It Had to Be You - (Christiansen Family) by Susan May Warren (Paperback)

About the Book

"Eden Christiansen is standing on the sidelines of her own life, and she doesn't know how she got there. Jace Jacobsen desperately wants out of the spotlight. When they meet, tensions are high as each pulls the other into a world they want but think they don't deserve. Eden dreams of being a real reporter, and Jace longs to be seen as more than just an NHL enforcer, but fear holds both of them back from finding happiness on their own and with each other. "--

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

Why you should read it: I love that author Susan May Warren is writing each book of this series to stand alone, all while growing reader affection for the tightknit Minnesota family from which her characters come. This installment in the Christiansen family saga focuses on Twin Cities¬-relocated daughter Eden, whose presence and help are often taken for granted. She is the family caretaker, the nurturer, and she has no real grip on who she is outside of that identity. With an understated loveliness just waiting to be brought to the surface, Eden is the perfect mix of tough loyalty and personal vulnerability--and she needs help to figure out who she is and what she wants out of life, rather than only enabling the pursuit of dreams for those she loves. Enter, Jace.

Oh, Jace. *fans self* This guy is a professional hockey player with longish dark curls, a bit of beard, the physique of a Scottish warrior and a past that haunts him. He is a devoted friend, cooks a mean grilled cheese, and little children don't even think twice before curling up in his lap to listen to him read stories -- with sound effects! And did I mention he can sing along with Sinatra and Bublé? *fans self again* Jace Jacobsen is total book-boyfriend material . . . and may soon be taking up residence among my "favorite tortured heroes of all time."

If you have not added this book to your shopping cart by now, check your pulse. It Had to be You is a sigh-worthy, coming-into-her-own romance highlighting the importance of family, the necessity of faith, and how losing yourself for the right reasons can open your heart to something beautiful.--USA Today