Take It from Me

A Novel

By: Jamie Beck

Narrated by: Ann Richardson, Angela Dawe

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's 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.

©2022 Write Ideas, LLC. (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“[Jamie Beck delivers] an observant and compassionate story about the power of women’s friendship to challenge and change us.”—Virginia Kantra, author of Meg & Jo

“Clever, insightful, and brimming with empathy, Take It from Me is Jamie Beck at her best. The story of two very different neighbors closely guarding secrets who have more in common than either woman can imagine, Beck’s latest novel is a potent reminder that we are able to know the interior lives of those we care about—if only we can find the courage to ask.”—Camille Pagán, bestselling author of This Won’t End Well

“Many women will see aspects of themselves here in this relatable women’s fiction from [Jamie] Beck. It should appeal to book clubs and readers who enjoy books by Danielle Steel or Kristin Hannah.” —Library Journal

Immersed from the start

I was immediately drawn into the characters in this book. Harper’s idealism and Wendy’s patience. I like the intricacies of the relationships and how mental health was advocated. The balance between stigma and acceptance was seamless. The audible performance was completely engaging. Great job all the way around.

Tough One

This book was a hard core complex read that took a bit of effort to get into, but we'll done, nice prose, bit if a learning experience and avoided a lot if fact to fiction pitfalls.

Bad Narration

The story itself isn't bad. But the narrators weren't a good pick. Listening to them bothered me as much a chalk being scratched along a chalkboard. It was just good, decent reading. of words... not pulling me into the characters. At best, boring and irritating.

a surprising storyline

I found myself people engaged by this book. both the female protagonists had a lot to learn from each other. they treated each other kindly and with respect, for the most part. the mistakes they made were understandable and character driven. I'm impressed that the author did not go for the cheap drama but instead dug deep and made these people real and relatable.

Loved this book!

Unexpected deep
Connections which overcome lies and focus on forgiveness and growth are explored beautifully in this book. I was moved to tears at the end!

Great story.

One of the more enjoyable books I've listened to. No profanity or filthy language like several I chose.

Surprisingly Good!

I say surprisingly good because I wasn't sure what to expect. I bought this book on a Deal of the Day, and I loved it! The characters are real, and everything doesn't get tied up in a neat little bow. I didn't love some of the narrating. Wendy isn't even 50 and she often sounds 70, but that's a minor complaint. A very nice read, and it would make a good book club book.

Know your mental illnesses

While ocd & impulse control issues may coexist, but are separate disorders. It was frustrating that the book, without that research, lacked in the impact it could have had.
I don’t recommend it. The narrator was rather flat & depressive sounding. My review was generous.

Great read.

Took a little to get my hooked but once I got into was a really good story.

An easy listen.

A good book to which it’s worth listening. It’s the first I’ve read from this author. Try it….. make your own conclusion. 🙂