It Had to be You by Susan May Warren
Blog tour information and schedule:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/swarren
Synopsis:
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.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Susan’s website.
Thoughts:
Susan May Warren is a master storyteller and has penned another fantastic story in It Had to be You!
One of my favorite things about a book series is the opportunity to really get to know the characters and become invested in their stories. I fell in love with the Christiansen family in the first book, Take a Chance on Me, and adore them even more after reading It Had to be You.
John and Ingrid Christiansen are the parents of this Deep Haven, MN family. Their beautiful love story is told in the prequel novella, I Really Do Miss Your Smile, which is included in the back of this book. I loved reading “the love story that started it all”!
Each Christiansen Family novel tells the story of one of John and Ingrid’s children. It Had to be You is Eden’s story and it opens, as each series novel does, with a letter to Eden from her mother. One quote from this emotional letter is, “You see your value only in what you bring to your siblings, your friends, your world, instead of believing in the remarkable woman you are, in the person God created.”
It Had to be You is the story of Eden’s journey to discovering the person God created her to be. Set amidst the exciting sport of hockey, this story is full of emotion, spiritual wisdom, and tender romance. I loved the endearing characters and the personal growth they experienced. Several storylines were woven through this novel, adding to its complexity and making it even richer. There were times my heart ached while I was reading and other times when it rejoiced.
I love the way Susan May Warren brings her characters to life and can’t wait to spend more time with the Christiansen family!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
Biography:
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, 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. 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. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more.
Learn more about Susan at: http://www.susanmaywarren.com
Giveaway:
Susan May Warren is celebrating the release of her newest Christiansen Family novel, It Had To Be You, with a $100 Visa cash card giveaway and offering readers a free book club kit.
One winner will receive:
- $100 Visa cash card
- Take a Chance on Me and It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 29th. Winner will be announced April 1st on Susan’s blog. Also, visit her website to learn more about the It Had To Be You backstory and Susan’s free book club kit.
Buzzing About Books 
By your glowing review, I certainly want to read this wonderful series. Thank you, Britney!
Thank you for a great giveaway! And what a beautiful, heart-warming review!