The Happy Accidents

A Novel

By: Jamie Beck

Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi, Emily Woo Zeller, Sarah Mollo-Christensen

Three women wake up to the consequences of one impulsive pact in an insightful novel about friendship, love, and fulfillment by Wall Street Journal best-selling author Jamie Beck.

While at a casino to celebrate her birthday, Jess 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. Jess 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 Jess’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?

©2021 by Write Ideas, LLC. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Narrators Amanda Ronconi, Emily Woo Zeller, and Sarah Mollo-Christensen's narrations complement each other and make the shifts in point of view from chapter to chapter smooth and unobtrusive. Ronconi portrays recently divorced and adventurous Jess in a perky voice. Zeller gives TV celebrity Liz a low voice and slower pace that lend her a more serious air. Especially interesting is Mollo-Christensen's portrayal of Chloe, a wife who is experiencing an ever shrinking role in her marriage. Using an up-and-down intonation and a whispery timbre, Mollo-Christensen captures Chloe's increasing confidence and determination to get her life back.” (AudioFile Magazine)

“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 best-selling 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 best-selling author)

happy accidents

amazing! Jamie is my favorite. I loved reading about these sisters and friends. Thus story shows how curve balls can slam us and we get to make better choices. The performance was also very good you could always tell who was talking.

Overcoming bad choices

It was enjoyable and fun to listen to! I recommend reading or listening to it!

Just ok

Expected a little more detail but it’s a quick read. It was ok and a quick breeze

I loved these women!

Even though my life followed Chloe's more than the other two, I could still relate to all three women in some way. I loved the theme that even when you think the worst thing has happened, it can actually be an opportunity for growth and opportunities you wouldn't have had otherwise.

Nice story about complexities of life balances

I enjoyed the story and the message about the importance of going after one’s own happiness, and creating better life balances. The narration was good, but I was disappointed that Sarah Mallo-Christensen was one of the three voices. I have always hated her affectations and her forced breathiness and over-enunciations. Because of her voice, I had trouble liking the character she portrayed. This narrator reminds me of a radio DJ I worked with in high school that was over-the-top with her radio voice. Ugh! Natural speaking voices are the way to go!