Instructions for a Secondhand Heart

By Tamsyn Murray

A heart transplant connects two lives, forcing them to confront grief and unexpected love.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 2,510 ratings

313 pages

$17.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Jonny, tethered to machines, receives a new heart, but it comes with a haunting connection—it's from Neve's late twin, Leo. As Jonny seeks answers, Neve grapples with her brother's absence. Their paths intertwine, leading them to face an uncertain future together. Can they heal their hearts while navigating the complexities of love and loss? Discover how two strangers, bound by tragedy, find hope and healing in each other.

From the publisher

A moving novel about grief, guilt, and the unpredictability of love, for fans of Everything, Everything and All the Bright Places. 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 cruelest 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. The final book will feature select illustrations from “Jonny’s” sketchbook.

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