AMY HATVANY
AMY HATVANY 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 books are now published by Atria.
IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME
Atria Books – March 28, 2017
From master storyteller Amy Hatvany—whose writing has been hailed as “gripping and emotionally honest” (Stephanie Evanovich, New York Times betselling author)—comes a provocative and compelling novel about two friends whose lives are changed by a drunken kiss.
I want to rewind the clock, take back the night when the world shattered. I want to erase everything that went wrong.
Amber Bryant and Tyler Hicks have been best friends since they were teenagers—trusting and depending on each other through some of the darkest periods of their young lives. And while Amber has always felt that their relationship is strictly platonic, Tyler has long harbored the secret desire that they might one day become more than friends.
Returning home for the summer after her college graduation, Amber begins spending more time with Tyler than she has in years. Despite the fact that Amber is engaged to her college sweetheart, a flirtation begins to grow between them. One night, fueled by alcohol and concerns about whether she’s getting married too young, Amber kisses Tyler.
What happens next will change them forever.
In alternating points of view, It Happens All the Time examines the complexity of sexual dynamics between men and women and offers an incisive exploration of gender roles, expectations, and the ever-timely issue of consent.
Praise for IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME
“Spellbinding, timely, and unflinchingly honest. This novel will consume you.“—Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of The Weight of Silence and Missing Pieces
“This compelling, emotional novel reads like the complex truth behind the headlines. It Happens All the Time is a full throttle story with heart.“—Deb Caletti, National Book Award finalist
“At the heart of this moving novel are characters so vivid and tragically real, you can’t help but understand them as they self-sabotage, even in unforgiveable ways. It Happens All the Time is an important exercise in empathy and an unflinchingly honest look at the impact of all too common traumas.”—Jane Green, New York Times bestselling author
“Bravely told and intoxicatingly honest, It Happens All the Time is a compulsory read for men and women—it bravely and urgently explores the meaning of consent everyone desperately needs to understand.“—Redbook
“[an] unflinchingly honest portrayal of the very timely topic of sexual consent…Amy Hatvany uses her novel to bring the raw wounds of sexual assault to light. It Happens All the Time will consume you, drawing you into the very real plight of the main characters and leaving you hoping for a better future for us all.”—BuzzFeed
“A moving novel about love, friendship, and sexual consent…Hatvany portrays the complexity of relationships and the issue of consent.”—Real Simple
“The nobility of this novel lies in its painful honesty as it wrestles with exactly what consent means. And while there’s a heavy issue at play, Hatvany still manages to turn in a page-turner that’s impossible to put down.“—Globe and Mail
“Relying on her personal experience, Amy Hatvany bravely sheds light on sexual assault and consent. In alternating perspectives, friends Tyler and Amber recount an alcohol-fueled night that changed the course of their lives.“—US Weekly
SOMEWHERE OUT THERE
Washington Square Press – March 1, 2016
What happens when two sisters who were torn apart when their young mother abandoned them—and grew up in tragically different circumstances—reunite thirty-five years later to find her? For readers who love Jodi Picoult, acclaimed author Amy Hatvany fearlessly explores complex family issues in her gripping, provocative new novel.
Natalie Clark knew never to ask her sensitive adoptive mother questions about her past. She doesn’t even know her birth mother’s name—only that the young woman signed parental rights over to the state when Natalie was a baby. Now Natalie’s own daughter must complete a family tree project for school, and Natalie is determined to unearth the truth about her roots.
Brooke Walker doesn’t have a family. At least, that’s what she tells herself after being separated from her mother and her little sister at age four. Having grown up in a state facility and countless foster homes, Brooke survives the only way she knows how, by relying on herself. So when she discovers she’s pregnant, Brooke faces a heart-wrenching decision: give up her baby or raise the child completely on her own. Scared and confused, she feels lost until a surprise encounter gives her hope for the future.
How do our early experiences—the subtle and the traumatic—define us as adults? How do we build relationships when we’ve been deprived of real connection? Critically acclaimed author Amy Hatvany considers controversial and complicated questions about childhood through the lens of her finely crafted characters in this astute novel about mending wounds by diving into the truth of what first tore us apart.
Praise for SOMEWHERE OUT THERE
“It’s no secret that Amy Hatvany is a master of creating compelling, beautiful, flawed characters. This time around, Hatvany has reached new levels of aching honesty and brilliant empathy. A daring, compassionate, and deeply human story, Somewhere Out There is Hatvany at her very best. The women of this book will open your mind, break your heart, and stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.“—Taylor Jenkins Reid, Author of Maybe in Another Life
“Gripping and emotionally honest.“—Stephanie Evanovich, New York Times bestselling author
“Hatvany brings readers a riveting, controversial story of how impactful our childhood experiences are in defining us as adults.”—YourTango
“Hatvany deals with topics a lot of us are too afraid to discuss. This will definitely get conversations going.”—Redbook
SAFE WITH ME
Atria – March 4, 2014
The screech of tires brought Hannah Scott’s world as she knew it to a devastating end. A year after she signed the papers to donate her daughter’s organs, Hannah is still reeling with grief when she unexpectedly stumbles into the life of the Bell family, whose fifteen-year-old daughter, Maddie, survived only because Hannah’s daughter had died. Mesmerized by this fragile connection to her own daughter and afraid to reveal who she actually is, Hannah develops a surprising friendship with Maddie’s mother, Olivia.
The Bells, however, have problems of their own. Once on the verge of leaving her wealthy but abusive husband, Olivia now finds herself bound to him in the wake of the transplant that saved their daughter’s life. Meanwhile, Maddie, tired of the limits her poor health puts upon her and fearful of her father’s increasing rage, regularly escapes into the one place where she can be anyone she wants: the Internet. But when she is finally healthy enough to return to school, the real world proves to be just as complicated as the isolated bubble she had been so eager to escape.
A masterful narrative shaped by nuanced characters whose delicate bonds are on a collision course with the truth, Safe With Me is a riveting triumph.
Praise for SAFE WITH ME
Good Housekeeping New Book Pick for March 2014
“Safe With Me is a stirring portrait of two moms, linked by tragedy, who rescue each other in more ways than one.“—Good Housekeeping
“A deftly crafted story… Hatvany compels readers to examine a diverse number of issues—death, organ donation, single parenthood, abuse, self-respect—and handles each topic with sensitivity and compassion.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Hatvany does a marvelous job of not letting the plot get too maudlin or ‘ripped from the headlines,’ and her characters have warmth and depth. Readers will find themselves cheering for these women. A good pick for women’s-fiction fans, particularly those who enjoy the realistic stories of Emily Giffin and Kristina Riggle.”—Booklist
“Amy Hatvany is a strong new voice in contemporary women’s fiction. Safe With Me is a compelling, thought-provoking novel about three women learning from each other as they navigate through a terrain filled with both tragedy and opportunity.“—Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Equally heartbreaking and heart-pounding, Amy Hatvany’s Safe With Me puts her in the very fine company of Jodi Picoult as an author who takes tender real-life moments and compels the reader to care until the very last page. A book that will stick with you for days.“—Allison Winn Scotch, New York Times bestselling author of The Time of My Life
“In Amy Hatvany’s capable hands, richly drawn characters explore everything that is complex, difficult, powerful and poignant about being a mother, a daughter, a friend. Safe With Me is an extraordinary look behind the curtain into the very private pains of women, and the hope that endures when you survive the unthinkable. It will remind you that the human spirit can triumph over all, and you will wish you could reach directly into these pages and hug the heroines.“—Stacey Ballis author of Off the Menu
“Beautifully developed characterizations.”—The Seattle Times
HEART LIKE MINE
Atria – March 19, 2013
From rising star Amy Hatvany, an engrossing new novel about a woman whose life is turned upside down when the man she’s engaged to suddenly becomes a full-time father to the children from his previous marriage.
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.
Narrated by Grace and Ava in the present with flashbacks into Kelli’s troubled past, Heart Like Mine is a poignant and hopeful portrait about womanhood, love, and the challenges of family life.
Praise for HEART LIKE MINE
“The voices are so down-to-earth and familiar and the events so much like real life that readers will feel like they know the characters…An uplifting and heartwarming experience.“—Kirkus Reviews
“Beautiful and deeply moving, Amy Hatvany writes about the tangled web of family in a way that makes you laugh, cry, cheer and ache. This book has so much heart.“—Sarah Jio, New York Times bestselling author of Blackberry Winter
“A heartfelt, moving story about the lasting effects of grief amidst family bonds and breakups, and the healing powers of love, honesty, and acceptance. Hatvany writes with such wise compassion for every one of her characters.“—Seré Prince Halverson, author of The Underside of Joy
“Heart Like Mine fearlessly explores men and women desperate to measure up to the rigors of parenthood, but still failing their children. Hatvany brings sympathy and compassion to the page, while never losing sight of the damage children suffer when their parents make bad decisions.“—Randy Susan Meyers, bestselling author of The Murderer’s Daughters
“A palpable love story, emotional search for and acceptance of a lost parent, and a bittersweet ending make for an enveloping, heartfelt read.”—Publishers Weekly
“Readers of Amy Hatvany know that in her books, they will encounter stories that are a cut above most popular fiction…There are no storybook perfect endings here, but this compelling novel raises the possibility of a hopeful way forward.”—The Seattle Times
“Will delight readers…vivid and written with a depth of feeling.”—Library Journal
“By turns gripping and revelatory, Heart Like Mine is a sympathetic exploration of blended family dynamics. In her affecting new novel, Amy Hatvany pulls no punches; her characters grapple with life’s big moments—marriage, parenthood, death—but she renders each of them with compassion and understanding. Heart Like Mine tells an honest, hopeful story that resonates in all the best ways.“—Jillian Medoff, bestselling author of I Couldn’t Love You More
“An insightful look at the complexities of modern family life.“—The Toronto Sun
“The novel explores myriad themes sure to appeal to fans of women’s fiction: love and loss, parenthood, grief, friendship, and complex family dynamics. Hatvany’s compassion for each female character is evident throughout, and readers will find their hearts, at times, breaking in three.”—Booklist
OUTSIDE THE LINES
Atria – February 7, 2012
When Eden was ten years old she found her father, David, bleeding out on the bathroom floor. The suicide attempt led to her parents’ divorce, and David all but vanished from Eden’s life. Since childhood, she has heard from him only rarely, just enough to know he’s been living on the streets and struggling with mental illness. But lately, there has been no word at all.
Now in her thirties, Eden decides to go look for her father, so she can forgive him at last, and finally move forward. When her search uncovers other painful truths—not only the secrets her mother has kept from her, but also the agonizing question of whether David, after all these years, even wants to be found—Eden is forced to decide just how far she’ll go in the name of love.
Praise for OUTSIDE THE LINES
Costco Pennie’s Pick for September 2013
“A palpable love story, emotional search for and acceptance of a lost parent, and a bittersweet ending make for an enveloping, heartfelt read.”—Publishers Weekly
“There are no storybook perfect endings here, but this compelling novel raises the possibility of a hopeful way forward.”—The Seattle Times
“Will delight readers…vivid and written with a depth of feeling.”—Library Journal
“This novel expresses beautifully what anyone who belongs to a family knows: There is a freedom and strength in making peace with the past.“—Costco Connection
“Like a gorgeous dark jewel, Hatvany’s exquisitely rendered novel explores the tragedy of a mind gone awry, a tangled bond of father and daughter, and the way hope and love sustain us. This novel does what the best fiction does: it makes us see and experience the world differently.“—Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author of Pictures of You
“This extraordinary novel about a woman’s search for her lost father—and herself—touched me deeply. With her trademark insight and compassion for her characters, Amy Hatvany has written a beautiful and moving book. Were there Oscars for novels, Outside the Lines would sweep the categories.“—Melissa Senate, author of The Love Goddess’ Cooking School
“Outside the Lines offers a fascinating look at the interior of a mental illness—the exuberance and self-loathing, creativity and destruction that then reverberate against the lives of family and loved-ones. Hatvany’s storyline is compelling, weaving back and forth between father and daughter, patiently explaining as it asks all the important questions.“—Juliette Fay, author of Shelter Me
“Outside the Lines is a tender and lovely novel that explores the boundaries of love and how we break those boundaries in its name. It’s sad and funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming. You’ll want to read this book slowly. When you’re finished, you’ll want to read it again.“—Rebecca Rasmussen, author of The Bird Sisters
Amy Hatvany writes with depth and compassion.”—Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author of The Silver Boat
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
“I’m telling everyone about Best Kept Secret. It’s the realistic and ultimately hopeful story of Cadence, whose glass of wine at the end of the day becomes two…then…three…then a bottle. I love that Cadence feels so familiar, she could be my neighbor, my friend, or even my sister.”—Jennifer Weiner, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“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
THE LANGUAGE OF SISTERS
New American Library – September 3, 2002
Atria – July 31, 2012
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. Though her search for happiness—both in career and in love—has fallen short of her dreams, Nicole pretends that all is well. Then a shattering event turns her world upside down, and suddenly, she is back in her hometown, caring for her pregnant sister and trying to heal her embattled relationship with her mother.
Reunited with her family and forced to confront the guilt that haunts her, Nicole finally has the chance to be the sister she always wished she’d been. 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
“Skillfully describes the experience of living with and caring for a person with special needs.”—Publishers Weekly
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