The Kind of Love That Saves You: A Novel

by Amy Yurk, Amy Hatvany

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.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Womens Fiction, Drama, Contemporary, Adult

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had known sooner that Amy Yurk and Amy Hatvany were the same person, because I wouldn't have waited so long to pick this book up. I also wish I was prepared for the amount of my tears that would be given to this book, because I probably wouldn't have started reading it at the airport, the poor people next to me probably thought I was headed to a funeral. That being said, I was a little confused at the beginning, because it had the feel of letters written, and I kept thinking shr was recalling the past and eventually we would catch up to current time. Once I realized she was writing in a journal to her baby, it all made sense. Despite my initial confusion, I don't think the author could have told the story a better way, and this coming from someone who hates "letter style" novels. It was so real and raw and full of emotion in a way that was painstakingly beautiful and tragic and full of love. I just love this author and can't wait to get my hands on more of her work.

[Andrea Huston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turned out to be a very quick read. I really enjoy Amy’s books and have had this one sitting around for a while. It wasn’t my most favorite of hers, but still was good. The characters were beautifully developed and the point of view was unique.

[Les · Rating 2 out of 5]

My Original Thoughts (2000):

Pure fluff -- and not even good fluff. Story of a woman who writes to her unborn child about her marriage, losses and friendships. Pure sap. A very quick, mindless read. Wouldn't recommend it.

My Current Thoughts:

I probably read this before I gave myself permission to quit on books that weren't enjoyable.

[Meital Ben-Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of sorrow and grief which are transformed by friendship into hope !
Recommended to the strong-hearted!

[Nessa Flax · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful, beautiful story. If you have been through (or have a friend who is going through) a profound loss, Yurk's book will give you an inside understanding of the trauma of grief, and the painstaking process of integrating bereavement into one's life, slowly moving forward.

The story is also a celebration of the power of female friendship, its complications and soaring triumphs ...

" ... there is something between women that men can never match. Even though it's hard ... to find time for the careful attention our friendship deserves, I believe that when we put the energy in, something amazing comes back to us ... I think that when women allow themselves to bond, something mystical and powerful occurs; a connection with the spiritual and natural world ignites with our holding each other up ..."

Yurk's prose is often lyrical and humorous as well, despite the seriousness of her subject. A tour de force (and have tissues handy).

[Ren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about this one. It started out really good. I loved the way the story was written as a journal to Sarah's unborn baby. And then tragedy struck. I try to stay away from depressing books. I like to enjoy my reading time, but I stuck it out since the writing was so good in the beginning. This book's focus is more on overcoming than dwelling on the tragedy but I have to admit, I didn't really feel that much for Sarah. In the end, it was an okay book. Not the best I've read, but not trash. The tea thing near the end was a bit creepy.

Because it's written as a journal from an expectant mother to her unborn baby, some might think this would be a good book for a pregnant woman. I don't think that would be a great idea. It might cause undue stress and worry. Another book might be a better choice.

I have another book by this author hiding on my shelves so I'll give her another shot once I come across it again.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Amy Hatvany, so glad to finally be able to read her very first book! It was such a quick read. My heart stopped at points like it does when reading one of Amy’s books! I do wish there was more substance to the book though I felt it was rushed.

[Gris Venegas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad! Better than I thought because of the reviews. But I really enjoyed reading it.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of a near-perfect young couple, leading a simple life on Seattle's scenic Queen Anne Hill. With the discovery of Sarah's pregnancy the couple's life seems as though it will fulfill their dreams. Alas! Of course, it can not be so. The tragic and unexpected death of her husband leaves Sarah bitter and angry. Her excitement about the life inside her vanishes when she is left to grapple with the temporary changes in her growing body and the permanent changes in her lifestyle. Though the premise may sound like that of an over-used story line, the emotions expressed through the writing and the occasional Northwest name-dropping were more than enough to keep me turning the pages. I was left yearning to be pregnant, despite the moodiness and constant physical discomfort that accompany it. This book brings the joy of human birth to life! (Pun intended.)

[Naomi Bodway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read...no pun intended. Interesting format as book is written in letter form to an unborn child. The first time mother has lost her husband in a tragic accident and as she spends the last 6 months of her pregnancy mourning her loss and attempting to figure out how to go with her life, she writes letters to her yet to be born child. A pretty quick and fairly predictable read, I thought it dragged a bit in the middle of the book as Sarah wallows in her self-pity, but it picked up again about 2/3 of the way through the story. A good read about love and loss...

The prologue begins with the simple truth that "everyone's journey is touched by loss...." and the story ensues. Some great lines in the book, and I relished in some of the author's vocabulary and her choice of descriptive language.

[Kate Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book after reading Amy Hatvany's "Best Kept Secret" and "Heart Like Mine", which I loved. This book is written in letter form (from the main character to her unborn child). I did not love this format, and there were a handful of pages that I found myself just skimming through. The character is not completely likeable either. But, overall I really enjoyed the story/plot and it was a super quick read (2 nights). I would probably recommend it to others, but Hatvany's other books are a lot better.

[Glenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written as a series of journal entries/letters to her yet unborn child, Sarah Strickland shares the feelings and emotions she experiences after the unthinkable happens. I really got emotionally invested in this story and think the author described the feelings of loss and grief perfectly. I also liked the way she pointed out that no marriage or person is perfect...even if it looks that way from the outside. A quick and enjoyable but emotional read.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book for a while, but kept putting off reading because I heard it was heartbreaking. I read it in one day. I couldn't put it down. I laughed, I cried (well sobbed), I have already suggested it to everyone. I felt every emotion Sarah did. Yes I was an emotional wreck all day. And even though I felt like a crazy person all day, I would read this book again and again.

[Carmela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the saddest book I've ever read. It was really pure and well-written. I remember crying the entire time I read it and yet being so moved I didn't want to stop reading. She's good. Too bad she doesn't write more.

[NuevoRain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book, although written in my least favorite style (epistolary). The author handled the style perfectly until the end (i.e., it read like actual journal entries until the last few). The author's take on love and loss were perfectly sync'd with the protagonist's time of life.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an outstanding book. A must read for anyone who is willing to look into what personal losses can do to a person. I laughed, I cried & I rejoiced in this book. My only wish is that book would have been written 8 years ago when I personallly needed it.

[Carliegoddard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really do like the way that Amy writes, and the way she pulls you in. In all honesty the "tea drinking ceremony" was NOT my cup of tea. I understood what Sarah was trying to do so that she would feel closer to Gavin. But still...YUCK!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid book on a very difficult topic of tragically losing your husband while pregnant. The story was raw and realistic yet ended with the subject accepting the loss, petting the bitterness aside and focus on her life and gifts moving forward,

[Beth Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about working through grief and looking forward to new beginnings. As far as plot, there really is none. Ordinarily, I'm fine with very slow-moving books, but with this one I found my patience wearing thin.

[Louise O'neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book but I would have enjoyed it a little more if there weren't so many f-bombs and swearing. The journaling and feelings were great, the story line was great. All the swearing bothered me...

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out a little slow. I kept waiting for something to happen. I liked how it was written to Sarah's unborn child. I like how she pulled herself out of her grief and started living again!

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot about pregnancy, motherhood, and friendship. I laughed, I cried. seriously, read it!

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick read, though got boring. It described a pregnant woman's journey dealing with her husband's sudden death.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreakingly beautiful! Read it with a box of tissues nearby!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This story is so good, even though it's sad. I loved it!

[Carrie]

books I've read

[Karen]

Tedious. Couldn't finish it.

[Stacey Lechner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found it hard to connect with the characters. For me I think it had to do with the point of view of the narration, it felt like it came off as removed to me.

[Larissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Amy's books, even when they are depressing you can't put them down!

[Fannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a heartbreaking story. Very well written. Under different circumstances I would have probably given it more stars.
It really does teach you about love. And the importance of love.