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I Give You My Heart
A terminal diagnosis. A life-saving sacrifice. A love letter written on the walls of her heart.
Alice Richards looked forward to watching the seeds of love she and her husband planted bloom and grow well into their old age. But her plans for the future shrivel up and die when she learns she has an inoperable brain tumour.
Determined that she won’t die in vain, she decides to become an organ donor. With a few precious months left, Alice begins documenting her fairytale romance—from their first meeting to the children they dreamed of having. She’ll pass on every detail to her heart’s next owner… along with careful instructions to send her husband reminders of her undying love. Before her time runs out, Alice must find the perfect candidate to guide her husband through unimaginable grief and hold the memory of their love in her heart.
I Give You My Heart is an emotional romantic fiction novel with an uplifting message. If you like strong-willed women, undying love stories, and honest portrayals of coping with a terminal illness, then you’ll love SarahJane Ford’s heart-warming epic.
An unmissable love story full of warmth, beauty and with a huge, beating heart. Perfect for fans of Cecilia Ahern's 'P.S. I Love You' and Jojo Moyes' 'Me Before You'.
Buy I Give You My Heart to experience a courageous story of undying love today!
Alice Richards looked forward to watching the seeds of love she and her husband planted bloom and grow well into their old age. But her plans for the future shrivel up and die when she learns she has an inoperable brain tumour.
Determined that she won’t die in vain, she decides to become an organ donor. With a few precious months left, Alice begins documenting her fairytale romance—from their first meeting to the children they dreamed of having. She’ll pass on every detail to her heart’s next owner… along with careful instructions to send her husband reminders of her undying love. Before her time runs out, Alice must find the perfect candidate to guide her husband through unimaginable grief and hold the memory of their love in her heart.
I Give You My Heart is an emotional romantic fiction novel with an uplifting message. If you like strong-willed women, undying love stories, and honest portrayals of coping with a terminal illness, then you’ll love SarahJane Ford’s heart-warming epic.
An unmissable love story full of warmth, beauty and with a huge, beating heart. Perfect for fans of Cecilia Ahern's 'P.S. I Love You' and Jojo Moyes' 'Me Before You'.
Buy I Give You My Heart to experience a courageous story of undying love today!
312 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2018
31 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 31, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
He moved words around his mouth, silently, testing how they tasted before releasing them into the air.
I wondered when you were going to bring up your eyebrows, Al. What has happened to them? Did two caterpillars go to sleep on your face and you just didn’t notice?
She’d be the one on the front row of the nativity play clapping her hands red, her camera blinding all the children the whole way through the play, making her little darling feel like the next Leonardo DiCaprio while donning the back half of a donkey suit. She was the best.
Because she has to be perfect, you know? This is Alex we’re talking about. I mean I was thinking looks of Julia Roberts, spirit of Mother Theresa, sense of humour of Steve Martin, heart of, well, me.
Well, before I went into that operating theatre, I couldn’t draw so much as a stick man. When I came to, the first thing I asked is, could you pass me my pencils? Since then I’ve hardly been able to stop my hands. My new heart tells them and then they do it… I go in as a lifetime loser at Pictionary and come out as the next Rembrandt.
My Review:
Despite the expected seriousness of the underlying premise featuring a terminally ill main character, this brilliantly written first person POV narrative was a pleasantly insightful, thoughtful, and witty read. After the twenty-six-year-old character of Alice was given the life-shattering news of an inoperable brain tumor, she set about filling her last months on earth with enjoying as many pleasant moments as she could with her loved ones while organizing a plan and writing a personal letter for every possible organ recipient.
I adored these captivating characters; their stories made my coronary muscle sigh and sing, as well as squeezed and tugged at the poor old thing. There were a few spots that burned my eyes and put hot rocks in my throat, but the vast majority of the book was artful storytelling that was lushly detailed with vivid and amusing observations and oh so many thoughtful touches. The character of Alice was determined to make a difference by donating as many organs and bits and pieces of her body as was possible, but she had a particular plan for the recipient of her heart. She set about writing a detailed instruction manual and was rather bossy in filling it not only with her personal history and special memories with her husband, but with detailed plans, suggestions, and specific requirements for the recipient of her heart to fulfill in hopes of easing her beloved husband back from the grief of her passing. I am fascinated with the idea of cellular memory and relished this thread throughout her storylines. I have a feeling the sweetness of this story will stay with me for quite some time. To use a phrase from my ever-expanding Brit Vocab list – it worked a treat.
He moved words around his mouth, silently, testing how they tasted before releasing them into the air.
I wondered when you were going to bring up your eyebrows, Al. What has happened to them? Did two caterpillars go to sleep on your face and you just didn’t notice?
She’d be the one on the front row of the nativity play clapping her hands red, her camera blinding all the children the whole way through the play, making her little darling feel like the next Leonardo DiCaprio while donning the back half of a donkey suit. She was the best.
Because she has to be perfect, you know? This is Alex we’re talking about. I mean I was thinking looks of Julia Roberts, spirit of Mother Theresa, sense of humour of Steve Martin, heart of, well, me.
Well, before I went into that operating theatre, I couldn’t draw so much as a stick man. When I came to, the first thing I asked is, could you pass me my pencils? Since then I’ve hardly been able to stop my hands. My new heart tells them and then they do it… I go in as a lifetime loser at Pictionary and come out as the next Rembrandt.
My Review:
Despite the expected seriousness of the underlying premise featuring a terminally ill main character, this brilliantly written first person POV narrative was a pleasantly insightful, thoughtful, and witty read. After the twenty-six-year-old character of Alice was given the life-shattering news of an inoperable brain tumor, she set about filling her last months on earth with enjoying as many pleasant moments as she could with her loved ones while organizing a plan and writing a personal letter for every possible organ recipient.
I adored these captivating characters; their stories made my coronary muscle sigh and sing, as well as squeezed and tugged at the poor old thing. There were a few spots that burned my eyes and put hot rocks in my throat, but the vast majority of the book was artful storytelling that was lushly detailed with vivid and amusing observations and oh so many thoughtful touches. The character of Alice was determined to make a difference by donating as many organs and bits and pieces of her body as was possible, but she had a particular plan for the recipient of her heart. She set about writing a detailed instruction manual and was rather bossy in filling it not only with her personal history and special memories with her husband, but with detailed plans, suggestions, and specific requirements for the recipient of her heart to fulfill in hopes of easing her beloved husband back from the grief of her passing. I am fascinated with the idea of cellular memory and relished this thread throughout her storylines. I have a feeling the sweetness of this story will stay with me for quite some time. To use a phrase from my ever-expanding Brit Vocab list – it worked a treat.
September 9, 2018
Beautiful! Heartwrenching! Hopeful!
Do not read this book without a huge box of Kleenex nearby! This book doesn’t evoke just settle tears running down the face... no, it evokes that ugly cry you know that makes your nose run! From the blurb you know this book will touch on some pretty emotional subjects, but the execution is simply beautiful... it is quite amazing this is a debut because it was just so well crafted from beginning to end...
Alice and Alex have a fairytale relationship, unfortunately they won’t get to live happily ever after... Alice is diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, and rather than wallowing in self-pity... she takes it upon herself to ensure that the love of her life will be OK without her.... Alice was such a remarkable character, strong-willed, selfless, caring, someone you would want to be friends with....Determined to make something positive out of her death she is determined to donate 22 organs, with her heart being the most precious out of these.... her plan for her heart is to give it to somebody who is very deserving someone who will help her husband remember and move on.... I have to admit I did think to myself I’m not sure if I could take on such responsibility.... Alice was going to leave some pretty big shoes to fill never mind her heart! And her instruction manual was a bit well... specific and bossy....
We also got a look into the beautiful love story of Alice and Alex... how they met to present day.... their story was quite epic... the kind of love we all dream of when we are little girls, that some of us are lucky enough to find...
This is such a beautiful book filled with so much heart and hope... absolutely recommend when you need a little dose of reality... seriously, if Alice could find a bit of a Brightside in the dark, then so can we all!
*** many thanks to the author and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of this book ***
Do not read this book without a huge box of Kleenex nearby! This book doesn’t evoke just settle tears running down the face... no, it evokes that ugly cry you know that makes your nose run! From the blurb you know this book will touch on some pretty emotional subjects, but the execution is simply beautiful... it is quite amazing this is a debut because it was just so well crafted from beginning to end...
Alice and Alex have a fairytale relationship, unfortunately they won’t get to live happily ever after... Alice is diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, and rather than wallowing in self-pity... she takes it upon herself to ensure that the love of her life will be OK without her.... Alice was such a remarkable character, strong-willed, selfless, caring, someone you would want to be friends with....Determined to make something positive out of her death she is determined to donate 22 organs, with her heart being the most precious out of these.... her plan for her heart is to give it to somebody who is very deserving someone who will help her husband remember and move on.... I have to admit I did think to myself I’m not sure if I could take on such responsibility.... Alice was going to leave some pretty big shoes to fill never mind her heart! And her instruction manual was a bit well... specific and bossy....
We also got a look into the beautiful love story of Alice and Alex... how they met to present day.... their story was quite epic... the kind of love we all dream of when we are little girls, that some of us are lucky enough to find...
This is such a beautiful book filled with so much heart and hope... absolutely recommend when you need a little dose of reality... seriously, if Alice could find a bit of a Brightside in the dark, then so can we all!
*** many thanks to the author and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of this book ***
September 6, 2018
Alice Richards is a twenty-six year old vibrant and loving woman married to the love of her life, Alex. They both had big dreams of growing old together, of having children and grandchildren and living out their golden years with their extended family. But life takes an unexpected turn when Alice is diagnosed with a Grade Four Brain Stem Glioma, an inoperable cancer. Alice has less than a year to live and even less if she decides not to get any treatment. This sets Alice on a path and a plan of saving twenty-two lives as an organ donor. But, the most special organ donation of all, her heart, needed to go to the right woman. A woman who would look out for her husband when she is gone. Here Alice begins to write an instructional manual to her new heart recipient in hopes of sharing special moments with her husband after Alice is gone. What takes place is an epic love story so tender and true. Will a heart recipient be found in time before Alice succumbs to cancer?
I Give You My Heart is an emotional and heartbreaking journey of one strong willed woman facing death and yet through it all, she finds comfort in finding someone to look out for her husband when she is gone. Alice does not take her diagnosis lightly. She knows she is going to die and it’s coming sooner rather than later and her instruction manual is giving her purpose. She does now wallow in self pity and I found her to be so strong and brave under the worst possible circumstances anyone could ever be in. Alice details an epic love story to her new heart recipient which is both romantic, moving and yet sad at the same time.
SarahJane Ford writes with such passion and emotion. You will need a box of tissues handy because Alice’s story will make you shed tears. Told in first person POV, I really felt as if I was able to see deep inside Alice’s heart and capture all of the tender moments of her life and the special moments she shared with Alex. The story is not all sad, though. There is some humor sprinkled in with her best friend, Ryan who lends some lighter moments in the face of death.
I do tend to side with the Ford in the magical aspect of someone receiving a donor organ in that you are taking a part of the donors thoughts and feelings. Could this be psychological? In part yes and no. I do believe we leave someone with a little piece of ourselves when we choose to donate. I would hope that when I die and am able to donate my organs that the recipient would share my passion and love and need in helping people and animals. It is like a part of who you are and your legacy still lives on.
I Give You My Heart by SarahJane Ford packs quite an emotional punch. It is heartfelt and moving, told with an honesty that just grips you right from the beginning. Ford weaves a beautifully detailed and grippingly narrative story that will have you reading through the tears in your eyes as you take that journey along with Alice and her story through her final days left with her family. This is a five star read that should not be missed.
I Give You My Heart is an emotional and heartbreaking journey of one strong willed woman facing death and yet through it all, she finds comfort in finding someone to look out for her husband when she is gone. Alice does not take her diagnosis lightly. She knows she is going to die and it’s coming sooner rather than later and her instruction manual is giving her purpose. She does now wallow in self pity and I found her to be so strong and brave under the worst possible circumstances anyone could ever be in. Alice details an epic love story to her new heart recipient which is both romantic, moving and yet sad at the same time.
SarahJane Ford writes with such passion and emotion. You will need a box of tissues handy because Alice’s story will make you shed tears. Told in first person POV, I really felt as if I was able to see deep inside Alice’s heart and capture all of the tender moments of her life and the special moments she shared with Alex. The story is not all sad, though. There is some humor sprinkled in with her best friend, Ryan who lends some lighter moments in the face of death.
I do tend to side with the Ford in the magical aspect of someone receiving a donor organ in that you are taking a part of the donors thoughts and feelings. Could this be psychological? In part yes and no. I do believe we leave someone with a little piece of ourselves when we choose to donate. I would hope that when I die and am able to donate my organs that the recipient would share my passion and love and need in helping people and animals. It is like a part of who you are and your legacy still lives on.
I Give You My Heart by SarahJane Ford packs quite an emotional punch. It is heartfelt and moving, told with an honesty that just grips you right from the beginning. Ford weaves a beautifully detailed and grippingly narrative story that will have you reading through the tears in your eyes as you take that journey along with Alice and her story through her final days left with her family. This is a five star read that should not be missed.
September 2, 2018
Get your tissues ready, they said. It's a weepy, they said. I'm tougher than that, I said, right up until the point that the tears started rolling down my face and the beautiful words on the page blurred into a soggy mess. I have never read a book filled with so much emotion that it does literally spill out of my eyes. This is SarahJane Ford's debut, so just imagine what we have to look forward to next; although how she plans to better this one, I don't know but what a wonderful problem for an author to have!
Alice and Alex are the perfect couple, fated to be together from the moment that they met over coffee; coffee that spilled down Alice's shirt. As their eyes met, Alice's heart skipped a beat and the rest, as they say, is history. Alas, they will never grow old together as Alice is diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. Alice, being the most generous and selfless woman that she is, decides to donate her organs so that others might live on through her gift of life. She only has one stipulation: that her heart goes to the most deserving recipient and she tasks her best friend, Ryan, with finding the perfect person to look after her heart.
As Alice spends her last days with her family, she writes a manual for her heart so that the recipient can remind Alex of some of their favourite memories, those memories that Alice believes lie within her heart but they might just need a little nudge. As if this wasn't emotional enough, we hurtle towards the inevitable conclusion and we must say goodbye to Alice...or is it just au revoir?
Oh wow, what an emotional book. I thought I would be prepared for Alice's inevitable death but I cried like a baby. There is not a word out of place in this beautiful debut which captured my heart through the stunning writing of SarahJane Ford. This book reminds us to live every day as if it's our last and also draws attention to organ donation. We don't want to think about our own demise but it's certainly worth considering leaving behind a parting gift to enable others to live on.
You will not read a more heartbreaking or heartwarming book this year. I Give You My Heart is THE most emotional book I have EVER read; it's an absolutely stunning debut and one not to miss.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Alice and Alex are the perfect couple, fated to be together from the moment that they met over coffee; coffee that spilled down Alice's shirt. As their eyes met, Alice's heart skipped a beat and the rest, as they say, is history. Alas, they will never grow old together as Alice is diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. Alice, being the most generous and selfless woman that she is, decides to donate her organs so that others might live on through her gift of life. She only has one stipulation: that her heart goes to the most deserving recipient and she tasks her best friend, Ryan, with finding the perfect person to look after her heart.
As Alice spends her last days with her family, she writes a manual for her heart so that the recipient can remind Alex of some of their favourite memories, those memories that Alice believes lie within her heart but they might just need a little nudge. As if this wasn't emotional enough, we hurtle towards the inevitable conclusion and we must say goodbye to Alice...or is it just au revoir?
Oh wow, what an emotional book. I thought I would be prepared for Alice's inevitable death but I cried like a baby. There is not a word out of place in this beautiful debut which captured my heart through the stunning writing of SarahJane Ford. This book reminds us to live every day as if it's our last and also draws attention to organ donation. We don't want to think about our own demise but it's certainly worth considering leaving behind a parting gift to enable others to live on.
You will not read a more heartbreaking or heartwarming book this year. I Give You My Heart is THE most emotional book I have EVER read; it's an absolutely stunning debut and one not to miss.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
October 7, 2019
This certainly pulls at one's heartstrings. There is a lot of sentimentality within these pages. Our h finds out that she is dying. She has the perfect life - love of a lifetime husband, devoted and perfect gay best friend, amazing parents. She believes that the essence of a person's soul resides in their heart and, as such, decides to donate her organs upon her passing. There is just one thing she wants, and that's her heart to go to someone her best friend selects that will be the perfect recipient of her heart and the steward of her love for her husband. Someone who will help him get through his loss. As such, she writes a manual explaining the intricacies of her heart and her soul and some things she wants this person to do in exchange for giving them a second chance at life. And this is where it all goes wrong for me. Let's forget that the person who gets the donated heart is going to spend months recovering, worrying about endless tests and medications, constantly fearing transplant rejection, and dealing with their own very realistic fears and emotions - now you've got to also think about fulfilling the wishes of your donor's list of things I need you to do to help pull my husband through the next year of his life in exchange for my selfless gift to you of my heart. So, dear recipient of my heart and soul, instead of focusing on living your life, if you'd instead please remember to buy my husband a fantastic Valentine's gift, drink hot chocolate with him on a thousand occasions, share his birthday with him doing for the things I would have done, build a perfect snowman and find him the best Christmas tree and go hurtling through space with him on a toboggan, maybe watch a few movies with him and by the way, please don't fall in love with him while you're at it. Maybe I need a heart transplant myself, because what should have had me in tears had me instead thinking of how selfish and full of strings this gift was.
September 3, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
‘If I just lay here, would you lie with me and, just forget the world….’
Yes Snow Patrol, I would indeed just forget the world because, after reading ‘I Give You My Heart’, I did not have the strength to think about anything else except this book. Period. Look, I don’t read blurbs and once again I am glad that I don’t because I went into reading this book with only my own assumption of what the book was going to be about. I mean c’mon, look at the title. For me personally, that was enough to whet my appetite for what I might stumble across as I read the book. However, I genuinely don’t think that anything could have prepared me for what lay beneath the cover of SarahJane Ford’s novel. Nothing at all. Yes, with a book about organ donation you would think the emotional parts of the storyline would be all mapped out, right? Wrong. I think I might be ill or something because my eyes kept POURING with water….what’s that all about?!
Due to what I assumed the storyline to be about (and being right), I had a slight inkling that ‘I Give You My Heart’ was going to be a very emotional read. I wasn’t wrong. However, what I didn’t realise was just how emotional the book was going to be. It wasn’t just VERY emotional, it was heartbreakingly beautiful, eyes pouring, limbs trembling, heart shattering emotional. Am I complaining? Not in the slightest. Why? Because it just goes to show that the author wrote every single word right from the heart. It proved that the author didn’t just google organ donation, she researched it to the inch of its life. The emotion also proved that the author believed in her characters, that she believed in what Alice was doing, that she believed in the power of the heart. Love. Romance. Unforgettable memories. An author who writes like this cannot be taught – they either have IT, or they don’t, and SarahJane Ford certainly has IT.
I won’t go into detail regarding the storyline, however, as someone who has always looked at romance like a dog would look at a cat, this book made me want to feel love like Alice and Alex did. I want to be loved by someone so much that you emotions become in tune with the other ones. I want to feel the excitement of being in a relationship and loving someone with every ounce of my being. Daft eh?
Ryan is such a wonderful, genuine character who made me laugh out loud by injecting some much needed humour into the storyline. His strength throughout the novel was extremely admirable, yet it broke my heart to see him so vulnerable and in a position where he couldn’t expel his sadness because he needed to do right by his best friend. What an incredible human being he is.
As for Alice. I don’t think that I would be able to write my thoughts on her without bursting into tears once again. She may have given her heart in a time of need, but she made her way into my heart to stay.
‘I Give You My Heart’ is an incredible, beautifully written novel which took me on a journey I will never forget. From start to finish, Alice took over my thoughts, my emotions, and my logical thinking. There were times where I felt like screaming out, ‘NOOOOOO!!!!’ because I didn’t want her to die. Alice may have been a fictional character, but in the short amount of time I got to know her and her story, I felt like I had a newfound best friend and her death devastated me. Obviously I was relieved that she would no longer be suffering, but the journey surrounding her death was so vivid. So real. So…..life-like. I struggled to find the line between fictional and reality as it had become so blurred.
SarahJane Ford is an author to watch due to her phenomenal storytelling, and her outstanding ability at creating characters who end up leaving their mark on readers hearts. This book absolutely broke me in two, yet I wouldn’t have changed that feeling for the world.
‘I Give You My Heart’ is everything that is right with this world, with a hint of everything that is wrong with this world in terms of terminal illness. Even though I think that the book should come with a lifetime supply of tissues, I will be recommending SarahJane Ford’s novel until I’m blue in the face because it is absolutely stunning. Not only that, the author has put a very important subject at the theme of her book to give it the airtime it so rightly deserves. A subject which people don’t want to talk about because of how final it is. But is it?
A heart-breaking yet mind blowing read, I won’t ever forget Alice’s story because yes, she’s given her heart, but she is now stuck in my mine, being the little angel on my shoulder to show me the way. Beautiful beyond belief, ‘I Give You My Heart’ is…..perfect.
‘If I just lay here, would you lie with me and, just forget the world….’
Yes Snow Patrol, I would indeed just forget the world because, after reading ‘I Give You My Heart’, I did not have the strength to think about anything else except this book. Period. Look, I don’t read blurbs and once again I am glad that I don’t because I went into reading this book with only my own assumption of what the book was going to be about. I mean c’mon, look at the title. For me personally, that was enough to whet my appetite for what I might stumble across as I read the book. However, I genuinely don’t think that anything could have prepared me for what lay beneath the cover of SarahJane Ford’s novel. Nothing at all. Yes, with a book about organ donation you would think the emotional parts of the storyline would be all mapped out, right? Wrong. I think I might be ill or something because my eyes kept POURING with water….what’s that all about?!
Due to what I assumed the storyline to be about (and being right), I had a slight inkling that ‘I Give You My Heart’ was going to be a very emotional read. I wasn’t wrong. However, what I didn’t realise was just how emotional the book was going to be. It wasn’t just VERY emotional, it was heartbreakingly beautiful, eyes pouring, limbs trembling, heart shattering emotional. Am I complaining? Not in the slightest. Why? Because it just goes to show that the author wrote every single word right from the heart. It proved that the author didn’t just google organ donation, she researched it to the inch of its life. The emotion also proved that the author believed in her characters, that she believed in what Alice was doing, that she believed in the power of the heart. Love. Romance. Unforgettable memories. An author who writes like this cannot be taught – they either have IT, or they don’t, and SarahJane Ford certainly has IT.
I won’t go into detail regarding the storyline, however, as someone who has always looked at romance like a dog would look at a cat, this book made me want to feel love like Alice and Alex did. I want to be loved by someone so much that you emotions become in tune with the other ones. I want to feel the excitement of being in a relationship and loving someone with every ounce of my being. Daft eh?
Ryan is such a wonderful, genuine character who made me laugh out loud by injecting some much needed humour into the storyline. His strength throughout the novel was extremely admirable, yet it broke my heart to see him so vulnerable and in a position where he couldn’t expel his sadness because he needed to do right by his best friend. What an incredible human being he is.
As for Alice. I don’t think that I would be able to write my thoughts on her without bursting into tears once again. She may have given her heart in a time of need, but she made her way into my heart to stay.
‘I Give You My Heart’ is an incredible, beautifully written novel which took me on a journey I will never forget. From start to finish, Alice took over my thoughts, my emotions, and my logical thinking. There were times where I felt like screaming out, ‘NOOOOOO!!!!’ because I didn’t want her to die. Alice may have been a fictional character, but in the short amount of time I got to know her and her story, I felt like I had a newfound best friend and her death devastated me. Obviously I was relieved that she would no longer be suffering, but the journey surrounding her death was so vivid. So real. So…..life-like. I struggled to find the line between fictional and reality as it had become so blurred.
SarahJane Ford is an author to watch due to her phenomenal storytelling, and her outstanding ability at creating characters who end up leaving their mark on readers hearts. This book absolutely broke me in two, yet I wouldn’t have changed that feeling for the world.
‘I Give You My Heart’ is everything that is right with this world, with a hint of everything that is wrong with this world in terms of terminal illness. Even though I think that the book should come with a lifetime supply of tissues, I will be recommending SarahJane Ford’s novel until I’m blue in the face because it is absolutely stunning. Not only that, the author has put a very important subject at the theme of her book to give it the airtime it so rightly deserves. A subject which people don’t want to talk about because of how final it is. But is it?
A heart-breaking yet mind blowing read, I won’t ever forget Alice’s story because yes, she’s given her heart, but she is now stuck in my mine, being the little angel on my shoulder to show me the way. Beautiful beyond belief, ‘I Give You My Heart’ is…..perfect.
September 7, 2018
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I Give You My Heart is a very touching read. Alice is just 26 years old and she finds out she has an inoperable brain tumor with very little time left. She decides against treatment and wants to be an organ donor. BUT she doesn’t want her heart to go to a random person. She wants the person selected because her heart is precious to her. Her heart belongs to her husband Alex, and she wants her best friend Ryan to find the perfect recipient for her heart. She feels her heart will always love Alex and whoever receives it will be a part of Alex’s life. Given the importance of her heart, Alice writes a manual to the person who will soon receive it.
The chapters alternate between Alice’s life and the manual she is writing to the recipient. In the manual she also shares about her life with Alex and gives directions she hopes the recipient will one day follow.
Do not let the summary keep you from reading this novel. Yes this is a sad subject, but handled in a positive way. I am very emotional and thought I would cry as I read it, but I did not; though I did come close at the end of the novel. It is uplifting as Alice writes her manual and lives with the decisions she has made.
I Give You My Heart will make you think about the end of your life. Do you have plans to be an organ donor? If you have not thought about that, once you read this novel, you will want to become one.
Though this novel could not actually happen (with choosing who your heart goes to) Ford gets her point across in a very positive way. Organ donation is vitally important. I personally know someone who was granted an organ (not the heart) and is still alive today thanks to organ donation. I thought of her as I read this novel! <3
I received a copy as being a part on the blog tour.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I Give You My Heart is a very touching read. Alice is just 26 years old and she finds out she has an inoperable brain tumor with very little time left. She decides against treatment and wants to be an organ donor. BUT she doesn’t want her heart to go to a random person. She wants the person selected because her heart is precious to her. Her heart belongs to her husband Alex, and she wants her best friend Ryan to find the perfect recipient for her heart. She feels her heart will always love Alex and whoever receives it will be a part of Alex’s life. Given the importance of her heart, Alice writes a manual to the person who will soon receive it.
The chapters alternate between Alice’s life and the manual she is writing to the recipient. In the manual she also shares about her life with Alex and gives directions she hopes the recipient will one day follow.
Do not let the summary keep you from reading this novel. Yes this is a sad subject, but handled in a positive way. I am very emotional and thought I would cry as I read it, but I did not; though I did come close at the end of the novel. It is uplifting as Alice writes her manual and lives with the decisions she has made.
I Give You My Heart will make you think about the end of your life. Do you have plans to be an organ donor? If you have not thought about that, once you read this novel, you will want to become one.
Though this novel could not actually happen (with choosing who your heart goes to) Ford gets her point across in a very positive way. Organ donation is vitally important. I personally know someone who was granted an organ (not the heart) and is still alive today thanks to organ donation. I thought of her as I read this novel! <3
I received a copy as being a part on the blog tour.
September 1, 2018
Oh the tears that fell while reading this book. Yet, as I finished my first thoughts were what an amazing, uplifting, and wonderful story.
The subject is tough with it starting with a young women, daughter, and wife finding out she has just months to live. Her only wish is to donate as many organs as possible to others in need and to have her heart be given to a person who will follow her manual on what to do to help her husband through his grief. I thought this was an amazing and smart way to know that her life will continue on. Ryan, her best friend, helps her with finding the appropriate person to give her heart to and I love that he was able to put his grief at the thought of losing her secondary to the need to help her die knowing her wishes will be covered.
I Give You My Heart is a book that once you finish you will realize that you will never forget the story. It is not a long story, it was easy to read and connect to the characters, and had a storyline that was easy to fall into. I recommend picking up your own copy and opening your heart to the wonderful story and characters that Sarah Jane Ford wrote about.
The subject is tough with it starting with a young women, daughter, and wife finding out she has just months to live. Her only wish is to donate as many organs as possible to others in need and to have her heart be given to a person who will follow her manual on what to do to help her husband through his grief. I thought this was an amazing and smart way to know that her life will continue on. Ryan, her best friend, helps her with finding the appropriate person to give her heart to and I love that he was able to put his grief at the thought of losing her secondary to the need to help her die knowing her wishes will be covered.
I Give You My Heart is a book that once you finish you will realize that you will never forget the story. It is not a long story, it was easy to read and connect to the characters, and had a storyline that was easy to fall into. I recommend picking up your own copy and opening your heart to the wonderful story and characters that Sarah Jane Ford wrote about.
February 1, 2019
After reading the blurb, this book wasn’t really what I expected. I thought it would be from two viewpoints. From the donor and the heart transplant receiver. This wasn’t the case. Apart from the final few of pages, the book is mainly about the donor and how she copes with her fatal diagnosis.
I did enjoy reading this book, but felt it was just a bit flat and I really wanted to feel more emotion. I expected it to tug at the heart strings more. I think it didn’t as I didn’t really connect with the characters. They felt slightly one dimensional for me.
I thought the pacing was slightly off, some bits engrossed me and then others (mainly the italic sections) just felt a bit wishy washy and repetitive.
Due to the nature of the book you know how the story is going to end and that’s why it didn’t particularly grip me as I felt I didn’t need to keep reading to know the outcome.
Overall it was a pleasant read but not one that will stay with me.
However I really loved this quote... I’ll leave you with this “...say the things that deserve to be said; don’t let the words die in your heart.”
I did enjoy reading this book, but felt it was just a bit flat and I really wanted to feel more emotion. I expected it to tug at the heart strings more. I think it didn’t as I didn’t really connect with the characters. They felt slightly one dimensional for me.
I thought the pacing was slightly off, some bits engrossed me and then others (mainly the italic sections) just felt a bit wishy washy and repetitive.
Due to the nature of the book you know how the story is going to end and that’s why it didn’t particularly grip me as I felt I didn’t need to keep reading to know the outcome.
Overall it was a pleasant read but not one that will stay with me.
However I really loved this quote... I’ll leave you with this “...say the things that deserve to be said; don’t let the words die in your heart.”
April 13, 2019
This was a pleasant enough read but not one that will stick in my memory. It was a bit too clinical and blase' for me. I needed to have more emotion than what I came across. The emotion that I did come across in this book was a little too fake for me. A little disappointing. I would have expected more heart to have gone into this considering the title and the subject for the book.
I was initially excited as brain tumour books are not something I come across often so I was excited to see how it would be portrayed. Yeah, I'm left feeling a little disappointed.
I was initially excited as brain tumour books are not something I come across often so I was excited to see how it would be portrayed. Yeah, I'm left feeling a little disappointed.
June 15, 2019
Thank you to SarahJane Ford, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of "I Give You My Heart" in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2018
5 +++++ STARS
Once in a while, a rare book comes along that finds a place deep in my heart, and I Give You My Heart is one of those books. It’s easily a top 10 read for 2018 and an all-time favorite. It’s one of those books that not only entertains you, but it’s one you feel deep down in your soul. It may quite possibly change the way you look at life...so yes, it’s a beautiful little gem.
Alice has been given a devastating diagnosis...a brain tumor...and she isn’t even thirty yet. She has lived a charmed life, a great relationship with his parents, a fairytale romance with her husband, Alex, and a best friend, Ryan. How is she supposed to tell them good-bye? How is she supposed to help them through their grief? How can she make her life count for something? This is where Alice grabbed ahold of my heart. Instead of being bitter and angry, she decides to to become an organ donor. Because Alice is anything but ordinary, she won’t be a regular organ donor. She enlists Ryan to find the perfect person for her heart. She begins writing an instruction manual for her heart’s new owner and how to help Alex through his grief….to bring him some comfort and hopefully joy after she is gone. She documents her romance with Alex. Oh my gosh, what a fairytale romance it was. That is what is so tragic. Fate cut their time short, nevertheless, it was a love that will last a lifetime, long after Alice is gone. Ford does such a phenomenal job of illustrating their love story with flashbacks from the past that she documents...the magic jumps right off of the pages.
At the core of the book is the romance between the Alice and Alex. However, Ford brings up an intriguing theory...cellular memory. It is long been believed that all our memories and soul are contained in the brain. Yet, she gives us an intriguing theory in her author’s note that now scientists have questioned that theory. They are now asserting “our consciousness is created by every living cell in the body acing in tandem.” Therefore, our hearts and other organs in the body “store our memories, drive our emotions,” making us who we are. Thus, if any organs are given to others, so are all of our memories, and quite possibly our soul. This is the basis of the book, and what a concept that was. Be sure to also check out the section at the end of the book on organ donation...it’s quite interesting.
I will warn you...have the tissues ready! You know from the very beginning what the end will be, but somehow Ford made it a possible new beginning. I’m so very curious if she will write a follow up to this one. I hope Helen will get her own book as she is a part of Alice. Rest assured, if there is a sequel, I will be the first in line to read it!
Once in a while, a rare book comes along that finds a place deep in my heart, and I Give You My Heart is one of those books. It’s easily a top 10 read for 2018 and an all-time favorite. It’s one of those books that not only entertains you, but it’s one you feel deep down in your soul. It may quite possibly change the way you look at life...so yes, it’s a beautiful little gem.
Alice has been given a devastating diagnosis...a brain tumor...and she isn’t even thirty yet. She has lived a charmed life, a great relationship with his parents, a fairytale romance with her husband, Alex, and a best friend, Ryan. How is she supposed to tell them good-bye? How is she supposed to help them through their grief? How can she make her life count for something? This is where Alice grabbed ahold of my heart. Instead of being bitter and angry, she decides to to become an organ donor. Because Alice is anything but ordinary, she won’t be a regular organ donor. She enlists Ryan to find the perfect person for her heart. She begins writing an instruction manual for her heart’s new owner and how to help Alex through his grief….to bring him some comfort and hopefully joy after she is gone. She documents her romance with Alex. Oh my gosh, what a fairytale romance it was. That is what is so tragic. Fate cut their time short, nevertheless, it was a love that will last a lifetime, long after Alice is gone. Ford does such a phenomenal job of illustrating their love story with flashbacks from the past that she documents...the magic jumps right off of the pages.
At the core of the book is the romance between the Alice and Alex. However, Ford brings up an intriguing theory...cellular memory. It is long been believed that all our memories and soul are contained in the brain. Yet, she gives us an intriguing theory in her author’s note that now scientists have questioned that theory. They are now asserting “our consciousness is created by every living cell in the body acing in tandem.” Therefore, our hearts and other organs in the body “store our memories, drive our emotions,” making us who we are. Thus, if any organs are given to others, so are all of our memories, and quite possibly our soul. This is the basis of the book, and what a concept that was. Be sure to also check out the section at the end of the book on organ donation...it’s quite interesting.
I will warn you...have the tissues ready! You know from the very beginning what the end will be, but somehow Ford made it a possible new beginning. I’m so very curious if she will write a follow up to this one. I hope Helen will get her own book as she is a part of Alice. Rest assured, if there is a sequel, I will be the first in line to read it!
January 31, 2019
When I first read the Blurb, I was expecting this to be an emotional rollercoaster, perhaps with the Main Character Alice fulfilling a wish list. What I got, was so much more than that.
This story is told from two perspectives, and although they are both from Alice, they are for very different reasons and of very different types.
We have the story that follows Alice from finding out she has terminal Cancer, through her actions and decisions for her remaining time with loved ones. We come to see just how close she is with her family, how much they mean to one another, and we see just how deeply her and her husband truly do love one another. It is wonderfully done, full of emotion, heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure.
The moments are bittersweet to share, because we know from the opening scene where this is going to go... or at least, we know some of it.
The other element to this story is through letters. Letters that Alice wrote to be given to people for specific reasons after she has died. And these are beautiful, and heart-wrenching every bit as much as the scenes following her Diagnosis.
I don't want to give too much away, but although Alice is dying, and we know this from the start, there is a beautifully done romantic theme throughout. The story is bittersweet, beautiful and devastating by equal turns.
I devoured this story in one day, I couldn’t tear my eyes away no matter how it made my eyes stream with tears. It is beautifully written, thoroughly engaging. Emotions are evident in the story, pulling you in page after page.
If you have enjoyed films/books such as My Sisters Keeper, or PS I Love You, then this is the perfect read for
you.
February 26, 2019
This is the second book in a row I have read about a young woman who becomes ill and has to face some very tough decisions before she dies. I should feel sad I suppose but both books treated what would be a very serious matter with empathy and sensitivity. In this book the main character discovers she has an inoperable brain tumour and goes on to plan her last few months incuding who should have her heart and she writes a guidebook for the new recipient. Yes it is sad but it didn't make me feel sad reading it if you know what I mean. It does however make you think about organ donation . A well written book. Thank you to the author and to TBC for the chance to read this title.
May 29, 2019
Make sure that you have tissues, lots and lots of tissues. Make sure that you have set aside a whole day to read this book as you will not want to put it down. This book is heartbreaking, I’m talking about tear jerking, body juddering, staring at the wall for minutes afterward, being grateful for the amazing love of your life that you have by your side. Kind of heartbreakingly beautiful. I adored this book. Thank you soooo much.
September 3, 2018
This is a really tough book to review because there are some things I loved about it and some things I didn’t like so much.
This book was never going to be an easy read, dealing as it does with terminal illness and organ donation so, before you pick it up, be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster and get the tissues to hand. Regardless of any flaws I might have found in the book, it is definitely heart breaking and you would need to have a heart of stone not to be affected by it. It might be too much for people with a sensitivity to the topics covered to deal with because it delves fully into the topics and does not skirt the tough issues faced by people in these situations.
One of the main premises of the book is the subject of Cellular Memory and whether organs passed on from donor to recipient carry part of the donor’s personality or spirit with them into the new body. This is quite a controversial subject for some people and can raise strong opinions and reactions on both sides. If you are deeply opposed to this theory, this book will definitely trigger you and, if you are skeptical, you will need to be prepared to suspend your misgivings in order for the plot to carry you with it fully. This may be where I had my first issue with the book; to be frank, it is not an idea I can get my head around at all, although it is an interesting theory to contemplate and discuss.
Th writing in this book is beautiful. This is its biggest strength. I absolutely loved the author’s voice and she is extremely skilled in painting a beautiful scene and drawing out the emotion of the plot. The part I enjoyed most about the book was the writing, language and imagery and I really believe the author is very gifted writer. I think the book is well plotted and I really enjoyed the mechanism of Alice writing the ‘Manual’ as a way of telling the story of her and Alex’s relationship, it worked very well and was very moving. The book definitely sucked me in and had me in tears in places so I was invested…but
I hate to have to put in a but because I really, really wanted to love this book unconditionally. PS. I Love You and My Sister’s Keeper and The Time Traveller’s Wife are some of my favourite books so I am not remotely put off by books with difficult subject matters or that make me cry. That aspect was not the issue here, and my reservations about the Cellular Memory subject were also not the reason I could not completely give my heart to this book. I had a two major issues with the book that spoilt it for me a little. Firstly, the characters were just too perfect. All of them. There was nary a negative character trait nor a cross word amongst them and, for me, this just made them unrealistic and I could not get fully engaged. People and relationships are just not that perfect in real life. Alice, in particular, came across as saintly and, since I’ve never met anyone that good, she just did not come to life completely for me which is a problem with the central character for a book.
The other problem was Alice’s reaction to her diagnosis. Again, it did not feel authentic. I don’t want to give too much away, but she settled on her course of action in response to hearing her illness was terminal too quickly without any disbelief, rage or despair, I just could not see that as a natural reaction to what she was told at the age of 26. Following on from this is the Manual. Would she really have wanted Two to do what she asked her? For her to relive those moments with Alex, given how Alice felt about him? This comes back to her saintliness again, I suppose. I just didn’t believe it, I’m afraid. I realise that this is not likely to be a popular opinion and maybe the failure is mine in being old and cynical and being unable to suspend my disbelief enough to invest in the story without these niggling thoughts, but I couldn’t. My reactions are very likely coloured by certain experiences I have had in my own life, but isn’t that true of all of us and every book we read? We all come to a novel with our own slant on the world.
I really think this is a book everyone should read. It is a beautiful story for sure. It is well-written and plotted and covers some very emotive and relevant topics. Everyone will have a different reaction to it and most of the reviews I have read so far seem to be wholly positive so I think my issues may be peculiar to me. You need to read the book and make up your own minds, it may end up being your favourite book of the year.
This book was never going to be an easy read, dealing as it does with terminal illness and organ donation so, before you pick it up, be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster and get the tissues to hand. Regardless of any flaws I might have found in the book, it is definitely heart breaking and you would need to have a heart of stone not to be affected by it. It might be too much for people with a sensitivity to the topics covered to deal with because it delves fully into the topics and does not skirt the tough issues faced by people in these situations.
One of the main premises of the book is the subject of Cellular Memory and whether organs passed on from donor to recipient carry part of the donor’s personality or spirit with them into the new body. This is quite a controversial subject for some people and can raise strong opinions and reactions on both sides. If you are deeply opposed to this theory, this book will definitely trigger you and, if you are skeptical, you will need to be prepared to suspend your misgivings in order for the plot to carry you with it fully. This may be where I had my first issue with the book; to be frank, it is not an idea I can get my head around at all, although it is an interesting theory to contemplate and discuss.
Th writing in this book is beautiful. This is its biggest strength. I absolutely loved the author’s voice and she is extremely skilled in painting a beautiful scene and drawing out the emotion of the plot. The part I enjoyed most about the book was the writing, language and imagery and I really believe the author is very gifted writer. I think the book is well plotted and I really enjoyed the mechanism of Alice writing the ‘Manual’ as a way of telling the story of her and Alex’s relationship, it worked very well and was very moving. The book definitely sucked me in and had me in tears in places so I was invested…but
I hate to have to put in a but because I really, really wanted to love this book unconditionally. PS. I Love You and My Sister’s Keeper and The Time Traveller’s Wife are some of my favourite books so I am not remotely put off by books with difficult subject matters or that make me cry. That aspect was not the issue here, and my reservations about the Cellular Memory subject were also not the reason I could not completely give my heart to this book. I had a two major issues with the book that spoilt it for me a little. Firstly, the characters were just too perfect. All of them. There was nary a negative character trait nor a cross word amongst them and, for me, this just made them unrealistic and I could not get fully engaged. People and relationships are just not that perfect in real life. Alice, in particular, came across as saintly and, since I’ve never met anyone that good, she just did not come to life completely for me which is a problem with the central character for a book.
The other problem was Alice’s reaction to her diagnosis. Again, it did not feel authentic. I don’t want to give too much away, but she settled on her course of action in response to hearing her illness was terminal too quickly without any disbelief, rage or despair, I just could not see that as a natural reaction to what she was told at the age of 26. Following on from this is the Manual. Would she really have wanted Two to do what she asked her? For her to relive those moments with Alex, given how Alice felt about him? This comes back to her saintliness again, I suppose. I just didn’t believe it, I’m afraid. I realise that this is not likely to be a popular opinion and maybe the failure is mine in being old and cynical and being unable to suspend my disbelief enough to invest in the story without these niggling thoughts, but I couldn’t. My reactions are very likely coloured by certain experiences I have had in my own life, but isn’t that true of all of us and every book we read? We all come to a novel with our own slant on the world.
I really think this is a book everyone should read. It is a beautiful story for sure. It is well-written and plotted and covers some very emotive and relevant topics. Everyone will have a different reaction to it and most of the reviews I have read so far seem to be wholly positive so I think my issues may be peculiar to me. You need to read the book and make up your own minds, it may end up being your favourite book of the year.
February 9, 2019
From the very first few pages you realise that this book is going to get you emotionally in your heart.
Alice has just been given the news that nobody wants to hear, that she has an incurable brain cancer.
As we progress through the book we learn that Alice wants to donate parts of her body, especially her heart, after her death. Interspersed throughout the story are notes to the person who she hopes will receive her heart, telling them how Alex likes to do things throughout the year,
e.g. Valentines and Christmas, how they met and how much in love they are.
This book is incredibly sad to read, especially when you get to the time that Alice has left to live gets nearer. Great moments on how her friends and family rally round to make the last days important to Alice. This is definitely not a book to be read on a crowded train as I can guarantee that you will have tears gushing down your cheeks. Saying that I also enjoyed reading this book as it really makes you think that you should live each day to the full, love and appreciate your family and friends and make the most of your life.
A remarkable love story that will appeal to fans of Amanda Prowse and Jo Jo Moyes (and anyone who remembers reading Love Story way back in the 1970s).
Alice has just been given the news that nobody wants to hear, that she has an incurable brain cancer.
As we progress through the book we learn that Alice wants to donate parts of her body, especially her heart, after her death. Interspersed throughout the story are notes to the person who she hopes will receive her heart, telling them how Alex likes to do things throughout the year,
e.g. Valentines and Christmas, how they met and how much in love they are.
This book is incredibly sad to read, especially when you get to the time that Alice has left to live gets nearer. Great moments on how her friends and family rally round to make the last days important to Alice. This is definitely not a book to be read on a crowded train as I can guarantee that you will have tears gushing down your cheeks. Saying that I also enjoyed reading this book as it really makes you think that you should live each day to the full, love and appreciate your family and friends and make the most of your life.
A remarkable love story that will appeal to fans of Amanda Prowse and Jo Jo Moyes (and anyone who remembers reading Love Story way back in the 1970s).
January 22, 2019
This is an emotionally challenging read. I had every sympathy for Alice and her family as she first got and then dealt with the devastating news of her illness. However, as the "manual" she writes unfolds I also started to feel a bit sorry for the recipient of the heart- whose life she was determined to control for the benefit of her grieving husband, regardless of what the recipient would actually want.
I suppose (and Alice does say) that he recipient might choose to ignore the instructions set out and I can also totally understand why Alice wants to provide a safety net of memories for her husband, but the whole concept sat uncomfortably for me for much of the book (to be resolved towards the end!).
It is very thought provoking, both about the nature of tissue and organ donation (Alice was admirable in her determination to help as many people as possible and to fight to be allowed to) but also on the subject of cellular memory in organ donation.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, although uncomfortable and tear provoking in equal measures with a surprisingly upbeat ending!
I suppose (and Alice does say) that he recipient might choose to ignore the instructions set out and I can also totally understand why Alice wants to provide a safety net of memories for her husband, but the whole concept sat uncomfortably for me for much of the book (to be resolved towards the end!).
It is very thought provoking, both about the nature of tissue and organ donation (Alice was admirable in her determination to help as many people as possible and to fight to be allowed to) but also on the subject of cellular memory in organ donation.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, although uncomfortable and tear provoking in equal measures with a surprisingly upbeat ending!
October 24, 2018
The story of Alice, a 26 year old women, married to her true soul mate Alex, has the perfect GBF and two parents who truly love her and she just received a death sentence in the form of an inoperable brain tumor and has a very short time to live.
As you follow Alice, you realize she is a fighter, strong willed but most of all has a heart of gold. You can’t help but fall in love with her and attitude towards her terminal illness.
I found this story tough to get into, not for the subject matter but more than it bounced around to lots of different thoughts and memories, it then dawned on me that Alice has a brain tumor and this is how someone who has a brain tumor may behave. Once that was in my head the pages almost turned themselves and I had to find out how this story ended.
It is a heart breaking story filled with some laughs as Alice shares the life she has lived with you and it will definitely make you shed some tears!
As you follow Alice, you realize she is a fighter, strong willed but most of all has a heart of gold. You can’t help but fall in love with her and attitude towards her terminal illness.
I found this story tough to get into, not for the subject matter but more than it bounced around to lots of different thoughts and memories, it then dawned on me that Alice has a brain tumor and this is how someone who has a brain tumor may behave. Once that was in my head the pages almost turned themselves and I had to find out how this story ended.
It is a heart breaking story filled with some laughs as Alice shares the life she has lived with you and it will definitely make you shed some tears!
May 1, 2019
I can't begin to describe the emotions that book generated. From the very first hint of ALice's diagnosis to the last page you fall deeply under the authors spell. I'm the first to admit that I love a weepy novel on occasion and this is a weepy but not for the expected reasons.
I adored Alice's strength her determination that she would save a life with her own and even beyond that, that she would ensure her husband survived without her.
Reading of her hopes and dreams created a lump in my throat the thought of a life cut short before it was ready.
Another reviewer said it was a book that would stay with you long after the final page- they were right. If ever a book was to suit the description heart wrenching this is it!
Amazing and not to be missed
I adored Alice's strength her determination that she would save a life with her own and even beyond that, that she would ensure her husband survived without her.
Reading of her hopes and dreams created a lump in my throat the thought of a life cut short before it was ready.
Another reviewer said it was a book that would stay with you long after the final page- they were right. If ever a book was to suit the description heart wrenching this is it!
Amazing and not to be missed
October 15, 2018
A great book
This book is great my emotions were all over the place you will laugh you will cry and everything inbetween you will do all that to.
At first I thought it was a bit mushy but as I read on i realized that's just who she is once you understand that then you fall in to her emotion and it's great.
Is there going to be a part 2 book telling the story of helen while she works her way though the Manuel ? it could be another love story and tell us more of Alex is able to heal? Just a thought.
This book is great my emotions were all over the place you will laugh you will cry and everything inbetween you will do all that to.
At first I thought it was a bit mushy but as I read on i realized that's just who she is once you understand that then you fall in to her emotion and it's great.
Is there going to be a part 2 book telling the story of helen while she works her way though the Manuel ? it could be another love story and tell us more of Alex is able to heal? Just a thought.
October 29, 2018
This was a very tough book for me to get through. On occasions I had to put it down because tears were threatening to push through. The book itself was well written and the characters were likeable. I did feel, however, that Alice was a little pushy with her demands at times but it was her wish after all. To be able to give the gift of love even when you know yours is ending is truly a remarkable thing. Cellular memory is such a remarkable thing. Definitely a great read over all but do have a box of tissues close by.
January 29, 2019
A lot of Tears
Finding out you have your sick
Is hard but learning you have a short time is another.
This book takes you on a journey of giving and learning to accept the unacceptable. Alice wants to make sure that her heart is given to the right recipient.
In this search we learn how she lived her life and how she found love and wanted to make sure that her love lived her she couldn’t!
Such a touching book and makes you believe the unbelievable and has you questioning does this really happen.
A definite must read
Finding out you have your sick
Is hard but learning you have a short time is another.
This book takes you on a journey of giving and learning to accept the unacceptable. Alice wants to make sure that her heart is given to the right recipient.
In this search we learn how she lived her life and how she found love and wanted to make sure that her love lived her she couldn’t!
Such a touching book and makes you believe the unbelievable and has you questioning does this really happen.
A definite must read
March 4, 2019
Alice is diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and decides to save as many lives as she can by donating her organs. She decided she wants to handpick who receives her heart, and sets her gay best friend Ryan the task of finding just the right woman. in her last few months she writes a manual for the recipient to follow so that her husband knows she still loves him. This story follows the theory that recipients of hearts then show traits of the donor.
This is a well written story that tugs at the heart string with humour and determination.
This is a well written story that tugs at the heart string with humour and determination.
June 3, 2019
A quick and fast paced read but what a heartbreaking story.
There’s so much to take in and say about ones last weeks of life and this book definitely gave a fresh approach to the topic.
I enjoyed the journal and the story told of our heroine and her husband love story and shared a lot of tears as well.
This is not a happy ending love story but one that will give you a lot of feelings and maybe make you think that we take everything for granted lately and a second can change our lives forever.
#NetGalley #IGiveYouMyHeart
There’s so much to take in and say about ones last weeks of life and this book definitely gave a fresh approach to the topic.
I enjoyed the journal and the story told of our heroine and her husband love story and shared a lot of tears as well.
This is not a happy ending love story but one that will give you a lot of feelings and maybe make you think that we take everything for granted lately and a second can change our lives forever.
#NetGalley #IGiveYouMyHeart
February 7, 2019
I was kindly sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and all I can say is WOW!
What an emotional rollercoaster, I’ve never skipped from laughing to crying and back again so quickly. This book is absolutely heart breaking at times, and it had me crying by page 25!
Very well written and I fell in love with all the characters instantly. Can not wait to read more from this author.
What an emotional rollercoaster, I’ve never skipped from laughing to crying and back again so quickly. This book is absolutely heart breaking at times, and it had me crying by page 25!
Very well written and I fell in love with all the characters instantly. Can not wait to read more from this author.
December 15, 2018
A moving book and very beautifully written. It has some emotional subject matter, most of which was handled very well. However, I didn't entirely invest in the concept of the manual, probably because I would not like to be the recipient of it nor would I like to have my life directed by another. However, it did keep me reading and I would read more by this author as I enjoyed her writing style.
August 16, 2019
A tearjerking and sad story about a woman who knows she's dying soon and decides to donate her organs. Her only stipulation is that she get's to choose who receives her heart because she feels it's connected to her husband. It was a sad, but good read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All Thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 7, 2019
Very different kind of love story
I fell totally in love with Alice and Alex, their story and Ryan. I was completely hooked. It was a great book but make sure you have lots of tissues.
I fell totally in love with Alice and Alex, their story and Ryan. I was completely hooked. It was a great book but make sure you have lots of tissues.
February 19, 2019
Many thanks to TBC group for allowing me to review this book. What a nice, touching story. I loved the characters, and Alice wanting to make sure her heart went to someone special. This is a great book to read, but have the tissues handy. It will stay with you long after you have read it.
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