as well as Nashville and France. "The Legacy of Lucy Harte" is women's fiction with a positive message about living life fully.
November 12, 2016
Wow! What can I say about this amazing novel?
It was a captivating read...utterly absorbing, beautifully written. So believable and very moving.
The characters felt so real, the story kept me guessing (hate anything that's predictable) It was so gripping, an absolute page turner.
Keep them coming Emma, such a talented author.
This book will stay with me for a long, long time.
It was a captivating read...utterly absorbing, beautifully written. So believable and very moving.
The characters felt so real, the story kept me guessing (hate anything that's predictable) It was so gripping, an absolute page turner.
Keep them coming Emma, such a talented author.
This book will stay with me for a long, long time.
November 3, 2016
Darn, this made me cry. But it also made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, so I'll forgive it for the crying part. There's something about Irish women's fiction - there are a bunch of really great authors in the genre, and Emma Heatherington is definitely a member of that group. The Legacy of Lucy Harte is, as it says on the tin, a poignant, life-affirming novel that will make you laugh and cry. I don't really like it when books state things like that in the title - I assume it's a ploy to get Amazon to list it in a certain way, and I find it somewhat arrogant. I'll make my own mind up thank you very much. But darn it, it's right. It is poignant - so very poignant. It is life-affirming - a gentle and kind reminder to live life to the fullest while you have the chance. And it did indeed make me laugh and cry, though it wasn't a full-on laugh-out-loud. It's more of a sweet story than a funny one, but it has its moments.
I enjoyed Maggie as a character - she felt real. She wasn't always good, didn't always make the right decisions, didn't always listen to advice. She drank too much, held on to grudges, wallowed in self-pity and smothered her creative urges. Then she receives the legacy of Lucy Harte, and slowly things begin to change as she steps out of her comfort zone and remembers that there's more to life than real estate. And so we follow her on a journey of self-discovery that is an absolute joy to read.
Regular readers of my reviews will know that I'm very picky about endings. I can't actually say much about this one - I'm not the spoiler type - but I will say that it was very well done. It felt right, even if it did make me cry. Well done, Ms Heatherington, on delivering a story that very much makes me want to read more of your work.
I enjoyed Maggie as a character - she felt real. She wasn't always good, didn't always make the right decisions, didn't always listen to advice. She drank too much, held on to grudges, wallowed in self-pity and smothered her creative urges. Then she receives the legacy of Lucy Harte, and slowly things begin to change as she steps out of her comfort zone and remembers that there's more to life than real estate. And so we follow her on a journey of self-discovery that is an absolute joy to read.
Regular readers of my reviews will know that I'm very picky about endings. I can't actually say much about this one - I'm not the spoiler type - but I will say that it was very well done. It felt right, even if it did make me cry. Well done, Ms Heatherington, on delivering a story that very much makes me want to read more of your work.
April 26, 2020
The Legacy of Lucy Harte by Emma Heatherington. Kindle edition, 353 pages. Published 06 January 2017 by HarperImpulse. Amazon purchase. 5 Stars.
What a great read from a refreshing voice!
Maggie O’Hara is suddenly given paid time off work during a long drinking spree during the period she’s getting a divorce. Shortly after, Maggie receives a letter from the family of her organ donor.
This is the inspirational story of a woman who finds true happiness—and the miracle of love, which seems to find her everywhere now. The author uses the sensitive subject of organ donation with such skill that it blurs the line between living and dying. With any luck, Maggie O’Hara will stay with you until long after the end!
July 13, 2018
Een uitgebreidere recensie staat op Marieke's Books
Ik ben eerlijk gezegd een beetje teleurgesteld.. Het boek gaat zo ontzettend snel, dat het erg onrealistisch is. Het heeft wel een mooie boodschap, dat wel, maar dat maakte het boek nog niet goed. Maggie vond ik geen fijne hoofdpersoon en daardoor had ik geen klik met haar. Dit zorgde ervoor dat ik niet in het verhaal zat en er soms zelfs tegenop keek om verder te lezen. Maar iets zorgde ervoor dat ik toch doorging. Ik was namelijk enorm benieuwd naar het einde!
Ik ben eerlijk gezegd een beetje teleurgesteld.. Het boek gaat zo ontzettend snel, dat het erg onrealistisch is. Het heeft wel een mooie boodschap, dat wel, maar dat maakte het boek nog niet goed. Maggie vond ik geen fijne hoofdpersoon en daardoor had ik geen klik met haar. Dit zorgde ervoor dat ik niet in het verhaal zat en er soms zelfs tegenop keek om verder te lezen. Maar iets zorgde ervoor dat ik toch doorging. Ik was namelijk enorm benieuwd naar het einde!
February 3, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Lets think about something rather important for a moment; heart transplants (also known as a new lease of life). But is it? The clock was ticking for Maggie's life; she either gets a new heart and lives, or the chances of her dying become incredibly high. The thing is, someone else has to die to give her the heart and Maggie can't let that thought (and guilt), go. How could Maggie ever repay the family of the girl who gave Maggie a new heart?
People live by mantras; Maggie lives by Lucy Harte.
The simplicity of the cover peaked my interest the moment that I saw it. I skimmed the blurb but didn't want to find out too much before I started reading, as I knew that this book would take hold of my mind in more ways than one. What I never accounted for was the emotion that poured from my eyes as the storyline progressed.
In 'The Legacy of Lucy Harte', we follow Maggie's life and how she learns to live with the grief behind the most precious (and priceless) gift that she has ever received. I can't begin to imagine what emotions a donor recipient will have, or the thoughts that cross their minds in the aftermath. You've just been given a new lease of life yet how can you be happy knowing that someone had to die to give you a second chance at living? Given the fact that I have never gone through a situation like that, or been involved indirectly, the questions that I had whilst reading this book were answered thanks to Emma's portrayal of Maggie. Emma has taken an incredibly sensitive and emotionally charged situation, written about it in such a raw and poignant manner, whilst still approaching the entire thing with such a delicate nature. The author and the storyline literally blew my mind.
As I was reading the novel, the hairs on my arms stood to attention with goosebumps camping out there too. It was as though I was getting a bolt of emotion through my fingertips as I held the book and digested the incredibly moving story. I am in awe at Emma H's mind-blowing writing. Wow.
It is safe to say that the ending of the book broke my heart. My entire mind-set and emotions were so invested in the storyline and the characters that when things started taking a turn, my heart began to hurt. In such a short space of time I had gotten to know such powerful characters yet in one large swoop, the storyline knocked me off my feet. I was heartbroken and sobbing my heart out. But you know what? I wouldn't have wanted any other reaction. Considering the nature of the book, I wanted to feel the emotion behind the words that the author wrote and I did.
Emma Heatherington is definitely an author to watch for 2017. Her smooth, gritty (yet easy-going) style of writing is going to make for even more outstanding reads if 'The Legacy of Lucy Harte' is anything to go by.
Full of emotion, poignancy and incredible characters, 'The Legacy of Lucy Harte' will have you dissecting your own life and finding emotions you never knew you had. Mind blowing and brilliant...just make sure you keep tissues by your side (just in case).
Thank you Harper Impulse.
Lets think about something rather important for a moment; heart transplants (also known as a new lease of life). But is it? The clock was ticking for Maggie's life; she either gets a new heart and lives, or the chances of her dying become incredibly high. The thing is, someone else has to die to give her the heart and Maggie can't let that thought (and guilt), go. How could Maggie ever repay the family of the girl who gave Maggie a new heart?
People live by mantras; Maggie lives by Lucy Harte.
The simplicity of the cover peaked my interest the moment that I saw it. I skimmed the blurb but didn't want to find out too much before I started reading, as I knew that this book would take hold of my mind in more ways than one. What I never accounted for was the emotion that poured from my eyes as the storyline progressed.
In 'The Legacy of Lucy Harte', we follow Maggie's life and how she learns to live with the grief behind the most precious (and priceless) gift that she has ever received. I can't begin to imagine what emotions a donor recipient will have, or the thoughts that cross their minds in the aftermath. You've just been given a new lease of life yet how can you be happy knowing that someone had to die to give you a second chance at living? Given the fact that I have never gone through a situation like that, or been involved indirectly, the questions that I had whilst reading this book were answered thanks to Emma's portrayal of Maggie. Emma has taken an incredibly sensitive and emotionally charged situation, written about it in such a raw and poignant manner, whilst still approaching the entire thing with such a delicate nature. The author and the storyline literally blew my mind.
As I was reading the novel, the hairs on my arms stood to attention with goosebumps camping out there too. It was as though I was getting a bolt of emotion through my fingertips as I held the book and digested the incredibly moving story. I am in awe at Emma H's mind-blowing writing. Wow.
It is safe to say that the ending of the book broke my heart. My entire mind-set and emotions were so invested in the storyline and the characters that when things started taking a turn, my heart began to hurt. In such a short space of time I had gotten to know such powerful characters yet in one large swoop, the storyline knocked me off my feet. I was heartbroken and sobbing my heart out. But you know what? I wouldn't have wanted any other reaction. Considering the nature of the book, I wanted to feel the emotion behind the words that the author wrote and I did.
Emma Heatherington is definitely an author to watch for 2017. Her smooth, gritty (yet easy-going) style of writing is going to make for even more outstanding reads if 'The Legacy of Lucy Harte' is anything to go by.
Full of emotion, poignancy and incredible characters, 'The Legacy of Lucy Harte' will have you dissecting your own life and finding emotions you never knew you had. Mind blowing and brilliant...just make sure you keep tissues by your side (just in case).
Thank you Harper Impulse.
February 19, 2018
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2017/0...
I loved Maggie! Meeting her when life is desolate and she’s on a downward spiral, I took her into my heart from the beginning. But it’s not just that. She draws you in with her humour and her bursts of optimism make you wish things could have been different …
The letter is the key for Maggie to take control and wow! we travel to some places that stir up emotions and fear of change. Dublin, Nashville and Millau in France all come alive. I think if I visited Millau I wouldn’t want to leave!
I liked that the backstory is revealed at a slow pace. I did want to know and I was intrigued but I was just as caught up in Maggie’s challenges and what was happening in the present time. When we do find out it adds even more depth and for me, gave an emotional hook to Lucy and her family.
Once again the pigeon-holed genre ‘contemporary romance’ doesn’t fit. Yes there is romance (an amazing scene on a rowboat in Millau, France touched my soul as much as it did Maggie’s!) but that’s a small part of the story compared to the relationship between Maggie and Lucy and the realisations and healing that take place. Throughout the story we get to understand a little of how a recipient of a donor might feel. One simple but evocative quote from Maggie undone me:
I don’t want to be the woman with someone else’s heart.
The Legacy of Lucy Harte is an inspiring story. Yes it is heartbreaking but it’s also life affirming. I wish I could share some quotes with you (but no spoilers!). If you’re feeling in a rut, it will give you a lift and get you moving forwards again. It’s a thought provoking story and one you’ll be thinking about a long time after you’ve finished reading.
I loved Maggie! Meeting her when life is desolate and she’s on a downward spiral, I took her into my heart from the beginning. But it’s not just that. She draws you in with her humour and her bursts of optimism make you wish things could have been different …
The letter is the key for Maggie to take control and wow! we travel to some places that stir up emotions and fear of change. Dublin, Nashville and Millau in France all come alive. I think if I visited Millau I wouldn’t want to leave!
I liked that the backstory is revealed at a slow pace. I did want to know and I was intrigued but I was just as caught up in Maggie’s challenges and what was happening in the present time. When we do find out it adds even more depth and for me, gave an emotional hook to Lucy and her family.
Once again the pigeon-holed genre ‘contemporary romance’ doesn’t fit. Yes there is romance (an amazing scene on a rowboat in Millau, France touched my soul as much as it did Maggie’s!) but that’s a small part of the story compared to the relationship between Maggie and Lucy and the realisations and healing that take place. Throughout the story we get to understand a little of how a recipient of a donor might feel. One simple but evocative quote from Maggie undone me:
I don’t want to be the woman with someone else’s heart.
The Legacy of Lucy Harte is an inspiring story. Yes it is heartbreaking but it’s also life affirming. I wish I could share some quotes with you (but no spoilers!). If you’re feeling in a rut, it will give you a lift and get you moving forwards again. It’s a thought provoking story and one you’ll be thinking about a long time after you’ve finished reading.
November 24, 2017
Starts out promising, ends up far too maudlin for my tastes.
Entertaining in a beach read kind of way, with an interesting premise and a positive message. However, the writing quality declines as the book progresses, and it turns from a novel of self-discovery into a sappy romance, complete with the type of men who don't let being a very hot catch get in the way of of their deep sensitivity (always saying things like, You look pale, are you sure you're all right?) and undying devotion to the amazing woman they just met. Not to mention, in this day and age, some of their remarks are positively creepy.
Entertaining in a beach read kind of way, with an interesting premise and a positive message. However, the writing quality declines as the book progresses, and it turns from a novel of self-discovery into a sappy romance, complete with the type of men who don't let being a very hot catch get in the way of of their deep sensitivity (always saying things like, You look pale, are you sure you're all right?) and undying devotion to the amazing woman they just met. Not to mention, in this day and age, some of their remarks are positively creepy.
November 19, 2017
Der Klappentext hatte mich sehr angesprochen, aber irgendwie wollten das Buch und ich nicht so ganz warm werden.
Der Einstieg hat es mir bereits sehr schwer gemacht, da ich die Protagonistin sehr unsympathisch fand und ich leider nicht so ganz mit ihr mitfühlen konnte. Dadurch konnte mich auch der weitere Verlauf der Geschichte nicht so richtig begeistern, auch wenn Maggie's Verhalten irgendwann angenehmer wurde.
Ich mag Bücher, die sich an einer bucket list orientieren, aber hier war das irgendwie nicht so ganz ausgereift. Die Abarbeitung war dann irgendwie sprunghaft und ich hatte Schwierigkeiten mich zu orientieren wo Maggie gerade ist. Manche Punkte wurden in einem Nebensatz abgehakt.
Insgesamt konnte mich das Buch einigermaßen unterhalten und ich fand das Thema Organspende sehr interessant. Leider hat mir die Umsetzung nicht komplett gefallen und konnte mich nur selten berühren. Prolog und Epilog fand ich stilistisch sehr gelungen.
Der Einstieg hat es mir bereits sehr schwer gemacht, da ich die Protagonistin sehr unsympathisch fand und ich leider nicht so ganz mit ihr mitfühlen konnte. Dadurch konnte mich auch der weitere Verlauf der Geschichte nicht so richtig begeistern, auch wenn Maggie's Verhalten irgendwann angenehmer wurde.
Ich mag Bücher, die sich an einer bucket list orientieren, aber hier war das irgendwie nicht so ganz ausgereift. Die Abarbeitung war dann irgendwie sprunghaft und ich hatte Schwierigkeiten mich zu orientieren wo Maggie gerade ist. Manche Punkte wurden in einem Nebensatz abgehakt.
Insgesamt konnte mich das Buch einigermaßen unterhalten und ich fand das Thema Organspende sehr interessant. Leider hat mir die Umsetzung nicht komplett gefallen und konnte mich nur selten berühren. Prolog und Epilog fand ich stilistisch sehr gelungen.
November 7, 2017
Das Buch hat mich gar nicht losgelassen. Maggie ist eine besondere Frau gewesen die sich aus einem unheimlichen tief wieder ins Leben zurück gekämpft hat. Ihre restliche Reise war wirklich sehr bewegend. Mit dem sensiblen Thema Organspende ist wirklich wunderbar umgegangen worden. Ich kann jedem nur empfehlen das Buch zu lesen.
August 5, 2022
Maggie is the recipient of the ultimate gift of life from Lucy Harte. Though ever grateful and always thinking of the young girl whose life was cut short to extend her own, Maggie has not really been looking after Lucy's gift that well in recent years. It's taken a battering emotionally but also physically. In fact, it frustrated me how careless and disrespectful she had been with this precious gift I also did not quite understand her years of misguided anger directed at her brother, when he was just a kid himself at the time of her initial illness. I did however appreciate her character growth and her reconnections with her own family.
Excellent narration.
Excellent narration.
May 10, 2017
This book takes you on a journey ... it's beautifully written and heart breaking. How one families grief and sadness is another's families happiness. I enjoyed every page of this book.. it's well worth a read...5 stars plus
August 21, 2017
What a beautiful book! I loved the meaning behind Maggie's story. Tears, laughs and lots of reminders to live life to the fullest. If you are feeling down this book is the perfect pick me up.
February 4, 2018
Great messages and I loved Maggie’s letter ❤️
January 2, 2017
If you are looking for a book to start your 2017 reads list off with all the feels - happy and sad - then look no further than The Legacy of Lucy Harte! Had the pleasure of reading this yesterday afternoon and it is one of those books where the story grabs you immediately and then doesn't let go of your heart, mind and soul!
It's the story of Maggie O'Hara as she faces up to an extremely tough time personally with the break up of her marriage, and she's beginning to let everything get on top of her and cannot see the way forward. But that's the time she receives an unlikely reminder of an event from her past that could be the key to helping her move on.
18 years ago she was extremely unwell, and through organ donation received a second chance of life with a new heart. She'd always thought of the young girl whose heart she received, and takes time out every year to remember her and have chats with her, but never made contact with the family. Out of the blue she receives a letter from Lucys' brother and the wheels are then set in motion for 2 seemingly lost souls to connect and find ways of moving on.
I loved the character of Maggie as she seemed so real with all her thoughts seemingly shared with us, be they good or bad! We also get the chance to revisit the past of both Maggie and Lucy to find out how they got into the situations of being involved with organ donation and those stories bring back some tough memories for both Maggie and Simon, Lucys' brother.
When Simon and Maggie meet up it really is a touching moment and then through the possessions and diary of Lucy that Simon thinks Maggie should read, we get to see a peek inside the mind of Lucy through her entries and her hopes for the future - something she was unable to fulfill.
Found this the perfect read for the New Year as it talks of second chances and finding the strength to start over and gaining a new persepective on life, no matter what tough times you might be going through there is always a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
An absolute treat to read and a stunning way to get my 2017 reading off to a great start! Please have the tissues ready for this story though - it is one of those that makes you laugh and cry in equal measures!!
It's the story of Maggie O'Hara as she faces up to an extremely tough time personally with the break up of her marriage, and she's beginning to let everything get on top of her and cannot see the way forward. But that's the time she receives an unlikely reminder of an event from her past that could be the key to helping her move on.
18 years ago she was extremely unwell, and through organ donation received a second chance of life with a new heart. She'd always thought of the young girl whose heart she received, and takes time out every year to remember her and have chats with her, but never made contact with the family. Out of the blue she receives a letter from Lucys' brother and the wheels are then set in motion for 2 seemingly lost souls to connect and find ways of moving on.
I loved the character of Maggie as she seemed so real with all her thoughts seemingly shared with us, be they good or bad! We also get the chance to revisit the past of both Maggie and Lucy to find out how they got into the situations of being involved with organ donation and those stories bring back some tough memories for both Maggie and Simon, Lucys' brother.
When Simon and Maggie meet up it really is a touching moment and then through the possessions and diary of Lucy that Simon thinks Maggie should read, we get to see a peek inside the mind of Lucy through her entries and her hopes for the future - something she was unable to fulfill.
Found this the perfect read for the New Year as it talks of second chances and finding the strength to start over and gaining a new persepective on life, no matter what tough times you might be going through there is always a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
An absolute treat to read and a stunning way to get my 2017 reading off to a great start! Please have the tissues ready for this story though - it is one of those that makes you laugh and cry in equal measures!!
January 2, 2017
Maggie received a precious gift seventeen years ago, a new chance at life, and the person who made that possible was Lucy Harte. Maggie needed a donor heart and Lucy's saved her. Maggie repeatedly thanks Lucy for her gift, but even though she knows she should cherish it, now that her heart is broken she doesn't take good care of it. Maggie's husband left her after being married to her for a little over a year and Maggie is making a mess of her life. Her friends, family and colleagues are all worried about her.
Maggie's destructive behavior ceases as soon as she receives a letter from Simon Harte. He has something he wants to share with her. Lucy has one more precious thing to give to Maggie and saves her life again. While with the guidance of Lucy Maggie gets herself together she has the chance to find herself, to fully live without regrets and to take care of her donor heart as well as she can. Lucy Harte has left Maggie something precious and Maggie will never forget what she's done for her.
The Legacy of Lucy Harte is a beautiful emotional story. Maggie is a sweetheart and what her ex-husband has done to her is awful. She went through so much in her life already and doesn't deserve the suffering he caused. Fortunately there's help and there is hope. It was fabulous to see how her connection with Lucy changes Maggie's life again, just like it did seventeen years ago. Lucy is special and I loved the fantastic way Emma Heatherington portrays her. Because of her Maggie knows how to really live and reading about it was both fascinating and compelling.
Emma Heatherington writes about a serious topic in an empathic and honest way. I read The Legacy of Lucy Hearte with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. The bittersweet story contains many different layers and they are all equally interesting. I loved getting to know both Maggie and Lucy and the important people in their lives. Even though organ donation isn't a light topic the story never becomes too heavy. Emma Heatherington skillfully masters keeping the balance, which makes her story incredibly strong. I loved this amazing moving book and highly recommend it.
Maggie's destructive behavior ceases as soon as she receives a letter from Simon Harte. He has something he wants to share with her. Lucy has one more precious thing to give to Maggie and saves her life again. While with the guidance of Lucy Maggie gets herself together she has the chance to find herself, to fully live without regrets and to take care of her donor heart as well as she can. Lucy Harte has left Maggie something precious and Maggie will never forget what she's done for her.
The Legacy of Lucy Harte is a beautiful emotional story. Maggie is a sweetheart and what her ex-husband has done to her is awful. She went through so much in her life already and doesn't deserve the suffering he caused. Fortunately there's help and there is hope. It was fabulous to see how her connection with Lucy changes Maggie's life again, just like it did seventeen years ago. Lucy is special and I loved the fantastic way Emma Heatherington portrays her. Because of her Maggie knows how to really live and reading about it was both fascinating and compelling.
Emma Heatherington writes about a serious topic in an empathic and honest way. I read The Legacy of Lucy Hearte with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. The bittersweet story contains many different layers and they are all equally interesting. I loved getting to know both Maggie and Lucy and the important people in their lives. Even though organ donation isn't a light topic the story never becomes too heavy. Emma Heatherington skillfully masters keeping the balance, which makes her story incredibly strong. I loved this amazing moving book and highly recommend it.
November 14, 2016
As a teenager Maggie was taken ill and given a new heart - the donor Lucy Harte, a fourteen year old girl who died in an accident.
Seventeen years later Maggie gets a letter out of the blue from Lucy's brother Simon and it couldn't have come at a better time - she is at an all time low after her husband has left her for another woman and she can't get over it - her work is suffering and she is on a downward spiral of partying and drinking
When Maggie meets up with Simon he gives her a box that used to belong to Lucy and in it are some diaries and a "to do list" Maggie gets totally embroiled in this and decides to carry out all of the things on Lucy's list in her memory
A lovely bittersweet story, which I read in one sitting because I couldn't put it down - I loved the characters, although at first I just wanted to give Maggie a good shake! Definitely one worth reading
Seventeen years later Maggie gets a letter out of the blue from Lucy's brother Simon and it couldn't have come at a better time - she is at an all time low after her husband has left her for another woman and she can't get over it - her work is suffering and she is on a downward spiral of partying and drinking
When Maggie meets up with Simon he gives her a box that used to belong to Lucy and in it are some diaries and a "to do list" Maggie gets totally embroiled in this and decides to carry out all of the things on Lucy's list in her memory
A lovely bittersweet story, which I read in one sitting because I couldn't put it down - I loved the characters, although at first I just wanted to give Maggie a good shake! Definitely one worth reading
April 3, 2017
I finished this book in two days and loved every second of it. It's a different kind of story that is usually out there, it's not about crime and it's not Chic Lit. When Maggie is a teenager she has a heart transplant. The donor is Lucy Harte. When Maggie is going through a separation from her husband she receives a letter from Lucy's brother. They meet and he gives her Lucy's diary with her very own bucket list. To say thank you to a girl she has never met but to whom she owes her life she decides to do everything on it. A really lovely heartfelt story that just goes to show the importance of organ donation and how much difference it can make to someone's life. This book made me laugh, think and cry!
April 12, 2018
Just occasionally you stumble upon a book that is truly exceptional and this book for me was truly special.
It made me laugh,it made me cry and it made me realise how much time we all waste in not enjoying every second of the time we are given on this earth.
If you want to read a truly exceptional story then this is the book for you. I must warn you though that you will probably need the tissues handy.
Very highly recommended and I enjoyed this book so much I will read again a few times in the future.
Deserves much more than five stars would give it at least ten stars if I could.
It made me laugh,it made me cry and it made me realise how much time we all waste in not enjoying every second of the time we are given on this earth.
If you want to read a truly exceptional story then this is the book for you. I must warn you though that you will probably need the tissues handy.
Very highly recommended and I enjoyed this book so much I will read again a few times in the future.
Deserves much more than five stars would give it at least ten stars if I could.
October 25, 2016
An inspiring read it's funny how a book can influence your life choices but I think this might be one of those it's a book about embracing the life we have and trying new things and not dwelling in the past. Live each day with no regrets
April 16, 2017
A really lovely read, actually made me think about things and that it's ok to be selfish sometimes, do more things for you, life is short, I'm a bit gutted I've finished it
November 19, 2017
Reminiscent of “Me Before You”, this book puts life in perspective. We can’t take a single moment for granted.
May 24, 2019
Wat een heerlijk verhaal!! Lijkt heel erg op en leest als een chicklit, maar wel anders! Het verhaal begint met Maggie, een jonge vrouw die door haar man in de steek gelaten is en zichzelf ontzettend zielig vindt en daardoor naar de fles grijpt. Dan volgt een ontmoeting met Simon en binnen 6 weken is Maggie een ander (leuker) mens. Je kan er van alles van vinden; teveel toevalligheden, te snel, ongeloofwaardig, maar....ik vond het super!!
January 15, 2018
Reading this book is an emotional experience but so worth it.
Maggie has a second chance at life when she receives a donor's heart. She feels a unique connection with her donor and longs to connect with her family to thank them. Seventeen years after her transplant Maggie's emotional well-being is threatened she feels she is on borrowed time but seems set on hastening her demise.
Maggie is a strong character with a supportive network of family and friends, but she pushes them away, as she battles with the ever-present survivor guilt and her tumbling self - worth issues. I like the serendipity of the letter arriving just when Maggie is teetering on the edge of self-destruction. Lucy's legacy forces Maggie to focus on the gift of life she has been given, and the story takes on a hopeful theme from this point. There are many slip-ups and misunderstandings, but Maggie realises her life's purpose.
A well-paced plot full of vivid characters and unexpected adventures is both poignant with many lighter humorous scenes. The importance of love and living life to the limit, whatever this may be for you, is reaffirmed. Reading it is like riding an emotional roller-coaster, but the overall feeling that remains is of hope and love and the importance of giving the gift of life.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Maggie has a second chance at life when she receives a donor's heart. She feels a unique connection with her donor and longs to connect with her family to thank them. Seventeen years after her transplant Maggie's emotional well-being is threatened she feels she is on borrowed time but seems set on hastening her demise.
Maggie is a strong character with a supportive network of family and friends, but she pushes them away, as she battles with the ever-present survivor guilt and her tumbling self - worth issues. I like the serendipity of the letter arriving just when Maggie is teetering on the edge of self-destruction. Lucy's legacy forces Maggie to focus on the gift of life she has been given, and the story takes on a hopeful theme from this point. There are many slip-ups and misunderstandings, but Maggie realises her life's purpose.
A well-paced plot full of vivid characters and unexpected adventures is both poignant with many lighter humorous scenes. The importance of love and living life to the limit, whatever this may be for you, is reaffirmed. Reading it is like riding an emotional roller-coaster, but the overall feeling that remains is of hope and love and the importance of giving the gift of life.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
January 6, 2017
Maggie O’Hara lives thanks to a heart donated by Lucy Harte. But Maggie isn’t living life to the full.
The Legacy of Lucy Harte is a lovely book. Well written and with naturalistic dialogue I found it sucked me in to Maggie’s life. I didn’t much like Maggie to begin with and I think this is a strength of the book. Emma Heatherington creates a character in free fall following the break up of Maggie’s marriage. Maggie is drowning in self-pity metaphorically and in alcohol literally and she’s not a pleasant individual to begin with. However, as the story progressed I grew to like Maggie more and more so that it was as if I was on the journey with her as she realises she needs to make the most of her life.
I thought the storyline might be too sentimental for some readers, myself included, but the author skilfully ensnared me so that I believed completely in the events and the emotions portrayed such that I read the final section in tears. The Legacy of Lucy Harte certainly pulls at the heart strings and I was very moved by it.
I thought The Legacy of Lucy Harte would be a simple chick-lit read and it does have those elements of thwarted love, romance and attraction, but it has so much more besides. There’s a thought provoking consideration of how our actions and misconceptions can impact on so many other lives. For those wondering whether registering as a potential organ donor is a good idea, I think The Legacy of Lucy Harte would definitely persuade them.
I sometimes feel the publicity straplines on books are overblown, but that on The Legacy of Lucy Harte – ‘A poignant, life affirming novel that will make you laugh and make you cry’ is a perfect definition. The book made me reassess what I have to be grateful for in life and to redouble my efforts to make the most of every moment in life.
The Legacy of Lucy Harte is a lovely book. Well written and with naturalistic dialogue I found it sucked me in to Maggie’s life. I didn’t much like Maggie to begin with and I think this is a strength of the book. Emma Heatherington creates a character in free fall following the break up of Maggie’s marriage. Maggie is drowning in self-pity metaphorically and in alcohol literally and she’s not a pleasant individual to begin with. However, as the story progressed I grew to like Maggie more and more so that it was as if I was on the journey with her as she realises she needs to make the most of her life.
I thought the storyline might be too sentimental for some readers, myself included, but the author skilfully ensnared me so that I believed completely in the events and the emotions portrayed such that I read the final section in tears. The Legacy of Lucy Harte certainly pulls at the heart strings and I was very moved by it.
I thought The Legacy of Lucy Harte would be a simple chick-lit read and it does have those elements of thwarted love, romance and attraction, but it has so much more besides. There’s a thought provoking consideration of how our actions and misconceptions can impact on so many other lives. For those wondering whether registering as a potential organ donor is a good idea, I think The Legacy of Lucy Harte would definitely persuade them.
I sometimes feel the publicity straplines on books are overblown, but that on The Legacy of Lucy Harte – ‘A poignant, life affirming novel that will make you laugh and make you cry’ is a perfect definition. The book made me reassess what I have to be grateful for in life and to redouble my efforts to make the most of every moment in life.
March 14, 2017
How does one live on borrowed time? Maggie O’Hara knew that the heart given her to have a second chance in life was only good for fifteen years; every day that she will live after that is a bonus. Even with this knowledge, she couldn’t help but feel sorry for herself when her husband left her for another woman (which woman wouldn’t anyway?). No matter if she was living on borrowed time, she couldn’t help but use what little time she had to wallow in self-pity. Until she met her heart’s big brother; until she embarked on that journey for Lucy Harte (I am sure that was intentional – Harte – Heart).
It is amazing how we are transformed when we really stop and slow down, and take notice of not only what we are doing to ourselves, but more importantly of how we are affecting other people. It is only by slowing down that we realize and acknowledge the things and the people who are really worth our time and energy. We all deserve down times, and it is just sad that most of us don’t realize that until it’s too late sometimes; when almost all that is important have slipped away because we were too busy. Maggie was on borrowed time and she made good use of whatever little time she had left. It is true what is said: “Live every day as your last, because one day it will be.” We can only wish we all knew when that day will be…
Simply written, but filled with heartfelt emotions, this story is a heart-breaker, a tear-jerker, but it is also full of love and hope that uplifts the spirit and pushes us to move forward. I believe it also accomplished another purpose, that of raising awareness on organ donation. Great read overall.
It is amazing how we are transformed when we really stop and slow down, and take notice of not only what we are doing to ourselves, but more importantly of how we are affecting other people. It is only by slowing down that we realize and acknowledge the things and the people who are really worth our time and energy. We all deserve down times, and it is just sad that most of us don’t realize that until it’s too late sometimes; when almost all that is important have slipped away because we were too busy. Maggie was on borrowed time and she made good use of whatever little time she had left. It is true what is said: “Live every day as your last, because one day it will be.” We can only wish we all knew when that day will be…
Simply written, but filled with heartfelt emotions, this story is a heart-breaker, a tear-jerker, but it is also full of love and hope that uplifts the spirit and pushes us to move forward. I believe it also accomplished another purpose, that of raising awareness on organ donation. Great read overall.
August 1, 2017
Life changing
What an amazing, amazing book. I want to go back in time and start it over so I can experience it for the first time again. This artwork of fiction spoke so deeply to my heart and I'll be better and stronger for reading it. I've been going through many heart breaks and struggles in my life, but this helped mend some of what is broken. I came across this book completely by accident, so much so that I wonder if there was more at play. This book was a treasure and a blessing.
What an amazing, amazing book. I want to go back in time and start it over so I can experience it for the first time again. This artwork of fiction spoke so deeply to my heart and I'll be better and stronger for reading it. I've been going through many heart breaks and struggles in my life, but this helped mend some of what is broken. I came across this book completely by accident, so much so that I wonder if there was more at play. This book was a treasure and a blessing.
January 16, 2017
This is a beautifully written exquisite story. I found myself viewing this as not only a novel but a 'wake up call' or self improvement book.
You will get tangled in the story of 2 amazing females, but will also be inspired to become something better yourself.
A must read. It has romance, fun, heat break, excitement, revelations, but doesn't sit in any one category.
No spoilers but perfect ending...
You will get tangled in the story of 2 amazing females, but will also be inspired to become something better yourself.
A must read. It has romance, fun, heat break, excitement, revelations, but doesn't sit in any one category.
No spoilers but perfect ending...
July 4, 2017
I really wanted to love this book. As a summer read, it's quick and easy, however the story is not surprising and I kept having to put it down as it all got too "eat, pray, love" mixed with any old "main character will die at any point now". The topic of organ donation is interesting though and I think having Maggie ponder about her Lucy (the donor) is a very true to life situation. Overall, an ok read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2017
Superbly Written
I recently had the privilege of meeting Emma at a wedding in Ireland and briefly spoke about her new book. I couldn't wait to get home and start reading it and I was not disappointed. It made me laugh and cry equally....beautifully written and makes you reassess your own life......Lucy will live on in many lives xxx
I recently had the privilege of meeting Emma at a wedding in Ireland and briefly spoke about her new book. I couldn't wait to get home and start reading it and I was not disappointed. It made me laugh and cry equally....beautifully written and makes you reassess your own life......Lucy will live on in many lives xxx
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