Review: Heart Like Mine by Amy Hatvany

Publisher: Washington Square Press

Released: 2013 (March)

Pages: 384

Source: Publisher

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

Grace McAllister is thirty six and lives a fulfilling life working for a non-profit organization that helps homeless mothers. When her boyfriend, Victor proposes she thinks her life is on the right path.  She never felt the desire to have children, but Victor has two children from a previous relationship. The children don’t visit, except for weekends and Grace has been adjusting. Victor’s ex-wife has been difficult and very emotional. Victor’s thirteen year-old daughter Ava has been very reluctant to accept Grace. Her younger brother has transitioned very well, which annoys Ava. Grace and Victor are nervous about telling the children about their engagement. Before they have a chance to break the news, Victor’s ex-wife Kelli mysteriously dies. The children are distraught, and Grace needs to figure out how to support Victor and decide if becoming a full-time mom is something that she wants.

Review:

Heart Like Mine is narrated by Grace and Ava, with flashbacks that give a glimpse into Kelli’s troubled past. Everyone is emotional, and trying to figure out where to go from here. Ava feels guilty, she knows her mother wasn’t feeling well when she left for school but she walked out the door and didn’t do anything. Victor also has guilt, Kelli was a huge part of his life. He knows the divorce was not a mistake, and he loves Grace but maybe he could have done something to help Kelli. He feels bad for his children and doesn’t know how to incorporate Grace as a co-parent.

Grace really struggles with the situation. She never wanted children, having step-children was difficult to comprehend at first, but she never thought it would be a full-time role. She wants to help Victor, but doesn’t know if she’s ready. At the same time, he doesn’t seem to want her to jump into the role. She feels like she’s losing him, and her world is nothing like she imagined. Ava wants nothing to do with Grace, which puts further strain on her situation.

Amy Hatvany is an incredible writer. I’ve loved each and every one of her novels. I don’t know if I could even pick a favorite one. She’s written about an alcoholic mother, a mentally ill father, and a sister with disabilities. Her books are emotionally compelling. You can’t help but feel like you’re in the characters shoes. I highly recommend her books, and keep an eye out for this one since it is released in March.