(Image from Barnes & Noble)

Thirty years ago, a struggling young mother was arrested and sent to jail.  She had no choice but to surrender both of her girls—4-year-old Brooke and 6-month-old Natalie—to the state.  Believing they would be kept together, Jennifer Walker served her time knowing—hoping—that her daughters would have a better life without her.

Raised by an adoptive family, Natalie, now 35, is happily married with two children of her own.  She runs a small catering business out of her home.  Growing up in foster care took its toll on Brooke.  At 39, she's a cocktail waitress whose only significant relationship is with a married man.  The sisters haven't seen each other since they were separated from each other as children; until very recently, in fact, Natalie had no idea Brooke existed.  Now that she does know, she can't stop herself from reaching out.  After that?  Natalie wants them both to seek out their birth mother.  What happens when the two women finally meet?  Will Brooke help Natalie find Jennifer?  What will happen if they do?

Somewhere Out There by Amy Hatvany is a poignant, compelling story about two women's journeys to reacquaint themselves with each other and, ultimately, rediscover themselves.  While there's nothing really original or memorable about them as characters or about their story, the novel is still engrossing.  I can't say I loved it, but overall, it made for a decent read.

(Readalikes:  Reminds me a little of Far From the Tree by Robin Benway)

Grade:

If this were a movie, it would be rated:

for language, violence, sexual content, and disturbing subject matter

To the FTC, with love:  Another library fine find

(Image from Barnes & Noble)

Hannah Scott's whole life changed when she conceived her daughter using an anonymous sperm donor.  It changed again, twelve years later, when her little girl was struck by a car while riding her bike and killed.  Donating Emily's organs didn't stop the pain of losing her, but it eased it just a bit.  Now, 44-year-old Hannah throws herself into running two Seattle hair salons with her best friend.  She loves her work, but sorrow and loneliness still weigh her down.

Type 2 hepatitis has taken a great toll on 16-year-old Maddie Bell.  Having grown up mostly in hospitals and at home in her pajamas, Maddie's not sure she can return to a normal life.  It's been a year since a girl died to give Maddie a new liver and Maddie's father is insisting that Maddie attend high school in person.  After a horrific first day, Maddie's mother takes her to a local salon for a mood-boosting hair makeover.  Little do they know that salon owner is the mother of Maddie's liver donor. 

When Hannah discovers her strange connection to the Bell Family, she's hesitant to say anything.  She can't help being fascinated by the mother/daughter, however, and the better acquainted she becomes with Olivia—Maddie's mom—the more complicated the situation becomes.  Especially when Hannah finds out the devastating secret the family is keeping under wraps.  Desperate to help, the grieving mother risks everything—including the newfound friendship that has come to mean the world to her—to intervene.  Can the women's bond survive when all their secrets finally come to life?  

The premise at the center of Safe With Me by Amy Hatvany is an intriguing one.  A bit contrived maybe, but still interesting.  Hannah, Maddie, and Olivia are all sympathetic characters, with realistic challenges and flaws.  Their story is sad but compelling.  In the end, it's also a hopeful tale.  I can't say that Safe With Me blew my socks off; overall, though, I enjoyed it.  I'll look for more from Hatvany.

(Readalikes:  Hm, I can't think of anything.  Can you?)

Grade:

If this was a movie, it would be rated:

for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, mild sexual content, and disturbing subject matter

To the FTC, with love:  Another library fine find