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The Heart Keeper
"How far would you go to get your daughter back?
It’s been twelve months since Alison Miller-Juul’s world fell apart when her six-year-old daughter, Amalie, drowned. Twelve months of sympathy cards, grief counselling and gritting her teeth, but it’s still only the vodka and pills that seem to work.
Alison no longer cares about anything. She can’t smile at her step-son, she can’t answer her friends’ texts, she can’t even look at her husband. All Alison wants is Amalie back.
Then she learns that the girl who received her daughter's heart lives just a few streets away. Unlike Amalie, this girl has a future. She’s alive because Amalie’s heart beats for her. And in the darkest recess of Alison’s brain, an idea begins to take shape…
"
It’s been twelve months since Alison Miller-Juul’s world fell apart when her six-year-old daughter, Amalie, drowned. Twelve months of sympathy cards, grief counselling and gritting her teeth, but it’s still only the vodka and pills that seem to work.
Alison no longer cares about anything. She can’t smile at her step-son, she can’t answer her friends’ texts, she can’t even look at her husband. All Alison wants is Amalie back.
Then she learns that the girl who received her daughter's heart lives just a few streets away. Unlike Amalie, this girl has a future. She’s alive because Amalie’s heart beats for her. And in the darkest recess of Alison’s brain, an idea begins to take shape…
"
384 pages, Hardcover
First published July 4, 2019
148 people are currently reading
3585 people want to read
About the author
Alex Dahl
11 books468 followersHalf-American, half-Norwegian, Alex Dahl was born in Oslo. She graduated with a B.A. in Russian and German linguistics with International Studies and went on to complete an M.A. in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, followed by an M.S. in Business Management at Bath University. Alex has published short stories in the U.K. and the U.S. She is a serious Francophile and currently lives in both London and Sandefjord. Alex Dahl is translated into eleven languages and was shortlisted for a CWA New Blood Dagger award for The Boy at the Door. The Heart Keeper (2019) is out now in English, Slovak, Polish, and Swedish, with further international translations underway. Playdate was published in Oct 2020 and was a Guardian Thriller of the month pick. Cabin Fever is out now!
Instagram @authoralex
Instagram @authoralex
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
September 23, 2019
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
Two mothers. Two daughters. One heart.
Alison is barely hanging on since her daughter passed away. Alison and her husband, Sindre vowed they would stay together and learn to live this new life, but it’s been extremely difficult. Now they are like polite strangers interacting only when they absolutely have to.
After Amalie drowned they donated her organs in the hopes that they could save someone else from this terrible loss. Alison's stepson, Oliver tells her about cell memory and asks which parts of Amalie were donated. Suddenly, Alison can’t stop thinking about parts of her daughter in other people. Other people are alive because Amalie is not.
Alison wonders if transplant organs really hold donors memories.
“Could it be that they received more than just a life-giving body part?“
Alison is able to find out where Amalie’s heart went. She knows she should stay away, but something is pulling her towards Iselin and Kaia. Alison’s lack of sleep, alcohol intake and feelings of grief and loss have her thoughts jumbled together. She desperately wants to connect with Amalie.
What starts as curiosity becomes an obsession.
Iselin didn't hear her phone ring the day the call came. When she finally picked up her phone, she saw that she had missed four calls from the hospital. “How soon can you be here?”
Iselin’s daughter, Kaia was getting a new heart. Iselin prayed and held her breath until the doctor showed her a screen that showed Kaia’s new heart beating steadily.
Now things are looking up. Money is still tight, but Iselin has started drawing again and has even made a few sales. She hopes it will continue. They are also interviewed for a magazine describing what happened to Kaia to help raise awareness for childhood heart disease.
Iselin doesn’t realize what this article may mean for her and her daughter.
Iselin meets a wonderful woman named Alison. Alison seems a little strange but is very kind and generous.
But what does she really know about Alison? Why is Alison so interested in Iselin and Kaia?
This was a very interesting and thought-provoking read that will stay with me for a long time.
The story is told from both Alison and Iselin’s point of view. I had a bit of a hard time getting into the book at first, but I am glad that I stuck with it. After a few chapters, I was hooked. This was quite an emotional read. I thought the characters were well-developed. Their grief felt realistic. The author did a good job of showing the relationship and bonds between parent and child and what might happen if that bond is threatened.
An emotional and gripping story about motherhood, loss, grief, guilt, and love.
I'd like to thank Berkley Books for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
May 11, 2019
Moving, heart-wrenching & raw!
THE HEART KEEPER by ALEX DAHL is an interesting, enjoyable and entertaining read that had quite the emotional, profound and unique premise. I haven’t read too many books in regards to organ donation and I found that quite intriguing. I wouldn’t necessarily say though that I was totally immersed in this story but I did definitely feel at times an intense emotional pull.
The story itself is a scary, horrific and heartbreaking one that definitely plants you right into the storyline with all of its dramatic highs and lows. But I wouldn’t say that it was all that thrilling or had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation until maybe towards the end. Then I was breathlessly awaiting the outcome.
ALEX DAHL delivers an intriguing and well-written read here with determined, honest and relatable characters. I especially enjoyed Kaia and she had me totally loving and rooting for her. The concept and the actual things all heart related was pretty palpable and extremely touched me as a reader. You could definitely feel the author’s heart here within this story.
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Intriguing, heartfelt, moving and an extremely fitting and meaningful representation to storyline.
Title: An intriguing, interesting, meaningful and extremely fitting representation to storyline. I absolutely love the title of this story! Perfection!
Writing/Prose: Well-written, sincere, captivating, moving and readable.
Plot: Slow-building, steadily paced, interesting, heartfelt, moving, touching, and unique.
Ending: Intense, heartfelt and satisfying.
Overall: I think this book will be much better perceived if you go into it knowing that it is more of a strong family drama rather than a full on heart-pounding thriller. This book definitely resonated with me as a mother. Would recommend!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Victoria Joss at Head of Zeus and Alex Dahl for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Blog tour post can also be found on our blog:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
THE HEART KEEPER by ALEX DAHL is an interesting, enjoyable and entertaining read that had quite the emotional, profound and unique premise. I haven’t read too many books in regards to organ donation and I found that quite intriguing. I wouldn’t necessarily say though that I was totally immersed in this story but I did definitely feel at times an intense emotional pull.
The story itself is a scary, horrific and heartbreaking one that definitely plants you right into the storyline with all of its dramatic highs and lows. But I wouldn’t say that it was all that thrilling or had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation until maybe towards the end. Then I was breathlessly awaiting the outcome.
ALEX DAHL delivers an intriguing and well-written read here with determined, honest and relatable characters. I especially enjoyed Kaia and she had me totally loving and rooting for her. The concept and the actual things all heart related was pretty palpable and extremely touched me as a reader. You could definitely feel the author’s heart here within this story.
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Intriguing, heartfelt, moving and an extremely fitting and meaningful representation to storyline.
Title: An intriguing, interesting, meaningful and extremely fitting representation to storyline. I absolutely love the title of this story! Perfection!
Writing/Prose: Well-written, sincere, captivating, moving and readable.
Plot: Slow-building, steadily paced, interesting, heartfelt, moving, touching, and unique.
Ending: Intense, heartfelt and satisfying.
Overall: I think this book will be much better perceived if you go into it knowing that it is more of a strong family drama rather than a full on heart-pounding thriller. This book definitely resonated with me as a mother. Would recommend!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Victoria Joss at Head of Zeus and Alex Dahl for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Blog tour post can also be found on our blog:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
May 7, 2019
4 stars! Intensely emotional. Unforgettably heart-wrenching. Deeply thought-provoking.
Alison is lost in her grief after her five-year-old daughter, Amalie, drowns in the lake. She is consumed by guilt, as she was the one watching her that day. Alison and her husband decide to donate Amalie’s organs, feeling comfort that Amalie can help to save other children. Iselin’s seven-year-old daughter, Kaia, is the recipient of Amalie’s heart. Being born with a heart condition, Iselin has watched Kaia struggle to survive for her entire life. Shortly after, Alison stumbles across a magazine article outlining Kaia’s miraculous recovery through the heart transplant. Could part of Amalie be living within this young girl? Would she recognize any signs of Amalie in Kaia?
The emotional impact of this book hit me hard. Alison’s grief completely consumed me. It was a gut-wrenching, impossible to ignore sadness that reached my core and had me shedding countless tears within the first several chapters. I felt so deeply for her character and situation that I had to take breaks from reading to dry my eyes and regroup my thoughts. The power behind this author, Alex Dahl’s, writing is undeniable. I had deep sympathy for Alison from start to finish, hoping for her to somehow find comfort and peace and be able to move forward in life.
This book is separated into three parts. Part 1 was the most powerful for me, leaving a devastating and unforgettable emotional impact. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book, but found that Part 2 and Part 3 lost some of the emotional intensity, focusing more on the storyline, rather than the emotions involved.
This was a Traveling Sister read with Norma and Brenda. I’m so glad I had them to share this emotional journey with. To find our reviews, please visit our blog at:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
Thank you to Vicky at Head of Zeus for providing me with this ARC to read and review!
Alison is lost in her grief after her five-year-old daughter, Amalie, drowns in the lake. She is consumed by guilt, as she was the one watching her that day. Alison and her husband decide to donate Amalie’s organs, feeling comfort that Amalie can help to save other children. Iselin’s seven-year-old daughter, Kaia, is the recipient of Amalie’s heart. Being born with a heart condition, Iselin has watched Kaia struggle to survive for her entire life. Shortly after, Alison stumbles across a magazine article outlining Kaia’s miraculous recovery through the heart transplant. Could part of Amalie be living within this young girl? Would she recognize any signs of Amalie in Kaia?
The emotional impact of this book hit me hard. Alison’s grief completely consumed me. It was a gut-wrenching, impossible to ignore sadness that reached my core and had me shedding countless tears within the first several chapters. I felt so deeply for her character and situation that I had to take breaks from reading to dry my eyes and regroup my thoughts. The power behind this author, Alex Dahl’s, writing is undeniable. I had deep sympathy for Alison from start to finish, hoping for her to somehow find comfort and peace and be able to move forward in life.
This book is separated into three parts. Part 1 was the most powerful for me, leaving a devastating and unforgettable emotional impact. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book, but found that Part 2 and Part 3 lost some of the emotional intensity, focusing more on the storyline, rather than the emotions involved.
This was a Traveling Sister read with Norma and Brenda. I’m so glad I had them to share this emotional journey with. To find our reviews, please visit our blog at:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
Thank you to Vicky at Head of Zeus for providing me with this ARC to read and review!
May 17, 2019
Two Mothers, one grieving, two daughters, one gone and the other given a second chance
The Heart Keeper is an emotional, heart breaking story that explores a mother’s grief and guilt that turns into an obsession.
Alex Dahl does a great job capturing the grief of a family after the death of their daughter and sister. Each dealing in their own way that really pulled me into their lives. I was turning those pages as fast as I could to see how this story comes together in the end. We see how grief and guilt start to unravel our grieving mother and she starts to become obsessed with the idea of having a second chance with her daughter through her daughter’s heart keeper.
The ending had me on the seat of my chair, holding my breath and rooting for the characters and feeling very satisfied with how the story wrapped up. I highly recommend!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Victoria at Head of Zeus and Alex Dahl for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
The Heart Keeper is an emotional, heart breaking story that explores a mother’s grief and guilt that turns into an obsession.
Alex Dahl does a great job capturing the grief of a family after the death of their daughter and sister. Each dealing in their own way that really pulled me into their lives. I was turning those pages as fast as I could to see how this story comes together in the end. We see how grief and guilt start to unravel our grieving mother and she starts to become obsessed with the idea of having a second chance with her daughter through her daughter’s heart keeper.
The ending had me on the seat of my chair, holding my breath and rooting for the characters and feeling very satisfied with how the story wrapped up. I highly recommend!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Victoria at Head of Zeus and Alex Dahl for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
July 17, 2019
An emotional thriller! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Set in Norway, Alison’s daughter, Amalie, drowns, and she feels her life is over. In the darkness of winter, Alison is at an all-time low.
By contrast, for another family, Amalie’s death means new life. Kaia, riddled with health problems, receives Amalie’s heart. Iselin is Kaia’s mom and things are finally looking up for them. They even have a wealthy new friend and benefactor.
Alison should not have crossed the line, and she knows it, but she can’t help herself. She only wants to be a support to Iselin and Kaia. She can give them a better way of life they wouldn’t have on their own. Alison finds Kaia to be just like Amalie and an obsession is born.
The Heart Keeper is full of raw emotion. Alison’s grief is visceral, so I could almost understand the trip she took to obsession. Dahl is skilled at capturing authentic grief. I am drawing a line in the sand and not telling you too much more.
Overall, The Heart Keeper is a powerfully emotional, character-driven mystery-thriller, and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for what’s next from Alex Dahl!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Set in Norway, Alison’s daughter, Amalie, drowns, and she feels her life is over. In the darkness of winter, Alison is at an all-time low.
By contrast, for another family, Amalie’s death means new life. Kaia, riddled with health problems, receives Amalie’s heart. Iselin is Kaia’s mom and things are finally looking up for them. They even have a wealthy new friend and benefactor.
Alison should not have crossed the line, and she knows it, but she can’t help herself. She only wants to be a support to Iselin and Kaia. She can give them a better way of life they wouldn’t have on their own. Alison finds Kaia to be just like Amalie and an obsession is born.
The Heart Keeper is full of raw emotion. Alison’s grief is visceral, so I could almost understand the trip she took to obsession. Dahl is skilled at capturing authentic grief. I am drawing a line in the sand and not telling you too much more.
Overall, The Heart Keeper is a powerfully emotional, character-driven mystery-thriller, and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for what’s next from Alex Dahl!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
July 22, 2019
What if there were still a part of someone you lost still beating? What would you do to hold on to that person just a bit longer?
A dark, heart-wrenching novel that was rich with raw emotions and vivid descriptions. Nordic noir is truly a unique genre. Books within it may range from mysteries to thrillers to dramas, but there is a stylistic and atmospheric feeling to them that is uniquely that genre. I’d classify Alex Dahl’s The Heart Keeper as a suspenseful domestic drama but with that signature Nordic noir vibe.
About the Book
It was an accident, but in that moment Alison’s whole world changed. After her daughter Amalie drowns, Alison is plunged int a state of despair she can’t escape from. She drinks too much, her husband and her barely touch each other, she takes leave from work, but nothing makes it better. As winter falls in Norway, Alison doesn’t know that she can keep holding on without Amalie.
Iselin’s world changed that day too. A single mother with no support from her parents, Iselin is barely able to make ends meet. She’s spent most of her adult life caring for her sick daughter, Kaia. But then a miracle happens—Kaia receives a new heart. As Kaia recovers, she becomes the girl she was always meant to be. And she has developed some new quirks as well.
Cellular memory is the notion that sometimes recipients of a transplanted organ retain some memories of the donor. Memories that live in every cell of their body. When Alison learns of cellular memory, she becomes obsessed with the idea. Maybe something of Amalie is still there, living on in the girl who received her heart. And so Alison finds a way in. But her grief turns her good intentions into a dangerous obsession. Nothing and no one, certainly not Iselin, will stop her from regaining the daughter she lost.
Reflection
Alex Dahl is such a talented writer. The way she explores the emotions of these two mothers was quite captivating. I felt their pain, their joy, how touching these moments with Kaia could be. I’m not a mother myself, but I found I was able to connect with both women so acutely.
The idea of cellular memory was one that remained open-ended in this book. At times Kaia did seem to have retained some of Amalie. At other times there were rational explanations for it. But ultimately, though a part of Amalie beat in Kaia’s chest, Amalie herself wasn’t there anymore. I found that to be the most heart-wrenching part of the story, watching as Alison sought to find threads of the daughter she lost.
The suspense was truly something, because it snuck up on me. I found the ending sequence brilliant and well-written. The final epilogue has stuck with me long since I finished the book. There’s something a bit haunting about it, but of course I won’t spoil what that is!
A fantastic Nordic noir drama for fans of emotional, raw, well-written books with a suspenseful twist.
Thank you to Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own.
A dark, heart-wrenching novel that was rich with raw emotions and vivid descriptions. Nordic noir is truly a unique genre. Books within it may range from mysteries to thrillers to dramas, but there is a stylistic and atmospheric feeling to them that is uniquely that genre. I’d classify Alex Dahl’s The Heart Keeper as a suspenseful domestic drama but with that signature Nordic noir vibe.
About the Book
It was an accident, but in that moment Alison’s whole world changed. After her daughter Amalie drowns, Alison is plunged int a state of despair she can’t escape from. She drinks too much, her husband and her barely touch each other, she takes leave from work, but nothing makes it better. As winter falls in Norway, Alison doesn’t know that she can keep holding on without Amalie.
Iselin’s world changed that day too. A single mother with no support from her parents, Iselin is barely able to make ends meet. She’s spent most of her adult life caring for her sick daughter, Kaia. But then a miracle happens—Kaia receives a new heart. As Kaia recovers, she becomes the girl she was always meant to be. And she has developed some new quirks as well.
Cellular memory is the notion that sometimes recipients of a transplanted organ retain some memories of the donor. Memories that live in every cell of their body. When Alison learns of cellular memory, she becomes obsessed with the idea. Maybe something of Amalie is still there, living on in the girl who received her heart. And so Alison finds a way in. But her grief turns her good intentions into a dangerous obsession. Nothing and no one, certainly not Iselin, will stop her from regaining the daughter she lost.
Reflection
Alex Dahl is such a talented writer. The way she explores the emotions of these two mothers was quite captivating. I felt their pain, their joy, how touching these moments with Kaia could be. I’m not a mother myself, but I found I was able to connect with both women so acutely.
The idea of cellular memory was one that remained open-ended in this book. At times Kaia did seem to have retained some of Amalie. At other times there were rational explanations for it. But ultimately, though a part of Amalie beat in Kaia’s chest, Amalie herself wasn’t there anymore. I found that to be the most heart-wrenching part of the story, watching as Alison sought to find threads of the daughter she lost.
The suspense was truly something, because it snuck up on me. I found the ending sequence brilliant and well-written. The final epilogue has stuck with me long since I finished the book. There’s something a bit haunting about it, but of course I won’t spoil what that is!
A fantastic Nordic noir drama for fans of emotional, raw, well-written books with a suspenseful twist.
Thank you to Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own.
December 16, 2019
When Alison and Sindre’s young daughter Amalie dies in an accident, Alison struggles to cope. Grief counselling is having little effect. Instead Alex finds some solace in vodka and pills. Amalie’s death seems to have created a chasm between her and her husband. Meanwhile across town Iselin’s life has been given a boost when her young daughter Kaia is given a life-saving heart transplant. For the first time this mother and daughter can start planning a future. The two mothers and their situations couldn’t be more different and yet there is a connection. But that connection could bring unexpected consequences for all of them.
The setting for this story is Norway. This story is told from two points of view, Alison’s and Iselin’s. One is a picture of grief while the other is one of hope although not without some twinges of resentment about the circumstances of her life. The characters come across as very real, even if I did find some of the decisions and actions strange. I really liked the stepson Oliver.
Beautifully written this story had me absolutely with it until suddenly the tenor starts to change. A brooding feeling of tension and darkness creeps in. The middle part of the story seemed to me to go on a bit too long but suspense increases markedly towards the end. The pages started to be turned faster. The ending when it comes then, seemed to me a bit abrupt. One little complaint is the reference to the child clinging ‘like a baby koala bear.’ Such a common misconception that koalas are bears when they are simply koalas, not related to bears at all. Those quibbles aside, this is still an extremely interesting book.
An engaging read that certainly had me captive as it explores the idea of cellular memory of heart transplant patients. Of course I had to look it up and see if such a thing really exists, but not till after I had finished the book. Interesting too to read the author’s acknowledgements at the end and see how grounded in reality some of the experiences in the novel are. Certainly gave it that ring of authenticity. A book sure to attract a lot of attention, it will be interesting to see what this writer tackles next.
The setting for this story is Norway. This story is told from two points of view, Alison’s and Iselin’s. One is a picture of grief while the other is one of hope although not without some twinges of resentment about the circumstances of her life. The characters come across as very real, even if I did find some of the decisions and actions strange. I really liked the stepson Oliver.
Beautifully written this story had me absolutely with it until suddenly the tenor starts to change. A brooding feeling of tension and darkness creeps in. The middle part of the story seemed to me to go on a bit too long but suspense increases markedly towards the end. The pages started to be turned faster. The ending when it comes then, seemed to me a bit abrupt. One little complaint is the reference to the child clinging ‘like a baby koala bear.’ Such a common misconception that koalas are bears when they are simply koalas, not related to bears at all. Those quibbles aside, this is still an extremely interesting book.
An engaging read that certainly had me captive as it explores the idea of cellular memory of heart transplant patients. Of course I had to look it up and see if such a thing really exists, but not till after I had finished the book. Interesting too to read the author’s acknowledgements at the end and see how grounded in reality some of the experiences in the novel are. Certainly gave it that ring of authenticity. A book sure to attract a lot of attention, it will be interesting to see what this writer tackles next.
July 17, 2019
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You can read this and all of my reviews at Lit·Wit·Wine·Dine.
I’ll first start by saying that I loved Alex Dahl’s debut, The Boy at the Door. Therefore, it was an absolute no-brainer when I was asked to join the blog tour for her sophomore novel, The Heart Keeper. It would have been an immediate yes regardless of what she’d written. When I found out that this book was centered around a greiving mother who had chosen to donate her daughter’s organs after her tragic death, I was beyond intrigued. I was in tears after reading only the synopsis and acknowledgments. It promised to be an original and emotional story and it didn’t disappoint.
The characters are all well-developed. I had no difficulty feeling empathy for both Alison and Iselin. Alex Dahl did an amazing job of balancing their positive and negative attributes which served to make them very believable. She also did an excellent job of illustrating the fragility of a marriage after the loss of a child. Oliver, Alison’s stepson, was my favorite character. He was just so loving, and good. My heart broke for him but he’d the kind of kid I know will be okay.
I don’t want to rehash the synopsis or lead you in any direction in terms of plot. Based on the synopsis, and where I thought the characters were headed, I thought things were going to shake out somewhat differently. I was happy to have been led astray. I’ll just say that this is more of a domestic suspense with a fair amount of twists which suited me just fine. The deep emotionality revolving around motherhood and grief makes The Heart Keeper a perfect fit for readers of traditional women’s fiction who are looking to up their suspense reading game.
The nurse and science junky in me loved learning about cellular memory as it relates to organ transplant patients. Here
is just one of many articles describing this fascinating phenomenon. I could write several pages about my feelings on organ transplantation alone but let’s just say I’m PRO and, when and if the time comes to make that decision, my family knows I want to be scattered far and wide. Indulge me a moment to be preachy here: PLEASE make sure your family knows your wishes. It is NOT enough to have it written on your driver’s license.
Congratulations to Alex Dahl on another winner! I’m already looking forward to her next book.
4.5/5 stars
Many thanks to Berkley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this and all of my reviews at Lit·Wit·Wine·Dine.
I’ll first start by saying that I loved Alex Dahl’s debut, The Boy at the Door. Therefore, it was an absolute no-brainer when I was asked to join the blog tour for her sophomore novel, The Heart Keeper. It would have been an immediate yes regardless of what she’d written. When I found out that this book was centered around a greiving mother who had chosen to donate her daughter’s organs after her tragic death, I was beyond intrigued. I was in tears after reading only the synopsis and acknowledgments. It promised to be an original and emotional story and it didn’t disappoint.
The characters are all well-developed. I had no difficulty feeling empathy for both Alison and Iselin. Alex Dahl did an amazing job of balancing their positive and negative attributes which served to make them very believable. She also did an excellent job of illustrating the fragility of a marriage after the loss of a child. Oliver, Alison’s stepson, was my favorite character. He was just so loving, and good. My heart broke for him but he’d the kind of kid I know will be okay.
I don’t want to rehash the synopsis or lead you in any direction in terms of plot. Based on the synopsis, and where I thought the characters were headed, I thought things were going to shake out somewhat differently. I was happy to have been led astray. I’ll just say that this is more of a domestic suspense with a fair amount of twists which suited me just fine. The deep emotionality revolving around motherhood and grief makes The Heart Keeper a perfect fit for readers of traditional women’s fiction who are looking to up their suspense reading game.
The nurse and science junky in me loved learning about cellular memory as it relates to organ transplant patients. Here
is just one of many articles describing this fascinating phenomenon. I could write several pages about my feelings on organ transplantation alone but let’s just say I’m PRO and, when and if the time comes to make that decision, my family knows I want to be scattered far and wide. Indulge me a moment to be preachy here: PLEASE make sure your family knows your wishes. It is NOT enough to have it written on your driver’s license.
Congratulations to Alex Dahl on another winner! I’m already looking forward to her next book.
4.5/5 stars
Many thanks to Berkley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2019
ARC received courtesy of Berkley Publishing
WOW!!!! WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!! The adjectives--pulse-pounding, thrilling, breath-taking don't begin to cover the feels this novel creates!
Allison's only child drowns and she and her husband agree to donate her heart. Allison's step-son, Oliver, discovers an article on cell-memory and how recipients of organs sometimes have characteristics of their donors. That was enough for Allison to start looking for the child who received her daughter's heart.
I will warn you: Once you start this book, don't plan to do much else until you finish it! It is absolutely one of the best on the genre I've ever read!
WOW!!!! WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!! The adjectives--pulse-pounding, thrilling, breath-taking don't begin to cover the feels this novel creates!
Allison's only child drowns and she and her husband agree to donate her heart. Allison's step-son, Oliver, discovers an article on cell-memory and how recipients of organs sometimes have characteristics of their donors. That was enough for Allison to start looking for the child who received her daughter's heart.
I will warn you: Once you start this book, don't plan to do much else until you finish it! It is absolutely one of the best on the genre I've ever read!
April 14, 2019
Alex Dahl is a new writer and came out with a blockbuster hit last summer called The Boy at the Door. You would never expect a new author to come up with something completely different for their second novel, but
The Heart Keeper
feels like it was written by a completely different person, and I appreciate that. This book is more of a drama than a suspense/thriller novel, so go into
The Heart Keeper
knowing that, and you'll enjoy it much more.
Allison is in bereavement, coping after the death of her daughter Amalie. Amalie drowned in a traumatic accident, and her family is left to pick up the pieces. Allison's husband Sindre and her stepson Oliver are also struggling with Amalie's death and the trio knows they just have to move on. Amalie's body was donated so others could live. In the same realm, Iselin's daughter Kaia needed a heart transplant, and was given Amalie's heart. As Allison's desperation for her daughter grows, so does her reactionary behavior. Kaia has Allison's daughter's heart, and she wants her.
First and foremost, I respect Alex Dahl's ability to change paths between her books. Usually authors play it safe with their second novel, but The Heart Keeper is a strong contender for a second book release. It's a sensitive topic, dealing with organ donation, the death of a child, and a mother's willingness to continue. I think this book will resonate with a lot of mothers and those who could relate to the families in the story. It's not a full suspense novel that you may expect given her debut novel was dripping with it, but it is a strong family drama. I think The Heart Keeper will be a summer hit that we will all be talking about.
Allison is in bereavement, coping after the death of her daughter Amalie. Amalie drowned in a traumatic accident, and her family is left to pick up the pieces. Allison's husband Sindre and her stepson Oliver are also struggling with Amalie's death and the trio knows they just have to move on. Amalie's body was donated so others could live. In the same realm, Iselin's daughter Kaia needed a heart transplant, and was given Amalie's heart. As Allison's desperation for her daughter grows, so does her reactionary behavior. Kaia has Allison's daughter's heart, and she wants her.
First and foremost, I respect Alex Dahl's ability to change paths between her books. Usually authors play it safe with their second novel, but The Heart Keeper is a strong contender for a second book release. It's a sensitive topic, dealing with organ donation, the death of a child, and a mother's willingness to continue. I think this book will resonate with a lot of mothers and those who could relate to the families in the story. It's not a full suspense novel that you may expect given her debut novel was dripping with it, but it is a strong family drama. I think The Heart Keeper will be a summer hit that we will all be talking about.
July 6, 2019
The Heart Keeper is the first book by Alex Dahl that I have read. Set in Norway this is a highly emotional read, dealing with the grief of a mother who has lost her daughter. I really enjoyed the story, told from the points of view of both mothers whose lives are going in completely opposite directions. It is certainly not a fast read but it is worth sticking with. The characters are real and the storyline is intriguing.
Alison is a mother in mourning. 3 months ago her daughter Amalie died in a tragic accident and she blames herself. Her marriage is falling apart and her best friend is the vodka bottle. Across town Iselin's life is finally starting to come good. Her daughter Kaia has just received a heart transplant and is finally living the life that a little girl should. These 2 women will change each other's lives.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia for the advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
Alison is a mother in mourning. 3 months ago her daughter Amalie died in a tragic accident and she blames herself. Her marriage is falling apart and her best friend is the vodka bottle. Across town Iselin's life is finally starting to come good. Her daughter Kaia has just received a heart transplant and is finally living the life that a little girl should. These 2 women will change each other's lives.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia for the advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
November 29, 2020
VOILA! Can this gal write. How does a story about a heart transplant turn into a psychological thriller? You’ve got to read it to find out. There is a lot of scary truth in the telling. Could it happen in real life? I think so.
Can hardly wait to get my hands on her newest book “Playdate”. I think I’m going to have to buy it (since the library doesn’t have it) - she’s that good 👍
At the end she recommended a few books that I added to my TBR list. If she liked them, I think I will too.
Can hardly wait to get my hands on her newest book “Playdate”. I think I’m going to have to buy it (since the library doesn’t have it) - she’s that good 👍
At the end she recommended a few books that I added to my TBR list. If she liked them, I think I will too.
May 5, 2019
After reading this fabulous read I’m gonna go back and read the authors previous book The Boy at the Door as I’ve heard great things about that one too.
I’ve not read many books about organ donation so after reading the blurb I was looking forward to reading it. I wasn’t disappointed as I loved this story.
This is a raw and an emotional story that will pull on your heartstrings. The characters are strong, real and relatable which I loved. From start to finish the author takes you on a heart breaking story with highs and lows. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future
I’ve not read many books about organ donation so after reading the blurb I was looking forward to reading it. I wasn’t disappointed as I loved this story.
This is a raw and an emotional story that will pull on your heartstrings. The characters are strong, real and relatable which I loved. From start to finish the author takes you on a heart breaking story with highs and lows. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future
July 12, 2019
Slow burning thriller set in OSLO
4.5*
Alison and Sindre have lost their 5 year old daughter, Amalie, in an accident. She drowned at a local lake whilst in Alison’s care.
This is a portrayal of a marriage and family in crisis after such a devastating event and how, without conventional anchors – reasoning and thinking – obsessive thoughts can embed in the consciousness and drive everything and everyone to the edge.
Alison is just about keeping it together as she struggles to come to terms with her loss. Such an event naturally impacts hugely on the couple relationship and the author strikingly details the progression and stress points in nuanced and reflexive prose. At the end of the book the author acknowledges that she too has suffered a great deal of trauma with one of her children and just by the characters’ responses you can tell that she writes with conviction and heartfelt genuineness.
Little Amalie’s heart has been donated to another child, Kaia, who lives with her mother Iselin on the outskirts of Oslo. These are two families conjoined by an anonymous bond, by a heart that has been gifted from one person to another. The two families are very much from different sides of the wealth spectrum.
Gradually, however it is clear that Alison is mentally and emotionally unravelling; she is really struggling to cope and alights upon a plan that would bring her closer to her dead child. A relationship of some kind with the recipient family seems to her somehow feasible. At first it is understandable and her research into who the donor family might be is something she needs to do. Her initial reasoning after the death were that Amalie’s heart was giving new life to someone else, but now she realises, the tables have turned. that someone else is giving new to life to Amalie….
Alison is particularly struck by the phenomenon of cellular memory – there seems to be evidence that recipients take on personality traits of the donor. In Kaia she perhaps can see something of Amalie and this thought fuels her obsession to connect in any way she can with her flesh and blood daughter.
Of course, this is a curious phenomenon, whether there is any justification for it is not known. Alison has lost all sense of perspective and it is her obsessive quest, assisted by alcohol and growing depression, that builds the storyline, culminating in a heart stopping conclusion (!).
I did wonder about the premise of a very dead child, drowned, being in a position to donate the heart to another very sick child. Generally I understand a heart still needs to be beating for it to be a viable transplant… poor little Amalie sounded well dead by the time she was found. No matter. This is a well crafted, thoughtful and gripping read.
4.5*
Alison and Sindre have lost their 5 year old daughter, Amalie, in an accident. She drowned at a local lake whilst in Alison’s care.
This is a portrayal of a marriage and family in crisis after such a devastating event and how, without conventional anchors – reasoning and thinking – obsessive thoughts can embed in the consciousness and drive everything and everyone to the edge.
Alison is just about keeping it together as she struggles to come to terms with her loss. Such an event naturally impacts hugely on the couple relationship and the author strikingly details the progression and stress points in nuanced and reflexive prose. At the end of the book the author acknowledges that she too has suffered a great deal of trauma with one of her children and just by the characters’ responses you can tell that she writes with conviction and heartfelt genuineness.
Little Amalie’s heart has been donated to another child, Kaia, who lives with her mother Iselin on the outskirts of Oslo. These are two families conjoined by an anonymous bond, by a heart that has been gifted from one person to another. The two families are very much from different sides of the wealth spectrum.
Gradually, however it is clear that Alison is mentally and emotionally unravelling; she is really struggling to cope and alights upon a plan that would bring her closer to her dead child. A relationship of some kind with the recipient family seems to her somehow feasible. At first it is understandable and her research into who the donor family might be is something she needs to do. Her initial reasoning after the death were that Amalie’s heart was giving new life to someone else, but now she realises, the tables have turned. that someone else is giving new to life to Amalie….
Alison is particularly struck by the phenomenon of cellular memory – there seems to be evidence that recipients take on personality traits of the donor. In Kaia she perhaps can see something of Amalie and this thought fuels her obsession to connect in any way she can with her flesh and blood daughter.
Of course, this is a curious phenomenon, whether there is any justification for it is not known. Alison has lost all sense of perspective and it is her obsessive quest, assisted by alcohol and growing depression, that builds the storyline, culminating in a heart stopping conclusion (!).
I did wonder about the premise of a very dead child, drowned, being in a position to donate the heart to another very sick child. Generally I understand a heart still needs to be beating for it to be a viable transplant… poor little Amalie sounded well dead by the time she was found. No matter. This is a well crafted, thoughtful and gripping read.
July 10, 2019
“Hearts are wild creatures, that’s why our ribs are cages.”
The Heart Keeper by Alex Dahl is an intensely emotional story of grief, loss and hope.
Devastated by the accidental drowning death of her beloved six year old daughter, Alison reels brokenly between crippling emotional agony and a drug and alcohol induced stupor, unable to accept her loss. When her stepson raises the theory of cellular memory, which suggests that a transplanted organ retains some of the memories or personality traits of the donor that manifest in the recipient, Alison becomes obsessed with the idea that somewhere Amalie lives on...and she wants her back.
“I envision her heart beating in this moment, sutured in place in a little stranger’s chest. I see fresh, clean blood pumped out and around a young body, carrying miniscule particles of my own child. I stand up and press my face to the window. Out there, somewhere, her heart is beating.”
The narrative of The Heart Keeper moves between the first person perspectives of Alison, and Iselin, whose paths cross when Alison seeks out the recipient of her daughters heart, seven year old Kaia. At first Alison believes just a glimpse of her child’s ‘heart keeper’ will ease the ache, but it’s not enough, and she arranges a meeting with Iselin, ostensibly to commission some artwork, which simply feeds her obsession.
“I couldn’t have grasped, then, that it would grow bigger and sharper every day, that it would rot my heart, that it would devour everything that was once good,...”
Alison’s pain is so viscerally described by Dahl, the intensity is difficult to cope with at times. Her slow unraveling is utterly compelling, and though it’s known from the outset the direction the plot will take, Alison’s journey, her longing for her daughter, is what drives the story.
“You and her, you’re one and the same. I can’t believe I didn’t realize this before, that all of this time, you were right there.”
With richly drawn characters and raw emotive writing The Heart Keeper is an engrossing, poignant and heartrending story about death, and life.
The Heart Keeper by Alex Dahl is an intensely emotional story of grief, loss and hope.
Devastated by the accidental drowning death of her beloved six year old daughter, Alison reels brokenly between crippling emotional agony and a drug and alcohol induced stupor, unable to accept her loss. When her stepson raises the theory of cellular memory, which suggests that a transplanted organ retains some of the memories or personality traits of the donor that manifest in the recipient, Alison becomes obsessed with the idea that somewhere Amalie lives on...and she wants her back.
“I envision her heart beating in this moment, sutured in place in a little stranger’s chest. I see fresh, clean blood pumped out and around a young body, carrying miniscule particles of my own child. I stand up and press my face to the window. Out there, somewhere, her heart is beating.”
The narrative of The Heart Keeper moves between the first person perspectives of Alison, and Iselin, whose paths cross when Alison seeks out the recipient of her daughters heart, seven year old Kaia. At first Alison believes just a glimpse of her child’s ‘heart keeper’ will ease the ache, but it’s not enough, and she arranges a meeting with Iselin, ostensibly to commission some artwork, which simply feeds her obsession.
“I couldn’t have grasped, then, that it would grow bigger and sharper every day, that it would rot my heart, that it would devour everything that was once good,...”
Alison’s pain is so viscerally described by Dahl, the intensity is difficult to cope with at times. Her slow unraveling is utterly compelling, and though it’s known from the outset the direction the plot will take, Alison’s journey, her longing for her daughter, is what drives the story.
“You and her, you’re one and the same. I can’t believe I didn’t realize this before, that all of this time, you were right there.”
With richly drawn characters and raw emotive writing The Heart Keeper is an engrossing, poignant and heartrending story about death, and life.
March 8, 2020
This is the second -crime- novel written by a new and talented Norwegian female author, Alex Dahl. The first one, titled ''The Boy At The Door'' was a big success and I was eagerly expecting the publication of ''The Heart Keeper''. Finally, I got lucky and won a free ARC by the publisher in Netgalley, and I began reading it immediately. Overall, I can say that it was a rather satisfying experience, even though it doesn't strictly fall under the Scandi-Noir genre.
For my review, visithttps://tapthelinemag.com/post/the-he...
For my review, visithttps://tapthelinemag.com/post/the-he...
July 27, 2021
Dnes prežívam lenivé dovolenkové ráno (ešte keby som nemusela variť), deti mali ráno svoje zábavky a ja čas na knihu. Prečítala som ju na jedno posedenie, neuveriteľne ma vtiahla do deja...
Darca orgánov môže zachrániť až osem životov. Ale už aj ten jeden zachránený je darom... je to niečo vzácne a jedinečné. Ameliina mama je po smrti svojej dcérky v hlbokom a temnom smútku. Vie, že musí fungovať ďalej, kvôli manželovi a nevlastnému synovi, no nevládze sa vrátiť k predchádzajúcemu životu, aj keď to chvíľu predstiera, podstupuje terapiu, no je to nesmierne namáhavé. Všetci trpia, vyrovnať sa so smrťou milovaného dieťaťa je srdcervúco ťažké. Obviňovanie, depresia, zrútenie oboch manželov, lieky, samota, alkohol... nič z toho nepomáha. Až kým sa Alison nedozvie, že transplantované srdce jej dcérky bije v hrudníku iného dieťaťa. Vie, že by nemala pátrať po jeho totožnosti, že je len malá pravdepodobnosť to zistiť, no napriek tomu pátra a dúfa v nemožné. Rodinná a psychologická dráma takto dostáva sťaby mysteriózny nádych, keď Alison dúfa, že bunková pamäť by mohla priblížiť jej dievčatko. No autorka má svoj príbeh pevne v rukách. Ako keď sa Alison vracia v spomienkach k dcérinej smrti, ako čitateľka cítim isté znepokojenie. Je naozaj všetko tak, ako to opisuje psychologičke? Chvíľami sa nechám unášať, dúfam a súcitím s oboma mamami. Vidím tú zúfalú nádej a radosť, mať zase dcérku zdravú a nablízku. Dieťa s transplantovaným srdiečkom je ako vymenené, zrazu môže chodiť do školy, vládze behať a smiať sa. Páči sa mi, aký priestor dostáva aj druhá mama, Iselin. Jej sny, ktoré kedysi odložila a čo všetko obetovala pre svoje jediné dieťa, no nikdy by však nemenila. Jednej sa svet zrútil a druhej sa otvára a teraz je dôležité, ako sa s tým vyrovnajú. Aj keď je v centre dieťa, je vnímané cez optiku oboch matiek, no priestor dostal aj nevlastný syn a otec. V doslove sa autorka priznáva, že pri písaní vychádzala z vlastnej skúsenosti. Priznám sa, zasiahlo ma to, rozmýšľam, ako by som reagovala ja sama.
Záver graduje, je srdcervúci a strhujúci... Kniha je skvele napísaná, odporúčam!
Darca orgánov môže zachrániť až osem životov. Ale už aj ten jeden zachránený je darom... je to niečo vzácne a jedinečné. Ameliina mama je po smrti svojej dcérky v hlbokom a temnom smútku. Vie, že musí fungovať ďalej, kvôli manželovi a nevlastnému synovi, no nevládze sa vrátiť k predchádzajúcemu životu, aj keď to chvíľu predstiera, podstupuje terapiu, no je to nesmierne namáhavé. Všetci trpia, vyrovnať sa so smrťou milovaného dieťaťa je srdcervúco ťažké. Obviňovanie, depresia, zrútenie oboch manželov, lieky, samota, alkohol... nič z toho nepomáha. Až kým sa Alison nedozvie, že transplantované srdce jej dcérky bije v hrudníku iného dieťaťa. Vie, že by nemala pátrať po jeho totožnosti, že je len malá pravdepodobnosť to zistiť, no napriek tomu pátra a dúfa v nemožné. Rodinná a psychologická dráma takto dostáva sťaby mysteriózny nádych, keď Alison dúfa, že bunková pamäť by mohla priblížiť jej dievčatko. No autorka má svoj príbeh pevne v rukách. Ako keď sa Alison vracia v spomienkach k dcérinej smrti, ako čitateľka cítim isté znepokojenie. Je naozaj všetko tak, ako to opisuje psychologičke? Chvíľami sa nechám unášať, dúfam a súcitím s oboma mamami. Vidím tú zúfalú nádej a radosť, mať zase dcérku zdravú a nablízku. Dieťa s transplantovaným srdiečkom je ako vymenené, zrazu môže chodiť do školy, vládze behať a smiať sa. Páči sa mi, aký priestor dostáva aj druhá mama, Iselin. Jej sny, ktoré kedysi odložila a čo všetko obetovala pre svoje jediné dieťa, no nikdy by však nemenila. Jednej sa svet zrútil a druhej sa otvára a teraz je dôležité, ako sa s tým vyrovnajú. Aj keď je v centre dieťa, je vnímané cez optiku oboch matiek, no priestor dostal aj nevlastný syn a otec. V doslove sa autorka priznáva, že pri písaní vychádzala z vlastnej skúsenosti. Priznám sa, zasiahlo ma to, rozmýšľam, ako by som reagovala ja sama.
Záver graduje, je srdcervúci a strhujúci... Kniha je skvele napísaná, odporúčam!
November 10, 2019
4.5 / 5 stars for this compelling blend of Nordic atmosphere and emotionally-charged suspense. I'm constantly impressed by Alex Dahl's knack for blending Scandinavian influences with psychological suspense that feels very modern and instantly-accessible. In The Heart Keeper, a mother grieving the unthinkable loss of her young daughter becomes obsessed with the girl who received her daughter's heart through organ donation. You'll need to suspend reality just a bit to get the most enjoyment out of this story, but there's an emotional and heartfelt quality to Dahl's writing that kept me hooked throughout.
Read my full review on the CBTB blog!
http://crimebythebook.com/blog/2019/8...
Read my full review on the CBTB blog!
http://crimebythebook.com/blog/2019/8...
July 16, 2021
Po „Perfekcyjnej rodzinie” od której absolutnie nie mogłam się oderwać, ta książka mnie bardzo rozczarowała. Nie wciągnęłam się w fabułę, była przewidywalna, a zakończenie nie było satysfakcjonujące, niestety.
May 4, 2019
Review can be found on my blog here: https://booksonthebookshelf.wordpress...
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Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this book to read and share my review.
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After reading The Boy at the Door and loving it I knew I had to read this novel. So I was thrilled when Aria invited me to be a part of the blog tour.
Addictive, heart breaking and thrilling . This book was amazing. I had so many feels reading this book and I loved that! A fabulous story of one family dealing with the loss of their daughter and watching their lives unravel before their very eyes and another family whose daughter received an organ transplant. Without giving too much away about the book this is a must read.
This book touches on organ transplants, organ donors, tragedy and loss of a loved one. Be sure to sit down and hold on tight, you are in for an emotional roller coaster ride as you read through this book.
….
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this book to read and share my review.
….
After reading The Boy at the Door and loving it I knew I had to read this novel. So I was thrilled when Aria invited me to be a part of the blog tour.
Addictive, heart breaking and thrilling . This book was amazing. I had so many feels reading this book and I loved that! A fabulous story of one family dealing with the loss of their daughter and watching their lives unravel before their very eyes and another family whose daughter received an organ transplant. Without giving too much away about the book this is a must read.
This book touches on organ transplants, organ donors, tragedy and loss of a loved one. Be sure to sit down and hold on tight, you are in for an emotional roller coaster ride as you read through this book.
August 1, 2019
Alison Miller-Juul’s life totally fell apart after the death of her six year old daughter, who drowned. Alison, her husband and her stepson are trying to move forward with their lives but it’s not easy to do.
Basically, Alison wants her daughter back. Her daughter had been an organ donor. When Alison learns about the young girl who received her heart, she does everything in her power to get close to the girl. Alison’s mind is all over the place but she knows what she wants - her daughter.
This is a well written, intense novel. I could feel all the pain these characters were going through. It’s an emotional roller coaster for all the characters involved. There were a few slow spots, but overall, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I couldn’t imagine how this could have a satisfying ending, but the author outdid herself with this one.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Basically, Alison wants her daughter back. Her daughter had been an organ donor. When Alison learns about the young girl who received her heart, she does everything in her power to get close to the girl. Alison’s mind is all over the place but she knows what she wants - her daughter.
This is a well written, intense novel. I could feel all the pain these characters were going through. It’s an emotional roller coaster for all the characters involved. There were a few slow spots, but overall, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I couldn’t imagine how this could have a satisfying ending, but the author outdid herself with this one.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 23, 2022
This was a heart-wrenching read, and as I turned the last page, I was in tears. The emotions in this were so raw, and just about everyone broke my heart. Even the author's note at the end got me-- she talks about coming close to losing her infant son, an experience I am all too familiar with (I have come close to losing both of my children, one to illness, one to an accident, and while both are fine now, it stays with you). Alison's guilt and sadness and anger resonated with me. Even as she became increasingly unhinged, I kept thinking, but it's her baby's heart. It's totally wrong, and yet, I can understand her motivation. Alex Dahl is a talented author, conveying a depth of emotions in each character. She just made me root for Alison, Iselin, and Kaia. Oh, and the scenes with poor Oliver did me in.
I won an ARC of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I won an ARC of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
November 19, 2023
Jedna z tých lepších
October 14, 2019
This book was a real page turner — I could hardly put it down! The author took a very difficult subject and situation and made it relatable on both sides, I felt.
This is a very realistic situation that no one should ever be forced to face but unfortunately people are. She did a great job of communicating the emotions of both mothers.
This is a very realistic situation that no one should ever be forced to face but unfortunately people are. She did a great job of communicating the emotions of both mothers.
June 24, 2019
I won this book from a goodreads giveaway.
This is a tragic story but characters are developed well. I did not like that the book description gives away the story before you even start it. No surprises as to how it ends. This book was very depressing.
This is a tragic story but characters are developed well. I did not like that the book description gives away the story before you even start it. No surprises as to how it ends. This book was very depressing.
July 10, 2019
I liked this book. It does show the struggles that not only a mother but a family goes through when they experience the death of their child. Alison is was not only one that was hurting. Her husband was too.
Iselin was learning her to be a mother again (not a caretaker). Kaia was so sick before receiving her new heart. I liked Kaia. She is a sweetheart. Where Alison is concerned I understood where she was coming from regarding getting close to Kaia. Yet, at the same time I felt bad for Kaia. She was her own person but Alison was trying to turn her into her daughter.
While, I did like this book; I thought there were be more tense moments between Iselin and Alison. Even when Iselin learned who Alison was, she reacted but it seemed mild. In fact, the last third of the story seemed a bit rushed compared to the rest of the story.
Iselin was learning her to be a mother again (not a caretaker). Kaia was so sick before receiving her new heart. I liked Kaia. She is a sweetheart. Where Alison is concerned I understood where she was coming from regarding getting close to Kaia. Yet, at the same time I felt bad for Kaia. She was her own person but Alison was trying to turn her into her daughter.
While, I did like this book; I thought there were be more tense moments between Iselin and Alison. Even when Iselin learned who Alison was, she reacted but it seemed mild. In fact, the last third of the story seemed a bit rushed compared to the rest of the story.
August 24, 2019
Really enjoyed this book
April 2, 2019
4.5 stars rounded up
Imagine, if you will, you have just lost your child. She drowned on your watch. You marriage is now crumbling. There's no amount of help you can get that could possible make you feel better. Alison doesn't have to imagine this, she is living it. Her daughter Amalie drowned aged six and even her husband and step-son are powerless to ease her pain; the two of them grieving too.
But there is light in her tunnel. Some small solace to ease her pain even if just a little bit. Amalie's organs were donated on her death. Others live cos she died. And then Alison learns something about donated organs and, finally with something productive to do, looks into this further. Aided by her step-son, she finds the recipient of Amalie's heart. Her baby's heart still alive and beating in another child. Imagine what you'd do with this information...
Oh my, this was heart-breaking. I really felt for Alison and certain other members of the cast (who I can't go into too much detail here for fear of spoilers) with what they went through. But, in among all the pain there were some heart-warming moments which lightened the mood a bit and kept the book balanced rather than going too dark.
Having never had children myself, it's hard to put myself in Alison's position. But the way the author wrote the book made it easy to believe in what she was doing. Pacing was good, a relatively slow start, setting the scene and characters for what was to come, and then as the tension ramped up, it didn't stop until right at the end. And that end. when it came was perfect.
All in all, a great follow-up to The Boy at the Door, this author's debut which I read last year. Looking forward to seeing what she serves up next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Imagine, if you will, you have just lost your child. She drowned on your watch. You marriage is now crumbling. There's no amount of help you can get that could possible make you feel better. Alison doesn't have to imagine this, she is living it. Her daughter Amalie drowned aged six and even her husband and step-son are powerless to ease her pain; the two of them grieving too.
But there is light in her tunnel. Some small solace to ease her pain even if just a little bit. Amalie's organs were donated on her death. Others live cos she died. And then Alison learns something about donated organs and, finally with something productive to do, looks into this further. Aided by her step-son, she finds the recipient of Amalie's heart. Her baby's heart still alive and beating in another child. Imagine what you'd do with this information...
Oh my, this was heart-breaking. I really felt for Alison and certain other members of the cast (who I can't go into too much detail here for fear of spoilers) with what they went through. But, in among all the pain there were some heart-warming moments which lightened the mood a bit and kept the book balanced rather than going too dark.
Having never had children myself, it's hard to put myself in Alison's position. But the way the author wrote the book made it easy to believe in what she was doing. Pacing was good, a relatively slow start, setting the scene and characters for what was to come, and then as the tension ramped up, it didn't stop until right at the end. And that end. when it came was perfect.
All in all, a great follow-up to The Boy at the Door, this author's debut which I read last year. Looking forward to seeing what she serves up next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
February 25, 2022
This is the story of a mother who blames herself for the drowning death of her young daughter and becomes obsessed with the child who has received her donated heart. She maintains the secret of the source of the life saving heart as she develops a relationship with the mother and daughter. The fascinating story kept my interest and provided an interesting surprise ending. I can recommend this creative and intriguing story.
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