This isn't my first Beth Moran book so I almost knew that i would enjoy it before i started reading. There is something familiar and comforting aBout the writing style. i enjoyed the character of Libby, she felt like someone i could know. The book is a lovely read, arguably a little long but the ending truly makes up for that.

starting off with I absolutely enjoy beth moran’s books and the writing style. They are typically a little longer and maybe even overly detailed, but they are such wholesome and realistic books and characters that is very easy to read.

it had to be you focused was not your typical romance. it can be a harder read because of all the real life representation going on - toxic/unhealthy family relationships, broken family, social services and the foster care system, divorce and not having a handle on life. while the book could be condensed, following along libby’s trials as she gains back a hold on her life and household was interesting to read. I love the past and present telling because you really are able to understand what lead to the current day situations.

the book did end happily, as beth moran’s typically do. libby was able to mend her broken relationship with her mom, jonah and libby did have a second chance at love and a life together, and libby was also able to get a grasp on her life and structure with parenting.

This book was so fun and I enjoyed it so much! It started off with a bang and I loved reading about Libby’s career, pregnancy, and childbirth, which are some is my favorite topics! Libby was extremely relatable and I was rooting for her to find her happiness.

Was a lovely light hearted book. Really felt for all the characters and was totally invested in the outcomes. Hoping there is a follow up to see how everyone is doing?

Gracias Netgalley por el arc.


No es un libro de romance, hay romace, pero está es la historia de una mujer que se está autodescubriendo, que intenta superar todos sus obstáculos; es un libro de como la culpa te puede devorar, de la devoción, del amor y del perdón.



Pequeño spoilers
Odie al infiel del ex esposo y su novia. Ojalá Libby se supiera deshacer de tremendos pedazos de basura.

This book was so so good I enjoyed every minute of it!

There wasn’t as much romance in this book than I thought there would be but I was so engrossed in Libby’s life and her interactions with Jonah that I barely noticed. I really liked Libby’s character and thought she was very authentic and real. Her chaotic life was actually very entertaining to read. The way she put a lot of people, pretty much everyone, before her own needs was admirable but also evidently self-destructive. Nevertheless, I saw this as somewhat realistic as this tends to be a habit for a lot of people.

I loved Finn and Isla, and Nicky as well! I even liked Toby and Hazel and thought they were super cute. Don’t like Brayden but we’re not going to talk about him.

I loved Jonah as well omg this man had me smiling as much as Libby! I think their relationship was super cute and I absolutely adored them! I would have loved an epilogue at the end showing how Libby and Jonah’s life ended up and the family they became - perhaps a child of their own!

I liked how this book clearly shows that life is chaotic and will always be chaotic, yet despite this we still need to take time for ourselves and do what we want to do - now or never kind of attitude.

I also liked how at the end, while a lot of things were sorted or on the mend, there were still a few things that were a bit unsettled. To me, this showed that just because the book ended, the story and their lives didn’t. Life is always going to continue to ‘happen’ and through curveballs and that’s just that.

Overall, I thought this was a wonderful read and I truly enjoyed it so much! Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sending me this ARC of ‘It Had To Be You’!

Libby and Nicky grew up sharing their home and their parents with other kids. A foster family, they both loved helping support kids in need of a safe space and struggled to grasp the security and consistency they needed to. Now adults they run a program for vulnerable mothers to be together. Divorced and raising her kids without the father who walked out on the everyday is it’s own brand of chaos and struggle for Libby. When the troubled boy she loved at 17 turns up, her memories of the reckless choice she made 13 years ago, that lead to the destruction of her family as she knew it haunts her. But Jonah and his sister need her support and she is determined not to fail them, or let anything else in her life slip through the cracks either.
I really enjoyed this story. It was less of a romance then I anticipated but rather a story about life with some romance included. I love when an author lets a character give themselves an honest look in the eye and make adjustments to themselves accordingly, and I love when it’s done in a realistic way and @bethmoranauthor did that beautifully with Libby. She is a great character to start but her development through the story made her all the more endearing. This book does go through some hard subjects, neglect, adoption, drug use, abuse, but it’s handled with empathy.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last.
Look for it June 10, 2024.
Thank you to @theboldbookclub and @netgalley for letting me have an ARC copy to review.
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This was the first book I have read by this author, it was a pleasant read and I liked the characters. I think it would have been more beneficial to focus the attention on a single or a couple of the issues and worries that the characters went through. I didn't feel like things were tied up enough for me as a reader.
I would have loved to see more progression in the characters too.
having said that I enjoyed the read and it was a pleasant book as a pallet cleanser.

This was not the lighthearted romance I was expecting. It is slow moving but the characters have depth and are relatable. Jonah and Libby were a delight.

This is the first book by Beth I've read. I had no issue getting through this but I wasn't wowed either. I felt there was too much of everyone having so many issues and most weren't really worked through. I would have preferred less issues and more time showing the growth of the character.
The relationship didn't really get me. I wished there were more time of them in present time for me to really get attached and wanting them to work things out.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Libby's life is anything but quiet. Libby has been second guessing some of the decisions she has made. This book was a nice read.

As a former foster mom, I wanted to learn more about this story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I appreciated Moran's approach to the characters in this book. It was realistic and heartbreaking most of the time. I was invested in the outcome and pleased that I had the chance to read Moran's words. Five stars.

"It Had To Be You" by Beth Moran is an emotional and heartwarming novel that beautifully explores the complexities of family, love, and self-discovery. From the first page to the last, this book captivates readers with its richly drawn characters, poignant storytelling, and themes of redemption and forgiveness.

At the heart of the story are sisters Libby and Nicky, who grew up in a home filled with foster children and love. Now, as adults, Libby navigates the challenges of single motherhood while juggling her roles as an antenatal coach and a caregiver for those in need. Moran skillfully delves into the intricacies of Libby's life, painting a vivid portrait of a woman who is both strong and vulnerable, compassionate yet struggling with her own past mistakes.

As Libby grapples with unresolved issues from her past and learns to prioritize her own needs, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Moran's writing is poignant and evocative, drawing readers into Libby's world and inviting them to experience her joys and sorrows alongside her. The relationships portrayed in the book, whether between siblings, parents and children, or romantic partners, are imbued with depth and authenticity, making them feel utterly relatable and real.

But perhaps the most powerful aspect of "It Had To Be You" is its message of hope and resilience. Through Libby's journey, Moran reminds readers that it's never too late to confront the ghosts of the past, to forgive oneself, and to embrace the possibility of a brighter future. The book's uplifting conclusion leaves readers with a sense of optimism and warmth, making it a truly satisfying and memorable read.

In summary, "It Had To Be You" is a gem of a novel that touches the heart and leaves a lasting impression. With its engaging storyline, well-drawn characters, and messages of love and redemption, it's a book that readers won't soon forget. Beth Moran has crafted a truly exceptional story that will resonate with readers long after they've turned the final page.

First and foremost, a big thank you to Beth Moran, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the free ARC which allowed me to voluntarily provide an unbiased review and discover a new author.

It Had to Be You was a difficult read. It is not a lighthearted romance. There was so much focus on what a drag Libby’s life is. What kept me going was the “then” chapters. I wanted to know what happened between Libby and Jonah. I think Beth Moran could toned down the midwifery, antenatal and postnatal classes scenes and still emphasize its importance to Libby’s character.

I liked the Jonah and Libby scenes. Their romance is tragic but sweet and innocent. Their story is a perfect type for a second chance romance. I liked Libby’s accidental stand-in mother relationship to Toby. I liked that Libby had supportive family members in her life.

Regarding the language, Beth is clearly English and it shows in her writing. She used words either I am unfamiliar with or used in a way that is usual to me (e.g. pootled, mooched, fractious, askance, squillionth, fortnightly, rank, grassed, hair tongs, chuntered, codgers, bladdered, mardy, tosser, invigilator, and grandad). Even using the dictionary feature on my phone/Kindle didn’t always help me better understand what was being conveyed. Is this bad? Not necessarily, just it will limit her audience pool to those who understand British English lingo or can sweep it under the rug when faced with it.

Overall, the story is believable and very fleshed out. It just needs to be condensed, so the reader feels like the story is moving along.

TROPES/ THEMES: second chance romance, foster care and adoption, midwifery, antenatal and postnatal topics, small town vibe, tik tok and online culture

Read on for characters…

CHARACTERS (more or less in order of appearance):
Libby Donahue/ Franklin: 29 yo, Daisy’s instructor, antenatal and parenting class instructor , co-creater of Baby Bloomers
Daisy: 18 yo and 37 weeks pregnant
Tari: Daisy’s best friend
Raz: Daisy’s baby’s father, Daisy’s ex-fiancé until he cheated
Kaylee: expected mother of twins, same class as Daisy
Lisa: Daisy’s foster carer
Nicky: 31 yo, Libby’s older sister, co-creater of Baby Bloomers, GP, triathlon athlete, can’t have her own baby
Ingrid: foster carer
Lillian: labor suite reception
Theo: Nicky’s husband
Finn: Libby’s son
Isla: Libby’s daughter
Tony: 55 yo, retired foster, Nicky and Libby’s dad
Helen: retired foster, Nicky and Libby’s mom left the family to take a yearlong cruise to find herself after years to fostering then stayed away ending her 40 years of marriage to Tony
Brayden/ Brayve: Finn and Isla’s father, Libby’s ex-husband
Bolt: Daisy’s newborn son
Ellis: Jonah’s baby sister (10 years younger), newest member to Baby Bloomers
Jonah King: same age as Libby, he and his siblings were all raised in foster homes because of a “mother with mental health issues, scraping by on benefits, an uninterested dad and an extended family who didn’t care.”
Billy: Jonah’s younger brother
Sarah/ Silva: Brayden/Brayve’s pregnant girlfriend whom he cheated on Libby with, influencer
Other couples in Libby’s antenatal class:
Jamima and Chris, Claudia and ?, Gordon and Astrid
Alicia: Libby’s best friend
Mr. Matthews: Libby and Jonah’s teacher
Katie: Libby’s other friend, crush on Luke Hughes
Courtney: boyfriend Toby and daughter Hazel, she is disengaged in her daughter’s life and enjoying life as if single
Hazel: Toby’s mother, baby Hazel’s grandmother
Toby: Courtney’s girlfriend, takes care of baby Hazel, goes to school, good at woodworking/ furniture restoration, nice guy who helps out
Shanice: the manager at Bigley’s hair salon, Snips; previously a Bloomers, was impregnated by a drug dealer and has twin boys
Bob: lives at the Green House, married to Mary, Benny’s brother, fosters a bunch of teens
Benny: lives at the Green House, married to Maria, Bob’s brother, fosters a bunch of teens
Petra: 15 and six months pregnant, foster child living at the Green House
Leo: Ellis’ newborn son

QUOTES/ SCENES:
“I unwrapped the paper to find a journal, the cover decorated with trees, in the midst of which was a tiny, enchanting cottage. ‘I know your dream is to live all by yourself in the middle of a forest. Now you can write out your dreams inside one. I know it’s not quite the same, but, well…’ “

‘“I made her a mix tape to tell her I love her, ’cos I’ll never be able to tell her that I love her”? And that other song was literally about waiting in the garden in the middle of the night for the girl you can’t stop thinking about. You have to admit it’d be a weird coincidence.’ … Jonah had put on a song about a messed-up boy being in love with a ‘nice girl’. The chorus was all about how he needed to stay away because he was ‘too broken to not break her heart’.”

“‘What’s your treat, Libby?’ he asked. ‘How are you showing these guys that mums deserve to be happy, too?’”

“My door’s always open. I mean, metaphorically. Even if it isn’t, like, literally open”

“I’m upside down and inside out and have no idea who I am any more. I don’t know what’s going to happen or how this will end. I know that I can’t stop. And even if I could, I don’t want to. If this is falling in love, I want to keep on falling forever.”

“I was the one who ruined things. Not you. And what you gave me–that tiny shred of hope that I wasn’t the pointless freak I’d convinced myself I was. That someone like you could see something worth loving in me? Libby, you were the first person who made me want to survive, not for Ellis or Billy, but for me. You saved me.”

“ ‘I already miss you,’ I said. ‘I miss you when you hide in your bedroom for days on end. When you turn in the opposite direction to avoid me in the corridor at school. When I creep down to the garden at night and you’re not here. Or I hang about for a pathetically long time in the kitchen, but you don’t show up. The thought of you moving somewhere else, where I can’t accidentally bump into you on the stairs, makes me miss you so hard I can somehow pretend I’m happy for you to stay as my foster brother. As Bronah. The thought of you never being here? Jonah, if you died, half my heart would die with you.’ “

“ ‘The only way I’m becoming part of your family is if you marry me.’ ‘Woah. That’s a big statement.’ ‘So is I love you.’ “

“ ‘This is me telling you that you were right. It was real. I wouldn’t have believed it was possible to love you more than I did back then.’ He shook his head in amazement. ‘I love you more every time we speak. You are the most incredible person I’ve ever met.’ “

“ ‘I have loved you for so long, I can’t fathom a second of my life without you in it. Libby, I love your kids, your ugly, smelly dog. Your parents and random lodger. I am undone by how you love my brother and sister, and my nephew. A while ago I told you that if you asked me to be a part of your family, I’d say yes. I’ve given up waiting to be asked; I’m inviting myself in. If you’ll have me? Us? I know that coming as a gang means it won’t always be easy. But, Libby Franklin, will you marry me?’ “

Libby is doing her best - with a busy working life, zero social life, single mum of two - but her life just hasn’t worked out how she expected it to, back when she was a teenager at home with her family. Her big family, which not only held her big sister Nicky and her parents but also many foster siblings over the years. Now Libby’s mum has been AWOL for years; Nicky is a married GP but desperate for a family of her own and Libby’s dad is spending part of his retirement helping her out with childcare. Libby and Nicky have their own work with mums to be and that sometimes brings them into contact with faces from the past….

I love Beth’s books and every single one draws me in with her cast of characters and their lives. Would highly recommend for anyone looking for an engrossing read.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review.

I really really liked this . A brilliant story. A different story. You learn about fostering in a different way, it does move back and forward in time. You follow two sisters who run a birthing charity. Some heart ache and a useless x husband . I don’t want to spoil it by saying too much but I absolutely loved it. A must read.

Thank you @netgalley and @boldbookclub for the eARC of It Had to Be You by @bethmoranauthor in exchange for an honest review.

📖📖 Book Review 📖 Thank you to Beth Moran for introducing me to one of the favorite book characters, Libby! Libby is a single mom of two who runs a birthing non-profit with her sister. And it’s no surprise that she has a heart of gold, her family fostered children growing up and their hearts ... .and breakfast tables were open for children in need. But even those with a heart of gold can carry a broken heart. Years ago, when Libby’s parents brought a bad boy from school into their home to foster, she had no idea she would end up with a broken heart. And in the present day, Jonah has returned to her life. Can lightening strike twice and if so, does it heal old scars? It Had to Be You is a captivating read that will tug at your heartstrings in the most beautiful way!

4.5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review is posted on Goodreads and will be on Instagram ahead of the publication date.

This was a fabulous read featuring Libby who does an amazing job working, running a charity with her sister and raising her two children as a single parent yet her to do list is ever growing and there’s so many jobs in her house that need sorting that she feels like she’s drowning and has forgotten how to be happy. With the reappearance of her former teenage love and an unexpected lodger her life becomes even more chaotic yet it gives her the opportunity to actually step back and start making changes. This was a really good character read about the impact of childhood, your relationships with parents and just taking time for yourself. 9/10

A transporting and immersive story that will enthral romantic fiction readers. Poignant and moving, its unforgettable characters will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.