Written by Stephanie Butland
Ailsa Rae is learning how to live.
She’s only a few months past the heart transplant that – just in time – saved her life. Life should be a joyful adventure. But . . .
Her relationship with her mother is at breaking point and she wants to find her father.
Have her friends left her behind?
And she’s felt so helpless for so long that she’s let polls on her blog make her decisions for her. She barely knows where to start on her own.
Then there’s Lennox. Her best friend and one time lover. He was sick too. He didn’t make it. And now she’s supposed to face all of this without him.
But her new heart is a bold heart.
She just needs to learn to listen to it . . .
Beautiful, Touching and Completely Enthralling! 
I was first drawn to this novel by the title; unusual and it piqued my interest. The cover is rather fetching too, but both fade in comparison with this stunning story.
This book has two points of focus: before and after the heart transplant. If you’ve never really thought much about this op, it will be because – like me – you’ve not been close to someone on the transplant list. This isn’t an overly syrupy tale (it would have been so easy to let it head that way) but rather an honest, down to earth account of the ups and downs of the patient, her family, friends and everyone she comes into contact with along the way. It is an absolutely tremendous and very moving tale.
Beautifully written, this will touch even the hardest – and healthiest – of hearts. Set in the wonderful city of Edinburgh, it shows the best of the Scottish capital. I really can’t find anything to criticise and I know this is one of those books which is going to stay with me. It’s a very special read, and one which I’m happy to recommend. There is so much positivity in this one, I suspect it will do more to get people to sign up to the donor register than any media campaign. And, just as importantly it will make you want to get out there and live your life!
My grateful thanks to publishers Bonnier Zaffre for approving my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Tags: family, health, romance
- Format: Kindle Edition
- File Size: 1052 KB
- Publisher: Zaffre
- Publication Date: 19 April 2018
- Link to Buy: http://amzn.eu/0a8pJg3
Meet the Author
Stephanie Butland is the author of beloved bookshop tale ‘Lost For Words’ and her new novel ‘The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae’, released in ebook and paperback 19th April 2018 (available for pre-order now).
Stephanie lives in Northumberland, close to the place where she grew up. She writes in a studio at the bottom of her garden, and loves being close to the sea. She’s thriving after cancer.
Twitter: @under_blue_sky
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stephanie-Butland-Author-282828548412029/
www.stephaniebutland.com
#LostForWords #TheCuriousHeart #AilsaRae
Grace J Reviewerlady 