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The Heart of Memory
When beloved Christian writer and speaker Savannah Trover becomes gravely ill, she has to face the sham that her faith has become. Days before her heart transplant, she vows to change her ways and she renews her relationship with Christ. But when she awakens from the surgery, Savannah discovers that her faith has left her completely. Savannah’s husband, Shaun, is concerned about his wife's odd behavior—and even more concerned about the secret he’s keeping from her. If she doesn't bring down their ministry, then he might, losing his family in the process. A stranger may hold the answer to Savannah's recovery, but is Savannah strong enough to return to her old way of life? Can Shaun right his wrongs before word gets out? And do either one of them remember how to be who they once were—or who they want to be? In this latest relational drama from Alison Strobel, readers will explore the difference between emotional faith and life-giving truth as Savannah wonders if she can ever trust her heart again.
296 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2011
57 people are currently reading
877 people want to read
About the author
Alison Strobel
7Ìýbooks111ÌýfollowersAlison is a women's fiction novelist who writes books about life, love, and faith. Her sophomore release, "Violette Between," was a RITA Award finalist in 2007. She lives in Colorado with her husband (with whom she has co-authored two children's books) and their two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 6, 2011
You know, this book was very interesting. Savannah appears to be a person who has it all � a successful Christian ministry as a speaker and author, a good husband who runs her business, a daughter in college with a nice, Christian boyfriend, but things aren’t always as they appear.
While touring Savannah becomes ill with what she thinks is the flu, but when she doesn’t get better she seeks out the doctor. Ending up in the hospital and needed a heart transplant, Savannah turns to her faith to help her get through these trying times.
Luckily, Savannah receives a heart very quickly, but she doesn’t heal as quickly as most recipients. Part of the reason is Savannah, but another part isn’t. As a result, Savannah has lost her faith � in a huge way. She’s not just lost, she is completely faithless � an atheist.
Though the twists and turns of life, what most people would call coincidences, and what Savannah would no longer term “God’s will�, she is able to find a lifeline or two to save herself, her marriage, and her relationship with her daughter.
On the other hand, Savannah’s husband has a few secrets of his own � including the fact that the ministry is struggling to stay afloat. He’s got a few get rich quick schemes up his sleeve, but will they work, and work quickly?
For Savannah’s daughter, it’s a struggle always feel as if she’s in the shadow of her mother � a shadow that can be oppressing, especially when, to the world, her mother is the perfect Christian woman, wife, and mom, but to her she’s practically a stranger.
This book is dark. We’re watching someone struggle through the life they’ve chosen, and some illnesses they haven’t, and the consequences aren’t as pleasant as you’d expect. All 3 family members must come to terms with their perceptions of one another, their roles in their family and in life, and in how they want to move forward. It isn’t easy to change, and it isn’t easy to watch their struggles.
While touring Savannah becomes ill with what she thinks is the flu, but when she doesn’t get better she seeks out the doctor. Ending up in the hospital and needed a heart transplant, Savannah turns to her faith to help her get through these trying times.
Luckily, Savannah receives a heart very quickly, but she doesn’t heal as quickly as most recipients. Part of the reason is Savannah, but another part isn’t. As a result, Savannah has lost her faith � in a huge way. She’s not just lost, she is completely faithless � an atheist.
Though the twists and turns of life, what most people would call coincidences, and what Savannah would no longer term “God’s will�, she is able to find a lifeline or two to save herself, her marriage, and her relationship with her daughter.
On the other hand, Savannah’s husband has a few secrets of his own � including the fact that the ministry is struggling to stay afloat. He’s got a few get rich quick schemes up his sleeve, but will they work, and work quickly?
For Savannah’s daughter, it’s a struggle always feel as if she’s in the shadow of her mother � a shadow that can be oppressing, especially when, to the world, her mother is the perfect Christian woman, wife, and mom, but to her she’s practically a stranger.
This book is dark. We’re watching someone struggle through the life they’ve chosen, and some illnesses they haven’t, and the consequences aren’t as pleasant as you’d expect. All 3 family members must come to terms with their perceptions of one another, their roles in their family and in life, and in how they want to move forward. It isn’t easy to change, and it isn’t easy to watch their struggles.
February 11, 2017
Five stars
This novel is deep and challenging. The characters face spiritual battles that feel authentic and familiar. The emotional aftermath of a heart transplant was something I had never considered. This is a worthwhile read.
This novel is deep and challenging. The characters face spiritual battles that feel authentic and familiar. The emotional aftermath of a heart transplant was something I had never considered. This is a worthwhile read.
July 5, 2011
Here is a woman who'se whole life is centered in Christ. She writes books about it and has speaking engagements about her books. She becomes ill and is in need of a heart donor and receives the heart of an atheist donor. After the operation she becomes skeptical and no longer believes in her writing and losses all faith even regards it as delusional. The book explains that "Personality traits are stored in cells throughout the body, not just the brain." It would seem from this great changeover that the heart stores more personality traits than the brain. Duh! I wonder what part of personality traits are in the foot!
July 20, 2011
I'm not good at reviewing what happened word for word in a story - many others have done that for you on this site. I just want to comment that this was an enjoyable read. It opened my eyes and my heart. The book is a Christian book, without totally breathing Christian principles down your neck. It illustrates real-life situations where Christians must not only deal with their problems but face them and find God along the way. It does a great job of showing that all people, Christians included, have problems, and that if we seek God, we can find a way through them. Not all problems are easily overcome and not all problems have the outcome we hope for, but there is a way!
May 10, 2011
I can see that a lot of people liked this book, but I thought it was truly bad. Trite, superficial... the only character I could generate any feeling for was the daughter, Jessie, and that was not very much. I thought the characters were self-absorbed and the emotionalism was over-the-top and just not believable. I usually find something to like about most books, but not this one. Unfortunately, well-written Christian fiction is just hard to come by.
January 27, 2015
I absolutely love the concept of this story---what if a woman who receives a heart transplant suddenly finds herself taking on emotions of her donor? At times it moved rather slowly, but if you enjoy more literary fiction then that's perfectly acceptable. This one will definitely make you think about what makes someone a Christian.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2011
I believe many of us on this "faith walk" struggle with what Savannah does in this book. Heartfelt and transparent....this story spoke to my heart and my own walk of faith.
March 5, 2021
The Heart of Memory‘s writing style is engaging and it is well-edited. The premise of someone with a life that revolved around God suddenly hating God after a heart transplant because of the feelings of the donor is very interesting. The problem is the three characters in the family are the most unlikable awful people ever. The only good characters are side ones. They are “good Christians� very much in the spotlight but in actuality are terrible humans. I’m not sure why the author made them quite that awful. I rather wanted all the bad things to happen to them. If you like Christian fiction and have some extra time kill, this book is a decent time waster.
November 9, 2019
Just 3 stars from me and that is being generous. I really wanted to like this book but I was disappointed. I was intrigued by the premise of retained memory in organ donations and that story line was well written but I didn’t like any of the characters in the story. I found all of them depressing and complainers and was hoping that the ending would redeem them to me and I could share in the joy of a happy ending. It didn’t happen and now I feel as depressed as they are.
June 19, 2019
This was a hard book to complete. It reads quite slow. There is basically no action, just a lot of feelings and thoughts and arguments. The characters do not have much depth and are not at all likeable. The main character struggles with her faith, but my struggle was reading about it, over and over. My three stars are a bit high, because there is no option for half a star.
June 19, 2017
Christian fiction. Central to the story is that the theory that when an organ is transplanted, there are cellular memories transplanted also.
July 13, 2017
Okay story. It's always interesting how heart transplant recipients go through emotional changes after their surgery, so I did enjoy that part of the plot.
September 24, 2017
Okay, but not great.
Decent read, but the ending leaves you wanting a conclusion. It felt like she got tired of writing and hurried the ending.
Decent read, but the ending leaves you wanting a conclusion. It felt like she got tired of writing and hurried the ending.
August 3, 2019
Different - I enjoyed it but found the ending hard, yet appropriate.
August 5, 2019
Beautiful story. Deep characterization. Real and heartfelt emotions. Calls you to analyze & internalize your own relationship and walk with God.
July 10, 2020
Enjoyed the characters in this one.
June 5, 2021
Amazing!
Excellent writing, and without giving anything away I do believe in the situation that went on with Savannah. Thank you!Would definitely recommend
Excellent writing, and without giving anything away I do believe in the situation that went on with Savannah. Thank you!Would definitely recommend
August 18, 2021
interesting - always such complex plots
April 18, 2011
An emotional roller-coaster ride! That is the easiest way to describe “The Heart of Memory�. The entire book was a ride through emotional highs and lows.
I was intrigued as I read this book and it grew as the plot developed. The book held my attention quite well, especially since the story was based mainly on what was happening within each of the characters. The story walks through the faith journey of Savannah primarily, but includes the struggles of her husband and daughter. The book had several surprising turns in the plot and several times I was quite shocked at the actions of Savannah (though given her circumstances they made sense.)
The book covered a lot of tough issues. Faith struggles, financial problems that are quickly falling apart, relationships, trust, throw in a heart transplant with miles of baggage and there are layers of tension riveting their way through the story.
I thought the ending was great closure for the book. With so much going on through the story, not every single thread was 100% sealed, but the closure of the story worked the best for the characters and their growth. I was satisfied.
I thought “The Heart of Memory� was a good story filled with many elements, but underlying messages that readers will easily relate to.
I was intrigued as I read this book and it grew as the plot developed. The book held my attention quite well, especially since the story was based mainly on what was happening within each of the characters. The story walks through the faith journey of Savannah primarily, but includes the struggles of her husband and daughter. The book had several surprising turns in the plot and several times I was quite shocked at the actions of Savannah (though given her circumstances they made sense.)
The book covered a lot of tough issues. Faith struggles, financial problems that are quickly falling apart, relationships, trust, throw in a heart transplant with miles of baggage and there are layers of tension riveting their way through the story.
I thought the ending was great closure for the book. With so much going on through the story, not every single thread was 100% sealed, but the closure of the story worked the best for the characters and their growth. I was satisfied.
I thought “The Heart of Memory� was a good story filled with many elements, but underlying messages that readers will easily relate to.
June 6, 2011
This book had a very interesting concept. Savannah has strong faith and a successful ministry until she receives a heart transplant from a young man who was an atheist. Her faith disappears and she takes on personality traits of the donor. The idea of it was very interesting to consider.
Unfortunately, I felt the book had some flaws that prevented me from enjoying it as much as I would have otherwise. I tried really hard to like the characters, but I just couldn't. I found them to be overly emotional and reactionary, which made for a convenient plot device to stir up conflict in conversation where there might normally not be any. The ending also left me somewhat unsatisfied. Granted, it was probably realistic, but reality often leaves one unsatisfied. I was happy that Savannah finally found some peace, but what about everyone else? What happens to Shaun - jail time? Does Adam ever come to his senses? Do some of the displaced A&A staff find some closure/peace? The book just seemed like it was wrapped up too quickly.
Overall, it was an okay book, but some frustrations would probably keep me from reading it again.
Unfortunately, I felt the book had some flaws that prevented me from enjoying it as much as I would have otherwise. I tried really hard to like the characters, but I just couldn't. I found them to be overly emotional and reactionary, which made for a convenient plot device to stir up conflict in conversation where there might normally not be any. The ending also left me somewhat unsatisfied. Granted, it was probably realistic, but reality often leaves one unsatisfied. I was happy that Savannah finally found some peace, but what about everyone else? What happens to Shaun - jail time? Does Adam ever come to his senses? Do some of the displaced A&A staff find some closure/peace? The book just seemed like it was wrapped up too quickly.
Overall, it was an okay book, but some frustrations would probably keep me from reading it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2011
This book was a very interesting read and the subject matter was handled much differently than I expected. Alison wrote about issues related to organ transplants in a way that I had never heard of before and it made me curious enough to go and do some further research. I wasn’t prepared for the abrupt ending though; it caught me totally off guard and disappointed me a little. I was so caught up in the story of Savannah and Shaun Trover that I wanted to find out more about their life and how things turn out.
This story is one emotional roller coaster that you won’t soon forget. Shaun and Savannah Trover are characters that are very easy to relate to. They are “real� and struggle with a crisis of faith, which many readers will be able to connect with. On the outside, they are a Christian couple who has it all; the perfect marriage, perfect ministry, perfect life……�..but behind closed doors things are not as perfect as they seem.
I will definitely be interested to see what author Alison Strobel comes out with next. I found this book to be unique, interesting and a well-written Christian fiction title.
This story is one emotional roller coaster that you won’t soon forget. Shaun and Savannah Trover are characters that are very easy to relate to. They are “real� and struggle with a crisis of faith, which many readers will be able to connect with. On the outside, they are a Christian couple who has it all; the perfect marriage, perfect ministry, perfect life……�..but behind closed doors things are not as perfect as they seem.
I will definitely be interested to see what author Alison Strobel comes out with next. I found this book to be unique, interesting and a well-written Christian fiction title.
January 10, 2012
When beloved Christian writer and speaker Savannah Trover becomes gravely ill, she has to face the sham that her faith has become. Days before her heart transplant, she vows to change her ways and she renews her relationship with Christ. But when she awakens from the surgery, Savannah discovers that her faith has left her completely.
Savannah's husband, Shaun, is concerned about his wife's odd behavior---and even more concerned about the secret he's keeping from her. If she doesn't bring down their ministry, then he might, losing his family in the process.
A stranger may hold the answer to Savannah's recovery, but is Savannah strong enough to return to her old way of life? Can Shaun right his wrongs before word gets out? And do either one of them remember how to be who they once were---or who they want to be?
Free Kindle download - I enjoyed this book for the most part.
The character has a heart transplant and after the operation, feels like she is a different person than she was pre-surgery. So many people are depending on her that she feels like she has to get back to the person she was.
Savannah's husband, Shaun, is concerned about his wife's odd behavior---and even more concerned about the secret he's keeping from her. If she doesn't bring down their ministry, then he might, losing his family in the process.
A stranger may hold the answer to Savannah's recovery, but is Savannah strong enough to return to her old way of life? Can Shaun right his wrongs before word gets out? And do either one of them remember how to be who they once were---or who they want to be?
Free Kindle download - I enjoyed this book for the most part.
The character has a heart transplant and after the operation, feels like she is a different person than she was pre-surgery. So many people are depending on her that she feels like she has to get back to the person she was.
May 19, 2011
I'm still trying to figure out how Amazon chooses their free book selections for the Kindle, but I'm guessing there is some underground conspiracy to promote Christian authors and their ideals because this is the fourth or fifth free book where I have encountered a woman grappling with her faith in the face of adversity (no complaints, just a side note). In this particular book, the main character, best selling Christian writer Savannah, undergoes both a literal and spiritual change of heart when she suddenly goes into heart failure and receives an organ donation from a young, self-proclaimed atheist, struggling with his own ideas of God at the time of his death. The novel was propelled along by the suspense of Savannah's husband and his mysterious money problems. It touches upon many levels of relationships (mother/daughter; husband/wife; man/God) and how the everyday aspects of life can weigh one down or distract him so much that the major issues and people are inadvertently neglected.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2019
Strobel's novels are amazing! The prose pulls the reader in from the first paragraph and you won't be able to put the book down until you finish. Realistic characters, unique situations, and a memorable plot will have you thinking about this story long after you close the cover.
SUMMARY: Savannah Trover is a well-known Christian author and speaker with a thriving ministry. There's a bit of trouble surrounding her husband and her daughter, but nothing she can't handle with God's help. When Savannah suffers from heart failure and a resulting transplant, she's astounded to discover that her faith seems to have disappeared as well. How can she find her way back again--and does she even want to?
SUMMARY: Savannah Trover is a well-known Christian author and speaker with a thriving ministry. There's a bit of trouble surrounding her husband and her daughter, but nothing she can't handle with God's help. When Savannah suffers from heart failure and a resulting transplant, she's astounded to discover that her faith seems to have disappeared as well. How can she find her way back again--and does she even want to?
April 26, 2011
Savannah has a secret. What can she do? Who can she tell? So many people rely on her. Her ministry depends on her.
Her husband Shaun has a secret too. One he's desperately trying to cover.
And the bills keep mounting.
How far will the lies carry them?
Then there's their daughter Jessie, a college student who wants to have a close relationship with her mother, especially when her mother was so close to death. Jessie plans on changing the way she responds to her mother but every time she tries to talk with her, Jessie automatically responds the same old ways, and nothing's changing. She feels always criticized by Savannah while Savannah thinks she is encouraging Jessie.
There was a bit of weirdness but other than that, good story.
Her husband Shaun has a secret too. One he's desperately trying to cover.
And the bills keep mounting.
How far will the lies carry them?
Then there's their daughter Jessie, a college student who wants to have a close relationship with her mother, especially when her mother was so close to death. Jessie plans on changing the way she responds to her mother but every time she tries to talk with her, Jessie automatically responds the same old ways, and nothing's changing. She feels always criticized by Savannah while Savannah thinks she is encouraging Jessie.
There was a bit of weirdness but other than that, good story.
February 18, 2013
This is an interesting plotline for a book - the main character (Savannah) gets a heart transplant and her character changes from the confident, successful Christian author and speaker to a dark, angry atheist. Meanwhile, her daughter is dealing with issues of her own and her already rocky relationship with her mother, and her husband is hiding a huge secret. I found as the book progressed and we understood more of the situation, I felt very depressed for the family and the seeming hopelessness. I was disappointed by the somewhat abrupt ending that didn't resolve everything, though it was probably more true to real life in that way.
Not my favorite book, but I don't regret reading it. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Not my favorite book, but I don't regret reading it. I look forward to reading more by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2015
I think it was well written though there were some parts that maybe could have been researched a bit better like what it is like physically to recover from a major surgery. I have heard of the phenomenon she talks about- cellular memory in heart transplant recipients but Not to this extent. Harry Kraus MD tackled this same subject in one of his books and handled it better I thought. After reading this I don't think a person would want a heart transplant!
Another concern I have is that this book would make a person look at anyone in ministry with suspicion wondering if they for real. I realize there is a balance and it is very good to realize that people in ministry are just regular people but this book just seemed depressing after a while. Anyway, those are my thoughts n it
Another concern I have is that this book would make a person look at anyone in ministry with suspicion wondering if they for real. I realize there is a balance and it is very good to realize that people in ministry are just regular people but this book just seemed depressing after a while. Anyway, those are my thoughts n it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2015
This is a Christian novel that takes up in detail the trials that one family has to undergo. With so much going on, and with everything seeming like they're doing well, one can easily lose sight and succumb to temptations. If there's anything that's not lacking here, it's the honesty of the main characters to themselves. With a solid foundation on their faith, they all eventually bounced back, though not without setbacks, a lot of them actually. They're just human, after all. At the end of the day, they acknowledged their faults, they were sorry, they resolved to change, and more importantly, they knew who to turn to.
August 7, 2011
I liked the fact that it reveals people for who they are....Christians can be nasty, unfaithful, deceptive, disloyal, doubting, judgmental, uncaring and killing their wounded ; but what distinguishes us from unbelievers is the forgiveness of Jesus, effective the day we accept it, and efficacious eternally. Not that I advocate anyone to continue to live their lives as the former, but was refreshingly surprised to read a Christian book where not all Christians did the right thing all the time. That said, I liked the twist re' the transplant and enjoyed the honesty of the characters' personalities.
August 26, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It dealt with subject matter I think many christian authors do not approach, a loss and questioning of ones faith and beliefs. I felt Strobel did an excellent job with it. I also liked that she tackled organ transplantation and recovery, both emotional and physical that comes with that. Not sure if the cellular memory is bunk or true, but was an interesting concept, and one I will research. However, I can only give it 3 stars as the ending left me hanging a bit. I wish there had more resolution with Shuan's situation, as well as how all of them move forward in the aftermath of everything. I can only hope Stroble decides to writea sequel.
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