MY REVIEW:
“It Had to be You” hit me right where I live. As a self-professed “behind the scenes support person”, I could easily identify with Eden who considered herself the family cheerleader. Over and over Eden’s self-image echoed in my own soul. Ingrid’s letter to Eden at the very beginning seemed to be God speaking through her to me also.
Possibly one of Susan’s deepest novels, “It Had to be You” was also a wonderful love story with more than one sub-plot woven through it. I loved how Eden and Jace’s opinions about each other changed as they became better acquainted. I also loved how they were each able to help the other learn the true depth of God’s grace for them personally. There were many lessons to be learned in the pages of “It Had to be You” including the need to let go and let your loved ones fail if that is what it takes to bring them closer to God. More than one example of sacrificial actions for the benefit of others were quite touching.
Once again Susie Warren has produced a superb novel that showcases her unique writing ability as well as her excellent understanding of the human soul. I have loved all her Deep Haven novels and the Christiansen Family series has upped the ante. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and am hoping it will feature Owen.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.
Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.
Read an excerpt from “It Had to be You” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, Christy and RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church.
Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives.
For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.
