What do you think?
Rate this book
Potomac Point #2
Truth of the Matter
Starting over means looking back for a mother and daughter on the road to reinventing themselves in a moving novel about family secrets and second chances by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jamie Beck.
Seventeen years ago, two pink stripes on a pregnancy test changed Anne Sullivan’s life. She abandoned her artistic ambitions, married her college sweetheart before graduation, and—like the mother she lost in childhood—devoted herself to her family. To say she didn’t see the divorce coming is an understatement. Now, eager to distance herself from her ex and his lover, she moves with her troubled daughter, Katy, to the quaint bayside town of Potomac Point, where she spent her childhood summers.
But her fresh start stalls when the contractor and onetime love interest renovating her grandparents’ old house discovers a vintage recipe box containing hints about her beloved grandmother’s hidden past. Anne is drawn into exploring the mysterious clues about the woman whose memory is fading, while also helping her daughter manage a rocky adjustment to a new school. When uncovered secrets shatter past beliefs, each woman must confront her deepest fears in order to learn it’s never too late to live her best life.
Seventeen years ago, two pink stripes on a pregnancy test changed Anne Sullivan’s life. She abandoned her artistic ambitions, married her college sweetheart before graduation, and—like the mother she lost in childhood—devoted herself to her family. To say she didn’t see the divorce coming is an understatement. Now, eager to distance herself from her ex and his lover, she moves with her troubled daughter, Katy, to the quaint bayside town of Potomac Point, where she spent her childhood summers.
But her fresh start stalls when the contractor and onetime love interest renovating her grandparents’ old house discovers a vintage recipe box containing hints about her beloved grandmother’s hidden past. Anne is drawn into exploring the mysterious clues about the woman whose memory is fading, while also helping her daughter manage a rocky adjustment to a new school. When uncovered secrets shatter past beliefs, each woman must confront her deepest fears in order to learn it’s never too late to live her best life.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2020
1731 people are currently reading
2706 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Beck
22 books2,617 followersJamie Beck is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of 18 novels, which have been translated into multiple languages and have sold more than three million copies worldwide. She is a two-time Booksellers' Best Award finalist, a Women’s Fiction Writers Association STAR award finalist, a National Readers' Choice Award winner, and critics at Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist have respectively called her work "smart," "uplifting," and "entertaining." In addition to writing novels, she enjoys dancing around the kitchen while cooking and hitting the slopes in Vermont and Utah. Above all, she is a grateful wife and mother to a very patient, supportive family.
Fans can learn more about her on the web (www.jamiebeck.com). She also loves interacting with everyone on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JamieBeckBooks) and Instagram (@writerjamiebeck).
My newsletter subscribers get monthly fun tips, a chance to win a reader gift box, and other exclusive content. Sign up now! https://bit.ly/JBeckNewsletter. For updates on discounts and new releases, follow me on BookBub at http://bit.ly/2GBcLM3. NO SPAM--EVER.
Fans can learn more about her on the web (www.jamiebeck.com). She also loves interacting with everyone on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JamieBeckBooks) and Instagram (@writerjamiebeck).
My newsletter subscribers get monthly fun tips, a chance to win a reader gift box, and other exclusive content. Sign up now! https://bit.ly/JBeckNewsletter. For updates on discounts and new releases, follow me on BookBub at http://bit.ly/2GBcLM3. NO SPAM--EVER.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
Read
June 8, 2020Author's Notes:
To anyone interested, I thought I’d share some of my thoughts about why I wrote TRUTH OF THE MATTER and what I hope you take away from it. As with many of my books, I chose a frank, breezy style which I hope is both engaging and entertaining.
Even so, I struggled while writing this one, mostly because, as a mother who walked away from a legal career to stay at home and raise my kids, I really wanted to get it right. What does that mean? Well, I wanted to show both sides of the stay-at-home-mom coin—the privilege and blessing of being at home every day raising your kids versus how easy it is to turn into someone you no longer recognize outside of your role as wife and mother—without being too trite. I also wanted to commiserate with all the mothers out there who too often feel as if they are trying so hard to be the best mom ever, yet who also too often feel that they are messing it all up. We’ve all been there, and it helps to know you aren’t alone! Finally, anxiety disorders are rampant among teens these days, so putting a bit of a spotlight on that—to the extent it might help even one person—seemed important. I hope my research and work has done this subject justice. And while this is a women's fiction novel centered around the growth of three generations of women, there is a little romance afoot for Anne, the main protagonist, and I think you will end up loving the guy.
I am beyond thrilled that the fabulous bestselling author Barbara O’Neal (When We Believed in Mermaids) read an early copy of the book and offered a beautiful cover quote (“This is [a] sharp and graceful tale of mothers and daughters, secrets and tangled family histories. Jamie Beck brings her clear-eyed prose style and smart characterizations to the story of a mother and daughter doing their best—and often failing—to make their way to a new life after a divorce. A thoughtful, moving book from a writer stepping into the fullness of her talents.”). I also recently learned that it earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly, which said, in part, “Beck spins a poignant, multigenerational coming-of-age tale as these three women navigate their identities, dreams, and love lives. Complex and introspective, this is by turns heart-wrenching and infectiously hopeful.”
I hope you will enjoy reading this book should you choose to stick it on your “Want to Read” shelf. Thank you, as always, for giving me any of your time. Stay healthy!
XO-Jamie
To anyone interested, I thought I’d share some of my thoughts about why I wrote TRUTH OF THE MATTER and what I hope you take away from it. As with many of my books, I chose a frank, breezy style which I hope is both engaging and entertaining.
Even so, I struggled while writing this one, mostly because, as a mother who walked away from a legal career to stay at home and raise my kids, I really wanted to get it right. What does that mean? Well, I wanted to show both sides of the stay-at-home-mom coin—the privilege and blessing of being at home every day raising your kids versus how easy it is to turn into someone you no longer recognize outside of your role as wife and mother—without being too trite. I also wanted to commiserate with all the mothers out there who too often feel as if they are trying so hard to be the best mom ever, yet who also too often feel that they are messing it all up. We’ve all been there, and it helps to know you aren’t alone! Finally, anxiety disorders are rampant among teens these days, so putting a bit of a spotlight on that—to the extent it might help even one person—seemed important. I hope my research and work has done this subject justice. And while this is a women's fiction novel centered around the growth of three generations of women, there is a little romance afoot for Anne, the main protagonist, and I think you will end up loving the guy.
I am beyond thrilled that the fabulous bestselling author Barbara O’Neal (When We Believed in Mermaids) read an early copy of the book and offered a beautiful cover quote (“This is [a] sharp and graceful tale of mothers and daughters, secrets and tangled family histories. Jamie Beck brings her clear-eyed prose style and smart characterizations to the story of a mother and daughter doing their best—and often failing—to make their way to a new life after a divorce. A thoughtful, moving book from a writer stepping into the fullness of her talents.”). I also recently learned that it earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly, which said, in part, “Beck spins a poignant, multigenerational coming-of-age tale as these three women navigate their identities, dreams, and love lives. Complex and introspective, this is by turns heart-wrenching and infectiously hopeful.”
I hope you will enjoy reading this book should you choose to stick it on your “Want to Read” shelf. Thank you, as always, for giving me any of your time. Stay healthy!
XO-Jamie
September 1, 2020
(3.8 Stars)
A well written slow paced read, Truth Of The Matter addresses the pain and struggles endured after a divorce. Years after self-sacrificing and the end of her marriage, Anne is forced to rebuild a life for herself and her daughter. Along the way, she rediscovers her dreams, stumbles upon a family secret, brings support to her struggling daughter, and finds a friend.
We commend Jamie Beck for bringing such important issues to light. However, we craved more story development between Anne and Dan, as well as a greater climax which would have given way to more intrigue, rather than such a slow pace. Nonetheless, we truly admired Anne’s strength throughout the story.
Thank you to Montlake and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A well written slow paced read, Truth Of The Matter addresses the pain and struggles endured after a divorce. Years after self-sacrificing and the end of her marriage, Anne is forced to rebuild a life for herself and her daughter. Along the way, she rediscovers her dreams, stumbles upon a family secret, brings support to her struggling daughter, and finds a friend.
We commend Jamie Beck for bringing such important issues to light. However, we craved more story development between Anne and Dan, as well as a greater climax which would have given way to more intrigue, rather than such a slow pace. Nonetheless, we truly admired Anne’s strength throughout the story.
Thank you to Montlake and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2020
After surviving a marriage-gone-wrong, Anne Sullivan and her teenage daughter, Katy, moved to Potomac Point, MD. I was hesitant because of the author’s use of the first person tense (not my favorite choice when I read contemporary fiction), but I wasn’t prepared for such an emotional story.
Lots of anguish.
What ifs.
And trying to move on.
This multigenerational story made use of a link to the past, some skewed memories and how it affected relationships in the current moment. It was difficult not to feel involved but my mind was overloaded at times. It was a drama-fest.
I saw Anne dredge up childhood insecurities, watch her tumble from a marriage and cope with a grandmother fighting early dementia. There was lots of self-analysis. Katy was overwhelmed with her parents’ breakup, her father’s new family, a recent move and a new school. Marie, Anne’s grandmother, was living more and more in her past; a secret was embedded there.
I have mixed feelings about Truth of the Matter. I liked Ms. Beck’s style of writing but I was frustrated with the sheer volume of stirring flashbacks. It was like riding a literary Tilt-A-Whirl. Dan, Anne’s contractor, along with Katy’s friend, Tomas, were the heartwarming upsides.
*This story is for fans of human nature with emotional send-offs.*
A big thank-you to Net Galley and Montlake publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lots of anguish.
What ifs.
And trying to move on.
This multigenerational story made use of a link to the past, some skewed memories and how it affected relationships in the current moment. It was difficult not to feel involved but my mind was overloaded at times. It was a drama-fest.
I saw Anne dredge up childhood insecurities, watch her tumble from a marriage and cope with a grandmother fighting early dementia. There was lots of self-analysis. Katy was overwhelmed with her parents’ breakup, her father’s new family, a recent move and a new school. Marie, Anne’s grandmother, was living more and more in her past; a secret was embedded there.
I have mixed feelings about Truth of the Matter. I liked Ms. Beck’s style of writing but I was frustrated with the sheer volume of stirring flashbacks. It was like riding a literary Tilt-A-Whirl. Dan, Anne’s contractor, along with Katy’s friend, Tomas, were the heartwarming upsides.
*This story is for fans of human nature with emotional send-offs.*
A big thank-you to Net Galley and Montlake publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2020
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Anne is returning to her roots, to a place where she was truly happy, after a difficult divorce. Her ex-husband has a new family and Katy, their daughter, is understandably resentful of the new woman in her father's life. Katy does not handle the emotional upheaval well. She resorts to cutting and other harmful behaviour as an outlet for her anger and feelings of betrayal and loss. When Katy suspects that her mother might be attracted to Dan, who is helping them restore her grandmother's house, she doesn't bother to hide her disgust. Anne protests that the ink is barely dry on her divorce, but Katy is quite the handful and poor Anne, who has willingly put aside her artistic career in order to raise Katy, is forced to put aside, once again, her own needs in order to help Katy deal with all the emotions that are leading her down a perilous road. Very emotional, with quite a lot going on. Anne comes out a very strong, confident woman in the end. The only reason I am lowering my score to a 3.75 is due to the fact that both Katy and Anne find potential love-interests at the end of the story, as if they could only truly be happy now that they have boyfriends on the horizon. They are all healed up and ready for love, so to speak. An involving, well-written story for readers who like "family drama" genres.
Anne is returning to her roots, to a place where she was truly happy, after a difficult divorce. Her ex-husband has a new family and Katy, their daughter, is understandably resentful of the new woman in her father's life. Katy does not handle the emotional upheaval well. She resorts to cutting and other harmful behaviour as an outlet for her anger and feelings of betrayal and loss. When Katy suspects that her mother might be attracted to Dan, who is helping them restore her grandmother's house, she doesn't bother to hide her disgust. Anne protests that the ink is barely dry on her divorce, but Katy is quite the handful and poor Anne, who has willingly put aside her artistic career in order to raise Katy, is forced to put aside, once again, her own needs in order to help Katy deal with all the emotions that are leading her down a perilous road. Very emotional, with quite a lot going on. Anne comes out a very strong, confident woman in the end. The only reason I am lowering my score to a 3.75 is due to the fact that both Katy and Anne find potential love-interests at the end of the story, as if they could only truly be happy now that they have boyfriends on the horizon. They are all healed up and ready for love, so to speak. An involving, well-written story for readers who like "family drama" genres.
September 28, 2020
Truth of the Matter is a multi generational story that centers on Anne Sullivan whose life is once again changing due to divorce. Her daughter, Katy, is acting out so she moves them to Potomac Point where she spent summers as a child. There were things I enjoyed about this story, but there were so many flashbacks and quite a bit of drama. I just felt like I never got fully invested in the many storylines and there was little resolution to any of them. It just felt unfinished.
I’ve read Ms. Beck before and enjoyed her work, but Truth of the Matter had a different feel that just didn’t resonate with me. However, I’m sure there will be many readers who will enjoy the multi-faceted and overly emotional storylines.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
I’ve read Ms. Beck before and enjoyed her work, but Truth of the Matter had a different feel that just didn’t resonate with me. However, I’m sure there will be many readers who will enjoy the multi-faceted and overly emotional storylines.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
October 21, 2020
I really enjoyed Potomac Point Book 1, If You Must Know and that was a five star read for me. I had been waiting for Beck’s follow up to the series and this did not disappoint.
This book is a great stand alone novel. As with Jamie Beck’s signature style, this novel brings the issues of relationships and families to light in a truthful and realistic style that is not only relatable but also readable, engaging and highly entertaining.
In Truth if the Matter, Beck explores the mother and daughter relationship, and though we try our darkest to be the best parent in the world, we often times fail as such is life. Nothing is simple and sometimes life can be messy. In this heart wrenching read, I found myself looking at my role as a mother of two while also juggling a career and my home life wondering how I have kept it together all these years.
This book is poignant, impeccably written with a full understanding of the complex relationships of mother and daughter, while also tackling coming of age issues that is both hopeful and beautiful.
This book is a great stand alone novel. As with Jamie Beck’s signature style, this novel brings the issues of relationships and families to light in a truthful and realistic style that is not only relatable but also readable, engaging and highly entertaining.
In Truth if the Matter, Beck explores the mother and daughter relationship, and though we try our darkest to be the best parent in the world, we often times fail as such is life. Nothing is simple and sometimes life can be messy. In this heart wrenching read, I found myself looking at my role as a mother of two while also juggling a career and my home life wondering how I have kept it together all these years.
This book is poignant, impeccably written with a full understanding of the complex relationships of mother and daughter, while also tackling coming of age issues that is both hopeful and beautiful.
August 6, 2020
This is an amazing book about rediscovering oneself and learning to live life to the fullest.
Seventeen years ago, Anne abandoned her artistic ambitions, married her college sweetheart before graduation, and—like the mother she lost in childhood—devoted herself to her family. Now, following her divorce, she is eager to distance herself from her ex and his lover, she moves with her troubled daughter, Katy, to the quaint bayside town of Potomac Point, where she spent her childhood summers.
The story then follows her journey as she tries to make a fresh start. But it's not easy as she hoped it would be.
The book is beautifully written in alternating chapters between Anne, Katy and Anne's grandmother, Marie. It focuses on the love and bond between Anne and Katy. I just loved the character of Anne and admired how she deals with Katy’s anxieties and her grandmother’s hidden past.
It was lovely and enjoyable to read their journey as they learn to deal and face their struggles and discover the things they find joy and happiness in.
Overall, an amazing women's fiction book dealing with some of the real serious topics!
Thank You to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for this ARC!
Seventeen years ago, Anne abandoned her artistic ambitions, married her college sweetheart before graduation, and—like the mother she lost in childhood—devoted herself to her family. Now, following her divorce, she is eager to distance herself from her ex and his lover, she moves with her troubled daughter, Katy, to the quaint bayside town of Potomac Point, where she spent her childhood summers.
The story then follows her journey as she tries to make a fresh start. But it's not easy as she hoped it would be.
The book is beautifully written in alternating chapters between Anne, Katy and Anne's grandmother, Marie. It focuses on the love and bond between Anne and Katy. I just loved the character of Anne and admired how she deals with Katy’s anxieties and her grandmother’s hidden past.
It was lovely and enjoyable to read their journey as they learn to deal and face their struggles and discover the things they find joy and happiness in.
Overall, an amazing women's fiction book dealing with some of the real serious topics!
Thank You to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for this ARC!
September 17, 2020
Truth of the Matter by Jamie Beck is the 3rd novel in the Potomac Point series. This book can be read on its own. I thought this story was well-written with the point-of-view alternating between Anne, Katy, and Anne’s grandmother, Marie. I like the author’s writing style which made the story easy to read. Anne’s husband asked for a divorce after finding a new woman who has two children. The family home is sold which allows Anne to buy her beloved grandmother’s home in Potomac Point. Anne enjoyed the summers she spent with her grandparents in the seaside town. She knows that herself and her daughter, Katy need a fresh start and where she will not see Richard with his new family. We get to see how Anne and Katy struggle with the divorce as well as settling into a new town and school. Katy begins having issues and we see how Anne deals helps Katy. She is a strong woman who is compassionate and kind. I liked the mystery surrounding the grandmother, Marie. There are a couple of items found in an old recipe box that the contractor uncovered. Marie’s story unfolds over the course of the book. Truth of the Matter deals with some sensitive topics (drugs and cutting for example). I thought the topics were handled well. I like that we see Anne rediscover her artistic passion. There is a lot of soul searching and reflection on Anne’s part as she deals with everything going on in her life. Truth of the Matter does move at a slower pace, but it goes with the emotional issues in the story (such topics cannot be rushed). Truth of the Matter is a poignant, multigenerational tale.
October 5, 2020
Truth of The Matter is a story about familes, love, parenting, mental illness and self harm. This story is told from Anne, Katy and Anne's grandma, Marie point of views.
Anne sacrificed her dreams after she got pregnant and got married to be a good wife and mother to her kid, Katy. Richard, Anne's husband decided to left Anne and Katy for that bitch who got 2 kids goshh that bastard pissed me off!
After they got divorced, Anne decided to move to her hometown with Katy. Katy is struggling and not handling the divorce well. She started acting out by doing a bad things. I feel bad for Anne. She had gone through so much issues in her life.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for Truth of The Matter ARC!
Anne sacrificed her dreams after she got pregnant and got married to be a good wife and mother to her kid, Katy. Richard, Anne's husband decided to left Anne and Katy for that bitch who got 2 kids goshh that bastard pissed me off!
After they got divorced, Anne decided to move to her hometown with Katy. Katy is struggling and not handling the divorce well. She started acting out by doing a bad things. I feel bad for Anne. She had gone through so much issues in her life.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for Truth of The Matter ARC!
December 21, 2020
3.75 Didn’t want to put down
Loved the different generations...
Loved the different generations...
June 13, 2021
Story about teenage anxiety made worse by an impending divorce of her parents and a move. Add an aging Grandmother with dementia into the mix, who had something hidden in her history. A bit slow paced, but well written. 6 out of 10.
July 20, 2022
I feel like I am missing something with the Truth of the Matter by Jamie Beck. The book has a high rating with many positive reviews, however, I do not share the same feelings towards it. I found the Truth of the Matter to be painfully boring and extremely slow. I had a hard time connecting to the main characters and found them each to be one-dimensional. I was also never fully invested in the storylines and found there to be little to no resolution in any of them.
On a positive note, there were a couple of things that I did appreciate about the book and how Jamie presented them. I respected how Jamie approached and handled Katy's self-harming throughout the book. The book also focuses on the dynamic relationship between mother and daughter and I think that Jamie did a great job representing their relationship.
Overall, I wasn't a fan of the Truth of the Matter. With this being the first book I've read by Jamie and with the significant amount of positive reviews, I had high hopes for this book. Sadly, I was left frustrated and wished I hadn't wasted my time reading it.
****
Seventeen years ago, Anne Sullivan became pregnant with her daughter, Katy. She ends up giving up her artistic ambition to be a stay-at-home mom and supporting wife to her college sweetheart. Now, after being blindsided by her husband, who has filed for divorce, Anne is having to pick up the pieces of her life and start over again. To distance herself from her past life, she decides to move to Potomac Point with Katy and is eager for a fresh start.
Now in Potomac Point, Anne is trying to figure out what is next for her life. She hopes to rediscover her love for painting, but with Katy going through a rough time and her grandmother battling dementia, Anne has a lot on her plate. At a crossroads in her life, Anne has to figure out how to move on and let go and start focusing on herself and what is best for her and Katy.
On a positive note, there were a couple of things that I did appreciate about the book and how Jamie presented them. I respected how Jamie approached and handled Katy's self-harming throughout the book. The book also focuses on the dynamic relationship between mother and daughter and I think that Jamie did a great job representing their relationship.
Overall, I wasn't a fan of the Truth of the Matter. With this being the first book I've read by Jamie and with the significant amount of positive reviews, I had high hopes for this book. Sadly, I was left frustrated and wished I hadn't wasted my time reading it.
****
Seventeen years ago, Anne Sullivan became pregnant with her daughter, Katy. She ends up giving up her artistic ambition to be a stay-at-home mom and supporting wife to her college sweetheart. Now, after being blindsided by her husband, who has filed for divorce, Anne is having to pick up the pieces of her life and start over again. To distance herself from her past life, she decides to move to Potomac Point with Katy and is eager for a fresh start.
Now in Potomac Point, Anne is trying to figure out what is next for her life. She hopes to rediscover her love for painting, but with Katy going through a rough time and her grandmother battling dementia, Anne has a lot on her plate. At a crossroads in her life, Anne has to figure out how to move on and let go and start focusing on herself and what is best for her and Katy.
December 21, 2020
Light, engaging and really relatable.
I really enjoyed this, an actual plot like this can easily be dull, I don't think any author could get this right. But I was thoroughly engaged and involved with the characters and their personal journey- she was really able to draw on their personal experiences making it relatable to peoples own experiences of these issues. I look forward to trying other Jamie Beck books.
I really enjoyed this, an actual plot like this can easily be dull, I don't think any author could get this right. But I was thoroughly engaged and involved with the characters and their personal journey- she was really able to draw on their personal experiences making it relatable to peoples own experiences of these issues. I look forward to trying other Jamie Beck books.
September 28, 2020
Ugh.
Reading this book was like getting a punch in the stomach (but, like, not a really hard one) over and over again.
I love Jamie Beck’s stories - which are always filled with complicated relationships. But this was a tough book to get through. I can’t remember when I last read a book more relatable to mothers everywhere. Even though the heroine in Truth of the Matter had no financial concerns, all the money in the world didn’t save her from having problems…
Hoping to start a new life for herself and her 16 year old daughter, Anne Sullivan Chase buys her grandparents’s old Victorian home and moves to the small town of Potomac Point, where all her best childhood memories took place. But once there, she discovers the new home and new location aren’t quite the balm for the broken hearts her husband’s infidelity caused. When faced with the heartbreaking effect of her daughter’s anxiety, Anne is forced to evaluate all her life choices.
Despite being a kick in the gut, this book is SO relatable to mothers. How many of us give up hopes and dreams for the sake of our children? How many of us feel like we fail no matter how hard we try? Over and over again my heart ached for Anne - her husband’s betrayal, her insecurities as a mother that are intensified by her daughter’s pain, her sadness at losing herself for the sake of giving her daughter the best life possible. There was so much to unpack in this story and I would imagine it wouldn’t be hard for any mother to put themselves in the heroine’s shoes - regardless of whether or not you’ve had a marriage implode.
Even though Ms. Beck generally writes in the contemporary romance genre, this one sits firmly in women’s fiction territory. There is a potential love interest for Anne, but that storyline was understated and left me disappointed - I almost wish it had been left out. As much as I love love stories, this one was a cruel tease and so unfulfilling! The family secret storyline of the book was unexpected and added another heaping layer of complexity to the relationships. At first I wasn’t sure it added anything to the book, but of course it does because compelling and complex relationships are Ms. Beck’s specialty.
I need to readjust my expectations for the rest of this series and remember these books are more about women fighting to find themselves when the men in their lives do them wrong. They are good stories, but I’m not gonna lie...I miss the romance!
* thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Reading this book was like getting a punch in the stomach (but, like, not a really hard one) over and over again.
I love Jamie Beck’s stories - which are always filled with complicated relationships. But this was a tough book to get through. I can’t remember when I last read a book more relatable to mothers everywhere. Even though the heroine in Truth of the Matter had no financial concerns, all the money in the world didn’t save her from having problems…
Hoping to start a new life for herself and her 16 year old daughter, Anne Sullivan Chase buys her grandparents’s old Victorian home and moves to the small town of Potomac Point, where all her best childhood memories took place. But once there, she discovers the new home and new location aren’t quite the balm for the broken hearts her husband’s infidelity caused. When faced with the heartbreaking effect of her daughter’s anxiety, Anne is forced to evaluate all her life choices.
Despite being a kick in the gut, this book is SO relatable to mothers. How many of us give up hopes and dreams for the sake of our children? How many of us feel like we fail no matter how hard we try? Over and over again my heart ached for Anne - her husband’s betrayal, her insecurities as a mother that are intensified by her daughter’s pain, her sadness at losing herself for the sake of giving her daughter the best life possible. There was so much to unpack in this story and I would imagine it wouldn’t be hard for any mother to put themselves in the heroine’s shoes - regardless of whether or not you’ve had a marriage implode.
Even though Ms. Beck generally writes in the contemporary romance genre, this one sits firmly in women’s fiction territory. There is a potential love interest for Anne, but that storyline was understated and left me disappointed - I almost wish it had been left out. As much as I love love stories, this one was a cruel tease and so unfulfilling! The family secret storyline of the book was unexpected and added another heaping layer of complexity to the relationships. At first I wasn’t sure it added anything to the book, but of course it does because compelling and complex relationships are Ms. Beck’s specialty.
I need to readjust my expectations for the rest of this series and remember these books are more about women fighting to find themselves when the men in their lives do them wrong. They are good stories, but I’m not gonna lie...I miss the romance!
* thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
September 20, 2020
WOW!!! This story definitely has all the feels!! From page one, Truth of the Matter by the talented Jamie Beck, book two in her Potomac Point series, grabbed me and held me hostage until I turned the last page, finishing the story, yet wanting more. We travel with Anne Sullivan and her daughter Katy on a journey of starting over, reinventing themselves, and re-discovering their artistic talents. Then there are the family secrets which unleash long forgotten memories by Anne’s mother, Marie. Marie’s dementia has her alternating between her past and present. Each woman shared a poignant view of their lives, past and present.
Finding herself pregnant, Anne abandoned her artistic goals, married her college sweetheart before graduation, and devoted herself to her family; like the mother she lost in childhood. She was caught unaware when her husband informed her he wanted a divorce. For her own sanity needing to get away from her ex and his lover, she moves with her troubled daughter to Potomac Point ; where she spent summers with her grandparents. While renovating her grandparents’ old house, the contractor finds a vintage recipe box containing mementos from a past her grandmother never shared. Fascinated, Anne explores these mysterious clues, learning about a woman who was caught living in the wrong times, wanting the freedom of choosing the direction of her life; not her parents. When Katy’s anxieties take a frightening turn, Anne and her ex must face their fears and re-approach the way they handle Katy and their divorce. Throughout this story, Ms. Beck has each woman confront their deepest fears in order to save themselves.
Ms. Beck writes to the soul; the soul of her characters as well the soul of her readers. This wonderful and amazing story was emotional, moving, tear inducing, filled with wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters that is must read. I highly recommend Truth of the Matter to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Finding herself pregnant, Anne abandoned her artistic goals, married her college sweetheart before graduation, and devoted herself to her family; like the mother she lost in childhood. She was caught unaware when her husband informed her he wanted a divorce. For her own sanity needing to get away from her ex and his lover, she moves with her troubled daughter to Potomac Point ; where she spent summers with her grandparents. While renovating her grandparents’ old house, the contractor finds a vintage recipe box containing mementos from a past her grandmother never shared. Fascinated, Anne explores these mysterious clues, learning about a woman who was caught living in the wrong times, wanting the freedom of choosing the direction of her life; not her parents. When Katy’s anxieties take a frightening turn, Anne and her ex must face their fears and re-approach the way they handle Katy and their divorce. Throughout this story, Ms. Beck has each woman confront their deepest fears in order to save themselves.
Ms. Beck writes to the soul; the soul of her characters as well the soul of her readers. This wonderful and amazing story was emotional, moving, tear inducing, filled with wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters that is must read. I highly recommend Truth of the Matter to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 10, 2021
This is an emotional multi-generational story that was slow to start but by the end had me completely hooked. The story dealt with many real life issues that are sometimes swept under the rug so that people, especially woman, can avoid being judged as less than perfect by their peers. The issues included starting over after a failed marriage, teenage anxiety, grief, caring for loved ones that are losing their ability to remember where they are or who people are due to loss of memory and a few more. The women's issues are major plots throughout the book and author Jamie Beck did a wonderful job not sugar coating how hard it is to live with these problems in daily life.
I enjoyed the 3 different points of view throughout the story and how well they flowed in and out of each character to give a well rounded feeling of knowing the whole story. The characters of Anne, Katy and Marie are well conceived and their stories are told with such depth and feeling that I could feel their emotions and inner turmoil.
Overall, I loved how each woman's story helped the other ones to heal their emotional pain and let go of some of the baggage they were each internalizing. This story left me feeling optimistic and warm inside. I am very grateful to Netgalley and Montlake Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the 3 different points of view throughout the story and how well they flowed in and out of each character to give a well rounded feeling of knowing the whole story. The characters of Anne, Katy and Marie are well conceived and their stories are told with such depth and feeling that I could feel their emotions and inner turmoil.
Overall, I loved how each woman's story helped the other ones to heal their emotional pain and let go of some of the baggage they were each internalizing. This story left me feeling optimistic and warm inside. I am very grateful to Netgalley and Montlake Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2024
I love when REAL family dynamics are tackled within books. It's refreshing to see, read, and feel true life happening to characters you come to know and love.
The story then follows Anne's journey as she tries to make a fresh start, which doesn't go as smoothly as she would hope -- does it ever?
While this book is told between Anne, Katy and Anne's grandmother, Marie, it flows perfectly and it easy to follow each character's narrative. Anne really was a fantastic character, maybe just my favorite in this novel. She handles things so well, much better than I would.
Real problems and concerns make up the meat of this novel and Beck does a wonderful allowing the story to flow well and for conclusions to happen as they would in real life.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake publishing for an ARC of this book. This review is my honest opinion.
The story then follows Anne's journey as she tries to make a fresh start, which doesn't go as smoothly as she would hope -- does it ever?
While this book is told between Anne, Katy and Anne's grandmother, Marie, it flows perfectly and it easy to follow each character's narrative. Anne really was a fantastic character, maybe just my favorite in this novel. She handles things so well, much better than I would.
Real problems and concerns make up the meat of this novel and Beck does a wonderful allowing the story to flow well and for conclusions to happen as they would in real life.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake publishing for an ARC of this book. This review is my honest opinion.
June 15, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
Truth of the Matter is a tale of mothers and daughters, a tale of 3 women from different generations as they traverse through family history, secrets, in discovery of their identify, dreams and loves.
Anne Sullivan was only 20-year-old when she found out she was pregnant, abandoned her artistic dreams and married her college sweetheart. For the next 17 years she devoted herself to her husband and their little girl Katy. Divorce was not something that Anne planned on but when her unfaithful husband left her for his mistress, she was ready to distance herself from both. Growing up Anne spent her spent her childhood summers with her grandparents in the quaint bayside town of Potomac Point so moving both herself and her trouble daughter Katy seemed the right place and thing to do.
Teenage Katy is a troubled young lady that suffers from anxiety and always questioning who she is, questioning herself worth and as a coping mechanism cuts herself.
Marie is Anne’s grandmother. She suffers from dementia and lives in some sort of assistant living facility. Her story is a heartbreaking one, one of which her parent subject her to electroshock therapy.
The novel is written in alternating chapters in the voices of Anne, Katy and Marie. I enjoyed reading the journey of these 3 women in dealing with the struggles from the past and discovering what brings them joy and happiness. I especially enjoy the progression of Anne and Katy’s relationship.
This was a solid 3 ½ ⭐️ and could have been 4, I wish Ms. Beck spent a little more time on the relationship between Anne and Dan.
There were 3 different narrators for this book, none were familiar to me. I felt Tanya Eby and Lauren Ezzo did a decent job with Anne and Katy’s part, I found Janet Metzger a little to melodramatic as the grandmother.
While there are 3 books in this series - each book can be read as a stand alone. This books as well as the other 2 books (ebook and audiobook) are part of the Kindle Unlimited program.
Truth of the Matter is a tale of mothers and daughters, a tale of 3 women from different generations as they traverse through family history, secrets, in discovery of their identify, dreams and loves.
Anne Sullivan was only 20-year-old when she found out she was pregnant, abandoned her artistic dreams and married her college sweetheart. For the next 17 years she devoted herself to her husband and their little girl Katy. Divorce was not something that Anne planned on but when her unfaithful husband left her for his mistress, she was ready to distance herself from both. Growing up Anne spent her spent her childhood summers with her grandparents in the quaint bayside town of Potomac Point so moving both herself and her trouble daughter Katy seemed the right place and thing to do.
Teenage Katy is a troubled young lady that suffers from anxiety and always questioning who she is, questioning herself worth and as a coping mechanism cuts herself.
Marie is Anne’s grandmother. She suffers from dementia and lives in some sort of assistant living facility. Her story is a heartbreaking one, one of which her parent subject her to electroshock therapy.
The novel is written in alternating chapters in the voices of Anne, Katy and Marie. I enjoyed reading the journey of these 3 women in dealing with the struggles from the past and discovering what brings them joy and happiness. I especially enjoy the progression of Anne and Katy’s relationship.
This was a solid 3 ½ ⭐️ and could have been 4, I wish Ms. Beck spent a little more time on the relationship between Anne and Dan.
There were 3 different narrators for this book, none were familiar to me. I felt Tanya Eby and Lauren Ezzo did a decent job with Anne and Katy’s part, I found Janet Metzger a little to melodramatic as the grandmother.
While there are 3 books in this series - each book can be read as a stand alone. This books as well as the other 2 books (ebook and audiobook) are part of the Kindle Unlimited program.
August 26, 2020
Truth Of The Matter by Jamie Beck is the second book in the Potomac Point series. This book is based on the mother - daughter relationship which goes through change as they shift to a new town, quaint bayside town of Potomac Point due to divorce. We see Anne Sullivan’s and her daughter Katy's life.
Anne Sullivan’s life completes changes when she is pregnant with her daughter Katy almost seventeen years ago and she gives up on her ambition of being an artist. Katy is a troubled child and we see how they both cope up with their new life. While renovating her old house the contractor finds some hidden box which going to unreveal the secrets of their Gram's Marie past.
We see the story in multiple perspectives of Anne and Katy as well as her Grams past which is similar to Anne's present. The book is about discovering one's own self and also living life as it comes and finding happiness in the smallest and the most unusual times.
The book is beautifully narrated and we see how Anne goes back to her love of painting and finds her new love. Whereas, we see how Katy has anxiety issues and she copes up with it with the help of the therapist. She, then comes in terms with her parents divorce and makes peace with it.
_________
Thank You to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for this ARC in exchange of a honest opinion.
Anne Sullivan’s life completes changes when she is pregnant with her daughter Katy almost seventeen years ago and she gives up on her ambition of being an artist. Katy is a troubled child and we see how they both cope up with their new life. While renovating her old house the contractor finds some hidden box which going to unreveal the secrets of their Gram's Marie past.
We see the story in multiple perspectives of Anne and Katy as well as her Grams past which is similar to Anne's present. The book is about discovering one's own self and also living life as it comes and finding happiness in the smallest and the most unusual times.
The book is beautifully narrated and we see how Anne goes back to her love of painting and finds her new love. Whereas, we see how Katy has anxiety issues and she copes up with it with the help of the therapist. She, then comes in terms with her parents divorce and makes peace with it.
_________
Thank You to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for this ARC in exchange of a honest opinion.
September 22, 2020
Title: #TruthOfTheMatter
Author: @writerjamiebeck
Publisher: @amazonpublishing / #montlake
Pub Date: 9/22/2020
Type: #Paperback #ARC
Total Pages: 334
Genre: #WomensFiction #FamilyFiction
Must Read Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘚𝘺𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘴:
Seventeen years ago, two pink stripes on a pregnancy test changed Anne Sullivan's life. She abandoned her artistic ambitions, married her college sweetheart before graduation, and--like the mother she lost in childhood--devoted herself to her family. To say she didn't see the divorce coming is an understatement. Now, eager to distance herself from her ex and his lover, she moves with her troubled daughter, Katy, to the quaint bayside town of Potomac Point, where she spent her childhood summers.
My thoughts:
It's hard to put into words how much I loved and connected with this book. I am new to Jamie's writing and fell in love with her style, her characters, her honesty and her heart. This book, in my opinion, is a must read for parents (specifically Mom's). It was full of amazing advice and little nuggets I'll carry with me as my sons grow older. Warning: there are some difficult topics in this book - infidelity, divorce, depression and cutting, but it was written so RAW and REAL that these issues became relatable and not taboo. I appreciate that Jamie didn't focus the plot on romance, instead it was a nice compliment to the rest of the story and characters. This is definitely a heavy read that you should mentally prepare for, but will go down as one of my favorite books of September (if not 2020) and I highly suggest you pick this up. It was a wonderful and heartwarming novel about forgiveness, moving on, healing and finding oneself after heartbreak.
𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘦: 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝟸 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘤 𝘗𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺. 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝟷 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 #𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘧, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘰𝘯 @𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘶𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘳 $𝟷.𝟿𝟿 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 #𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬!
Author: @writerjamiebeck
Publisher: @amazonpublishing / #montlake
Pub Date: 9/22/2020
Type: #Paperback #ARC
Total Pages: 334
Genre: #WomensFiction #FamilyFiction
Must Read Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘚𝘺𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘴:
Seventeen years ago, two pink stripes on a pregnancy test changed Anne Sullivan's life. She abandoned her artistic ambitions, married her college sweetheart before graduation, and--like the mother she lost in childhood--devoted herself to her family. To say she didn't see the divorce coming is an understatement. Now, eager to distance herself from her ex and his lover, she moves with her troubled daughter, Katy, to the quaint bayside town of Potomac Point, where she spent her childhood summers.
My thoughts:
It's hard to put into words how much I loved and connected with this book. I am new to Jamie's writing and fell in love with her style, her characters, her honesty and her heart. This book, in my opinion, is a must read for parents (specifically Mom's). It was full of amazing advice and little nuggets I'll carry with me as my sons grow older. Warning: there are some difficult topics in this book - infidelity, divorce, depression and cutting, but it was written so RAW and REAL that these issues became relatable and not taboo. I appreciate that Jamie didn't focus the plot on romance, instead it was a nice compliment to the rest of the story and characters. This is definitely a heavy read that you should mentally prepare for, but will go down as one of my favorite books of September (if not 2020) and I highly suggest you pick this up. It was a wonderful and heartwarming novel about forgiveness, moving on, healing and finding oneself after heartbreak.
𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘦: 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝟸 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘤 𝘗𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺. 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝟷 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 #𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘧, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘰𝘯 @𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘶𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘳 $𝟷.𝟿𝟿 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 #𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬!
October 21, 2020
Thank to you #BookTrib and Loves To Read (FB group) for this book.
To call this a sequel or book #2 to me is not accurate in my opinion, since there are different characters; however, but it is set in the same town so I guess it's sort of. It was an enjoyable read nevertheless and it dealt with many things with the characters Anne, Richard (ex-husband), their daughter Katy who has many issues as a teenager as many do, and Anne's grandmother Marie whose past life we also learn of and in a nursing home whose memory comes and goes due to dementia settling in.
They all try to find their place in their new lives after Anne divorces Richard and Anne and Katy move to Anne's grandmother's house where she was brought up after her mother died at age 8 and she was sent their to live (it seems). I found Anne to be sort of helicopter mom who wants the best for her 16 year old daughter but she needed to let her daughter lead her own life and find herself in a new school, with new friends, etc.
To call this a sequel or book #2 to me is not accurate in my opinion, since there are different characters; however, but it is set in the same town so I guess it's sort of. It was an enjoyable read nevertheless and it dealt with many things with the characters Anne, Richard (ex-husband), their daughter Katy who has many issues as a teenager as many do, and Anne's grandmother Marie whose past life we also learn of and in a nursing home whose memory comes and goes due to dementia settling in.
They all try to find their place in their new lives after Anne divorces Richard and Anne and Katy move to Anne's grandmother's house where she was brought up after her mother died at age 8 and she was sent their to live (it seems). I found Anne to be sort of helicopter mom who wants the best for her 16 year old daughter but she needed to let her daughter lead her own life and find herself in a new school, with new friends, etc.
July 12, 2020
Jamie has done a wonderful job in depicting the wreckage that can be left behind in a divorce. Anne and her daughter Katy are trying to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of Anne's divorce. Katy struggles with depression and self-harming and this new situation has exacerbated those tendencies.
The book is told from the first person viewpoint of three women... Anne, Katy and Marie who is Anne’s grandmother and who suffers from dementia. Secrets from Marie's past are unearthed (literally and figuratively) and Anne digs into putting the pieces together in an attempt to help Katy.
Watching Anne and Katy navigate their "new normal" and their journey of self discovery and acceptance is what this book is all about. I enjoyed the book and would not hesitate to recommend it.
The book is told from the first person viewpoint of three women... Anne, Katy and Marie who is Anne’s grandmother and who suffers from dementia. Secrets from Marie's past are unearthed (literally and figuratively) and Anne digs into putting the pieces together in an attempt to help Katy.
Watching Anne and Katy navigate their "new normal" and their journey of self discovery and acceptance is what this book is all about. I enjoyed the book and would not hesitate to recommend it.
July 6, 2022
I was engrossed by this examination of parenthood, divorce and grief as three generations of women reflect on familial relationships, life choices and family disfunction. Anne is a devoted but disillusioned mother, Katy exhibits disturbing behavior and Gram is lost in memories that are slowly revealed and teach them all lessons about dealing with adversity and pursuing your dreams. I felt a deep emotional connection to all three characters, I liked the budding romantic relationship between Anne and Dan and the small town setting. I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed the narration performances of Tanya Eby, Lauren Enzo and Janet Metzger.
September 12, 2021
I hadn't read the other books in the series but was able to enjoy this as a standalone.
I wasn't keen on Anne from the start but I could understand the brittle nature of her character, and teenage girls can be very difficult to understand and support, I really liked the multi generational aspects of the book.
Overall I enjoyed the writing style even though I did not particularly connect with the main character, and found this an enjoyable read.
I wasn't keen on Anne from the start but I could understand the brittle nature of her character, and teenage girls can be very difficult to understand and support, I really liked the multi generational aspects of the book.
Overall I enjoyed the writing style even though I did not particularly connect with the main character, and found this an enjoyable read.
October 6, 2020
Second in a great series! 4+ stars
July 13, 2020
Truth of the Matter is a stirring heartfelt book that delves with a delicate frankness into the messiness of divorce and the devastation of mental illness. The story of mother and daughter Anne and Katy is intimate and often uneasy, but their story is also filled with love and a bond that is stretched to its limits. Their transitions, the reinvention of who they were versus who they are and who they want to become, are a lovely and emotional part of this story. Books I love best are those I read with my heart, and this book meets that criteria from the first page to the end.
November 29, 2023
3.5 cute and warm.
September 30, 2020
This book gave me insights to teen’s pain when their parents divorce. It isn’t easy to move on, and I also enjoyed the twist of the grandmother’s story and how it completed the circle of family.
September 22, 2020
You know that old saying .. we don’t know what goes on in other people’s lives... well this book is a classic example of that.
We see Ann, divorced, starting over, strong. When all she is really doing is surviving the wreckage of her divorce and wrestling with the choices of her past. Did she go the right thing becoming a stay at home mom after her daughter Katy was born and now trying to start over in the town that was always her happy place.
We see Katy a straight A student, popular, friendly and talented. We don’t see Katy trying to start over but how can she when she feels replaceable, first by her dad, then by her old friends and having to relocate to the town her mother wants, is not what Katy wanted. She didn’t want the divorce, the move, the challenges of a new school, friends and finding her place in new families and relationships.
This book deals with subjects we don’t like to talk about, divorce, starting over, dementia, anxiety, depression, and how we navigate all of that in our busy world, it also deals with growth, strength, starting over and second chances. There is only one author that can write this book as eloquently as it needed to be and that is Jamie Beck, she tackles these tough subjects with such grace and insight and understanding.
I enjoyed this book, I was complete absorbed in the characters and the storyline!
We see Ann, divorced, starting over, strong. When all she is really doing is surviving the wreckage of her divorce and wrestling with the choices of her past. Did she go the right thing becoming a stay at home mom after her daughter Katy was born and now trying to start over in the town that was always her happy place.
We see Katy a straight A student, popular, friendly and talented. We don’t see Katy trying to start over but how can she when she feels replaceable, first by her dad, then by her old friends and having to relocate to the town her mother wants, is not what Katy wanted. She didn’t want the divorce, the move, the challenges of a new school, friends and finding her place in new families and relationships.
This book deals with subjects we don’t like to talk about, divorce, starting over, dementia, anxiety, depression, and how we navigate all of that in our busy world, it also deals with growth, strength, starting over and second chances. There is only one author that can write this book as eloquently as it needed to be and that is Jamie Beck, she tackles these tough subjects with such grace and insight and understanding.
I enjoyed this book, I was complete absorbed in the characters and the storyline!
September 23, 2020
An amazing emotional journey of starting over and reinventing yourself. This story touched on many topics that we see day in and day out, divorce, teenage anxiety, depression and family secrets.
Anne is newly divorced from her college sweetheart and has taken her teenage daughter to her happy place, Potomac Point from many summer memories. Anne gave up her dream of being an artist to being the perfect mother to Katy and wife. Now Anne is in the midst of rediscovering her love of painting. Katy is going through a rough time, blaming herself for her parents divorce and starting over in a new town. Anne's grandma is in a nursing home battling dementia but has kept a big secret from her earlier years that comes out.
This is a book that I had a hard time putting down, read in one day. Well written and great character development. This book is the second in the series but completely a stand alone. I highly recommend this book!!!!
Anne is newly divorced from her college sweetheart and has taken her teenage daughter to her happy place, Potomac Point from many summer memories. Anne gave up her dream of being an artist to being the perfect mother to Katy and wife. Now Anne is in the midst of rediscovering her love of painting. Katy is going through a rough time, blaming herself for her parents divorce and starting over in a new town. Anne's grandma is in a nursing home battling dementia but has kept a big secret from her earlier years that comes out.
This is a book that I had a hard time putting down, read in one day. Well written and great character development. This book is the second in the series but completely a stand alone. I highly recommend this book!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews