Member Reviews

I enjoyed the second half of this book more than the first,
Although I found it difficult at first to connect with the man characters it was enjoyable to see their interactions with each other once the two main characters began to tell the truth and be vulnerable with each other, at certain points it felt like there was sone unnecessary dialogue between the character's that did not further the story, however I was satisfied in the end with a story that was about strong female friendships and the influence the characters had on each other.
Not one of the best, but engaging and appreciable reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This book was pretty good! I liked it because it showed some great aspects of friendship and two different points of view. Wendy and Harper are different, but I like how they learn to bond. I also like how there was a normalization for Wendy and her marriage instead of an older woman with a crap husband. Harper was a little annoying at times like oh I am a millennial, but I thought the rest of the book wasn’t too bad. It was a solid book, and I think those who enjoy books about friendship and growth would enjoy this.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the digital review copy.

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Jamie Beck never disappoints in delivering a heartwarming, funny, and engaging story. Loved this adorable book from the start until the end!
Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

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A humorous and heartwarming novel about friendship and all its little secrets. Downright addictive… There was no way I could stop myself as I furiously flicked the pages…

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This book was so fluffy and sweet, I absolutely loved it.

Two teens, one a bit of a nerd, one a popular basketball sporty girl struggling with her current relationship/identity. The two main characters communicate with each other so well and are both so sweet. A great coming out story.

This is a short book, which means that it was read super quickly, and I kinda wanted more!

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I enjoyed the second half of this book more than the first, Although I found it difficult at first to connect with the man characters it was enjoyable to see their interactions with each other once the two main characters began to tell the truth and be vulnerable with each other, At certain points it felt like there was sone unnecessary dialogue between the character's that did not further the story, however I was satisfied in the end with a story that was about strong female friendships and the influence the characters had on each other,

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I have read several of Jamie Beck's books before, primarily being pleasant romance novels, and thus expected this book to be the same. I was very wrong.

Take It From Me is a delightful story about the growth of two women, befriending each other whilst both hiding secrets. The narrator changes each chapter, giving the reader a view on each characters' secrets and their opinion about the other character.

Both characters underwent pain and growth, moments of friendship and learning experiences.

I really enjoyed this book.

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I enjoy Jamie Beck's books and was pleased to receive an ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed the story but found myself losing focus during the first half of the book. However, it was interesting enough that I never felt like I didn't want to finish it. There was alot of thought provoking dialog between Wendy and Harper and Harper and Nate. I was extremely satisfied with the ending.

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I just finished the ARC of Take It from Me by Jamie Beck and it was an interesting book. The development of her characters Wendy and Hilary played out in a different way than I thought it was going, but it was exactly as it should be! Moving to a new town, Hilary is looking for her next idea to write a book, and thinks she has a story right in front of her. But then Wendy guides her to see a completely different side of herself - and her relationships. I think the mix of the people in Wendy and Hilary's lives added a lot of interest to the narrative. Read this by Jamie Beck and you will understand. Thank you Jamie Beck and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC and give my honest review. Keep up the wonderful work!

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A well written and thought provoking book about friendship, trust and healing. The two main characters are well thought out and although they are both hiding secrets they change each others lives for the better.

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Take It from Me
A Novel
by 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.


The story of two neighbors of different ages, one married and one a women's libber and a single writer. They begin to become friends even opening the other's way of thinking One has a Mental illness, and things begin to go amuck.
It is a very good story of compassion, friendships, and trust. My heart went out to both Wendy and Harper. Somethings cannot go back to the only good.

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This book was just really adorable. It felt like a massive hug in book form from a really good friend. It was lovely and romantic. I really enjoyed the writing style and the characters were just really wonderful and I highly enjoyed it and would recommend it to all.

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This was a very well written and well developed plot. The main characters thru their hidden secrets and problems came thru it and had some great life lessons and changes to their life positively.

My friend also had an early ARC and we had a great discussion last nite about the book.

It makes me also think of my favorite saying “honesty is the best policy”.

I recieved the ARC thru the author Jamie Beck and NetGalley and this is my honest review of the book.

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I devoured this book. I a huge fan of this author, so I expected great things and she delivered.
No one is perfect as displayed by Wendy and Harper.
This book has some sensitive topics but in this authors usual fashion they are written with grace and dignity !

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Take It From Me by J. Beck, published by Montlake is a witty and fun read.
Wendy is married, keeps her secrtes close and her itsy bitsy problem closer. She's a nosy nelly and when new neighbor move in next door, hussa.
Harper is an author, new in town and wants to lose her writers block like yesterday. Ans when her new neighbor shows up, her muse is born.
I really , really disliked the high maintenace the characters had. Their arguing was over the top and I simply couldn't stand it. And just when I ready to give up, voila the plot twisted and it became a read in one sitting story, heartwarming. A beautiful story about friendship, second chances. 4,5 stars.

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Wow! What an amazing story! There is nothing that I can write in a review about this book that will give justice it deserves. This is the first book in a long time that I read in one day. I could not put it down, and thankfully I could put off other activities.

This book is told in two voices, which is the perfect way for the story to unfold. The reader learns so much about each of these characters by knowing their true feelings as opposed to how they present themselves to others. The characters are developed so skillfully. My feelings toward them kept changing all the time, as I got to know them better.

This is a deeply moving story that had my emotions all over the place. It’s about ambition, and what it costs sometimes to achieve goals. That the kindness of others can be seen as a weakness and be abused. How true love and devotion can be an enormous blessing. How transformation can happen if the person truly wants it and will do the work to change, and that conversion will flow like a river to other people and make a difference in their lives also. Also, it is about friendship and growth as a person and sometimes that can be complicated and messy.

It seems that each book I read from this author, that she gets better and better. Each story is unique, with very different characters created. She is truly a master of storytelling. I look forward to her future books.

I want to thank Montlake and NetGalley for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

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A brisk read, and a compassionate and warm take on the transformative power of female friendship. A pleasure to read!

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DNF at 50%.

If I'm completely honest, I was just bored with this book. The writing is fine, but I was not at all interested in the characters or their story. It honestly just felt a bit cliche.

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Wow I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did. It was a bit of a slow start but I was so drawn to MC Wendy and had to keep reading. Other MC Harper annoyed me at first but she grew on me and had some wonderful development by the end. Jamie Beck knows how to write some flawed and lovable characters.

I love how it touched on mental illness and family dynamics. Plus the friendship that formed between Wendy and Harper in spite of their differences was a refreshing take for me.

Adding this one to my 2022 favorites!
Thanks Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my review.

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This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Montlake and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

A lovely story with rich, inspired characters I find organically connected with each other.

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