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The Heart of Everything
A girl with a failing heart. An ocean community in danger. An unknown energy that brings them together to heal.
To Rigel, an introverted eighteen-year-old, math and astronomy aren’t just her favorite subjects. They’re stepping stones to her dream of being an astronaut. But they can’t help her when a rare disease thrusts her heart into system failure. When her doctor recommends a Florida specialist who uses dolphin therapy, Rigel balks. She’s terrified of water. But before treatment gets underway, she chases her favorite necklace into the ocean, where a mysterious wormhole transports her to a secret underwater community.
Unlike home, this beautiful, bizarre new world houses a misty-eyed young man, a weakening energy, and an ancient prophecy. The only way for Rigel to survive, and heal her heart, is to connect with her feelings—something as frightening to her as the surrounding water.
Hebrew and sacred geometry take the reader on a mystical adventure in this underwater fantasy. Fans of The Sun Is Also a Star and The Ten Thousand Doors of January will love this heartwarming romantic story of learning to trust and forgiving the past to find a new and exciting future.
To Rigel, an introverted eighteen-year-old, math and astronomy aren’t just her favorite subjects. They’re stepping stones to her dream of being an astronaut. But they can’t help her when a rare disease thrusts her heart into system failure. When her doctor recommends a Florida specialist who uses dolphin therapy, Rigel balks. She’s terrified of water. But before treatment gets underway, she chases her favorite necklace into the ocean, where a mysterious wormhole transports her to a secret underwater community.
Unlike home, this beautiful, bizarre new world houses a misty-eyed young man, a weakening energy, and an ancient prophecy. The only way for Rigel to survive, and heal her heart, is to connect with her feelings—something as frightening to her as the surrounding water.
Hebrew and sacred geometry take the reader on a mystical adventure in this underwater fantasy. Fans of The Sun Is Also a Star and The Ten Thousand Doors of January will love this heartwarming romantic story of learning to trust and forgiving the past to find a new and exciting future.
- GenresYoung Adult
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2021
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Nanette Littlestone
14 books154 followersNanette Littlestone’s emotional stories take the reader on a journey of the heart. An award-winning novelist and gourmet, Nanette believes in happily ever after. Her pragmatic side realizes that most people don’t live fairy tale lives, so her stories explore the struggles we face, the plans that backfire, the heart-wrenching decisions we have to make, plus the joy, the delight, the happiness when we courageously embrace our dreams. It’s all about the love, and good food. She's the author of the historical novel “The Sacred Flame” (set in ancient Rome), the contemporary sequel “Bella Toscana,” the underwater YA fantasy "The Heart of Everything," and the first two books in the Irish romance series "For the Love of Brigid" and "Sweet Dreams by Claire." She lives in Atlanta, GA but still calls California home, loves making origami butterflies, and watching romantic movies that make her cry. Her favorite quote: “Flattery will get you nowhere. Chocolate, everywhere.”
Be sure to follow Nanette on BookBub for the latest news and book recommendations: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nanet...
Be sure to follow Nanette on BookBub for the latest news and book recommendations: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nanet...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 19, 2021
The Heart of Everything by Nanette Littlestone is a heartwarming story everyone with an imagination should read! This story is filled with fantasy that will stay with you long after you are finished reading it. A girl with a “broken heart” is sent on an imaginary journey underwater to assist her with dealing with lost memories and to face her fears. Littlestone’s description and wordage of this journey are just breathtaking and amazing! You must be able to let yourself believe in this story to understand it. This girl must learn to forgive, trust, and love again to understand her past and move on to her future! It is a touching story with some romance that will make you believe in things you just don’t think about! I found it fascinating and exhilarating. If you have an imagination and want a book that just makes you feel good, I highly recommend this one. I am so happy I had this opportunity to be introduced to this genre. I will read more.
Thank you Nanette Littlestone and Words of Passion for an ARC of this inspiring novel in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
#theheartofeverything #nanettelittlestone #wordsofpassion #arc
Thank you Nanette Littlestone and Words of Passion for an ARC of this inspiring novel in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
#theheartofeverything #nanettelittlestone #wordsofpassion #arc
August 14, 2021
The Heart of Everything by Nanette Littlestone starts with a broken heart. A seriously broken heart. Not from a failed romance but from a weakened heart muscle struggling to survive.
Rigel’s ‘broken’ heart sends her from where she wants to be, a NASA internship, to Florida, where she needs to see a heart specialist who can hopefully help her.
Rigel’s journey forces her to face her fears and her lost memories as she travels through a mythical underwater sea journey that will take your breath away.
The Heart of Everything will allow your belief in magic to resurface. Hold on to it as you devour this book.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Rigel’s ‘broken’ heart sends her from where she wants to be, a NASA internship, to Florida, where she needs to see a heart specialist who can hopefully help her.
Rigel’s journey forces her to face her fears and her lost memories as she travels through a mythical underwater sea journey that will take your breath away.
The Heart of Everything will allow your belief in magic to resurface. Hold on to it as you devour this book.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
August 27, 2021
I always read the first page to see if I want to continue with a book...
I hadn't planned on reading that afternoon, but I found myself already on page twenty before I realized time had slipped away and I was immersed in Rigel's world.
I found Ms. Littlestone's writing style all-consuming, and the way in which she brought a young eighteen year-old to life nothing short of brilliant. Rigel's outlook on life from the time she discovers her heart is failing, to the end of the story, is filled with the emotion and discovery in the way a young adult would--with snarky humor, denial, hanging on the coattails of what she knows and what's familiar and how it makes sense to her, and eventually courage to face the world she's been given. On a side note--I'm terrified of water as Rigel is, so I found myself holding my breath and experiencing total immersion in her fear more than once on this journey!
The beautiful combination of astrology, sacred geometry, a bit of magic, folklore, Jewish ceremonies and the Hebrew language, and the ocean and its inhabitants are nicely woven together. Rigel's worlds, both real and fantasy, are brought to life and merged in a way I found easy to suspend belief.
I'm also a sucker for dual timelines, and Ms. Littlestone merged Rigel's childhood seamlessly into the present. I fell in love with the little girl and her mother.
If you enjoy a fun tale, an adventure that will allow you to escape reality and leave you deeply satisfied, pick up a copy of The Heart of Everything. You won't be sorry.
I received an ARC of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
I hadn't planned on reading that afternoon, but I found myself already on page twenty before I realized time had slipped away and I was immersed in Rigel's world.
I found Ms. Littlestone's writing style all-consuming, and the way in which she brought a young eighteen year-old to life nothing short of brilliant. Rigel's outlook on life from the time she discovers her heart is failing, to the end of the story, is filled with the emotion and discovery in the way a young adult would--with snarky humor, denial, hanging on the coattails of what she knows and what's familiar and how it makes sense to her, and eventually courage to face the world she's been given. On a side note--I'm terrified of water as Rigel is, so I found myself holding my breath and experiencing total immersion in her fear more than once on this journey!
The beautiful combination of astrology, sacred geometry, a bit of magic, folklore, Jewish ceremonies and the Hebrew language, and the ocean and its inhabitants are nicely woven together. Rigel's worlds, both real and fantasy, are brought to life and merged in a way I found easy to suspend belief.
I'm also a sucker for dual timelines, and Ms. Littlestone merged Rigel's childhood seamlessly into the present. I fell in love with the little girl and her mother.
If you enjoy a fun tale, an adventure that will allow you to escape reality and leave you deeply satisfied, pick up a copy of The Heart of Everything. You won't be sorry.
I received an ARC of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2021
"The Heart if Everything" by Nanette Littlestone is a gripping fast paced read in the best way! Rigel, a very fiery and independent 18 year old, is about to begin her career dream of training to be a NASA astronaut when she is diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition. With her doctors recommendation of using water therapy to help her heart heal from a deeply hidden early childhood trauma, Rigel does what she does best with her emotions and runs away from her biggest fear, water!
With one spontaneous action, she suddenly finds herself immersed in the underwater world of Immaya, and begins to discover new levels of confidence, trust, love and forgiveness within herself.
The author entwines many aspects of sacred geometry, magical symbols and the jewish mysticism of the Kabbalah that keeps the reader mesmerized throughout her underwater journey of healing and enlightenment!
If you are of fan of "The Shack" by William P. Young, this book is a must read for you!
Dr. Mary Ursits
Woodstock, Georgia
With one spontaneous action, she suddenly finds herself immersed in the underwater world of Immaya, and begins to discover new levels of confidence, trust, love and forgiveness within herself.
The author entwines many aspects of sacred geometry, magical symbols and the jewish mysticism of the Kabbalah that keeps the reader mesmerized throughout her underwater journey of healing and enlightenment!
If you are of fan of "The Shack" by William P. Young, this book is a must read for you!
Dr. Mary Ursits
Woodstock, Georgia
August 20, 2021
Captivating, enchanting, absorbing
Once I started, I couldn’t put this book down. What a compelling, fascinating tale, full of mystery, wonder, and heart. I fell in love with our heroine, Rigel, from the first page, and was with her on every step of her journey, in which she had to wrestle with loss, grief, past assumptions, mind-boggling newness, and the possibility of true connection and love. Nanette Littlestone created my favorite thing in literature—a new and different world, one I believed in utterly, one I wanted to go to and experience. I’ll never see the ocean in the same way again, and that says a lot about the power of the author’s imagination and beautiful writing. In addition to creating a new world, the Littlestone took us on a deeply satisfying journey of transformation, coming-of-age, and hope. I absolutely loved this book!
Once I started, I couldn’t put this book down. What a compelling, fascinating tale, full of mystery, wonder, and heart. I fell in love with our heroine, Rigel, from the first page, and was with her on every step of her journey, in which she had to wrestle with loss, grief, past assumptions, mind-boggling newness, and the possibility of true connection and love. Nanette Littlestone created my favorite thing in literature—a new and different world, one I believed in utterly, one I wanted to go to and experience. I’ll never see the ocean in the same way again, and that says a lot about the power of the author’s imagination and beautiful writing. In addition to creating a new world, the Littlestone took us on a deeply satisfying journey of transformation, coming-of-age, and hope. I absolutely loved this book!
August 27, 2021
The Heart of Everything by author, Nanette Littlestone
Ms. Littlestone has written a most expressive, breathtaking story that will re-awaken the imagination and allow it to soar!
A mysterious, illuminating narrative~ an experience that allows its reader to travel beyond the promise of the stars and on to the waves of change within the ocean's strength and grace, as the author paints the pages with her meaningful and most colorful descriptions that make this journey a significant one.
From the moment the story begins, you feel the emotional pull off this collection of moments that leads you to a place where you feel as if you've become one with the story.
With a protagonist that learns all to quickly that life is a balance of holding on and letting go, that her hopes and dreams will soon take on a life of their own, and not all is what it seems as she finds herself immersed in a world where the stars kiss the sea, and beyond.
Through challenges, unanswered questions and newly found connections, Rigel comes to realize that although life can become rough and rigid~ enjoying the beauty that surrounds her~ staying true to herself by singing the song within her heart, can open up a whole new world of possibilities in the most unexpected of places... It is here where she first learns to breathe.
The Heart of Everything has captured my own heart within the intiguing, imaginative world created by the author that took me from the biggest of star-lit skies to the deepest ocean blues~ a world of wonder, fantasy, romance, beauty, hope and healing...
I thank Ms. Littlestone for allowing me the opportunity of an Advanced Reader Copy~ one in which I thoroughly enjoyed and surprisingly found within its pages, a connection or two of my very own.
5+ Stars
#TheHeartofEverything
#Nanette Littlestone
#WordsofPassion
Wild Sage Book Blog
Ms. Littlestone has written a most expressive, breathtaking story that will re-awaken the imagination and allow it to soar!
A mysterious, illuminating narrative~ an experience that allows its reader to travel beyond the promise of the stars and on to the waves of change within the ocean's strength and grace, as the author paints the pages with her meaningful and most colorful descriptions that make this journey a significant one.
From the moment the story begins, you feel the emotional pull off this collection of moments that leads you to a place where you feel as if you've become one with the story.
With a protagonist that learns all to quickly that life is a balance of holding on and letting go, that her hopes and dreams will soon take on a life of their own, and not all is what it seems as she finds herself immersed in a world where the stars kiss the sea, and beyond.
Through challenges, unanswered questions and newly found connections, Rigel comes to realize that although life can become rough and rigid~ enjoying the beauty that surrounds her~ staying true to herself by singing the song within her heart, can open up a whole new world of possibilities in the most unexpected of places... It is here where she first learns to breathe.
The Heart of Everything has captured my own heart within the intiguing, imaginative world created by the author that took me from the biggest of star-lit skies to the deepest ocean blues~ a world of wonder, fantasy, romance, beauty, hope and healing...
I thank Ms. Littlestone for allowing me the opportunity of an Advanced Reader Copy~ one in which I thoroughly enjoyed and surprisingly found within its pages, a connection or two of my very own.
5+ Stars
#TheHeartofEverything
#Nanette Littlestone
#WordsofPassion
Wild Sage Book Blog
December 31, 2021
The Heart of Everything
author: Nanette Littlestone @nanettelittlestone
publisher: Words of Passion
It's easy to quickly feel emotionally connected to Rigel, an eighteen-year-old young lady who runs and has aspirations of becoming an astronaut like Phillip, her father. Her mother, Maggie, is an artist with a passionate love of the ocean. Rigel's best laid plans of starting a NASA internship are disrupted when she was diagnosed with a heart abnormality.
Littlestone takes readers on a journey that can be described as mystical, fantastical, romantic, and full of feelings. Rigel is swept away into an underwater community, where she is challenged to face her fears and find her strength.
The book is written especially for ages 13-17, but will appeal to readers of any age who enjoy fantasy books that are moving, touching, and encouraging. Littlestone's deep research into oceans, constellations, and watercolor painting is very evident in the book, with her lush descriptive writing that portrays vivid and alluring images. This genre and the sacred geometry theme in the novel were both new to me as a reader. The book was published in August, 2021. I certainly will explore more books by Littlestone.
Thank you to author Nanette Littlestone for sending me a copy of The Heart of Everything and allowing me to experience reading an underwater fantasy book for the first time. I am providing my unbiased review.
author: Nanette Littlestone @nanettelittlestone
publisher: Words of Passion
It's easy to quickly feel emotionally connected to Rigel, an eighteen-year-old young lady who runs and has aspirations of becoming an astronaut like Phillip, her father. Her mother, Maggie, is an artist with a passionate love of the ocean. Rigel's best laid plans of starting a NASA internship are disrupted when she was diagnosed with a heart abnormality.
Littlestone takes readers on a journey that can be described as mystical, fantastical, romantic, and full of feelings. Rigel is swept away into an underwater community, where she is challenged to face her fears and find her strength.
The book is written especially for ages 13-17, but will appeal to readers of any age who enjoy fantasy books that are moving, touching, and encouraging. Littlestone's deep research into oceans, constellations, and watercolor painting is very evident in the book, with her lush descriptive writing that portrays vivid and alluring images. This genre and the sacred geometry theme in the novel were both new to me as a reader. The book was published in August, 2021. I certainly will explore more books by Littlestone.
Thank you to author Nanette Littlestone for sending me a copy of The Heart of Everything and allowing me to experience reading an underwater fantasy book for the first time. I am providing my unbiased review.
September 6, 2021
Reminiscent of the sing song sci-fi of Madeleine L’Engle, Littlestone’s The Heart of Everything presents a deeply layered world within our own that is exciting and believable. What awaits underwater for MC, Rigel, is terrifying, enchanting, and fascinating as she comes to grips with a literally heart-breaking predicament. Enticing illustrations sprinkled throughout the pages connect readers with real yet impossibly fantastic ocean life, as if we are exploring with Rigel on her journey that combines science and faith. Even the rhythm of the chapters is wavelike: tranquil and lapping as the story builds, crashing in a rip-tide at the breathtaking climax, and ending with surf-perfect swells. Rigel and the other authentic characters grow through terrifying moments yielding to happy scenes of spirituality and an ecstatic connection to the great giving sea. The mother-daughter struggles, vulnerability of young love, and underlying theme of an abuse of power that even perfect-looking communities can harbor all resonated with me. The satisfying ending left me happy and motivated to say yes to adventures, even ones that scare us, or maybe especially ones that scare us! Buy a copy for the special teen in your life and order another one to treat yourself.
October 11, 2021
This story captivated me from the first page to the last. The undersea world that Nanette Littlestone creates is as immersive as the story itself. Rigel's journey takes place in a world of colors and shapes that are exquisitely drawn with her writing prowess. Rigel herself is a heroine you want to cheer for-likeable, believable, and most of all, filled with human weakness that needs strengthening. All the characters in this story propel Rigel forward to her goal and are unique to themselves. And even though I know she needs to return home, I'm rooting for Rigel to stay in this undersea galaxy. It's such a beautifully described world of unity. Themes of love, acceptance, and forgiveness weave their way through the plot seamlessly and to fulfillment. Littlestone's writing will find you turning the page faster than you can finish each one!
January 27, 2022
This is the 2nd book I've read written by Nanette Littlestone; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
She has written a good book. The story is about Rigel; her dream of being an astronaut is blocked when a rare disease caused her heart failure. Her doctor recommend a specialist that used dolphin therapy but she’s terrified of water but ends up jumping in after dropping her favorite necklace into the ocean.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
She has written a good book. The story is about Rigel; her dream of being an astronaut is blocked when a rare disease caused her heart failure. Her doctor recommend a specialist that used dolphin therapy but she’s terrified of water but ends up jumping in after dropping her favorite necklace into the ocean.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2021
An inspirational coming of age YA story. If you enjoy the Wizard of Oz you’ll enjoy traveling to this profound underwater oceanic world. An ancient world that is experiencing a potential ecosystem collapse. The sketches, that are sprinkled throughout the book, of ocean life are wonderful visual aids. Enheartening read.
November 16, 2021
For those of you looking for a wonderful young adult fantasy, this story is for you! The young lady in this book, Rigel, will grab your heart instantly. In The Heart of Everything by Nanette Littlestone, you will become engrossed in multiple layers of Rigel’s life, from her younger years as a wee little child to her world as a young adult. Nanette does a fantastic job immersing you in the moment. For example, years ago I embarked on an under water diving experience. I’ll never forget the heart palpitating fear I felt the first time I lowered myself below the water line, all the while still breathing. Having experienced such sensations, I can wholeheartedly attest to the descriptions of water happenings throughout this book. I highly recommend The Heart of Everything by Nanette Littlestone.
This book was given to me in return for a fair and honest review.
This book was given to me in return for a fair and honest review.
July 9, 2025
It was a great pleasure to read this, my cousin-in-law's book for young adults (full disclosure). Littlestone's exceptional world-building skills are on display in this story of a young woman who wakes to find herself in a magical and spiritual enclave under the sea where love is everything. As Rigel faces this mysterious place and its inhabitants, she finds a new path to self knowledge, enabling her to heal from the darkness of a disjointed self. I especially enjoyed the flashback chapters where we learn about Rigel's early life with her artist mother, before she hated and feared water.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews