For the most part, I tend to stick to reading romance books. However, there are times that I want to dig into a good women’s fiction or chick-lit book. So, If You Must Know by Jamie Beck was my palate cleanser for this month. There is a little bit of a romance with one of the main characters, but it’s not the main focus of this book. The book mainly focuses on the relationship between the two main characters and their relationship with other family members. 

What I loved about the book: The book unfolds via two points of view of sisters Amanda and Erin. Opposites in almost every way, they have never really felt like sisters growing up. I really loved the insights into each character. As a mom, I wanted to stick them in a room together to force them to talk it out and no longer feel hurt and disillusioned by their lack of a real sister relationship. It was heartbreaking that they felt like each other was the favored child of a parent. And I really wanted to shake their mother and scream at her that she needed to wake up and get over herself and her desire for her family to be seen only as one that has no conflict and is picture-perfect. That’s just not reality, and she was hurting her kids in such a profound way.  

What I didn’t like about the book: Honestly? Nothing. I’m always a little wary when diving into a book like this that it won’t hold my interest. This was definitely not the case with this book. I quite simply devoured it.		

NICUnurse’s Rating: If You Must Know was full of mystery, intrigue, and angst. The intrigue may not have been on the level of the romantic suspense and thriller books that I love so much, but the author did a great job of dropping these little breadcrumbs in each chapter that had me curious enough––and invested enough––to not want to put the book down even when I needed sleep. And the estranged relationship between these sisters broke my heart. I cried several times at how each of them felt misunderstood and judged by each other and their parents. If you’re looking for a romantic read, this isn’t that kind of book. But if you’re looking for a book that will tug at your heartstrings and intrigue that will keep you thinking, “Just one more chapter,”  then this is a book you will definitely want to dive into.

I give If You Must Know by Jamie Beck 5 out of 5 stars!

A new book by Jamie Beck and a new series by her has me doing my Snoopy dance became I know I am in for a treat. Love stories about families and the chaos they create? Pick up this book. Make sure you have lots of extra time when you pick up this gem because you won't want to put it down. A definite must read. Discover the magic that are Jamie Beck books. Happy reading!

I enjoyed this book very much. This book focuses on two sisters Amanda and Erin.  Amanda is pregnant and finds out her husband is having an affair. Erin is the youngest, who is nothing like her sister.  The sisters who have different lives and both feel that they are misunderstood by each other. The family comes together when they realize that Amanda’s husband has fleeced her family and is not in Florida like he said. This story  is about love, betrayal, family and eventually sisterhood.  Thank you Montlake Romance and NetGalley for the early ARC. This is my own opinion.

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for a complimentary copy of If You Must Know by Jamie Beck for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My opinions are my own and no one influenced them.

If You Must Know is not the typical novel Jamie Beck normally writes, so I understood before I read it, it wasn’t a romance. As with Ms’ Beck’s other novels, the book is well written with complex characters and an intriguing plot.

This is a story of two sisters with vastly different personalities. They clash a lot. Amanda is the dutiful daughter and wife and favored by her mother. Erin is the adventurous one and was very close to their father who has passed. The mother is essential to the plot. There’s a lot going on in this one, lots of drama.

Amanda Foster’s character believes she’s happy and is pregnant with her husband’s baby when she uncovers secrets that will forever change her life. Her pain and feelings of betrayal are heartbreaking. She’s lived her life trying to please her loved ones. I could identify with her emotions since I too have had times where I felt less than.

Erin Turner’s character is footloose and fancy free. She roamed Europe and loves adventure. Since she was so much like her father, they shared a special bond. She tends to avoid any kind of serious relationship. She’s always believed her mother favored Amanda and it caused a rift between them from a young age. 

The mother is deeply grieving her late husband and has become forgetful to the point she backed into her garage door, burned pans on the store, among a few things. Amanda fears her mother may have early onset dementia, which runs in the family, so she asks Erin to move in, citing a need to save money for a new place to live. This aspect of the story is helpful in seeing and understanding the dynamics going on between the three main characters.

If you enjoy stories with complex characters and family disfunction, then you should love If You Must Know as much as I. Since this is the first book in the series, I look forward to the continuing saga. This book is not a cliff hanger, so it does have an excellent resolution. If you prefer romances, this might not be the book for you. Happy reading!

Erin and Amanda are sisters that are as different as night & day. This story follows their lives as they move their way closer to each other & the realization that family is your support system. I enjoyed the way their personalities changed & matured as they went through their troubles. Ms. Beck has always created characters that invoke emotional reactions as you read & experience their lives. As her initial foray into women’s fiction, I think she did an excellent job & I can’t wait to see how it continues.

4.5 stars

Man, this story is a gut-punch. The women in this family are put through the ringer. As much as they love each other, they don’t seem to be able to relate to each other. Words said in solidarity or support are often taken wrong and end up hurting instead of helping.

There is certainly plenty of foreshadowing for the reader; the catalyst to Erin and Amanda making amends and finding their way to being supportive sisters are obvious. This story isn’t about their woes, but how they handle those problems and learn to work together.

While I love Erin and feel very deeply for her and how she’s treated by her mom and sister, I still found myself identifying with Amanda even more.  Not her circumstances or even how she reacts to things, I am not a people pleaser like her, but the feelings in her that cause her to react the way she reacts. The middle child, introvert in me could clearly see Amanda in a way that almost hurt. Even when I was ticked at Amanda for being blind to the way her comments and her mom’s comments effected Erin, I still understood her. Jamie Beck really outdid herself in the development of the main characters in this book.

I can’t lay all the blame on Amanda. Erin does her part of keeping her family at arm’s length. She’s conditioned to believe anything she says or does will be met with derision, or even totally disregarded. But sometimes she reacts before giving her family a chance. And while Amanda may be blind to Erin’s hurts, Erin also doesn’t truly see how her actions have bothered Amanda throughout her life.

This story is a bit depressing, but there is a ray of hope that is woven throughout. The book ends on a good note, like a rainbow after a storm.

I've read several Jamie Beck novels and this has been my favorite so far. I'm really surprised by the low reviews. Maybe you have to have sisters and troublesome relationships with them before this really strikes a chord with you. It certainly did with me. I've also got the mother like the one in the book that has very strong opinions and gets angry if you don't agree with her.
I love books about sisters, but usually they have the sort of relationship from the start that I wish I had with mine. It was definitely a work in progress with Amanda and Erin. It wasn't smooth sailing all of a sudden, which I thought was very realistic. That bothered some readers, but trust me it doesn't work that way.
I thought this was a great book about relationships between all sorts of people--sisters and parents, spouses, friends, romantic interests and even just neighbors (what will they think?).
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

If you must know by Jamie Beck is the first book in her new Potomic Point series. The story is women's fiction about two sisters, Erin and Amanda. The two sisters couldn't be more different. The story is well written and enjoyable.

If You Must Know, the first book in Jamie Beck's new Potomac Point series.

Amanda and Erin; Two sisters living contrasting lives, their only common link is their bloodline. As different as chalk and cheese, Amanda's shocked when her perfect life's destroyed by deceit, while Erin lives a carefree life. That's until their father dies and some painful realities are exposed.

One aspect of Ms Beck's writing I admire is her consistent writing skill. After enjoying other novels by her, I know I'm going to be reading a well-written book when I pick one of her titles. Therefore, when the narrative didn't resonate with it caught me unaware. I ignored the temptation to give up after a couple of chapters simply because of the slow pace defused my enthusiasm. Besides, I don't like throwing in the towel when I'm scheduled to write a review. So I plodded on… and I'm glad I did because, whilst the beginning is slow, the reward for my patience is when the pace picks up and elements I associate with Ms Beck's writing begin to shine through.

The characterisation is spot-on as the dynamics between these two sister's unfolds. Absorbed within the storyline, the narrative had its moments, but equally, sections failed to keep my attention. I'm a mood reader and it's possible it affected my overall enjoyment of this book…"It's me, not the book". If at a later date I re-read this novel, I'll amend this review accordingly.

The author's shift away from romance to women's fiction is a surprise and a fact I wasn't unaware of before I began reading this novel. Yet, I applaud her for the change of direction she's taking with her work. Consequently, I'll still read future books in this series and by the author generally.

3.5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***

This was my first book from this author. Usually I don't read books without romance but still I really liked this one. There was hint of romance but it wasn't main thing in this book. This book was about two sisters and their relationship. They had different kind of life and it showed. When something happens they have to work together which is not easy. I really liked how they build their relationship back to together and how they learn to trust each other.

3.5 Stars

First in a new series by Jamie Beck set in a small town. I’ve enjoyed her previous series (Sanctuary Sound) which centered around childhoodfriends, and was more of a romance. This book focuses on sisters Amanda and Erin.  Sisters different as night and day.  Amanda..buttoned up, the good girl, Mom’s favorite.  Erin..free spirit, pushes the envelope, Dad’s favorite.  The girls, along with their brother and Mom, are still dealing from the sudden death of their beloved father.  Amanda and husband Lyle are awaiting the birth of their first child when a bombshell is dropped. 

Loved the dynamics between the sisters, and with their Mom.  Mom is grieving hard and showing signs of stress and health issues. This story moved a little slow for me at times but the writing was good.  Told from each sisters point of view, which I liked since they were so different.  Enjoyed the change of dynamics between sisters, watching them mature and change. Found the family dynamics very realistic and relatable.  I look forward to reading the next in the series.  

Thanks to Ms. Beck, Montlake Romance and NetGalley for this ARC.  Opinion is mine alone.

If You Must Know Potomac Point by Jamie Beck is the First book in the Potomac Point Series. This is the story of Amanda and Erin who are sisters. Although they are sisters, they have never been close and each chooses a different path in life from the very start. Amanda choose to be the good daughter who followed the rules, married and became a school teacher. Whereas, Erin took the path of a free spirit, taking live as it came and never not giving back attitude. When they father dies it starts the break in the lives they have chosen and the closeness they lack. This was a really good page turning story.

You know you are reading a good book when you are having conversations with the characters. I was actually telling them what to do or not do. Amanda and Erin are sisters who are as different as night and day. Amanda likes things in order and Erin lives by the seat of her pants. They are sisters though and that bond is a hard one to break. Both have been hurt by their family but both want to have a strong relationship. When Amanda's husband leaves her pregnant and high and dry, it is her family that she turns to. When Erin breaks up with her boyfriend, she turns to her family. Together, they will work it out.

I got annoyed with their mother. I admit it. She had this need to not let things out of the family because of the shame. She had her reasons but she was definitely one of the people I was gently talking to. Or not so gently.

I loved the evolving of the sisters. They are both such layered characters and with glimpses of their past, we understood exactly where both were coming from. I would love to see what happens next in their lives. Hint hint.

Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake for an advance copy of this book. I look forward to the next installment.

If You Must Know by Jamie Beck is a new book that comes out in June.  She is a new author to me, but I have been interested in her books in the past.  I am glad to read a novel that starts a new series called Potomac Point and quite frankly after reading the first book, I am looking forward to the next one in the series. 

Amanda is the older of the sisters.  She is a teacher working part time and is pregnant.  Her husband is in Florida working on a deal.  Amanda is always a rule follower with a well planned life, until it wasn’t.  Erin is her younger sister.  She is a free thinking woman.  She teaches yoga and makes her own soap with natural ingredients.  Erin has always felt her mother didn’t like her.  Amanda thought her father loved Erin the moat.  Then there is Kevin, the brother.  When life suddenly changes for the sisters and the mother, all have to find a new way forward and allow the past - to stay there.

The story looks at families and changes that happen in life.  The characters were interesting.  The byplay with the sisters and the mother seemed realistic.  I enjoyed how the story revealed the changes and growth of the characters.  If You Must Know by Jamie Beck is a good read.

Amanda believed that she has found her happy ever as she enjoys her teaching job, is married to a man she loves and is happily pregnant until she realizes that her life is nothing but a lie and her world comes crashing to the ground.   

Her sister Erin couldn’t have been more different as she is a yoga instructor who enjoys the freedom of her life.   When it comes to men it is a series of bad choices and her last relationship was no different.

They are still trying to heal from the loss of their father, help their mother heal and deal with  the turmoil both their lives are facing .  Even though they are very different they must lean on their love for each other as they try to handle what life is throwing at them and find a way to meet in the middle. 

This is a heartwarming story about family, relationships and new beginnings.

I am a huge fan of Jamie Beck's romances and this was a fantastic read. Wonderful story with richly crafted characters. You won't be disappointed.

A great read with a crazy cast of characters each unique with their own faults and short comings, a family dynamic that is truly lacking with all that entails, and three women trying to heal from the loss of a husband/father and all the other things that life has thrown at them. One finds the power it takes to say no, to choose herself and her child and the strength to continue to grow. Another finds herself growing,  becoming someone she can be proud of and a relationship with the sister she never had before. And their mother may just find that living without her husband is painful, but life is worth living and both her daughters deserve to be loved and treated with respect despite their differences.

I really struggled with this book. I’ve been trying to branch out into the women’s fiction genre more, but it’s very hit or miss for me. This was definitely in the miss column. 
I enjoy Jaime Beck’s romance books, but when she branches outside the HEA, I find myself skimming pages and flipping through chapters. I found the character of Amanda to be extremely annoying and holier-than-thou. I just wanted to smack her for being an idiot and a doormat.  I Liked her sister Erin so much better, but it annoys me greatly when authors make siblings so diametrically different that the reader almost needs to choose sides in who to like. And their mom as an annoying piece of work, too. 
While the teaser for the second book looks more interesting than this one, I might just go back to my romance roots and stay there.

The short review -  loved it!!!  This story is told from the perspective of two sisters who are very different.  While they are both going through the same things, the way they view these situations from their own perspectives was really well developed.  Both grieving the loss of their father, both grieving the loss of relationships, and both dealing with it in their own way while struggling to understand why the other does what they do.  It was wonderfully told.  This says #1 and i'd definitely read a follow up.

I enjoyed this story more than I expected two when I first started reading it. Not a romance, not necessarily a thriller but definitely a bit suspenseful. Three women, all enduring the loss of someone they loved, or they liked, or perhaps they could live with out (in a roundabout way). When you've lived your life with expectations of each other, or maybe lack of expectations, can you find a way to band together to make it through some definite hardships, deaths, losses, and come out the other side stronger in the end?  A mother and her two daughters learn that they can either be all in together or constantly on the outs with each other and that the way they see/remember things may change based on a different point of view.