My process for choosing a book is a little eclectic. If it's written by an author I know I like, I just get it, no questions asked. When looking for a new author, however, a catchy title or showy cover will grab my attention. If I like the blurb on the back, I'll give it a chance. I never open the book and read a sample before making my decision. What if I catch a glimpse of a critical moment in the book, and the whole experience is ruined because of this slip? (#booknerdproblems). This particular book was set on the shelf backwards, with the back facing out. The plot sounded interesting. I was hooked.

When I began the book, I was struck by the style of writing. It was very simple, almost juvenile compared to the poetic prose of the last few books I had read. Three pages in, and I was trying to remember the last time I put a book down without finishing it. But the blurb on the back sounded so good, so fresh and different from what I'd been reading. So I decided to give it a chance. I'm glad I did.

I'm not sure if the writing got better, or if it just stopped bothering me, but I suspect that the writing improved as the author hit her stride. There were several descriptions that struck me like an electric shock because they were so good. I enjoyed the story, was surprised by the twist, and felt satisfied by the ending.

Once again, I am humbled and reminded that good authors come in all genres, structures, and styles. What one author lacks in fanciful language, she make may up for in creative execution and original ideas. Four and a half stars. ( )

Interesting mix in this story, heart transplant and soul identification with a little suspense, mystery on the side. Definitely held my interest, something a little different but very readable. ( )

Book Review & Giveaway: You know I’m a sucker for intriguing book covers, and What the Heart Remembers by Debra Ginsberg definitely qualifies! Add in two of my top ten favorite cities and a very interesting sounding concept, and I jumped on it with both feet. When I began reading, I thought “Hmm, I don’t know about this after all. This idea may have been done to death.” But then I got into the story and realized it had a completely new slant. What the Heart Remembers has been compared to a cross between Laura Lippman and Kate Atkinson, a dead-on comparison in my opinion. Read the rest of my review & enter to win at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4611. ( )

What the Heart Remembers is deliciously atmospheric. I was drawn in from the start and instantly immersed myself in this world of secrets, betrayals, broken hearts and a taste of the supernatural.

Cellular memory is a main theme in the story as Eden's new heart guides her. She feels, thinks and hears what the original heart owner did.

Each character was well developed in this multi-layered novel. Different aspects of the story and the characters were slowly revealed and as the book took twists and turns, I never guessed what was just around the next corner. The heart's original owners identity surprised me.

The story is alternately narrated by Eden, Darcy and Derek. I really got to peek into each of these characters heads.
Secrets kept coming to light, there was so much revealed just underneath the surface and I kept wanting to know more.

Author Debra Ginsberg does a fantastic job and keeping you hooked as you read, she gives you just enough to tease you, but you must keep reading to find out the rest.

The story really drew me in, I enjoyed the mix of mystery, romance and suspense in this novel. I recommend What the Heart Remembers if you are looking for romance with a twist of suspense and the supernatural that will draw you in and keep you guessing until the final page is turned. ( )

Like this author's earlier book The Grift, this one also represents an epistemological departure from the empirical realm. Normally I’m not big into the “woo-woo” side, but this author has now managed to rope me in twice!

Eden (“Edie”) Harrison has just been proposed to by her boyfriend Derek and is loving life in Portland, Oregon, when she develops heart disease bad enough to require a transplant. Just when she thought she would survive no longer, she gets a donor and has successful surgery. Afterwards, although Derek is attentive and patient during her recovery, Edie is no longer very interested in him. Nor does she even like Portland anymore, or the same colors, or music, or foods of which she used to be fond. She has troubling dreams, and feels an overwhelming compulsion to relocate to San Diego. She drops Derek, and moves.

Meanwhile, in San Diego, we meet Darcy Silver, the beautiful trophy wife of a manipulative, controlling, and rich older man. Darcy is having an affair, and desperately needs someone to talk to about everything. When Edie and Darcy meet, they feel an immediate empathic connection, and become each other’s only friend.

But a lot of things are wrong. Edie is not who she used to be. Darcy is not who she seems to be. Edie’s unbidden thoughts and dreams are getting stronger, and often involve Darcy. The tension in the book ratchets up as the suspense and danger build. And Derek still hasn’t given up on Edie, or at least the Edie he once knew. But can he help? Can anyone help?

Discussion: This story is based on the idea of “cellular memory” – the belief that, in this case, the heart is not “just a pump or a senseless lump of muscle,” but that it remembers.. Getting a transplant, according to this way of thinking, means that you get more than merely tissue; you also receive the consciousness of the donor, which then merges with your own personality. It’s a clever plot device, but you really have to suspend any scintilla of biological knowledge while you read! (Or I should say, I had to – there are many people in many professions who believe in cellular memory.) But Ginsberg manages to throw in enough suspense and interesting plot developments that it is an entertaining book no matter what your intellectual biases!

Evaluation: This is a fun summer read, by an author who is able to spin phenomenological notions into diverting suspense novels. ( )