Book Review and Giveaway : It Had to be You by Susan May Warren

About the Book:

A Christensen Family Novel.

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.

About the Author:

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.

My Review of the Book:

This was the first book that I have read by Susan May Warren.  I do have to say that after finishing the book I was a little disappointed that this was the first book of hers that I read and even more disappointed that I did not read the first book about the Christiansen family.  Although as they do all stand alone I do love the fact that I can still read it in any order at all and not feel out of the loop or have the feeling of déjà vu. 

Personally I find that there is nothing worse then reading a book and being able to predict what is going to happen throughout it.  Do not get me wrong, I love to relate to the characters, but I do not want to read the book and feel as though the story line has happened before.  I can say this definitely was not the case with this book.  It was entertaining and can say it honestly kept me up later then normal a few nights.  I just did not want to put the book down at all.

Eden Christiansen I found extremely loveable from the beginning.  As a mother I do have to say I love feeling needed.  I love knowing that I am in their corner and if they ask I am there for them.  However, I do understand that they are their own person and will have different dreams and desires then I do.  Which is why I believe it is important that I have my own hobbies and passions.  Although, I am their mother not their sibling and I felt as if that was a little too much for Eden to have to feel.  I can not imagine either one of my daughters having to feel that towards their sibling.  Eden definitely had my compassion and a little bit of my pity as well.

Jace...Now he is a completely different situation.  I totally agree about not judging a book by its cover, but I also feel that one should not act a certain way just because others expect you to be a certain way.  Jace to myself was a great reminder to be true to yourself and those who truly matter.  However, what is also important to mention is that I was guilty of judging Jace as well by his reputation.  So clearly I am far from perfect as well.  

Overall I really enjoyed this book so go purchase the book, some tissue and sit back for some entertaining reading that you will not regret. 


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I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publicist on behalf of the author and publisher in exchange for this honest review. No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.