Book Description
Divorced and estranged for nearly two decades, Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence accidentally met again and were shot with Cupid's arrow when they rediscovered their lost love.
In IT HAD TO BE US, Harry and Elizabeth share their passions and feelings and poignant events that brought them back together. Filled with emotion, suspense, humor, and a surprising Las Vegas adventure, this heartfelt true story proves genuine love can survive any of life's journeys.
"A superbly crafted real life story that renews a person's faith in love." ~ Marilyn Forstot, book reviewer and author of SUNSHINE RICHES.
"Screenplay worthy." ~ Scott Smith, The Pueblo Chieftain
"I loved it!" ~ Debbie Reynolds, Actress
5 Hearts for Romantic Memoir
By Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence
November 08, 2007
Many thanks to Brenda Talley of The Romance Studio for giving “It Had To Be Us” the site’s highest rating of 5 HEARTS. Here are excerpts from Brenda’s glowing review of our little romantic memoir:
"What an incredibly written story! I am not sure I have enough accolades to describe this true story. Elizabeth and Harry (not their real names) is a couple with a past, to say the least! Their distinctive interpretation of their lives is such a fascinating slant on authorship."
"The book is written in a “He Said/She Said” format. When reading these memories by each of them, it is obvious that men and women certainly view situations differently. I truly believe that, no matter your preferred genre, you will enjoy this book. 'It Had To Be Us' is a marvelous pick-me-up, fast-paced rendition of how lives can come full circle!"
"You will be thrilled if you take time to read this book!"
Excerpt from Chapter Three
HARRY REMEMBERS:
I’m home now. My depression is deepening. I can’t eat. My thoughts of Elizabeth keep me awake all night. Tuesday morning I call her and tell her how desperately I miss her. She replies that she has the same feeling. I’m back on the golf course with my friends, but I’m not really there. I have a problem. I force myself to eat. That night I sleep only a few minutes each hour. I lie awake thinking of her.
Wednesday morning I call her in Las Vegas. Bridget answers. She tells me Elizabeth has already left for the train station. Oh well, I’ll be talking to her at 7 tonight. I discover today that I cannot get back into my routine.
I don’t want to get back into my routine.
I only want to be with her.
It’s 7 p.m. Pacific time, but no call. Well, I’m not going to call her. Somebody has met her at the train station and she is with him. At 7:40, I call her. I reach her answering machine and leave a message. I am seething inside and angry at myself for not believing in her. At 9 p.m. she calls. She tells me the train was delayed because of a fatal accident. She also reports that when she got home she noticed a light upstairs and thought a prowler was in her house. When she ran upstairs to check, she fell and hit her nose on a step and is in much pain.
We talk of our love for each other and agree that I will call her in the morning. After we hang up, I begin to worry. Doesn’t she know that if you think an intruder is in the house, you call the police? You don’t go in. She needs someone to watch over her. Now!
MORE REVIEWS:
A RARE THING
IT HAD TO BE US is a strong story that's upbeat without being sentimental, a rare thing. This is a charming story, well elucidated and structured. The reader gets a great sense of loneliness and the tensions of a beginning relationship --- albeit an old relationship in this case. The characterization is lively and engrossing and I particularly liked the form, though occasionally each narrative repeated what the other had said. How they understood each other and the gradual overcoming of fears is extremely well-done. It made me wonder if this was an authentic insight into the nature of men and women and how we all think differently and have different approaches.
--- Jai Clare, Author and Guest Editor for Zoetrope's All Story Extra.
BRAVO!
IT HAD TO BE US is a wonderful memoir. The format and language are excellent. It's such an enjoyable read, and I truly loved everything about it. Bravo!
--- JoAnne Pulcino, Reader's Advisor and Associate Librarian at Denver's Arapahoe District Library
The E-Book edition of
IT HAD TO BE US received a
"Great Read" rating from Lea Schizas of The Muse Book Reviews. Here's an excerpt from her rave review:
If you believe butterflies and jitteriness over seeing a past love or hopes for a rekindling of a romance long gone is only associated with adolescence, then think again. Harry’s and Elizabeth’s recounting of their eventual meeting after so many years apart definitely is a motivational and inspirational read. Through their story one can possibly see themselves in a given situation and make them wonder and appreciate what they have now; perhaps cause them to move in a direction to help strengthen their relationship by opening up communication or seeking help.