It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Jamie Beck’s, and with her newest book, If You Must Know, that hasn’t changed. Jamie Beck is a master at the inner workings of relationships, especially those between friends and families.

In her newest and most definitely women’s fiction, is a story of two very different woman who seem to have one thing in common, their sisterly bond, weak as it is. But as we get into the book, we learn that deep down they both have so much more, like insecurities, regrets, hopes and dreams and the real desire to be closer to each other. However, a lifetime of misperceptions and differences can’t be wiped away overnight. Each woman is struggling with her own issues, plus dealing with their mother who is going through her own problems. None are great at communicating with each other, because as is true in real life, no one cuts as deep as those we love the most. The author does a phenomenal job of demonstrating this in the story.

Some of the things I loved about this story were how realistic the characters read, how realistic the family dynamics were, and I loved the small humorous moments that kept what could have been a very sad story from going to the dark side. I also loved Mo (everyone will love Mo).

Overall this was a fantastic book. A bit of suspense in the storyline dealing with Amanda’s husband (loved the ending). A bit of sweet romance for Erin. And a happy, satisfying ending for the Turner women and this reader. As usual, I look forward to Jamie Beck’s next book!

"Having a family to lean on made me lucky." This is the biggest takeaway I got from Jamie Beck's, If You Must Know. This book surrounds two sisters, Erin and Amanda. Each are going through their own difficulties, along with their mother. The book is told from both sister's points-of-view as major life changes come their way. They all need to learn to handle things they cannot control. Throughout the story you learn about their relationship whether they will come together or grow further apart. They also learn things about themselves along the way.

I really really liked Erin. She's fun, resilient and has a positive attitude. She made me laugh many times throughout the book. Amanda took longer for me to like but I did feel for her. The mother I really never grew to like and is probably why the book gets 4 stars from me. While I do really enjoy Beck's writing and like that she acknowledges that not everything is roses and sunshine, If You Must Know ran a bit slow for me at times, mostly because I just wanted to get away from some of the characters. But that's life, right? Plus, there's a really fantastic dog named Mo and who doesn't love a book with a dog.

All in all this is well-written book about relationships, sisters and family. I would recommend it for sure with a solid four stars.

Amanda Foster and Erin Turner are totally different. Two sisters who seem to have a perfect life that suits them the best. Until a certain moment... When lies seem to take the overhand, the truth tries to find its way.

The writing style was okay. Sometimes I felt like the word choice was a bit off. As if the characters changed from mentality and way of speaking. I did like the way this was portrayed. It made the setting full and enjoyable. I also loved how there were playful moments in the way of writing. It wasn't all stiff.
The characters were well written. I loved how Amanda tried to be the perfect one, while Erin was a little more adventurous. The contrast between both characters was needed to make the story interesting. I felt like the plot was built around this difference between them both. For me, those characters where the most interesting thing about the whole story. I loved the way they interacted with each other. The writing style emphasized the difference between the two sisters extra.
However, I felt like the story didn't stick with me. It's a good one, but it didn't blow me away. I wasn't able to keep concentrate. Felt like some parts were a little slow. It didn't catch my attention enough to truly adore this story. Which I why I went for a three-star 'it's okay'-review. Because it totally is. I want to read more books from this author in the future. I just wasn't convinced about this storyline.

If You Must Know by Jamie Beck a fighting four-tar read. This is the first story in the Potomac series and I am eager to read more as I can see that this will be a great series, I only gave it four stars as I felt like it lacked a little something, but overall it was a great story and reading about the three Turner women made me think more deeply about times in my life so maybe that’s the other reason for a four, I am in a funk now. I do want people to read this story though, as I do believe that many people will get so much from it.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

The characters are beautifully crafted. The story in itself is a good thrilling read that one must read at least once in the coming summer.
The suspense was great at the start but became more predictable as book moved. Plot is unique and I recommend to invest in this book.

this story is very different than any other Jamie Beck Book . It is not the feel good writing style I expected. Don't read this book expecting the romantic happy ending.

If you must know...
this book was AWESOME!!! A definite TBR! Add it to your summer reading lists and pre-order your copy now!

I absolutely loved this book! There was so much emotion and drama going on but it took the reader through all of the ups and downs of Amanda and the Turner family.
The chaos that Lyle puts Amanda through while she is carrying his child makes you want to find this jerk and punch him in the face!

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the author in exchange for an honest review. I had the honor of receiving an ARC of this book because I absolutely love Jamie Beck’s work

This is a great story! The opening sentence is a gem; There ought to be a warning anytime you wake up on a day that will forever change your life. Isn’t that a great thought, and I definitely wish that were true.

Amanda strived to be the perfect daughter, the perfect wife, the perfect teacher and was well on her way to be the perfect mom, until the perfect world she made, completely crumbled. In learning more about her situation, as the story unfolds, we meet her mother, who is strong on the outside and fragile on the inside. In addition, we meet her sister, Erin, who is at the other end of the personality chart from Amanda and their mom.

Their lives become closely interconnected as they try to handle the obstacles that life has thrown upon them. Their past relationship is in the forefront, and now as all adults, the dynamics have changed.

The characters are wonderfully crafted. I loved reading about the growth that happened during the course of this book. The plot is believable and very emotional due to the superb job the author did in creating this world. I am very excited to see that this is Book 1 of the Potomac Point series. I definitely want to read about what happens next. There is much more to I want to know about these strong women and I want them all to find happiness.

I am a huge fan of Jamie Beck and this is definitely another great addition to her collection. I recommend this book highly. I think it will become a choice for many book clubs.

I want to thank NetGalley and Montlake Romance for allowing me the pleasure of reading If You Must Know. I enjoyed this book so much and wanted to share my opinion in hope that other readers will discover this wonderful new series. My review is my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the advanced reader copy.

Very interesting read, and, if you must know, I loved it! The dynamics with the sisters seems to be my main focus and while it was sad, the growth in that relationship alone is well worth the read. Amanda has been drug through it ALL, and an unlikely ally in her sister is just right. Erin is facing her own struggles and truly needs her family. Now, that being said, I wasn't crazy for dear old mom!

I have to admit that this book started slower than expected but once Amanda with Erin's support stood up for herself, I liked it so much better. It just shows how striving to be perfect never leads to happiness and at the end of the day, we have to take care of ourselves.

“ You could learn a thing or two about how to make the best of bad situations, and how to believe in yourself despite flaws and failings”
Meet the three Turner woman , all three at different turning points in their life, all three with a different dynamic to their individual relationships with each other and the people around them.
Amanda needs to be more like Erin, Erin more like Amanda and their mom is trying to navigate life without her husband.
These three will evolve and reshape their paths all while learning to have a stronger, better relationship with each other. Realizing that ... “roots matter because they keep the tree safe and that it’s like that in families”.
Written only the way Jamie Beck can write, with such insight into the inner family workings.
I enjoyed this book so very much and I recommend it. I laughed and cried and read way past my bedtime !
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and The Author for my advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.

If You Must Know is an insightful story about family, trust, perceptions, being true to oneself, finding self-confidence, and so much more delivered in a book that was hard to put aside for even a little while. The story focuses on the relationship between two sisters and their mother in the wake of their father’s death and the betrayal by the husband of the older sister, Amanda, now six months pregnant. People pleaser Amanda was the mother’s favorite. The less uptight younger sister, Erin had a special relationship with her father. Each sister secretly envied what they perceived the other had but communication between them had never been easy. Now the family is caught up in a situation that demands communication and commitment. I was impressed that all the introspection at no time became angst. This reader despises angsty reads, so two thumbs up for Ms. Beck! This book is women’s fiction at its best. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

I just finished this book at 2:30 am. If You Must Know was an awesome read, I could not put it down from the start to the very end. This book was full of excitement, suspense, sibling struggles and love and loss. New found love, strong family ties. I too have an older sister and could relate to what it is like to compete for the attention of a parent trying to be the favorite child. In the end we are all loved very much by our parents and siblings.