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The Beauty of Rain
Two devoted sisters at a tragic breaking point discover the beautiful and painful truths of being alive in a powerful novel by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Jamie Beck.
Winning the lottery changed Amy Walsh’s life, but the cost was greater than she could bear. In the aftermath, she struggles to find joy and purpose. Only one thing feels certain now—she will never spend one cent of the prize money on herself.
Worried, her older sister, Kristin DeMarco, invites Amy to live with her family while she heals. Unfortunately, this arrangement leads to trouble for Divided focus affects her career. Her daughter prefers Amy to her. And Amy’s unsolicited opinions provoke tension between Kristin and her husband.
Meanwhile, Amy is making drastic plans of her own, which include giving away all her money. But first she must convince Kristin not to squander her most valuable asset—time with her family.
As the sisters help each other reimagine their futures, life’s unpredictability sends them to surprising places that test their love and resilience. Will they learn to live in the now, before it’s too late?
Winning the lottery changed Amy Walsh’s life, but the cost was greater than she could bear. In the aftermath, she struggles to find joy and purpose. Only one thing feels certain now—she will never spend one cent of the prize money on herself.
Worried, her older sister, Kristin DeMarco, invites Amy to live with her family while she heals. Unfortunately, this arrangement leads to trouble for Divided focus affects her career. Her daughter prefers Amy to her. And Amy’s unsolicited opinions provoke tension between Kristin and her husband.
Meanwhile, Amy is making drastic plans of her own, which include giving away all her money. But first she must convince Kristin not to squander her most valuable asset—time with her family.
As the sisters help each other reimagine their futures, life’s unpredictability sends them to surprising places that test their love and resilience. Will they learn to live in the now, before it’s too late?
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2023
1096 people are currently reading
6276 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Beck
22 books2,620 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
March 4, 2023
The other day, while perusing NetGalley’s Read Now section, I came across the title of this book and immediately grabbed it. I am what you would call a pluviophile- a lover of rain. ☔️ I love rain and anything that has to do with rain, so of course I wanted to read ‘The Beauty of Rain’.
This book is about two sisters who are trying to manage their lives, and also trying to find their purpose. Kristin is a wife and mother who works very long hours. Kristin tries to take care of everyone and everything, which has her burning the candle at both ends. She’s used to being a perfectionist, but she can only handle so much before the stress takes a toll on her. She loves her sister Amy dearly, and even let her move in with her for a while- but did that cause her marriage troubles on top of everything else too?
Amy, however is dealing with a tragic loss and finds it hard to move on in life. Amy won a large lottery, but feels that it cursed her and her family and she doesn’t want anything to do with any of the money. She just wants her own family back. In the meantime, she tries to tell her sister Kristin, to slow down and value family more than her job.
This book contained many life lessons, and I needed my tissues for many of the pages (yes I was ugly crying 😭). This was an emotional book as it dealt with loss, grief, trauma, and substance abuse. This wasn’t a light or easy read either.
I enjoyed the author’s writing tremendously, but… the chapters were way too long (and as everyone knows, that’s my number one pet peeve in a book). I think I would have enjoyed this book more if the chapters were shorter and held my attention more. Because of this my rating is 3.5 stars (rounded up).
This was a first time read for me by this author, and I will be trying other books from her. For those who like emotional reads with strong sisterly bonds, this is definitely the book for you!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Montlake Publisher, and the author for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. Publication date: July 18, 2023.
This book is about two sisters who are trying to manage their lives, and also trying to find their purpose. Kristin is a wife and mother who works very long hours. Kristin tries to take care of everyone and everything, which has her burning the candle at both ends. She’s used to being a perfectionist, but she can only handle so much before the stress takes a toll on her. She loves her sister Amy dearly, and even let her move in with her for a while- but did that cause her marriage troubles on top of everything else too?
Amy, however is dealing with a tragic loss and finds it hard to move on in life. Amy won a large lottery, but feels that it cursed her and her family and she doesn’t want anything to do with any of the money. She just wants her own family back. In the meantime, she tries to tell her sister Kristin, to slow down and value family more than her job.
This book contained many life lessons, and I needed my tissues for many of the pages (yes I was ugly crying 😭). This was an emotional book as it dealt with loss, grief, trauma, and substance abuse. This wasn’t a light or easy read either.
I enjoyed the author’s writing tremendously, but… the chapters were way too long (and as everyone knows, that’s my number one pet peeve in a book). I think I would have enjoyed this book more if the chapters were shorter and held my attention more. Because of this my rating is 3.5 stars (rounded up).
This was a first time read for me by this author, and I will be trying other books from her. For those who like emotional reads with strong sisterly bonds, this is definitely the book for you!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Montlake Publisher, and the author for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. Publication date: July 18, 2023.
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April 20, 2024Dear reader,
The idea for this book originated in 2021, in the aftermath of an emergency surgery that saved my life. That event capped off a year in which I had endured two prior surgeries, my father’s death, a broken arm, and my son’s unexpected injury. The nine days I spent in the hospital following my brush with mortality were the weakest, sickest, most vulnerable ones of my life. More surprising, however, was how different I felt about my life when I went home. My terrible year forced me to acknowledge a fact we’re all aware of but tend to ignore: we do not know, with any certainty, that we will have a tomorrow.
Initially, the inescapable reality scared me. The pandemic, climate change, and global politics had already made the world feel less safe, and now I had new personal challenges to boot. I felt paralyzed, questioning myself and the meaning of everything, imagining what might’ve happened to my family if I hadn’t survived, and analyzing whether I’d spent my fifty-plus years on this earth as well as I could have. Those musings ultimately led me to embrace life’s fragility and find new courage: the courage to draw boundaries, even when it is hard; the courage to speak my truth regardless of others’ opinions, and to pursue that truth without fear or guilt; and the courage to put my needs equal to or, sometimes, ahead of those of the people I love.
Some of you may already have this mindset, but for those who have yet to embrace these attitudes, I hope this story serves as a reminder to fill your life with passion and gratitude, and to chase your dreams, whether they be about creating a family, a career, or a life of adventure. To live life—as Amy and Kristin might tease—with “no regerts.”
Happy reading,
Jamie
Trigger warnings: the book involves serious topics that include suicidal ideation and prescription drug abuse.
The idea for this book originated in 2021, in the aftermath of an emergency surgery that saved my life. That event capped off a year in which I had endured two prior surgeries, my father’s death, a broken arm, and my son’s unexpected injury. The nine days I spent in the hospital following my brush with mortality were the weakest, sickest, most vulnerable ones of my life. More surprising, however, was how different I felt about my life when I went home. My terrible year forced me to acknowledge a fact we’re all aware of but tend to ignore: we do not know, with any certainty, that we will have a tomorrow.
Initially, the inescapable reality scared me. The pandemic, climate change, and global politics had already made the world feel less safe, and now I had new personal challenges to boot. I felt paralyzed, questioning myself and the meaning of everything, imagining what might’ve happened to my family if I hadn’t survived, and analyzing whether I’d spent my fifty-plus years on this earth as well as I could have. Those musings ultimately led me to embrace life’s fragility and find new courage: the courage to draw boundaries, even when it is hard; the courage to speak my truth regardless of others’ opinions, and to pursue that truth without fear or guilt; and the courage to put my needs equal to or, sometimes, ahead of those of the people I love.
Some of you may already have this mindset, but for those who have yet to embrace these attitudes, I hope this story serves as a reminder to fill your life with passion and gratitude, and to chase your dreams, whether they be about creating a family, a career, or a life of adventure. To live life—as Amy and Kristin might tease—with “no regerts.”
Happy reading,
Jamie
Trigger warnings: the book involves serious topics that include suicidal ideation and prescription drug abuse.
August 21, 2023
I’m glad I was able to read, The Beauty of Rain, I won it through a Goodreads contest. It’s about experiencing grief from losing a spouse and child and how this can lead to suicidal ideation. In the introduction the author explains that she wrote the story after a near death experience that caused her to look at life from a different point of view.
I was sincerely touched by this story. I cried and felt pain for what this family went through. The ending message is that spending time and making relationships with those you love is more important than money or status. I’ve heard that saying many times but Jamie Beck uses the relationship between sisters to walk you through that thought and see how they came to believe that conclusion. The sisters go through everyday struggles but with an added tragedy on top. Even through this, they are able to begin to heal.
This is a warm, touching story that leaves you with the feeling that there can be hope in the future.
I was sincerely touched by this story. I cried and felt pain for what this family went through. The ending message is that spending time and making relationships with those you love is more important than money or status. I’ve heard that saying many times but Jamie Beck uses the relationship between sisters to walk you through that thought and see how they came to believe that conclusion. The sisters go through everyday struggles but with an added tragedy on top. Even through this, they are able to begin to heal.
This is a warm, touching story that leaves you with the feeling that there can be hope in the future.
December 21, 2025
The Beauty of Rain does not hit the right spot with me. I feel off. Although I have to admit Kristin is heck of a character. How she can holding on into that madness made me speechless with shock.
I usually like Miss Beck writing. But not this time.
3 stars
I usually like Miss Beck writing. But not this time.
3 stars
November 10, 2023
Wow! I'm speechless. This was such a powerful story with so many good life lessons and deep meanings along the way. The beauty of Amy and Kristin's sisterly bond was so powerful as I have 3 sisters myself. This story was completely moving. So many twists near the end, I was left shocked. I cried so so much, this was just so moving. Beautifully written and so touching, a must read!
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
February 15, 2023
There are times when a good book – one with a simple, yet powerful message – is not easy to read. That is the case with this latest offering by Jamie Beck, one of my favorite authors. The story is a heart-wrenching exploration of the relationship between two sisters whose lives are marked by a host of challenges.
Amy Walsh has lost her husband and son in a tragic accident. The storyline explores the first year of her life following their deaths. Deep, profound grief and guilt are her companions as she tries to make sense of her life without the two people she loved most. The author’s ability to evoke these strong emotional responses – including suicidal ideation - in Amy’s character makes this novel such a challenging read.
Kristin, Amy’s sister, is overly invested in monitoring Amy’s behavior and mental/emotional status. Between Amy’s circumstances, her demanding career as an attorney, her family responsibilities for her husband and children, and her own high standards driven by a competitive, perfectionist nature, Kristin begins taking drugs to maintain her energy and focus.
The characters are well developed and, from reading the Author’s Note, are drawn from some aspects of Ms. Beck’s own experience, making them all the more authentic. Overall, it is a solid, well-thought out, realistic story, but be forewarned, this is not a “feel-good,” escapist read.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
Amy Walsh has lost her husband and son in a tragic accident. The storyline explores the first year of her life following their deaths. Deep, profound grief and guilt are her companions as she tries to make sense of her life without the two people she loved most. The author’s ability to evoke these strong emotional responses – including suicidal ideation - in Amy’s character makes this novel such a challenging read.
Kristin, Amy’s sister, is overly invested in monitoring Amy’s behavior and mental/emotional status. Between Amy’s circumstances, her demanding career as an attorney, her family responsibilities for her husband and children, and her own high standards driven by a competitive, perfectionist nature, Kristin begins taking drugs to maintain her energy and focus.
The characters are well developed and, from reading the Author’s Note, are drawn from some aspects of Ms. Beck’s own experience, making them all the more authentic. Overall, it is a solid, well-thought out, realistic story, but be forewarned, this is not a “feel-good,” escapist read.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
March 2, 2023
What do you do with grief so deep you don’t want to survive? This is the emotional state of Amy Walsh after losing her husband and young son in a tragic accident. Adding to the profound grief, is the guilt that Amy had just a few weeks prior won a multi million dollar lottery which she now thinks was a bad omen and she no longer wants. Kristin DeMarco, is Amy’s older sister who takes her in to live with her family in the hopes that she can help save Amy from the despair. What follows is a powerful story of the tensions and love of sisters as they each try to find a way in the face of their own hopelessness and desperation. But is it enough?
Themes of loss, grief, suicide and prescription drug dependency are found throughout the story and while intense and emotional, the author handles each with sensitivity and compassion. I was not prepared for how heavy this book was so here is a warning. And do keep the tissues nearby.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: July 18, 2023
Themes of loss, grief, suicide and prescription drug dependency are found throughout the story and while intense and emotional, the author handles each with sensitivity and compassion. I was not prepared for how heavy this book was so here is a warning. And do keep the tissues nearby.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: July 18, 2023
February 24, 2023
I was very disappointed in the ending of this novel. As a gal who has lost not one - but TWO husbands -- by the age of 45, I thought that this novel was going to be the kind of story to teach people that there is moving beyond the pain and the heartache. And it was GOING IN THAT DIRECTION. Until the end.
Beck ruined the entire thing with the END. How could she kill off the grieving widow like that? Amy, the widow, had finally gotten beyond her grief. She'd learned to find meaning in life with her near-death experience. But to die, when Amy was aiming for suicide the entire novel, but found meaning? Come on!!!!
I didnt like the religious bend that the book took in the end. The suggestion that suicide would keep someone from being with their family if that route was chosen? No. I dont believe in an afterlife like that. Sorry. That follows a religious idea that people who commit suicide are somehow going against "god" (which is not something I believe in either). People who commit suicide are people who are suffering greatly. If there is a great power, it loves people who end their lives more than everyone else. Any philosophy that suggests otherwise is WRONG. If there is a god out there, he/she loves all the people., especially those in pain, and he/she understands the wrong/misguided choices they make. Christianity has it all wrong. God loves everyone -- those who committed suicide, those who dont feel they are in the "right" body, etc. STOP PUSHING the mainstream Christian agenda!!!
But I was so pissed off about killing Amy off in the end that I just could not read the rest of the novel without rolling my eyes. Beck could have made the ending uplifting, with the person who lost learning to move beyond her losses (as I have learned to do, as someone who has lost twice). But, no, she chose the whole deliberately tear-jerker route without a real reason. I am so angry. I expected better from Beck who has been one of my favorite authors for the last several years. This was such a disappointing ending to the story. I. Just. Can't.
Sorry.
Beck ruined the entire thing with the END. How could she kill off the grieving widow like that? Amy, the widow, had finally gotten beyond her grief. She'd learned to find meaning in life with her near-death experience. But to die, when Amy was aiming for suicide the entire novel, but found meaning? Come on!!!!
I didnt like the religious bend that the book took in the end. The suggestion that suicide would keep someone from being with their family if that route was chosen? No. I dont believe in an afterlife like that. Sorry. That follows a religious idea that people who commit suicide are somehow going against "god" (which is not something I believe in either). People who commit suicide are people who are suffering greatly. If there is a great power, it loves people who end their lives more than everyone else. Any philosophy that suggests otherwise is WRONG. If there is a god out there, he/she loves all the people., especially those in pain, and he/she understands the wrong/misguided choices they make. Christianity has it all wrong. God loves everyone -- those who committed suicide, those who dont feel they are in the "right" body, etc. STOP PUSHING the mainstream Christian agenda!!!
But I was so pissed off about killing Amy off in the end that I just could not read the rest of the novel without rolling my eyes. Beck could have made the ending uplifting, with the person who lost learning to move beyond her losses (as I have learned to do, as someone who has lost twice). But, no, she chose the whole deliberately tear-jerker route without a real reason. I am so angry. I expected better from Beck who has been one of my favorite authors for the last several years. This was such a disappointing ending to the story. I. Just. Can't.
Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
Thus book is a life lesson about who and what we should hold near and dear to our hearts.
Life is never about the accolades, the achievements, the next promotion or grand status. It’s about spending time with the people you love and who love you, enjoy the simple moments, laugh hard, go easy on ourselves. It's about accepting that less is more, that less can mean more. Less overtime hours at the high-paying powerful job, more time with your loved ones. It's the glaring reminder of how fleeting life is.
It makes you question mortality, how do you do when someone is truly happy and can we really miss the signs of depression that lead to suicide? Or do we see what we want to because if we really pay attention, it hurts too much.
It's about found family and how the people that you least expect in your life can actually save it.
This story tugs at every heartstring as it explores insurmountable grief, the challenges or marriage and parenting. The unconditional love between two sisters and a husband and wife that faced every challenge possible to tear a family apart but if you love hard enough there's nothing you can't conquer together as family.
Loved this story!
Amy🥺
Life is never about the accolades, the achievements, the next promotion or grand status. It’s about spending time with the people you love and who love you, enjoy the simple moments, laugh hard, go easy on ourselves. It's about accepting that less is more, that less can mean more. Less overtime hours at the high-paying powerful job, more time with your loved ones. It's the glaring reminder of how fleeting life is.
It makes you question mortality, how do you do when someone is truly happy and can we really miss the signs of depression that lead to suicide? Or do we see what we want to because if we really pay attention, it hurts too much.
It's about found family and how the people that you least expect in your life can actually save it.
This story tugs at every heartstring as it explores insurmountable grief, the challenges or marriage and parenting. The unconditional love between two sisters and a husband and wife that faced every challenge possible to tear a family apart but if you love hard enough there's nothing you can't conquer together as family.
Loved this story!
Amy🥺
March 12, 2023
I started reading "The Beauty of Rain" on whim as the summary sounded intriguing to me; who, after all, hasn't dreamed about winning the lottery and having their life changed? This is the exact scenario that happens to Amy Walsh, a wife and mother, who's struggled with taking care of her son Scotty, who has developmental needs. It seems like all of her problems will be solved with this windfall, until she loses her both her son and husband in a tragic accident - which ends up almost costing her life as well.
In the aftermath, Amy moves in with her sister Kristin and husband Tony, and watches as their children Livvy and Tony grow up. It's a precarious setup, especially given how different their lives are compared to Amy's, but she makes the decision to leave and live independently, at least for a little while. The story switches between Amy's and Kristin's perspectives as the former deals with her ongoing grief and survivor's guilt, and her attempts to find joy in the life she currently has, versus Kristin's struggles to be a good mother, a wife, and a lawyer at a demanding law firm - all while caring for her sister.
There are some difficult and important topics that this novel covers, including loss and grief, financial privilege, suicide, sexism in the corporate environment, and the ongoing juggling act so many women have to take on day after day. While I've never been in anything resembling Amy's situation, I empathized with her and also connected to Kristin's struggles of being the perfect, high-achieving sibling. I'm not sure these were covered in sufficient depth, however, and I struggled with the ending. Beck's writing style took some getting used to as well, especially as the novel is written from a first person perspective. There's a lot of dialogue and the writing style feels rigid, which deterred me from reading further at times.
Thank you Montlake Publishing for the advance copy of this novel!
In the aftermath, Amy moves in with her sister Kristin and husband Tony, and watches as their children Livvy and Tony grow up. It's a precarious setup, especially given how different their lives are compared to Amy's, but she makes the decision to leave and live independently, at least for a little while. The story switches between Amy's and Kristin's perspectives as the former deals with her ongoing grief and survivor's guilt, and her attempts to find joy in the life she currently has, versus Kristin's struggles to be a good mother, a wife, and a lawyer at a demanding law firm - all while caring for her sister.
There are some difficult and important topics that this novel covers, including loss and grief, financial privilege, suicide, sexism in the corporate environment, and the ongoing juggling act so many women have to take on day after day. While I've never been in anything resembling Amy's situation, I empathized with her and also connected to Kristin's struggles of being the perfect, high-achieving sibling. I'm not sure these were covered in sufficient depth, however, and I struggled with the ending. Beck's writing style took some getting used to as well, especially as the novel is written from a first person perspective. There's a lot of dialogue and the writing style feels rigid, which deterred me from reading further at times.
Thank you Montlake Publishing for the advance copy of this novel!
September 5, 2023
Memorable, sincere, and heartbreaking!
The Beauty of Rain is an intimate, pensive, emotionally-charged novel that sweeps you away to Old Greenwich, Connecticut and immerses you into the lives of two sisters. Amy Walsh, a young woman who is struggling to find a reason to go on after winning the lottery and subsequently losing her husband and son in a tragic accident, and Kristin DeMarco, a mother of two who is finding it harder and harder to juggle her sister’s mental health, a demanding career, and a family she doesn’t see as much as she should would like to without the constant help of a little white pill.
The writing is effortless and polished. The characters are multi-layered, genuine, anxious, and supportive. And the plot, including all the subplots, skillfully intertwines and unravels into a touching tale about life, love, guilt, grief, family drama, secrets, friendship, happiness, self-discovery, marriage, overwhelming responsibilities, the day-to-day struggles of experiencing extreme loss, and the special bonds that exist between sisters.
Overall, The Beauty of Rain is a beautiful mix of hope, heart, tragedy, and healing that is not only a heart-wrenching, emotive, lovely novel by Beck but one which I don’t think anyone could possibly read and not be thoroughly absorbed and utterly moved.
Thank you to Firefly Distributed Lines for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Beauty of Rain is an intimate, pensive, emotionally-charged novel that sweeps you away to Old Greenwich, Connecticut and immerses you into the lives of two sisters. Amy Walsh, a young woman who is struggling to find a reason to go on after winning the lottery and subsequently losing her husband and son in a tragic accident, and Kristin DeMarco, a mother of two who is finding it harder and harder to juggle her sister’s mental health, a demanding career, and a family she doesn’t see as much as she should would like to without the constant help of a little white pill.
The writing is effortless and polished. The characters are multi-layered, genuine, anxious, and supportive. And the plot, including all the subplots, skillfully intertwines and unravels into a touching tale about life, love, guilt, grief, family drama, secrets, friendship, happiness, self-discovery, marriage, overwhelming responsibilities, the day-to-day struggles of experiencing extreme loss, and the special bonds that exist between sisters.
Overall, The Beauty of Rain is a beautiful mix of hope, heart, tragedy, and healing that is not only a heart-wrenching, emotive, lovely novel by Beck but one which I don’t think anyone could possibly read and not be thoroughly absorbed and utterly moved.
Thank you to Firefly Distributed Lines for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2023
The beauty of rain.
By jamie beck.
This story, Has a powerful message.
The story is amazing. And will make you think about life. This book was absolutely enthralling. I loved the story. And this one will pull at your heart strings . I know it did mine.
What an amazing story. I'm so glad the author wrote this book.. This is one everyone should read. Because life. And everything about it is precious.
Amy,
Having the hardest time getting through first year,
The loss. But has so much life to live..
Family that loves her.. But she blames herself for things that happened..
Kristen,
Amy sister 💕 Who's always there for her. Sometimes more than amy wants. But then again that's love. Family. And so much more..
All I can say is this book was absolutely amazing..
Life love and family. Those things are the most important...
The author did a amazing job on this book. I believe folks should really read this one it's that good. And the messages it sends it's powerful..
By jamie beck.
This story, Has a powerful message.
The story is amazing. And will make you think about life. This book was absolutely enthralling. I loved the story. And this one will pull at your heart strings . I know it did mine.
What an amazing story. I'm so glad the author wrote this book.. This is one everyone should read. Because life. And everything about it is precious.
Amy,
Having the hardest time getting through first year,
The loss. But has so much life to live..
Family that loves her.. But she blames herself for things that happened..
Kristen,
Amy sister 💕 Who's always there for her. Sometimes more than amy wants. But then again that's love. Family. And so much more..
All I can say is this book was absolutely amazing..
Life love and family. Those things are the most important...
The author did a amazing job on this book. I believe folks should really read this one it's that good. And the messages it sends it's powerful..
September 14, 2023
I love books about sisters, especially ones where they fall out and then come back together. This book follows Amy and Kristin as they both try to support the other through difficult periods in each other's life. Told through both sisters' POV's, this was an emotional book which had me tearing up multiple times. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 25, 2023
The Beauty of Rain by Jamie Beck. Thanks to @amazonpublishing #montlake @netgalley for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Two sisters find themselves at breaking points but have each other. Amy struggles with her lottery money win after losing her husband and son in a terrible accident. Kristin worries about Amy and the pressures of her stressful job and maintaining her marriage and family.
This is a great sister relationship book that will tug at your heartstrings. It starts off sad, as Amy is lost within her grief. While the sadness remains, the story slowly grows some hope. It ends unexpectedly, but I appreciated the genuineness behind it. I didn’t really love the spiritually aspect of it, but I think other will.
“We aren’t put on earth to suggest or to prove anything. We’re here to explore. To experience. To figure out who we are.”
The Beauty of Rain comes out 7/18.
Two sisters find themselves at breaking points but have each other. Amy struggles with her lottery money win after losing her husband and son in a terrible accident. Kristin worries about Amy and the pressures of her stressful job and maintaining her marriage and family.
This is a great sister relationship book that will tug at your heartstrings. It starts off sad, as Amy is lost within her grief. While the sadness remains, the story slowly grows some hope. It ends unexpectedly, but I appreciated the genuineness behind it. I didn’t really love the spiritually aspect of it, but I think other will.
“We aren’t put on earth to suggest or to prove anything. We’re here to explore. To experience. To figure out who we are.”
The Beauty of Rain comes out 7/18.
December 21, 2023
As a MH professional I was super interest in the premise of this book, especially with the author’s forward about taking suicidal ideation and substance abuse seriously. By the end of the book I was just completely disappointed and frustrated. The entire book feels way too surface level and simple for these subjects. Amy is ready to commit suicide, but after her sister telling her to start a foundation and one meeting at a grief group she’s suddenly fine and realizes that if other people can move on so can she? It is not NEARLY that simple if someone is genuinely suicidal. And then for her to die so suddenly in the last 10 pages honestly just felt like bad writing. Even as someone who believes in the afterlife, the descriptions of Amy seeing it etc felt very cliched and almost childish in how simple it was. The same went for Kristin—once her husband finds out she’s taking adderall she’s just able to stop without consequence or effects? And is also completely fine because she learned Amy’s “lesson” of not taking life for granted? As someone who has been affected by both suicide and substance abuse, this book just kind of feels like an insult by how simple it makes these issues basically just go away. I can appreciate the underlying message of not taking your life for granted and living to the fullest, but it was just not at all executed well and left me very disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2023
“Time to embrace a “Live now, not when”attitude “
Let me start by saying this was one amazing book… I have laughed, cried, questioned my faith, questioned relationships and felt every emotion a girl can feel. The author has so beautifully taken us on a journey of what’s really important, and what we all need to do to just stop and enjoy the little moments from time to time.
I think this is one of this authors best books and I am so grateful to her for writing a book that will forever change me.
Amy has lived through the unimaginable loss of her son and her husband. She gets through every day planning her exit from life.
Kristin is spinning in all different directions in her life Trying to make partner at her job, raising two kids, keeping secrets from her husband and trying to prevent her sister from ending her life.
“What made this home beautiful was the love inside these walls.”
What made this book beautiful was the love inside every page!
Let me start by saying this was one amazing book… I have laughed, cried, questioned my faith, questioned relationships and felt every emotion a girl can feel. The author has so beautifully taken us on a journey of what’s really important, and what we all need to do to just stop and enjoy the little moments from time to time.
I think this is one of this authors best books and I am so grateful to her for writing a book that will forever change me.
Amy has lived through the unimaginable loss of her son and her husband. She gets through every day planning her exit from life.
Kristin is spinning in all different directions in her life Trying to make partner at her job, raising two kids, keeping secrets from her husband and trying to prevent her sister from ending her life.
“What made this home beautiful was the love inside these walls.”
What made this book beautiful was the love inside every page!
March 4, 2023
I misjudged the book by its cover. It is very straight forward fiction, not a deep or insightful read, just straight forward until the end. Some may take comfort at the ending, it wasn't for me.
March 15, 2023
As much as I wanted to love this book, I couldn’t. The premise is fascinating but the book failed to follow through on what could have been a great story
May 8, 2023
A beautiful book written about two sisters who are so different and have individual struggles. I really didn’t anticipate the ending. My heart was full after reading this as it’s filled with so much love. I think this book really stands out as it has some tough trials that can happen to anyone. Thanks to the author for the ARC
February 23, 2023
A well written, heartfelt & truly emotional story. It will pull at your heart-strings.
A year ago, Amy had a tragic
loss in her family. Life after that
completely changed for Amy,
her sister & family.
Every day was struggle to continue
on for Amy.
Wonderful characters.
A story of love, loss, forgiveness
& understanding.
I truly enjoyed reading it.
A year ago, Amy had a tragic
loss in her family. Life after that
completely changed for Amy,
her sister & family.
Every day was struggle to continue
on for Amy.
Wonderful characters.
A story of love, loss, forgiveness
& understanding.
I truly enjoyed reading it.
March 9, 2023
What a beautiful novel!
I have always loved the quote by Abe Lincoln: "To Believe in the unseen is a triumph and a blessing".
It is so relevant to this touching story!
This is a reminder to "heed that tap on the shoulder" and try our very best to live and enjoy each moment in life.
Two sisters are the main characters within these pages. They are different in their lifestyles, yet love each other and their families fiercely.
Amy loses her family in an awful tragedy. The guilt and despair almost overwhelms her.
Kristin, the older sister, wants to fix the world; and yet she cannot fix herself.
How will both ladies move forward in their lives? How can they find the beginning of a new and different day, each morning?
Definitely a must read for everyone in these trying times!
Well done!
Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Montlake for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review.
I have always loved the quote by Abe Lincoln: "To Believe in the unseen is a triumph and a blessing".
It is so relevant to this touching story!
This is a reminder to "heed that tap on the shoulder" and try our very best to live and enjoy each moment in life.
Two sisters are the main characters within these pages. They are different in their lifestyles, yet love each other and their families fiercely.
Amy loses her family in an awful tragedy. The guilt and despair almost overwhelms her.
Kristin, the older sister, wants to fix the world; and yet she cannot fix herself.
How will both ladies move forward in their lives? How can they find the beginning of a new and different day, each morning?
Definitely a must read for everyone in these trying times!
Well done!
Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Montlake for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review.
March 8, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC.
I loved loved loved this book! It was a first time read from this author for me and I’ll definitely be going back for more!
The book isn’t necessarily an easy read and it definitely made me ugly cry a few times but it’s so worth it. The only negative for me is the chapters are a little long
I loved loved loved this book! It was a first time read from this author for me and I’ll definitely be going back for more!
The book isn’t necessarily an easy read and it definitely made me ugly cry a few times but it’s so worth it. The only negative for me is the chapters are a little long
July 10, 2023
Jamie Beck continues to give us stories that hit the heart!
February 29, 2024
I picked this up from the library for the cover and read the intro that gave a content warning so I was hoping for a deep and insightful novel. Instead the entire storyline was predictable and redundant. And I did not appreciate the ending AT ALL - that was not the “plot twist” I was in for. I was interested in Kristin’s story only because I was in the same career dilemma but I got bored of her and how perfect Tony was - he sounded like a psychologist. Given what Amy went through, I distanced myself from getting too invested in her story but even if I didn’t make that choice from the beginning, there was nothing in the writing that would have pulled me in anyway. The whole book felt like I was reading a really long blog post. Overall, didn’t hate it so I finished it but would have been fine without reading this book.
April 3, 2023
This is a beautiful, heartbreaking, tragic story of two sisters and how they deal with truly tragic heartbreaking events. True love,loss, friendship,forgiveness and caring. Be prepared to not be able to put it down. You won't be able to stop reading. Thank you to Net Galley, Jamie Beck and the publishers for this Advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 2, 2023
Two sisters, one with a pain so deep that the other cannot hope to fix her with love alone even though determined..
Two sisters, one who tries and gives so freely, determined to always be the answer, even when she cannot possibly have the answer, the other determined to make her see that life is short and too precious to be perfect all the time.
One sister, fighting to be strong and steady, before it all falls apart, the other fighting for space and time to figure out her path, when it has all fallen apart.
As they try so hard their life takes them on a journey that will see them find their peace, with each other, and those around them.
This book was beautiful, it touched me in a way I didn’t know it would, and has been the first book to make me cry this year. Read it you won’t regret it!
We are all just a moment, we are only here for as long as we can be, and yet we forget to take pleasure in all the things that mean the most to us, until it is too late. This book has made me remember to spend time each day appreciating the people that mean the most to me, and to stop taking everything for granted. Even when we are strong, we are weak if we don’t recognise the beauty in what is around us.
Superb book, #JamieBeck #TheBeautyofRain #NetGalley thank you so much for the opportunity to read this beautiful book, it will stay with me for a long time.
Two sisters, one who tries and gives so freely, determined to always be the answer, even when she cannot possibly have the answer, the other determined to make her see that life is short and too precious to be perfect all the time.
One sister, fighting to be strong and steady, before it all falls apart, the other fighting for space and time to figure out her path, when it has all fallen apart.
As they try so hard their life takes them on a journey that will see them find their peace, with each other, and those around them.
This book was beautiful, it touched me in a way I didn’t know it would, and has been the first book to make me cry this year. Read it you won’t regret it!
We are all just a moment, we are only here for as long as we can be, and yet we forget to take pleasure in all the things that mean the most to us, until it is too late. This book has made me remember to spend time each day appreciating the people that mean the most to me, and to stop taking everything for granted. Even when we are strong, we are weak if we don’t recognise the beauty in what is around us.
Superb book, #JamieBeck #TheBeautyofRain #NetGalley thank you so much for the opportunity to read this beautiful book, it will stay with me for a long time.
December 29, 2023
To start, this book’s synopsis needs a rewriting; yes, it mentions a “tragic aftermath” but that barely scratches the surface of the absolute devastation of what happens in this book. Massive spoiler alert: the main character has suicidal ideation the entirety of the book. The author does, in the foreword, give a content warning. However I likely would have never picked up this book if I knew the contents ahead of time. I committed to reading and reviewing the book so I persevered. Grief is a main focus of the book, so be prepared. Mental health and addiction are also front and center. There is personal growth, relationship difficulties, parenting difficulties. There are brief moments of humor. The writing is good, and the anguish palpable. Unfortunately for my reading tastes there needs to be a bit more hope than what is presented here. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2023
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy and I have read all of Jamie Beck’s books. I honestly feel like this is her best to date. It’s an emotional and gut wrenching story about 2 sisters and wow, it did not disappoint.
February 19, 2023
Life and Death is fleeting. Nobody is guaranteed a tomorrow so embrace today with open arms.
What can one say other than I'm typing this after exiting the hospital on the 10th with what I was told was pneumonia. Antibiotics ordered. No IV fluids administered after suffering sinus tachycardia simply walking to the building. Upon exiting I was told to check up within a week with primary. Within an hour I located my online med file/test results and learned I had tested positive for Covid/Sars. Indeed, I spent two days tracking down my doctor via instant messaging through this online portal. I finally was provided a prescription for Covid meds and spent ten days in quarantine.
You might think this isn't all that bad until you learn my dad passed away in FL while on vacay while I reside in PA. My brother kept me up to date bedside chatter with doctors via 'What's App' which I never heard of till that Wednesday. By the time I entered the hospital at 10 am on the 10th my dad had supposedly passed at 418am that same day. My kids and I were never called but instead a family member eventually mentioned to my son online and my son finally told me.
I was devastated to say the least especially upon sharing the news online that he passed as his only daughter only to get crickets. Not one person offered condolences. I honestly live as if I'm truly invisible to the outside world and it's mind blowing as to why?
I see others share the deaths of loved ones and it's met with so much emotional and loving support yet for me I can't get one person to do the same for me yet I'd give my shirt off my back and have spent 20 years of my 49 yrs volunteering and raising my 3 kids solo.
Well, in regards to this book it's a tear jerker. To learn of Amy's suicidal tendencies, the issues with prescription meds, the passing of her son and husband is all deeply troubling.
Couple this with her sister Kristen who has to be the strong one and supportive while processing her sister's death and vision from the other side is enough to make you take stock in Kleenex.
It's a deep disturbing yet a discussion of life and death that we all must address. My father had end stage cancer at 80 yo as a Navy Veteran having served in the Cold War 61-66 on USS-Shangri-La.
He had a sudden heart attack from three main issues: valve stenosis, atril fibrilation, and weakened arteries cardiomyopathy. Any of these could normally be fixed via stent however, with underlying end stage cancer that's pushing up his diaphragm causing his lungs/kidneys to falter it was an 'out of options' for the doctors and a resort to 'end suffering' and provide 'comfort care.'
We were given a multitude of other options ie. ventilators, meds, and more but in the end the body is shutting down.
I'll leave you with this as I've overheard from the Dr. to my eldest brother, " He defied the odds of nature." He fought for all of you and he fought a battle he knew that his body was shutting down and that caused him anxiety. He souded mentally in tact but sadly it's the body that faltered and he was given morphine to end the suffering and allow his body to relax naturally putting him into sleep restfully as we'd all want to go out.
Please, please, please know that you're not alone. That we all must meet our maker. To go out with dignity and strength instead of gasping for air as my dad was leading up to his final days -sleeping upright in reclining chair, having my mom rush to his side when his breath crackled with that god awful wheezing isn't living life it's fighting life to win.
I'm so glad my dad is in peace and I pray that everyone has a chance to read this beautiful book because it's well written, thoughful, and dignified.
Thank you for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
What can one say other than I'm typing this after exiting the hospital on the 10th with what I was told was pneumonia. Antibiotics ordered. No IV fluids administered after suffering sinus tachycardia simply walking to the building. Upon exiting I was told to check up within a week with primary. Within an hour I located my online med file/test results and learned I had tested positive for Covid/Sars. Indeed, I spent two days tracking down my doctor via instant messaging through this online portal. I finally was provided a prescription for Covid meds and spent ten days in quarantine.
You might think this isn't all that bad until you learn my dad passed away in FL while on vacay while I reside in PA. My brother kept me up to date bedside chatter with doctors via 'What's App' which I never heard of till that Wednesday. By the time I entered the hospital at 10 am on the 10th my dad had supposedly passed at 418am that same day. My kids and I were never called but instead a family member eventually mentioned to my son online and my son finally told me.
I was devastated to say the least especially upon sharing the news online that he passed as his only daughter only to get crickets. Not one person offered condolences. I honestly live as if I'm truly invisible to the outside world and it's mind blowing as to why?
I see others share the deaths of loved ones and it's met with so much emotional and loving support yet for me I can't get one person to do the same for me yet I'd give my shirt off my back and have spent 20 years of my 49 yrs volunteering and raising my 3 kids solo.
Well, in regards to this book it's a tear jerker. To learn of Amy's suicidal tendencies, the issues with prescription meds, the passing of her son and husband is all deeply troubling.
Couple this with her sister Kristen who has to be the strong one and supportive while processing her sister's death and vision from the other side is enough to make you take stock in Kleenex.
It's a deep disturbing yet a discussion of life and death that we all must address. My father had end stage cancer at 80 yo as a Navy Veteran having served in the Cold War 61-66 on USS-Shangri-La.
He had a sudden heart attack from three main issues: valve stenosis, atril fibrilation, and weakened arteries cardiomyopathy. Any of these could normally be fixed via stent however, with underlying end stage cancer that's pushing up his diaphragm causing his lungs/kidneys to falter it was an 'out of options' for the doctors and a resort to 'end suffering' and provide 'comfort care.'
We were given a multitude of other options ie. ventilators, meds, and more but in the end the body is shutting down.
I'll leave you with this as I've overheard from the Dr. to my eldest brother, " He defied the odds of nature." He fought for all of you and he fought a battle he knew that his body was shutting down and that caused him anxiety. He souded mentally in tact but sadly it's the body that faltered and he was given morphine to end the suffering and allow his body to relax naturally putting him into sleep restfully as we'd all want to go out.
Please, please, please know that you're not alone. That we all must meet our maker. To go out with dignity and strength instead of gasping for air as my dad was leading up to his final days -sleeping upright in reclining chair, having my mom rush to his side when his breath crackled with that god awful wheezing isn't living life it's fighting life to win.
I'm so glad my dad is in peace and I pray that everyone has a chance to read this beautiful book because it's well written, thoughful, and dignified.
Thank you for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
July 15, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Jamie Beck for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an incredibly powerful story but is also very hard to read.
Amy and Kristin are two sister both struggling with life. Amy lost her husband and son in a horrible freak accident and Kristin is have difficulty juggling her law career, a mother, and a good wife - so much so that she makes some bad decisions. Both characters are so developed that you are feeling as much as reading Amy’s pain and understandingly frustrated with Kristin’s problems. The sisters lean on each other not always fully aware of what each other are going through.
I was very leery reading this all the way to the end.. it talks about suicide a lot and Amy’s struggles with feeling like she has no reason to live anymore without her husband and son. The longer I read the more I was concerned with the way it would end. The way everything seemed to get more unbearable for both sisters nearing the end, it was tragically beautiful. It was a tragically beautiful in the way that life always works out, sometimes the pieces just fall in place.
While a difficult story to read, I would recommend it to readers. I can’t choose a certain genre of reader to suggest this to, as it is something that you would have to be interested and willing to read.
This is an incredibly powerful story but is also very hard to read.
Amy and Kristin are two sister both struggling with life. Amy lost her husband and son in a horrible freak accident and Kristin is have difficulty juggling her law career, a mother, and a good wife - so much so that she makes some bad decisions. Both characters are so developed that you are feeling as much as reading Amy’s pain and understandingly frustrated with Kristin’s problems. The sisters lean on each other not always fully aware of what each other are going through.
I was very leery reading this all the way to the end.. it talks about suicide a lot and Amy’s struggles with feeling like she has no reason to live anymore without her husband and son. The longer I read the more I was concerned with the way it would end. The way everything seemed to get more unbearable for both sisters nearing the end, it was tragically beautiful. It was a tragically beautiful in the way that life always works out, sometimes the pieces just fall in place.
While a difficult story to read, I would recommend it to readers. I can’t choose a certain genre of reader to suggest this to, as it is something that you would have to be interested and willing to read.
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