What do you think?
Rate this book
Because You Loved Me
Marion Miller needs a fresh start.
Her childhood in Northern Ireland wasn’t easy, with a father who passed away when she was young and a mother who got lost in grief. Now grown-up and with family relations as tense as ever, Marion heads to England, to find out the truth about her father’s mysterious past – and hopefully an extended family who will love her as much as he did.
Scarlett Obermann runs a holiday park in Sherwood Forest with her daughter Grace, but what’s she’s best at is making people feel like they belong. With her merry band of waifs and strays, Scarlett welcomes Marion with open arms, and it isn’t long before Marion finally understands what it means to find a home.
As she tries to uncover her father’s story, Marion slowly blossoms, even daring to indulge in her crush on Reuben, the son of the Lord of the Manor, but she hasn’t quite out-run her past. And as Scarlett faces her own tragedy, it’s Marion’s turn to take care of everyone.
Because you can’t choose your family, but you can make your friends the family you choose.
Top Ten Bestselling author Beth Moran writes novels with heart. Uplifting and heart-warming, it’s impossible not to fall in love with a Beth Moran story. Perfect for all fans of Jill Mansell, Julie Houston, and Jenny Colgan.
What readers say about Beth Moran:
‘A beautifully written story with layers to the plot that makes it exciting and engaging throughout. Definitely going on my “Favourites” shelf!’
‘This was my first read of Beth’s, and I have now downloaded a further 3! What a lovely story with characters that you can believe in and is very well written and a great storyline. Can’t wait to read more.’
‘I love Beth Moran because she writes so honestly about people with real life challenges whilst still weaving a gentle romance. Settle down with a cuppa and enjoy!’
‘I couldn’t put this down, such a genuinely lovely book. Off to find others by the author! Can highly recommend.’
‘It has a real heart which shines through the pages and a great message of finding yourself and being happy with who you are. I really enjoyed it.’
This novel was first published as Making Marion.
Her childhood in Northern Ireland wasn’t easy, with a father who passed away when she was young and a mother who got lost in grief. Now grown-up and with family relations as tense as ever, Marion heads to England, to find out the truth about her father’s mysterious past – and hopefully an extended family who will love her as much as he did.
Scarlett Obermann runs a holiday park in Sherwood Forest with her daughter Grace, but what’s she’s best at is making people feel like they belong. With her merry band of waifs and strays, Scarlett welcomes Marion with open arms, and it isn’t long before Marion finally understands what it means to find a home.
As she tries to uncover her father’s story, Marion slowly blossoms, even daring to indulge in her crush on Reuben, the son of the Lord of the Manor, but she hasn’t quite out-run her past. And as Scarlett faces her own tragedy, it’s Marion’s turn to take care of everyone.
Because you can’t choose your family, but you can make your friends the family you choose.
Top Ten Bestselling author Beth Moran writes novels with heart. Uplifting and heart-warming, it’s impossible not to fall in love with a Beth Moran story. Perfect for all fans of Jill Mansell, Julie Houston, and Jenny Colgan.
What readers say about Beth Moran:
‘A beautifully written story with layers to the plot that makes it exciting and engaging throughout. Definitely going on my “Favourites” shelf!’
‘This was my first read of Beth’s, and I have now downloaded a further 3! What a lovely story with characters that you can believe in and is very well written and a great storyline. Can’t wait to read more.’
‘I love Beth Moran because she writes so honestly about people with real life challenges whilst still weaving a gentle romance. Settle down with a cuppa and enjoy!’
‘I couldn’t put this down, such a genuinely lovely book. Off to find others by the author! Can highly recommend.’
‘It has a real heart which shines through the pages and a great message of finding yourself and being happy with who you are. I really enjoyed it.’
This novel was first published as Making Marion.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2023
1442 people are currently reading
1329 people want to read
About the author
Beth Moran
23 books958 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family
Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
December 1, 2022
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
My Blog | Twitter | Amazon | BRC Blog | StoryGraph
I was expecting a fun, lighthearted read but this book is so much more than that. This is my third book (this year!) by Beth Moran, both Just The Way You Are and Let It Snow were also four star reads for me. Her books always evoke a lot of emotions as they are a little bit romantic, a little bit humourous, and are written with a lot of heart.
This story has characters that will touch you in unexpected ways, all of them have real life issues that they deal with in a realistic way. I connected to them and wanted them to overcome their obstacles and be true to themselves because I really cared about what happened to them. I know Marion is the main character in this and I adored her but Scarlett was my favourite character. She was just so loving and wise. And I have to mention how much I adored Valarie, she was so smart with all her facts.
The main plotline is Marion trying to find out about her dad and a mysterious photo but I honestly felt that was secondary as the characters and community of the camp were at the forefront of the story. It is told from the point of view of Marion and we also get flashbacks to her childhood. That made me angry, her mother was a real piece of work, and even though she had her reasons I couldn't help feeling mad at her and so bad for Marion. In the end Marion realizes she is a lot stronger than she thinks and I cheered her on while she progressed and came into her own.
I wholeheartedly recommend this and ALL of Beth Moran's books I've mentioned. Let it Snow would make an excellent holiday read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
#BecauseYouLovedMe #NetGalley
I was expecting a fun, lighthearted read but this book is so much more than that. This is my third book (this year!) by Beth Moran, both Just The Way You Are and Let It Snow were also four star reads for me. Her books always evoke a lot of emotions as they are a little bit romantic, a little bit humourous, and are written with a lot of heart.
This story has characters that will touch you in unexpected ways, all of them have real life issues that they deal with in a realistic way. I connected to them and wanted them to overcome their obstacles and be true to themselves because I really cared about what happened to them. I know Marion is the main character in this and I adored her but Scarlett was my favourite character. She was just so loving and wise. And I have to mention how much I adored Valarie, she was so smart with all her facts.
The main plotline is Marion trying to find out about her dad and a mysterious photo but I honestly felt that was secondary as the characters and community of the camp were at the forefront of the story. It is told from the point of view of Marion and we also get flashbacks to her childhood. That made me angry, her mother was a real piece of work, and even though she had her reasons I couldn't help feeling mad at her and so bad for Marion. In the end Marion realizes she is a lot stronger than she thinks and I cheered her on while she progressed and came into her own.
I wholeheartedly recommend this and ALL of Beth Moran's books I've mentioned. Let it Snow would make an excellent holiday read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
#BecauseYouLovedMe #NetGalley
February 14, 2023
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, dual timeline, death of a parent, toxic mother, child neglect, selective mutism, attempted assault, slow burn, small town, found family, self discovery, clean romance to the max, no steamage
Marion is on a mission to find out more about her deceased father. She believes the town of Sherwood Forest might hold the answers she's looking for.
Overall, this one wasn't for me, but I did enjoy the following:
~ How Marion got herself out of a toxic situation.
~ How Scarlett was so accepting of Marion when she didn't even know her.
~ I found Valerie to be an absolute delight and I really enjoyed all the fun facts she had to offer.
~ How Marion and Grace slowly became close friends.
~ The growth of Marion was really something. She went from being timid and unsure of herself to a confident business woman.
Regarding the dual timeline ~ although it was pretty easy to figure out when we were in the past I do wish we were given a heads up before the transition.
*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Marion is on a mission to find out more about her deceased father. She believes the town of Sherwood Forest might hold the answers she's looking for.
Overall, this one wasn't for me, but I did enjoy the following:
~ How Marion got herself out of a toxic situation.
~ How Scarlett was so accepting of Marion when she didn't even know her.
~ I found Valerie to be an absolute delight and I really enjoyed all the fun facts she had to offer.
~ How Marion and Grace slowly became close friends.
~ The growth of Marion was really something. She went from being timid and unsure of herself to a confident business woman.
Regarding the dual timeline ~ although it was pretty easy to figure out when we were in the past I do wish we were given a heads up before the transition.
*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
January 19, 2023
Because You Loved Me
Thank you Boldwood Books for inviting me on this Blog Tour.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 1/11/23
Author: Beth Moran
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pages: 345
GR: 4.13
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
TW ⚠️: Death of a loved one, toxic parent, and child neglect.
My Thoughts: I always adore Beth Moran’s books and this one was no different. The story is narrated by Marion, in her POV, in a dual timeline. It was easy enough to differentiate which timeline was happening, although it would have been easier if they were labeled at the top of the chapter. This story produced a range of emotions, sad tears, happy tears, contentment, and laughing out loud. The host of characters were nothing short of amazing, brilliantly laid out, and impacted me in ways that I could not even know. Marion is staring over at the park that Scarlett owns with her daughter Grace, there is also Valerie and Jake that work there, with Ruben up at the manor. I loved Marion and Scarlett but despised Marion’s mother, I know it is just a character, but the effect she had on Marion felt extraordinarily real. Marion really grew throughout the story, just transformed into a beautiful butterfly. The characters were fleshed out well, had depth, emotional connect, chemistry, and were just brilliantly created. The author’s writing style was complex, multifaceted, crisp, slightly humorous, serious, and just connected me to the writing. I highly recommend picking this up today!!
Thank you Boldwood Books for inviting me on this Blog Tour.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 1/11/23
Author: Beth Moran
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pages: 345
GR: 4.13
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
TW ⚠️: Death of a loved one, toxic parent, and child neglect.
My Thoughts: I always adore Beth Moran’s books and this one was no different. The story is narrated by Marion, in her POV, in a dual timeline. It was easy enough to differentiate which timeline was happening, although it would have been easier if they were labeled at the top of the chapter. This story produced a range of emotions, sad tears, happy tears, contentment, and laughing out loud. The host of characters were nothing short of amazing, brilliantly laid out, and impacted me in ways that I could not even know. Marion is staring over at the park that Scarlett owns with her daughter Grace, there is also Valerie and Jake that work there, with Ruben up at the manor. I loved Marion and Scarlett but despised Marion’s mother, I know it is just a character, but the effect she had on Marion felt extraordinarily real. Marion really grew throughout the story, just transformed into a beautiful butterfly. The characters were fleshed out well, had depth, emotional connect, chemistry, and were just brilliantly created. The author’s writing style was complex, multifaceted, crisp, slightly humorous, serious, and just connected me to the writing. I highly recommend picking this up today!!
February 20, 2023
DNF @ 27%
I tried; I really did. I went into this book optimistic--the premise sounded interesting enough, and I love a romance story. But the story fell apart pretty quickly.
On a small note, the book used single quotation marks instead of double for dialogue, and I'm never crazy about that.
On a bigger note, it drove me insane just how much of this book was flashbacks/backstory. I appreciate learning who Marion was, but there's no explanation as to who she is now or what she's doing in this new town. And it's not limited to Marion--there's no character development for any of the characters. No sense of who they are or what makes them unique; they were all indistinguishable from each other.
When the body-shaming and mental health stigma started popping up, I knew I was done. I would not recommend picking up this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I tried; I really did. I went into this book optimistic--the premise sounded interesting enough, and I love a romance story. But the story fell apart pretty quickly.
On a small note, the book used single quotation marks instead of double for dialogue, and I'm never crazy about that.
On a bigger note, it drove me insane just how much of this book was flashbacks/backstory. I appreciate learning who Marion was, but there's no explanation as to who she is now or what she's doing in this new town. And it's not limited to Marion--there's no character development for any of the characters. No sense of who they are or what makes them unique; they were all indistinguishable from each other.
When the body-shaming and mental health stigma started popping up, I knew I was done. I would not recommend picking up this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2023
We meet Marion away from her hometown with a group of new people - strangers who quickly become family. She is trying to start over after fleeing from her life, away from her mom and her fiance. She runs to a place where she knows she can find information about her dad. Information her mom wouldn't speak to. There, she meets people who all have their own issues but welcomes her into their home. Around the fire and over food, she gets to know each one of her newfound friends while also trying to find more information about her dad.
💖 What I liked about Because you Loved me were the side characters. And there were a lot of them! At times, I cared less about Morion's story than the new people she got to know.
💔 The issues I had with this book was that it was trying to do too much. There was a lot of drama that wasn't fleshed out enough for me to be invested. The reader was constantly flung from one event to the next.
Overall, it was a 3 ⭐️ read for me. It was a light, easy read. It just didn't stand out in any way for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and rating.
💖 What I liked about Because you Loved me were the side characters. And there were a lot of them! At times, I cared less about Morion's story than the new people she got to know.
💔 The issues I had with this book was that it was trying to do too much. There was a lot of drama that wasn't fleshed out enough for me to be invested. The reader was constantly flung from one event to the next.
Overall, it was a 3 ⭐️ read for me. It was a light, easy read. It just didn't stand out in any way for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and rating.
November 7, 2022
Before this I’ve only read one of Beth Moran’s books- Let it Snow which I absolutely loved so thought this would be in a similar vein.
It was and so much more. At first I really struggled to get into the story but once I did it was an unexpected emotional read. It focuses on Marion, a young woman who had an appalling childhood, her father died when she was seven, her cousin bullied her and her mother’s extreme emotional and physical neglect. She finds a photo of her father when he was young and comes to Sherwood Forest to find out more about him.
She falls into a job with quirky colleagues and we see her grow from being painfully shy into a confident young woman. Interspersed throughout are flashbacks to her childhood so we understand how she came to be this reserved.
The writing is beautiful, and I especially liked how the story unfolded we were taken along and saw firsthand Marion’s transformation. The author tackled some heavy topics in a light way and throughout was a mixture of drama, comedy and slow romance. My main criticism is that some of the supporting cast I would have loved to know more about but there weren’t developed enough as characters.
Overall it is a charming read that will bring you tears, laughs and make you think.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for a review copy in return for my honest opinions.
It was and so much more. At first I really struggled to get into the story but once I did it was an unexpected emotional read. It focuses on Marion, a young woman who had an appalling childhood, her father died when she was seven, her cousin bullied her and her mother’s extreme emotional and physical neglect. She finds a photo of her father when he was young and comes to Sherwood Forest to find out more about him.
She falls into a job with quirky colleagues and we see her grow from being painfully shy into a confident young woman. Interspersed throughout are flashbacks to her childhood so we understand how she came to be this reserved.
The writing is beautiful, and I especially liked how the story unfolded we were taken along and saw firsthand Marion’s transformation. The author tackled some heavy topics in a light way and throughout was a mixture of drama, comedy and slow romance. My main criticism is that some of the supporting cast I would have loved to know more about but there weren’t developed enough as characters.
Overall it is a charming read that will bring you tears, laughs and make you think.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for a review copy in return for my honest opinions.
December 5, 2022
It took a while to get in to the story, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. It's not a book I would typically read, romance here is scarce, just a secondary storyline, the primary one is heroine's journey through fears, anxiety, childhood traumas, loneliness to find inner strength, acceptance and self-assurance. And it wasn't an easy journey - sometimes awkward, sometimes painful, yet, nevertheless, uplifting and warming my heart.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange of honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange of honest review.
Read
February 8, 2023I listened to this up until 25% and then I decided to stop. There is nothing wrong with the story but I just found my mind wandering and not caring about the storyline too much. The jumping back and forth between the past and present was confusing on audio and I felt we had been introduced to so many characters that I was losing the storyline. I think this would be easier to digest in book form so I may pick it up again at some point.
January 11, 2023
Because You Loved Me tells the story of a young woman’s journey to find her true self, and to be happy with who she is. Marion is looking for a fresh start when she arrives in England, after a tumultuous childhood in Ireland. She’s also trying to discover the truth about her father’s mysterious past. Along the way, she finds new friends who become her family, who help Marion by showing her to love and forgive. There are many layers to this story; layers of pain, jealousy, heart, and understanding.
December 31, 2022
I absolutely ADORE this novel. It’s quirky and funny at times and heartbreakingly raw and honest at others. A moving and enjoyable story about a young woman who comes to find her “family” in the most unlikely of places. The characters are incredibly memorable and I was so glad to see the village brought up in some of her other books. A sweet, clean romantic story with true heart. Don’t miss any of Beth’s books! They are wonderful.
November 12, 2022
The release of Moran's first novel. We follow Mirian as she goes to Nottingham in search of her father's history and to find herself. Wonderful characters and a great story, I really enjoyed all aspects of the Peace and Pig and the people who call it home.
Full disclosure- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full disclosure- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2023
This book felt incredibly confused. It tried to do so many things that I think ultimately when I finished, I was left feeling a bit disoriented, and not in a good way.
To start off, the book began very slowly, so slowly I nearly set it aside completely. When it began to pick up, I found myself invested, but as the plot unfolded and more and more curveballs were thrown in, I just couldn't bring myself to believe any of it. It felt less developed than other works I've read by Beth Moran, which actually makes sense considering this is her first novel republished under a different name, which I did not know until I was about 3/4 of the way through.
Still, I did finish, and I did find myself growing fond of some of the characters. Beth Moran's writing is nice and direct without being too simplistic. Overall, it wasn't something I necessarily regret reading, just not something I'd really have reached for either if I knew what it was going to be going in. I'd give it 2.5-3 stars.
To start off, the book began very slowly, so slowly I nearly set it aside completely. When it began to pick up, I found myself invested, but as the plot unfolded and more and more curveballs were thrown in, I just couldn't bring myself to believe any of it. It felt less developed than other works I've read by Beth Moran, which actually makes sense considering this is her first novel republished under a different name, which I did not know until I was about 3/4 of the way through.
Still, I did finish, and I did find myself growing fond of some of the characters. Beth Moran's writing is nice and direct without being too simplistic. Overall, it wasn't something I necessarily regret reading, just not something I'd really have reached for either if I knew what it was going to be going in. I'd give it 2.5-3 stars.
June 22, 2023
2.5 ⭐️
i don’t really know where to start with this one because although it has an interesting story it still wasn’t enough to keep me interested. i thought it was bland and confusing.
marion is an interesting character there is an obvious character development that you can follow through, throughout the book. it was interesting to see her coming out of such a toxic situation, embracing herself and forgiving those who hurt her.
i really couldn’t understand why we would switch in between the past and present so often and without no warning. sometimes i would be reading and the next sentence would be going into the past while i was just reading about the present so i felt kind of confused.
overall i thought it was definitely an interesting story especially her undying need to find out about her father and that bringing her to meet so many wonderful people. i will say that sometimes i did get a cult vibe from peace and pigs and it wasn’t very pleasing either.
i don’t really know where to start with this one because although it has an interesting story it still wasn’t enough to keep me interested. i thought it was bland and confusing.
marion is an interesting character there is an obvious character development that you can follow through, throughout the book. it was interesting to see her coming out of such a toxic situation, embracing herself and forgiving those who hurt her.
i really couldn’t understand why we would switch in between the past and present so often and without no warning. sometimes i would be reading and the next sentence would be going into the past while i was just reading about the present so i felt kind of confused.
overall i thought it was definitely an interesting story especially her undying need to find out about her father and that bringing her to meet so many wonderful people. i will say that sometimes i did get a cult vibe from peace and pigs and it wasn’t very pleasing either.
March 30, 2023
I've enjoyed all of Beth Moran's books I've read so far.
This was a moving story dealing with childhood loss and trauma and trying to investigate family history. Marion's transformation into a strong young woman who allows her heart to expand to love and forgive makes for great reading.
Although there were many characters and sub-plots in this story, each of them were etched very clearly.
Despite these difficult subjects, there was humour and laughs in this lovely story.
This was a moving story dealing with childhood loss and trauma and trying to investigate family history. Marion's transformation into a strong young woman who allows her heart to expand to love and forgive makes for great reading.
Although there were many characters and sub-plots in this story, each of them were etched very clearly.
Despite these difficult subjects, there was humour and laughs in this lovely story.
January 14, 2023
Marion Miller was just looking for directions to the visitor center when she stopped in at Pigs and Peace, but suddenly she’s roped into manning the reception desk and checking in the campground’s customers and then just as suddenly she has a job and a spot to settle for a while. She’s run away, in a manner of speaking, from her home in Northern Ireland and is looking for information about her beloved father. What she encounters are deranged chickens, a bubbly young woman who speaks a mile a minute, a beautiful Southern belle who runs the campground and treats her almost like her own daughter, and a man with exquisite eyes in Beth Moran’s Because You Loved Me.
This book has everything. Huge laughs. Tears. Mystery. Family relationships. Love. Cooking. Robin Hood and Maid Marion. What more could you want?
But seriously I was glued to this book. Marion is an unusual character. In flashbacks, we see her as a daughter who loved her father to bits, loses him too soon, and, due to her mother’s accusations and negligence, becomes selectively mute. We see her grow at Pigs and Peace into her own woman, one who can face challenges head-on. We see her change and open up and blossom.
Besides Marion, Because You Loved Me is filled with wonderfully quirky and unforgettable characters that make each page a delight to read.
Because You Loved Me is a well-told, layered story that definitely leaves the reader in a feel-good mood despite some of the heavier plot turns. If you’ve read my reviews in the past, you know that I am not a fan of angst. While there was some angst here, I ate it up. Really, I didn’t want to put this book down.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book has everything. Huge laughs. Tears. Mystery. Family relationships. Love. Cooking. Robin Hood and Maid Marion. What more could you want?
But seriously I was glued to this book. Marion is an unusual character. In flashbacks, we see her as a daughter who loved her father to bits, loses him too soon, and, due to her mother’s accusations and negligence, becomes selectively mute. We see her grow at Pigs and Peace into her own woman, one who can face challenges head-on. We see her change and open up and blossom.
Besides Marion, Because You Loved Me is filled with wonderfully quirky and unforgettable characters that make each page a delight to read.
Because You Loved Me is a well-told, layered story that definitely leaves the reader in a feel-good mood despite some of the heavier plot turns. If you’ve read my reviews in the past, you know that I am not a fan of angst. While there was some angst here, I ate it up. Really, I didn’t want to put this book down.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2023
Beth Moran - quickly moving to the top of my favourite authors list! This is the third book I’ve read from her now and I’ve picked up quite a few more from her back catalogue because I’ve enjoyed them so much!! This one is my second ARC. What I discovered while reading is that this was (or close to) her first book and is a 10th anniversary re-release with a lot of updates and editing (originally “Making Marion”). Didn’t know initially and it was spectacular! I love that all her books take place in Sherwood Forrest, home of Robin Hood and she can play to that story and the festivities - and it’s her home so she knows it well (I had a chance to visit about 15 years ago and it was a nice area).
Marion - fantastic name choice for a main character, who happens across a campground in Sherwood Forrest while trying to search out more about her father’s history and family, gets roped into working and living at the campground. Trying to escape from a joyless life (mom and fiancé) in Ireland, she takes the opportunity because it makes her search easier, and ends up with a found family and closer to answers and more clues about her father.
So many special things contained in here, many (many, many) emotions, controversial topics and issues, health crises, parental nightmares, the list goes on. All written about with such care! The only complaint is all Moran’s books are clean romance (though I know for many readers, that is important, but for me, I need something more!). Makes this really a women’s fiction and not a romance. Great relationships between all of the characters. Some extremely sad moments. Some crazy (threat-crazy) moments. Jealousy. A lot of really great writing. Perfect for and a recommendation from me to everyone!
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books, And this is my honest feedback.
Marion - fantastic name choice for a main character, who happens across a campground in Sherwood Forrest while trying to search out more about her father’s history and family, gets roped into working and living at the campground. Trying to escape from a joyless life (mom and fiancé) in Ireland, she takes the opportunity because it makes her search easier, and ends up with a found family and closer to answers and more clues about her father.
So many special things contained in here, many (many, many) emotions, controversial topics and issues, health crises, parental nightmares, the list goes on. All written about with such care! The only complaint is all Moran’s books are clean romance (though I know for many readers, that is important, but for me, I need something more!). Makes this really a women’s fiction and not a romance. Great relationships between all of the characters. Some extremely sad moments. Some crazy (threat-crazy) moments. Jealousy. A lot of really great writing. Perfect for and a recommendation from me to everyone!
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books, And this is my honest feedback.
January 15, 2023
I love Beth Moran because she never fails to surprise me in how she will make me feel during a story, she pulls me through the widest range of emotions possible, from happiness to sadness, anger, annoyance, forgiveness, relief, joy, trust me if you read this it’s like a rollercoaster of moods. That’s what makes her so talented because I got so emotional on Marion’s behalf and trust me she forgives far easier than I would in her place, I mean sheesh some of her ‘friends’ transgressed and hadn’t earned my forgiveness I’ll tell you that !
Emotionally involved is just the beginning, you’ll be addicted to every page, Beth writes such wonderful real characters, flaws and all, no perfection, just people who you can relate to and are human. So much is dealt with too, death of a parent, toxic parents, child neglect, attempted assault, self discovery and finding family. Everything is written so sensitively and all written with so much care.
I can thoroughly and wholeheartedly recommend Because You Loved Me , it’s such a beautiful tale and a gift to read.
Thanks to netgalley, Beth Moran, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for a free e-book in return for an honest and voluntary review, all opinions are my own and freely given.
Emotionally involved is just the beginning, you’ll be addicted to every page, Beth writes such wonderful real characters, flaws and all, no perfection, just people who you can relate to and are human. So much is dealt with too, death of a parent, toxic parents, child neglect, attempted assault, self discovery and finding family. Everything is written so sensitively and all written with so much care.
I can thoroughly and wholeheartedly recommend Because You Loved Me , it’s such a beautiful tale and a gift to read.
Thanks to netgalley, Beth Moran, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for a free e-book in return for an honest and voluntary review, all opinions are my own and freely given.
January 2, 2023
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for an advanced copy of Because You Loved Me in exchange for a review.
Wow wow wow! This is the second Beth Moran book I have read - both have been wonderful but in very different ways. I didn’t realise until I got to the end of this book, but this is a slightly re-written version of one of Beth’s very early books. However it was completely new to me.
So, in this story, we meet Marion. A young woman in her twenties, she has just turned up at a caravan holiday park in Sherwood Forest, looking for clues from her late dad’s past, to try to solve some family mysteries and make a break from an unhappy life back home in Ireland.
But she gets a lot more than she expected when she arrives at the Peace and Pigs. She meets Scarlett and her daughters Grace and Valerie and suddenly finds herself with a group of friends and a sense of family love that she has never felt before. Not to mention the dashing Reuben!
This book basically has everything - I laughed a lot, I cried, I wanted the characters to be my actual friends! From sweet Marion, who desperately needed to believe in herself and be treated with love and kindness - I felt genuinely proud of her by the end of the book! - to the amazing Scarlett with her hilarious advice and way of talking which made her so lifelike in my head that I can’t believe I’ve not seen this on tv! And even Marion’s mum manages to end up a likeable character!
So many mysteries and secrets, a spot of romance, a good deal of heartache and sadness, and a lovely overall feeling of homeliness and warmth - this was just a fantastic read that I will buy people as presents!
Not many authors have the power that Beth Moran seems to have for building a gorgeous community inside your head that feels so real that you want to pounce through your book and live in it - but that is how I feel about the Peace and Pigs!
Wow wow wow! This is the second Beth Moran book I have read - both have been wonderful but in very different ways. I didn’t realise until I got to the end of this book, but this is a slightly re-written version of one of Beth’s very early books. However it was completely new to me.
So, in this story, we meet Marion. A young woman in her twenties, she has just turned up at a caravan holiday park in Sherwood Forest, looking for clues from her late dad’s past, to try to solve some family mysteries and make a break from an unhappy life back home in Ireland.
But she gets a lot more than she expected when she arrives at the Peace and Pigs. She meets Scarlett and her daughters Grace and Valerie and suddenly finds herself with a group of friends and a sense of family love that she has never felt before. Not to mention the dashing Reuben!
This book basically has everything - I laughed a lot, I cried, I wanted the characters to be my actual friends! From sweet Marion, who desperately needed to believe in herself and be treated with love and kindness - I felt genuinely proud of her by the end of the book! - to the amazing Scarlett with her hilarious advice and way of talking which made her so lifelike in my head that I can’t believe I’ve not seen this on tv! And even Marion’s mum manages to end up a likeable character!
So many mysteries and secrets, a spot of romance, a good deal of heartache and sadness, and a lovely overall feeling of homeliness and warmth - this was just a fantastic read that I will buy people as presents!
Not many authors have the power that Beth Moran seems to have for building a gorgeous community inside your head that feels so real that you want to pounce through your book and live in it - but that is how I feel about the Peace and Pigs!
January 10, 2023
"Because You Loved Me" isn't exactly a romance novel. Yes, there is a romance plot part, but it doesn't really take hold until the last third of the book. It's more the story of a woman finding herself, making strong friendships and recognising her own strengths. It is a wonderful novel and quite challenging at times.
I liked the main character Marion, who flees to Sherwood Forest after her boyfriend proposed to her. She wants to find out what she can about her father, who died when she was a child. All she has is an envelope and lots of questions. She finds friendship, self-confidence, a job she likes, and she might even find her Happily Ever After.
I liked the main character Marion, who flees to Sherwood Forest after her boyfriend proposed to her. She wants to find out what she can about her father, who died when she was a child. All she has is an envelope and lots of questions. She finds friendship, self-confidence, a job she likes, and she might even find her Happily Ever After.
January 8, 2023
I usually love Moran's books, and I enjoyed this one as well, but, in all honesty, it is not her best one. It gave me the feeling of being a bit "all over the place": a lot of characters, an incredible amount of things going on, baddies so bad that they end up being not very believable.
But I truly loved Marion's character evolution and the way she finds herself and a new non blood family.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for this ARC.
But I truly loved Marion's character evolution and the way she finds herself and a new non blood family.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for this ARC.
January 12, 2023
Fairly decent read, a bit muddled at times. The story comes at you from all angles. There is quite a lot of sadness here and very little romance. Mostly child abuse, assault, bullying, etc. not exactly a lighthearted read.
It was nice to have the lead end up in a good place, if it did feel a bit forced anyway.
It was nice to have the lead end up in a good place, if it did feel a bit forced anyway.
January 20, 2023
⭐⭐⭐
This books has got some good laugh out loud moments, (the chicken chapter made me laugh because it's my best friend in a nutshell) with some really heart breaking and traumatic moments.
Overall this was a balanced book.
This books has got some good laugh out loud moments, (the chicken chapter made me laugh because it's my best friend in a nutshell) with some really heart breaking and traumatic moments.
Overall this was a balanced book.
July 23, 2023
3.5 stars! Beth Moran does a great job whisking me away to a setting! This was a great listen overall but a little slow in some parts. Marian learns so much about herself and it was fun to cheer her on.
January 26, 2023
Man, I’m a sucker for heartfelt British novels. The cover makes it look like it’s a lighthearted romp, but it’s actually pretty profound. Beth Moran is the queen of deep lit disguised as British RomCom.
November 12, 2023
Normally I enjoy this author. This book was not good and getting through it was a slog.
February 1, 2025
A RomCom by Beth Moran always delivers something extra that you aren't expecting. I love the message of forgiveness that is intertwined with several different characters in this sweet story.
January 7, 2023
3.5 stars
After a slow start this becomes a charming read of family and those who become family. Marion’s story is an emotional one and is written with care and love. I really enjoyed seeing her transformation and would have loved seeing more of her encouraging friend Harriet. I felt the other characters in the story added a lot of warmth and humour to Marion’s journey and especially loved Scarlett and her zest for life and love.
After a slow start this becomes a charming read of family and those who become family. Marion’s story is an emotional one and is written with care and love. I really enjoyed seeing her transformation and would have loved seeing more of her encouraging friend Harriet. I felt the other characters in the story added a lot of warmth and humour to Marion’s journey and especially loved Scarlett and her zest for life and love.
January 23, 2023
This book was previously published as 'making marion'
The story follows Marion who leaves her troubled life behind in Northern Ireland as she relocates to Sherwood Forest hopeful in her search to uncover the mystery of her late father's past.
It is told in the past and present tense so that the reader finds out what her life was like in NI.
I enjoyed getting to know Marion and the other delightful characters, and it was nice to see her character grow in confidence and begin to blossom.
This was an enjoyable heartwarming story of friendships which was also slightly humorous.
Thanks to netgalley and Boldwood Books for this advance read.
The story follows Marion who leaves her troubled life behind in Northern Ireland as she relocates to Sherwood Forest hopeful in her search to uncover the mystery of her late father's past.
It is told in the past and present tense so that the reader finds out what her life was like in NI.
I enjoyed getting to know Marion and the other delightful characters, and it was nice to see her character grow in confidence and begin to blossom.
This was an enjoyable heartwarming story of friendships which was also slightly humorous.
Thanks to netgalley and Boldwood Books for this advance read.
August 3, 2023
✨✨ARC Review✨✨
Because You Loved Me by Beth Moran
(This novel was first published as Making Marion)
Comes out January 11th, 2023
This is my first book by this author!
It started off pretty slow and I was struggling to get into it but I pushed through and actually found myself invested in the story. It wasn’t my favorite read but I am glad I pushed through and read the whole thing.
Themes:
personal growth
facing harsh truths
overcoming trauma and abuse
finding oneself
Triggers:
Mention of cancer
Blame from mother
Neglected child
Verbal abuse
sexual assault/sexual harassment
suicide
some violence
Thank you @netgalley for the opportunity to read this book early.
Because You Loved Me by Beth Moran
(This novel was first published as Making Marion)
Comes out January 11th, 2023
This is my first book by this author!
It started off pretty slow and I was struggling to get into it but I pushed through and actually found myself invested in the story. It wasn’t my favorite read but I am glad I pushed through and read the whole thing.
Themes:
personal growth
facing harsh truths
overcoming trauma and abuse
finding oneself
Triggers:
Mention of cancer
Blame from mother
Neglected child
Verbal abuse
sexual assault/sexual harassment
suicide
some violence
Thank you @netgalley for the opportunity to read this book early.
April 17, 2023
Oh i am so sad to say that I didn't really enjoy that book. I really wanted to love it or even to like it at the very least as I LOVE Beth Moran books usually... but I don't know what happened here.... This story was way too strange for me, way too sad and heavy. I was just not into the story, I was not attracted by the main characters. I found everything a bit too strange. I really wanted to love it but well I guess, not this time! But I won't give up on Beth Moran because she is a brilliant author, believe me!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews