I loved Beth’s latest book, It Had to Be You. You can tell right from the beginning that the subject matter is very close to the author’s heart and firsthand experience. I laughed a lot while reading, but I also cringed at some of the squeamish parts. I’m not sure I’d be very good at delivering a baby - too much mess for me!
As well as some fun and romance, Beth included many difficult topics in the book, such as teenage pregnancies, parental abuse and single mums and dads. It was particularly interesting to read how a single teenage dad coped with being thrust into fatherhood, with no support from his partner.
The book is a dual timeline story, flipping between present day and when our female protagonist, Libby, is sixteen and just about to sit her GCSEs. I enjoyed reading about her and her sister’s life growing up amongst the many foster kids who came through their home and how there were rules set in place to keep everyone comfortable and safe within the home.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review It Had to Be You by Beth Moran.
About the Book
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.
About Beth - by Beth
I spent my childhood in a small market town in Nottinghamshire, reading, roller-booting, baking disastrous cakes and spending hours on the phone to my best friend, despite us living a ten second’s walk from each other.
After studying Biochemistry at university, I worked in cancer research, then balanced teaching antenatal classes with raising my young family. It was fantastic job, but after 10 years of talking about childbirth and nappies, it was time to move on.
So, I decided to embark on a new adventure. By the time I’d tapped out the first chapter I had fallen in love with writing, and suddenly all those hours spent daydreaming made sense.
I live in a village on the outskirts of Robin Hood country, where most mornings you can find me walking with my cocker spaniel, Murphy, while working on my plots. I also have the privilege of being a foster carer to teenagers. Some of my favourite things include cooking, dancing, my children coming home for Christmas and a fancy leaf tea in my favourite mug.
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