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“Amy Hatvany grabs you from page one and doesn’t let you go.“—Emily Giffin … BEST KEPT SECRET is now available!
Amy was born in Seattle, WA in 1972, the youngest of three children. She graduated from Western Washington University in 1994 with a degree in Sociology only to discover most sociologists are unemployed. Soon followed a variety of jobs – some of which she loved, like decorating wedding cakes; others which she merely tolerated, like receptionist. In 1998, Amy finally decided to sell her car, quit her job, and take a chance on writing books.
The literary gods took kindly to her aspirations and THE KIND OF LOVE THAT SAVES YOU was published in 2000 by Bantam Doubleday. THE LANGUAGE OF SISTERS was picked up by NAL in 2002. (Both were published under her previous last name, Yurk.)
Amy’s next three books will be published by Atria, beginning with BEST KEPT SECRET in 2011.
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BEST KEPT SECRET
Atria – June 7, 2011 Cadence didn’t sit down one night and decide that downing two bottles of wine was a brilliant idea. Her drinking snuck up on her – as a way to sleep, to help her relax after a long day, to relieve some of the stress of the painful divorce that’s left her struggling to make ends meet with her five-year old son, Charlie. It wasn’t always like this. Just a few years ago, Cadence seemed to have it all—a successful husband, an adorable son, and a promising career as a freelance journalist. But with the demise of her marriage, her carefully constructed life begins to spiral out of control. Suddenly she is all alone trying to juggle the demands of work and motherhood. Logically, Cadence knows that she is drinking too much, and every day begins with renewed promises to herself that she will stop. But within a few hours, driven by something she doesn’t understand, she is reaching for the bottle – even when it means not playing with her son because she is too tired, or dropping him off at preschool late, again. And even when one calamitous night it means leaving him alone to pick up more wine at the grocery store. It’s only when her ex-husband shows up at her door to take Charlie away that Cadence realizes her best kept secret has been discovered… Heartbreaking, haunting, and ultimately life-affirming, Best Kept Secret is more than just the story of Cadence—it’s a story of how the secrets we hold closest are the ones that can most tear us apart. Praise for BEST KEPT SECRET “Amy Hatvany grabs you from page one and doesn’t let you go. I was transfixed by Cadence and her heart-wrenching dilemma. The writing is visceral, the problems are real, and there are no clear solutions. You won’t want to put it down.“—Emily Giffin, New York Times bestselling author of Something Borrowed and Heart of the Matter “Best Kept Secret is touching, hopeful, and so real. Amy Hatvany writes with depth and compassion about a secret many have kept as she offers the miracle chance of starting over . . . I loved these characters and this novel.”—Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author of The Silver Boat “Rarely do I find a book that stays with me long after I’ve finished it, but this is one. The honest portrayal of the fallible but oh-so-human Cadence hit me straight in the gut. The writing is warm, witty, thoughtful and heartbreaking, and that ending—I’m still thinking about it.”—Stefanie Wilder-Taylor, author of Sippy Cups Are Not For Chardonnay “Best Kept Secret is one of the most compelling books I’ve read in years. This could be any woman’s secret – be it your sister, your best friend, or the mother you see on the playground. Amy Hatvany’s heartfelt, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting novel will start an important dialogue about the secrets we keep… and it could even save lives.”—Sarah Pekkanen, author of The Opposite of Me and Skipping a Beat “Haunting, hopeful, and beautifully written, Best Kept Secret takes a brave and honest look at the slippery slope of addiction and the strength it takes to recover. I couldn’t put this book down, and I can’t stop thinking about it.“—Allie Larkin, author of Stay “This gripping novel probes the darker sides of motherhood and family secrets, and proves that redemption is never out of our reach. A captivatingly honest book that you won’t soon forget.”—Lisa Tucker, author of Once Upon a Day and The Promised World “Amy Hatvany’s powerful language, delicious imagery, and tender treatment of motherhood is a love letter to women everywhere, who try and sometimes fail, but who always get back up again. She is a gifted writer, whose compassion and clear-headed view of addiction and recovery are inspirational and empowering.“—Rachael Brownell, author of Mommy Doesn’t Drink Here Anymore |
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THE LANGUAGE OF SISTERS
New American Library – September 3, 2002 Ten years ago, Nicole Hunter left her troubled home behind her, unable to cope with the demands of a life with her disabled sister, Jenny. But when a shattering event turns her world upside down, she finds herself back in her hometown, caring for her pregnant sister and trying to heal her embattled relationship with her mother. And when she is faced with the most difficult choice of her life, Nicole rediscovers the beauty of sisterhood-and receives a special gift that will change her life forever… Praise for THE LANGUAGE OF SISTERS “The authenticity [of this story] is unmistakable; a tender and touching novel.”—The Seattle Times |
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THE KIND OF LOVE THAT SAVES YOU
Bantam – May 2, 2000 A new voice in women’s fiction bursts onto the scene with this enthralling debut by Amy Yurk, a novelist blessed with rare wisdom, dazzling eloquence, and a deep understanding of what it means to be human. Sarah Strickland and her best friend, Calista, have been like sisters since the first day of kindergarten, sharing good times and weathering crises for more than twenty years. Together they’ve navigated the terrain of school, friendship, romances, breakups, love, and marriage. But in one shattering second Sarah’s world changes, and the landscape she enters is one she could not have envisioned. Much as Calista wants to help, she cannot comprehend this dark emotional territory — and only time will tell if their friendship will be healed … or torn apart forever. A celebration of life, hope, and the healing power of love, The Kind of Love That Saves You is an electrifying debut, an unforgettable story that will make you smile through your tears … and treasure the loved ones in your life even more. Praise for THE KIND OF LOVE THAT SAVES YOU “A startling and powerful novel, filled with love and an almost miraculous friendship.“—Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author of Cloud Nine “Amy Yurk’s first novel does wonderful justice to women and the bonds of friendship. … Please don’t miss this extraordinary piece of work.“—Rendezvous “Endearing and often hilarious.“—Booklist “A heartbreaker … A great read and a great first effort by Yurk.“—Greensboro News & Record “Captivating and unforgettable…a stunning and well-deserved success.”—Romance Reviews Today |
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