Review: Heart Like Mine by Amy Hatvany

Heart Like Mine by Amy Hatvany

Publisher: Washington Square Press 

Pages: 384 

Format: book 

Buy the Book: Amazon  

Goodreads:  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.


Kritters Thoughts:  Are you a woman who thought that children just weren't in your picture?  I am one of those women, so when I read the synopsis of this Amy Hatvany book, I was immediately drawn to Grace's story and could not wait to start this one.  Grace is a woman who falls in love with a man who has two children with his ex wife and as this won't spoil the book, the ex wife tragically dies and the children must move in full time to their dad's and Grace's new home.  

There are three voices that narrate this story - Grace, the ex-wife Kelli and the daughter Ava.  Each have their own distinct voice and part of the story to share, but I think it was genius to include Ava's voice and perspective.  Through Ava the reader is exposed to the moments before Kelli dies from a different view and then with her struggle to memorialize her mom, but her difficulty as she starts to like the new woman in her dad's life.

Grace quickly becomes my favorite character as I see myself in her in a lot of ways.  I put my career first above any maternal instincts.  I don't think I would be a great mom and purely due to my selfishness, and I am finally ok with admitting it because it isn't a flaw it is the truth.  I loved her struggle with loving this man, but finding herself in a different place than she ever imagined, it made me think.

Amy Hatvany is officially one of my favorite authors and I will read everything she writes! Each book has been unique, with the theme of women at the heart of the story tackling issues that everyday women do on a daily basis.

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Atria Books.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.