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It Must Be Love
Get ready to fall for this year's most poignant and romantic love story...Fourteen days together. Fifteen years apart.Their love story isn't over yet...When Abbie met Oz they were young, idealistic students from different backgrounds, but their connection was unmistakable. Then Oz went home to Istanbul and life moved on.Years later, Abbie and Oz meet again - a chance encounter that could change everything.Despite leading very different lives, they find themselves drawn to eachother once more. But they have commitments, jobs and families that take priority - and too much time has passed... Hasn't it?From London to Istanbul, Paris to Beirut, It Must Be Love is a heart-wrenching story that will leave you believing in the power of fate and destiny. Perfect for fans of Josie Silver and Sophie Cousens.______________________READERS ARE FALLING HEAD OVER HEELS FOR IT MUST BE LOVE ...'A real rollercoaster ride of emotions ... I felt them all!''Wistful, touching ... takes you on a wonderfully romantic journey''The characters are ones you can easily warm to and take to your heart''This book had me entranced from the beginning''I was hooked!''Fans of One Day will love this''You are sure to be weeping by the end. A fab read with a cup of tea and mountain of biscuits'______________________PRAISE FOR IT MUST BE LOVE ...'Life-affirming and unforgettable, this is a very special love story' Holly Miller'One of the most wonderful will-they-won't-they books I've read' Lorna Cook'A gorgeously romantic and evocative debut ... I know it's going to be a hit!' Emma Hughes
- GenresRomanceContemporary
416 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2022
29 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
April 30, 2023
Abbie and Oz first meet in London when they are students. The connection between them is instant, however, Oz is due to be heading back home to Turkey, such that Abbie doesn't know if she will ever see him again. Over the course of the next fifteen years, Abbie and Oz's paths continue to fleetingly interconnect, however, life always seems to get in the way of them pursuing a relationship together. Still, sometimes some things are just meant to be.
My first read from Caroline Khoury, I have to say that I struggled with this, never really connecting to the characters or story from the off. The chapters alternate between the present and various different times in the past, where Abbie and Oz have crossed paths.
After a slow and unengaging start, the book picked up a bit for me with Abbie and Oz's first encounter in the past, however, as the story went on it just seemed to become very repetitive. Abbie and Oz were constantly coming across each other, only for some obstacle to keep them apart, such that the more it went on the less I actually cared as to whether they would finally get their happy ending, as it was all just too ridiculous. It also didn't help that the chemistry between the lead characters often felt forced or cliched.
The characters never showed any growth or development, but were portrayed as rather one-dimensional, and many of them just came across as rather whiney. Also I thought the book was too melodramatic, especially as pertaining to all the family dramas going on, and towards the end it really did feel as if the author was just throwing the kitchen sink at it.
I did like the various locations, but unfortunately other than that the book didn't really hold my interest, and I found myself skim reading parts. Overall, a disappointing read.
My first read from Caroline Khoury, I have to say that I struggled with this, never really connecting to the characters or story from the off. The chapters alternate between the present and various different times in the past, where Abbie and Oz have crossed paths.
After a slow and unengaging start, the book picked up a bit for me with Abbie and Oz's first encounter in the past, however, as the story went on it just seemed to become very repetitive. Abbie and Oz were constantly coming across each other, only for some obstacle to keep them apart, such that the more it went on the less I actually cared as to whether they would finally get their happy ending, as it was all just too ridiculous. It also didn't help that the chemistry between the lead characters often felt forced or cliched.
The characters never showed any growth or development, but were portrayed as rather one-dimensional, and many of them just came across as rather whiney. Also I thought the book was too melodramatic, especially as pertaining to all the family dramas going on, and towards the end it really did feel as if the author was just throwing the kitchen sink at it.
I did like the various locations, but unfortunately other than that the book didn't really hold my interest, and I found myself skim reading parts. Overall, a disappointing read.
January 30, 2022
I absolutely loved this second chance romance that follows Abbie and Oz, who were childhood sweethearts that got pulled apart by other commitments. Now they are both in their thirties when they run into each other again, but so much has changed in their lives. Abbie is engaged to a man that has all the qualities she could ever ask for in a husband, and yet her heart longs for Oz and the future they could have together, he’s the one that got away. Throughout the last thirty years she recalls numerous chances she had at being with Oz, so what’s been stopping her all of these years from being with the man that her heart longs after, and will she finally take this chance to be with him?
You all seriously need to read this wonderful book as soon as you’re able to as the plot is amazingly cute and the Abbie and Oz are just so sweet that I love them dearly. Let’s face it, we’ve all had that moment where you’ve let someone slip through your fingers and can’t help but wonder what if you two had ended up together. If you want a fun, cozy read with a good ole fashioned bad timing second chance lovers storyline then this fantastic book is for you.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy to review.
You all seriously need to read this wonderful book as soon as you’re able to as the plot is amazingly cute and the Abbie and Oz are just so sweet that I love them dearly. Let’s face it, we’ve all had that moment where you’ve let someone slip through your fingers and can’t help but wonder what if you two had ended up together. If you want a fun, cozy read with a good ole fashioned bad timing second chance lovers storyline then this fantastic book is for you.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy to review.
June 11, 2022
Ok so despite how long it’s taken me to finally read this gorgeous book, I’ve been hyped about it for bloody ages - and it did not disappoint at all! If you love a great (but not super cheesy!) romance, then you must pick this up!
Abbie first met Oz when she was a young student and he was visiting London from Turkey - their connection was instant but then he went back to Istanbul to work for the family business and a tragedy at home kept Abbie on the path she was already on to become a solicitor. Except call it fate or destiny, but over the years they keep meeting for mere days at a time, and now, fifteen years later, just as Abbie is ready to settle down with her boyfriend Charlie, Oz reappears and turns her whole world upside down. Is it too late for them?
Ok so damn I hate it when everyone in a love triangle is great because I’m so torn between who the MC should end up with - I had an inkling which way this might go, but nothing ever felt certain and that kept me hooked! Both Oz and Charlie are great romantic leads so I could feel for Abbie (alright so maybe it’s not that hard having two gorgeous men in love with you but hey 😉).
Not only was the romantic element spot on (with meetings in Paris and Istanbul, swoon), but this was also a really moving look at family and the expectations which can shape our futures. Both Abbie and Oz have different kinds of pressures to pursue a certain career path which makes it hard for them to be together, and I loved the progression of Abbie’s relationship with her mum and sister throughout the story. And then there’s a whole other great side story with Abbie’s best friend Liz suffering from post natal depressing and struggling to come to terms with early motherhood. So lots to sink your teeth into here!
But it really is all about the romance and this one’s pretty epic - if you want a beautiful, heartwarming read then I can’t recommend it enough.
Abbie first met Oz when she was a young student and he was visiting London from Turkey - their connection was instant but then he went back to Istanbul to work for the family business and a tragedy at home kept Abbie on the path she was already on to become a solicitor. Except call it fate or destiny, but over the years they keep meeting for mere days at a time, and now, fifteen years later, just as Abbie is ready to settle down with her boyfriend Charlie, Oz reappears and turns her whole world upside down. Is it too late for them?
Ok so damn I hate it when everyone in a love triangle is great because I’m so torn between who the MC should end up with - I had an inkling which way this might go, but nothing ever felt certain and that kept me hooked! Both Oz and Charlie are great romantic leads so I could feel for Abbie (alright so maybe it’s not that hard having two gorgeous men in love with you but hey 😉).
Not only was the romantic element spot on (with meetings in Paris and Istanbul, swoon), but this was also a really moving look at family and the expectations which can shape our futures. Both Abbie and Oz have different kinds of pressures to pursue a certain career path which makes it hard for them to be together, and I loved the progression of Abbie’s relationship with her mum and sister throughout the story. And then there’s a whole other great side story with Abbie’s best friend Liz suffering from post natal depressing and struggling to come to terms with early motherhood. So lots to sink your teeth into here!
But it really is all about the romance and this one’s pretty epic - if you want a beautiful, heartwarming read then I can’t recommend it enough.
June 13, 2022
1.5 stars
Headlines:
Flat characters
So many missed opportunities
Convenience
This was a bookclub read and it's fair to say we all had a similar experience and feeling reading this which is interesting considering the high ratings for this book. Here's my feelings and experiences and most will be under a spoiler tag. There were too many convenient happenings, most of the characters were unlikeable to me and felt one-dimensional.
Headlines:
Flat characters
So many missed opportunities
Convenience
This was a bookclub read and it's fair to say we all had a similar experience and feeling reading this which is interesting considering the high ratings for this book. Here's my feelings and experiences and most will be under a spoiler tag. There were too many convenient happenings, most of the characters were unlikeable to me and felt one-dimensional.
March 8, 2022
An emotional second chance romance, that was a tad too melodramatic and angsty for my taste, but overall an enjoyable read.
I really wish that the author hadn't chosen to write a third person involved in the romance, or at least mentioned it in the synopsis, as there was emotional (if not physical) cheating involved. Despite this, there was still an eventful plot with well written characters and believable struggles of grief and family expectations.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.
I really wish that the author hadn't chosen to write a third person involved in the romance, or at least mentioned it in the synopsis, as there was emotional (if not physical) cheating involved. Despite this, there was still an eventful plot with well written characters and believable struggles of grief and family expectations.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.
March 17, 2022
Fate !! Or is it love
Great book. Loved every minute of it .the countries . The ups and downs of a relationship,family nothing worse ,for choosing what your life needs thank goodness for liz,nada and amy as the story goes on its way .abbie and oz.perfect couple .my favourite movie ,An affair to remember!!..no spoilers enjoyed from start to finish
Great book. Loved every minute of it .the countries . The ups and downs of a relationship,family nothing worse ,for choosing what your life needs thank goodness for liz,nada and amy as the story goes on its way .abbie and oz.perfect couple .my favourite movie ,An affair to remember!!..no spoilers enjoyed from start to finish
January 30, 2022
Oh, this book made my heart ache in places 💔
It centres around Abbie and Oz, who met when they were students and the story goes back and forth between the present day when Abbie has got engaged to her boyfriend Charlie at the age of 35, and the past where her numerous encounters with Oz unfold.
I do like the portrayal of Oz and his language, being a non English speaker is spot on. I love Liz, who adds a bit of reality and humour to the story, which is a great contrast to the tough feelings that Abbie has to deal with over the years.
There are some real heart breaking moments where I was close to tears as the emotions ran so high; and some moments where I thought Abbie was finally going to have happiness with what she had.
I loved the ending, but won’t spoil it for anyone!
We’ve all been there where there’s that one person who you feel has slipped through your heart time and time again; where you always wonder ‘what if..?’
It centres around Abbie and Oz, who met when they were students and the story goes back and forth between the present day when Abbie has got engaged to her boyfriend Charlie at the age of 35, and the past where her numerous encounters with Oz unfold.
I do like the portrayal of Oz and his language, being a non English speaker is spot on. I love Liz, who adds a bit of reality and humour to the story, which is a great contrast to the tough feelings that Abbie has to deal with over the years.
There are some real heart breaking moments where I was close to tears as the emotions ran so high; and some moments where I thought Abbie was finally going to have happiness with what she had.
I loved the ending, but won’t spoil it for anyone!
We’ve all been there where there’s that one person who you feel has slipped through your heart time and time again; where you always wonder ‘what if..?’
January 30, 2022
Abbie fell into the arms of Oz at a protest they were both at in London. It was an instant attraction for both of them, and they stayed together for a perfect day before Oz had to return to Turkey. But they made a deal, they would meet up again in ten years if they were still free and see how they felt about each other. They both got on with lives until Abbie went calling on him when she was with a friend in Turkey, but things hadn’t stood still.
I must say that the pages certainly had a buzz when these two were together, no matter who else was around. But on each occasion that they came across each other, there was always an obstacle. Now obstacle in this instant is another way of saying, partner. I felt torn. I wanted these love birds to be together but felt guilty too. Each time they parted, fate had a way of bringing them back together time after time.
The setting is beautiful, making it even more romantic, but it isn’t just their love lives that are the problem. They each had other commitments that kept them apart. I enjoyed the chase in this story, they couldn’t stay apart or keep their hands off each other. But everything always seemed against them.
A great novel, It will make a perfect holiday read.
I would like to thank Net Galley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book that I have reviewed honestly.
I must say that the pages certainly had a buzz when these two were together, no matter who else was around. But on each occasion that they came across each other, there was always an obstacle. Now obstacle in this instant is another way of saying, partner. I felt torn. I wanted these love birds to be together but felt guilty too. Each time they parted, fate had a way of bringing them back together time after time.
The setting is beautiful, making it even more romantic, but it isn’t just their love lives that are the problem. They each had other commitments that kept them apart. I enjoyed the chase in this story, they couldn’t stay apart or keep their hands off each other. But everything always seemed against them.
A great novel, It will make a perfect holiday read.
I would like to thank Net Galley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book that I have reviewed honestly.
February 11, 2022
Soul mates, destiny, fate, or chance. Whatever you want to call it. This book has it in bucket loads.
So beautifully written, with such lovable characters, you really can't help but root for them.
Abbie has so many emotions to go through, and you really feel them all along with her.
This was a lovely read that I really enjoyed and will admit to reaching for the tissues in the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
So beautifully written, with such lovable characters, you really can't help but root for them.
Abbie has so many emotions to go through, and you really feel them all along with her.
This was a lovely read that I really enjoyed and will admit to reaching for the tissues in the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 10, 2022
This book follows the story of Abbie and Oz, a Turkish man who she literally falls into the arms of during a march whilst at University. When the two meet, Oz has only that evening left before he disappears back to Turkey. The two continue to meet over the next 14 years but for one reason or another never quite make it to being a fully fledged couple.
I loved the sound of this book when I first read the blurb - the idea that it was fate or destiny for two people to be together really resonated with me. However, whilst Oz may be dreamy, he chose another woman over Abbie on several occasions, thus not really the perfect man. I cannot fathom why Abbie still insisted on going back to him. I also detested how Abbie insisted on running away every time a conversation got difficult, she 'turned on her heel' more times than I care to count.
The book flicks between the different times, normally, I would find this annoying but actually on this occasion it worked quite well. Each time the reader ventures back in time, we learn something new (in my case another reason why Oz is not right!)
In my opinion, the book went on too long - there is a story around a shooting in a nightclub which just tipped it over the edge for me. Up until that point, I had thought that happy ever after storyline would still win me over, but then that happened and I just found myself switching completely off. I read to the end, but it certainly has not been a favourite.
I loved the sound of this book when I first read the blurb - the idea that it was fate or destiny for two people to be together really resonated with me. However, whilst Oz may be dreamy, he chose another woman over Abbie on several occasions, thus not really the perfect man. I cannot fathom why Abbie still insisted on going back to him. I also detested how Abbie insisted on running away every time a conversation got difficult, she 'turned on her heel' more times than I care to count.
The book flicks between the different times, normally, I would find this annoying but actually on this occasion it worked quite well. Each time the reader ventures back in time, we learn something new (in my case another reason why Oz is not right!)
In my opinion, the book went on too long - there is a story around a shooting in a nightclub which just tipped it over the edge for me. Up until that point, I had thought that happy ever after storyline would still win me over, but then that happened and I just found myself switching completely off. I read to the end, but it certainly has not been a favourite.
November 30, 2021
A solid contemporary romance, centred around a second chance trope. Abbie and Oz met when they were students, but youth and other commitments pulled them apart. Now Abbie is in her thirties, about to marry and she encounters Oz once again. Is this a second chance? Her fiancé is supportive, loving and everything else she could want in a husband. Perfect, yet her heart is confused. She tries to pull her focus away but fate or is it destiny keeps throwing her in Oz’s path. And as the novel flashes to the past it’s revealed that it isn’t Abbie’s second chance, but her fourth of fifth chance since over the years there have been other chances to be with Oz. For Abbie, it’s the last chance, now as she starts to unravel the points in her life where these previous chances have occurred and why she hadn’t taken that chance. Is it to be or not to be? It does become the question in this novel and Khoury pulls the reader along to the end, leaving the reader guessing if Abbie will take this chance. Well written, capable debut novel with a good sense of each character and their struggles. My only quibble would be the melodramatic turn towards the end that stretched credibility.
February 10, 2022
Oh this book. It was just beautiful 🥺. When I first saw about this book and read the synopsis I just knew I would love it. I pre ordered and luckily had it delivered on publication day and I started it straight away! Part of me wanting to binge read it but part of me wanted to just slowly get through it because I didn’t want it to end!
This is the perfect romance story that just ticked every box for me. Very likeable characters, the setting and descriptions of London, Paris and Istanbul, the descriptions of the food in Istanbul that just sounded delicious. I did really love Istanbul being a big part of the story, although I haven’t been to Istanbul but I have visited other locations in Turkey and it’s one of my favourite countries to visit.
The book was very well written and the chapters varied from present time to the past and giving a big insight to Abbie’s life in the past, how she met Oz, how things developed with Charlie and how Oz just kept appearing in her life. I loved learning about Abbie and her life, I felt like I genuinely knew her. I loved how not only did you get a whole insight to Abbie and Oz’s story, there was so much about the different cultures, I thought that was a great addition.
This book made me smile and laugh, it made me cry and then it put me back together again. An incredible debut by Caroline that I couldn’t recommend enough. Abbie and Oz’s story is just so beautiful. It’s definitely up there with my favourite romance reads. Really excited to read more of Caroline’s work!
💗💗💗
This is the perfect romance story that just ticked every box for me. Very likeable characters, the setting and descriptions of London, Paris and Istanbul, the descriptions of the food in Istanbul that just sounded delicious. I did really love Istanbul being a big part of the story, although I haven’t been to Istanbul but I have visited other locations in Turkey and it’s one of my favourite countries to visit.
The book was very well written and the chapters varied from present time to the past and giving a big insight to Abbie’s life in the past, how she met Oz, how things developed with Charlie and how Oz just kept appearing in her life. I loved learning about Abbie and her life, I felt like I genuinely knew her. I loved how not only did you get a whole insight to Abbie and Oz’s story, there was so much about the different cultures, I thought that was a great addition.
This book made me smile and laugh, it made me cry and then it put me back together again. An incredible debut by Caroline that I couldn’t recommend enough. Abbie and Oz’s story is just so beautiful. It’s definitely up there with my favourite romance reads. Really excited to read more of Caroline’s work!
💗💗💗
February 5, 2022
Played across multiple timelines we see the story of Abbie and Oz played out. The plot is well constructed and the characters are either warm and engaging or well written to make them appear as the enemy to the characters that we are loving reading about.
This is a hugely enjoyable book and although the end is hoped for and inevitable there is a twist that really pulls on the heartstrings. It is truly a tale of what if and what could have been.
Well worth a read and thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a hugely enjoyable book and although the end is hoped for and inevitable there is a twist that really pulls on the heartstrings. It is truly a tale of what if and what could have been.
Well worth a read and thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2022
If like myself, you are a lover of romance, then this is without a doubt a must read book!.
I found myself hooked from the moment I began reading this story. Abbie and Oz first meet when they are students, and there is an undeniable connection between them instantly.
They cross paths many times over the coming years, and the spark remains between them... its very much a 'what if' tale.
The story takes us to several beautiful locations, all of which are brought to life vividly in my mind by the authors delightful writing style.
This is certainly a book I will be recommending to others!,
I found myself hooked from the moment I began reading this story. Abbie and Oz first meet when they are students, and there is an undeniable connection between them instantly.
They cross paths many times over the coming years, and the spark remains between them... its very much a 'what if' tale.
The story takes us to several beautiful locations, all of which are brought to life vividly in my mind by the authors delightful writing style.
This is certainly a book I will be recommending to others!,
February 14, 2022
Blurb💕
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙁𝙞𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩.
𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙄𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙗𝙪𝙡, 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝘽𝙚𝙞𝙧𝙪𝙩, 𝙄𝙩 𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝘽𝙚 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩-𝙬𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮.
This is the perfect book to review on Valentine's day. A compelling love story with a delicious will they/ won't they element. Two very likeable protagonists in Abbie and Oz, with Abbie's thorough back story you end up feeling you know her like a friend...a huge bonus was the incorporating of the most dreamy settings London, Paris, Istanbul...
This romantic debut ticks all the boxes it is a stunning, teary, emotional read with so many heart warming moments ...moments of destiny, chance, fate call it what you like but what ever it is this book has it in spades.
Congratulations to @carolinekauthor on a tremendous debut novel
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙁𝙞𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩.
𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙄𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙗𝙪𝙡, 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝘽𝙚𝙞𝙧𝙪𝙩, 𝙄𝙩 𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝘽𝙚 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩-𝙬𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮.
This is the perfect book to review on Valentine's day. A compelling love story with a delicious will they/ won't they element. Two very likeable protagonists in Abbie and Oz, with Abbie's thorough back story you end up feeling you know her like a friend...a huge bonus was the incorporating of the most dreamy settings London, Paris, Istanbul...
This romantic debut ticks all the boxes it is a stunning, teary, emotional read with so many heart warming moments ...moments of destiny, chance, fate call it what you like but what ever it is this book has it in spades.
Congratulations to @carolinekauthor on a tremendous debut novel
March 17, 2022
This is a love story that lasts for 15 days but spans 15 years.
Abbie and Oz meet by chance as students and have a short whirlwind of a romance but then they go their separate ways and get on with their lives and meet up again over the space of 15 years. The film Before Sunrise is mentioned a lot in this book (one of my favourite films!) which I loved. Its a different take on a good old fashioned love story.
Abbie and Oz meet by chance as students and have a short whirlwind of a romance but then they go their separate ways and get on with their lives and meet up again over the space of 15 years. The film Before Sunrise is mentioned a lot in this book (one of my favourite films!) which I loved. Its a different take on a good old fashioned love story.
January 23, 2022
Abbie und Oz lernen sich auf einer Demo während ihrer Studienzeit kennen. Allerdings einen Tag, bevor Oz Auslandssemester endet und er wieder zurück in die Türkei fliegt. Sie versprechen sich, sich in 9 Jahren wiederzutreffen. Doch auch schon zuvor versuchen beide immer wieder den andern zu finden und zu treffen. Doch beiden spielt das Leben immer wieder dazwischen. Ob ihre Liebe stark genug ist und sie schlussendlich zusammen finden werden?
Mich konnte das Buch leider nicht so sehr überzeugen. Der Schreibstil war an und für sich sehr angenehm. Dadurch das Oz allerdings Türke ist und Englisch nicht seine Muttersprache ist der Schreibstil seiner Aussagen manchmal etwas gebrochen. Was das Ganze natürlich recht realistisch erscheinen lässt - ich fand es allerdings teilweise etwas störend für den Lesefluss. Dann ist das Buch mit sehr vielen Zeitsprüngen geschrieben. Ich hatte zwar keine Probleme damit, dem ganzen folgen zu können, allerdings fand ich es doch recht störend. Fast bei jedem Kapitel gibt es einen Zeitsprung, so dass man immer erst wieder kurz überlegen muss, wo man überhaupt ist. Vor allem, da es nicht einfach zwei Zeiten gibt in denen es spielt, sondern man springt in einem Zeitraum von 15 Jahren immer an unterschiedliche Stellen. Die beiden Protagonisten fand ich teilweise auch etwas schwierig. Oz mochte ich generell, auch wenn ich seine Entscheidungen nicht immer ganz nachvollziehen konnte. Abbie ist an und für sich auch eine starke, junge Frau - doch auch ihre Entscheidungen fand ich teilweise mehr als fragwürdig. Zudem kommt noch, dass ich es teilweise etwas unrealistisch fand. Wenn man sich wirklich so liebt wie die beiden es angeblich tun, kann ich mir nicht vorstellen in der heutigen Zeit keine Kommunikationsmöglichkeit zu finden. Alles in allem eine Liebesgeschichte die definitiv Potential hat. Die Grundidee fand ich auf jeden Fall sehr spannend. Nur konnte mich die Ausarbeitung der Geschichte einfach nicht fesseln.
Mich konnte das Buch leider nicht so sehr überzeugen. Der Schreibstil war an und für sich sehr angenehm. Dadurch das Oz allerdings Türke ist und Englisch nicht seine Muttersprache ist der Schreibstil seiner Aussagen manchmal etwas gebrochen. Was das Ganze natürlich recht realistisch erscheinen lässt - ich fand es allerdings teilweise etwas störend für den Lesefluss. Dann ist das Buch mit sehr vielen Zeitsprüngen geschrieben. Ich hatte zwar keine Probleme damit, dem ganzen folgen zu können, allerdings fand ich es doch recht störend. Fast bei jedem Kapitel gibt es einen Zeitsprung, so dass man immer erst wieder kurz überlegen muss, wo man überhaupt ist. Vor allem, da es nicht einfach zwei Zeiten gibt in denen es spielt, sondern man springt in einem Zeitraum von 15 Jahren immer an unterschiedliche Stellen. Die beiden Protagonisten fand ich teilweise auch etwas schwierig. Oz mochte ich generell, auch wenn ich seine Entscheidungen nicht immer ganz nachvollziehen konnte. Abbie ist an und für sich auch eine starke, junge Frau - doch auch ihre Entscheidungen fand ich teilweise mehr als fragwürdig. Zudem kommt noch, dass ich es teilweise etwas unrealistisch fand. Wenn man sich wirklich so liebt wie die beiden es angeblich tun, kann ich mir nicht vorstellen in der heutigen Zeit keine Kommunikationsmöglichkeit zu finden. Alles in allem eine Liebesgeschichte die definitiv Potential hat. Die Grundidee fand ich auf jeden Fall sehr spannend. Nur konnte mich die Ausarbeitung der Geschichte einfach nicht fesseln.
February 7, 2022
Have you ever been really excited to read a book, but then after finishing, you’re left feeling a bit..meh? Well this sums up my feelings towards this book.
There is nothing truly horrendous about it, I just found it a bit too predictable and the main characters were too frustrating at times, for my own personal preferences. This is a classic romantic light read that, unfortunately, doesn’t offer much more than others I have read in this genre.
However despite this, there is plenty to digest, in terms of an eventful plot, and the reader is taken on an emotional journey along with Abbie and Oz.
As a debut release, it serves well, and it hasn’t put me off any future works by this author. Everyone has to start somewhere huh?
Thank you Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for a gifted copy of this book, in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
There is nothing truly horrendous about it, I just found it a bit too predictable and the main characters were too frustrating at times, for my own personal preferences. This is a classic romantic light read that, unfortunately, doesn’t offer much more than others I have read in this genre.
However despite this, there is plenty to digest, in terms of an eventful plot, and the reader is taken on an emotional journey along with Abbie and Oz.
As a debut release, it serves well, and it hasn’t put me off any future works by this author. Everyone has to start somewhere huh?
Thank you Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for a gifted copy of this book, in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
April 13, 2022
Didn’t work for me- found it slow and unexciting - even the moments of reconnecting with Oz had me rolling my eyeballs.
February 23, 2022
A few too many cliches for my taste, and I've realised I'm not a fan of the second chance trope when it's to the detriment of other characters. But this is a very well written jet setting romance.
July 23, 2022
4 stars only bc you did Charlie so bad 😭 my guy was so nice and you just fucked him up
January 6, 2022
I’m a huge fan of this type of romantic storyline and whilst in reality I don’t believe in fate and destiny I’m more than content to believe in the existence of these concepts as they guide fictional lovers towards their happy ever afters. Over the years I’ve read a deal of novels along the lines of It Must Be Love, all variants upon the same theme featuring unforgettable first loves and what if, sliding doors moments but my all time favourite has to be that modern day classic One Day by David Nicholls. So, a tough act for Caroline Khoury to follow!! No pressure then! However I like to think I approach each new novel the same way, my mind a blank canvas, waiting expectantly for the author’s words to fill that space with impossibly romantic fairy tale images, for my heart to swell with all the magic, sparkle and sentimentality this genre offers and for a gush of emotions to engulf me, as declarations of love are spoken and promises are made or broken. How do Abbie and Oz compare to the likes of Emma and Dexter?? Let’s find out!
Wistful, touching, tinged with regret and longing and plenty of “what could have been”scenarios, Caroline Khoury takes you on a wonderfully romantic journey traversing both time and continents, allowing the reader to visit some beautiful cities in the presence of Abbie and Oz who first meet as students in London. Conducting their tumultuous love affair over the span of fifteen years, the question forming on every reader’s lips is whether or not their story will have a happy ending. I love the idea that for some couples, including Abbie and Oz there exits an invisible thread connecting them which steadfastly refuses to be broken. Irrespective of distance or outside interference keeping them apart you can’t help but wonder if fate and destiny really will play a huge part in determining the future for this pair. Even if you have a fair idea of how things will eventually pan out there are a few scenes that will surprise you!
This is a good if nothing out of the ordinary romantic read; a perfectly pleasurable way to spend a lazy winter weekend, losing yourself in all the drama the storyline offers and I sped through the pages with ease. The narrative filled me with nostalgia for my (much!) younger days when life held so many possibilities and before one too many failed relationships left me deflated and demoralised and resigned to singledom!! Yet I still hang on to the belief that true love does exist (just not for me!) which is why I think I enjoy novels like It Must Be Love so much. Caroline Khoury allows you to daydream, affording you the opportunity to live vicariously through others even though the characters are only figments of the author’s imagination. Naturally it helps if the characters are ones you can easily warm to and take to your heart and on the whole I did that with Abbie and Oz. Everyone deserves a slice of happiness, to be with the one individual their heart truly desires and none more so than these two who maintain a fierce loyalty towards their respective families, selflessly placing others happiness before their own. I felt every bit of Abbie and Oz’s pain and their joy as their lives continually collide and then separate in a storyline that is full of emotional highs and lows. They make a cute couple if only circumstances were more favourable! Although I liked Abbie and Oz enormously I can’t say I was totally besotted with these star crossed lovers. Sorry! Instead I fell more in love with visions of the places their paths crossed, in particular Istanbul, rather than the characters themselves. Once again I felt a certain amount of nostalgia for the days when travelling was less problematic but visiting Paris, Beirut, Istanbul and even London from the comfort of my home was a good enough substitute.
The downside of this novel for me was that it became repetitive and slightly drawn out so that I ended up feeling rather frustrated with the way Abbie and Oz’s lives kept going round in circles. The storyline started to lose its shine and is impact, something which could be rectified if a couple of the scenes towards the end of the book were cut out. However I’m sure there’s plenty of readers who will disagree with this observation. Also in my opinion the mark of a top notch romantic read is one that provokes intense emotions; as bizarre as it sounds I’m especially fond of a storyline that makes me cry! Unfortunately I didn’t feel the intensity of emotion I’d hoped for and neither did the author manage to bring a tear to my eye but overall It Must Be Love is a very commendable debut novel.
My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
Wistful, touching, tinged with regret and longing and plenty of “what could have been”scenarios, Caroline Khoury takes you on a wonderfully romantic journey traversing both time and continents, allowing the reader to visit some beautiful cities in the presence of Abbie and Oz who first meet as students in London. Conducting their tumultuous love affair over the span of fifteen years, the question forming on every reader’s lips is whether or not their story will have a happy ending. I love the idea that for some couples, including Abbie and Oz there exits an invisible thread connecting them which steadfastly refuses to be broken. Irrespective of distance or outside interference keeping them apart you can’t help but wonder if fate and destiny really will play a huge part in determining the future for this pair. Even if you have a fair idea of how things will eventually pan out there are a few scenes that will surprise you!
This is a good if nothing out of the ordinary romantic read; a perfectly pleasurable way to spend a lazy winter weekend, losing yourself in all the drama the storyline offers and I sped through the pages with ease. The narrative filled me with nostalgia for my (much!) younger days when life held so many possibilities and before one too many failed relationships left me deflated and demoralised and resigned to singledom!! Yet I still hang on to the belief that true love does exist (just not for me!) which is why I think I enjoy novels like It Must Be Love so much. Caroline Khoury allows you to daydream, affording you the opportunity to live vicariously through others even though the characters are only figments of the author’s imagination. Naturally it helps if the characters are ones you can easily warm to and take to your heart and on the whole I did that with Abbie and Oz. Everyone deserves a slice of happiness, to be with the one individual their heart truly desires and none more so than these two who maintain a fierce loyalty towards their respective families, selflessly placing others happiness before their own. I felt every bit of Abbie and Oz’s pain and their joy as their lives continually collide and then separate in a storyline that is full of emotional highs and lows. They make a cute couple if only circumstances were more favourable! Although I liked Abbie and Oz enormously I can’t say I was totally besotted with these star crossed lovers. Sorry! Instead I fell more in love with visions of the places their paths crossed, in particular Istanbul, rather than the characters themselves. Once again I felt a certain amount of nostalgia for the days when travelling was less problematic but visiting Paris, Beirut, Istanbul and even London from the comfort of my home was a good enough substitute.
The downside of this novel for me was that it became repetitive and slightly drawn out so that I ended up feeling rather frustrated with the way Abbie and Oz’s lives kept going round in circles. The storyline started to lose its shine and is impact, something which could be rectified if a couple of the scenes towards the end of the book were cut out. However I’m sure there’s plenty of readers who will disagree with this observation. Also in my opinion the mark of a top notch romantic read is one that provokes intense emotions; as bizarre as it sounds I’m especially fond of a storyline that makes me cry! Unfortunately I didn’t feel the intensity of emotion I’d hoped for and neither did the author manage to bring a tear to my eye but overall It Must Be Love is a very commendable debut novel.
My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2022
~ I devoured this book within one sitting, it had me entranced right from the start. Khoury’s ability to recognise the significant taboo of postnatal depression was incredible, she conveyed the considerations and apprehensive feelings surrounding motherhood impeccably, portraying that the new life most of us delve into with conflicting and almost guilt-ridden feelings is typical in what is meant to be the most ecstatic time of a woman’s life.
~ I adore the fact that Caroline decided to use a time-shift narrative method instead of the proceeding usual novels which follow in strict chronological sequences which transfused the build up of tension as a reader, the slow burn of writing was fantastic to build up the questions of what’s going to happen a next…a true “will they won’t they” storyline.
~ The best part of this emotional rollercoaster was the light-hearted humour mostly depicted through the MC Abbie, through her own consciousness which made me giggle through most, the cheeky innuendos indirecting the real rude thoughts she was truly thinking was hilarious.
~ Caroline carefully chose a soundtrack in the novel, an example was Coldplay- Fix you, immediately the song in itself represents the theme of true love and intense time of need, the use of these songs helped to reflect the setting entirely, and really fluctuated me as a reader with an intense feeling of nostalgia. Music in these romantic settings fills the imagination of a reader even more than the minds eye for written words.
~ The input of Turkish language really contributed to the inclusion of other nationalities spinning a feel of real connection to the other characters, again done perfectly including, Liz, Oz, Charlie and other characters modelled brilliantly.
~ The concept of “fate” and “destiny” was a continuing theme throughout the novel stemming through most pages denoting the intense questions we all ponder in life, what if this didn’t happen, what if we did this differently, where would our lives end up?
~ I partially enjoyed the use of Carolines geography, in this novel, without me knowing the full proportions of these places, the settings and atmosphere portrayed enforced my knowledge as if almost being there myself. The settings depicted in this novel is a literary element that is significant to us as readers, exploring different events influenced by the setting is imperative, the use of places that she used, such as Istanbul, Paris and other international settings transformed the engagement as I read this book, by emphasising my ability to visualise the events unfolding.
~ I’m not going to spoil this book, however the twists that were inside, the rollercoaster of emotions I was taken on, was brilliant. I actually felt sad to have read this story.
~ If you haven’t got this yet I completely recommend it to anyone, this debut novel from Caroline herself exceeded my expectations and I’m really looking forward to her next book.
~ A true contemporary romance that I really loved.
~ I adore the fact that Caroline decided to use a time-shift narrative method instead of the proceeding usual novels which follow in strict chronological sequences which transfused the build up of tension as a reader, the slow burn of writing was fantastic to build up the questions of what’s going to happen a next…a true “will they won’t they” storyline.
~ The best part of this emotional rollercoaster was the light-hearted humour mostly depicted through the MC Abbie, through her own consciousness which made me giggle through most, the cheeky innuendos indirecting the real rude thoughts she was truly thinking was hilarious.
~ Caroline carefully chose a soundtrack in the novel, an example was Coldplay- Fix you, immediately the song in itself represents the theme of true love and intense time of need, the use of these songs helped to reflect the setting entirely, and really fluctuated me as a reader with an intense feeling of nostalgia. Music in these romantic settings fills the imagination of a reader even more than the minds eye for written words.
~ The input of Turkish language really contributed to the inclusion of other nationalities spinning a feel of real connection to the other characters, again done perfectly including, Liz, Oz, Charlie and other characters modelled brilliantly.
~ The concept of “fate” and “destiny” was a continuing theme throughout the novel stemming through most pages denoting the intense questions we all ponder in life, what if this didn’t happen, what if we did this differently, where would our lives end up?
~ I partially enjoyed the use of Carolines geography, in this novel, without me knowing the full proportions of these places, the settings and atmosphere portrayed enforced my knowledge as if almost being there myself. The settings depicted in this novel is a literary element that is significant to us as readers, exploring different events influenced by the setting is imperative, the use of places that she used, such as Istanbul, Paris and other international settings transformed the engagement as I read this book, by emphasising my ability to visualise the events unfolding.
~ I’m not going to spoil this book, however the twists that were inside, the rollercoaster of emotions I was taken on, was brilliant. I actually felt sad to have read this story.
~ If you haven’t got this yet I completely recommend it to anyone, this debut novel from Caroline herself exceeded my expectations and I’m really looking forward to her next book.
~ A true contemporary romance that I really loved.
December 31, 2021
Thank you @netgalley @randomhouse @cornerstone for the advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
When Abbie met Oz, they were young, idealistic students from different backgrounds, but their connection was unmistakable. Then Oz went home to Istanbul and life moved on.
Now Abbie is with the man she thinks she's going to spend the rest of her life with, until she meets Oz again - a chance encounter that might change everything.
They find themselves drawn to each other once more, but have commitments, jobs and families that take priority, and too much time has passed, hasn't it?
Abbie and Oz are about to find out that no matter how many miles and obstacles are between them, fate might just have another plan, and that their love story isn't over yet.
I am a sucker for a star crossed lovers tale riddled by a case of bad timing too and this one did have considerable depth. Abbie is an immigration lawyer and on a basic level, the qualms that the industry and profession bring meant I was personally invested from the start and could relate to the professional dilemmas that Abbie encounters. Couple that with a fast paced love story and a plethora of family issues against a background of the hustle and bustle of London and the exotic Istanbul and this felt like an all rounder. It was a very cosy, easy read, not difficult to get into at all and the only reason it was not a 5 star read is because I felt it dragged out at the end, to prolong the conclusion as much as possible. There was a message to take away at the end about unconditional love and relationships and it left you leaving warm inside. I'd definitely recommend and look forward to seeing more from Khoury!
When Abbie met Oz, they were young, idealistic students from different backgrounds, but their connection was unmistakable. Then Oz went home to Istanbul and life moved on.
Now Abbie is with the man she thinks she's going to spend the rest of her life with, until she meets Oz again - a chance encounter that might change everything.
They find themselves drawn to each other once more, but have commitments, jobs and families that take priority, and too much time has passed, hasn't it?
Abbie and Oz are about to find out that no matter how many miles and obstacles are between them, fate might just have another plan, and that their love story isn't over yet.
I am a sucker for a star crossed lovers tale riddled by a case of bad timing too and this one did have considerable depth. Abbie is an immigration lawyer and on a basic level, the qualms that the industry and profession bring meant I was personally invested from the start and could relate to the professional dilemmas that Abbie encounters. Couple that with a fast paced love story and a plethora of family issues against a background of the hustle and bustle of London and the exotic Istanbul and this felt like an all rounder. It was a very cosy, easy read, not difficult to get into at all and the only reason it was not a 5 star read is because I felt it dragged out at the end, to prolong the conclusion as much as possible. There was a message to take away at the end about unconditional love and relationships and it left you leaving warm inside. I'd definitely recommend and look forward to seeing more from Khoury!
January 26, 2022
📖BOOK REVIEW📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
#ItMustBeLove by #CarolineKhoury
⏩for book cover
So I’ll start the review by saying there isn’t any originality here. The plot is very reminiscent of books by authors such as Paige Toon and Josie Silver (who I love btw) - the format and the characters we’ve all met before and there are no surprises lurking here.
This however, doesn’t mean it was a bad read, far from it. I think you go into these types of books with a certain amount of expectation in terms of familiar characters, plots and themes, so I really wasn’t disappointed that it did exactly what it said on the tin. I really enjoyed jet setting around with Abbie and her growth and journey throughout the book. The author did a great job of creating empathy towards Abbie’s plights while keeping it very realistic and relatable. I also thought tension in the plot was maintained even though the story was overall predictable. I also really enjoyed the changing timelines between the past and present that ensured you only got all the answers at the end.
I found it an easy and uncomplicated read. It was complete and satisfying and lovely. Definitely a new author to look out for!
With thanks to the author, @penguinukbooks and @netgalley for allowing me to read this one early!
OUT: Feb 3rd
-EMILY
#@the_book_girls_1
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
#ItMustBeLove by #CarolineKhoury
⏩for book cover
So I’ll start the review by saying there isn’t any originality here. The plot is very reminiscent of books by authors such as Paige Toon and Josie Silver (who I love btw) - the format and the characters we’ve all met before and there are no surprises lurking here.
This however, doesn’t mean it was a bad read, far from it. I think you go into these types of books with a certain amount of expectation in terms of familiar characters, plots and themes, so I really wasn’t disappointed that it did exactly what it said on the tin. I really enjoyed jet setting around with Abbie and her growth and journey throughout the book. The author did a great job of creating empathy towards Abbie’s plights while keeping it very realistic and relatable. I also thought tension in the plot was maintained even though the story was overall predictable. I also really enjoyed the changing timelines between the past and present that ensured you only got all the answers at the end.
I found it an easy and uncomplicated read. It was complete and satisfying and lovely. Definitely a new author to look out for!
With thanks to the author, @penguinukbooks and @netgalley for allowing me to read this one early!
OUT: Feb 3rd
-EMILY
#@the_book_girls_1
February 3, 2022
When Abbie literally falls into Oz’s arms at a London protest little does she know how much that moment will change her life. Throwing caution to the wind she agrees to a one day stand as Oz will be going home to Turkey the following day. Abbie soon realises that she felt more than let on but with her career path laid out in London and Oz a world away she parks any thought of him.
Abbie starts dating Charlie and they are the perfect couple. When Abbie thinks she can’t get any happier Charlie flies over to Paris to surprise her at a work conference and make the ultimate proposal but when she sees a blast from the past all her old memories and feelings come flooding back.
This book is all about second chance love and it’s a trope I’m a big fan of. Oz and Abbie meet for the first time by chance and over the years a series of more times, some by destiny and some with some with a little push from various characters. The book is divided into the present but jumps back to various different years in the past to display this. Sometimes this was difficult to follow but on the whole was a great way to display the meet cutes between the protagonists.
I felt extremely invested in Abbie and Oz’s relationship, whilst also really not wanting Charlie to be hurt because he’s just too cute. I think the reader very much knows Abbie and Oz should be together and every time an obstacle was thrown up I felt it like a sucker punch. For me, that was the sign that this book was incredibly well written and it really was a true romance.
Please note I was gifted this book to review.
Abbie starts dating Charlie and they are the perfect couple. When Abbie thinks she can’t get any happier Charlie flies over to Paris to surprise her at a work conference and make the ultimate proposal but when she sees a blast from the past all her old memories and feelings come flooding back.
This book is all about second chance love and it’s a trope I’m a big fan of. Oz and Abbie meet for the first time by chance and over the years a series of more times, some by destiny and some with some with a little push from various characters. The book is divided into the present but jumps back to various different years in the past to display this. Sometimes this was difficult to follow but on the whole was a great way to display the meet cutes between the protagonists.
I felt extremely invested in Abbie and Oz’s relationship, whilst also really not wanting Charlie to be hurt because he’s just too cute. I think the reader very much knows Abbie and Oz should be together and every time an obstacle was thrown up I felt it like a sucker punch. For me, that was the sign that this book was incredibly well written and it really was a true romance.
Please note I was gifted this book to review.
February 27, 2024
What a beautiful and emotional story, depicting second chance romance and it was just absolute perfection I loved it!
The story is told from dual timeline perspectives and this was good how it kept going back to different times in the past and then switching back to the present. This allowed us to see Abbie & Oz through the years, how they met, what happened between them, why they drifted apart and what happened after. This was such a good way of telling their story and it kept me hooked, wanting to know what happened and kept me turning the pages.
I loved the characters in the book, apart from Dima, with each one contributing to the story so well. I also liked how there were also small storylines occurring along the way and how they tied in with Abbie & Oz. There were some important topics discussed, with each one written so well and I really admired Liz's story and her honesty.
The ending of the book had me in tears as I thought something had happened to someone, but I was soon picked back up again and it was such a beautiful ending.
Caroline's writing style is beautiful, you can't help but become engrossed in the book & fall in love with the characters. I really loved this story and I can't wait to pick up another one soon.
The story is told from dual timeline perspectives and this was good how it kept going back to different times in the past and then switching back to the present. This allowed us to see Abbie & Oz through the years, how they met, what happened between them, why they drifted apart and what happened after. This was such a good way of telling their story and it kept me hooked, wanting to know what happened and kept me turning the pages.
I loved the characters in the book, apart from Dima, with each one contributing to the story so well. I also liked how there were also small storylines occurring along the way and how they tied in with Abbie & Oz. There were some important topics discussed, with each one written so well and I really admired Liz's story and her honesty.
The ending of the book had me in tears as I thought something had happened to someone, but I was soon picked back up again and it was such a beautiful ending.
Caroline's writing style is beautiful, you can't help but become engrossed in the book & fall in love with the characters. I really loved this story and I can't wait to pick up another one soon.
February 14, 2022
IT MUST BE LOVE by CAROLINE KHOURY.
Abbie and Oz meet as students and there is an instant attraction that they both struggle to shake off. As life takes them in different directions, they both move on and meet new people. However time and time again fate brings them back into eachothers orbit.
Ultimately will destiny draw them together or keep them on seperate paths?
The story weaves it’s way through the pages, with some chapters taking us back to important times in Abbie and Oz’s story.
This is a well written, beautiful love story.
Ok, so the whole ‘one who got away’ trope has been done many times before, but this story feels fresh and unique.
This is a story that will take you through many emotions. You’ll laugh, cry and be utterly uplifted.
This is Caroline Khoury’s debut novel and if this is the standard of her work, we have a lot to look forward to from this talented lady.
A warm, intuitive, captivating and sweet romantic read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Available now in Paperback, Ebook and Audio.
With thanks to #Netgalley and #RandomHouseUk for a digital arc of #ItMustBeLove by #CarolineKhoury.
October 17, 2023
I have had this book sitting on my shelves for what seems forever and I have to say that I’m delighted to have finally picked it up and read it.
This storyline had a bit of a love triangle feel to it which is something I don’t normally enjoy, but for some reason that didn’t bother me at all.
I really liked Abbie a lot, she had some strong shoulders on her, and she would really do anything for anyone. Her love language was helping others for sure, though sometimes it definitely caused herself some issues. Charlie was lovely and they seemed to have a great life together and had great plans for their future. Then there was Oz, who else could even compete? Lovely guy but man they got the timing wrong.
This book had so much going on, you will be transported to some beautiful places and also enjoy sightseeing in them too. It’s also told over multiple timelines so you get to see how Abbie met both of these guys and what happened in the relationships.
This book is one of those books that just whisks you away to another place and time and it’s one you won’t want to put down.
I really enjoyed how the story played out and absolutely loved the ending.
An absolute pleasure 🩷
This storyline had a bit of a love triangle feel to it which is something I don’t normally enjoy, but for some reason that didn’t bother me at all.
I really liked Abbie a lot, she had some strong shoulders on her, and she would really do anything for anyone. Her love language was helping others for sure, though sometimes it definitely caused herself some issues. Charlie was lovely and they seemed to have a great life together and had great plans for their future. Then there was Oz, who else could even compete? Lovely guy but man they got the timing wrong.
This book had so much going on, you will be transported to some beautiful places and also enjoy sightseeing in them too. It’s also told over multiple timelines so you get to see how Abbie met both of these guys and what happened in the relationships.
This book is one of those books that just whisks you away to another place and time and it’s one you won’t want to put down.
I really enjoyed how the story played out and absolutely loved the ending.
An absolute pleasure 🩷
September 13, 2024
I could not put this book down, what an emotional rollercoaster. This is definitely a great quick read! Would be great to travel with or by the pool
Absolutely fell in love with Abby & Oz but so many times had me saying “NO, PLEASE DON’T LEAVE.” It’s a whirlwind of a story that has a quick pace from present day to years ago. If you’re a reader who doesn’t like a time jump, then this may not be a book for you. However, each chapter is specific time frame (and not every chapter jumps backwards or forwards) so it’s easier to follow!
There was a lot of closed-door points in the story that I wish had been played out a little more like conversations and happenings. I do kind of feel like there was a LOT of dramatic parts of the story that were sort of shoved into the end of the book as well.
Nonetheless I enjoyed this story a lot. It falls in line with readers who would enjoy second chances and missed connections. Each missed opportunity for Abby and Oz became heavier and heavier, I was rooting for them every step of the way.
I can’t wait to pick up another Caroline Khoury book even though I think she’s going punch me in the heart again 😭😭😭
Absolutely fell in love with Abby & Oz but so many times had me saying “NO, PLEASE DON’T LEAVE.” It’s a whirlwind of a story that has a quick pace from present day to years ago. If you’re a reader who doesn’t like a time jump, then this may not be a book for you. However, each chapter is specific time frame (and not every chapter jumps backwards or forwards) so it’s easier to follow!
There was a lot of closed-door points in the story that I wish had been played out a little more like conversations and happenings. I do kind of feel like there was a LOT of dramatic parts of the story that were sort of shoved into the end of the book as well.
Nonetheless I enjoyed this story a lot. It falls in line with readers who would enjoy second chances and missed connections. Each missed opportunity for Abby and Oz became heavier and heavier, I was rooting for them every step of the way.
I can’t wait to pick up another Caroline Khoury book even though I think she’s going punch me in the heart again 😭😭😭
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