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Somewhere Out There: A Novel
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 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.
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 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.
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First published March 8, 2016
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About the author
Amy Hatvany
16 books1,004 followersAmy 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 titles published under "Yurk.")
Amy spends most of her time today with her second and final husband, Stephan. (Seriously, if this one doesn’t work out, she’s done.) She stays busy with her two children, Scarlett and Miles, and her “bonus child,” Anna. Their blended family also includes two four-legged hairy children, commonly known as Black Lab mutts, Kenda and Dolcé. When Amy’s not with friends or family, she is most likely reading, cooking or zoning out on certain reality television shows. Top Chef is a current favorite. She eagerly awaits auditions for the cast of “Top Author.” (“Quick Edit” instead of “Quick Fire” Challenge? C’mon, producers! That’s gripping television!)
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 titles published under "Yurk.")
Amy spends most of her time today with her second and final husband, Stephan. (Seriously, if this one doesn’t work out, she’s done.) She stays busy with her two children, Scarlett and Miles, and her “bonus child,” Anna. Their blended family also includes two four-legged hairy children, commonly known as Black Lab mutts, Kenda and Dolcé. When Amy’s not with friends or family, she is most likely reading, cooking or zoning out on certain reality television shows. Top Chef is a current favorite. She eagerly awaits auditions for the cast of “Top Author.” (“Quick Edit” instead of “Quick Fire” Challenge? C’mon, producers! That’s gripping television!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 472 reviews
May 6, 2016
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be 'bland.'
With that being said, it's not a bad book. I actually really did enjoy it and would even recommend it to others if they expressed interest. It's a fresh take on the "closed adoption" story, and it's not like anything I've really ever read.
But my one complaint is that it easily could have been condensed to a short story. The alternating perspectives added further insight and a glimpse into the characters that, although linked, possessed very differing personalities. It was multi-dimensional, it was interesting...it was just a bit blah.
Overall, would I recommend this book to others? You know what? Probably. It really was pretty good. I just can't get over the fact that I was a couple of times tempted to just skim to the interesting parts. I know I'm holding writers to a high standard of constant entertainment. Sorry about that.
What did I think?: I thought this was a good book but it was a bit drawn out for my taste. The characters were well done, and I have very little to complain about.
Who should read it?: Is there an audience for adoption stories out there? If so, those people. Otherwise, I say that if you read the description and are tempted, give it a shot.
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With that being said, it's not a bad book. I actually really did enjoy it and would even recommend it to others if they expressed interest. It's a fresh take on the "closed adoption" story, and it's not like anything I've really ever read.
But my one complaint is that it easily could have been condensed to a short story. The alternating perspectives added further insight and a glimpse into the characters that, although linked, possessed very differing personalities. It was multi-dimensional, it was interesting...it was just a bit blah.
Overall, would I recommend this book to others? You know what? Probably. It really was pretty good. I just can't get over the fact that I was a couple of times tempted to just skim to the interesting parts. I know I'm holding writers to a high standard of constant entertainment. Sorry about that.
What did I think?: I thought this was a good book but it was a bit drawn out for my taste. The characters were well done, and I have very little to complain about.
Who should read it?: Is there an audience for adoption stories out there? If so, those people. Otherwise, I say that if you read the description and are tempted, give it a shot.
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
March 4, 2016
2.5 Read through some of the reviews on here, many fours and fives, so I know this will ne an unpopular review with many. Heck, it's an unpopular review with myself, I gave her first novel five stars, was blown away.
Identified somewhat with the subject matter, not seeing my real father since he was five. Of course, here the two sisters are separated, not knowing their real mother nor father, so it is of course much more difficult. By its very nature, this calls for drama, it is a dramatic subject. There is however, writing drama that that stays in line with the story and writing drama that spills over into the soap operish or reality show drama. This one I felt strayed too much over the line into the second type. The writing was fine, the characters except for one I had problem with, just didn't feel them. I know many will love this type of book, reality shows are very popular. Just didn't do it for me and not really surprising since I don't like reality shows or soap operas. Hard type of book to write. Hard for me to read, I skimmed quite a bit. Still the subject matter is an important one. If we can't define our past, how can we live in the present and identify our future?
Identified somewhat with the subject matter, not seeing my real father since he was five. Of course, here the two sisters are separated, not knowing their real mother nor father, so it is of course much more difficult. By its very nature, this calls for drama, it is a dramatic subject. There is however, writing drama that that stays in line with the story and writing drama that spills over into the soap operish or reality show drama. This one I felt strayed too much over the line into the second type. The writing was fine, the characters except for one I had problem with, just didn't feel them. I know many will love this type of book, reality shows are very popular. Just didn't do it for me and not really surprising since I don't like reality shows or soap operas. Hard type of book to write. Hard for me to read, I skimmed quite a bit. Still the subject matter is an important one. If we can't define our past, how can we live in the present and identify our future?
May 31, 2016
This brilliant piece of domestic fiction explores adoption, nature/nurture, and mothers. A young mother (Jennifer) who by age 19 has two girls whom (she is almost forced to) give up for adoption. The reader learns of Jennifer’s life through chapters written in first person by Jennifer. Author Amy Hatvany does a fabulous job making Jennifer a sympathetic character, once you see her story. From the outside, the general public would think she’s a selfish train wreck. Jennifer does things beyond belief to feed and house her babies. Her life is sad.
The girls she gave up for adoption, Brooke, age 4, and Natalie age 6 months were placed in the system. The social worker promised Jennifer that the girls would stay together and be adopted together. This did not happen. Natalie was adopted after a month, and Brooke went from foster home to foster home and eventually into a facility. Natalie’s life ended up well, being adopted out to a loving and stable couple. Brooke’s life was more tragic. As with Jennifer, the author handles Brooke’s life with compassion through Brooke’s individual chapters. The reader learns of each girl’s life through chapters devoted to each girl’s story.
As the book jacket reveals: the sisters “reunite to find the woman who walked away from them thirty-five-years ago”. Forgiveness, compassion, and acceptance are major themes in the novel. The idea of motherhood and how that nurturing piece (or lack thereof) affects emotional growth and trust is illustrated in each character’s lives. It’s a story that makes the reader question: what would I do if this happened to me? One cannot help but examine your own personal relationships with renewed appreciation. This isn’t a fluffy story with a Hallmark ending. This is a gritty story where lessons are learned painfully.
This is a thought provoking and suspenseful read. For those who enjoy domestic fiction, this one’s for you!
The girls she gave up for adoption, Brooke, age 4, and Natalie age 6 months were placed in the system. The social worker promised Jennifer that the girls would stay together and be adopted together. This did not happen. Natalie was adopted after a month, and Brooke went from foster home to foster home and eventually into a facility. Natalie’s life ended up well, being adopted out to a loving and stable couple. Brooke’s life was more tragic. As with Jennifer, the author handles Brooke’s life with compassion through Brooke’s individual chapters. The reader learns of each girl’s life through chapters devoted to each girl’s story.
As the book jacket reveals: the sisters “reunite to find the woman who walked away from them thirty-five-years ago”. Forgiveness, compassion, and acceptance are major themes in the novel. The idea of motherhood and how that nurturing piece (or lack thereof) affects emotional growth and trust is illustrated in each character’s lives. It’s a story that makes the reader question: what would I do if this happened to me? One cannot help but examine your own personal relationships with renewed appreciation. This isn’t a fluffy story with a Hallmark ending. This is a gritty story where lessons are learned painfully.
This is a thought provoking and suspenseful read. For those who enjoy domestic fiction, this one’s for you!
May 31, 2016
Loved!
March 26, 2017
Talented Amy Hatvany returns following (2014) Safe with Me landing on my Top Books of 2014 List with another complex, emotional, and riveting novel, SOMEWHERE OUT THERE. A gripping page-turner.
“For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction.” –Cynthia Occelli
Amy’s sixth book is a powerful tale of a mother’s love—crossing generations, from biological to adopted mother---and the fallout, two sisters separated at a young age. One, adopted; now a mother of two, and her older sister, never adopted and lost in the system; endless foster and group homes--spending a lifetime waiting for her mother to return for her.
Jennifer is a desperate mother. Her girls: Brook, four- years- old, and Natalie, only six months, by two different fathers. They have no place to go. She is out of friends, family, and favors. She does not have enough gas to keep driving. Every cell of her body is telling her to get out, and run. Pretend the last five years never happened. But she can’t. She has the girls. If not, she would be free.
She had fought so hard to keep them. Her own mother, who wanted her to have an abortion. No, she would be a good mother. Then Brooke’s father gone. No education. No money for daycare to work. No family. A car serving as home for the last three plus years. Begging on the streets. A hungry baby.
A four-year-old who deserves better. She had to leave them in the car while the baby slept, for a few minutes, so she could slip inside the market to get a few things…and (take) a few, in order to keep her babies from starving. Survival.
The unthinkable. She gets caught. Her fourth count of petty theft. What about her girls? Jennifer would have to do time. She loves them desperately, but she cannot do this. She cries for them. Her heart is ripped apart. How can she go on without her girls?
Signing away her rights. A battle of tug-and-war rages inside of her, agonizing between what she wants and what she knows is right. She had to think it wasn’t about her. It was about her babies. About giving them a good home, the kind of life she could not provide. She had done her best and it wasn’t good enough. Maybe they would be better off without her. Someone will adopt them and raise the two girls together.
Flashing back and forth, we hear the voices of Jennifer, Natalie, and Brooke. Now thirty-five years later.
Natalie is now grown, adopted, a great education, a former lawyer, a nice home, and married with two children of her own. She now has her own catering business. She knows she was adopted; however, her adopted mom was very sensitive, so she curbed the urge to find her biological mother. She had no clue she had a sister. Until now.
Her older sister, Brooke was not so fortunate. Your heart goes out to her. She had a difficult time in foster care and group homes. Separated from her baby sister, and a mother who deserted her. Now, she is single, hardworking, a job waiting tables, and dating a married man. She has lived keeping her emotions at a distance. Does not allow anyone to get close. Torn with a decision of her own, she does not want history to repeat itself.
When Natalie’s children start talking about family trees, she decides it is time to find her biological mother. Why did her mother leave her? Then she discovers she has a sister. She has to find her sister.
However, old wounds go deep. Lives cannot go back to the same. There are unrealistic expectations. Sometimes love is not outward. Sacrifices have to be made for others. Sometimes we have to break and crack, in order for the light to get in.
Can the notes and the letters provide the girls an explanation—giving them the truth, as imperfect, ugly, and unfair as it could be? Sometimes this is all there is. A way to forgive yourself and let go of the past.
What a poignant story! SOMEWHERE OUT THERE, is an ideal choice for book clubs and further discussions. Similar to Jodi Picoult, Hatvany is never afraid to tackle controversial issues and delve deep into human lives, relationships, tough decisions, and family. Thought-provoking; does our childhood experiences define us as adults?
Hatvany's character development is superb! Hoping we will see more of these three—the characters are too good-- to say good-bye.
A special thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
“For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction.” –Cynthia Occelli
Amy’s sixth book is a powerful tale of a mother’s love—crossing generations, from biological to adopted mother---and the fallout, two sisters separated at a young age. One, adopted; now a mother of two, and her older sister, never adopted and lost in the system; endless foster and group homes--spending a lifetime waiting for her mother to return for her.
Jennifer is a desperate mother. Her girls: Brook, four- years- old, and Natalie, only six months, by two different fathers. They have no place to go. She is out of friends, family, and favors. She does not have enough gas to keep driving. Every cell of her body is telling her to get out, and run. Pretend the last five years never happened. But she can’t. She has the girls. If not, she would be free.
She had fought so hard to keep them. Her own mother, who wanted her to have an abortion. No, she would be a good mother. Then Brooke’s father gone. No education. No money for daycare to work. No family. A car serving as home for the last three plus years. Begging on the streets. A hungry baby.
A four-year-old who deserves better. She had to leave them in the car while the baby slept, for a few minutes, so she could slip inside the market to get a few things…and (take) a few, in order to keep her babies from starving. Survival.
The unthinkable. She gets caught. Her fourth count of petty theft. What about her girls? Jennifer would have to do time. She loves them desperately, but she cannot do this. She cries for them. Her heart is ripped apart. How can she go on without her girls?
Signing away her rights. A battle of tug-and-war rages inside of her, agonizing between what she wants and what she knows is right. She had to think it wasn’t about her. It was about her babies. About giving them a good home, the kind of life she could not provide. She had done her best and it wasn’t good enough. Maybe they would be better off without her. Someone will adopt them and raise the two girls together.
Flashing back and forth, we hear the voices of Jennifer, Natalie, and Brooke. Now thirty-five years later.
Natalie is now grown, adopted, a great education, a former lawyer, a nice home, and married with two children of her own. She now has her own catering business. She knows she was adopted; however, her adopted mom was very sensitive, so she curbed the urge to find her biological mother. She had no clue she had a sister. Until now.
Her older sister, Brooke was not so fortunate. Your heart goes out to her. She had a difficult time in foster care and group homes. Separated from her baby sister, and a mother who deserted her. Now, she is single, hardworking, a job waiting tables, and dating a married man. She has lived keeping her emotions at a distance. Does not allow anyone to get close. Torn with a decision of her own, she does not want history to repeat itself.
When Natalie’s children start talking about family trees, she decides it is time to find her biological mother. Why did her mother leave her? Then she discovers she has a sister. She has to find her sister.
However, old wounds go deep. Lives cannot go back to the same. There are unrealistic expectations. Sometimes love is not outward. Sacrifices have to be made for others. Sometimes we have to break and crack, in order for the light to get in.
Can the notes and the letters provide the girls an explanation—giving them the truth, as imperfect, ugly, and unfair as it could be? Sometimes this is all there is. A way to forgive yourself and let go of the past.
What a poignant story! SOMEWHERE OUT THERE, is an ideal choice for book clubs and further discussions. Similar to Jodi Picoult, Hatvany is never afraid to tackle controversial issues and delve deep into human lives, relationships, tough decisions, and family. Thought-provoking; does our childhood experiences define us as adults?
Hatvany's character development is superb! Hoping we will see more of these three—the characters are too good-- to say good-bye.
A special thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
March 6, 2016
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
** I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
I have read quite a few books by Amy Hatvany but it's been a while and I forgot. I forgot how much I loved her writing and I forgot how her stories make me feel. Then I read Somewhere Out There and I remembered why she is a favourite author of mine. She always leaves me emotional and satisfied.
Somewhere Out There tells the story of a broken family that was separated by time and circumstances. Jennifer found herself in trouble with the law and unable to care for her two daughters, four and six months, and did the only thing she could think of that would give them a good life. She gave up her rights so that they could be raised by people that could give them what she couldn't. The only thing that kept her going was knowing that they had each other. Little did she know that the girls would be separated with one getting adopted and the other spending years in the system. Told from Jennifer, Brooke and Natalie's perspective the reader learns about the years after that fateful night and the impact it had on all of them.
I'm not sure what I can say that will do this book justice. It was absolutely beautiful. The story flowed seamlessly and I couldn't put it down. Hatvany has a way of penning characters that makes you love them and care about what happens to them. That was certainly the case with Jennifer, Brooke and Natalie. This was a family drama that I won't soon forget. There was so much emotion and depth that I found myself with a lump in my throat on more than one occasion. It was a story of heartbreak and loss but also a story of love, healing and forgiveness.
I loved every minute of it!
** I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
I have read quite a few books by Amy Hatvany but it's been a while and I forgot. I forgot how much I loved her writing and I forgot how her stories make me feel. Then I read Somewhere Out There and I remembered why she is a favourite author of mine. She always leaves me emotional and satisfied.
Somewhere Out There tells the story of a broken family that was separated by time and circumstances. Jennifer found herself in trouble with the law and unable to care for her two daughters, four and six months, and did the only thing she could think of that would give them a good life. She gave up her rights so that they could be raised by people that could give them what she couldn't. The only thing that kept her going was knowing that they had each other. Little did she know that the girls would be separated with one getting adopted and the other spending years in the system. Told from Jennifer, Brooke and Natalie's perspective the reader learns about the years after that fateful night and the impact it had on all of them.
I'm not sure what I can say that will do this book justice. It was absolutely beautiful. The story flowed seamlessly and I couldn't put it down. Hatvany has a way of penning characters that makes you love them and care about what happens to them. That was certainly the case with Jennifer, Brooke and Natalie. This was a family drama that I won't soon forget. There was so much emotion and depth that I found myself with a lump in my throat on more than one occasion. It was a story of heartbreak and loss but also a story of love, healing and forgiveness.
I loved every minute of it!
March 25, 2016
Jennifer Walker was a young and struggling single mother, barely able to feed her four-year-old daughter Brooke and her 6 month old baby Natalie. They are even living in their car, and the desperation of those circumstances catapult Jennifer down a risky path, leading to incarceration and the loss of her two children. Sadly, Natalie was adopted, but Brooke spent her childhood in foster care, tossed about from home to home.
Somewhere Out There, set in and around the Seattle area, is a story that weaves the past and the present together into a web of family dysfunction, showing us what happens when those familial bonds are broken. Bits and pieces of information are revealed in sporadic increments, bringing the story forward, until finally the whole is complete.
Jennifer narrates her tale in the first person voice of the past, and we see her back when she first loses the girls, and how those mistakes informed her life for many years. Brooke and Natalie take us into portions of their past with their narratives, bringing us into their present, and watching as they finally learn what happened to their family.
Will each of these lives reconnect? What hidden facts will come to light? Will it be too late for them to find a sense of family?
I love this writer’s style which kept me turning pages, wondering what would happen next. Not really a mystery so much as a collection of secret facts that eventually came to light, bringing this reader a sense of satisfaction…and even closure. The characters were flawed, struggling to find their way, and I felt a great sense of empathy for them. This is a story that reminds each of us how fragile family bonds can be, and what happens when connections are severed at an early age. Having spent years working with parents and children separated from one another, I could not help but feel sad at the impact of these huge losses, not just to the families, but to society. But I also felt hopeful…as sometimes the past can be healed. 5 stars.
Somewhere Out There, set in and around the Seattle area, is a story that weaves the past and the present together into a web of family dysfunction, showing us what happens when those familial bonds are broken. Bits and pieces of information are revealed in sporadic increments, bringing the story forward, until finally the whole is complete.
Jennifer narrates her tale in the first person voice of the past, and we see her back when she first loses the girls, and how those mistakes informed her life for many years. Brooke and Natalie take us into portions of their past with their narratives, bringing us into their present, and watching as they finally learn what happened to their family.
Will each of these lives reconnect? What hidden facts will come to light? Will it be too late for them to find a sense of family?
I love this writer’s style which kept me turning pages, wondering what would happen next. Not really a mystery so much as a collection of secret facts that eventually came to light, bringing this reader a sense of satisfaction…and even closure. The characters were flawed, struggling to find their way, and I felt a great sense of empathy for them. This is a story that reminds each of us how fragile family bonds can be, and what happens when connections are severed at an early age. Having spent years working with parents and children separated from one another, I could not help but feel sad at the impact of these huge losses, not just to the families, but to society. But I also felt hopeful…as sometimes the past can be healed. 5 stars.
December 18, 2016
Obviously, Amy Hatvany has a passion for writing women’s contemporary fiction that explores controversial issues of family life and she does it in such a timely manner that almost everyone can relate, whether it’s themselves, someone in the family or someone they know. She has a natural talent for exploring these subjects not to mention a background in sociology.
Amy’s newest novel delves into the heartbreaking story of a destitute mother, Jennifer, and her two little girls, Brooke and Natalie. They live in their car because mom has had some bad breaks. The girls are hungry and Jennifer can think of no other way to feed them than to lock Brooke and Natalie in her car while she steals food from a convenience store. This is not the first time she’s done this so when she is caught, the police charge her with theft and child endangerment. On her way to prison Jennifer has such a binding love for her girls she relinquishes rights to her children, hoping they will have a better life than she can give them. Their story continues with three points of view told by Jennifer, Brooke and Natalie and what a tearful story it is.
As always, Amy Hatvany’s emotional novel will tug at your heartstrings and of course, keep you turning pages to the very end. I’m always on the lookout for another book by this talented author.
Amy’s newest novel delves into the heartbreaking story of a destitute mother, Jennifer, and her two little girls, Brooke and Natalie. They live in their car because mom has had some bad breaks. The girls are hungry and Jennifer can think of no other way to feed them than to lock Brooke and Natalie in her car while she steals food from a convenience store. This is not the first time she’s done this so when she is caught, the police charge her with theft and child endangerment. On her way to prison Jennifer has such a binding love for her girls she relinquishes rights to her children, hoping they will have a better life than she can give them. Their story continues with three points of view told by Jennifer, Brooke and Natalie and what a tearful story it is.
As always, Amy Hatvany’s emotional novel will tug at your heartstrings and of course, keep you turning pages to the very end. I’m always on the lookout for another book by this talented author.
February 7, 2017
4.5 but I rounded up. I usually don't rate books like this so high, but I could not put this book down. It's the story of a young mother, Jennifer, with two young children who she cannot care for. She gets into trouble with the law and gives up her parental rights to her daughters. Fast forward to the two daughters, Brooke and Natalie, now grown, and how their lives have turned out. Each chapter is devoted to each character in turn. You really get to know each character and get to care about them, flaws and all. My only ding about the characters is that Natalie, the younger daughter, is a little too perfect.
The writing is good but not great, but fine for the genre of women's fiction. The story moves along at a great pace, hitting all the right notes and pulling on your heartstrings. The author gives you a look inside the world of foster care and how hard It can be to place an older child. Having worked in the system years ago, I could relate to some of the difficulties that the social worker had with Brooke.
Another ding on the book is the ending, which seemed a bit abrupt. I would have liked to know what happened after, even a year later. An epilogue would have been a nice touch. Darn this author for making me care about these characters!
A definite recommend!
The writing is good but not great, but fine for the genre of women's fiction. The story moves along at a great pace, hitting all the right notes and pulling on your heartstrings. The author gives you a look inside the world of foster care and how hard It can be to place an older child. Having worked in the system years ago, I could relate to some of the difficulties that the social worker had with Brooke.
Another ding on the book is the ending, which seemed a bit abrupt. I would have liked to know what happened after, even a year later. An epilogue would have been a nice touch. Darn this author for making me care about these characters!
A definite recommend!
April 10, 2016
Jennifer is a teenaged Mom, scared, alone and living in her car with her daughters. Brooke is 4 years old, and Natalie just a baby when Jennifer is arrested and gives up her parental rights.
The chapters alternate from each of the three as the years go on, sharing the stories of their lives.
Amy Hatvany is one of my favorite authors, I've read all of her books and liked them.
The chapters alternate from each of the three as the years go on, sharing the stories of their lives.
Amy Hatvany is one of my favorite authors, I've read all of her books and liked them.
February 8, 2017
A thoughtful look at a woman searching for the truth about her birth mother and the heartbreaking choices faced by the woman who gave her up for adoption. Cannot wait for Hatvany's new book!
December 27, 2016
Jennifer loves her two girls more than anything in the world. She's really young and she doesn't have a place to stay. They're living in her car most of the time and food is scarce. When one night things go very wrong she has to make the most difficult decision in her life, one that will have grave consequences.
Natalie has her own business. She's baking for a living and she loves what she does. She has a close relationship with her parents. She knows she's adopted, but her mother doesn't want to talk about it because it makes her nervous and unsettled. When her daughter has to do a family tree project for school Natalie decides it's time to think about her own feelings for a change and to get some answers.
Brooke has been raised by the state. When she was a child she lived in a home most of the time and they never managed to find a good foster family for her. Now she's about to become a mother herself which is scary. She's on her own, but she's determined to be there for her child. Unlike her own mother who made a mess of things.
One defining moment changed the lives of three people. How are they dealing with the past and in what way does it influence the present? Is there a way to heal, to make things better?
Somewhere Out There is a moving story about bonding, loss and strength. Natalie has a loving family of her own. Her adoptive parents adore her and she passes on that love to her husband and children. Something is missing though. She wants to know who she is exactly. It's easy for the reader to understand her feelings. She's kind, likable and cozy. Brooke is a bit more reserved, but she's incredibly strong and determined. I admired her courage. Jennifer's story brought tears to my eyes. Life can be cruel sometimes and Amy Hatvany writes about it with compassion and care. I loved that the most about this book.
Somewhere Out There is an impressive emotional novel. I liked the author's choice of three points of view. That the reader is able to see things from the perspective of Jennifer, Natalie and Brooke suits the story very well. Each narrator is equally strong, which makes the story balanced and believable. There are some heartbreaking scenes in this book that will stay with me for a very long time. Amy Hatvany tells her story in a beautiful, sensitive way. She's a great writer and her sentences have an easy flow. I didn't want to stop reading and loved the book from beginning to end. Somewhere Out There is such a fantastic, sad and hopeful story. It touched my heart in many different ways.
Natalie has her own business. She's baking for a living and she loves what she does. She has a close relationship with her parents. She knows she's adopted, but her mother doesn't want to talk about it because it makes her nervous and unsettled. When her daughter has to do a family tree project for school Natalie decides it's time to think about her own feelings for a change and to get some answers.
Brooke has been raised by the state. When she was a child she lived in a home most of the time and they never managed to find a good foster family for her. Now she's about to become a mother herself which is scary. She's on her own, but she's determined to be there for her child. Unlike her own mother who made a mess of things.
One defining moment changed the lives of three people. How are they dealing with the past and in what way does it influence the present? Is there a way to heal, to make things better?
Somewhere Out There is a moving story about bonding, loss and strength. Natalie has a loving family of her own. Her adoptive parents adore her and she passes on that love to her husband and children. Something is missing though. She wants to know who she is exactly. It's easy for the reader to understand her feelings. She's kind, likable and cozy. Brooke is a bit more reserved, but she's incredibly strong and determined. I admired her courage. Jennifer's story brought tears to my eyes. Life can be cruel sometimes and Amy Hatvany writes about it with compassion and care. I loved that the most about this book.
Somewhere Out There is an impressive emotional novel. I liked the author's choice of three points of view. That the reader is able to see things from the perspective of Jennifer, Natalie and Brooke suits the story very well. Each narrator is equally strong, which makes the story balanced and believable. There are some heartbreaking scenes in this book that will stay with me for a very long time. Amy Hatvany tells her story in a beautiful, sensitive way. She's a great writer and her sentences have an easy flow. I didn't want to stop reading and loved the book from beginning to end. Somewhere Out There is such a fantastic, sad and hopeful story. It touched my heart in many different ways.
January 8, 2017
This was a very compelling book about a young mother who was faced with difficult circumstances and chose to give up her two daughters for adoption. The novel is told from three perspectives - both of the daughters and the mother. The oldest daughter was never adopted and grew up in the state facility and multiple foster homes while the baby girl was adopted into a loving family. It was a good read and one I didn't want to put down.
April 18, 2016
I really liked this book. It hooked me right on the first page which is very unusual for me. I have read several other books by this author and haven't read one yet I didn't like. I hated to put this book down. I recommend this as a fast read, that will keep you turning pages, and involve several emotions. The ending left for a possible sequel, in my opinion.
February 26, 2025
I read this book because I participated in Retro Chapter Chicks Winter Challenge.
The prompt stated Book should have a Song in the Title.
You might remember that the song Somewhere Out There is sung in the Movie "An American Tail". It was also recorded by James Ingram and Linda Ronstadt. The song is a tear-jerker and so is this book.
Jennifer Walker is a single mom with 4-year-old and 6-month-old daughters. She has no money and must resort to stealing food and offering her body for places to stay. When there is no place to stay, the three live in her car. One night, she leaves them in the car and gets caught stealing. She is sent to jail for petty theft and child endangerment. Jennifer's mother will not take care of the girls, so Jennifer gives her rights as a mother over to the state. Her children, Brooke and Natalie, are sent to the Hillcrest Home for Girls. Natalie, the baby, is adopted after a month. Brooke is not adopted along with her and spends her childhood in the system until she ages out.
The story hears from each of the three in alternating chapters: Jennifer's life in prison and after, Brooke's life as a cocktail waitress, with flashbacks to childhood, and Natalie's life as a mother of two, married to a lawyer.
The girls do find each other when Brooke is 39 and Natalie 36. They attempt to find their mother.
I plan to share this book wth my Book Club in July.
There is a section at the end of the book with ideas to Enhance Your BookClub Experience. I am including them in this review because they were instrumental in my selection of this book AND they highlight three areas that the book covers very sympathetically.
1. When Jennifer is in prison, she is able to reach a real turning point in her life as a result of an anti-recidivism program. Prison book programs are also shown to reduce recidivism. Consider volunteering or donating books as a group to one that serves prisoners in your area, or learn more at prisonbookprogram.org.
2. Consider reading another novel that tackles the issue of adoption, such as Little Beauties by Kim Addonizio, The Mothers by Jennifer Gilmore, or The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers. How is this issue treated differently in those novels compared with Somewhere Out There, and how does perspective affect the story being told?
3. For Jennifer, the dogs she works with become not only a way of helping others but also a source of personal comfort and pride in her ability to take care of something other than herself. How have animals in your life influenced you? Has a pet ever protected you or helped you get past a difficulty? Discuss as a group. To learn more about service animals, read more at pawswithacause.org.
5 stars
The prompt stated Book should have a Song in the Title.
You might remember that the song Somewhere Out There is sung in the Movie "An American Tail". It was also recorded by James Ingram and Linda Ronstadt. The song is a tear-jerker and so is this book.
Jennifer Walker is a single mom with 4-year-old and 6-month-old daughters. She has no money and must resort to stealing food and offering her body for places to stay. When there is no place to stay, the three live in her car. One night, she leaves them in the car and gets caught stealing. She is sent to jail for petty theft and child endangerment. Jennifer's mother will not take care of the girls, so Jennifer gives her rights as a mother over to the state. Her children, Brooke and Natalie, are sent to the Hillcrest Home for Girls. Natalie, the baby, is adopted after a month. Brooke is not adopted along with her and spends her childhood in the system until she ages out.
The story hears from each of the three in alternating chapters: Jennifer's life in prison and after, Brooke's life as a cocktail waitress, with flashbacks to childhood, and Natalie's life as a mother of two, married to a lawyer.
The girls do find each other when Brooke is 39 and Natalie 36. They attempt to find their mother.
I plan to share this book wth my Book Club in July.
There is a section at the end of the book with ideas to Enhance Your BookClub Experience. I am including them in this review because they were instrumental in my selection of this book AND they highlight three areas that the book covers very sympathetically.
1. When Jennifer is in prison, she is able to reach a real turning point in her life as a result of an anti-recidivism program. Prison book programs are also shown to reduce recidivism. Consider volunteering or donating books as a group to one that serves prisoners in your area, or learn more at prisonbookprogram.org.
2. Consider reading another novel that tackles the issue of adoption, such as Little Beauties by Kim Addonizio, The Mothers by Jennifer Gilmore, or The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers. How is this issue treated differently in those novels compared with Somewhere Out There, and how does perspective affect the story being told?
3. For Jennifer, the dogs she works with become not only a way of helping others but also a source of personal comfort and pride in her ability to take care of something other than herself. How have animals in your life influenced you? Has a pet ever protected you or helped you get past a difficulty? Discuss as a group. To learn more about service animals, read more at pawswithacause.org.
5 stars
February 24, 2016
This is my first book by Amy Hatvany and after reading this, it won't be my last. The author has a real talent for writing believable characters who the reader cares about and understands and wants to see happy endings for. This was a fantastic book and once I started it, I couldn't put it down.
Jennifer is a young mother with two small daughters. They are living in her car and she doesn't have money to feed them or take care of them. After some bad decisions that end up with her in jail, she agrees to sign away her parental rights hoping that they will have a better life. Forward 35 years, Natalie has had a good life with her adopted parents. She is married and has two children and a good education when her parents tell her that she has a sister that they never told her about. This is the story of her search for her sister and her birth mother. Will finding them make her feel more complete or will it create more problems in her life? Her search and the ultimate outcome of the search make this a compelling story. (NetGalley provided this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.)
Jennifer is a young mother with two small daughters. They are living in her car and she doesn't have money to feed them or take care of them. After some bad decisions that end up with her in jail, she agrees to sign away her parental rights hoping that they will have a better life. Forward 35 years, Natalie has had a good life with her adopted parents. She is married and has two children and a good education when her parents tell her that she has a sister that they never told her about. This is the story of her search for her sister and her birth mother. Will finding them make her feel more complete or will it create more problems in her life? Her search and the ultimate outcome of the search make this a compelling story. (NetGalley provided this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.)
June 18, 2016
Thank you to Book Sparks for the opportunity to read and review my first book by Ms. Hatvany. This is a great, summer beach read. Two sisters given up for adoption when their young, unwed mother is sent to jail, go through half their life not knowing about each other. One was adopted into a settled home with a mom & dad and the other has a hard scrabble existence of foster care. They find each other, but struggle to reconnect and create a family bond. Both are not sure they want to know about their mother that gave them up. The story is very true to life. Reading, you know there are many, many stories such was this outside the pages of the book. It has a very satisfying ending, as well.
February 4, 2016
A moving story about the complex relationships between a mother and her two daughter, and theirs with each other.
May 7, 2023
3.5 stars. Read this book in one night, had to skim a little bit.
Interesting POV from the three main characters. Due to personal experience I personally didn’t like the ending or the way child protective services interacted with the family in the beginning of the book.
Definitely worth a read
Interesting POV from the three main characters. Due to personal experience I personally didn’t like the ending or the way child protective services interacted with the family in the beginning of the book.
Definitely worth a read
March 24, 2016
I loved this book and was thrilled to find a new author until a paragraph six pages from the ending...
"Yes, I was a woman who couldn't raise her own children, but as a result, I had become so much more than that. The kind of hurt my daughters had suffered-- and were surely suffering through right now--was part of their lesson, just as my pain was a part of mine.
So Jennifer concluded that after a lifetime of heartache because she had given her two young daughters up as wards of the state (one suffered through horrible experiences with foster families and ultimately was never adopted, one suffered through never feeling like she fit in anywhere) that if she hadn't given them up, SHE wouldn't be where SHE was now. And turning down a conversation with her now adult daughters who had found her, was just a part of their lesson regardless of how big THEIR pain was. Just move past it girls. Mommy gave you a great life lesson!
Dang it!! No more Ann Hatvany books for me. A little too cold blooded for me, fiction or not.
"Yes, I was a woman who couldn't raise her own children, but as a result, I had become so much more than that. The kind of hurt my daughters had suffered-- and were surely suffering through right now--was part of their lesson, just as my pain was a part of mine.
So Jennifer concluded that after a lifetime of heartache because she had given her two young daughters up as wards of the state (one suffered through horrible experiences with foster families and ultimately was never adopted, one suffered through never feeling like she fit in anywhere) that if she hadn't given them up, SHE wouldn't be where SHE was now. And turning down a conversation with her now adult daughters who had found her, was just a part of their lesson regardless of how big THEIR pain was. Just move past it girls. Mommy gave you a great life lesson!
Dang it!! No more Ann Hatvany books for me. A little too cold blooded for me, fiction or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2019
Ich habe dieses Buch eigentlich nur durch Zufall auf einem Roman-Stapel mit Angeboten entdeckt. Das schöne Cover und der Klappentext gefielen mir sofort. Als ich das Buch begann, hat mich die Autorin mit ihrem Schreibstil sofort in ihren Bann gezogen. Das gesamte Buch ist spannend, hoch emotional und aufregend geschrieben. Es ergeben sich immer wieder Wendungen, welche man überhaupt nicht erwartet hätte. Ich habe in jedem freien Moment zum Buch gegriffen und es daher in unter 48 Stunden durchgelesen.
March 21, 2016
I read this quickly and it kept me turning pages, but it loses a star because it seemed that the author couldn't figure out how to end it. I hate it when an author appears to lose interest in the whole thing before the story's finished and writes a highly unsatisfactory conclusion.
July 24, 2017
Beautifully written. Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Characters you loved and rooted for, despite their mistakes. The ending was a necessary one, even if it wasn't the typical storybook ending.
October 8, 2015
Exquisite. Hatvany is a gorgeous storyteller.
January 13, 2018
While this was definitely better than the last book I read, it wasn't nearly as good as some of the other books I've read by Hatvany.
Somewhere Out There follows the story of Jennifer, who at 20 made the tough decision to relinquish her parental rights over her two daughters, as well as Brooke and Natalie, the two daughters who she gave up. The story was sweet and had me emotional at times, but the writing in this one was very bland and straight-forward. It really toned down the emotional scenes.
It also bothered me just how understanding Natalie was - both Brooke and Jennifer were lucky for her daughter's high level of empathy. I felt it unrealistic how perfectly soothing and understanding she was. She would react to things emotionally, but then rationally calm herself down within an hour or less. It felt a bit unrealistic to me.
Those complaints aside, the story was compelling if very straight-forward and Brooke and Jennifer were both very interesting characters. If you're a fan of Hatvany I would recommend this book. If not, I would suggest Best Kept Secret or Hear Like Mine by Hatvany before this one.
Somewhere Out There follows the story of Jennifer, who at 20 made the tough decision to relinquish her parental rights over her two daughters, as well as Brooke and Natalie, the two daughters who she gave up. The story was sweet and had me emotional at times, but the writing in this one was very bland and straight-forward. It really toned down the emotional scenes.
It also bothered me just how understanding Natalie was - both Brooke and Jennifer were lucky for her daughter's high level of empathy. I felt it unrealistic how perfectly soothing and understanding she was. She would react to things emotionally, but then rationally calm herself down within an hour or less. It felt a bit unrealistic to me.
Those complaints aside, the story was compelling if very straight-forward and Brooke and Jennifer were both very interesting characters. If you're a fan of Hatvany I would recommend this book. If not, I would suggest Best Kept Secret or Hear Like Mine by Hatvany before this one.
July 11, 2017
It's been awhile since I've cried at a book, but this one pulled all the string! Five huge stars for SOMEWHERE OUT THERE. I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 14, 2019
It gave me feel a lot of emotions....I can’t even imagine being in this position. Told in a great way..three woman...all connected.
March 1, 2016
Jennifer Walker had made so many mistakes even before she was twenty-one. She was pregnant by eighteen and her mother wanted nothing to do with her or her child. She did things she regretted and on the night she went to prison, she lost her two baby girls in a blink of an eye.
Natalie and Brooke grew up in different environments. Separated as children, Natalie was adopted while Brooke stayed in the foster care system and the state facility until she was eighteen.
Now both grown up in their late thirties, they'll be reunited.
Natalie Clark is married with two children, she was a lawyer until she decided that's not what she wanted to do in life. Instead, she opened her own catering service for sweets called Just Desserts. She is slowly building a steady clientele. She learned she was adopted when she was ten but she never knew she had an older sister until now. She begins a search for her sister and birth mother.
Brooke Walker learned not to open her heart again. She learned this from her mother after she abandoned them when she was just four years old. For years, she waited for her mother to return, to save her. The one time she let someone in, she was left heartbroken again. Brooke has been a waitress all her life and she has supported herself the best way she could. Getting pregnant to a married man was not what she was hoping for. Meeting her sister again, even less.
~~
Very moving story. It makes you wonder, how a wrong decision or a few of them can change the course of a life or in this case, lives.
I felt unable to be upset with Jennifer. She was too young, didn't know any better. The mother who should have supported her, kicked her out, the man she fell in love with, wanted nothing to do with her or her nine-month daughter. Her time in prison was so sad and I was happy she found a silver lining at the end.
Natalie had a good life with her adoptive family. She was doing what she wanted to do. She was in love with her husband and she had two cute kids. She knew she was missing something and getting Brooke in her life made her fill that emptiness.
Brooke was the one who had it the worst. She was not as lucky as Natalie. She remembered her mother. She remembered things no kid should. She had no one growing up. She never fell in love and now she was facing a pregnancy in her late thirties with no support until Natalie was there to help her.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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March 7, 2016
Jennifer is a single mother. She lives in her car with her two daughters. Brooke is four, Natalie is six months old. Every day is a struggle but she does what she has to to be the best mom she can be. She has no money, no job and no one to help or support her. It becomes harder and harder to give the girls what they need, but Jennifer fiercely loves the girls and can't imagine a life without them.
When she is arrested she has to face the fact that they may be better off without her. Without no one to care for her girls, she is convinced by a social worker to give up her girls, sign away her rights to them and let them adopted by someone who can offer them the life she can't. The best she can give them is that second chance and she gives them up assuming will be adopted together, will always have each other and be part of a normal, loving, family.
But that isn't what happens. As a baby, Natalie is quickly adopted but her adoptive parents, for reasons of their own, do not want both children, just Natalie. Brooke is bounced around from foster home to foster home and in and out of the state home. With each move she becomes harder, less trusting, and each move chips away at any self worth she had. She builds a wall around herself and won't let anyone in as no one has ever wanted her, she no longer wants anyone in her life either. How the girls were raised is a major part of how their lives turned out and differed.
The story is told in alternate chapters between Jennifer, Brooke and Natalie with Jennifer's starting in the past, Brooke and Natalie's stories are fast forwarded to the present as Natalie, who has always had unanswered questions, learns of her sister's existence and becomes interested and determined to fill in the missing pieces of her life.
This book was an emotional roller coaster. I was hooked at the very beginning and was gripped throughout, I didn't want to put this book down. My heart broke for Jennifer and her decision to give up the girls that she really didn't get was final, I had to actually stop and breathe a minute, it was so real and so painful. Every chapter of Brooke growing up was again heart wrenching, picturing that little girl who was so sure for years that her mommy was coming back for her. It was so raw, being a witness to her rejection after rejection, the vision of the state home that eventually became her home. Natalie had a charmed childhood, grows up to be a well adjusted adult, married with kids whereas Brooke is lost, as she was as a child, no commitment, no roots.
While I was happy about the outcome of some things, I wasn't crazy about the ending although it probably reflected reality in some cases. It left me needing more though, it felt like the story hadn't ended yet.
This is one of the best books I have read this year so far. I have only read one other of this author's books (safe with me) and loved it as well, but I will be moving her other books up my tbr pile.
When she is arrested she has to face the fact that they may be better off without her. Without no one to care for her girls, she is convinced by a social worker to give up her girls, sign away her rights to them and let them adopted by someone who can offer them the life she can't. The best she can give them is that second chance and she gives them up assuming will be adopted together, will always have each other and be part of a normal, loving, family.
But that isn't what happens. As a baby, Natalie is quickly adopted but her adoptive parents, for reasons of their own, do not want both children, just Natalie. Brooke is bounced around from foster home to foster home and in and out of the state home. With each move she becomes harder, less trusting, and each move chips away at any self worth she had. She builds a wall around herself and won't let anyone in as no one has ever wanted her, she no longer wants anyone in her life either. How the girls were raised is a major part of how their lives turned out and differed.
The story is told in alternate chapters between Jennifer, Brooke and Natalie with Jennifer's starting in the past, Brooke and Natalie's stories are fast forwarded to the present as Natalie, who has always had unanswered questions, learns of her sister's existence and becomes interested and determined to fill in the missing pieces of her life.
This book was an emotional roller coaster. I was hooked at the very beginning and was gripped throughout, I didn't want to put this book down. My heart broke for Jennifer and her decision to give up the girls that she really didn't get was final, I had to actually stop and breathe a minute, it was so real and so painful. Every chapter of Brooke growing up was again heart wrenching, picturing that little girl who was so sure for years that her mommy was coming back for her. It was so raw, being a witness to her rejection after rejection, the vision of the state home that eventually became her home. Natalie had a charmed childhood, grows up to be a well adjusted adult, married with kids whereas Brooke is lost, as she was as a child, no commitment, no roots.
While I was happy about the outcome of some things, I wasn't crazy about the ending although it probably reflected reality in some cases. It left me needing more though, it felt like the story hadn't ended yet.
This is one of the best books I have read this year so far. I have only read one other of this author's books (safe with me) and loved it as well, but I will be moving her other books up my tbr pile.
February 19, 2017
Good tender heart warming story well written..
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