It’s a real pleasure today to be joining the blog tour and sharing my review of the latest book from Beth Moran, It Had To Be You: published by Boldwood Books on 10th June, it’s now available as an e-book (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback, and as an audiobook. My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance e-copy (provided via netgalley).
With the most engaging characters, wonderfully drawn and developed, always living through or having experienced sadness or personal difficulties, but with the loveliest touches of humour and (always…) that satisfying and uplifting ending, Beth hasn’t written a single book that haven’t thoroughly enjoyed. The book I included in my 2023 Books of the Year list, Take Me Home, was one of my personal favourites – an emotional story beautifully told, the perfect balance of laughter and tears, and a tentative romance that was everything I wanted it to be (you’ll find my full review here). But I really think her last book, Lean On Me, might have been even better – very moving but entirely life-affirming too, completely engaging from the very first page to the last, made me feel deeply for the individuals at its heart, and was totally unforgettable (you’ll find my full review here).
Let’s take a closer look at her latest…
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.
Uplifting, heart-warming and irresistibly good for the soul, it’s impossible not to fall in love with a Beth Moran story. Perfect for all fans of Jill Mansell, Julie Houston, and Jenny Colgan.
Not the best way to start a review, but I wasn’t sure at first that this was going to be the book for me – as Libby is barely keeping her head above water while juggling being the best mother she can be with working as an ante-natal coach and running (with help of her far more organised GP sister Nicky) their charity for troubled teenage mothers. It’s all distinctly chaotic and uncomfortable (well, it was for me anyway…), but – with the unwelcome arrival of her ex-husband and his pregnant new partner in one of her classes, and an awareness that she really does need to get her life under some semblance of control – she decides that the time has come to make some changes.
An unexpected arrival on her doorstep – a homeless young father and his baby – provide welcome help and support, when she might have rather expected things to be the other way around. But she’s also dealing with a major issue from the past – the reappearance of Jonah, once fostered by her family and the teenage love of her life, now supporting his addicted younger sister to her ante-natal classes. Their earlier relationship ended badly, with repercussions for her parents’ marriage too – and, as they get to know each other again, and discover both what happened in the missing years and the fact that there’s still a strong spark between them, we also find out in flashback what really happened thirteen years before.
The author unfailingly makes me ache for her characters, feel their anguish and pain – her emotional touch is just perfect – and there were so many moments that broke my heart. And this book really does deal with a number of particularly difficult issues – teenage pregnancy, child neglect and abuse, drug use, the challenges of motherhood – all handled with the surest of touches. But it’s often nicely balanced by humour, and there’s joy between the pages too with a focus on friendship and family and second chances – all as Libby begins to shed her feelings of inadequacy and guilt, and feels able to consider the possibility of a brighter future.
This was such an engaging read – emotional at times, sometimes painful, but ultimately so wonderfully uplifting and filled with hope. One I’d very much recommend to others – and the author’s writing just continues to get better and better with every book.
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.
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