Instructions for a Secondhand Heart by Tamsyn Murray // Heartwarming and Simply Beautiful

Wednesday 23 May 2018
Instructions for a Secondhand Heart by Tamsyn Murray
Publication: December 7, 2017, by Poppy
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 313
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Rating: 

Jonny knows better than anyone that life is full of cruel ironies. He's spent every day in a hospital hooked up to machines to keep his heart ticking. Then when a donor match is found for Jonny's heart, that turns out to be the cruellest irony of all. Because for Jonny's life to finally start, someone else's had to end.

That someone turns out to be Neve's twin brother, Leo. When Leo was alive, all Neve wanted was for him (and all his glorious, overshadowing perfection) to leave. Now that Leo's actually gone forever, Neve has no idea how to move forward. Then Jonny walks into her life looking for answers, her brother's heart beating in his chest, and everything starts to change.

Together, Neve and Jonny will have to face the future, no matter how frightening it is, while also learning to heal their hearts, no matter how much it hurts.

My Thoughts:

I've read many books with a similar concept to this one, but this book is something special. Instructions for a Secondhand Heart by Tamsyn Murray was a story that initially seems to be similar to the rest, however, the author utilized a different take to the story and shocked me. This novel certainly had its flaws with being a story that was difficult to 'get into' and start to understand, however, once the understanding portion sunk into my mind, enjoying and loving the story came easily. If you're looking for a story that will possibly cause you to shed some tears and catch a glimpse of what love is actually like, read this gorgeous novel. I am especially complimenting the author's writing style, which was fresh, unique and entertaining. I can certainly call this one of the better love stories I've read about this year.

This is a dual perspective novel, focusing on two characters who initially seem to be complete opposites and have no connection. However, unfortunately, a death brings the characters together: the death of Neve's twin brother, Leo. When Leo dies in a tragic accident, Neve finds it difficult to move on and even find the will to live. Leo's death allows a teenage boy, Jonny, to receive a life-altering heart transplant which allows him to live. Ultimately, Jonny becomes curious about his donor, and eventually discovers Neve and starts a relationship with her... and things blossom.



Of course, this is a romance story. HOWEVER, IT'S NOT CHEESY. At least, I didn't find it cheesy in any way. This had two characters who had quite interesting personalities. Neve and Jonny fit each other SO WELL, but this was only because they both were different and had their own problems and flaws which were highly evident throughout the novel. Through the plot, Murray showcased the issues individuals face when they encounter death and illness, and how people can easily be connected without expecting it. 

What I loved most about this story is the ending. OH MY. It was definitely emotion-filled and will cause you to shed a tear... or two. I'm telling you: you will not want to miss this gorgeous story. It's a perfect one for a nice winter evening by the fireplace. 







READ THIS BOOK AND FALL IN LOVE. Okay? Okay. Let's all appreciate Tamsyn Murray's writing and beg her to write another novel soon!

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!*

What is the most recent 'heartwarming' story you've read?

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