What do you think?
Rate this book
It Had to Be You
Trust is not high on straight-talking rancher Dan Jarrett's list. He doesn't believe there are many people worthy of it. Case-in-point: his new stepfather. His widowed mother says it was love at first sight, but Dan is convinced the man is a con artist spending his mother's nest egg. And the only reason Dan's going on the family holiday cruise is to gain time to prove his suspicions. After losing both of her parents to cancer, E.R. nurse Sunny Elders cherishes any time she can spend with the loved ones she has left-her sister's family. Relaxing together on a cruise filled with love and laughter sounds like the perfect prescription for healing. And Sunny's unsinkable spirit and her maddening penchant for zany disasters provide an ample dose of both.
Collision Course. Troubled Waters Ahead!
Collision Course. Troubled Waters Ahead!
308 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2001
15 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Linda Windsor
39 books159 followersLinda Windsor is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than thirty novels, with more than a million books in print. Her most recent work includes Healer and Thief, the first two volumes in the Brides of Alba series, and the early Irish Celtic Fires of Gleannmara trilogy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 10, 2018
This book has actually beaten "How Not To Live Abroad by Shaun Briley" as the funniest non-comedy genre book that I have ever read! Develops a great romance as well.
The author definitely has a talent for comedy writing,as well as great character development,and ability to write an original romance that not only had me laughing from beginning to end,but held my interest and made me really care about the characters. This book also caused me to want to learn more about cruise ship vacations!
This book,like her "Fiesta Moon" was a pure delight to read,and I am anxious to read more of her work.
Even though I don't usually purchase fiction books,after reading my library's copy of "It Had To Be You" I did have to order my own copy,as this is one that I will definitely want to read again,and again.
I most highly recommend this wonderful Christian contemporary comedy romance for those who enjoy humor(but not obnoxious clowns) with their romance, if you can take all the god-talk/religious proselytizing. Because of that....
I would not rate it as highly today as I did back in 2013, when I was a believer. I am now a Naturalist/ex-Christian ~believing nothing exists outside of the natural world!
The author definitely has a talent for comedy writing,as well as great character development,and ability to write an original romance that not only had me laughing from beginning to end,but held my interest and made me really care about the characters. This book also caused me to want to learn more about cruise ship vacations!
This book,like her "Fiesta Moon" was a pure delight to read,and I am anxious to read more of her work.
Even though I don't usually purchase fiction books,after reading my library's copy of "It Had To Be You" I did have to order my own copy,as this is one that I will definitely want to read again,and again.
I most highly recommend this wonderful Christian contemporary comedy romance for those who enjoy humor(but not obnoxious clowns) with their romance, if you can take all the god-talk/religious proselytizing. Because of that....
I would not rate it as highly today as I did back in 2013, when I was a believer. I am now a Naturalist/ex-Christian ~believing nothing exists outside of the natural world!
November 16, 2007
This one is such a cute book by Linda Windsor. The main character, Sunny Elders, is on a quest to endure a family holiday cruise as the chaperone of her sister's kids. Sunny is a quick witted, determined, "walking accident-waiting-to-happen". I was hooked after jsut reading the first chapter. You're either laughing out loud at the crazy things that can happen to Sunny Elders or instantly sympathetic at her misadventures. Read it if you're looking for a clean book that will give you a few laughs. =)
May 19, 2010
This book was cute in parts, but was an overall dissapointment. The plot line of avoiding grieving her parents deaths was barely developed, and that would have been the most real part of the book in my opinion.
I usually don't mind cheesy, but come on now. All the cowboy, horse, ranch, animal references? I can't imagine anyone is that hokey in real life.
It was fun to read about people on a cruise, as it made me think back to my sister and my cruise vacation. I'm not sure this book makes me want to go on another cruise, however!
I usually don't mind cheesy, but come on now. All the cowboy, horse, ranch, animal references? I can't imagine anyone is that hokey in real life.
It was fun to read about people on a cruise, as it made me think back to my sister and my cruise vacation. I'm not sure this book makes me want to go on another cruise, however!
November 14, 2009
This is the third time I've read this book, I had to choose something from my own bookshelves to read. I never tire reading this book. It is a light romance with lots of humor. I like Linda Windsor books because she keeps the content clean and you don't need to worry about language, or inappropriate happenings in a book. In every book I have read that Linda Windsor has written, there is humar as well. I really like her books especially when you want to read something light and fun.
April 14, 2010
I have read this book way too many times. I know the story like the back of my hand, but it still makes me happy and laugh each time I read it
Very easy light-hearted read. Love taking this book on vacation with me to read while I lounge by the pool. The author ties in humor very well, I have been on a couple of cruises and this book always makes me want to go on another.
Very easy light-hearted read. Love taking this book on vacation with me to read while I lounge by the pool. The author ties in humor very well, I have been on a couple of cruises and this book always makes me want to go on another.
October 10, 2021
Good read
October 9, 2023
This book had me laughing so many times! 😆
I had never read this author it was a recommendation from a friend.
So many shenanigans in this book, but also lots of faith elements it was a fun balance. Key themes would be forgiveness and trust. Trust in others and most of all trust in God.
Really enjoyed this one. I will have to check out more by this author. 😊
I had never read this author it was a recommendation from a friend.
So many shenanigans in this book, but also lots of faith elements it was a fun balance. Key themes would be forgiveness and trust. Trust in others and most of all trust in God.
Really enjoyed this one. I will have to check out more by this author. 😊
October 19, 2024
The story of two people who have personal family problems. One, Dan's mother has married a man who he believes is out to get her money and Sunny who has not had the grieve time for the loss of her parents due to cancer. Both are on a cruise and are there to endure for their families and are paired up together from the flight to Miami and throughout the cruise.
January 4, 2018
This book was superb. Linda Windor has a true talent!
June 19, 2019
I think I enjoyed the cruise as much as Sunny and Dan.
February 8, 2020
This was a charming read.
Read
August 29, 2021Not bad
December 3, 2022
This is the second time I read this book. First time was when it was first published - 20 years ago or so. Still fun . . . still a great read. Thank you for a story that is still entertaining.
October 1, 2024
This was a slow read for me. I felt like I was reading the script for a Christian Love Boat series.
April 3, 2025
Cute, clean, easy read.
December 27, 2025
Rancher Dan Jarrett and Nurse Sunny Elders find themselves on board the Love Ahoy, a cruise that will prove to be life-changing for all involved.
Dan is on the Thanksgiving cruise against his will- his widowed and recently (and suddenly) remarried mother invited him, his sister and his brother-in-law to join them on a cruise to the same islands as the one on which she met her new husband Charlie a month prior. Dan doesn't believe in love at first sight, and is convinced that Charlie is up to no good, even as he hopes he's wrong.
Sunny's family chose to cruise as a way to get past their grief. Sunny and her sister Melissa lost both of their parents within two weeks of each other, and they needed something different to pull their family back together. Melissa's husband Alan came up with the idea, and, with Melissa battling grief-induced depression, Sunny volunteered to room with her sixteen-year-old niece Allison and nine-year-old nephew Jason so that Melissa and Alan could have private time during the cruise.
Despite both of their best efforts, Sunny and Dan found themselves pushed together at every turn. His desire for solitude and hers to focus on her niece and nephew was wrecked by her penchant for clumsiness and attracting minor disasters and his desire to keep her out of more trouble. Together, the two of them deal with their family dynamics and try to fight off the inevitable: their mutual attraction.
I absolutely LOVED this story. You know when you pick up a romance who will wind up together, but the way this one played out was intriguing, insightful and at spots, downright hilarious.
Dan is on the Thanksgiving cruise against his will- his widowed and recently (and suddenly) remarried mother invited him, his sister and his brother-in-law to join them on a cruise to the same islands as the one on which she met her new husband Charlie a month prior. Dan doesn't believe in love at first sight, and is convinced that Charlie is up to no good, even as he hopes he's wrong.
Sunny's family chose to cruise as a way to get past their grief. Sunny and her sister Melissa lost both of their parents within two weeks of each other, and they needed something different to pull their family back together. Melissa's husband Alan came up with the idea, and, with Melissa battling grief-induced depression, Sunny volunteered to room with her sixteen-year-old niece Allison and nine-year-old nephew Jason so that Melissa and Alan could have private time during the cruise.
Despite both of their best efforts, Sunny and Dan found themselves pushed together at every turn. His desire for solitude and hers to focus on her niece and nephew was wrecked by her penchant for clumsiness and attracting minor disasters and his desire to keep her out of more trouble. Together, the two of them deal with their family dynamics and try to fight off the inevitable: their mutual attraction.
I absolutely LOVED this story. You know when you pick up a romance who will wind up together, but the way this one played out was intriguing, insightful and at spots, downright hilarious.
January 18, 2012
The funny meeting of the two major characters in “It Had To Be You” will have you cheering for them to get together right from the start. Sunny and Dan start their love journey on a Thanksgiving cruise with their families.
The relationship of Sunny and Dan is the main story of this book written by Linda Windsor. They are both on the cruise for a different reason. Sunny is on the journey to help take care of her niece and nephew. Their characters are well written and help make the book believable. Sunny’s sister has been struggling with the death of their parents so her husband decides they should all go on this cruise for a change of scenery. Sunny has not taken the time to mourn their parents death and keeps pushing those emotions away. How they both heal is the minor story in this book.
Dan’s reason for the cruise is family as well. His mother has recently married, too soon after his father’s death, in Dan’s opinion though. This leads Dan to a background check on the new husband. Dan’s problems affect how he responds to Sunny and his feelings for her. Their relationship grows as they work together through the issues they are dealing with.
The book moves quickly and some of it even makes you laugh out loud. The ending works for the story and makes the whole book enjoyable and worth the read.
The relationship of Sunny and Dan is the main story of this book written by Linda Windsor. They are both on the cruise for a different reason. Sunny is on the journey to help take care of her niece and nephew. Their characters are well written and help make the book believable. Sunny’s sister has been struggling with the death of their parents so her husband decides they should all go on this cruise for a change of scenery. Sunny has not taken the time to mourn their parents death and keeps pushing those emotions away. How they both heal is the minor story in this book.
Dan’s reason for the cruise is family as well. His mother has recently married, too soon after his father’s death, in Dan’s opinion though. This leads Dan to a background check on the new husband. Dan’s problems affect how he responds to Sunny and his feelings for her. Their relationship grows as they work together through the issues they are dealing with.
The book moves quickly and some of it even makes you laugh out loud. The ending works for the story and makes the whole book enjoyable and worth the read.
April 28, 2017
Rancher Dan Jarrett goes on a cruise mainly to keep an eye on his mother and his new step-father, who he has yet to trust. Sunny is there to help her sister and brother-in-law have a little alone time by taking care of her niece and nephew.
A Christian romance with a heavy dose of humor. I really loved it. I'm really not a big reader of Christian romance because I feel some of them get really preachy at times and the plot will suffer. The plot never suffered with this one.
A Christian romance with a heavy dose of humor. I really loved it. I'm really not a big reader of Christian romance because I feel some of them get really preachy at times and the plot will suffer. The plot never suffered with this one.
April 12, 2008
Purely and absolutely goop. It was so sweet, I think I sort of gave up reading it as thoroughly as I could. This book is chick lit to the max. *shudders* I can't believe I read it. It wasn't bad. Just. Goopy.
August 4, 2011
An amazing read with a hilarious heroine and fun setting aboard a cruise ship! The characters interact with humor and wit as they learn to trust in God and each other with the grief and hardships they face in their lives.
September 27, 2012
This book is excellent, I loved every minutes of reading it, tears and laughter included. I have to highly recommend this book to anyone going through a hardship or dealing with emotional life issues. It is just wonderful.
August 20, 2007
I used to really love this book. God knows how many times I read it.
July 31, 2008
I liked this book. The setting of a cruise ship was different. The dynamics between the characters was great. Cute storyline.
August 23, 2010
very cute
October 27, 2010
This book was hilarious! Loved it.
October 16, 2011
A perfectly decent read, but there's nothing standout about it.
March 5, 2012
Read this over a year ago, and enjoyed it. :)
April 4, 2012
This book just makes me laugh out loud! This is a book I pick up when I just want light reading and humor, it's really not real to life but I don't care cuz it's hilarious in my mind!:)
July 28, 2012
Cheeeeeeeeeeeesy
September 18, 2012
Some of the scenes were absolutely hysterical!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews