IT HAD TO BE US
Divorced and estranged for nearly two decades, Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence accidentally met again and rediscovered their lost love. In It Had To Be Us, Harry and Elizabeth share their feelings about the poignant events that brought them back together. Filled with humor, emotion, suspense, and a surprising Las Vegas encounter, this heartfelt romantic memoir proves genuine love can survive any of life’s problems. An amusing new honeymoon revelation and a section devoted to some of Elizabeth’s favorite romantic movies are also included in this expanded version of Harry and Elizabeth’s award-winning E-book.
Thanks to Beverly’s Reviews on Amazon for her Five Star review
Beverly calls our eBook “a sweet, sweet memoir.” Below are excerpts from her review.
"Do you believe that each man and woman has a soul mate? Do you think that no matter where they go, they’ll find each other? I don’t know if that’s true or just a lovely dream, but in the memoir IT HAD TO BE US by Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence, it certainly seems that way.
"Harry and Elizabeth were married for twenty-four years. They had a family, and then they were divorced. IT HAD TO BE US tells the story of their life together and apart, giving us their story from each of their points of view. Each section is dated and begins with “Harry Remembers” or “Elizabeth Remembers.”
"The reader gets a peek into their most intimate moments, why they divorced and how they felt about it. I laughed. I cried. And I enjoyed traveling down memory lane with this delightful couple.
Thanks to Connie Russert, author of Allow It To Be Easy, for her enthusiastic comments about It Had To Be Us. Here what she says about our award-winning eBook:
"I just finished IT HAD TO BE US. While reading this romantic memoir, I found myself talking out loud to both Harry and Elizabeth, sort of coaching them along, saying things like, 'NO, it’s OK – invite her.' What a fascinating and engaging read!"
5 Hearts for Romantic Memoir
By Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence
November 08, 2007
Review by
Brenda Talley of The Romance Studio
"What an incredibly written story! I am not sure I have enough accolades to describe this true story. Elizabeth and Harry (not their real names) is a couple with a past, to say the least! Their distinctive interpretation of their lives is such a fascinating slant on authorship."
"The book is written in a “He Said/She Said” format. When reading these memories by each of them, it is obvious that men and women certainly view situations differently. I truly believe that, no matter your preferred genre, you will enjoy this book. It Had To Be Us is a marvelous pick-me-up, fast-paced rendition of how lives can come full circle!"
"You will be thrilled if you take time to read this book!"
The stuff that love is made of!
By R. J. Smith
A funny and original memoir, overflowing with detail from both sides of the love story. For this special, romantic odyssey, Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence take turns illuminating events, often shedding light on little moments which the other person might have missed. From their initial encounter to scenes both light and heavy, it's a narrative bathed in the glow of Technicolor. The potential for a feature length motion picture is strong here.
After this short love affair ends, we get some excellent appendices. Readers can indulge themselves in a tasty selection of movie treats, including well-written critiques of romantic fare, such as Music and Lyrics and Love Actually. This tome maintains a beautiful flow throughout, and it's exactly the kind of literature you want to read again instantly.
You'll laugh and wish that all true stories could be this enchanting.
Highly recommended!
Excerpt from Chapter Three
HARRY REMEMBERS:
I’m home now. My depression is deepening. I can’t eat. My thoughts of Elizabeth keep me awake all night. Tuesday morning I call her and tell her how desperately I miss her. She replies that she has the same feeling. I’m back on the golf course with my friends, but I’m not really there. I have a problem. I force myself to eat. That night I sleep only a few minutes each hour. I lie awake thinking of her.
Wednesday morning I call her in Las Vegas. Bridget answers. She tells me Elizabeth has already left for the train station. Oh well, I’ll be talking to her at 7 tonight. I discover today that I cannot get back into my routine.
I don’t want to get back into my routine.
I only want to be with her.
It’s 7 p.m. Pacific time, but no call. Well, I’m not going to call her. Somebody has met her at the train station and she is with him. At 7:40, I call her. I reach her answering machine and leave a message. I am seething inside and angry at myself for not believing in her. At 9 p.m. she calls. She tells me the train was delayed because of a fatal accident. She also reports that when she got home she noticed a light upstairs and thought a prowler was in her house. When she ran upstairs to check, she fell and hit her nose on a step and is in much pain.
We talk of our love for each other and agree that I will call her in the morning. After we hang up, I begin to worry. Doesn’t she know that if you think an intruder is in the house, you call the police? You don’t go in. She needs someone to watch over her. Now!
Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence (not their real names) live in the same Colorado town where they were born in the early 1930s. They raised a son and a daughter there and have seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter. A former educator, Elizabeth now reviews films for various publications as well as for an online website. Harry, once a hardworking engineer, has managed to play golf almost every day since retirement (even achieving a hole-in-one on a very special day). In addition to a passion for movies, Harry and Elizabeth enjoy making each other laugh and reading aloud – especially from the works of Charles Dickens, Ruth Rendell, Martha Grimes, and Dave Barry.
"I loved it!" ~ Debbie Reynolds, Actress
"Screenplay worthy!" ~ Scott Smith, The Pueblo Chieftain
"My husband Pat and I read IT HAD TO BE US and we both think it should be a movie, so we'll be waiting for a sequel because we can't wait to find out WHO loves WHO more! We're fascinated by the format: Harry remembers -- Elizabeth remembers. I was 'hooked' on reading IT HAD TO BE US when I first read the 'teaser' paragraph about Elizabeth finding a light on and then Harry, in disbelief, deciding she needed 'looking after.' It was great. What a fantastic LOVE STORY… one that happens only once in a million years!" ~Lola Griesan
I just finished the book. Amazing! I never wanted it to end. You need to write more and more and more, both of you!
~Nikki Starr
The format you chose speaks to my fascination with the communication (styles) and process between men and women, and people in general. The ways in which we view and interpret situations and conversations differently, and what sadness can arise from our different perceptions. It's also personally very revealing to have both sides comment on the same situation or conversation. I applaud your courage and honesty in sharing with us these very private moments and feelings. I could feel my heart cramping as your vignettes recalled my own past experiences and pains. ~ Joanne Ross
IT HAD TO BE US is a beautiful and touching tale of how true love can span decades, generations, marriages to other people and the entirety of a lifetime. From chance meetings, rekindled love affairs, and a foray into the Debbie Reynolds museum in Las Vegas, Nevada, this is a story that, however brief, is an awesome saga of two lives brought back together that were never really apart. It will bring you to tears and bring about hopefully a belief that old-fashioned love that once existed on the silver screen can again exist in real life. ~Christopher A. Mansel
Thank you so much for sharing your journey of love and discovery. I was truly inspired. While reading your book I was thinking that there was still hope for me to find true love. I shed a few tears, because your story is so touching. Oh! By the way, I really like your style of writing. Many Blessings.
~Mo Green
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
STEP ONE:
Download your Kindle application if necessary:
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STEP THREE:
Return here to fill out the form below and claim your bonuses:
BONUSES!
Bonus #1 - A COPY OF CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT (in pdf)
“A loving and light-hearted look at the world of film”
--- Telluride Daily Planet
Film Stars! Dancing! Popcorn! At last, a life story with everything but the movie stuff edited out!
Confessions of a Movie Addict chronicles a love affair with film from the 1930s through the beginning of the new millennium. In addition to revealing personal movie-related experiences, film critic Betty Jo Tucker describes encounters with such veteran actors as Mickey Rooney and Charlton Heston, as well as with current stars like Angelina Jolie, Guy Pearce and Brendan Fraser. This amusing memoir also contains the following added attractions: a Movie Addict Checklist; selected interviews; star photos; and reviews of more than 70 films released during 2000 and 2001.
Bonus #2 - E-BOOK VERSION OF THE REEL DEAL: WRITING ABOUT MOVIES
According to filmmaker Vera Zubarev, “Whoever you are – a student, a teacher, or just a film addict who wants to explore the enigmatic world of cinema at a new level, Betty Jo Tucker’s online course is for you.” This E-Book contains six lessons for wannabe film critics, but it’s also designed to enhance any reader’s understanding and interpretation of movies.
Bonus #3: Listen to the remarkable Debbie Reynolds discuss her legendary entertainment career.
Bonus #4: Listen to classic film actress Tippi Hedren speak out about her animal activism and her work with Alfred Hitchcock.
Bonus #5: Listen to Betty Jo Tucker’s interview with funnyman Fred Willard.
Bonus #6: Listen to the one and only Cloris Leachman talk about her candid autobiography and her acting career.
Bonus #7: Listen to actor Barry Bostwick discuss his fascinating experiences while filming The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence are pleased to donate their royalties from IT HAD TO BE US
to children’s literacy through Dolly Parton’s
A RARE THING - IT HAD TO BE US is a strong story that's upbeat without being sentimental, a rare thing. This is a charming story, well elucidated and structured. The reader gets a great sense of loneliness and the tensions of a beginning relationship --- albeit an old relationship in this case. The characterization is lively and engrossing and I particularly liked the form, though occasionally each narrative repeated what the other had said. How they understood each other and the gradual overcoming of fears is extremely well-done. It made me wonder if this was an authentic insight into the nature of men and women and how we all think differently and have different approaches.
--- Jai Clare, Author and Guest Editor for Zoetrope's All Story Extra.
IT HAD TO BE US received a "Great Read" rating from Lea Schizas of The Muse Book - If you believe butterflies and jitteriness over seeing a past love or hopes for a rekindling of a romance long gone is only associated with adolescence, then think again. Harry’s and Elizabeth’s recounting of their eventual meeting after so many years apart definitely is a motivational and inspirational read. Through their story one can possibly see themselves in a given situation and make them wonder and appreciate what they have now; perhaps cause them to move in a direction to help strengthen their relationship by opening up communication or seeking help.
