The Gift of Life

Gabby McPhee is the owner of a café in the heart of Melbourne called The Tin Man. Although it’s been a couple of years since Gabby had her heart transplant operation, she still feels grateful to the family who gifted her a second chance at life. A life she intends to make the most of and enjoy every minute she can of it. <br /><br />Whilst being interviewed for an article, Gabby expresses how thankful she is for the family that donated the organ which saved her life. For the following few days Gabby noticed a woman who visited the café and Gabby had a feeling she knew who this woman might be. <br /><br />Krystal Arthur is struggling after the death of her husband, Evan. Taking care of her two young boys has been a challenge to say the least, but trying to come to terms with Evan’s death is taking its toll on her. Krystal has unanswered questions after the death of her husband, like why was he in a another city when he died. Krystal is certain she knows who might have the answers, but is she truly ready to find out the truth about her husband?<br /><br />This was a fabulous read and I’m so glad I read it. Aussie author Josephine Moon has written a book that will have her readers flying through the pages wanting to know what’s going to take place next. A very entertaining read. Highly recommended. <br />

Two years had passed since Gabby McPhee had received the heart transplant that saved her life. The reporter who was chatting to her in The Tin Man, her café and coffee roasting house in Melbourne, brought it home to Gabby how lucky she was to be alive; thankful to the family of the heart she’d been given. When a woman appeared in the café in the days following the interview, wanting to speak to Gabby, she was shocked to hear who she was…<br /><br />Krystal Arthur and her two young sons were still deeply grieving over the loss of their husband and father two years prior. The article Krystal read in the newspaper sent shockwaves up and down her spine – she just knew this woman was the recipient of Evan’s heart. Was it possible for Krystal to find the answers she needed with Gabby’s help? Would she discover why Evan was in Sydney when he was killed? <br /><br /><i>The Gift of Life</i> by Aussie author Josephine Moon is my first by this author, and it won’t be my last. An intense, heartwarming and satisfying read, the characters were well crafted, the families blended well together – Gabby and Pippa (sisters) had seven children between them – and their loving closeness was gratifying. Their service dog, Sally was a delight. It was easy to care for them all, along with the extended characters in the book (apart from Aunt Cordy ? – oh didn’t she hate to be called that). <i>The Gift of Life</i> is a wonderful read which I recommend highly.<br /><br />With thanks to Penguin Random House for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

*<a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com">www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com</a><br />*<a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr">www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr</a><br /><br />The Gift of Life by Josephine Moon. (2019).<br /><br />Gabby is the owner of a chic new cafe and coffee roasting house in Melbourne. The struggles of her recent heart transplant are behind her and life is looking up until Krystal approaches her convinced that Gabby has her dead husband's heart. Krystal is struggling to hold her family together and has many unanswered questions about Evan's death. Krystal thinks that Gabby can help her, and she may be able to help Gabby let go. The two women must come together to try to unlock the secrets in Evan's heart in order to set free their own. <br /><br />I quite liked this intriguing book. I feel like it had a lot of food for thought. At the core of the story is an organ transplant and the idea of cellular memory (that memories and personality traits can be stored in organs). I find that concept really cool and also really terrifying! Some big issues are covered in this book: divorced/separated families, single parent/widowed families, postnatal depression, life after organ transplant (medically and emotionally) and unethical lawyer actions. There is a strong undercurrent of family support, particularly in relation to Gabby, her sister Pippa and their father Monty. On the flip side there is Krystal who has minimal family support but a very strong friendship with a fellow school mum who is always there for her. The book includes a whole cast of relatable and likeable characters (excluding Evan's sister who is extremely unlikable at all times!).<br />A very thought provoking and entertaining novel that I think will stick with readers long after they finish it.

The Gift Of Life is the fifth novel by Australian author, Josephine Moon. It’s almost two years since divorced mother of three, Gabby McPhee received her heart transplant, and a year since she opened The Tin Man, her artisanal coffee business off Chapel Street in Melbourne’s South Yarra. Life is good. Her staff are great and her expert coffee roaster, the handsome Luciano is talented, if reticent. <br /><br />Her children are a joy, and if only her ex would step up to his responsibilities with them instead of pleading new-baby fatigue, everything would be perfect. So Gabby is uneasy and a little frightened when, soon after seeing a woman sitting in her café, her heart begins to pound and she sees a disturbing vision involving a dark alley, a bright light and fear, a lot of it. <br /><br />Young widow Krystal Arthur and her two little boys are coping okay with life. She and her best friend, Roxy look out for each other, sharing the child-minding to give each other a break. But since she lost Evan two years earlier, Krystal has been plagued by questions to which there don’t seem to be answers. In particular: why, when he was meant to be working as a sommelier at a local restaurant, was Evan in a dark Sydney laneway being fatally knocked down by a hit-and-run driver?<br /><br />This intriguing start will have readers eagerly turning the pages to see how the mystery will be solved, but there’s also the bonus of a bit of romance and the ups and downs which are de riguer for families with kids and ageing grandparents. Moon has a real talent for creating characters that are appealing for all their very human flaws. In this case, despite marriage break-ups, the families at the core of the story are made of good people who support, and care about, each other. However, as an ambassador for organ donation, Cordelia-Aurora is an abject failure. As a person, well, room for improvement.<br /><br />Moon is even-handed in her treatment of the organ donation dilemma. As well as illustrating the enormous benefits that it can afford the recipient, she also demonstrates both the physical and psychological burdens of this gift of life: the life-long medication, the danger of even mild infection, the threat of organ rejection, the shorter life expectancy, the guilt and feelings of beholden-ness to the donor’s family and the lingering obligation to live well this new life granted. <br /><br />As well, she clearly depicts what the loved ones of the donor experience at the time of making this momentous decision, some of the possible reasons for their objection, and ongoing feelings and emotions. Given that much has already been written about cellular memory, readers with an open mind will have no problem with the paranormal aspect of this story, and it is worth reading in the author’s notes describing what inspired this novel. <br /><br />Moon seems to outdo herself with each successive novel, and this one is no exception. Topical, thought-provoking and moving, this is another outstanding read.<br />This unbiased review is from a copy provided by Penguin Random House Australia.<br />

*<a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com">https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com</a><br />4.5 stars<br />‘Gabby liked the bustle and the noise. It was evidence of life all around her, a life she desperately wanted to be a part of for many years yet.’<br /><br />Imagine that you were given the ultimate gift of life, a second chance in the face of almost certain death. For Gabby, a coffee connoisseur and cafe owner, a heart transplant gave her another chance to live her life. However, since the life changing operation things have not returned to normal. Gabby can’t put her finger on it, but the appearance of a mysterious woman in her cafe provides the all important link to Gabby’s uneasiness. Josephine Moon’s latest novel, The Gift of Life truly is a gift to any reader that chooses to read this title. It is moving, uplifting, intriguing and life affirming.<br /><br />The Gift of Life is a book that hit close to home for me. My family has directly experienced organ donation and the process of a heart transplant, which is the focal point of this book. It was a long and emotional journey for us that had both a high moment and a very low experience. Unfortunately, rejection and infection set in and we lost our beloved family member. The feelings are still as vivid and raw today, as much as it was almost twelve years ago. It left a deep impression on our family, and we are incredibly thankful for the gift of life we received. Although I am writing this with tears welling up and our lost family member is close in my thoughts, The Gift of Life for me is an essential book. Josephine Moon’s latest gives a voice to organ donation and the life giving work of transplants.<br /><br />Moving away from my personal connection to this novel, I have to remark on just how informative, educative and accurate the process of organ donation and the transplant experience was highlighted in The Gift of Life. Moon is mindful of presenting the facts and reality of the situation with a mindfulness that respects those who have been impacted by a similar experience. As our much loved family member passed away not long after the transplant operation, we never got the chance to discuss some of the feelings other organ recipients may have experienced. The acquisition of distinctive personal traits, memories and characteristics of the donor was handled extremely well by Moon. This has been evidenced by her ‘Acknowledgements’ section. It definitely makes for some thought provoking reading, which also made me think that The Gift of Life would be a fantastic book club title. There is just so much to discuss!<br /><br />Friendship, an unlikely bond, trust and altruism are strong themes in The Gift of Life. I liked how the friendship between Gabby and Krystal developed over time and circumstance. It was an unusual way to form a friendship, but Moon makes us see that it is possible. The way these two women worked as team to solve the mystery underpinning this novel and Evan’s life was hopeful. I appreciated this aspect of the novel very much.<br /><br />Those who are fans of Josephine Moon’s work will know she always incorporates a food angle within her books and this one of no exception to the rule! Gabby owns The Tin Man, a boutique cafe, known for its coffee roasting. I loved learning more about the coffee roasting business, it is quite an art! Moon takes this opportunity to tie in a great side romance and she throws in some mostly fabulous supporting cast. I had some trouble with Evan’s family, but on the whole, the rest of the cast were appealing and readable.<br /><br />Readers will really appreciate the central mystery of this novel, it runs parallel to the other events in the story, such as the romance, friendship and the process of change both women undertake after the transplant. I was intrigued from the start by the mystery surrounding Evan’s death. I had plenty of questions and a couple of theories in my mind as to what Evan was doing the night he died. This element of the novel will keep readers on their toes. The final turn of events reminds us of the fragility of life and how it is important to embrace what we have – make the most of it.<br /><br />The Gift of Life represents another fabulous read from Josephine Moon, who seems to have settled into the life lit genre extremely well. This one struck a personal chord for me and I am sure it will unite all readers.<br /><br />‘This life, right here, right now. This amazing gift of life.’<br /><br />*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.<br /><br />The Gift of Life is book #48 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge

I have loved every single book Josephine Moon has written. But this one didn’t wow me as much as the others. Still a good read but didn’t have me feverishly turning pages as her others have.

The Gift Of Life is the fifth novel by Australian author, Josephine Moon. The audio version is narrated by Kat Stewart. It’s almost two years since divorced mother of three, Gabby McPhee received her heart transplant, and a year since she opened The Tin Man, her artisanal coffee business off Chapel Street in Melbourne’s South Yarra. Life is good. Her staff are great and her expert coffee roaster, the handsome Luciano is talented, if reticent.<br /><br />Her children are a joy, and if only her ex would step up to his responsibilities with them instead of pleading new-baby fatigue, everything would be perfect. So Gabby is uneasy and a little frightened when, soon after seeing a woman sitting in her café, her heart begins to pound and she sees a disturbing vision involving a dark alley, a bright light and fear, a lot of it.<br /><br />Young widow Krystal Arthur and her two little boys are coping okay with life. She and her best friend, Roxy look out for each other, sharing the child-minding to give each other a break. But since she lost Evan two years earlier, Krystal has been plagued by questions to which there don’t seem to be answers. In particular: why, when he was meant to be working as a sommelier at a local restaurant, was Evan in a dark Sydney laneway being fatally knocked down by a hit-and-run driver?<br /><br />This intriguing start will have readers eagerly turning the pages to see how the mystery will be solved, but there’s also the bonus of a bit of romance and the ups and downs which are de riguer for families with kids and ageing grandparents. Moon has a real talent for creating characters that are appealing for all their very human flaws. In this case, despite marriage break-ups, the families at the core of the story are made of good people who support, and care about, each other. However, as an ambassador for organ donation, Cordelia-Aurora is an abject failure. As a person, well, room for improvement.<br /><br />Moon is even-handed in her treatment of the organ donation dilemma. As well as illustrating the enormous benefits that it can afford the recipient, she also demonstrates both the physical and psychological burdens of this gift of life: the life-long medication, the danger of even mild infection, the threat of organ rejection, the shorter life expectancy, the guilt and feelings of beholden-ness to the donor’s family and the lingering obligation to live well this new life granted.<br /><br />As well, she clearly depicts what the loved ones of the donor experience at the time of making this momentous decision, some of the possible reasons for their objection, and ongoing feelings and emotions. Given that much has already been written about cellular memory, readers with an open mind will have no problem with the paranormal aspect of this story, and it is worth reading in the author’s notes describing what inspired this novel.<br /><br />Moon seems to outdo herself with each successive novel, and this one is no exception. Topical, thought-provoking and moving, this is another outstanding read.

A wonderfully rich story, exploring heart transplant, life, family, friendship, love of all kinds and some mystery. A little touch of life after death. Loved the characters, and exploring how you can’t judge someone until all the facts are in. Best Josephine Moon book yet.

Fabulous read - engaging, informative, poignant.<br /><br />My View:<br />A fabulous read - engaging, informative, and poignant.<br /><br />This is a very moving narrative; organ donation is subject that has recently received deserved attention in the media and despite that increased attention there seems to be so much more that is needed to be done. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://donatelife.gov.au/about-donation/get-facts/facts-and-statistics">https://donatelife.gov.au/about-donat...</a> What I really enjoyed about this story was hearing the unique voice of the character who is a recipient – each day a gift but with that gift are so many caveats. <br /><br />Then there is the mystery. <br /><br />This is a very engaging read; life is exposed in all its fragile beauty – difficult, tiring, exasperating, frustrating, challenging, worthwhile, exhilarating, loving and precious. Themes of family, friendship, love, loss, grief and second chances dominate this read. Josephine Moon has written characters that you will genuinely care about wrapped in a narrative that is complex and discusses many contemporary issues. <br /><br />

Do you believe that death is the end of life or the continuance of another form of life? In Josephine Moon's lastest novel, she has you asking exactly that question. Tackling a highly emotive issue, organ donation, Jo weaves a beautiful narrative and has us rallying so hard for the characters that I feared my own heart would break. I always love Jo's novels and this one is no exception. It is a must read!