Review ~ Heart Like Mine by Amy Hatvany

Washington Square Press (19 Mar 2013)

Heart Like Mine

by

Amy Hatvany

When Grace meets Victor Hansen, she is swept off her feet by the handsome restaurateur, and is determined to be an excellent stepmother to Victor’s children, Ava and Max. However, family emotions run deep, and even as thirteen year old Ava takes it upon herself to look out for her mother, Kelli and her little brother, Max, it is obvious that cracks are appearing, and that life is starting to unravel.

What then follows is an interesting and poignant dissection of the complexities of family relationships. The story is narrated in three identifiable voices - Grace must find out if she has the emotional strength to be a mother to Victor’s children. Ava, who at thirteen years old is far too young to have such a weight of responsibility on her shoulders. Finally, Kelli whose troubled history is gradually revealed.

Overall, the story is well told, and even though there is at times a harrowing quality to the story, there is also a clear perception of the emotional turmoil experienced, along with a sensitive look at love and loss.

This is the first of Amy Hatvany’s books I have read but would be interested to read more of her work.

My thanks to NetGalley and Washington Square Press for a review copy.