If You Must Know

Sibling rivalry and sisterly love coexist in the bittersweet launch of Beck’s Potomac Point series (after In the Cards). Sisters Amanda Foster and Erin Turner are happy maintaining as much distance from each other as they can get in their charming New England town. Rule-abiding nursery school teacher Amanda Foster is pregnant and happily married. Free-spirited yoga instructor Erin is mourning her father while trying to build up her bath products business. When Amanda’s husband reveals himself to be a con artist and his deceit threatens Amanda and Erin’s mother’s financial future, the sisters must put their differences aside to work together to save their family. But a secret Erin’s been keeping from Amanda comes to light, and it may destroy their relationship for good. Beck expertly captures the bickering between sisters, the pain of regret, and the thorny path to forgiveness. With well-realized secondary characters—among them sad songwriter Eli (who’s caught Erin’s eye) and the girls’ oft-cantankerous mother—and believable surprises peppered throughout, Beck’s emotional tale rings true. More women’s fiction than romance, this will please readers looking for resonant, family-centric stories. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary. (June)