It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren

It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren. Tyndale, 2014. 480p. (9781414378428) Series: Christiansen Family, #2

I think Susan May Warren is one of my new favorite authors. This week It Had to Be You is on sale for $2.99 (or $2.39) and I bought it. (Sale runs through April 5th, 2014) And then read it that same day. And then went straight to the library catalogs to see if I could borrow the first book, sadly neither one has it. :( The next fiction series I’m buying for the school library is this one or Deep Haven.

Goodreads Summary:

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.

My Review:

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I am not a hockey fan, but reading the descriptions of the hockey games made me want to watch and learn the game! Even though the story is about two pro-hockey players there isn’t a whole lot of time spent at the rink. I think the author found an excellent balance of just right.

While most of the story revolves around the hospital – both Owen and Jace spend some time there as does a sweet little friend of Jace’s. It is during that time that Eden stumbles on a story she thinks could be a big break for her faltering journalism career.

Jace and Eden work together to pursuit the story and that plot line was excellently woven throughout the tale. Both of them are touched and affected more than they ever would have guessed. And like a pebble thrown into a pond their actions impact many, many more. It’s a neat story line and very touching.

What was even more enjoyable were Jace and Eden’s interactions. Very believable, heartwarming, tense, grin worthy and has just the right amount of detail kissing scenes. This is a Christian romance novel but the faith elements were slipped in naturally and their spiritual struggles added to the story.

I completely enjoyed my visit to Minneapolis, St. Paul and Deep Haven and can’t wait to spend more time with the Christiansen family. This is book two in the series but you don’t have to read the first one to know what’s going on.

If you like contemporary Christian romance, particularly ones with handsome athletes and down to earth families, then this is a great book for you. Oh, and there's a short story of how Eden's parents met and fell in love included at the end.

Go read it! Buy it from Amazon $2.99 ; Buy it from ChristianBooks.com $2.39 ; Buy it from Barnes & Noble $2.99

(Prices good as of March 31, 2014 always double check for yourself) [Quick note: The promo email I got from the author states the sale runs through April 5^th]

Disclosure: I bought this book. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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