A new novel by Beth Moran is always welcome and her latest, It Had To Be You was published on June 10th by Boldwood Books.
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.
My Thoughts
Beth Moran is an excellent story writer and she keeps you involved throughout. At the centre is Libby who has shut herself off emotionally after the breakup of her marriage. A single mother, with two young children, she seems overwhelmed at times. You soon realise that she is driven to help those who are vulnerable but she is in danger of going under with the strain. As the story evolves, you hear from Libby in the present but also thirteen years earlier when she was a teenager and her parents fostered young children. It was the arrival of a young adolescent boy, who complicates the picture for her and it seems, her family have fragmented as a result.
In many ways, you see family relationships under great strain. Many of the young mothers who Libby helps come from dysfunctional homes. Having been fostered, they lack any other support. Certain characters go through a roller coaster of emotions. Some surprise themselves but others struggle to form healthy relationships and make foolish choices. Set against some emotional scenes, I enjoyed the humour which came from some of the larger than life characters but especially Libby’s two children. Despite some emotional parts, this is ultimately a heartwarming novel which reinforces the power of healthy family relationships.
In short: uplifting and enjoyable reading
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.
You can read my review of Christmas Every Day here and How not to be a Loser here and Take a Chance on Me here and We Belong Together here and Let it Snow here and Because You Loved Me here and Lean on Me here.
Thanks to Beth Moran and Boldwood Books for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
Check out the rest of the tour!
Comments
Post a Comment