Welcome to my stop on the blog tour celebrating the release of The Heart Keeper by Alex Dahl! Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the invitation! Stay tuned for information on how to win a copy at the bottom of this post!
I read and loved Dahl’s debut The Boy at the Door last summer.
About the Author:
Half-American, half-Norwegian, Alex Dahl was born in Oslo. She graduated with a B.A. in Russian and German linguistics with international studies and went on to complete an M.A. in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, followed by an M.S. in Business Management at Bath University. Alex has published short stories in the U.K. and the U.S. She is a serious Francophile and currently lives in both London and Sandefjord. The Boy at the Door (2018) was translated into ten languages and longlisted for a CWA Dagger award. The Heart Keeper (2019) is out now. Next up- Playdate (2020). Instagram @authoralex
My Thoughts:
Set in Norway, Alison’s daughter, Amalie, drowns, and she feels her life is over. In the darkness of winter, Alison is at an all-time low.
By contrast, for another family, Amalie’s death means new life. Kaia, riddled with health problems, receives Amalie’s heart. Iselin is Kaia’s mom and things are finally looking up for them. They even have a wealthy new friend and benefactor.
Alison should not have crossed the line, and she knows it, but she can’t help herself. She only wants to be a support to Iselin and Kaia. She can give them a better way of life they wouldn’t have on their own. Alison finds Kaia to be just like Amalie and an obsession is born.
The Heart Keeper is full of raw emotion. Alison’s grief is visceral, so I could almost understand the trip she took to obsession. Dahl is skilled at capturing authentic grief. I am drawing a line in the sand and not telling you too much more.
Overall, The Heart Keeper is a powerfully emotional, character-driven mystery-thriller, and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for what’s next from Alex Dahl!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
About the Book:
Critically acclaimed author Alex Dahl explores how love can turn darkly sinister when a desperate mother looks to reconnect with her lost daughter in this riveting Norwegian set psychological suspense novel.
Two mothers. Two daughters. One heart.
When Alison’s beloved daughter Amalie drowns, her world turns impenetrably dark. Alison tries to hold it together throughout the bleak Fall, but in the darkest days of the Norwegian Winter she completely falls apart.
In another family, Amalie’s passing is a new beginning. After years of severe health problems, young Kaia receives a new heart on the morning after Amalie drowns. Her mother Iselin has struggled to raise Kaia on her own and now things are finally looking up. She’s even made an affluent new friend who’s taken a special interest in her and her daughter.
Alison knows she shouldn’t interfere, but really, she’s just trying to help Iselin and Kaia. She can give them the life they never had, and by staying close to them, she can still be with her daughter. Kaia is just like her, and surely, something of Amalie must live on in her. As her grief transforms into a terrifying obsession, Alison won’t let anything stop her from getting back what she has lost. (less)
***Book Giveaway***
For a chance to win a paperback copy of The Heart Keeper, please visit my instagram page! Giveaway generously sponsored by the publisher.
I love stories like this! This one’s going on my TBR. Thanks for sharing it! ❤
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It’s such a good one, favorite M! So much emotion! I. Hope you get a chance to check it out! ♥️
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Oh wow, I can’t imagine the situation that both moms found themselves in. Haven’t read the book but already sympathize with Alison. Great review, Jennifer.
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Thanks so much, Diana! The author does an amazing job helping us understand Alison. She really went through a horrible ordeal.
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This is fantastic. I loved the blurb and your review. I want it too
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Thanks, Shalini! I hope you get a chance to read it! It’s pretty special!
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Wow I want to read this one! I can’t even imagine!! Lovely review Jen! Have a Happy Hump Day and hope you are staying cool!😎🌞💗
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Thanks, Sus! Gosh, it’s so hot! Our backyard dried right up thanks to the oak trees! We need some rain! None in over a week! This book was so good. So emotional and tense. Happy Wednesday! ♥️
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This sounds intense and emotional. Also very sad! Thanks for showcasing it, Jennifer😁
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You’re welcome, Tammy! Yes, it’s definitely an emotional and tense thriller.
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This sounds too intense, almost creepy for me. Great review!
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Thanks so much, Anne! It was tense and emotional, with a touch of darkness, but not really overly creepy.
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Great review! I really enjoyed this one as well. Loved The Boy at the Door too!
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Hi Ann Marie! Thank you! I’m so happy you are a fan, too, and I think it was your review that made me want to read The Boy at the Door last summer!
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Lovely picture, wonderful review, and blog tour, Jennifer! I added this mystery thriller to my tbr list. Happy Wednesday! 💐❤️📚😊😘
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Thanks, Virginia! I think you’d have fun with this one, and it’s emotional too. I hope you’ve had a great Wednesday! ♥️
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I feel like there are so many emotions going on here!
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It was definitely powerful and emotional, Angela!
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I absolutely love that cover. This sounds like such an emotional story. Great review Jennifer.
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Thanks, Carla. I do, too! It’s so original and the colors are so pretty! It was definitely an emotional thriller.
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Sounds way too harrowing for me, but I’m glad you enjoyed it, and I enjoyed your review! I’m amazed people are allowed to know who gets their loved ones’ donated organs… seems like a recipe for trouble…
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Thanks, FF! Here in the US, they are not typically allowed, but I think there are exceptions if the recipient would like to get in touch with the donor’s family (and the family is ok with being contacted).
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Oh wow, this sounds like such an emotional read. Stories about grief always get to me. Glad you enjoyed this one!
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Thanks, Suzanne! It was surprising how well the grief was written into this thriller- deeply emotional and powerful.
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Lovely review, Jennifer, and I think I have the same pillow but in green!
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Thanks so much! I have one green one, too! I love this pillow so much, Marialyce! I bought them at Homegoods.
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I love character driven novels. 🙂
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Me, too! ♥️
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Fantastic review! I recently learned about this one, and it sounds incredible. I feel like this is one of those stories that every transplant patient fears. I could’t even imagine going through something like that, and the worse part is that you understand where the mother is coming from. I’m going to go hunt down a copy.
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Norway setting, nice! I’m totes saving this on my list. Usually when the weather turns cold, i turn to scandinavian books 😀
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Yes, it’s a good one, Norrie! I loved that setting and it wasn’t as dark as some of the Scandinavian noirs.
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Wow this sounds like a dark and emotional read – I’m quite curious to see how the author builds the suspense in this tale.
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