We're pleased to welcome Jamie Beck to CLC today. Her latest novel, The Happy Accidents, publishes tomorrow. It sounds like a great story that we hope to check out soon. We also think you will enjoy getting to know her. Thanks to BookSparks, we have one copy of The Happy Accidents to give away!
Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Jamie Beck’s realistic and heartwarming stories have sold more than three million copies. She is a two-time Booksellers’ Best Award finalist, a National Readers' Choice Award winner, and critics at Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist have respectively called her work “smart,” “poignant,” 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 Jamie at her website, which includes a fun extras page with photos, videos, and playlists. She also loves interacting with everyone on Facebook
Three women wake up to the consequences of one impulsive pact in an insightful novel about friendship, love, and fulfillment by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jamie Beck.
While at a casino to celebrate her birthday, Jessie Clarke proposes a pact to her reserved sister, Liz, and their childhood friend Chloe: the three women will say yes to any adventure that comes their way. Jessie is mourning her recent divorce, so the other two reluctantly agree. Twelve hours later, they awaken to the shocking consequences of their behavior.
A viral video throws Liz’s career and reputation into question. A major loss at the craps table rocks the foundation of Chloe’s staid marriage. And Jessie’s desperate bid to unblock her artistic creativity results in a life-changing choice. Staring down the crossroads, each woman finds her relationships―with herself, with each other, and with loves both old and new―tested. At every turn, they struggle not to let fear decide their fates. Will they give in, or will their misadventures lead to the greatest fulfillment of all?
“Beautifully moving, masterful storytelling that weaves the nuances of relationships and finding yourself while facing the intricacies of life-changing decisions and their consequences.”
—Priscilla Oliveras, USA Today bestselling author
“Jamie Beck has moved from a heavy-hitter in romance to a sure-thing in women’s fiction, and The Happy Accidents shows why she can do both. In this novel, three old friends make a pact that changes everything…and may just be the best decisions they ever made. You won’t regret your decision to one-click this book.”
—Liz Talley, USA Today bestselling author
What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
My stories usually include serious issues that require a lot of research (mental illness, abandonment, infertility, etc.), so when I get a reader letter from someone suffering with whatever is in that story who tells me that I really got it right, it is very satisfying.
My stories usually include serious issues that require a lot of research (mental illness, abandonment, infertility, etc.), so when I get a reader letter from someone suffering with whatever is in that story who tells me that I really got it right, it is very satisfying.
What did you learn from writing your other novels that you applied to The Happy Accidents?
This is hard to answer because The Happy Accidents is a bit of a departure for me. I wrote the book when the pandemic lockdown began and while the election was happening—two very stressful events. As a result, I decided to make the story less angsty and fraught than I generally prefer. I figured readers would be world-weary and want to escape into something gentler and hopeful. The change isn’t a result of things I learned from my prior writing experience, but rather my general sense of where the world was headed.
If The Happy Accidents was made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
Fun question! Hm. I could see Jennifer Garner as Chloe, the married mother of two. Perhaps Natalie Portman would play Liz, the driven television journalist. And Jennifer Lawrence would probably bring a fun vibe to Jess, the joie de vivre artist.
What has happened in your life that you would consider to be a happy accident?
I am currently recovering from a “surgery gone wrong” that made me septic and required a second surgery to correct. Last month I spent an agonizing eight days in the hospital and am told it will be weeks longer before my pain is gone and my energy returns. It was awful, and yet it really taught me some important lessons. First, about advocating for oneself (particularly as a woman, whose concerns are often minimized). Second, about how health really is more important than almost anything else.
From now on, I am dedicating a decent portion of every day to making sure I’m taking care of my body and mental health. And third, about stress and balance. I’ve worked hard these past several years publishing multiple books per year. After this experience, I’ve decided to slow down so that I am not missing out on other important aspects of my life. These silver linings of my horrible experience really are happy accidents.
Which TV series are you currently binge watching?
We just finished Mare of Easttown, which was excellent and dark. For fun, Grace & Frankie makes me laugh (reminds me of my mom and her artist friend, Ria). And I’m going to look into Ted Lasso because everyone I know keeps talking about it.
Side note from Melissa: You will love Ted Lasso!
What is something you have learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I’m an introvert, so at first I was doing pretty well despite the lockdown. However, as time wore on, I realized how much I missed in-person events and writing group meetings. Those things really give me a lot of energy that sustains my writing. I also miss travel immensely and can’t wait to get back in the sky. Finally, I’ve been disappointed by the lack of unity and community in fighting the virus. Maybe it’s my age, but I’m shocked that so many people refuse to be part of solutions advocated by the science community despite the death toll and the mutations. It’s made me more cynical about my countrymen, which is an unfortunate consequence of the pandemic.
Thanks to Jamie for visiting with us and to SparkPoint Studio for sharing her book with our readers.
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Giveaway ends September 26th at midnight EST.
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Meeting my husband was definitely a happy accident.
ReplyDeleteA happy accident was probably when I fell outside of my house, because when a neighbor came to my aid, I realized how good and caring some people can truly be.
ReplyDeleteA happy accident was meeting an old friend when I was walking in my neighborhood one beautiful summer day. Now we get together often.
ReplyDeleteRunning into former neighbor while shopping.
ReplyDeleteThe birth of my first son, was a happy accident for me! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI got my dates mixed up and turned up for a job interview a week early. They took it for enthusiasm - I got the job.
ReplyDeleteSeeing someone at the grocery store who I hadn't seen in years.
ReplyDeleteA happy accident was when the new neighbors that moved in years ago turned out to become like family.
ReplyDeleteMy kids were pleasant surprises. Now they're my friends. :)
ReplyDeleteMy
ReplyDeleteChildren were a wonderful happy accident
A happy accident... I spent my first marriage of 6 years trying to conceive and could not. Then I found myself single and 6 months later I found myself pregnant... and still single. I thought I couldn't get pregnant after my 6 years of trying. So getting pregnant was a happy accident. It was difficult raising her for the first two years of my life but they were the best two years of my life.
ReplyDeletewhen offered a chance, I said yes, and jumped in. Taking the risk.
ReplyDeletedenise
Receiving some flowers anonymously and a month later finding out who sent them and then a bit over four yrs later marrying them and still am married to them.
ReplyDeleteHaving my son. They told me after my surgery for endometriosis I wouldn't be able to have kids. I was single and not thinking about it and surprise! I got pregnant. It was a high risk pregnancy and was iffy til the end but I delivered a little runt 37 + years ago who just became a dad for the first time himself.
ReplyDelete