It Had To Be You by Beth Moran

ABOUT THE BOOK

Growing up, sisters Libby and Nicky never knew who they’d find at breakfast.

Their parents fostered children of all ages, and although the girls loved playing their part in providing a safe haven, it meant that life was rarely peaceful.

Now as a single mother of two, Libby’s life is still anything but peaceful. In her work as an antenatal coach, as well as for the charity she and Nicky run for teenage mothers, Libby uses all the skills she learnt growing up surrounded by children.

Her days are full, caring for her family, the mothers-to-be and the latest strays she has welcomed into her home. But in the dark of the lonely nights, Libby worries she’s falling apart at the seams.

One troubled boy and a reckless decision she made thirteen years ago still haunts her

Two hearts that were broken, still not mended.

The time has come for Libby to look out for herself. As her family, friends and her community have known forever, Libby is one of a kind, and if she can just learn to love herself, she may be able to welcome back the love she let slip through her fingers.

MY REVIEW

I can always count on Beth Moran to give me a great tragic love story with character growth and a valiant journey to find happiness again.

Told in past and present, you slowly learn Libby’s sad story where a young girl takes the weight of the world on her own shoulders looking for love and acceptance in her life. When her lost love Jonah returns, all the old feelings come back, but Libby needs to heal herself before she can move on.

The heart of this story is Libby. Her guilt with what happened 13 years ago has weighed heavy on her. Her life has not been easy as a single mom and then her past returns in full force. Libby is a good person who thrives on helping others, but she neglects herself. Jonah’s return is surprising, but Libby takes it in stride. His transformation from a brooding foster kid to a compassionate teacher is admirable and his unwavering devotion to his vulnerable sister is heartwarming. Jonah is a good man who has overcome so much and I love his patience and commitment to Libby.

Ms. Moran writes realistic imperfect characters who learn truths about themselves and strive to change for the better. This is so true for Libby and it is enlightening to see her become the bigger person by forgiving those who wronged her, but not allowing them to walk all over her anymore.

I love the idea of Libby and Nicky’s charity, Baby Bloomers, to empower single mothers to “defy the odds, smash the stereotypes, and conquer that long, hard road together”. Libby’s older sister Nicky is Libby’s protector and a force to be reckoned with. I admire her strength and her straight talk especially as she and Libby confront their long lost selfish mother.

If you enjoy poignant stories about real-life hardships, dysfunctional families, and second chances, give this book a try.

Thank you to Ms. Moran for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Beth Moran is the award winning author of ten contemporary fiction novels, including the top ten bestselling Just the Way You Are. Her books are set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she can be found most mornings walking with her spaniel Murphy. She has the privilege of also being a foster carer to teenagers, and enjoys nothing better than curling up with a pot of tea and a good story.