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.

Other than reading and being intrigued by the synopsis, I went in blind to The Beauty of Rain which I would recommend to anyone planning to read it.

I found the plot super interesting and thought-provoking - surely it would be a dream come true to win the lottery? Which is exactly what Amy Walsh thinks when it happens to her, until she loses both her son and husband in a terrible accident shortly after and feels like her life isn’t worth living anymore. During the aftermath, Amy moves in with her sister Kristin and husband Tony and becomes an important fixture in their children Livvy and Luca’s lives. The story flicks back and forth between Amy and Kristin’s perspectives; they are as different as chalk and cheese but both have strong opinions on the other’s lives.

I love a book that centres around family dynamics so there was a good deal that I enjoyed but one thing I couldn’t look past was how incredibly scripted every conversation felt. They were conversations that are full of the things you wish you’d said after an argument with someone and they just didn’t appear to be a natural way that people would speak to each other. I’m also unsure about the ending, it wasn’t what I was expecting and I haven’t decided if that’s positive or not!

Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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.

Jamie Beck's novel, The Beauty of Rain, is a captivating story that delves into the intricate dynamics of two sisters as they navigate life's challenges while searching for healing and purpose. Against a backdrop of loss and personal struggles, this emotionally charged narrative explores the depths of human resilience and the transformative power of love. Amy Walsh, whose life takes an unexpected turn after winning the lottery, finds herself struggling to find joy and meaning amidst tragedy. Her older sister, Kristin DeMarco, invites her to live with her family, hoping to provide support during this difficult journey. However, this arrangement creates additional challenges for Kristin, affecting her career, relationships, and even altering the dynamics within her own family. As the two sisters navigate their individual paths, Amy embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, ultimately emphasizing the importance of cherishing time with loved ones.

The Beauty of Rain explores profound themes such as loss, grief, trauma, and substance abuse, offering a poignant reminder that life can be unpredictable and push individuals to unexpected places that test their love and resilience. Jamie Beck approaches these themes with sensitivity and compassion, ensuring that the narrative remains grounded in the characters' humanity. The book provides readers with a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving them reaching for tissues as they experience the highs and lows alongside the characters. Through Amy's conviction to give away her lottery winnings and the exploration of sisterhood between Amy and Kristin, the novel raises important questions about the value of time, forgiveness, and the pursuit of happiness. It prompts readers to reflect on their own priorities and seize the present before it slips away. With meticulously crafted characters and a realistic portrayal of challenging subjects, The Beauty of Rain serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the complexities of familial bonds.

This novel follows two devoted sisters, Amy and Kristen. Amy is dealing with a tragic loss and is finding it hard to move on. Her grief is so deep, that not only can she not move on, but she is not certain she wants to continue living. Meanwhile, Amy is dealing with the difficulties of dealing with a son who has developmental needs, while working as a lawyer at a demanding law firm. This novel follows both sisters as they face defining moments of their lives. This book is a testament to the bond between sisters. It also highlights the importance of finding joy in the everyday moments of life, as you never know when and/or if there will be a "next time." I highly recommend this novel from Jamie Beck.

Main Characters:
-- Amy Walsh – 30s, widowed, lost her husband Sean and her four-year-old son Scotty in a freak accident nine months ago, had quit working after winning the lottery to be a stay-at-home-mom to care for Scotty who was autistic, believes the money was “cursed” because of the way she lost her family, attempted suicide after their deaths
-- Kristin DeMarco – Amy’s older sister, a lawyer working hard to make equity partner, feels responsible for keeping Amy from a second suicide attempt
-- Tony DeMarco – Kristin’s husband, works in real estate, Amy believes he is too focused on wealth-building
-- Luca and Livvy DeMarco – Kristin and Tony’s nine-year-old son and six-year-old daughter

Trigger Warning: suicidal ideation, prescription drug abuse

I have fast become a huge fan of Jamie Beck, and her newest book made me feel a lot of emotions. 😥 And even though I read an advance copy, this amazing story (with its stunning cover art) will be adorning my bookshelf in hard copy.

The Prologue details Amy Walsh’s admission to the ER by ambulance after a car accident. “No other vehicles. No skid marks. No seat belt.” And Amy has scars on her wrists that the EMT points out to the doctor. Suspicious already.

As Chapter One begins three months prior to the prologue, Amy is “celebrating” with her sister’s family what would have been her son Scotty’s fifth birthday. The book really only plays out over the course of the three months between the birthday party and the car accident, but we learn a lot about the past several years of Amy’s life.

Scotty was autistic and needed a lot of assistance. Amy quit working to stay home with him, trying desperately to develop a bond to get through to him. Sean refused to acknowledge Scotty’s neurodivergence, even after an official diagnosis. Amy and Sean struggled financially because of the cost of his care, creating additional tension in their marriage.

And then they won the Powerball (which Sean didn’t know Amy had been playing, so another point to argue about). Suddenly they had all the money they could possibly need for Scotty’s care, and Amy planned a vacation to celebrate their windfall. She returned home alone and grief-stricken.

This story takes us through Amy’s grief journey for the year following the accident and her hyper focus on convincing Kristin to live in the moment, even as Kristin’s own life (personally and professionally) seems to be spinning out of control. Kristin feels responsible for keeping her sister focused on staying alive along with managing her career and her family, but even Tony tells Kristin that Amy has to want to stay alive.

Beck mentions in an author’s note at the beginning of the book that the inspiration for this story came from a very personal place. There is a definite focus on belief in the afterlife, that we each have a purpose in being on this earth, and that the future is promised to no one.

As a widow myself, this book challenged me. I didn’t lose my husband in an accident, and I still have my daughter, but grief is still grief. With some tough topics and a heartbreaking story, I still felt uplifted by the end.

For me, this was perfect. 🥰

A book about two sisters finding their way in life. Amy has won the lottery and believes the money is cursed after tragedy happens and she spends time figuring out what to do with this money that she wants nothing to do with. Her sister, Kristin is a work-a-holic that becomes addicted to pills to keep her going all while she is losing touch with the most important thing in her life - her family. It is heart-wrenching and even hard to read at times as these sisters come to truths and figure out what is really important in life. A great read by a great author. Grab a box of tissues, you may need it!

♦️When Amy Walsh wins a multimillion dollar lottery, she thinks her life is settled, with nothing to worry about. To celebrate it, she goes on a vacation and something unexpected happens there, which turns her world upside down. Now she wants to get rid of the money and does not wish to spend a single penny on herself.
Kristin DeMarco lives in a magnificent house, has a blooming career, a charming husband and two loving kids. What she does not have is, time, to spend with her family. Amy wants her sister to prioritize her family over her career. However her advices create a rift between Kristin and her husband, Tony. Amy's presence causes Kristin's daughter, Lucy, to prefer Amy over her. Kristin also starts lagging behind in her career.
Will Kristin finally realize the value of family over materialistic possessions? Why is Amy randomly giving away the prize money as if she is running out of time?

💥This novel teaches us the value of time and to spend it wisely. It teaches us the significance of family and loved ones. It deals with the message of "living in the now" as, in life everything will not happen as per our plan. So it is best to enjoy every moment to its fullest as if there will be no "next time". The author has beautifully portrayed the love between the two sisters, Amy and Kristin. The story throws light on the fact that our personality greatly depends on the way we are brought up.

💥It is told from the point of view of both Amy and Kristin. While both the sisters are poles apart in terms of personality, their love for each other is no different. While their way of thinking is dissimilar, each sister tries to do things so as to bring happiness in the other one's life.

💥The book has taught me to cherish every moment and be grateful for the beautiful gift of life. It has helped me to realize the importance of family. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

I want to thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

The horrifying loss of her husband and child in a boat accident while vacationing destroys Amy Walsh’s perfect life. A winning lottery ticket seems to give her family the answer to every dream they’ve had; instead, it rips the very fabric of her world to shreds, leaving Amy lost, alone, and ready to end her own life- if only her sister will let her go.

Finding her sister after a botched suicide attempt scares the hell out of Kristin. Worried she might try it again, Kristin invites Amy to stay with her chaotic family, hoping it will help her fragile sister to heal. A decision that backfires with petty jealousies and in-house bickering putting a strain on Kristin and Amy’s relationship.

Amy is determined to end her life within a year, but first, she needs to teach her sister what is truly important- family.

This is a deeply emotional read taken from a chapter in the author’s own life. The lesson is a powerful one; cherish every moment with loved ones, you never know if it could be the last.

“I voluntarily read an ARC of this book which was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.”

This is a very sad book, and not what I was expecting when I chose it based on the cover of pink petals.
3.5 ⭐️ | 30% in and I couldn't wait to finish. The concept of suicide is overwhelming and to read about someone's actual suicide plan was too much for me. It was at this point, the story felt like it had come to a standstill and was dragging; the pace picked up again from about 60% onwards. I remain undecided on what I make of the ending.
I will look out for other books by this author.
Thanks, NetGalley for an advance copy.

Really enjoyed the book, absorbing story & very well told.
Some characters worked better than others - the son and father were especially greyscale for me - but the premise and the way it moves through different parts of the story was very well done.

Great Read

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

A very slow burn, elongating and really belaboring the situation on and on, going round and round with minimal progression. But excellent, FANTASTIC writing and sharp details. Very well done. Great book, definitely worth a read.

This was fantastic and such a fun read. I loved it so much and kept turning the pages. Can’t wait to be able to share this with friends.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though it was written surrounding a morbid topic of suicide. It ended up going in a direction that I wasn't expecting. While the main character was trying to help her loved ones come to terms with her eventual leaving, she found herself enjoying those moments and wanting to create more. The ending surprised me as well, but it was very fulfilling and leaving me satisfied with the thought that you really need to live your life with no regrets every day and cherish all the moments that surround you.

I was immediately drawn to the title of this book and was eager to jump in once I learned that it's about two sisters. I enjoyed the two perspectives of two very different sisters, as well as learning about the struggles each one faces. The book explores the relationship between sisters, spouses, parents, and children and left me thinking about my own relationships with people in my life. I recommend!

What an emotionally gripping novel from Jamie Beck! The Beauty of Rain is the story of sisters Amy and Kristen, in the year after a tragic, heart-wrenching accident and the life-altering events that followed. A story of sorrow, family, love, gratitude...and a reminder to find joy in the everyday moments of life, even in the midst of sadness. Or, as Amy and Kristen (and Jamie Beck) all remind the reader, to live life, with "no regerts." A definite 5-star read! (With a trigger warning from the author that should be read and heeded regarding suicidal ideation and prescription drug abuse.)

This is a powerful and emotional story of two sisters, who are as different as night and day, but who are devoted to each other.

Amy the younger sister, has gone through a wife and mother should never have to go through, losing her beautiful son and husband in a tragic accident, for which she blames herself for happening. After winning the lottery, which was such a big surprise. She, Sean and their son Scotty, go on a trip and to have it end in tragedy was a blow Amy would never recover from.

Older sister Kristan was married to a successful developer Tony and she herself a successful lawyer and they had two wonderful kids, Luca and Livvy.

But the two sisters were not happy in their lives. They try to help each other. Amy has already tried to end her life and Kristan has been there to save her, but can these two sisters find a balance of life that does not need pills or other measures to keep their lives from spiraling out of control.

While reading this book I had the most emotional feelings I have had reading a book in a while. I connected with this book so much because of the tragedy and losses I have had in my own life in the past couple of years and I could relate to both Amy and Kristan and their feelings of how life spins out of control and where you can get lost if you are not strong. You have to have good people around you to get through the hard times and the good times and that is what Amy and Kristan were for each other. I laughed and cried and felt my heart break, but like the women in this book, I knew I was strong because I have good people in my corner to help me through. By the end of this book, I was rung out emotionally, but I was so glad I read this book. The end will surprise you and you will be glad you read it too... Be ready with a box of Kleenex and your favorite beverage.

Jamie Beck is a fabulous writer, and I can’t wait for the next wonderful book and what it’s going to teach me and make me feel. A Five star read *****.

Thank you to Netgallery and Montlake for the opportunity to read and review this ARC, for my honest opinion.

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. 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.

What a great book. I am stingy with my stars but for me, The Beauty of Rain was a definite ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I felt the emotion of each character from beginning to end. Although I have not experienced the specific traumas or situations written in this book, I was able to relate to them in some way. During the grief recovery group discussion, I felt like I was sitting there with Amy and Declan. I could understand Kristin's anxiety from her job, home life, Amy's road to recovery as well as Kristin's own mental health. I just can't say enough about this thought provoking book by author Jamie Beck