It Had to Be You

It Had to Be You
(A Christiansen Family Novel)
Susan May Warren
(Tyndale)
ISBN: 978-1414378428
February 2014/480 pages/$14.99
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 here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan May Warren
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 and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

MY THOUGHTS

I fell in love with the Christiansen family and Susan May Warren's latest series when I read and reviewed Take a Chance on Me, and this second book only solidified my enthusiasm. While the members of the family tie theses books together, each novel can be read as a stand-alone, although you won't want to miss a single one. Warren demonstrates why she is an award-winning author and a writing coach with her expert character and plot development, and this captivating tale is impossible to put down. Beyond a good story, however, It Had to Be You contains rich spiritual depth and insights. Warren is not afraid to raise difficult questions as her characters face real-life, messy, and heart-rending situations that challenge and test their beliefs, and readers will relate to their struggles and find much to ponder. This is no preachy Sunday sermon disguised as a novel, however; the faith element is woven seamlessly and naturally into the story. And as a lover of the old classic songs, I love the book titles and how the title is woven into each story. A perfect winter read, put this book and series at the top of your list. I'm already eagerly anticipating When I Fall in Love, coming in July!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an advanced copy of this book free from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”