Heart Like Mine by Amy Hatvany

Genre: General Fiction
Publication Date: 19th March 2013
Pages: 370
Book Source: Washington Square Press & NetGalley

Synopsis: When a young mother dies under mysterious circumstances, those she leaves behind begin looking for answers in the past—and find a long-buried secret they could have never imagined. Thirty-six-year-old Grace McAllister never longed for children. But when she meets Victor Hansen, a handsome, charismatic divorced restaurateur who is father to Max and Ava, Grace decides that, for the right man, she could learn to be an excellent part-time stepmom. After all, the kids live with their mother, Kelli. How hard could it be?

At thirteen, Ava Hansen is mature beyond her years. Since her parents’ divorce, she has been the one taking care of her emotionally unstable mother and her little brother—she pays the bills, does the laundry, and never complains because she loves her mama more than anyone. And while her father’s new girlfriend is nice enough, Ava still holds out hope that her parents will get back together and that they’ll be a family again.

But only days after Victor and Grace get engaged, Kelli dies suddenly under mysterious circumstances—and soon, Grace and Ava discover there was much more to Kelli’s life than either ever knew.

My Thoughts:

Heart Like Mine is Amy Hatvany doing what she does best ... giving heartfelt insight into very real family issues and dynamics; you know these people, you really do. 

Knowing the pain of uncovered secrets after my own mother's death and as a part-time 'stepmother' to an 11 year old I can honestly say Amy writes with a clarity and depth of understanding that makes your heart hurt but also lift. 

Grace is engaged to Victor, divorced father of two children, Ava and Max. 13 year old Ava has for years shouldered the burden of her mother, Kelli's emotional instability. It's through Grace and Ava's eyes and flashbacks to Kelli's troubled past that we view a family turned inside out by grief, shifting loyalties and altered expectations. Heart Like Mine cuts to the emotional heart of family bonds, sharing the joys, trials and tears of parenthood, divorce and death with honesty and compassion. 

For me, Heart Like Mine wasn't quite as strong as Best Kept Secret or Outside the Lines but it's still all sorts of wonderful. Amy's books are on my auto-buy list and I can't wait to live whatever she writes next. 

Want to know more about this talented author? ~ visit Amy Hatvany's website and follow her on Twitter or Facebook.