Member Reviews
Marion had an appalling childhood. Her mother was neglectful, both physically and emotionally after her father died when she was seven. Her cousin bullied her and nothing is done to protect her. When she finds a photo of her dad, she had clues that she can find more information about him if she goes to Sherlock Forest. When she arrives, she Scarlett Obermann, who runs a holiday camp with her daughter, Grace. Scarlett her to work for her, and she becomes friends with the other quirky characters that work and live there. She also meets Reuben, the son of the Lord of the Manor, who owns the land. She has a crush on him, but until she finds herself, can not act on her feelings. Will she find out more about her father? Does she have extended family? Can she find a new home and found family in Sherlock Forest?
Because You Loved Me is told from Marion's POV, and is interspersed with flashbacks to her childhood so we understand how she came to be this reserved. There were a lot of characters, but once I got into the book, I really enjoyed them. They were all different and added a lot to the story and helped Marion on her journey. The way Marion goes about finding the information she was looking for was interesting. The conclusion of what actually happened back when her father left the area made me angry at more than one person, but you will have to read it to see who and why. There are some triggers in this one, such as death of a parent, child neglect, and severe bullying, but the book is well written and these issues are handled well. This is a story that had me laughing one minute, angry the next and almost near tears at times, which tells me it is well plotted and written. With themes that include friendship, found family, illness, grief and more, I thing this is a book that will appeal to a variety of readers.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This book has a main theme of an adult looking into her deceased father's early background. However, there's no predictability in the plot: add in the larger-than-life Southern Belle, Scarlett, who supports misfits in her own inimitable way, a caravan and camping site and assorted interesting characters and we lucky readers have an unusual story with sadness, friendship and joy mixed throughout. I really enjoyed this lovely book, don't miss it for the power of forgiveness.
I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.
Mit einer feinfühligen Erzählweise und authentischen Charakteren zieht uns Moran in den Bann einer Gemeinschaft, die zusammenhält, wenn es darauf ankommt. Die Geschichte ist gespickt mit Humor, Tiefgang und zeigt, dass es nie zu spät ist, sich selbst und die Bedeutung von Liebe neu zu entdecken.
"Because You Loved Me" by Beth Moran is a poignant and heartwarming novel that skillfully explores themes of family, friendship, and the quest for belonging. Marion Miller's journey from Northern Ireland to England becomes a powerful narrative, filled with emotional depth, relatable characters, and a sense of hope that resonates throughout the story.
Marion's need for a fresh start is palpable from the beginning, and Moran crafts her character with care and authenticity. The challenges of her childhood, marked by loss and strained family relations, set the stage for a compelling exploration of identity and self-discovery. As Marion delves into her father's mysterious past, readers accompany her on a journey of unraveling secrets and embracing the possibility of finding an extended family that mirrors the love she longs for.
Scarlett Obermann, with her holiday park in Sherwood Forest, becomes a beacon of warmth and acceptance in Marion's life. The portrayal of Scarlett's ability to create a sense of belonging is one of the novel's strengths. The merry band of characters Scarlett gathers, forming a chosen family, adds layers of charm and relatability to the narrative. The relationships that Marion builds within this community become a testament to the transformative power of friendship.
The exploration of Marion's crush on Reuben, the son of the Lord of the Manor, adds a touch of romance to the story, contributing to Marion's growth and self-discovery. Moran handles the romantic subplot with a delicate touch, allowing it to unfold naturally within the broader context of Marion's personal journey.
The novel's pacing is well-balanced, and Moran's writing style is engaging, drawing readers into the lush and inviting setting of Sherwood Forest. The integration of Scarlett's own tragedy adds emotional depth to the narrative, emphasizing Marion's role in reciprocating care and support.
While the novel excels in capturing the essence of chosen family and personal growth, there are moments when the plot follows predictable paths. Some readers may find certain developments foreseeable, impacting the element of surprise.
In conclusion, "Because You Loved Me" earns its four stars for delivering a heartfelt and uplifting story of healing, friendship, and the transformative power of love. Beth Moran's novel is a compelling reminder that, while we may not choose our biological family, we have the agency to create a family of friends who embrace us with open arms. This book is a celebration of the enduring bonds that can be formed when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and open to the possibility of love and belonging.
Such a beautifully designed story with many layers to unwrap and enjoy. The emotions are high in this one but it leaves you feeling uplifted.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
Marion Miller lost her father when we was young and was left to be raised by a mother with mental illness and continuously told Marion she was the reason her father died. To deal with her life, Marion became mute - this way no one else died. However, friends would not allow this and tried to work with her to encourage her to talk.
Scarlett Obermann run a campground and treats everyone like family. When Marion shows up, Scarlett mistakes her for someone else and puts her to work. At the end of the day, Scarlett admits she knew Marion was not the missing niece of a friend, but keeps her employed, setting her up with a place to stay and a paycheck. Marion slowly starts to come out of her shell. Very slowly, sometimes painfully slow, but starts to become the woman she was meant to be.
Then, a life changing event happens and Marion has to decide, should she stay with this new family, or should she go?
Another good read
Perfect book to curl up with and to get lost in
Will have you hooked from the first page
Thanks NetGalley
I absolutely loved this novel.
Such a great story with defined characters and a great plot.
What drew me in the most was how fleshed out the characters were
The writing style was fluid and relateable.
The cover was fascinating as well.
A reviting read overall
Definitely recommend adding this to your TBR!
When Marion turns up at a busy caravan park near Nottingham; she’s running away from her mother and looking to find some answers; but mistaken for the new. receptionist hire. She’s thrown straight into the job; which is difficult for her as for the last few years she’s avoided talking to anyone. Once the mistake is realised; she continues to live and work at the caravan park; slowly making friends and opening up; revealing why she’s come to Nottingham ; and what she’s hoping to find out. Eventually, Marion finds her truth; building bridges with the mother and finding a whole new life.
This was a beautifully written story and I loved every minute of it.
Marion has ‘run away’ from her life in Ireland and finds herself in Sherwood Forest where she meets the gorgeous Scarlett and gets a job working at the Peace and Pigs Holiday Park. Her aim is to try to find out more about her father who passed away when she was a child but in doing so, she actually finds herself.
A lovely story with fantastic characters. Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for an advanced read copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Great characters, unique plotting and a story that kept me turning the pages into the night. Loved the journey!
I have read (and loved) quite a few Beth Moran books now, I love her light-hearted feel-good writing and was expecting the same with Because I Loved You, so was surprised by how different this one is compared to her previous work. It's a lot darker and edgier in feel with so much emotional conflict that at first I was a little put off. I struggled initially to get into the story, it took a while, longer than I care to admit and usually with another book I would have just given up but I kept going after this is Beth Moran and I was sure there would be more to come.
I can't say I loved it, but I did enjoy it. I liked that Marion's story was going and how it slowly opened up and you soon learn more about her and her past. There is just too much angst in it for me when I read this I was looking for a feel-good rom-com type of story as I have a lot going on in my life so I need light relief, but ending up going on a sad, grieve-laden and emotional journey.
Maybe I was in the wrong frame of mind to really appreciate the story, but I hate to say that compared to Beth's other work this isn't a favourite.
I loved this book. It looks from the cover to be a light read and it is, but there is trauma and sadness in places and enough grit for it not to be ‘fluffy. Marion (yes and she’s found herself in Nottingham… is a rounded character and I liked her from the start, alongside Scarlett who takes Marion under her wing when she arrives from N. Ireland in search of search information about her father.
I’ve given this four stars
Hopeful, heartfelt and guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye, Because You Loved Me is a beautifully written tale about belonging, the ties that bind and finding a place to call home by Beth Moran that is an absolute joy to read.
Marion Miller has had her fair share of heartache. Growing up in Northern Ireland, her childhood had been marked by grief and sorrow after the death of her father. With her broken-hearted mother unable to cope, Marion had always been troubled by her family’s secrets and now that she is all grown up, she is determined to find answers to the questions that have plagued her for so long. Heading over to England, Marion hopes to uncover the truth and an extended family who will provide her with the love and affection she has long been craving.
Scarlett Obermann runs a caravan park in Sherwood Forest with her daughter Grace. Welcoming people and making them feel at home is what Scarlett does best and when Marion arrives, Scarlett takes her under her wing and immediately makes her feel like one of the family. Marion quickly begins to put down roots and settle among people who genuinely make her feel like she has found a home where she belongs and she begins to step out of her shell and become the woman she was always meant to be.
As Marion discovers the truth about her father’s past, she finds herself falling in love with Reuben, the son of the Lord of the Manor, even if she is still haunted by old ghosts she can never quite outrun. With Scarlett needing her like never before, Marion must step up to the plate and begin to take care of her new family. Has Marion finally found the happiness she has spent a lifetime searching for? Or will she lose it all just when everything seemed to be falling into place?
Beth Moran’s Because You Loved Me is a terrific read that aims for the heart and does not miss. A wonderful story about finding your voice, new beginnings, putting the past to rest and falling in love, Because You Loved Me celebrates friendship, community and the people who pick us up and help us to heal when life knocks us down readers will be gripped by.
Uplifting, emotional and life-affirming, Beth Moran’s Because You Loved Me is a book readers will treasure.
I struggled through this one. I was expecting a light and happy rom-com and this was not it. It is very heavy and full of healing from past trauma. I did enjoy the character development though, I thought that was strong.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book introduces us to Marion who is trying to find some answers from her past after she loses her dad. She meets a great group of people who welcome her into the group. Those were all lovely aspects of this book.
But there was a little too much going on in in this book with lots of drama and issues that weren't completely fleshed out or resolved that keeps throwing the reader from one thing to the next but leaves them really confused.
This was my second book by this author and both have been a hit for me! Beth Moran has a great way of writing. Her writing is simple which makes it easy to follow along, yet her stories have great depth. If you're looking for a quick and cozy read that has a lot of beautiful layers to it, this is the book for you!
Marion is looking to find her true self after a troubled childhood in Ireland. She also intend to find her birth father and along the way, she found new friends and family. When she stop at Pigs and Peace, she end up with a job and a place to stay. It was at Pigs and Peace, the story begin to captured my attention. This is a story of pains dealing with childhood loss and family relationship. The story evoked many flashback and at times, it confused me. The story started rather flow but when it start to pick up, it caught my attention but as the flashback keep appearing, it becomes confusing to me. Love Marion’s transformation into a strong women who allow herself to love and to be loved. Overall, it is a good read to me despite the various confusing flashback.
A dual timeline of events happen in this book.
Marion has escaped Northern Ireland, facing her fears and to escape the tragic childhood she had endured.
Marion arrives in Nottingham in search of her fathers past, which doesn’t go down well. On top of this Marion is trying to find her self and put her own happiness first.
I enjoyed it this book, and was quite gripped towards the end. I did feel the ending was slightly abrupt but this may have been me wanting more. I’m hoping this means the could potentially be a sequel