The Missing Piece

by Catherine Miller

Broken Heart Syndrome: A sudden and acute form of heart failure, brought on by emotional or physical distress.

After years of studying cardiac medicine, thirty-one-year-old Keisha knows the heart inside out. She knows the average heartrate for each age group, she can name every valve, and she can tell you exactly how much blood it pumps daily.

The one thing she doesn’t know is how to fall in love. And nor does she want to. The secret her tattoo covers is a reminder that the best way to protect a heart is to never let it feel in the first place…

Seventy-nine-year-old Clive is Subject Five in Keisha’s latest research project. He’s been in love since he was seventeen, ever since he met Nancy at a tea dance. But last night, his beloved wife was killed. Suddenly, he has no one to waltz with. He has woken up in hospital, a widower diagnosed with Broken Heart Syndrome.

These strangers, brought together by a broken heart, must face up to the truth of their pasts. Can Clive teach his new friend that until you’ve loved, you haven’t lived? And can Keisha help him see that it’s never too late for a second chance?

For anyone who has ever felt the pang of heartbreak and feared you might never heal again, this beautiful tale teaches us how to dust ourselves off and seek happiness again. Fans of Jojo Moyes, Josie Silver and Rosie Walsh will love this moving and uplifting story.

• ASIN: B08DXSZRPR
• Publish Date: 28 October 2020
• Publish Status: Unknown
• Imprint: Bookouture
• Format: eBook (Kindle)
• Pages: 266
• Language: English

Reviews

[Emma (SCR)]

Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley. This is the first book I have read by Catherine. I really liked the cover and the blurb so jumped at the chance to be involved in the tour.  

The book follows Keisha and Clive as they strike up an unlikely friendship. The story flicks between Keisha and Clive.  

Keisha has a lot of anxiety which is brought on by her past. She is such a sweetheart and has truly been through the mill. She likes regularity and doesn't like new places or people. I really wanted to help Keisha. I wanted to find a way to easy er anxiety and help her live rather than exist.  

Clive's story was so heartbreaking. I just felt so sorry for him. It was also inspiring. Clive seems like he would make such a fantastic grandad. I'm glad that he makes friends with Keisha and her friends. He really does become like a surrogate grandfather to them. It's so sweet to see.  

There was also a great side cast which involved Lucy, Tess and George. I loved all of these characters and would love to see another book about Tess.  

This book was written in 4 parts just like the 4 chambers of the heart. I loved the little notes at the beginning of each part. The pace of the book was spot on. The beginning was slower letting us get to know the characters and then it really gripped me or the last half. I was unable to put it down. I really needed to see if this story had a happy ending.  

This story will bring tears to your eyes but also a touch warmth in your heart.