Book Review: Safe with Me

By Amy Bromberg

The screech of tires brought Hannah Scott’s world as she knew it to a devastating end. A year after she signed the papers to donate her daughter’s organs, Hannah is still reeling with grief when she unexpectedly stumbles into the life of the Bell family, whose fifteen-year-old daughter, Maddie, survived only because Hannah’s daughter had died. Mesmerized by this fragile connection to her own daughter and afraid to reveal who she actually is, Hannah develops a surprising friendship with Maddie’s mother, Olivia.

The Bells, however, have problems of their own. Once on the verge of leaving her wealthy but abusive husband, Olivia now finds herself bound to him in the wake of the transplant that saved their daughter’s life. Meanwhile, Maddie, tired of the limits her poor health puts upon her and fearful of her father’s increasing rage, regularly escapes into the one place where she can be anyone she wants: the Internet. But when she is finally healthy enough to return to school, the real world proves to be just as complicated as the isolated bubble she had been so eager to escape. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I can’t say enough positive and glowing things about how much I heart Amy Hatvany and her novels. Ever since I read her debut, Best Kept Secret, I’ve been hooked. Every time I finish one of Amy’s books, I can’t wait to get my hands on her next one. You can say in between her novels I go through “Amy Hatvany withdrawal.” Let me tell you, it’s not fun.

Right from the get go, I was transported into the lives of Hannah, Olivia and Maddie. I felt crushed after reading that Emily, Hannah’s daughter, dies, right in the beginning of the story. Even though this is a sad way to start a book off, it’s also refreshing. It makes the story more real. This is in fact one of Amy’s strengths in developing her characters. I literally felt Hannah’s grief and intense sorrow when she had to decide if she would donate Emily’s organs. I can’t imagine a parent having to go through this.

I was livid while reading the abuse that Olivia endured from her husband. I wanted to jump into the pages and strangle him. I can’t imagine having to endure this type of pain and misery. For a fifteen year old girl, who was sick most of her life, Maddie has courage, strength and guts. Yes, she is scared at times, but with the life she’s lived so far, anyone would be scared. She is the driving force for the Hannah’s and Olivia’s friendship.

Safe With Me is a story that will tug at your heart way after you put it down. You’ll want to read this while cuddling up in front of the fire in your favorite chair or couch with some hot chocolate. Oh, and don’t forget some tissues. The emotions you will experience are overwhelming.

Thanks to Goldberg McDuffie for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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