Take It from Me

Take It from Me

  • Downloads:2730
  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2022-09-23 11:21:40
  • Update Date:2025-09-07
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Jamie Beck
  • ISBN:1713656353
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

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。

Download

Reviews

Elizabeth

"Take It From Me" brings a story about an unlikely friendship between the main characters, Wendy and Harper。 They both navigate their worlds at a crossroads, while keeping their individual secrets at bay。 I found both women to be likeable, but really enjoyed Harper's story throughout the book。 There were many takeaways from this story as both Wendy and Harper came alive on the page, as if I was right there walking alongside them。 Each brought a dynamic to the story that is realistic! Jamie Beck "Take It From Me" brings a story about an unlikely friendship between the main characters, Wendy and Harper。 They both navigate their worlds at a crossroads, while keeping their individual secrets at bay。 I found both women to be likeable, but really enjoyed Harper's story throughout the book。 There were many takeaways from this story as both Wendy and Harper came alive on the page, as if I was right there walking alongside them。 Each brought a dynamic to the story that is realistic! Jamie Beck had a captivating way with words that pulled me in from the start! Thank you Montlake and NetGalley for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own! 。。。more

Shari

Unlikely friendship that develops between neighbors。 Wendy is an empty nester and a kleptomaniac when she meets her new neighbor, Harper。 Harper is much younger, she is a published author with writer's block。 Both with secrets that may ruin their friendship。I so enjoyed this book of two opposites but find enjoyment when they are together。 So many emotions through out this story。 Great insight on mental illness and how it affects so many people。 I highly recommend this story of true friendships。 Unlikely friendship that develops between neighbors。 Wendy is an empty nester and a kleptomaniac when she meets her new neighbor, Harper。 Harper is much younger, she is a published author with writer's block。 Both with secrets that may ruin their friendship。I so enjoyed this book of two opposites but find enjoyment when they are together。 So many emotions through out this story。 Great insight on mental illness and how it affects so many people。 I highly recommend this story of true friendships。 。。。more

ROBIN RUIZ

I am a huge fan of this author, her characters, Her stories, her writing style stays with you long after you close the last page… And this book is no different。Two different women at two different times in their lives form an unlikely friendship and the rest is pure Jamie Beck magic!

Janilyn Kocher

Initially, I was unsure about this book。 I didn’t really take to either main character。 Harper had a chip on her shoulder and was harsh。 Wendy was twitchy and desperate。 However, as I kept reading the character development was good。The novel really hit its stride when the varnish came off and the truth was let loose。 Painful, sobering, and embarrassing, both women realized, in their own ways, facing the truth is better than hiding behind the lies。Overlaying themes of being honest, asking for hel Initially, I was unsure about this book。 I didn’t really take to either main character。 Harper had a chip on her shoulder and was harsh。 Wendy was twitchy and desperate。 However, as I kept reading the character development was good。The novel really hit its stride when the varnish came off and the truth was let loose。 Painful, sobering, and embarrassing, both women realized, in their own ways, facing the truth is better than hiding behind the lies。Overlaying themes of being honest, asking for help, and finding what works for you create a good read。Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the early read。 。。。more

Diana

Take It From MeAnother great read by Jamie Beck。 A friendship is formed between two very different women with two very different personalities and agendas。 As the truth comes out can their newly formed friendship survive the truth & lies & betrayal? I laughed and cried and enjoyed seeing the two weather the storm。 Wendy dealing with the fall out of her kleptomania and Harper hiding her career as a writer getting the scoop on small town living。 True friendship can survive and change in the blink Take It From MeAnother great read by Jamie Beck。 A friendship is formed between two very different women with two very different personalities and agendas。 As the truth comes out can their newly formed friendship survive the truth & lies & betrayal? I laughed and cried and enjoyed seeing the two weather the storm。 Wendy dealing with the fall out of her kleptomania and Harper hiding her career as a writer getting the scoop on small town living。 True friendship can survive and change in the blink of an eye。 A fun read and highly recommend it。 。。。more

Paula

Take It from Me, a book about women’s friendship by Jamie Beck。 This is the kind of friendship that forms from being in close proximity to another。 In other words, neighbors。 I am not sure that Wendy and Harper would have ever been friends if Harper had not moved nearby。 Harper came across strong in her views so it was Wendy I could relate to more。 Not because of her kleptomania but because of her being an empty nester。 I may not have sent as many care packages as her but I wanted to do so。Secre Take It from Me, a book about women’s friendship by Jamie Beck。 This is the kind of friendship that forms from being in close proximity to another。 In other words, neighbors。 I am not sure that Wendy and Harper would have ever been friends if Harper had not moved nearby。 Harper came across strong in her views so it was Wendy I could relate to more。 Not because of her kleptomania but because of her being an empty nester。 I may not have sent as many care packages as her but I wanted to do so。Secrets come out and the friendship is in danger with is always a concern among women, getting too close has the ability to cause judgement or resentment。 The author hit the Nail on the head with this book。 Perhaps our flaws are very different from Harper’s and Wendy’s but we fear letting others know them just the same。 This book gives hope to us all。An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed。 All thoughts and opinions are my own。 。。。more

Robin

This turned out to be a good read。 I say that because for some reason I had trouble connecting with the two main characters。 I just wanted to yell at them。 That said despite that, overall I did enjoy the book。 Thank you Jamie Beck for including me in your street team。 Looking forward to all your future books。

Kay Bratt

Digging into Jamie Beck's new one! Digging into Jamie Beck's new one! 。。。more

Lori R

This book seemed so different from other books the author has written。  I liked that the two main characters were so different from each other but became friends because they were neighbors。  I also liked that the book delved into an aspect of mental illness that I never really thought about and it was interesting to see how that affected the character and the story。I really enjoyed Wendy and Harper and how their characters grew from their mistakes。  It was interesting that Harper was a writer s This book seemed so different from other books the author has written。  I liked that the two main characters were so different from each other but became friends because they were neighbors。  I also liked that the book delved into an aspect of mental illness that I never really thought about and it was interesting to see how that affected the character and the story。I really enjoyed Wendy and Harper and how their characters grew from their mistakes。  It was interesting that Harper was a writer struggling to write her next book。  She learned so much about herself from being neighbors with Wendy。I also liked that there were many themes in the book to make the reader ponder about their own life and what they would do in that circumstance。  Family and forgiveness were important too。  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review。 。。。more

Jan farnworth

Take it from me is a timely novel about situations relatable in today's world—Upheaval in a job, empty nest syndrome, mental illness, and making friends as an adult。 I found Wendy relatable as my child, though not off to college yet, will be heading there soon; I don't struggle with mental illness but did have issues with my mom that made talking to her complex。 The author's character Harper was my favorite as we got a peek into a writer's process and found the parts where she talked about her w Take it from me is a timely novel about situations relatable in today's world—Upheaval in a job, empty nest syndrome, mental illness, and making friends as an adult。 I found Wendy relatable as my child, though not off to college yet, will be heading there soon; I don't struggle with mental illness but did have issues with my mom that made talking to her complex。 The author's character Harper was my favorite as we got a peek into a writer's process and found the parts where she talked about her writing process that made the novel unique。 The struggles of wendy in her marriage, not just from the mental illness but from transitioning to being an empty nester who is not quite sure what to do with herself, are relatable to many mothers。 Women's fiction is not my usual cup of tea, but it was a great story, and I am glad I gave it a chance。 。。。more

Terrie Robinson

"Take It from Me" by Jamie Beck is a Contemporary Fiction story!Two women with very different lifestyles and perspectives about life, form an unlikely friendship when Harper moves into Wendy's neighborhood。 Each woman is hiding a secret and both have a reason for forming a bond with the other。 Can their friendship, one that's based on deception and secrets, continue to flourish and grow?I had trouble relating to this story within the first 20% of the book。 The chapters are lengthy and I have a t "Take It from Me" by Jamie Beck is a Contemporary Fiction story!Two women with very different lifestyles and perspectives about life, form an unlikely friendship when Harper moves into Wendy's neighborhood。 Each woman is hiding a secret and both have a reason for forming a bond with the other。 Can their friendship, one that's based on deception and secrets, continue to flourish and grow?I had trouble relating to this story within the first 20% of the book。 The chapters are lengthy and I have a tendency to zone out when the chapters are long-winded。 I didn't connect with or relate to the main characters, finding both of them to be over-the-top characterizations。 The humor and the socially relevant topics were good but neither was enough to hold the story together for me。When I read a book, I look for creativity and that 'something different' in a story that I can wrap my arms around。 I want to get excited and be entertained when I read and I didn't feel any of this when reading this story。 This author has a loyal following of readers who love her writing style and storytelling。 I don't believe I'm that audience based on my experience with this book。 Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Jamie Beck for an ARC of this book。 It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review。 。。。more

Kelley Blair

Jamie’s newest bestseller can be described as a very current book about the dynamics and relationships between friends, husbands and family。 The story mainly centers around two women Wendy a conventional empty nester who struggles with a mental illness and Harper a feminist and struggling author。 Each come from different generations and hold beliefs unique to them。 Harper and Wendy seek each other out and learn valuable lessons from one another。Secrets, betrayal, preconceived notions and differi Jamie’s newest bestseller can be described as a very current book about the dynamics and relationships between friends, husbands and family。 The story mainly centers around two women Wendy a conventional empty nester who struggles with a mental illness and Harper a feminist and struggling author。 Each come from different generations and hold beliefs unique to them。 Harper and Wendy seek each other out and learn valuable lessons from one another。Secrets, betrayal, preconceived notions and differing personalities allow the reader to gain perspective on how even if we don’t see eye to eye we can still develop a friendship and open one another’s eyes to viewpoints and lifestyles that don’t mimic ours。 In addition the way the storyline is woven in navigating their different perspectives of life they begin to see the faults each brought to their friendship。 Can it be repairable? Marital relationships are tested as well。 The patriarchy, gender inequity as well as unfair assumptions placed on women is also a theme throughout。 The growth of these women by books end and how they will navigate stigma’s lends for a present day read。 Add in betrayals and secrets and you’ve got a great story。 The ending left me feeling satisfied。 A great story with strong female characters。 Thank you Jamie。 。。。more

H Paige

Loved this one! RTC。

Wendy Krautheim

Wendy is adjusting to her son going to college, her best friend moving away and a decades-old kleptomania diagnosis that she hasn’t quite kicked。 Harper is a single, thirty-something author struggling to write her next book when she moves in next to Wendy for some suburban-living writing inspiration。The book alternates between both characters and really delves into their backstories and feelings。 They were both relatable to me and I enjoyed each woman even though they were so different。 I also l Wendy is adjusting to her son going to college, her best friend moving away and a decades-old kleptomania diagnosis that she hasn’t quite kicked。 Harper is a single, thirty-something author struggling to write her next book when she moves in next to Wendy for some suburban-living writing inspiration。The book alternates between both characters and really delves into their backstories and feelings。 They were both relatable to me and I enjoyed each woman even though they were so different。 I also loved that throughout the book different characters disagreed with each other but were able to have respectful, productive conversations with each other。 I’d love to see more of that in real life! I received an ARC of this book from a giveaway and this is my honest review。 。。。more

ladybreww

Everyone knows a woman like Wendy - uptight, more than a little obsessive compulsive, the image of perfection。 And a lot of us have a little bit of Harper inside us - sarcastic, fed up with the patriarchy, and content in a messy bun and sweats。 Take it From Me has the perfect balance of feel-good moments and serious heartfelt discourse as it swaps between dual POVs: Cue Wendy- the nosy empty nester with sticky fingers who isn’t necessarily happy in her stagnant life and marriage。 Now comes Harpe Everyone knows a woman like Wendy - uptight, more than a little obsessive compulsive, the image of perfection。 And a lot of us have a little bit of Harper inside us - sarcastic, fed up with the patriarchy, and content in a messy bun and sweats。 Take it From Me has the perfect balance of feel-good moments and serious heartfelt discourse as it swaps between dual POVs: Cue Wendy- the nosy empty nester with sticky fingers who isn’t necessarily happy in her stagnant life and marriage。 Now comes Harper, a young 30s-ish New York City author who sold her swanky Soho condo to move to the burbs for inspiration after her last novel epically failed。 Little did she know she’d find inspiration in her tight-lipped and conventional neighbor。This is a story of an unlikely friendship between two women who couldn’t be more different。 Both women learn to be honest about their deeply seeded flaws (and I mean REALLY deeply seeded) as they navigate their new relationship and challenge each other to be better。It was refreshing to read contemporary fiction about friendship between two women with less focus on romance (not to worry- the book does contain marriage, commitment, and sex)。At times I found Harper to be very bitter - she was insufferable during her first date with Nate。 However this trait was critical for the development of her character - so it ended up working for me。 The book contained several heavy topics and strong character development。 Check triggers (mental health, impulse control disorder)。Take it From Me is an 💓adorable💓 comfort read with an ending that isn’t 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦 wrapped up in a pretty pink bow。 I could easily see this adapted into a movie with Diane Keaton。 👏🏼👏🏼𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙙 to readers looking for a mix of lighthearted and cute with deeper emotional and intellectual themes。 Big thanks @booksparks and @writerjamiebeck for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 💓#books #bookreview #bookish #booktok #readersofinstagram #bookworm #cutereads #readmorebooks #bookstagram #contemporaryfiction #bookclub #ladiesbooks #bookaddict #bookaesthetic #tbr #bookaholic #coloradobookclub 。。。more

ines M

Wendy Moore's life is full of changes。 Her beloved son just left home to start college and her friend and neighbor of years decided to get a divorce and leave town She finds herself feeling some of the demons she'd battled through years suddenly arising, Harper Ross is a well known writer。 Her introduction into the publishing world had been a success。 But as her last book didn't work out as planned in stores, and the current one is not going as expected, she decided to leave NY and land herself Wendy Moore's life is full of changes。 Her beloved son just left home to start college and her friend and neighbor of years decided to get a divorce and leave town She finds herself feeling some of the demons she'd battled through years suddenly arising, Harper Ross is a well known writer。 Her introduction into the publishing world had been a success。 But as her last book didn't work out as planned in stores, and the current one is not going as expected, she decided to leave NY and land herself in a suburb comunity for a while。 Just to develop a few characters and get her job done。When Wendy decides to welcome the woman moving beside her house, trying to fill the void in her soul with some friendly gestures, and hoping for a new friendship, the interaction begins。 Emotions, actions and intrigues will punch both women in the gut。 Will they be able to survive each other? But more important: will they be able to survive themseves?Jamie Beck is a fantastic author who delivers characters absolutely well developed。 They are real, they are conflicted, but mostly, they are human。 This is not the first book I read from this author and it will not be the last。Thank You Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Jeff

They Say To 'Write What You Know'。。。 In this tale, Beck does an excellent job showing a middle aged mother struggling with empty nest syndrome (though this term is never really used in the book) and a new neighbor who is secretly a very feminist-forward progressive who also happens to be a struggling author in hiding。 Beck is, herself, a middle aged mother whose children have left the nest and an established author who changed genres just a few years ago from romance to women's fiction。 As someo They Say To 'Write What You Know'。。。 In this tale, Beck does an excellent job showing a middle aged mother struggling with empty nest syndrome (though this term is never really used in the book) and a new neighbor who is secretly a very feminist-forward progressive who also happens to be a struggling author in hiding。 Beck is, herself, a middle aged mother whose children have left the nest and an established author who changed genres just a few years ago from romance to women's fiction。 As someone who has previously reviewed her books before and after that shift, she has proven herself to be an equally strong storyteller in either space。 Here she manages to wrap different aspects of her own (publicly discussed) life into a compelling tale that also shows some other clear real-world correlations, with other recent books from Amazon Publishing - including at least The Magic Of Found Objects by Maddie Dawson and Other People's Things by Kerry Anne King - also spinning their own tales around the common theme of 'humanizing' kleptomania。 Beck weaves her own tale here and shows both common aspects (shame, fear of being misunderstood, etc) across the other books as well as her own distinct aspects (how it can impact a long term marriage, young adult children, etc) and again, shows her own skill as a storyteller in the process。 As a long time reader of both Beck and Amazon Publishing in general, this was thus quite intriguing in many ways - though even someone who doesn't have that experience will find a well written, compelling tale here。 Truly an excellent work, and an solid representation of Beck's style for any readers who may be new to her work。 Very much recommended。*Note: To be clear, I am not claiming that *every* aspect of these characters is inspired by the author's real life。 Only that the broadest outlines - middle aged mother whose kids have left home and an author who has direct insight into the "real world" of publishing - echo what Beck has herself publicly discussed being。 。。。more

Eileen

Take It from Me, by Jamie Beck, deals with two women who are both struggling。 Wendy Moore was a helicopter mother who is trying to keep her life together as she struggles with an empty nest and a mental illness issue; triggered by stress。 Harper Ross is a struggling author, suffering writer's block and recovering from a professional and personal blow。 She recently moved to town hoping to find inspiration for her next book。 She befriends Wendy to gather information for the main character of her b Take It from Me, by Jamie Beck, deals with two women who are both struggling。 Wendy Moore was a helicopter mother who is trying to keep her life together as she struggles with an empty nest and a mental illness issue; triggered by stress。 Harper Ross is a struggling author, suffering writer's block and recovering from a professional and personal blow。 She recently moved to town hoping to find inspiration for her next book。 She befriends Wendy to gather information for the main character of her book。 As Wendy and Harper's friendship grows they find it more and more difficult to hide their secrets。 Friendships built on lies seldom last and when the women's secrets are revealed, they can only evaluate the broken pieces and try to appreciate what they learned as they try to move on。Ms Beck has created two fantastic characters in Wendy and Harper, and also, with it, she has touched upon mental health and work-related dilemmas in an extremely sensitive way。 This story provides lessons in how friendship, family, love and forgiveness are valuable gifts to be given to others。 I highly recommend Take It from Me to other readers。I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book。 。。。more

Jennifer

Recommended: yepFor a book about a person writing a book, for some free therapy, for two characters who blend beautifully well, for a nuanced look at mental illness (Specifically one that's usually played for laughs, dismissed, feared, etc)Thoughts:If you read the blurb for this and worried that the character with kleptomania would be the all-too-common rep of a quirky mental illness that gets her into awkward shoplifting situations, etc: you are happily incorrect in that fear。 I feel like it's Recommended: yepFor a book about a person writing a book, for some free therapy, for two characters who blend beautifully well, for a nuanced look at mental illness (Specifically one that's usually played for laughs, dismissed, feared, etc)Thoughts:If you read the blurb for this and worried that the character with kleptomania would be the all-too-common rep of a quirky mental illness that gets her into awkward shoplifting situations, etc: you are happily incorrect in that fear。 I feel like it's important to start with this, because the book itself even acknowledges how often that's done in books, movies, and other media。 The author in the book learns a lesson about it, and that allows readers to as well (if they need to)。 I really appreciated that it felt like a truly nuanced look at how it affects people who have it as well as those they love and are around them。 Now, if you looked at the blurb and thought that the contrast in personality of the two main characters was going to be delightful -- as I did -- you are happily correct this time! Wendy and Harper are fairly far apart in age, but are especially far apart in their lifestyles。 Of course they manage to find some common ground and revel in their often opposing viewpoints, and doesn't that just make for the best friendship? I adored their interactions, and especially how much they each learned about themselves by opening up to the other honestly。The story alternates pretty evenly between Harper and Wendy for the narrative perspective, which I enjoyed because I could see how each of them felt about their interactions。 They each had so much personal reflection going on that I felt like I was getting therapy second hand from hearing how they came to understand their own conflicts and seeing what resonated with me personally as well。There's romance as an element to this story, but it's definitely not the focus。 It's shown more as a piece of their lives that helps them understand the rest。 And of course there's Harper trying to write her book, so this had a strange meta feeling at times where she would discuss writing about her characters, who were based on Wendy and Harper -- our characters -- and it was a surreal roundabout where our book characters were analyzing themselves as characters。 😅Overall I enjoyed this story and got a lot of feelings from reading it。 It also read easily because I was invested from early on in both of them。Thank you to Sparkpoint Studio for a free advanced copy。 This is my honest review! 。。。more

Michelle Smith

I struggled with this one。 I found it difficult to like or relate to any of the characters and I didn’t connect with the story at all。 I just wasn’t the right reader for this title。 eARC kindly provided by Montlake and NetGalley。 Opinions shared are my own。

Anne

This is a new to me author and I enjoyed their writing style! The storyline captured my attention immediately and I loved this one!

Lori Boyd

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 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。 。。。more

Terri

This is about two women who are both struggling。 Gwen is a helicopter mother now struggling with an empty nest and a mental illness issue That's been triggered again by the stress。 Harper, Gwen's new neighbor, is an author looking for inspiration among suburbia after a second book that bombed。 The well put together Gwen and the sometimes slovenly Harper may seem like an unlikely match for friendship, but they sense something in each other that bridges the differences and fills an emptiness in ea This is about two women who are both struggling。 Gwen is a helicopter mother now struggling with an empty nest and a mental illness issue That's been triggered again by the stress。 Harper, Gwen's new neighbor, is an author looking for inspiration among suburbia after a second book that bombed。 The well put together Gwen and the sometimes slovenly Harper may seem like an unlikely match for friendship, but they sense something in each other that bridges the differences and fills an emptiness in each。Friendships built on lies never last and when the women's secrets are outed, all they can do is evaluate the broken pieces and try to appreciate what they learned as they try to move on。This book had a bit of a slow start, but the lessons in friendship, family, love and forgiveness are valuable gifts given to the reader。 Don't give up on it。 It's so rewarding in the end。 I was given a complimentary copy of this book。 All thoughts are my own 。。。more

Beverly

TAKE IT FROM ME is an engaging novel about two women, Wendy and Harper, who are as different as night and day, becoming friends even though they secretly keep from each other valuable personal information。 Each woman, in her own way, positively influences the other in immeasurable ways。While growth and change is experienced by each woman, those pesky secrets eventually become exposed and the hurt, betrayal and dishonesty must be confronted。While reading this book I experienced a wide range of em TAKE IT FROM ME is an engaging novel about two women, Wendy and Harper, who are as different as night and day, becoming friends even though they secretly keep from each other valuable personal information。 Each woman, in her own way, positively influences the other in immeasurable ways。While growth and change is experienced by each woman, those pesky secrets eventually become exposed and the hurt, betrayal and dishonesty must be confronted。While reading this book I experienced a wide range of emotions: surprise, shock, anger, disbelief, sorrow, happiness, sadness, love, annoyance, disappointment, delight。 A book which evokes a multitude of emotions is sure to be a memorable read。 Jamie Beck has worked her magic and TAKE IT FROM ME has touched both my heart and my soul。 The importance of friendships and the ties which bind is explored with grace and care throughout this book as, too, is the stigma of mental illness。 This same grace and care is employed to show that a marriage, gone stale, can be invigorated when two people again learn to compromise, forgive and take responsibility for one's missteps。TAKE IT FROM ME hits all the right notes and is a worthy read。 Jamie Beck's writing never disappoints and once again she has her finger on the pulse of real to life events。 Many will be able to identify with the happenings in TAKE IT FROM ME; it's enjoyable to the max! Thank you, Ms Beck! 。。。more

Michelle Pierce

I really enjoyed this story。 It had a lot of issues that are top layer but then as you start reading you find out that a lot of the characters especially Wendy and Harper have issues are more than surface level。 I felt for Wendy and Joe and how Joe thinks everything is great with Wendy especially after she had some previous issues however appearances aren’t what they seem, and Harper is also dealing with some recent upheaval in her life however she’s also dealing with some past issues with her f I really enjoyed this story。 It had a lot of issues that are top layer but then as you start reading you find out that a lot of the characters especially Wendy and Harper have issues are more than surface level。 I felt for Wendy and Joe and how Joe thinks everything is great with Wendy especially after she had some previous issues however appearances aren’t what they seem, and Harper is also dealing with some recent upheaval in her life however she’s also dealing with some past issues with her family。 I have to say throughout this story, especially when you learn more about Wendy and Harper’s pasts, that I think a lot of us see various traits of ourselves in each of the women, good and bad。 When Harper is less than honest with Wendy about what she does for a living and Wendy is less than honest with Harper when something disappears, I knew this was not going to end well。 This is definitely a great book with a lot of somewhat serious issues, and it was interesting when Joe called Wendy out on something and then in a way made it so that someone would find out and she’d be held accountable and unfortunately that exact scenario happened。 In that moment with Wendy and the group of her friends, I so wanted to be there to support her because that would be anyone’s worst nightmare and that event changed everything for Harper and Wendy especially when Wendy find’s out Harper’s secret as well。 I think a lot of us are hiding something。 Some things may be small and embarrassing, and others may be big and life changing, and I think we can all relate。 I appreciated the way this story progressed for both Wendy and Harper and the epilogue was exactly what I was hoping for and seeing the growth in both women, was heartwarming。 。。。more

Jenessa

Take it from Me focuses a dual story on two women— Wendy and Harper。 Wendy is an empty nester, with her only son just away at college。 Wendy doesn’t quite know what to do with herself, since she doted on her son, and the lack of things to do and focus on allows her mental health issues to arise again。 Wendy has kleptomania, and often struggles in social settings and at stores。 Harper is a once successful writer, whose last book completely bombed。 Her confidence is shaken, and so she moves to the Take it from Me focuses a dual story on two women— Wendy and Harper。 Wendy is an empty nester, with her only son just away at college。 Wendy doesn’t quite know what to do with herself, since she doted on her son, and the lack of things to do and focus on allows her mental health issues to arise again。 Wendy has kleptomania, and often struggles in social settings and at stores。 Harper is a once successful writer, whose last book completely bombed。 Her confidence is shaken, and so she moves to the small Connecticut town to research a new book。 Harper and Wendy collide as next door neighbors, and truly hit it off。 Both ladies are hiding some secrets from the other, and that is what makes this book so special。 When all the secrets come to light, the problems are solved in such a human and real world way, that does not seem contrived or manufactured。 Overall, this book is a fabulous read that makes you feel good at the end! 。。。more

Lisa

Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of "Take It From Me" by Jamie Beck。 It is scheduled to release on September 20th, 2022。Overall, I rated this novel a 4/5 stars!The novel centers around Joe & Wendy, newer empty-nesters since their son Billy has started college。 Harper is a single woman who moves in next door。 The two women form a friendship with one another, but it is one that is based on lies。 You'll definitely want to read the novel to find out what Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of "Take It From Me" by Jamie Beck。 It is scheduled to release on September 20th, 2022。Overall, I rated this novel a 4/5 stars!The novel centers around Joe & Wendy, newer empty-nesters since their son Billy has started college。 Harper is a single woman who moves in next door。 The two women form a friendship with one another, but it is one that is based on lies。 You'll definitely want to read the novel to find out what happens! 。。。more

Elizabeth Ulrichs

Thank you to Montlake Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC: Wendy Moore is having a tough time lately。 Her husband is distant, she's a recent empty nester, and possibly worst of all she's lost her grip on her kleptomania。 Enter Harper。 Bold, brash, unconventional - Harper could be exactly what Wendy needs。 Only Harper has secrets of her own。 She's an author on the brink of possibly losing her career unless she comes up with a new idea。 She's moved to the suburbs to hopefully come across exactly Thank you to Montlake Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC: Wendy Moore is having a tough time lately。 Her husband is distant, she's a recent empty nester, and possibly worst of all she's lost her grip on her kleptomania。 Enter Harper。 Bold, brash, unconventional - Harper could be exactly what Wendy needs。 Only Harper has secrets of her own。 She's an author on the brink of possibly losing her career unless she comes up with a new idea。 She's moved to the suburbs to hopefully come across exactly that。 Will these women's secrets stay that way forever? Or will everything eventually come out in the open, as they almost always do? This was such an unexpected and beautiful study on relationships of all kinds。 Jamie Beck's writing was full of emotion in all the best ways。 It was such a well written and well thought out story, and dealing with such a touchy subject matter that could easily come off caricature-like but instead felt beyond empathetic; I ended up really taken with all aspects of it。 Wendy, who often comes across as really judgmental and a bit stuck in her ways, was still sympathetic。 Giving her an impulse control problem, while also having it be something inherited from her mother seemed risky but it was handled in such a delicate way。 Then enter Harper, who couldn't be more different than Wendy。 She's young, bold, confident and non-traditional。 The two characters played wonderfully off of each other and it was so beautiful to see them learn from each other as the story continued。 It was also really fascinating to see two characters be so different and somehow relate to both and want them both to gain the perspective to end up in a better place than they began。 This was my first book by Jamie Beck and I feel like I would absolutely be interested in trying more of her writing。 。。。more

Patty

3。5 starsThis book was different than others I've read by this author。 Not in a bad way, just different。 I'm actually a bit nervous about writing this review, because the book itself centered on an author whose book failed and got pretty bad reviews。 The character had those bad reviews running through her mind and it inhibited her writing muse。When Harper moves into a small town in Connecticut, hoping to refresh her muse and churn out the next novel, based on people she intends to meet。 New neig 3。5 starsThis book was different than others I've read by this author。 Not in a bad way, just different。 I'm actually a bit nervous about writing this review, because the book itself centered on an author whose book failed and got pretty bad reviews。 The character had those bad reviews running through her mind and it inhibited her writing muse。When Harper moves into a small town in Connecticut, hoping to refresh her muse and churn out the next novel, based on people she intends to meet。 New neighbor Wendy is very friendly, and since Harper keeps her occupation a secret, doesn't know that every conversation they have, every secret Wendy reveals could be (and is) threaded into Harper's book。 Wendy has some real issues, and Harper doesn't feel any empathy toward Wendy, instead continues to gather data and write the new book。I didn't like Harper very much, but I don't think the reader is supposed to。 Harper comes across as an entitled person who steamrolls anyone who gets in the way of her goal, and she doesn't take time to self-reflect to see if she is the problem。 Wendy, her husband Joe and son Billy are a close-knit family, and Harper can't help but reflect about her own family issues。 If you enjoy books about the 'burbs and their inhabitants, gossip, families and forgiveness, then this is the book for you。 Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own。 。。。more

Susanne Scott

Ok, this book totally surprised me。 It’s my first by this author and I wasn’t sure what to expect, after I started reading I still wasn’t sure, I didn’t feel like I was connecting with either Wendy or Harper, but Joe had caught my attention, I could see his frustration and also his sheer love and devotion。 I kept reading and I’m so glad I did。 I cried so many times as the plot progressed and the raw and honest emotions were pouring out of these characters。 Harper really had so massive personal g Ok, this book totally surprised me。 It’s my first by this author and I wasn’t sure what to expect, after I started reading I still wasn’t sure, I didn’t feel like I was connecting with either Wendy or Harper, but Joe had caught my attention, I could see his frustration and also his sheer love and devotion。 I kept reading and I’m so glad I did。 I cried so many times as the plot progressed and the raw and honest emotions were pouring out of these characters。 Harper really had so massive personal growth and I liked seeing her acknowledge who and what finally cracked her tough exterior。 Wendy grew a lot too and I liked that everything was totally rosy and perfect in the end, but still a work in progress。 Joe still stole the show at times for me and seeing his point of view on how Wendy and her condition has impacted him was interesting。 I especially liked that the main characters were an over 40s couple who were still in love and found new ways to keep the love a live after the children left the nest。 A totally surprising emotional read。 。。。more