The Happy Accidents
Ratings1
Average rating5
15
Ratings1
Average rating5
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?
Reviews with the most likes.
Awesome Yet Also Problematic. This story is Beck's usual excellence as far as storytelling itself goes. Beck sucks you in with the aftermath of almost a Hangover (movie) type night (though to be clear, not that wild) where three women - two sisters and their friend - have made life-changing decisions... and now have to handle the repercussions. We open the story the morning after, and only ever get the high level details of what happened that night - the story is about life after. And for two of the three women, Beck does amazing work showing that even in screw-ups, good things can happen. The other lady's story is the more problematic one, and it comes from Beck's own unfamiliarity with the growing subculture of the childfree. Seeming without meaning to, Beck confronts this particular issue as much of society at large does... and unwittingly causes many eyes to roll. Having been a part of this community for several years (I'm a 38yo DINK - Dual Income No Kids and happily childfree), know that if you're a part of this community and in particular a woman in it, this storyline is going to make you want to throw this book off the nearest dam or into the nearest bonfire. But don't, because the other two subplots are truly excellent, and even this one is dealt with some degree of realism. Overall an excellent book, and let's face it - even with its growing popularity, the life of the childfree isn't exactly dominant yet. Meaning most readers will enjoy all three subplots very much. Very much recommended.
