Engaging and insightful

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Ailsa Rae's coming of age has been delayed by illness; her heart condition means that she is still living with her fiercely supportive mother at the age of 28. When she gets the heart transplant that saves her life Ailsa discovers that living "normally" requires more courage than coping with a failing heart ever did.
I loved the portrayal of the relationship between Ailsa and her mother, and the difficulties they had in negotiating their changed circumstances. The romantic element felt a little less realistic but was enjoyable nevertheless, as were the many touches of humour.
Stephanie Butland deals with some challenging topics, including organ donation and body image, clearly and sensitively, without the tone ever becoming worthy or preachy in this obviously well-researched story.