Member Reviews
I love a story where a person is faced with a life-altering event and they turn it into a positive change.
In The Happy Accidents each of these women, Jesse, Liz, and Chloe, are dealing with the after-effects of a crazy night out. Each has their own “oops” to deal with and they are all very different, yet I found each of them relatable in their own way. The author did a wonderful job of creating three well-rounded, wonderful women, who are very different yet, work well together.
The beginning started off a little slow but built as the three stories unfolded and weaved together. My heartstrings tugged as each dealt with their fears, insecurities, and faced their situations head-on. In the end, I was smiling as each emerged stronger, more confident, and happier, along with a new sense of worth. Another excellent story by Jamie Beck.
4 Stars for life's journeys.
This is another of Ms Beck's books that will make you think twice about your choices in life. How one decision can impact not only you, but all the people in your life.
This is a story about three women who make a pact that will change all their lives forever. Jessie is newly divorced, is a free spirit and the pact was her idea. Chloe is her best friend, a stay at home mother of two and happily married. Liz is Jessie's younger sister who is career driven, in a casual relationship and always does what is expected of her. This pact will turn each of their lives upside down ... whether it be for the good or the bad, they will all learn from it.
I received an early copy courtesy of Montlake through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
The Happy Accidents finds sisters Liz and Jess, along with their friend Chloe, heading to Foxwoods to celebrate Jess's birthday. All three women end up at a crossroads following the trip and Jess's "birthday pact" in which they all do something a bit out of character for them.
Throughout this book, we follow the journey each woman goes on. They each thought they were exactly where they wanted to be and after their weekend together, they have come to determine that maybe that isn't true. They each set out to transform their lives, to expand their horizons and learn more about themselves in the process. While they thought they had it all figured out, the universe had other plans for them.
I really enjoyed how this book was laid out and how we were able to understand exactly how Liz, Chloe and Jess were feeling and how their actions and feelings were also impacting those around them. Jamie Beck has a way of telling stories that pull you in from the beginning and The Happy Accidents is no different. This is definitely worth the read.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This is all about the consequences for sisters Liz and Jesse and their friend Chloe after a drunken night in Las Vegas. What happens in Vegas didn't stay there, especially for Liz who loses her job as a tv host when a video of her goes viral. Then there's Chloe and Jese who have some changes in their lives ahead and choices to make. Beck has a good storytelling style and, if you think you know what's going to happen, she has a way of surprising you. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.
This is another book that I feel would make a great book club selection as there is lots to discuss.
premise
While at a casino to celebrate her birthday, Jessie Clarke proposes a pact to her reserved sister, Liz, and their childhood friend Chloe: the three women will say yes to any adventure that comes their way. Jessie is mourning her recent divorce, so the other two reluctantly agree. Twelve hours later, they awaken to the shocking consequences of their behavior.
A viral video throws Liz’s career and reputation into question. A major loss at the craps table rocks the foundation of Chloe’s staid marriage. And Jessie’s desperate bid to unblock her artistic creativity results in a life-changing choice. Staring down the crossroads, each woman finds her relationships—with herself, with each other, and with loves both old and new—tested. At every turn, they struggle not to let fear decide their fates. Will they give in, or will their misadventures lead to the greatest fulfillment of all?
I love how it focuses on three women and the very different crossroads that life has taken them. Also how one wrong choice can affect you, but it’s how you handle it and what it teaches you that is the true lesson. Very thought provoking read.
The Happy Accidents is amazing. This book is filled with amazing bonds and moments between 3 strong women who are faced with different obstacles and life changes. Jessie is trying to hold it together and move on from her end of marriage. She needs new focus and is faced with things she never thought she was going to face. Chloe is an amazing wife and mother. She is looking for more in life and doesn't want to lose herself in the process. Then there is Liz, who is independent and career driven. She doesn't do risk and change as easily as her sister Jessie does. One night together for Jessie's big birthday weekend sends change through each lady. I love how much stronger each one of them become. They all go through so much and shine so bright throughout this read. Jessie, Chloe and Liz are amazing support system to each other and are not afraid to tell each other how it is. I loved this one so much. There is so much heart and female support in this one that you will just love so much. You need to experience this one for yourself. I could not put this one down.
In this new book by Jamie Beck, she has given us another wonderful and compelling women’s fiction book. Three very different women, two sisters, one adventuress, who has had a knock back needs to get her creative juices going again and one who plays by the book and has her career on track and their friend who is a stay-at-home mom, who’s needs a change. And when Jessie Clark suggests that the three go to a Casino and Resort for her birthday, they all do something out of their comfort zone. Little did they know that that “Night” would change their lives in ways they could not have imaged.
I loved how Jamie can give us such interesting and different characters who will have us wondering how they are all going to end up when the consequences of that one night plays out. As I was reading, I was thinking about my own life and how these women relate to my own life. I am a little bit of each of them and it made me like all of them. Jessie for her lifestyle, Liz for her focus and Chole for her maternal sprite. I have had to make decisions that all three had to make and live with the outcomes. As with all of Jamie’s books, she brings a lot of emotion and thoughtfulness to her story and leaves us with a good feeling at the end of the book.
Once started I could not put this book down. Thank you Jamie for another wonderful read. Looking forward to your next book!!
Thank you to Jamie Beck, Netgallery for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
This story of three women (two sisters and a friend) who go out on the town for a wild night where they have sworn to let nothing hold them back shows that actions do have consequences. We all learned that early on right? Well, they all have to deal with their consequences in a grown up way--and it hurts.
The three women differ greatly. One is a usually happy, go-lucky woman who is struggling to come out on the other side of a divorce. Her little sister is a morning talk show host who is supported by thousands. The last is a stay at home mom who is starting to feel unappreciated. Their wild, care-free night results in extremely different actions for the three and each has to reconcile their lives afterward.
The story is told through the perspective of all three which makes for a much more in-depth look into their lives. It may have dragged a bit at the beginning, but then it really took off and came to a very satisfying conclusion.
I was gifted a copy of this book via the author and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
Jess and Liz are sisters and Chloe is Jess's best friend. They spend a night away to celebrate Jess's 37th birthday and each has to deal with the consequences of their actions that night. I really enjoyed Jess and Liz's stories, Chloe's story was okay. I really felt for Jess in relation to her divorce, how quickly Dennis moved on was so sad. It was interesting to see how both sister's relationship to their parents changed throughout the story. Good book!
Three women embark on a weekend adventure, not knowing how much that short trip would change their lives. The exploration of the relationships in their lives is honest, and sometimes painful., but can also include tremendous growth. I highly recommend this touching look at family and self- worth.
Can one night away with the girls really change your life forever? You bet it can!
One woman is still reeling from her divorce.
One woman is feeling less than in her marriage and family.
One woman is a newscaster with her career on the line.
How can this one night change all of that forever. You'll have to read it for yourself.
They made a pact that night to take on adventure as it presented itself. They will each need to face challenges and make life changing decisions as a result.
Prominent themes in the book are strong women, making lemonade from lemons, supportive friends and family and taking risks to achieve your personal and professional goals.
Thanks to netgalley and Montlake for the arc.
“Go for it” … we’ve all heard someone say it. Have we ever taken the advice? Is the freedom worth it?
Three thirty-something year old women impulsively agree to a “just say yes” adventure pact on a birthday get away weekend. Twelve hours later, Jessie, Liz, and Chloe wake up to the consequences of this pact. As they each deal with the fall out and search for control of their lives, they discover new things about friendship, love and happiness.
Told from the perspective of all three women, The Happy Accidents is an insightful book about how fulfillment and living authentically sometimes comes as a result of struggle and misadventure. Beck explores the hopes and dreams of her characters and shows how difficult it is sometimes for women to strike a balance between work and family. Knowing that readers will be able to relate to at least one of these women and knowing that most of us face a crossroads or unexpected upheaval at some point in our lives, Beck’s book encourages us to examine how often we’ve foregone the fun but risky option in favor of the safe option and lived with regret. A quick read with thought provoking topics, this book has an optimistic outlook that we all need at this stage of pandemic living.
As you turn the final page you’ll question whether these women wrecked their lives or if they simply reinvented them?
Publishes September 21, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Jamie Beck, Montlake, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
🌅 BOOK / REVIEW 🌅
@writerjamiebeck DOES 👏 IT 👏 AGAIN 👏. I squealed in delight when @booksparks asked me to be on the #SRC2021 / #peelgoodsummer challenge for #thehappyaccidents (coming in September by @amazonpublishing) because I have LOVED every single book of hers that I've read.
This book did not disappoint. I loved the characters, their complexity and relatability and most importantly, the risks they took to make sure they were living life authentically. I often imagine myself in many of Jamie's characters shoes ... and I always love how she wraps things up with a bow at the end. I love it when authors make the right decision for characters - easy or difficult! This is a great read about self discovery! ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Jamie Beck is very good at crafting her words to create interesting characters to tell their story. Happy Accidents is bout 3 friends/family who have gathered to celebrate the birthday of Jessie. They make a pact to say yes to any adventure that comes their way. They have no idea of how this decision will impact their lives and those that love them. Life can bring us to unexpected crossroads and I loved how Jamie Beck wrote their adventures and decisions.
This review is in exchange for an ARC of "The Happy Accidents". I enjoyed this book by Jamie Beck.
Awesome Yet Also Problematic. This story is Beck's usual excellence as far as storytelling itself goes. Beck sucks you in with the aftermath of almost a Hangover (movie) type night (though to be clear, not *that* wild) where three women - two sisters and their friend - have made life-changing decisions... and now have to handle the repercussions. We open the story the morning after, and only ever get the high level details of what happened that night - the story is about life *after*. And for two of the three women, Beck does *amazing* work showing that even in screw-ups, good things can happen. The other lady's story is the more problematic one, and it comes from Beck's own unfamiliarity with the growing subculture of the childfree. Seeming without meaning to, Beck confronts this particular issue as much of society at large does... and unwittingly causes many eyes to roll. Having been a part of this community for several years (I'm a 38yo DINK - Dual Income No Kids and happily childfree), know that if you're a part of this community and in particular a woman in it, this storyline is going to make you want to throw this book off the nearest dam or into the nearest bonfire. But don't, because the other two subplots are truly excellent, and even this one is dealt with *some* degree of realism. Overall an excellent book, and let's face it - even with its growing popularity, the life of the childfree isn't exactly dominant yet. Meaning most readers will enjoy all three subplots very much. Very much recommended.
Three women go on an adventure that has unexpected consequences that will change all their lives. All 3 have to make life changing decisions. This story follows the 3 women thru the changes in their lives. I liked all 3 women. I understand why one of the women’s story ended the way it did but, unrealistically I was hoping for a different ending. The story is told from multiple view points. I enjoyed reading this book and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
I tried to like this book. I started it once and put it down for a while and later tried it a second time. It did not hold my interest and I never got past the first chapter. I am thankful to the author Jamie Beck, publisher Montlake, and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review.
Chloe, Jess, and Liz make a spontaneous pact that irrevocably alters all of,their lives. The antics Of,the time weekend and spontaneity brings changes to all their lives. Chloe is tired of being chastised by her husband and explores career moves. Liz also makes career changes and seeks a relationship. Jess’ art is stalled until she disconnect from the past, but her change could be permanent. Beck always sets up her characters in an engaging way. It’s a page tuner as I explored each woman’s choices and the consequences. Beck has fast become one of my favorite authors because her stories deliver a good escape.
Thank you NetGalley, Jamie Beck and Montlake for the ARC of The Happy Accidents.
This is my personal review.
Lis and Jesse Clark are sisters Chloe is their best friend. The three decide to have a girls’ night out and decide to go to a casino. They decide that they were going to have a night to remember and the morning after tells of a night out that will change their lives. As they look back on the night they must decide if they will let the girl’s night out change them for the better or worse.
I read this book and got lost in how they each handled what happened and how it will affect their lives.
This would be a great book for a book club to read.
Once again Jamie Beck has written another great read.
Happy Accidents was such a fun read. I too love the excitement of the casinos. There is always excitement in the air. When the 3 women get together and throw caution to the wind, with let’s say yes to anything. Each woman had their own adventure with their own consequences due to their let’s say yes and do anything. Their love and friendships were tried with the outcomes of their actions. But in the end a strong relationship will survive. Great book!!