Reviews

What the Heart Remembers by Debra Ginsberg

purplesky02's review

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4.0

I liked this book. A good, quick read. I did find Eden's character to be a bit distant. But maybe that was the intention? Good for a quick, sorta cheesy somewhat suspenseful read.

kyleechris's review

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4.0

I started this book awhile back and sadly got distracted when school started so it took me awhile to finish but I really enjoyed this book! I found the story really intriguing because it was a mix of paranormal, mystery, and a bit of romance. It also talked about cellular memory which is a really controversial subject so that was interesting. I really love how we get a bit of background information about Derek and Eden as a couple and Darcy and Peter as a couple before Eden got sick. I really enjoyed Eden as a character, she was very 'human' in the book. We got to see her in a very vulnerable time in her life which made her feel more real to me. I also really enjoyed Derek, even though he bordered on stalker at times I get it was out of love and concern. Derek and Eden's relationship was really sweet, I love how he was so wrapped up and in love with her in the beginning that he didn't even see Wendy was smitten over him. I feel like he was always powered/driven by his love throughout the story which was really romantic. Peter and Darcy seemed like they had a nice relationship in the beginning but we soon find out it's just some facade. Peter is obviously afraid Darcy is going to leave him for someone who is younger so he starts to act really controlling and crazy. Darcy feels trapped in a controlling relationship and doesn't know what to do until she meets Adam and ends up falling in love with him and having an affair.

After receiving a heart transplant Eden starts thinking thoughts that aren't hers, liking things she usually didn't, and having dreams that aren't hers either. She ends up moving to San Diego and is drawn to a restaurant she's never even been to, she gets a job and meets Darcy. They become friends almost instantly and everything starts to get worse. This book kept me guessing until the end and I honestly was shocked when I found out who Eden's heart came from. The only problem I had with this book is I feel like it took awhile for things to actually start happening and when they did it went by really fast. I still really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to friends.


My sincerest apologies to the publisher and author for this review being late. Thank you for providing me with a copy of What the Heart Remembers to read!

beastreader's review

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3.0

Eden Harrison used to love running. She also loved her fiancé, Derek. That stopped when Eden required a heart transplant. Now, Eden is a changed person. Even since her transplant, she has been experiencing strange visions. Although the visions are like from scenes of another life she lived.

Darcy Silver recently lost her husband. In a strange consequence, Darcy also lost her lover. When Darcy meets Eden she feels an instant connection towards her. Eden and Darcy will soon discover just how close they really are.

I found this book to be read-worthy. The premise of it was what had my attention. While, the characters were nice it did take me time to warm up to them, especially Darcy. In the beginning I found Darcy to be cold and emotionally detached. Where as with Eden she did have the whole transplant and visions thing going for her. Otherwise, I did find her boring as well in the beginning. As the story progressed it did get better. Then there was a lag during part 2 when things slowed down but part 3 picked up again and stayed steady until the end.

I quickly figured out whose visions Eden was having so there were no surprises there. However, this book was not so much about the element of surprise as it was about the story and the connection between the characters. Overall, this was a nice first introduction for me to this author. What the Heart Remembers is a spell bounding read!

karenavila85's review

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2.0

It's not that I didn't like the story. I was actually into it trying to figure out what the big secret Darcy was keeping but once I found out whose heart Eden really had, I guess I was disappointed. The thought of an ex-lover scorned was too typical and, well, dumb. I would have liked it better if somehow Darcy's husband had planned the whole thing to get her back for the affair and dropping in on her when she figure it out. I didn't really understand Lulu's character or learned much about her so she didn't fit right with the story. I guess it was one of the reasons I didn't like the story. We learned about Darcy, Peter, and Adam then out of nowhere Lulu is thrown into the mix. It wasn't hard to understand that Lulu was in love with Adam but the secret/memory should have been bigger than that. I just needed it to be a little more dramatic for a twist to give it more than two stars.

stacyroth's review

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3.0

"What the Heart Remembers" centers on the friendship between Eden, a recent heart transplant recipient, and Darcy, a recent widow. It has some elements of romance and suspense and was an enjoyable read. The identity of Eden's heart donor was a surprise to me, and the book kept me guessing until the end. The concept of cellular memory made for a fascinating story.

dollycas's review

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5.0

Eden Harrison has been waiting for heart transplant so that she can get on with her life and marry Derek. When a donor is found and the transplant is completed something strange starts to happen. Eden starts having nightmares about people, places and events that were never part of her life. She likes different food and pink is no longer her favorite color. She is convinced her new heart carries the memories of the original owner. She feels drawn away from Portland and to San Diego. She leaves everything behind including Derek to pursue the life her heart wants to lead.

Dollycas's Thoughts
I have kept my synopsis brief on purpose. Sometimes the best books are found just from the title. Most of the time I don't read the back of the book before starting the story. This way I am not looking forward or waiting for something to happen, the story just evolves before my eyes. I can take it in and enjoy it at my own pace.

This is my first Debra Ginsberg novel and Wow! It is fantastic!! She had me engaged from page one.

These characters touched my own heart many times over. My father-in-law was a heart transplant recipient and I wish he was still alive because after reading this book I have dozens of questions. The whole concept of cellular memory is extraordinary and immediately after finishing the book I was searching the internet for more information.

In addition to the medical and psychological aspects to the story there is a wonderful mystery interwoven within the pages. Who was Eden's donor? How did they die? Accident, natural causes or murder? As Eden tries to figure it out and put everything together she may be putting her own life at risk.

The is a gripping novel that you will want to read all in one sitting. It has the twists and turns you expect from thriller that will make your own heart rate quicken, but it also has moments of heartbreak that will make you shed a tear.

If I tell you more it will ruin your reading experience. Let me just say this is a story I will never forget and I know you will enjoy it just as much as I did. Thank you Debra Ginsberg for an awesome story!!
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