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It Had to Be You
The author of the “emotional, hilarious, and thought-provoking” (People) novel The Bucket List returns with a witty and heartfelt romantic comedy featuring a wedding planner, her unexpected business partner, and their coworkers in a series of linked love stories—perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Casey McQuiston.
For the past twenty years, Liv and Eliot Goldenhorn have run In Love in New York, Brooklyn’s beloved wedding-planning business. When Eliot dies unexpectedly, he even more unexpectedly leaves half of the business to his younger, blonder girlfriend, Savannah. Liv and Savannah are not a match made in heaven, to say the least. But what starts as a personal and professional nightmare transforms into something even savvy, cynical Liv Goldenhorn couldn’t begin to imagine.
It Had to Be You cleverly unites Liv, Savannah, and couples as diverse and unique as New York City itself, in a joyous Love-Actually-style braided narrative. The result is a smart, modern love story that truly speaks to our times. Second chances, secret romance, and steamy soul mates are front and center in this sexy, tender, and utterly charming rom-com.
For the past twenty years, Liv and Eliot Goldenhorn have run In Love in New York, Brooklyn’s beloved wedding-planning business. When Eliot dies unexpectedly, he even more unexpectedly leaves half of the business to his younger, blonder girlfriend, Savannah. Liv and Savannah are not a match made in heaven, to say the least. But what starts as a personal and professional nightmare transforms into something even savvy, cynical Liv Goldenhorn couldn’t begin to imagine.
It Had to Be You cleverly unites Liv, Savannah, and couples as diverse and unique as New York City itself, in a joyous Love-Actually-style braided narrative. The result is a smart, modern love story that truly speaks to our times. Second chances, secret romance, and steamy soul mates are front and center in this sexy, tender, and utterly charming rom-com.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2021
About the author
Georgia Clark
10 books926 followersHello! I'm a Brooklyn-based novelist and host/founder of the popular storytelling series, Generation Women. I love improv, being cozy, and fun snacks that are salty.
My next book is a queer Christmas rom-com called MOST WONDERFUL (2024). I also wrote ISLAND TIME, IT HAD TO BE YOU, THE BUCKET LIST, THE REGULARS, and two YA novels.
I teach romance writing, mentor up-and-coming writers, host weekend writers’ retreats, and create the monthly author newsletter, Heartbeat. You can connect with me on Insta, @georgialouclark. Sign up for a class at georgiaclark.com!
My next book is a queer Christmas rom-com called MOST WONDERFUL (2024). I also wrote ISLAND TIME, IT HAD TO BE YOU, THE BUCKET LIST, THE REGULARS, and two YA novels.
I teach romance writing, mentor up-and-coming writers, host weekend writers’ retreats, and create the monthly author newsletter, Heartbeat. You can connect with me on Insta, @georgialouclark. Sign up for a class at georgiaclark.com!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,262 reviews
May 30, 2021
This is another 4S read: smart, sweet, soft, swoon! It was mostly heartwarming, entertaining, feel-good book with so many storylines ( actually they are five! ) and lots of well crafted, lovely characters.
The story centered around Liv and Savannah. Liv was delighted to run a successful wedding organizing business with her husband Elliot Goldenhorn till he bites the dust and leaves his shares to his mistress Savannah.
But don’t blame the poor, naive girl! She has no idea the man was married. Liv thinks she may sell her shares so she doesn’t have to deal with that girl who has no experience about their business but her nightmare eventually comes true: Savannah is volunteered to work with her, sharpening her organizing skills. Sorry Liv, I know you didn’t see that coming!
Yes, Liv you gotta be patient not to kill that girl who stole her cheater husband’s heart. Savannah and Liv’s characters couldn’t be so different. But interestingly both women not only learn to work together, bury their hatchets , they also become each other’s confidante.
I love both women and as secondary characters Darlene and Zia’s story lines were interesting. The book’s romance parts feed by Darlene’s love story. But the other storylines didn’t make me so satisfied enough and the timelines between the stories are a little confusing. The author reminded me of a juggler who tries to roll too many balls above her head but eventually some of them were dropped.
But the positive things about my reading beat the negative parts (mind spinning- too many characters make you go back and read their parts to remember their back stories and evasive timelines)I’m still rounding up my 3.5 stars to 4 because I still enjoyed the promising beginning and most of the characters are still easy to resonate with. It was a great feel good novel with bunch of motivational stories!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
The story centered around Liv and Savannah. Liv was delighted to run a successful wedding organizing business with her husband Elliot Goldenhorn till he bites the dust and leaves his shares to his mistress Savannah.
But don’t blame the poor, naive girl! She has no idea the man was married. Liv thinks she may sell her shares so she doesn’t have to deal with that girl who has no experience about their business but her nightmare eventually comes true: Savannah is volunteered to work with her, sharpening her organizing skills. Sorry Liv, I know you didn’t see that coming!
Yes, Liv you gotta be patient not to kill that girl who stole her cheater husband’s heart. Savannah and Liv’s characters couldn’t be so different. But interestingly both women not only learn to work together, bury their hatchets , they also become each other’s confidante.
I love both women and as secondary characters Darlene and Zia’s story lines were interesting. The book’s romance parts feed by Darlene’s love story. But the other storylines didn’t make me so satisfied enough and the timelines between the stories are a little confusing. The author reminded me of a juggler who tries to roll too many balls above her head but eventually some of them were dropped.
But the positive things about my reading beat the negative parts (mind spinning- too many characters make you go back and read their parts to remember their back stories and evasive timelines)I’m still rounding up my 3.5 stars to 4 because I still enjoyed the promising beginning and most of the characters are still easy to resonate with. It was a great feel good novel with bunch of motivational stories!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
January 2, 2021
I was hoping for a fun, light rom-com that I could really connect with. And while it delivered most of that, (I would have liked a bit more heat 🔥) I wasn’t fully satisfied by the time I hit the last page.
We start with Liv Goldenhorn who runs a successful wedding planner business in New York. Until that phone call. She’s just learned that her husband/business partner has suddenly died. And who do you suppose called Liv? Well friends, that would be the cheating husbands’ mistress! How thoughtful of her, don’t you think?
Great start! I was all in. Until all these other couples kept popping up, confusing the storyline and leaving Liv somewhat in the backseat! I was completely lost as to the focus of the book.
Thank you to Susanne for setting me straight, and I’ll do the same for all of you. Think “Love Actually.” We have five couples foraging through life and love, passionately looking for their happily-ever-after!
Once I understood this premise I was all in once again, because I loved that movie! Lol!
But by the end it felt as though everything became a bit cliched and not very realistic.
There were many glowing five-star reviews for this book. I was just looking for something that I had a better connection with.
I hope it will be a five star read for you!
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to Georgia Clark and Atria Books via NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.
We start with Liv Goldenhorn who runs a successful wedding planner business in New York. Until that phone call. She’s just learned that her husband/business partner has suddenly died. And who do you suppose called Liv? Well friends, that would be the cheating husbands’ mistress! How thoughtful of her, don’t you think?
Great start! I was all in. Until all these other couples kept popping up, confusing the storyline and leaving Liv somewhat in the backseat! I was completely lost as to the focus of the book.
Thank you to Susanne for setting me straight, and I’ll do the same for all of you. Think “Love Actually.” We have five couples foraging through life and love, passionately looking for their happily-ever-after!
Once I understood this premise I was all in once again, because I loved that movie! Lol!
But by the end it felt as though everything became a bit cliched and not very realistic.
There were many glowing five-star reviews for this book. I was just looking for something that I had a better connection with.
I hope it will be a five star read for you!
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to Georgia Clark and Atria Books via NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.
May 4, 2021
I LOVED The Bucket List. It really touched my heart, and I was super excited to pick up It Had to Be You. This is such a cute and poignant rom com, and just what I needed right now!
Liv and Eliot are married and run a wedding planning business together. Eliot passes away unexpectedly and leaves his half of the business to his young, blonde girlfriend, Savannah. Yikes!
Believe it or not, Liv is able to move past what has happened, and what evolves is a modern second chances story I never expected. There’s also other couples featured in the book with a Love Actually feel to it.
There’s so much joy in this novel, I couldn’t help but love it. There’s hope, too, and just as with The Bucket List, it made me sob big tears! And I loved it! Rom com lovers, don’t miss it!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: wow.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Liv and Eliot are married and run a wedding planning business together. Eliot passes away unexpectedly and leaves his half of the business to his young, blonde girlfriend, Savannah. Yikes!
Believe it or not, Liv is able to move past what has happened, and what evolves is a modern second chances story I never expected. There’s also other couples featured in the book with a Love Actually feel to it.
There’s so much joy in this novel, I couldn’t help but love it. There’s hope, too, and just as with The Bucket List, it made me sob big tears! And I loved it! Rom com lovers, don’t miss it!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: wow.instagram.com/tarheelreader
December 24, 2020
For me, “It Had to Be You” was simply ‘Too Good to be True.’
A Rom-Com that started out cute, and sweet, only to leave me flummoxed by the end.
“It Had to Be You” is a rom-com with an ensemble cast. Think “Love Actually” or “Valentine’s Day.”
Every character goes through trials and tribulations. Seeking comfort from friends, meeting new people. Bonds form quickly. Friends turn to lovers, new romances blossom, marriages go through peaks and valleys.
A character-driven rom-com with lots of laughs, the writing is solid and the storyline is quite enjoyable. If I had to come up with one word to describe this book, it would be “cute.”
My favorite couple in this novel, hands down, is Darlene and Zach. Simply put, they stole the show - if this book had strictly been about their relationship, I would have been one happy camper as they left me wanting more!
Unfortunately, the coupling up of all of the characters here is the standard trope of novels, there being a widow and her divorcee boyfriend, a gay couple, two interracial couples, and a bi-curious. Out of all of the couples in the storyline, none were typical and that is atypical of the general population and frankly, left me bewildered.
While the ending was a tad saccharine and unrealistic for me, given that it involved every couple, I think most rom-com fans will appreciate it.
A buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books, NetGalley, and Georgia Clark for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 12.24.20.
A Rom-Com that started out cute, and sweet, only to leave me flummoxed by the end.
“It Had to Be You” is a rom-com with an ensemble cast. Think “Love Actually” or “Valentine’s Day.”
Every character goes through trials and tribulations. Seeking comfort from friends, meeting new people. Bonds form quickly. Friends turn to lovers, new romances blossom, marriages go through peaks and valleys.
A character-driven rom-com with lots of laughs, the writing is solid and the storyline is quite enjoyable. If I had to come up with one word to describe this book, it would be “cute.”
My favorite couple in this novel, hands down, is Darlene and Zach. Simply put, they stole the show - if this book had strictly been about their relationship, I would have been one happy camper as they left me wanting more!
Unfortunately, the coupling up of all of the characters here is the standard trope of novels, there being a widow and her divorcee boyfriend, a gay couple, two interracial couples, and a bi-curious. Out of all of the couples in the storyline, none were typical and that is atypical of the general population and frankly, left me bewildered.
While the ending was a tad saccharine and unrealistic for me, given that it involved every couple, I think most rom-com fans will appreciate it.
A buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books, NetGalley, and Georgia Clark for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 12.24.20.
May 3, 2021
All the feels for It Had to Be You — Liv’s husband Eliot dies unexpectedly, leaving half of their wedding planning business, In Love in New York, to Savannah, the younger woman he was having an affair with.
The story follows a group of friends, coworkers, and acquaintances all at least loosely tied to the business as they navigate challenges in life and their own romantic relationships. The format of this book is similar to movies New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day.
It Had to Be You was cute, funny, and had some relatable, real life, touching moments. It’s a heartwarming read.
Thank you to author Georgia Clark, Atria Books, and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows a group of friends, coworkers, and acquaintances all at least loosely tied to the business as they navigate challenges in life and their own romantic relationships. The format of this book is similar to movies New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day.
It Had to Be You was cute, funny, and had some relatable, real life, touching moments. It’s a heartwarming read.
Thank you to author Georgia Clark, Atria Books, and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2021
Liv and Eliot have run their own wedding planning business for 20 years...Aww how sweet is that?! What a cute couple! Then Eliot dies unexpectedly...and leaves his half of the business to his younger girlfriend Savannah...umm this should be good! I loved the storyline and banter between Liv and Savannah...I have to admit they both handled the situation better than I would.
This book was more than I bargained for...in a good way...I was caught off guard when more and more couples where introduced. I have heard it compared to Love actually...and actually...yes I would agree. I would also say the theme is Love is Love...which is a theme I am totally onboard with. As we follow each couple along, we see that it doesn't matter what age, gender or where you are in your life, when your "true love" comes along...well so be it.
I loved the setting being in New York and I loved all the different relationships woven into the story. Even though each story touched my heart, I will stand by that Liv's journey was my favorite! A touching and emotional journey through life and it's ups and downs. How you might just surprise yourself when you just be true to yourself!
Huge shoutout to Georgia Clark and Atria for my gorgeous gifted copy!
This book was more than I bargained for...in a good way...I was caught off guard when more and more couples where introduced. I have heard it compared to Love actually...and actually...yes I would agree. I would also say the theme is Love is Love...which is a theme I am totally onboard with. As we follow each couple along, we see that it doesn't matter what age, gender or where you are in your life, when your "true love" comes along...well so be it.
I loved the setting being in New York and I loved all the different relationships woven into the story. Even though each story touched my heart, I will stand by that Liv's journey was my favorite! A touching and emotional journey through life and it's ups and downs. How you might just surprise yourself when you just be true to yourself!
Huge shoutout to Georgia Clark and Atria for my gorgeous gifted copy!
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
May 6, 2021DNF @ 52%: I gave this one a good shot, but it really just wasn't for me. I loved the concept of a story following a bunch of different intertwining perspectives, but I got over half way through this and still didn't care about or feel connected to any of the characters. This had a lot of potential, but just wasn't quite the right fit for me as a reader. However, if you love a New York centered story or liked the movies Valentine's Day or New Year's Eve, you may still want to give this one a chance!
CW: death of a loved one, cheating, transphobia
CW: death of a loved one, cheating, transphobia
May 16, 2021
It had to be you
It had to be you
I wandered around, and I finally found
The somebody who
Could make me be true
And could make me be blue
And even be glad
Just to be sad - thinking of you -Frank Sinatra
Liv Goldenhorn has run her wedding planning service, In Love, with her husband Elliott for twenty years. On the day of a wedding gone wrong, Liv learns that her husband has died and that he was having an affair to a woman whom he has left half of his business. OUCH! Samantha, the woman he is having an affair with is also much younger. Double OUCH. Plus, Samantha wants to run the wedding planning business with LIV. How Rude! Because who does not want to run a business with their dead lovers’ wife?
Plus, this is not the only storyline going on in the book. There are several individuals/couples as well - couples/individuals who are friends and have ties to In Love and Liv and Samantha. Which for me gave it an almost Olive Kitteridge vibe to it - not in the subject matter but in that all the other characters all are woven in and around Live and Samantha.
Second chances are the name of the game here. Starting over, making peace, finding love, making friends, picking up the pieces, etc. There is laughter, some tears, love, and commitment. Plus, there is diversity in this book which makes it more appealing. As the book dives into all the couples in this book, it really does take on a Love Actually feel as the synopsis states.
This is a charming book that some readers are enjoying more than I did so check out their reviews as well. This is an ensemble book with interesting characters who are experiencing a myriad of issues in their relationships. With romance it is a journey, and I enjoyed the journeys in this book!
Charming, Cute, Diverse
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
It had to be you
I wandered around, and I finally found
The somebody who
Could make me be true
And could make me be blue
And even be glad
Just to be sad - thinking of you -Frank Sinatra
Liv Goldenhorn has run her wedding planning service, In Love, with her husband Elliott for twenty years. On the day of a wedding gone wrong, Liv learns that her husband has died and that he was having an affair to a woman whom he has left half of his business. OUCH! Samantha, the woman he is having an affair with is also much younger. Double OUCH. Plus, Samantha wants to run the wedding planning business with LIV. How Rude! Because who does not want to run a business with their dead lovers’ wife?
Plus, this is not the only storyline going on in the book. There are several individuals/couples as well - couples/individuals who are friends and have ties to In Love and Liv and Samantha. Which for me gave it an almost Olive Kitteridge vibe to it - not in the subject matter but in that all the other characters all are woven in and around Live and Samantha.
Second chances are the name of the game here. Starting over, making peace, finding love, making friends, picking up the pieces, etc. There is laughter, some tears, love, and commitment. Plus, there is diversity in this book which makes it more appealing. As the book dives into all the couples in this book, it really does take on a Love Actually feel as the synopsis states.
This is a charming book that some readers are enjoying more than I did so check out their reviews as well. This is an ensemble book with interesting characters who are experiencing a myriad of issues in their relationships. With romance it is a journey, and I enjoyed the journeys in this book!
Charming, Cute, Diverse
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
May 7, 2021
4.5 stars.
Georgia Clark's upcoming book, It Had to Be You , is a sweet, fun, emotional rom-com about the pleasures, pains, and possibilities that love brings.
Liv and Eliot Goldenhorn know how to plan and execute a flawless wedding. Their company, In Love in New York, has been the talk of Brooklyn for 20 years, and the two play off each other’s strengths to create wedding magic, calm nervous brides, and soothe meddling parents.
But the bottom falls out when Eliot dies suddenly while visiting his younger girlfriend in Kentucky. And as if his infidelity and his death weren’t big enough shocks for Liv, apparently Eliot also left his half of the business to Savannah, his girlfriend, for reasons no one understands—not even Savannah.
Savannah isn’t interested in selling her half of the business—she wants to work with Liv to rebuild the company. While she doesn’t blame Savannah for the affair—Eliot told her he was divorced—Liv can’t imagine working with her to plan weddings given the way her own marriage ended. But Savannah’s optimism wears her down, and it’s not long before Liv realizes she missed the work.
As Liv starts to rebuild her life and her romantic confidence, It Had to Be You also follows the romantic struggles of her friends and vendors/employees—Gorman and Henry, the florists whose relationship has stayed static for far too long; Zia, the waitress whose connection with an unlikely suitor thrills and frustrates her; and Darlene and Zach, the wedding singer and DJ, who can’t seem to figure out what they want from each other.
This felt like one of the ensemble romantic movies, like Love, Actually or Valentine’s Day , in that you’re following multiple yet connected storylines at the same time. I really enjoyed all of the characters so much and found myself invested in all of their relationships and challenges.
At times the pacing was a little slow, but the sheer joy, emotions, and romance kept me hooked, and I will neither confirm nor deny getting choked up toward the end. Georgia Clark has created such a good read, and see if you can keep the song It Had to Be You out of your head!
Georgia Clark, NetGalley, Atria Books, and Emily Bestler Books provided me with a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
It Had to Be You publishes 5/4/2021.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Georgia Clark's upcoming book, It Had to Be You , is a sweet, fun, emotional rom-com about the pleasures, pains, and possibilities that love brings.
Liv and Eliot Goldenhorn know how to plan and execute a flawless wedding. Their company, In Love in New York, has been the talk of Brooklyn for 20 years, and the two play off each other’s strengths to create wedding magic, calm nervous brides, and soothe meddling parents.
But the bottom falls out when Eliot dies suddenly while visiting his younger girlfriend in Kentucky. And as if his infidelity and his death weren’t big enough shocks for Liv, apparently Eliot also left his half of the business to Savannah, his girlfriend, for reasons no one understands—not even Savannah.
Savannah isn’t interested in selling her half of the business—she wants to work with Liv to rebuild the company. While she doesn’t blame Savannah for the affair—Eliot told her he was divorced—Liv can’t imagine working with her to plan weddings given the way her own marriage ended. But Savannah’s optimism wears her down, and it’s not long before Liv realizes she missed the work.
As Liv starts to rebuild her life and her romantic confidence, It Had to Be You also follows the romantic struggles of her friends and vendors/employees—Gorman and Henry, the florists whose relationship has stayed static for far too long; Zia, the waitress whose connection with an unlikely suitor thrills and frustrates her; and Darlene and Zach, the wedding singer and DJ, who can’t seem to figure out what they want from each other.
This felt like one of the ensemble romantic movies, like Love, Actually or Valentine’s Day , in that you’re following multiple yet connected storylines at the same time. I really enjoyed all of the characters so much and found myself invested in all of their relationships and challenges.
At times the pacing was a little slow, but the sheer joy, emotions, and romance kept me hooked, and I will neither confirm nor deny getting choked up toward the end. Georgia Clark has created such a good read, and see if you can keep the song It Had to Be You out of your head!
Georgia Clark, NetGalley, Atria Books, and Emily Bestler Books provided me with a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
It Had to Be You publishes 5/4/2021.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
April 4, 2021
3 stars
It Had to Be You is my first book by Georgia Clark and I was excited to start it. The blurb sounded so great and I was excited to go along with Savannah and Liv in their journey of wedding planning. But it wasn't just Savannah and Liv. It was Savannah, Liv, Henry, Gorman, Sam, Darlene, Zach, Zia, Clay, and there might even be more I'm forgetting...
If you like large casts of characters (think Love Actually or Valentines Day) this will be a perfect book for you. Ms Clark's writing was captivating and the story was well written. I especially liked Zach and Darlene's story, and Liv's chapters. I liked this one, but it had a lot of (almost too many-at least for me) couples. I couldn't get fully invested in any one story because there were so many.
It Had to Be You is my first book by Georgia Clark and I was excited to start it. The blurb sounded so great and I was excited to go along with Savannah and Liv in their journey of wedding planning. But it wasn't just Savannah and Liv. It was Savannah, Liv, Henry, Gorman, Sam, Darlene, Zach, Zia, Clay, and there might even be more I'm forgetting...
If you like large casts of characters (think Love Actually or Valentines Day) this will be a perfect book for you. Ms Clark's writing was captivating and the story was well written. I especially liked Zach and Darlene's story, and Liv's chapters. I liked this one, but it had a lot of (almost too many-at least for me) couples. I couldn't get fully invested in any one story because there were so many.
May 11, 2021
It Had to Be You is an entertaining romantic comedy about linked love stories perfect for fans of Love Actually. I really enjoyed all these love stories and enjoyed how different they were. All of the characters have very different personalities. The couples are diverse with a same sex couples and an interracial couple, and it is discussed how this affects their relationship. The couples are all different ages with some just meeting while others have known each other for years. It Had to Be You is told from multiple perspectives which adds to the story. When Liv’s husband, Eliot, unexpected dies he leaves half of their wedding planning business to his young girlfriend, Savannah. Liv and Savannah have to learn to work together in order to save the business. Savannah looks up to Liv and wants advice since she has no previous experience. Liv is not happy to work with her husband’s girlfriend. I enjoyed the progression of their friendship. I recommend It Had to Be You to fans of romantic comedies and linked stories.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Danny Campbell, Feodor Chin, Frankie Corzo, and Robin Eller. All of the narrators did a great job bringing their characters to life. I enjoyed the different voices to make it easy to know which character was talking.
Thank you Emilys Bestler Books/Atria and Simon & Schuster Audio for It Had to Be You.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Danny Campbell, Feodor Chin, Frankie Corzo, and Robin Eller. All of the narrators did a great job bringing their characters to life. I enjoyed the different voices to make it easy to know which character was talking.
Thank you Emilys Bestler Books/Atria and Simon & Schuster Audio for It Had to Be You.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
October 28, 2020
Hi everyone!
I am ridiculously excited to share It Had To Be You, with YOU. I wrote this book because I love rom coms. I love stories that are smart and sophisticated, and swoony and sexy. As a queer writer, it was also important to me to have a diverse cast of characters. You’ll meet them in this novel’s five interconnecting love stories that center around Liv Goldenhorn and Savannah Shipley. Trope fans will find strangers-to-lovers, second chances, and a steamy fake relationship in its pages.
If you like this book, I do hope you’ll consider that magic 5-star rating! It really helps get it into other readers’ hands, and allows me to keep doing what I love which is write stories that you love.
Thank you so much for being a reader, and keeping the art of storytelling alive. It’s so important, now more than ever.
Georgia x
I am ridiculously excited to share It Had To Be You, with YOU. I wrote this book because I love rom coms. I love stories that are smart and sophisticated, and swoony and sexy. As a queer writer, it was also important to me to have a diverse cast of characters. You’ll meet them in this novel’s five interconnecting love stories that center around Liv Goldenhorn and Savannah Shipley. Trope fans will find strangers-to-lovers, second chances, and a steamy fake relationship in its pages.
If you like this book, I do hope you’ll consider that magic 5-star rating! It really helps get it into other readers’ hands, and allows me to keep doing what I love which is write stories that you love.
Thank you so much for being a reader, and keeping the art of storytelling alive. It’s so important, now more than ever.
Georgia x
May 26, 2021
This is an interesting take on the "Love Actually"-style of narration. It's a snapshot of modern love and relationships, through the collective experiences of various characters. At the beginning of the story some characters are single and some are couples. Throughout the story, they're all navigating life and relationships. The characters come from varied backgrounds, but essentially all want the same thing ... love with the right person.
In addition to the main characters, the narrative also includes lots of insight into the relationships and situations of the couples whose weddings are being planned by Liv and Savannah. That, for me, is what became a weakness for this story. It just ended up being too much and distracted from overall narrative. Since this is a character-driven story, I wish the focus would have been kept on the main characters only. Their lives and situations were already unique and interesting as it was.
Is this a rom-com? No. Is it a heartfelt story? Yes. Overall, this story is a celebration of love.
In addition to the main characters, the narrative also includes lots of insight into the relationships and situations of the couples whose weddings are being planned by Liv and Savannah. That, for me, is what became a weakness for this story. It just ended up being too much and distracted from overall narrative. Since this is a character-driven story, I wish the focus would have been kept on the main characters only. Their lives and situations were already unique and interesting as it was.
Is this a rom-com? No. Is it a heartfelt story? Yes. Overall, this story is a celebration of love.
May 4, 2021
It Had to Be You was a charming and wholesome rom-com in the vein of the movie, Love Actually. I enjoyed myself, but there were a few things that I struggled with - mainly the lack of depth when it came to the huge cast.
The book was really well-written with witty banter and laugh-out-loud scenes. I liked how all the classic romance tropes were prominent throughout the novel - fake dating, new love, friends to lovers, opposites attract and many more! Clark did a great job at writing these tropes without making them too cliche.
A huge thumbs up for the diverse cast!! I loved the casual representation. But the cast was so huge that sometimes it was hard to keep track of everyone and their storylines initially. However, I got acquainted with the characters pretty quickly. The one disadvantage of having such a huge cast was that I wasn’t invested in all the couple’s storylines. They were sweet but the characters and their relationships with each other weren’t fleshed out as much as I had hoped.
Serious topics such as racism, politics, privilege and toxic relationships were brought up and handled deftly. It was great to see these topics explored through the characters and how each of them dealt with them.
This is definitely a book to read under the sun - a light and fun read. I recommend it if you’re looking for something like Love Actually in book form.
Thank you to Georgia Clark, her team and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book was really well-written with witty banter and laugh-out-loud scenes. I liked how all the classic romance tropes were prominent throughout the novel - fake dating, new love, friends to lovers, opposites attract and many more! Clark did a great job at writing these tropes without making them too cliche.
A huge thumbs up for the diverse cast!! I loved the casual representation. But the cast was so huge that sometimes it was hard to keep track of everyone and their storylines initially. However, I got acquainted with the characters pretty quickly. The one disadvantage of having such a huge cast was that I wasn’t invested in all the couple’s storylines. They were sweet but the characters and their relationships with each other weren’t fleshed out as much as I had hoped.
Serious topics such as racism, politics, privilege and toxic relationships were brought up and handled deftly. It was great to see these topics explored through the characters and how each of them dealt with them.
This is definitely a book to read under the sun - a light and fun read. I recommend it if you’re looking for something like Love Actually in book form.
Thank you to Georgia Clark, her team and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2021
This was really refreshing, and a nice change of pace, I really enjoyed it. 'It Had to be You' follows a group of couples and love interests that all overlap, their lives intersect in different ways but are rooted in the sense of Weddings. Think wedding planning, the food, the flowers, the entertainment, etc. We know from the synopsis that Liv and her husband Eliot run a wedding-planning business, when Eliot dies unexpectedly he leaves his half of the business to his younger girlfriend Savannah to run with Liv. I'm sure you can only imagine how that goes over.
I enjoyed that the couples were realistically flawed and had very normal family dynamics and relationships, but our author managed to keep them interesting all at the same time. They were believable, and I think all of us could relate to one or more of the traits the characters possess. It was a quick easy read that felt light hearted for the most part but also contained deep subject matter at times and real life situations the characters were navigating. I found the occupations interesting and found it all even more interesting how they overlapped and stitched together. I think our author did a great job at building depth with so many characters, but not making it feel like too many, or sacrificing the depth of some of them.
I am a huge ally so the emphasis on same sex relationships in this book was perfect. I enjoyed how normalized the relationships were and how they blended right in with all the couples and didn't necessarily focus on equality or turmoil, while we still have a long way to go worldwide, and those are very valid issues and concerns I think it was refreshing to have the couples going about day to day life. The representation and equality in this book was delightful.
Huge thanks to Georgia Clark (& Gina), along with Emily Bestler Books - Atria for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. 'It Had to be You' will be published on May 4th, 2021 and I hope if you pick it up you enjoy it as much as I did.
I enjoyed that the couples were realistically flawed and had very normal family dynamics and relationships, but our author managed to keep them interesting all at the same time. They were believable, and I think all of us could relate to one or more of the traits the characters possess. It was a quick easy read that felt light hearted for the most part but also contained deep subject matter at times and real life situations the characters were navigating. I found the occupations interesting and found it all even more interesting how they overlapped and stitched together. I think our author did a great job at building depth with so many characters, but not making it feel like too many, or sacrificing the depth of some of them.
I am a huge ally so the emphasis on same sex relationships in this book was perfect. I enjoyed how normalized the relationships were and how they blended right in with all the couples and didn't necessarily focus on equality or turmoil, while we still have a long way to go worldwide, and those are very valid issues and concerns I think it was refreshing to have the couples going about day to day life. The representation and equality in this book was delightful.
Huge thanks to Georgia Clark (& Gina), along with Emily Bestler Books - Atria for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. 'It Had to be You' will be published on May 4th, 2021 and I hope if you pick it up you enjoy it as much as I did.
January 25, 2021
And the Ending(s) saved the day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The author dives into the story in with a plot that is very unconventional. But it’s just right to suck you into the story and keep you holding on.
We deal with a lot of changes in midlife especially if you have been married for quite a while. And balancing those curveballs is some thing that not everyone is equipped to do.
The main character, Liv, bas been given a huge curveball and we watch her learn and grow through her business and personal life. I had so many emotions following Liv’s journey… Anger was a big one in the beginning! She definitely had more grace than I would! LOL
But I told you in the intro this was a blend of women’s fiction and romance and there’s definitely romance to be had. Through Liv’s business we are introduced to so many characters; people from all walks of life finding connections. Some work, some need work.
I have to admit I got lost a bit in the story. Because of all the characters coming in the author took breaks to catch up with the other relationships. If I can remember I think there was six or seven couples and people that we were following throughout. Chapters would switch to different couples as we progress through the story.
While it’s fun to a degree, it also breaks concentration in the story. However, the author managed to produce amazing endings for each of the couples/people which made this story definitely a worthwhile read.
If you are a fan of love and life saga, this release is right up your alley. A roller coaster of emotions; love, heartbreak, with smiles and tears – sometimes even combined. It’s a read to remember.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/it-had-to-be...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The author dives into the story in with a plot that is very unconventional. But it’s just right to suck you into the story and keep you holding on.
We deal with a lot of changes in midlife especially if you have been married for quite a while. And balancing those curveballs is some thing that not everyone is equipped to do.
The main character, Liv, bas been given a huge curveball and we watch her learn and grow through her business and personal life. I had so many emotions following Liv’s journey… Anger was a big one in the beginning! She definitely had more grace than I would! LOL
But I told you in the intro this was a blend of women’s fiction and romance and there’s definitely romance to be had. Through Liv’s business we are introduced to so many characters; people from all walks of life finding connections. Some work, some need work.
I have to admit I got lost a bit in the story. Because of all the characters coming in the author took breaks to catch up with the other relationships. If I can remember I think there was six or seven couples and people that we were following throughout. Chapters would switch to different couples as we progress through the story.
While it’s fun to a degree, it also breaks concentration in the story. However, the author managed to produce amazing endings for each of the couples/people which made this story definitely a worthwhile read.
If you are a fan of love and life saga, this release is right up your alley. A roller coaster of emotions; love, heartbreak, with smiles and tears – sometimes even combined. It’s a read to remember.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/it-had-to-be...
March 15, 2022
It Had To Be You
Georgia Clark
This book was simply heartwarming and so wonderful to read about. It's a story that is centered on the wedding planning business that is run by Liv and Eliot Goldenhorn - but then Eliot dies suddenly and surprisingly leaves his half of the business to Savannah, his much younger girlfriend. Liv is not pleased with this situation but the writing was so amazingly well done that the many stories all meld together in a beautiful weaved conclusion full of love, hope and second chances. I am so fond of this story that really melted my heart. For all the romcom readers out there, please don't miss this amazing book.
i received a gifted ARC of the book.
Georgia Clark
This book was simply heartwarming and so wonderful to read about. It's a story that is centered on the wedding planning business that is run by Liv and Eliot Goldenhorn - but then Eliot dies suddenly and surprisingly leaves his half of the business to Savannah, his much younger girlfriend. Liv is not pleased with this situation but the writing was so amazingly well done that the many stories all meld together in a beautiful weaved conclusion full of love, hope and second chances. I am so fond of this story that really melted my heart. For all the romcom readers out there, please don't miss this amazing book.
i received a gifted ARC of the book.
May 6, 2021
The last book I read from Georgia Clark was The Bucket List. It was this beautiful story about a young woman who's been diagnosed with the BRCA gene that heightens her chances of developing breast cancer. Before she makes the decision for a life-saving double mastectomy, she creates a bucket list for her breasts. It was such a laugh out loud story with a serious undertone about life, love, and your breasts.
This time, Georgia Clark's returned with a new moniker; a rom-com writer. Putting herself in league with the thousands of other romance writers, does Georgia make the snuff? I think she does. The story starts with Liv and Savannah, but then it branches out to the friends and loved ones close to them and their relationships. It then goes even further out to the weddings Liv and Savannah work together and those unique relationships. It really makes you see how we all may be strangers to one another, but we are somehow interconnected. It's a beautiful thing!
Because with her humor, her incredible storytelling, and the connections she's developed with these humans, I think she's created herself a beautiful romance between five couples in New York City. And New York is its own character in the story as well. I'm originally from New York and the year of pandemic and not seeing my family has me a little downtrodden, but this book made me miss that city life so much. I nearly want to go back just to browse the bookstores and drink the coffee and people watch. And this story is very much people watching to the Nth degree.
The story interweaves ten lives in five relationships and each relationship is so different from the other. Each of the characters relate back to Liv or Savannah in some way, but they're all standouts on their own. And all of them have their own personalities. It's like Georgia Clark jumped into these people's heads and wrote down what she saw from there. There's honestly a little bit of something for everyone in here. Not only does she represent the entirety of New York, but she also represents the different kinds of love, the different kinds of relationships, and the different ways we expressed (and don't express) our emotions. There's the romance after divorce, the open relationship that wants more, the celebrity romance, the friends-to-lovers, fake dating/relationship. It's seriously a smorgasbord of rom-com stories that will tantalize you.
And while there are so many funny scenes, it also has a lot of heart. I loved that not only there were these romantic stories that were happening, but there were friendships being formed, people finding themselves, people coming to realizations they didn't see before, coming to terms with grief, and so much more.
Overall, this is such a wonderful story that left me with tears in my eyes and a big smile on my face. I'm not one for crying from romance novels, but this got me in the feels a few times. It's a satisfying story that will leave your weary soul just a bit perkier knowing that there's a happily ever after for everyone.
This time, Georgia Clark's returned with a new moniker; a rom-com writer. Putting herself in league with the thousands of other romance writers, does Georgia make the snuff? I think she does. The story starts with Liv and Savannah, but then it branches out to the friends and loved ones close to them and their relationships. It then goes even further out to the weddings Liv and Savannah work together and those unique relationships. It really makes you see how we all may be strangers to one another, but we are somehow interconnected. It's a beautiful thing!
Because with her humor, her incredible storytelling, and the connections she's developed with these humans, I think she's created herself a beautiful romance between five couples in New York City. And New York is its own character in the story as well. I'm originally from New York and the year of pandemic and not seeing my family has me a little downtrodden, but this book made me miss that city life so much. I nearly want to go back just to browse the bookstores and drink the coffee and people watch. And this story is very much people watching to the Nth degree.
The story interweaves ten lives in five relationships and each relationship is so different from the other. Each of the characters relate back to Liv or Savannah in some way, but they're all standouts on their own. And all of them have their own personalities. It's like Georgia Clark jumped into these people's heads and wrote down what she saw from there. There's honestly a little bit of something for everyone in here. Not only does she represent the entirety of New York, but she also represents the different kinds of love, the different kinds of relationships, and the different ways we expressed (and don't express) our emotions. There's the romance after divorce, the open relationship that wants more, the celebrity romance, the friends-to-lovers, fake dating/relationship. It's seriously a smorgasbord of rom-com stories that will tantalize you.
And while there are so many funny scenes, it also has a lot of heart. I loved that not only there were these romantic stories that were happening, but there were friendships being formed, people finding themselves, people coming to realizations they didn't see before, coming to terms with grief, and so much more.
Overall, this is such a wonderful story that left me with tears in my eyes and a big smile on my face. I'm not one for crying from romance novels, but this got me in the feels a few times. It's a satisfying story that will leave your weary soul just a bit perkier knowing that there's a happily ever after for everyone.
May 1, 2021
Words are almost not enough to describe how much I absolutely ADORED reading It Had to Be You by Georgia Clark. It made me laugh and cry in equal measure, and while there are some sad moments this is overall a very heartwarming and optimistic read. It gave me serious Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve, and Mother's Day movie vibes, and it was just like reading a book form of one of them. If you are familiar with any of these movies and love them as much as I do, you will understand what I mean and love this book as well. I loved all of the different characters and their different stories, plus how they end up connecting in the novel. So many elements to love, and I think this NEEDS to be a movie. I would love to watch it play out on the big screen and it would definitely be something I would watch again and again.
There isn't much steam in the book, but that was fine by me, and I loved the romance there was. If you want a story that will make your heart swell, make you laugh-out-loud, and have a few *gasp* moments, It Had to Be You is the ONE for you, see what I did there? I also loved the representation in the novel and the way Clark handles all topics with directness and care. She created such vivid characters and made me want to be friends with every single one of them. She also mixes a lot of troupes, and I think it is impossible to pick my favorite one. There are a lot of characters and storylines which I know confused some readers, but luckily I had no issues at all. I am definitely going to be buying a finished copy of It Had to Be You, and even though I rarely do rereads, this is going to be one of those books where I do. I'm so happy I have other books of Clark's that I can read now, and I highly recommend this to romcom lovers who are a fan of the movies I mentioned!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
There isn't much steam in the book, but that was fine by me, and I loved the romance there was. If you want a story that will make your heart swell, make you laugh-out-loud, and have a few *gasp* moments, It Had to Be You is the ONE for you, see what I did there? I also loved the representation in the novel and the way Clark handles all topics with directness and care. She created such vivid characters and made me want to be friends with every single one of them. She also mixes a lot of troupes, and I think it is impossible to pick my favorite one. There are a lot of characters and storylines which I know confused some readers, but luckily I had no issues at all. I am definitely going to be buying a finished copy of It Had to Be You, and even though I rarely do rereads, this is going to be one of those books where I do. I'm so happy I have other books of Clark's that I can read now, and I highly recommend this to romcom lovers who are a fan of the movies I mentioned!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 29, 2021
I’m a huge sucker for any book with a fun cover, weddings, an ensemble cast and bonus points if it’s set in NY. So basically what I’m saying is that this one might as well have AMY written all over it. You get to follow five different couples who are all intertwined, think Love Actually but this was even better.
Liv’s husband dies suddenly and when his will is read she finds out he left their wedding planning business to her and his mistress, Savannah. Then there’s Zia, who is a waitress, Darlene and Zach who sing at the weddings and also Henry and Gorman who own a flower shop. With this many characters and storylines things could get confusing, but that didn’t happen for me here. Having various love stories developing allowed basically every single trope to be included and there was so much explored here. It tackled sexuality, family dynamics, death, and much more making it easily relatable on many levels. I just adored this one and was so invested in all of these peoples lives! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Liv’s husband dies suddenly and when his will is read she finds out he left their wedding planning business to her and his mistress, Savannah. Then there’s Zia, who is a waitress, Darlene and Zach who sing at the weddings and also Henry and Gorman who own a flower shop. With this many characters and storylines things could get confusing, but that didn’t happen for me here. Having various love stories developing allowed basically every single trope to be included and there was so much explored here. It tackled sexuality, family dynamics, death, and much more making it easily relatable on many levels. I just adored this one and was so invested in all of these peoples lives! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 2, 2021
After reading It Had to Be You, I could definitely tell why it was being compared to the movie Love Actually, which just happens to be one of my favorite romance movies (if Hugh Grants in it, count me in). I wasn't sure how the large ensemble cast and the interwoven narratives of so many different characters and couples would work, but I LOVED it! In a word, Georgia Clark's newest book is delectable, and I'm so glad that I had a chance to read an early copy.
Clark gives a wonderfully diverse cast of characters who all blend and connect one way or another around Liv Goldenhorn, wedding planner extraordinaire of In Love in New York, one of the best wedding planning companies in NYC. Her husband has just died and in a very strange twist that no one can figure out, left his half of the business to his (unknown to Liv until he kills over) mistress, Savannah, a younger woman from Kentucky ready to head to NYC and start fulfilling some dreams of her own. With that kinda drama happening, I had no idea what to expect!
But the entire novel is full of some very unexpected surprises, a few things that I could have predicted but so what, a few messes between some of the characters that were realistic because that's just life (thanks Georgia for keeping things real!), and modern-day love stories that made me happy and put huge smiles on my face while reading. This was my first book by the author, but it won't be the last!
If you're looking for a sweet, romantic, yet funny and sometimes sarcastic read, then It Had to Be You is the perfect pick!
Thank you NetGalley, Atria/Emily Bestler Books, and Georgia Clark for the DRC. All opinions are my own.
Clark gives a wonderfully diverse cast of characters who all blend and connect one way or another around Liv Goldenhorn, wedding planner extraordinaire of In Love in New York, one of the best wedding planning companies in NYC. Her husband has just died and in a very strange twist that no one can figure out, left his half of the business to his (unknown to Liv until he kills over) mistress, Savannah, a younger woman from Kentucky ready to head to NYC and start fulfilling some dreams of her own. With that kinda drama happening, I had no idea what to expect!
But the entire novel is full of some very unexpected surprises, a few things that I could have predicted but so what, a few messes between some of the characters that were realistic because that's just life (thanks Georgia for keeping things real!), and modern-day love stories that made me happy and put huge smiles on my face while reading. This was my first book by the author, but it won't be the last!
If you're looking for a sweet, romantic, yet funny and sometimes sarcastic read, then It Had to Be You is the perfect pick!
Thank you NetGalley, Atria/Emily Bestler Books, and Georgia Clark for the DRC. All opinions are my own.
May 2, 2021
It Had to Be You was an absolute delight and treat to read.
It absolutely made my heart swell, smile, and laugh and even a few sad moments but I loved it! This definitely reminded me of Love Actually or Valentines Day type of story. I love each of the different characters and their stories and how they connect with one another at the end.
This is a romcom that doesn't have much steam but I loved the romance aspects of this one. If you want a story that makes you smile, laugh, and your heart happy this is definitely the book for you! I feel that Clark really had a slam dunk with the characters in this one and you just fall in love with every character/story.
This was my first read by Georgia Clark and can't wait to see what she comes out with next!
4 happy stars!
Huge thank you to Atria publishing and Georgia Clark for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: 5/4/21
Published to GR: 5/2/21
It absolutely made my heart swell, smile, and laugh and even a few sad moments but I loved it! This definitely reminded me of Love Actually or Valentines Day type of story. I love each of the different characters and their stories and how they connect with one another at the end.
This is a romcom that doesn't have much steam but I loved the romance aspects of this one. If you want a story that makes you smile, laugh, and your heart happy this is definitely the book for you! I feel that Clark really had a slam dunk with the characters in this one and you just fall in love with every character/story.
This was my first read by Georgia Clark and can't wait to see what she comes out with next!
4 happy stars!
Huge thank you to Atria publishing and Georgia Clark for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: 5/4/21
Published to GR: 5/2/21
March 5, 2022
What a delightful and adorable book!! I loved all the different stories and all the characters (except for Layla). This will definitely not be my only Georgia Clark book.
Loved, loved, loved!
Loved, loved, loved!
February 12, 2021
This was a dnf for me. I just couldn’t get in to the characters, and was mixing up the different perspectives early on in the book. I haven’t read any wedding planning centered books until now, and they’re just not for me. But if it sounds like something you would like, you should give it a try!
**Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a e-arc in exchange for my honest review**
**Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a e-arc in exchange for my honest review**
Read
January 29, 2021This is a five couple rom-com, structured around Live, a 49-year-old woman who fell into the career of wedding planner for those who have the money for that kind of thing. It opens with a band, as the Bridezilla from Hell screws up her own wedding by not listening to the advice she was paid for, and at the climax of the crisis Liv gets the phonecall no one wants to get. A double whammy, actually—and of course the Bridezilla promptly trashes her business all over the internet.
The camera widens to include Liv’s new caterer, her tried-and-true wait staff and musicians, and . . . her new business partner.
The characters dealt with coming out of the closet, same-sex marriages/relationships, down syndrome, infidelity, fame, racial issues—but the author keeps the book from descending into Problem novel with a fast pace and witty dialogue balanced with sharp insight and a generous heart.
I especially enjoyed the novel now, when no one can go out, for its revisiting of “wedding destinations” and restaurant visits, lovely backdrops to characters I really cared about and wanted to see find happiness.
Copy provided by NetGalley
The camera widens to include Liv’s new caterer, her tried-and-true wait staff and musicians, and . . . her new business partner.
The characters dealt with coming out of the closet, same-sex marriages/relationships, down syndrome, infidelity, fame, racial issues—but the author keeps the book from descending into Problem novel with a fast pace and witty dialogue balanced with sharp insight and a generous heart.
I especially enjoyed the novel now, when no one can go out, for its revisiting of “wedding destinations” and restaurant visits, lovely backdrops to characters I really cared about and wanted to see find happiness.
Copy provided by NetGalley
May 9, 2021
It Had to Be You is my first book by this author. This book is sort of a combination between romance, women's fiction and chick lit.
This book is set in New York City and is divided into four parts. The main character is Liv. She is a wedding planner. And each part focuses on one wedding that she plans.
There are a lot of narrators. And this book features a lot of couples. They are all people who are involved with Liv's business (musicians, florists, caterers, servers). There was Savannah, Liv, Sam, Henry, Gorman, Darlene, Zach, Zia and Clay.
I loved the idea of a wedding planner. But there were just way too many narrators. Also, it was interesting to have so many couples. But I think that for me it was just too many. I didn't become invested enough in any of them.
The story was cute though. There were parts that made me laugh and parts that made me smile. If you are looking for a story with a huge ensemble cast then you will enjoy this book.
Thanks to netgalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Atria books for allowing me to read this book.
This book is set in New York City and is divided into four parts. The main character is Liv. She is a wedding planner. And each part focuses on one wedding that she plans.
There are a lot of narrators. And this book features a lot of couples. They are all people who are involved with Liv's business (musicians, florists, caterers, servers). There was Savannah, Liv, Sam, Henry, Gorman, Darlene, Zach, Zia and Clay.
I loved the idea of a wedding planner. But there were just way too many narrators. Also, it was interesting to have so many couples. But I think that for me it was just too many. I didn't become invested enough in any of them.
The story was cute though. There were parts that made me laugh and parts that made me smile. If you are looking for a story with a huge ensemble cast then you will enjoy this book.
Thanks to netgalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Atria books for allowing me to read this book.
February 13, 2021
As half-owner of In Love In New York, a wedding planning business, Liv Goldenhorn is busy putting out fires at a wedding gone horribly wrong when she gets the phone call that forever changes her life. Her husband Eliot, who should be there helping her with the wedding, has been found dead in a motel room in Kentucky . . . with his ridiculously young and blonde mistress Savannah. What?! To add insult to injury, the same naive blonde bombshell comes calling on Liv later to announce Eliot's half of the business has been left to her - and no, she won't sell. She wants to partner up with Liv - her dead lover's wife - and restore the fading business to its former glory days. Liv is in shock. Surely she jests.
And so begins It Had To Be You! Talk about starting with a bang, this emotional rom-com hits the ground running and never lets up. As the story unfolds, readers are introduced to numerous couples whose stories are all woven in and around Liv and Savannah's stories. Clark expertly entertains readers with five diverse romances playing out at the same time, including two inter-racial, and one gay, second chance and adultery. While It Had To Be You is decidedly a rom-com, there's a sweet, heartwarming undertone carried throughout as readers bounce back and forth between couples while trying to keep up with who's loving and/or hurting who. Although the alternating points of view were a wee bit distracting at first, I quickly settled in and soon felt like I was catching up with old friends and couldn't wait to get back to each couple's story of finding and accepting their perfect soul mate. It Had To Be You is a sexy, fun, diverse modern romance with a surprisingly emotional depth and sweet happy-ever-after ending/s. Highly recommended to fans of romance, diversity and rom-coms.
Special thanks to Atria Books for an arc of this book.
**Review posted at Cross My Heart Reviews
And so begins It Had To Be You! Talk about starting with a bang, this emotional rom-com hits the ground running and never lets up. As the story unfolds, readers are introduced to numerous couples whose stories are all woven in and around Liv and Savannah's stories. Clark expertly entertains readers with five diverse romances playing out at the same time, including two inter-racial, and one gay, second chance and adultery. While It Had To Be You is decidedly a rom-com, there's a sweet, heartwarming undertone carried throughout as readers bounce back and forth between couples while trying to keep up with who's loving and/or hurting who. Although the alternating points of view were a wee bit distracting at first, I quickly settled in and soon felt like I was catching up with old friends and couldn't wait to get back to each couple's story of finding and accepting their perfect soul mate. It Had To Be You is a sexy, fun, diverse modern romance with a surprisingly emotional depth and sweet happy-ever-after ending/s. Highly recommended to fans of romance, diversity and rom-coms.
Special thanks to Atria Books for an arc of this book.
**Review posted at Cross My Heart Reviews
May 17, 2021
Are you fan of the HEA? Of seeing snippets of various couples navigate their love stories and how they ultimately connect to one another a la Love Actually ? If so, It Had to Be You by Georgia Clark is a can’t miss read for you - it certainly was a 5 star read for me! When wedding planner Liv Goldenhorn’s fiance, Elliot, dies mid coitus with his mistress and then wills her half of their business, Liv doesn’t think she’ll ever recover - but what comes next surprises everyone, especially Liv.
Thank you to Atria Books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Atria Books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
May 9, 2021
4 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a cute contemporary romance. The story revolves around a wedding planning business and the people that come within their sphere. For 20 years married couple Liv and Eliot have run a successful wedding planning business. Eliot dies suddenly and to Liv's surprise, leaves his half of the business to his young girlfriend Savannah. After getting off to a rocky start, Liv and Savannah start making a go of the business. The story follows Liv and Savannah as they move through grief and learn to love again. The book also follows other diverse couples as their relationships change and grow.
Liv and Savannah are great characters. They are smart, capable and learn to open themselves up to new experiences. Savannah dropped everything and moved to NYC with the dream of running the business with Liv and learns to push through her self-doubts and trust herself. As she learns new things about herself, she finds the courage to share her new life with her parents. This is a cute, fun, quick read that is the perfect feel-good book to read if you want a pick-me-up.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Atria Books. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a cute contemporary romance. The story revolves around a wedding planning business and the people that come within their sphere. For 20 years married couple Liv and Eliot have run a successful wedding planning business. Eliot dies suddenly and to Liv's surprise, leaves his half of the business to his young girlfriend Savannah. After getting off to a rocky start, Liv and Savannah start making a go of the business. The story follows Liv and Savannah as they move through grief and learn to love again. The book also follows other diverse couples as their relationships change and grow.
Liv and Savannah are great characters. They are smart, capable and learn to open themselves up to new experiences. Savannah dropped everything and moved to NYC with the dream of running the business with Liv and learns to push through her self-doubts and trust herself. As she learns new things about herself, she finds the courage to share her new life with her parents. This is a cute, fun, quick read that is the perfect feel-good book to read if you want a pick-me-up.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Atria Books. All opinions are my own.
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 25, 2021Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DNF @41%
I got so far, but I just can't force myself to keep going. This book was just an extreme case of it's-not-you-it's-me. It was pretty funny, but there were so many storylines and characters that I just couldn't keep them straight. I'm sure that someone else really invested could organize them if they had a notebook or something, but I don't want to put in that kind of effort just to enjoy a story.
DNF @41%
I got so far, but I just can't force myself to keep going. This book was just an extreme case of it's-not-you-it's-me. It was pretty funny, but there were so many storylines and characters that I just couldn't keep them straight. I'm sure that someone else really invested could organize them if they had a notebook or something, but I don't want to put in that kind of effort just to enjoy a story.
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