Take It from Me: A Novel

Written by Jamie Beck

Narrated by Ann Richardson and Angela Dawe

A humorous and heartwarming novel about friendship and all its little secrets by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jamie Beck.

Wendy Moore hides her collection of pilfered bric-a-brac from everyone, including her husband. He thinks she licked her kleptomania in therapy more than a decade ago. Therapy did help, as did focusing her attention on motherhood. But now Wendy’s gardening and furniture-refinishing hobbies fill up only so much of the day, leaving the recent empty nester lonely and anxious—a combination likely to trigger her little problem. She needs a project, fast. Luckily, Harper Ross—a single, childless younger woman in desperate need of highlights—just moved in next door.

The only thing Harper wants to change is the writer’s block toppling her confidence and career. Then a muse comes knocking. Sensing fodder for a new antagonist, Harper plays along with Wendy’s “helpful” advice while keeping her career a secret so Wendy keeps talking. Sure, she’s torn about profiting off her neighbor’s goodwill—especially when Wendy’s matchmaking actually pans out—but Harper’s novel is practically writing itself.

Just as a real friendship begins to cement, their deceptions come to light, threatening Wendy’s and Harper’s futures and forcing them to reconcile who they are with who they want to be. Easier said than done.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Sep 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781713656364

Jamie Beck

Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Jamie Beck’s realistic and heartwarming stories have sold more than two million copies. She is a two-time Booksellers’ Best Award finalist and a National Readers’ Choice Award winner, and critics at Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist have respectively called her work “smart,” “uplifting,” and “entertaining.” In addition to writing novels, she enjoys dancing around the kitchen while cooking and hitting the slopes in Vermont and Utah. Above all, she is a grateful wife and mother to a very patient, supportive family. Fans can learn more about her at www.jamiebeck.com, which includes a fun extras page with photos, videos, and playlists. She also loves interacting with everyone on Facebook at facebook.com/JamieBeckBooks.

Reviews for Take It from Me

[gingersnap000 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Surprisingly good book. Two women from different backgrounds and ages change each others 's life. Unfortunately the lies or hidden secrets put a wedge in the friendship.

[lorikboyd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Two women, two secrets. Wendy is dealing with empty nest syndrome, which brings other issues to a forefront. Harper, a millennial writer, is dealing with issues of her own. Harper moves next door to Wendy and an unlikely friendship forms. Ms. Beck did a wonderful job on character development. As annoying as I found Wendy at times, I could relate to her trying to find her way as she faces her son leaving for college. Not to mention, the changing dynamics of her and her husband. Behavior that she has hidden for so long, start reeling it’s ugly head. Harper thinks she has everything figured out and needs no one, until she learns to face her fear head on. Neighbors becoming unlikely friends, but definitely not without major growing pains. Different storyline that will keep you reading. Easy read, flows well. This book will tug at your heartstrings, and make you smile. Loved the friendship that developed between Wendy and Harper.Thanks to Ms. Beck, Montlake Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.