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When You Were Mine
“Dylan…” I croak, but my little boy doesn’t even look at me. “Dylan,” I say again, my voice breaking now, and the social worker gives me a reproving look. I’m not helping, but I don’t care. “Dylan!” My voice is louder now, and my gaze stays locked with my son’s as she pulls away from the curb and drives away, taking my very life with her.
Single mother Beth loves her seven-year-old son Dylan with all her heart. He’s her world. But life with Dylan isn’t easy—and his emotional issues push Beth to her very limit. When a misunderstanding leads Dylan to be taken into foster care, she is determined to do whatever she can to get him back.
Mother of two, Ally has always dreamed of fostering—it feels like her chance to give back when she has been so lucky in life. But when Dylan joins their family, Ally finds herself struggling to balance his needs with those of her own children and husband—something Beth can’t help but witness when she visits.
Beth wants nothing more than to find a way to bring her beloved child home. But where is the right home for Dylan? Is it with the mother he was born to? Or is a new mother the greatest gift Beth could give her son?
A beautiful, powerful and ultimately hopeful story of the heartbreaking power of a mother’s love, for fans of Diane Chamberlain, Jodi Picoult and Jojo Moyes.
Single mother Beth loves her seven-year-old son Dylan with all her heart. He’s her world. But life with Dylan isn’t easy—and his emotional issues push Beth to her very limit. When a misunderstanding leads Dylan to be taken into foster care, she is determined to do whatever she can to get him back.
Mother of two, Ally has always dreamed of fostering—it feels like her chance to give back when she has been so lucky in life. But when Dylan joins their family, Ally finds herself struggling to balance his needs with those of her own children and husband—something Beth can’t help but witness when she visits.
Beth wants nothing more than to find a way to bring her beloved child home. But where is the right home for Dylan? Is it with the mother he was born to? Or is a new mother the greatest gift Beth could give her son?
A beautiful, powerful and ultimately hopeful story of the heartbreaking power of a mother’s love, for fans of Diane Chamberlain, Jodi Picoult and Jojo Moyes.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2020
1764 people are currently reading
1649 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hewitt
875 books1,692 followersKate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
November 11, 2022
I don’t often read books like this that are about children being taken into the foster care system because I work in that field and I pull myself out of the story thinking it wouldn’t happen like this or it starts to feel too much like work. While I did have moments like that with this story I’m still glad I read it. I loved the relationship and how it developed between the biological mother and the foster family. This was a well written story and I enjoyed getting to see the same thing from different perspectives. There were a couple of continuity errors ((saying something took place on a Sunday and then saying right after was Saturday night for example_ but they weren’t too distracting from the story.
January 20, 2021
I started out reading this book rather reluctantly. The subject matter wasn't one I'd typically choose, so I was hesitant. The plot centers on two women: Beth, the single mother of 7-year-old Dylan, who due to varying circumstances has been removed from Beth's home and put into foster care; and Ally, wife and mother of two young adult children and who, along with her husband Nick, become Dylan's foster parents.
This book drew me in from the first chapter and I literally could not put it down until I finished. The two women had such different lives and backgrounds, yet their growth throughout the novel was so realistic and heartfelt. I didn't like Beth at first, and I related so much more to Ally since we are in similar phases of life. However both of them had trials and triumphs throughout the book that made me root for everyone's success.
I loved the way the author portrayed "the system" and gave faces and hearts to the social workers, the psychologists, the counselors, and everyone dealing with a very complex situation. It made me stop to think about how much internal judgment I've passed on people I've known in Beth's situation and how there is always more to the story than is shown on the surface.
This is an incredible book that is definitely a worthwhile read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This book drew me in from the first chapter and I literally could not put it down until I finished. The two women had such different lives and backgrounds, yet their growth throughout the novel was so realistic and heartfelt. I didn't like Beth at first, and I related so much more to Ally since we are in similar phases of life. However both of them had trials and triumphs throughout the book that made me root for everyone's success.
I loved the way the author portrayed "the system" and gave faces and hearts to the social workers, the psychologists, the counselors, and everyone dealing with a very complex situation. It made me stop to think about how much internal judgment I've passed on people I've known in Beth's situation and how there is always more to the story than is shown on the surface.
This is an incredible book that is definitely a worthwhile read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
September 13, 2020
Beth is a single mother with a seven year old son who has behavioral problems.
She is struggling to cope and after complaints from worried neighbours her son Dylan is taken into care and put in a foster home.
The foster mother does her best with Dylan but is getting little help from her family.
Beth was someone who was hard to like. She was dismissive of advice and critical of others who tried to steer her in the right direction to get her son back.
I had mixed emotions with this book and found some of it hard to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
She is struggling to cope and after complaints from worried neighbours her son Dylan is taken into care and put in a foster home.
The foster mother does her best with Dylan but is getting little help from her family.
Beth was someone who was hard to like. She was dismissive of advice and critical of others who tried to steer her in the right direction to get her son back.
I had mixed emotions with this book and found some of it hard to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2020
Single mother Beth loves her seven-year-old son Dylan with all her heart. He’s her world. But life with Dylan isn’t easy—and his emotional issues push Beth to her very limit. When a misunderstanding leads Dylan to be taken into foster care, she is determined to do whatever she can to get him back.
Mother of two, Ally has always dreamed of fostering—it feels like her chance to give back when she has been so lucky in life. But when Dylan joins their family, Ally finds herself struggling to balance his needs with those of her own children and husband.
Narrated in alternating chapters between Beth and Ally, this book very nicely covers the different problems that parents face during parenting. There is never something called as 'perfect parenting'. Each situation is different and every mother tries to give the best for their child.
In terms of the main characters, I did feel sympathetic towards Beth. Having to hear that the love and attention she exhibits towards her son is unhealthy and taking her son away to be put into foster care is something quite sad. Whereas, Ally's story in this book was more of a message that sometimes being perfect is not everything.
The ending was beautiful and made this book even more special.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Mother of two, Ally has always dreamed of fostering—it feels like her chance to give back when she has been so lucky in life. But when Dylan joins their family, Ally finds herself struggling to balance his needs with those of her own children and husband.
Narrated in alternating chapters between Beth and Ally, this book very nicely covers the different problems that parents face during parenting. There is never something called as 'perfect parenting'. Each situation is different and every mother tries to give the best for their child.
In terms of the main characters, I did feel sympathetic towards Beth. Having to hear that the love and attention she exhibits towards her son is unhealthy and taking her son away to be put into foster care is something quite sad. Whereas, Ally's story in this book was more of a message that sometimes being perfect is not everything.
The ending was beautiful and made this book even more special.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
October 17, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Single mother Beth loves her seven year old son, Dylan with all her heart. But life with Dylan isn't easy. His emotional issues push Beth to her limit. But when a misunderstanding leads to Dylan being taken into foster care, she's determined to do whatever it takes to get him back.
Ally has always dreamed of being a foster parent. She already has two children of her own. But when Dylan joins her family, Ally finds herself struggling to balance his needs with those of her own family. Beth witnesses this when she visits and wants nothing more than to take Dylan home.
The characters were all true to life in this emotional story. It cover aspects of motherhood accurately. Dylan has development issues which make him act up. The book has been well researched. This is a beautifully written book that's also thought provoking.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #KateHewitt for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Single mother Beth loves her seven year old son, Dylan with all her heart. But life with Dylan isn't easy. His emotional issues push Beth to her limit. But when a misunderstanding leads to Dylan being taken into foster care, she's determined to do whatever it takes to get him back.
Ally has always dreamed of being a foster parent. She already has two children of her own. But when Dylan joins her family, Ally finds herself struggling to balance his needs with those of her own family. Beth witnesses this when she visits and wants nothing more than to take Dylan home.
The characters were all true to life in this emotional story. It covers aspects of motherhood accurately. Dylan has development issues which make him act up. The book has been well researched. This is a beautifully written book that's also thought provoking.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #KateHewitt for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Single mother Beth loves her seven year old son, Dylan with all her heart. But life with Dylan isn't easy. His emotional issues push Beth to her limit. But when a misunderstanding leads to Dylan being taken into foster care, she's determined to do whatever it takes to get him back.
Ally has always dreamed of being a foster parent. She already has two children of her own. But when Dylan joins her family, Ally finds herself struggling to balance his needs with those of her own family. Beth witnesses this when she visits and wants nothing more than to take Dylan home.
The characters were all true to life in this emotional story. It cover aspects of motherhood accurately. Dylan has development issues which make him act up. The book has been well researched. This is a beautifully written book that's also thought provoking.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #KateHewitt for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Single mother Beth loves her seven year old son, Dylan with all her heart. But life with Dylan isn't easy. His emotional issues push Beth to her limit. But when a misunderstanding leads to Dylan being taken into foster care, she's determined to do whatever it takes to get him back.
Ally has always dreamed of being a foster parent. She already has two children of her own. But when Dylan joins her family, Ally finds herself struggling to balance his needs with those of her own family. Beth witnesses this when she visits and wants nothing more than to take Dylan home.
The characters were all true to life in this emotional story. It covers aspects of motherhood accurately. Dylan has development issues which make him act up. The book has been well researched. This is a beautifully written book that's also thought provoking.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #KateHewitt for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2020
When you Were Mine by Kate Hewitt is a book that packs an emotional punch, similar in style to the writing of Jodi Picoult, it’s a book that will stay with you long after you reach the last page. Its heart wrenching in parts and felt all too real in others. This book explores the complexities and dynamics of family relationships in a credible and heartbreaking way. The author does a fantastic job portraying the best of being a parent and the worse.
Single mother Beth loves her seven-year-old son Dylan with all her heart. So much so she has put her own life on hold, Dylan has emotional issues that have led to them living a life where no one else is welcome. When a misunderstanding leads Dylan to be taken into foster care, she is determined to fight tooth and nail to bring her son home. Mother of two, Ally becomes Dylan’s foster carer, she appears to be the perfect choice, a beautiful house, a loving relationship with her husband and children, and living the American dream. When Dylan joins the family Ally finds herself struggling as her ‘perfect family’ begins to show cracks.
The chapters alternate between Beth and Ally, which worked really well. The characters become real; you feel their pain, anxiety and despair, like them you question who is the best person to care for Dylan. Each mother has very different problems to face, but Beth and Ally are trying to do the best for their children, they made not be perfect but they are doing their best. Neither mother is perfect, each has their flaws, but it’s their flaws that make them credible characters. Like any wonderful book that centres around morals and right from wrong, you can’t help thinking what you would do faced with a similar situation.
If I had one small niggle the ending felt to abrupt, I wanted this book to be longer as I was so wrapped up in the life’s of Beth, Ally and Dylan. Kate Hewitt has produced an emotionally powerful read, with a well-constructed plot, if you are looking for a book to pull on your heartstrings then this might just been the book for you, it left me feeling an emotional wreck. After reading When You Were Mine I had to go and buy some of the authors back list as I was so impressed with her style of writing. Highly recommended to those who enjoy an emotional read, full of heart and soul.
Single mother Beth loves her seven-year-old son Dylan with all her heart. So much so she has put her own life on hold, Dylan has emotional issues that have led to them living a life where no one else is welcome. When a misunderstanding leads Dylan to be taken into foster care, she is determined to fight tooth and nail to bring her son home. Mother of two, Ally becomes Dylan’s foster carer, she appears to be the perfect choice, a beautiful house, a loving relationship with her husband and children, and living the American dream. When Dylan joins the family Ally finds herself struggling as her ‘perfect family’ begins to show cracks.
The chapters alternate between Beth and Ally, which worked really well. The characters become real; you feel their pain, anxiety and despair, like them you question who is the best person to care for Dylan. Each mother has very different problems to face, but Beth and Ally are trying to do the best for their children, they made not be perfect but they are doing their best. Neither mother is perfect, each has their flaws, but it’s their flaws that make them credible characters. Like any wonderful book that centres around morals and right from wrong, you can’t help thinking what you would do faced with a similar situation.
If I had one small niggle the ending felt to abrupt, I wanted this book to be longer as I was so wrapped up in the life’s of Beth, Ally and Dylan. Kate Hewitt has produced an emotionally powerful read, with a well-constructed plot, if you are looking for a book to pull on your heartstrings then this might just been the book for you, it left me feeling an emotional wreck. After reading When You Were Mine I had to go and buy some of the authors back list as I was so impressed with her style of writing. Highly recommended to those who enjoy an emotional read, full of heart and soul.
October 18, 2020
Two mothers, birth and foster, both wanting the best for the child Dylan, this was their poignant story.
Beth loved her son, but his issues broke her, and she couldn't give him the help he needed. Put in foster care, Ally loved him too but had her own family needs to contend with.
Kate Hewitt's writing had me choking back my tears at some places. There was so much to love in this book. Both the characters pulled at my heartstrings. With alternate chapters of their story, the chapters gave me a complete view of parenting.
Overall, quite an emotional read.
Beth loved her son, but his issues broke her, and she couldn't give him the help he needed. Put in foster care, Ally loved him too but had her own family needs to contend with.
Kate Hewitt's writing had me choking back my tears at some places. There was so much to love in this book. Both the characters pulled at my heartstrings. With alternate chapters of their story, the chapters gave me a complete view of parenting.
Overall, quite an emotional read.
October 16, 2020
Beth is a single mother and Dylan is a difficult child. One afternoon in CVS he has a tantrum and at the end of her rope she grabs his arm so they can leave. Unfortunately someone sees and calls Child Services. From there things to spiral out of control until he is taken away from her and placed with the Fieldings.
The story is told from Beth's point of view and Ally's, the foster mother. Beth was a complex character. Dylan's dad has no part in his life and she is estranged from her parents. She has no friends because her life is devoted to Dylan. For money she works at home making jewelry that she sells on Shopify. She could be impulsive with the big things but would over think small decisions. Beth accepts Dylan's behavior and only tries to avoid melt downs rather then doing something to help him. She keeps him close and is needy, jealous of any time he is not right with her.
Ally seems to have it all, mid-forties, one daughter just off to Harvard and a teenage son. She sees a video about foster care and decides their family has a lot to offer. Dylan is their first placement and it was a rocky start.
There is a lot of growth in the story, mostly for Ally and Beth, that comes on gradually as Beth has to accept things that have happened in her past and let them go for the sake of Dylan. I liked the ending and their was a satisfying solution that benefitted Dylan.
This is a new author for me and I look forward to reading more of her writing.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing me with a copy of this book.
The story is told from Beth's point of view and Ally's, the foster mother. Beth was a complex character. Dylan's dad has no part in his life and she is estranged from her parents. She has no friends because her life is devoted to Dylan. For money she works at home making jewelry that she sells on Shopify. She could be impulsive with the big things but would over think small decisions. Beth accepts Dylan's behavior and only tries to avoid melt downs rather then doing something to help him. She keeps him close and is needy, jealous of any time he is not right with her.
Ally seems to have it all, mid-forties, one daughter just off to Harvard and a teenage son. She sees a video about foster care and decides their family has a lot to offer. Dylan is their first placement and it was a rocky start.
There is a lot of growth in the story, mostly for Ally and Beth, that comes on gradually as Beth has to accept things that have happened in her past and let them go for the sake of Dylan. I liked the ending and their was a satisfying solution that benefitted Dylan.
This is a new author for me and I look forward to reading more of her writing.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing me with a copy of this book.
October 16, 2020
When You Were Mine by Kate Hewitt is a heartbreaking read that explores the question of just how far a mother will go in the best interests of her child. Ms Hewitt can always be relied upon for a powerful and emotive story, and this one proves to be no exception.
Beth adores her seven year old son Dylan, but admits to feeling the stress of being a single parent. When she one day grabs Dylan's arm with what is perceived as excessive force by an onlooker, the Department of Child Welfare Services is contacted and Beth's worst nightmare as a parent begins; her child is removed from her care.
Ally has always wanted to foster a child, and manages to convince her husband that it is the right thing to do. When Dylan is temporarily placed in her care, Ally feels a deep connection with the troubled child from the very start. Which of the two women will be of greater benefit to a little boy in desperate need of a loving home?
This is an addictive read, told from the alternating perspectives of Beth and Ally. Each woman evokes empathy in her own way, and will demonstrate the true strength of a mother's love.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
Beth adores her seven year old son Dylan, but admits to feeling the stress of being a single parent. When she one day grabs Dylan's arm with what is perceived as excessive force by an onlooker, the Department of Child Welfare Services is contacted and Beth's worst nightmare as a parent begins; her child is removed from her care.
Ally has always wanted to foster a child, and manages to convince her husband that it is the right thing to do. When Dylan is temporarily placed in her care, Ally feels a deep connection with the troubled child from the very start. Which of the two women will be of greater benefit to a little boy in desperate need of a loving home?
This is an addictive read, told from the alternating perspectives of Beth and Ally. Each woman evokes empathy in her own way, and will demonstrate the true strength of a mother's love.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
October 20, 2020
Once again Kate Hewitt has wrecked me with her newest book, When You Were Mine. Hewitt just has this quality to her writing that immerses you fully and thoroughly, bringing forth every emotion possible. There is a reason why I say Kate Hewitt is an auto-buy author for me. I don’t need to read a synopsis, I don’t need to know what the book is about as long as her name is on it, I am going to NEED to read it.
Beth is a single mother to her seven year old son Dylan. Dylan is not the easiest kid to raise and has some emotional and developmental delays not yet diagnosed by a doctor. He is non verbal and has meltdowns. One particular meltdown in a store leads Beth to losing her child when the Department of Children and Family Services steps in placing young Dylan in a foster home for the time being.
Ally is a happily married woman with a loving husband and two teenage children. She opens up her home and her family to foster children in need. Her first foster child, Dylan, isn’t exactly what she expected, but in a way she can also relate to him and she is determined to do right by him much to her family’s dismay.
What exactly is going on with Dylan and which home is the best for him where he can thrive and be a happy child? Is it with Beth or Ally?
This story really pulls you in with the opening scene in the court house. I found this to be a really good starting point and it lent a sense of dread for me not knowing what direction the story was going to go. It is such a heartbreaking story and any time I read something about a child thrust into a situation like this it just breaks my heart. What is best for a child? Their parents of course, but what if that parent is holding their child back or not giving him or her the care he needs. A lot of these points were touched on in this story and your emotions can swing either way between empathy and compassion. I know that DCFS is needed, but I also think the system needs an overhaul and more caring and understanding needs to be shown to everyone - parents, foster families and the child/children. I commend anyone who fosters a child. It is not an easy task and many children have come from horrible situations or may not have had the best life and it can be a lot for a family to take on. Hewitt did such an amazing job showing both sides with a parent’s anguish over losing her child and how a family fostering oftentimes is left dealing with any emotional baggage which can put a strain on any family.
I felt a lot of empathy for Beth especially being a single mom and raising a son with pretty much no help from anyone. It can be stressful in the best of times, but topple it with a child who is nonverbal and throws tantrums can take its toll. I can also understand the frustration Beth feels and how easily it can be to lose your temper. Beth may not be the easiest person to warm up to, but you can clearly see how much she loves her child and wants what is best for him. Ally on the other hand I did really like, but once she begins fostering you can see the cracks in her relationship and how she deals with everything and again Hewitt shows us the reality and doesn’t sugarcoat anything which makes the story all the more real. I can also see the growth of each character with everything centered around one little boy.
Simply put, I cannot recommend this book any harder if I tried. Kate Hewitt is an amazing and talented writer and she captures the meaning of being a parent, setbacks as well as accomplishments and through it all finding yourself amidst a heartbreaking scenario. Another definite five star read from me. Like I really had any doubts it would be anything less than five stars anyway.
Beth is a single mother to her seven year old son Dylan. Dylan is not the easiest kid to raise and has some emotional and developmental delays not yet diagnosed by a doctor. He is non verbal and has meltdowns. One particular meltdown in a store leads Beth to losing her child when the Department of Children and Family Services steps in placing young Dylan in a foster home for the time being.
Ally is a happily married woman with a loving husband and two teenage children. She opens up her home and her family to foster children in need. Her first foster child, Dylan, isn’t exactly what she expected, but in a way she can also relate to him and she is determined to do right by him much to her family’s dismay.
What exactly is going on with Dylan and which home is the best for him where he can thrive and be a happy child? Is it with Beth or Ally?
This story really pulls you in with the opening scene in the court house. I found this to be a really good starting point and it lent a sense of dread for me not knowing what direction the story was going to go. It is such a heartbreaking story and any time I read something about a child thrust into a situation like this it just breaks my heart. What is best for a child? Their parents of course, but what if that parent is holding their child back or not giving him or her the care he needs. A lot of these points were touched on in this story and your emotions can swing either way between empathy and compassion. I know that DCFS is needed, but I also think the system needs an overhaul and more caring and understanding needs to be shown to everyone - parents, foster families and the child/children. I commend anyone who fosters a child. It is not an easy task and many children have come from horrible situations or may not have had the best life and it can be a lot for a family to take on. Hewitt did such an amazing job showing both sides with a parent’s anguish over losing her child and how a family fostering oftentimes is left dealing with any emotional baggage which can put a strain on any family.
I felt a lot of empathy for Beth especially being a single mom and raising a son with pretty much no help from anyone. It can be stressful in the best of times, but topple it with a child who is nonverbal and throws tantrums can take its toll. I can also understand the frustration Beth feels and how easily it can be to lose your temper. Beth may not be the easiest person to warm up to, but you can clearly see how much she loves her child and wants what is best for him. Ally on the other hand I did really like, but once she begins fostering you can see the cracks in her relationship and how she deals with everything and again Hewitt shows us the reality and doesn’t sugarcoat anything which makes the story all the more real. I can also see the growth of each character with everything centered around one little boy.
Simply put, I cannot recommend this book any harder if I tried. Kate Hewitt is an amazing and talented writer and she captures the meaning of being a parent, setbacks as well as accomplishments and through it all finding yourself amidst a heartbreaking scenario. Another definite five star read from me. Like I really had any doubts it would be anything less than five stars anyway.
December 9, 2020
An interesting book. This story is about Beth, a woman who loves her son more than anything in the world. However, her life with Dylan, her son, is not as easy as she has to work hard and make a lot of sacrifices to live well. In addition to this, the emotional problems that Dylan begins to have complicated her relationship with her mother. One day a misunderstanding occurs, which causes the State to take Beth's son from her. This terrible event will not allow Beth to give up and get her beloved son back. Ally, on the other hand, has always dreamed of adopting. She finally has what she wanted. She will take care of Dylan. I liked this story because the author shows the situations that Beth and Ally are going through. Beth goes through complicated circumstances. She only thinks about her son. The author excellently describes the process Dylan goes through, especially adjusting to his new life. I think it is an important book that shows the feelings of Dylan and his mother, but also Ally. I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
September 7, 2020
Such a sweet heartfelt book. The story drew me in and had my heart breaking. Beautifully written.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Net Galley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Net Galley for an early release of this book.
October 21, 2020
First, I want to thank Kate Hewitt, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
WOW!! I am blown away by Kate Hewitt’s new book When You Were Mine!! I knew she was going to pull on and capture my heart as she loves to do. However, never did I fathom this one subject matter affect me so much.
This book is dedicated to her sister Susie, who is a wonderful example and inspiration of motherhood, and also answered many of her questions on foster care.
Kate brings awareness to fostering a child and the ins and outs of the system However, I love how she decided to do it and show you every side of the story. She shares the birth mom story, the family who wants to give back since they have been blessed, then you have sweet Dylan. The combination of the three stories intertwine make for a very intense read.
She also brings awareness to drugs and suicide.
Dylan fascinated me to no end. He is different and so unique unlike any other character I had ever read about. My heart broke for him on so many occasions.
Obviously, there were difficult and emotional scenes for many characters. Kate did an amazing job digging down deep and bringing out their raw emotions. There were some tense scenes.
Kate sure did her homework when it came to her researching foster care. She educated us readers who didn’t know what to expect.
In a way I was surprised at the outcome of the book. I was more shocked by the epilogue.
WOW!! I am blown away by Kate Hewitt’s new book When You Were Mine!! I knew she was going to pull on and capture my heart as she loves to do. However, never did I fathom this one subject matter affect me so much.
This book is dedicated to her sister Susie, who is a wonderful example and inspiration of motherhood, and also answered many of her questions on foster care.
Kate brings awareness to fostering a child and the ins and outs of the system However, I love how she decided to do it and show you every side of the story. She shares the birth mom story, the family who wants to give back since they have been blessed, then you have sweet Dylan. The combination of the three stories intertwine make for a very intense read.
She also brings awareness to drugs and suicide.
Dylan fascinated me to no end. He is different and so unique unlike any other character I had ever read about. My heart broke for him on so many occasions.
Obviously, there were difficult and emotional scenes for many characters. Kate did an amazing job digging down deep and bringing out their raw emotions. There were some tense scenes.
Kate sure did her homework when it came to her researching foster care. She educated us readers who didn’t know what to expect.
In a way I was surprised at the outcome of the book. I was more shocked by the epilogue.
October 20, 2020
This book breaks your heart in pieces one by one and then slowly puts them back together again. Such a poignant look at the child's services division of any state, this one being Connecticut.
Beth and her son Dylan age 7 are super close. They are all they have and they like it that way until one faithful day when Dylan throws a public tantrum in CVS and child services is called. This starts a chain of events that Beth can hardly believe is happening to her. She is about to lose the son she's raised from birth because she's too close to him. What?
Ally is married with two grown kids. Emma just started at Harvard in the fall and Josh is a junior in high school. Their life is idyllic from the outside. Beautiful house, upper middle class. Simple family dynamics. One night Ally decides she wants to be a foster family to give back to those less fortunate than them. Quickly Ally and her husband Nick agree and start the ten week training course.
Events unravel quickly and Dylan ends up living temporarily with Ally and her family. Dylan is mute by choice and screams so loud with tantrums that others run for cover and the family quickly turns into chaos with Ally doing the brunt of the work with Dylan since Nick has decided he's weird.
Beth becomes angry with her case worker Susan and decides to fight the hold on Dylan in court. Little does she know the fight she is about to take on.
I read this one in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. It kept drawing me in with each turn.of events these characters struggled with. I fell in love with Beth first and then Ally. Intermittently being angry at one or the other.
Being a mother myself, this book really showed me how people can misjudge you and call you a bad MOM but never really know your situation. You can be a bad mom whether you are rich or poor. Circumstances don't really matter. You can also be a good mom despite your situation.
Beth and her son Dylan age 7 are super close. They are all they have and they like it that way until one faithful day when Dylan throws a public tantrum in CVS and child services is called. This starts a chain of events that Beth can hardly believe is happening to her. She is about to lose the son she's raised from birth because she's too close to him. What?
Ally is married with two grown kids. Emma just started at Harvard in the fall and Josh is a junior in high school. Their life is idyllic from the outside. Beautiful house, upper middle class. Simple family dynamics. One night Ally decides she wants to be a foster family to give back to those less fortunate than them. Quickly Ally and her husband Nick agree and start the ten week training course.
Events unravel quickly and Dylan ends up living temporarily with Ally and her family. Dylan is mute by choice and screams so loud with tantrums that others run for cover and the family quickly turns into chaos with Ally doing the brunt of the work with Dylan since Nick has decided he's weird.
Beth becomes angry with her case worker Susan and decides to fight the hold on Dylan in court. Little does she know the fight she is about to take on.
I read this one in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. It kept drawing me in with each turn.of events these characters struggled with. I fell in love with Beth first and then Ally. Intermittently being angry at one or the other.
Being a mother myself, this book really showed me how people can misjudge you and call you a bad MOM but never really know your situation. You can be a bad mom whether you are rich or poor. Circumstances don't really matter. You can also be a good mom despite your situation.
November 2, 2020
This book by
Kate Hewitt
explores the complexities and dynamics of family relationships.
When you Were Mine really packed an emotional punch with its heart-wrenching moments and reality checks. Foster carer Ally, mum to teenagers Josh and Emma, finds herself struggling when Dylan joins their family. Ally is having trouble balancing Dylan's needs with those of her own children and husband. Dylan's mother, Beth, loves her seven-year-old son with all her heart but Dylan has emotional issues and Beth is pushed to her limits. When a misunderstanding leads Dylan to be taken into foster care, she is determined to do whatever she can to get him back.
In alternating chapters between Beth and Ally, Kate Hewitt does a superb job portraying the best and worst of parenting. I could feel the characters' despair and anxiety as I pondered over who was the best person to care for Dylan. Both mums had very different problems to tackle and each had their flaws, making them credible characters to me.
Kate Hewitt's writing is so heartfelt and realistic, making this novel a remarkable reading experience and I continue to be impressed by her. When You Were Mine is my second book by this immensely talented author and I will be reading more from her. An emotionally powerful read that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
When you Were Mine really packed an emotional punch with its heart-wrenching moments and reality checks. Foster carer Ally, mum to teenagers Josh and Emma, finds herself struggling when Dylan joins their family. Ally is having trouble balancing Dylan's needs with those of her own children and husband. Dylan's mother, Beth, loves her seven-year-old son with all her heart but Dylan has emotional issues and Beth is pushed to her limits. When a misunderstanding leads Dylan to be taken into foster care, she is determined to do whatever she can to get him back.
In alternating chapters between Beth and Ally, Kate Hewitt does a superb job portraying the best and worst of parenting. I could feel the characters' despair and anxiety as I pondered over who was the best person to care for Dylan. Both mums had very different problems to tackle and each had their flaws, making them credible characters to me.
Kate Hewitt's writing is so heartfelt and realistic, making this novel a remarkable reading experience and I continue to be impressed by her. When You Were Mine is my second book by this immensely talented author and I will be reading more from her. An emotionally powerful read that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 23, 2020
I was a little nervous to read this book because of the nature of the subject. But the author did a fantastic job of telling both points of view of the foster care system. Beth is the mom of 7 year old Dylan who is non-verbal. Ally is the foster mom to Dylan.
The story is so important to me as we have been involved in a similar way as a foster parent. OT was such a unique always to hear both points of view.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the book. The reviews are my honest opinion.
The story is so important to me as we have been involved in a similar way as a foster parent. OT was such a unique always to hear both points of view.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the book. The reviews are my honest opinion.
March 14, 2022
I read this for a book club. I think there were some things that were perhaps oversimplified for the sake of the novel, but overall this was a thought-provoking read. It generated great discussion about the systems in place for child protection in the U.S. and the judgements we all make about others in difficult situations.
Note: I was hesitant to read this one because I didn't think I could handle a book about child abuse. No need to worry. This is more about a family needing some support.
Note: I was hesitant to read this one because I didn't think I could handle a book about child abuse. No need to worry. This is more about a family needing some support.
July 30, 2021
Insightful look at the experience of fostering while discovering the intricate world of the biological parent.
October 21, 2023
Sad story but some parts didn't seem realistic to me....
September 14, 2020
This author just gets better and better, a great read which I just loved from the very first page until the last. The stories about Beth and Ally were so sensitively written and I was just involved with their struggles and their families.
I can thoroughly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from Kate.
I can thoroughly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from Kate.
November 4, 2020
Hewitt has an amazing ability to get readers so invested in the characters. I honestly felt like this was my family and Dylan was my child. I couldn’t put this book down and kept hiding away to read. I’m going to read as many of her books as I can.
October 26, 2020
“Life is not easy, No matter how charmed someone’s life looks on the outside, on the inside everyone is messy and uncertain and afraid. Everyone needs help. Everyone holds possibility”.
This book ripped my heart out and then put it back together. A wonderfully written book with such insight.
This book is about mother and son, mother and daughter, parents, fathers, friendships and all relationships and the reality that not everything is what it seems.
This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last, she will forever be on my TBR list !
This book ripped my heart out and then put it back together. A wonderfully written book with such insight.
This book is about mother and son, mother and daughter, parents, fathers, friendships and all relationships and the reality that not everything is what it seems.
This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last, she will forever be on my TBR list !
October 8, 2020
When You Were Mine had me in bits from the beginning, I felt that I understood so well Beth’s life with her little boy Dylan and how other people look on in judgement when they do not see disability, therefore judged as a bad mum. My heart broke as soon as Dylan was taken away and I felt the need to not like Ally the foster mum. My feelings for her changed as the book went on and I actually really liked her by the end of the book.
Both Beth and Ally had to deal with a lot, in different ways and I think this book bought a lot of awareness into it too which is always a good thing as I don’t think it is written about enough and it does happen in real life.
I do not live in America but the “system” seems to be very similar to what I have watched and heard about in the UK so it seems the book was well researched.
It was written in a compassionate way and I had to get tissues a few times. It’s the second book I have read by Kate Hewitt and it definitely will not be my last, she has a way of drawing you into her books and feeling like you are actually living the lives of the characters and once you have finished the books, you will not forget them!
Both Beth and Ally had to deal with a lot, in different ways and I think this book bought a lot of awareness into it too which is always a good thing as I don’t think it is written about enough and it does happen in real life.
I do not live in America but the “system” seems to be very similar to what I have watched and heard about in the UK so it seems the book was well researched.
It was written in a compassionate way and I had to get tissues a few times. It’s the second book I have read by Kate Hewitt and it definitely will not be my last, she has a way of drawing you into her books and feeling like you are actually living the lives of the characters and once you have finished the books, you will not forget them!
October 20, 2020
Thank you to the publishers & netgalley for allowing me to read this book.
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this book & didn't finish it.
Whether it was the subject matter or the fact that it was too 'American' for me I simply could not get into it.
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this book & didn't finish it.
Whether it was the subject matter or the fact that it was too 'American' for me I simply could not get into it.
February 9, 2022
This is a very short book, easily read in a couple of hours. I would give zero stars, if possible. It is a slanted story, generalizing social workers as overloaded and tired, only driving worn out, beat-up cars. I pushed myself to finish it, as it read like propaganda in book form.
February 1, 2022
So slow
I read a lot. I read fast. This book allowed.me.to.do neither. The "heartbreaking page turner" I habe no idea where it is because this book was just.plain slow & boring.
I read a lot. I read fast. This book allowed.me.to.do neither. The "heartbreaking page turner" I habe no idea where it is because this book was just.plain slow & boring.
May 16, 2021
WHEN YOU WERE MINE
BY Kate Hewitt
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
342 pages
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication date: October 19, 2020
Audio book narrator : Kate Handford
Description:
Mother-of-two, Ally has always dreamed of fostering—it feels like her chance to give back when she has been so lucky in life. And when seven-year-old Dylan joins her family in their big suburban home, Ally is overwhelmed by love. But Dylan doesn’t speak and Ally isn’t prepared for the impact he has on her family. Each day has its struggles, but she would never give up on the child now in her care. Dylan’s mother, Beth, can’t forgive herself for losing her son. He’s her world and she’ll do whatever it takes to get him back. Everything is different now, and he belongs with her. With his whole life at stake, which mother can truly give Dylan the love, security, and home he deserves? Which mother can help him find his voice? Beth and Ally sit on opposite sides. Two mothers, both desperate to do what is best for Dylan, but neither able to imagine their lives without him…
💔 ⭐MY REVIEW 💔 ⭐
When You Were Mine, by Kate Hewitt, is such a powerful yet heartbreaking story. Told from Beth ( the mother ) and Ally ( the foster mother ) each with their own chapters, the thoughts, feelings and individual aspects of each persons life shines through via their own words. To Beth Ally had the perfect life. Beth all alone in the world struggling to make it week to week all while raising a special needs child. Ally lived in a big fancy house , fancy cars , perfect husband and perfect older kids . Little did Beth know Ally's perfect life is about to unravel bit by bit . Being the mother of a special needs child i connected with Beth more than Ally. It is so hard being the parent of a special needs child. Not only is it hard to get the help a child needs it's also hard to deal with people who don't understand.
I have been both Woman though ( a foster mom ) and the mom who has had her children taken over a lie . It is scarry how much power dss has . I do want to say that is one thing that was wrong through the whole book. Dss does not work like this. Had the author done more research on how dss actually works this would have been a 5 ⭐ read. I don't normally read books that involve dss or dfs because it is something i just can't cope with.
The characters were all well developed. Some I hated others I loved. I felt so connected to some of them like I knew them personally. By the end of the book my mind changed somewhat about Ally. This book took me on one heck of an emotional roller coaster. I smiled ,got mad, and cried. Boy did i cry and get mad . I highly recommend reading this story with a box of tissues nearby. I loved how the author reminds us that life doesn’t always work out how we planned and that's okay.
It also just goes to show no one's life is perfect . If you want to find out which mother ends up with Dylan then you will just have to read it to find out.
✳✴❇✳✴❇✳✴✳❇✴
I listened to this audio book through Audible. This was my first time listening to this narrator. She did a great job and I was captivated the entire time. The narrator’s voice was a good fit of the main characters and really brought them to life. Length was 13 hours 16 minutes narrator Kate Handford
#joycestewartbookreviews
#KateHewitt
#bookstagram
#bookreviewblogger
#bookrecommendations
#Bookouture
#audiobook
#Audible
#KateHandford
BY Kate Hewitt
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
342 pages
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication date: October 19, 2020
Audio book narrator : Kate Handford
Description:
Mother-of-two, Ally has always dreamed of fostering—it feels like her chance to give back when she has been so lucky in life. And when seven-year-old Dylan joins her family in their big suburban home, Ally is overwhelmed by love. But Dylan doesn’t speak and Ally isn’t prepared for the impact he has on her family. Each day has its struggles, but she would never give up on the child now in her care. Dylan’s mother, Beth, can’t forgive herself for losing her son. He’s her world and she’ll do whatever it takes to get him back. Everything is different now, and he belongs with her. With his whole life at stake, which mother can truly give Dylan the love, security, and home he deserves? Which mother can help him find his voice? Beth and Ally sit on opposite sides. Two mothers, both desperate to do what is best for Dylan, but neither able to imagine their lives without him…
💔 ⭐MY REVIEW 💔 ⭐
When You Were Mine, by Kate Hewitt, is such a powerful yet heartbreaking story. Told from Beth ( the mother ) and Ally ( the foster mother ) each with their own chapters, the thoughts, feelings and individual aspects of each persons life shines through via their own words. To Beth Ally had the perfect life. Beth all alone in the world struggling to make it week to week all while raising a special needs child. Ally lived in a big fancy house , fancy cars , perfect husband and perfect older kids . Little did Beth know Ally's perfect life is about to unravel bit by bit . Being the mother of a special needs child i connected with Beth more than Ally. It is so hard being the parent of a special needs child. Not only is it hard to get the help a child needs it's also hard to deal with people who don't understand.
I have been both Woman though ( a foster mom ) and the mom who has had her children taken over a lie . It is scarry how much power dss has . I do want to say that is one thing that was wrong through the whole book. Dss does not work like this. Had the author done more research on how dss actually works this would have been a 5 ⭐ read. I don't normally read books that involve dss or dfs because it is something i just can't cope with.
The characters were all well developed. Some I hated others I loved. I felt so connected to some of them like I knew them personally. By the end of the book my mind changed somewhat about Ally. This book took me on one heck of an emotional roller coaster. I smiled ,got mad, and cried. Boy did i cry and get mad . I highly recommend reading this story with a box of tissues nearby. I loved how the author reminds us that life doesn’t always work out how we planned and that's okay.
It also just goes to show no one's life is perfect . If you want to find out which mother ends up with Dylan then you will just have to read it to find out.
✳✴❇✳✴❇✳✴✳❇✴
I listened to this audio book through Audible. This was my first time listening to this narrator. She did a great job and I was captivated the entire time. The narrator’s voice was a good fit of the main characters and really brought them to life. Length was 13 hours 16 minutes narrator Kate Handford
#joycestewartbookreviews
#KateHewitt
#bookstagram
#bookreviewblogger
#bookrecommendations
#Bookouture
#audiobook
#Audible
#KateHandford
October 20, 2020
Kate Hewitt always seems to find the biggest fears of being a mother and finds a way to write about them in a way that, on one hand, will tear your heart out, and, on the other, give it back to you full of love. Hewitt does it well and she has long been a must-read author for me. WHEN YOU WERE MINE is Kate Hewitt’s newest heart-wrenching and emotional novel.
When Dylan was born, he became Beth’s world. With no family to help her, everything she has done has revolved around him and his behavioral issues. An unfortunate incident puts her back on the radar of child services, the unthinkable happens when Dylan is removed from Beth’s care and placed in a foster home. Beth is devastated, especially when she’s told that some Dylan’s issues may be caused by her. Beth decides to she will do whatever it takes to get Dylan back, right away. Ally’s kids are grown and don’t really need her anymore, so she and her husband decide to become foster parents. Ally feels it’s a way she can make a difference, there are so many kids out there that need help… besides, she did a pretty good job with her own kids, right? Dylan is a challenge, initially, but soon integrates into her family, ultimately shining a light on what her own family is missing. When it comes down to it, which home is the best for Dylan?
I felt so much for Beth. I can’t imagine a stranger telling me that I might be causing my son’s issues and that I am, essentially, a bad mom. I admire her will to fight and, then, do what it takes to make not only Dylan’s life better, but her own, including going back to her past and reconciling how it has affected her present. My heart also broke for Ally, when she realizes that what looks perfect, isn’t always so. It has to be hard, too, to let a stranger into your heart, knowing that you may never see them again.
This novel was family, heart, and love. Hewitt’s development of the story and its characters is so well done that you realize that these characters could easily be anyone you know. I love the way she makes a story flow pulling you in and wrapping around you as you feel and experience the story with the characters, as she alternates between Beth and Ally’s viewpoints.
Grab your box of tissues, all your comfort items, and find a cozy spot so you can get lost in this novel and the emotions it evokes.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
#whenyouweremine #katehewitt #bookouture
When Dylan was born, he became Beth’s world. With no family to help her, everything she has done has revolved around him and his behavioral issues. An unfortunate incident puts her back on the radar of child services, the unthinkable happens when Dylan is removed from Beth’s care and placed in a foster home. Beth is devastated, especially when she’s told that some Dylan’s issues may be caused by her. Beth decides to she will do whatever it takes to get Dylan back, right away. Ally’s kids are grown and don’t really need her anymore, so she and her husband decide to become foster parents. Ally feels it’s a way she can make a difference, there are so many kids out there that need help… besides, she did a pretty good job with her own kids, right? Dylan is a challenge, initially, but soon integrates into her family, ultimately shining a light on what her own family is missing. When it comes down to it, which home is the best for Dylan?
I felt so much for Beth. I can’t imagine a stranger telling me that I might be causing my son’s issues and that I am, essentially, a bad mom. I admire her will to fight and, then, do what it takes to make not only Dylan’s life better, but her own, including going back to her past and reconciling how it has affected her present. My heart also broke for Ally, when she realizes that what looks perfect, isn’t always so. It has to be hard, too, to let a stranger into your heart, knowing that you may never see them again.
This novel was family, heart, and love. Hewitt’s development of the story and its characters is so well done that you realize that these characters could easily be anyone you know. I love the way she makes a story flow pulling you in and wrapping around you as you feel and experience the story with the characters, as she alternates between Beth and Ally’s viewpoints.
Grab your box of tissues, all your comfort items, and find a cozy spot so you can get lost in this novel and the emotions it evokes.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
#whenyouweremine #katehewitt #bookouture
September 19, 2020
Finally, an author who understand what it’s like to be a mother! When You Were Mine, by Kate Hewitt, is such a beautiful and accurate portrayal of the unanswerable questions mothers have and a testimony to the sacrifices mothers make to do what they feel is best for their child. How do you know if you’re doing what’s best when so many choices have to be based on instinct? Is it even possible to love your child too much? Is it possible to sacrifice too much of yourself when it comes to loving and raising your child? Isn’t that part of what motherhood is all about?
Kate Hewitt does a brilliant job portraying the best and hardest moments of being a mother. When You Were Mine, by Kate Hewitt is sure to touch your heart, make you reach for Kleenex, and bring you insurmountable joy as you stumble along the way with Beth and Ally to find the answers to the hardest questions mothers face. When You Were Mine, by Kate Hewitt, IS the perfect guide to motherhood and raising children! Kate Hewitt’s undeniably truthful account of two mothers, the struggles they face, the depth of theIr love,, and the blessings and successes they find along the way will resonate within your soul long after you finish reading it.
Beth is a single mother, and has done her best to raise Dylan on her own without the support of family members or friends. Dylan has never been an easy child. Since Beth doesn’t have a good relationship with her father, her mother ran out on her when she was a teenager, and Dylan’s father left when Dylan was young, she’s left to fend for herself. She’s isolated herself from the world because it’s the only way she can manage her and her son’s lives. Dylan is prone to outbursts and screaming tantrums, has always shown high levels of anxiety, and is selectively mute, so she does the best she can to provide for him and meet his needs. Not knowing any other way to help him, she has built her life around his specific needs. She knows that showing him unwavering love is crucial to raising a happy and healthy child, so she has always done the best she can. It’s not that easy though, and it never has been. Despite her best efforts, and the facade she has created of a happy home life, the walls she so carefully constructed around their lives begin to crumble.
Although the Department of Children and Families is built on the foundation of trying to do what’s best for children, Beth is sure they’ve made a mistake when they remove Dylan from her home and place him in foster care. Once in the system, always in the system, so Beth has always gone out of her way to give them answers to placate and satisfy them. Since the calls about her and Dylan have always seemed to be exaggerated, in her heart she knows that she really is doing what’s best for Dylan. Sure, her parenting methods may seem over the top, but she would never dream of hurting him and has always raised him with undeniable love. How could the Department of Children and Families possibly think she’s done wrong by loving him too much? That’s most certainly not abusive so their intrusion into their lives must be a warped mistake. When Dylan is placed into foster care with the seemingly picture perfect family, Beth is left feeling lost, alone, confused, and terrified for Dylan’s well being because it’s impossible for this strange new family to understand his unique needs.
Ally has always felt secure in the decisions she’s made with her husband when it coms to raising her children. Although there’s no such thing as the perfect family or perfect parents, the home life Ally’s created and the happiness and success of her children are a testament to her being a good mother. With a daughter at Harvard and a teenage son who is largely recognized for his accomplishments, Ally decides that it’s time to help others in need as a way of sharing their good fortune and paying it forward. She know’s it’s a delicate topic with her husband because of his upbringing, but when he agrees with her about being a foster parent for Dylan, they know they’re doing the right thing. However skeptical they initially may be since Dylan is the first foster child they have ever welcomed into their home, Ally is determined to make a difference in his live. Neither of them are prepared for his entrance into their lives though, and his unwillingness to talk makes things harder than either of them has imagined. When Beth shows up at their home for her first hour of visitation, neither of them can understand why the Department of Children and Families even took him away from her to begin with. Sure, his behaviors are eccentric and his clothes not quite ideal, but that’s hardly an indicator of an unstable or unsafe home for a child. It’s obvious how much they love one another, and Dylan has never shown any signs of having been abused.
Throughout the course of Beth doing everything she can to meet the criteria set forth by the Department for reunification, she has several profound revelations and is also faced with some painful truths. When she discovers that Ally’s family isn’t as perfect as they seemed though, she questions whether Dylan’s care should be left to them. They can’t possible give him the love and care that she did. What she didn’t count on though was the strength of the bond Ally and Dylan would develop with one another though. After learning devastating news about Ally’s family, both mothers are faced with insecurities neither of them even realized they had or thought possible. Even greater a surprise, both mothers tentatively form an unspoken bond and gradual friendship. Unfortunately Dylan seems to benefit more and more from the love and care he receives from Ally and her husband, and starts to withdraw from Beth. The pain of his withdrawal and her inability to understand Dylan the way she used to be able to makes her question if Dylan really is better off with them.
The trials and triumphs both mothers from extraordinary different backgrounds are faced with will leave you questioning everything you’ve ever known when it comes to the bond between a mother and her child and the strength of love between one another. Is it possible to love a child too much? How do you cope when the bond you once felt with your child feels like it’s fading? What is really best for your child when there are two mothers who love him so fiercely that they are both willing to do whatever it takes at all costs to do what’s best for him? What is really best for him? Is it possible that the Department of Children and Families made a mistake when they took Dylan away from Beth? How much power does the court system have when it comes to determining what’s best for a child, and how can they even determine that when their scope of information is so limited?
Thank you Kate Hewitt, Bookouture, and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of reading When You Were Mine. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinions. When You Were Mine, by Kate Hewitt, is sure to be one of those books that you never forget! As soon as I finished When You Were Mine, I immediately rushed to purchase more books by Kate Hewitt!
Kate Hewitt does a brilliant job portraying the best and hardest moments of being a mother. When You Were Mine, by Kate Hewitt is sure to touch your heart, make you reach for Kleenex, and bring you insurmountable joy as you stumble along the way with Beth and Ally to find the answers to the hardest questions mothers face. When You Were Mine, by Kate Hewitt, IS the perfect guide to motherhood and raising children! Kate Hewitt’s undeniably truthful account of two mothers, the struggles they face, the depth of theIr love,, and the blessings and successes they find along the way will resonate within your soul long after you finish reading it.
Beth is a single mother, and has done her best to raise Dylan on her own without the support of family members or friends. Dylan has never been an easy child. Since Beth doesn’t have a good relationship with her father, her mother ran out on her when she was a teenager, and Dylan’s father left when Dylan was young, she’s left to fend for herself. She’s isolated herself from the world because it’s the only way she can manage her and her son’s lives. Dylan is prone to outbursts and screaming tantrums, has always shown high levels of anxiety, and is selectively mute, so she does the best she can to provide for him and meet his needs. Not knowing any other way to help him, she has built her life around his specific needs. She knows that showing him unwavering love is crucial to raising a happy and healthy child, so she has always done the best she can. It’s not that easy though, and it never has been. Despite her best efforts, and the facade she has created of a happy home life, the walls she so carefully constructed around their lives begin to crumble.
Although the Department of Children and Families is built on the foundation of trying to do what’s best for children, Beth is sure they’ve made a mistake when they remove Dylan from her home and place him in foster care. Once in the system, always in the system, so Beth has always gone out of her way to give them answers to placate and satisfy them. Since the calls about her and Dylan have always seemed to be exaggerated, in her heart she knows that she really is doing what’s best for Dylan. Sure, her parenting methods may seem over the top, but she would never dream of hurting him and has always raised him with undeniable love. How could the Department of Children and Families possibly think she’s done wrong by loving him too much? That’s most certainly not abusive so their intrusion into their lives must be a warped mistake. When Dylan is placed into foster care with the seemingly picture perfect family, Beth is left feeling lost, alone, confused, and terrified for Dylan’s well being because it’s impossible for this strange new family to understand his unique needs.
Ally has always felt secure in the decisions she’s made with her husband when it coms to raising her children. Although there’s no such thing as the perfect family or perfect parents, the home life Ally’s created and the happiness and success of her children are a testament to her being a good mother. With a daughter at Harvard and a teenage son who is largely recognized for his accomplishments, Ally decides that it’s time to help others in need as a way of sharing their good fortune and paying it forward. She know’s it’s a delicate topic with her husband because of his upbringing, but when he agrees with her about being a foster parent for Dylan, they know they’re doing the right thing. However skeptical they initially may be since Dylan is the first foster child they have ever welcomed into their home, Ally is determined to make a difference in his live. Neither of them are prepared for his entrance into their lives though, and his unwillingness to talk makes things harder than either of them has imagined. When Beth shows up at their home for her first hour of visitation, neither of them can understand why the Department of Children and Families even took him away from her to begin with. Sure, his behaviors are eccentric and his clothes not quite ideal, but that’s hardly an indicator of an unstable or unsafe home for a child. It’s obvious how much they love one another, and Dylan has never shown any signs of having been abused.
Throughout the course of Beth doing everything she can to meet the criteria set forth by the Department for reunification, she has several profound revelations and is also faced with some painful truths. When she discovers that Ally’s family isn’t as perfect as they seemed though, she questions whether Dylan’s care should be left to them. They can’t possible give him the love and care that she did. What she didn’t count on though was the strength of the bond Ally and Dylan would develop with one another though. After learning devastating news about Ally’s family, both mothers are faced with insecurities neither of them even realized they had or thought possible. Even greater a surprise, both mothers tentatively form an unspoken bond and gradual friendship. Unfortunately Dylan seems to benefit more and more from the love and care he receives from Ally and her husband, and starts to withdraw from Beth. The pain of his withdrawal and her inability to understand Dylan the way she used to be able to makes her question if Dylan really is better off with them.
The trials and triumphs both mothers from extraordinary different backgrounds are faced with will leave you questioning everything you’ve ever known when it comes to the bond between a mother and her child and the strength of love between one another. Is it possible to love a child too much? How do you cope when the bond you once felt with your child feels like it’s fading? What is really best for your child when there are two mothers who love him so fiercely that they are both willing to do whatever it takes at all costs to do what’s best for him? What is really best for him? Is it possible that the Department of Children and Families made a mistake when they took Dylan away from Beth? How much power does the court system have when it comes to determining what’s best for a child, and how can they even determine that when their scope of information is so limited?
Thank you Kate Hewitt, Bookouture, and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of reading When You Were Mine. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinions. When You Were Mine, by Kate Hewitt, is sure to be one of those books that you never forget! As soon as I finished When You Were Mine, I immediately rushed to purchase more books by Kate Hewitt!
October 16, 2020
When You Were Mine by Kate Hewitt. Hewitt has managed to write both a heart-breaking and heart-warming novel at the same time. Beth has a seven-year-old son, Dylan, who is odd. He is not autistic but exhibits many of the same symptoms. He has such high anxiety that even grapes scare him. He is known to simply start screeching and keep it up for an hour. Beth is tired and at her wits' end but when the Department of Children and Families intervenes it means Dylan is sent to a foster home...all over a package of Twizzlers. Thus begins Beth's journey. The first day is a nightmare and then, with a friend's help, she figures out how to fight back. A higher force intervenes and she is late to court, losing Dylan for at least three months. She reluctantly starts parenting classes and starts counseling, seeing Dylan only occasionally. Ally and Nick are his foster parents, a seemingly perfect family. As Dylan gets better, their family unravels. It is an amazing look inside two families.
Getting involved with the DFC is always a life-changing occurrence. The paperwork, the rules, the unmitigated power they have is astounding. Misused it creates havoc. Many of the caseworkers are doing their best, but they are so overworked. This is a beautifully written story that assigns no blame but pretty much tells it as it is. Parenting is not easy, and despite a parent's best efforts, things happen. A parent's past intrudes on the raising of her/his children and there is nothing that can be done. Stories of families are always difficult to write and to read, but his was especially. So fraught with drama and nostalgia. Love, always a difficult topic was death with generously and fairly. I cannot give When You Were Mine a high enough recommendation.
I was invited to read a free ARC of When You Were Mine by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #whenyouweremine
Getting involved with the DFC is always a life-changing occurrence. The paperwork, the rules, the unmitigated power they have is astounding. Misused it creates havoc. Many of the caseworkers are doing their best, but they are so overworked. This is a beautifully written story that assigns no blame but pretty much tells it as it is. Parenting is not easy, and despite a parent's best efforts, things happen. A parent's past intrudes on the raising of her/his children and there is nothing that can be done. Stories of families are always difficult to write and to read, but his was especially. So fraught with drama and nostalgia. Love, always a difficult topic was death with generously and fairly. I cannot give When You Were Mine a high enough recommendation.
I was invited to read a free ARC of When You Were Mine by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #whenyouweremine
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