Fans of author Jodi Picoult are adjusted to her ability to take her readers inside of her characters, their families, their daily lives, and, most important, their hearts so it is no surprise that her latest novel, “Change of Heart,” in the end leaves readers feeling both extremely satisfied and yet completely unsatisfied in a truly unique and perfect balance.

The novel follows the story death row inmate Shay Bourne as his date of execution rapidly approaches. Readers are also introduced to the Nealon family who play a critical role in both Bourne’s future as well as his past. Bourne murdered 4-year-old Elizabeth Nealon and her stepfather Kurt Nealon, a police officer. June Nealon, the mother and wife of the two victims, is pregnant with daughter Claire.

Eleven years later, readers pick up with the story. The execution of Bourne is months away and will make history as New Hampshire’s first execution in 69 years. Needless to say his trial and sentencing have already caused quite a stir. Now Bourne is once again making headlines. He has one dying wish: to donate his heart to Claire Nealon, who needs a heart donation to live.

Before June even can consider the offer, the courts must decide if Bourne can donate his heart. To do so he cannot die by lethal injection but instead must be hung so he can be pronounced brain dead and his heart able to be transplanted. Fighting such a case is an uphill battle and his ACLU lawyer finds him a religious advisor in hopes of proving Bourne’s request is part of his religious beliefs.

Enter Father Michael Wright, a young local priest who, although extremely skeptical of Bourne’s request, takes on the role of spiritual advisor. Wright plans to use his position to convince Bourne that no such religious connection exists between organ donation and redemption. Then Bourne begins performing miracles from inside his cell that his fellow inmates, officers, and even Wright witness. Soon the media are calling him a messiah and Bourne gains a following, once again bringing his case back into the limelight.

Readers are then faced with two separate dilemmas.

June faces one of THE toughest decisions a parent can possibly face: Does she accept the gift of life from the man who killed her daughter and husband or lose another child?

Wright faces THE toughest decision a priest can deal with: Can a man on death row really be the messiah?

Above all else, Picoult’s novels are about family, relationships and love and “Change of Heart” is no exception. A page-turner, the novel keeps readers constantly guessing how it will end and who they will side with.