Book Review: Take It From Me
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This is my book review of “Take It From Me” by writer Jamie Beck.
Book Summary:
Wendy Moore hides her little secret as best she can. Her husband knows about it, but thought that therapy a decade ago helped cure the problem. But he is wrong.
The problem is kleptomania. And stressors in her life make the problem worse.
Her son has just left for college, which puts her at loose ends. She tries to focus on her beloved gardening and furniture-refinishing hobby.
But her empty nest is a yawning, cavernous hole in her life. And a combination of emotional stressors could trigger her problem.
A new neighbor has moved into the rental house next door. Her name is Harper, a woman in her thirties who lives alone. Wendy had hoped for a woman close to her age to move in, like the one who had lived there before. She misses her.
What Wendy doesn’t know is that Harper is there to conduct research on suburban women, not anything else. She is a published writer, and her recent books have been flops. She’s somehow lost her writing mojo.
The clock is ticking on her deadline. She owes the publisher a book to fulfill her obligation, she’s already been paid for. And if she doesn’t come up with something in a few months, she’s going to have to pay it back.
My Review:
It is both funny and serious; lighthearted and heartwarming. The kind of book you can’t wait to settle under the covers with at night and start turning the pages.
About the Author:
Jamie’s childhood writing dreams featured a Hollywood career in television or film. She’d finish watching a dramatic family saga or love story and think, “I want to write something like this!”
But a creative writing career seemed like a pipe dream, so she went to Tulane University, assuming she’d figure out what to do with the rest of her life by graduation day. She fell in love with psychology coursework, but psychiatrists go to medical school, and subjects such as biology and chemistry weren’t her forte. Alas, another career eliminated.
Ultimately, she earned a joint law/M.B.A. degree and practiced commercial real estate and lending law for a decade in her hometown of Pittsburgh. She learned so much during that decade, but was never passionate about the work. When her husband’s career took them to Connecticut, she chose to stay home to raise their two young children. That decision presented a second chance to revisit the idea of writing.
These days, she dream ups stories about love, family, self-discovery, and redemption. She’s been honored to hit the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-seller lists, and to earn a spot on the Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll.
Yes! Go for the book blog! I love to read your book reviews, and get new book/author suggestions. And, putting you work into something you already love and enjoy, will bring you much joy!
I say do it if it brings you joy! I would definitely read your book blog and have enjoyed reading about the books you post on this blog, and have bought or borrowed and read many of them. My interests are pretty much the same as yours… decorating and making a house a home, cozy things, plants and gardening, pets and books!
I love to read! And I always enjoy hearing about what you are reading and how you like it. I’ve found quite a few new books through your recommendations … thanks! I think the book blog is something you should at least try.
It seems like a good idea. I’ve enjoyed recent reviews you’ve written. I’m currently reading A Little Hope by Ethan Joella which I’m enjoying and plan to check out today’s author also. My favorite authors are Anne Tyler and Elizabeth Berg so I don’t read the mystery and crime books but it’s still nice to read your various reviews as they are so well written.
Brenda, Look what I found on the Internet. What an interesting article and it tells me you still have the same homey, comfortable goals. What a treat to see part of your timeline. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/houzz-interview-brenda-s-cozy-little-house-in-texas-stsetivw-vs~32526. Sandra
How absolutely wonderful to see these pictures and read the article. Sandra, thank you so much for sharing it!
Thanks for posting this link Sandra. It was fun reading about Brenda before I started following her blog when she has been in Tulsa.
You should totally give it a try, Brenda. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. You’ll get the satisfaction of doing something you absolutely love, meeting new, like minded friends, and increasing your revenue. It sounds like a great years project. We are your biggest supporters!
I meant a great New Year’s project
If that is something you do, I will be reading your book blog. I’m an avid reader, and enjoy your book posts. I often jot down titles from your blog to add to my TBR list. I will be adding Jamie Beck’s book to the list. Thanks for this.
I think you should give it a try and see how it feels to you. If it gets your juices flowing, then it is the right think to do! I often jot down your books suggestions (I just finished Where The Crawdads Sing, and loved it).
Hi Brenda,
I think you should go for it. It’s something of great interest to you which is important. You will likely attract a whole new group of readers/blog friends in addition to the ones you already have on this blog. You’ll never know until you try, and out have nothing to lose and you’re already paying for the domain. New Year, new blog. Go for it 😊
I would follow your book blog!!
Brenda, I would love you to have a book blog! I love reading and am always looking for recommendations. I think you should follow your passion and do it!
I would love a book blog! I have read several of the books you have recommended and really enjoyed them.