It Had To Be Us (Book) - 6/23/2016 10:17:58 AM
The story of Harry and Elizabeth is typical of so many marriages. It begins with a high school infatuation that turns to marriage, children, college and careers. Eventually, what brought the couple together in the beginning changes as life's demands take them on different paths. Eventually, after the children are grown, they divorce.
What is different about Harry and Elizabeth's story is that the original spark of love never dies, but tends to grow as both remarry and then lose their second marriages to leukemia. They both are alone again and become satisfied with their single lives and retirement.
But, a chance meeting arranged by their daughter 20 years later, ignites that ember that had been smoldering in both of their hearts when they realized that their second marriages weren't the same as that high school infatuation. Elizabeth asks Harry to join her in Las Vegas for an event she is covering as part of her retirement avocation, movie reviewer. In this case, what happens in Las Vegas, doesn't stay in Las Vegas, but is revealed by the couple. He reveals in present tense, and she reveals in past tense. But their recollections are strikingly similar in spite of their personal differences.
What results is a whirlwind renewed romance with energy and adventure reminding one of The Graduate.
I highly recommend this short read with this gentle respect for love and its sometimes “wisecracking” humor for those that wish they had a second chance at love, and anyone who is interested in a true romance story.
It Had To Be Us (Book) - 8/11/2012 10:10:09 AM
Sound very interesting. I'm putting it in my library.
It Had To Be Us (Book) - 10/13/2010 10:28:22 AM
I had the delightful experience of interviewing Elizabeth Lawrence a few years on my Internet radio program. She is a memorable joy and the little gem, "It Had To Be Us" has stuck with me. The "he remembers/she remembers" format is unique and utterly entertaining. Good things do come in small packages. Buy it, you'll like it.
It Had To Be Us (Book) - 2/2/2006 7:57:10 AM
This sounds so wonderful. I hope someday to be reunited with my first love. It has been 30 years though, but I still have hope. Would have been married 40 years in November.
Eat Pray Love Skit (Article) - 9/3/2023 9:47:23 AM
What my Lutheran minister counselor (my wife chose him because he was free. After our first session together, she refused to come to any more sessions.) told me. "What do women want, anyway."
He dismissed me from needing any more counseling. But he wished that he had time my wife and my stepdaughter because he believed would help their, as he called it, "loss."
Ron
Director's Statement: CAKE A Love Story (Article) - 10/6/2021 9:07:00 AM
Reads like he found working on your little project to be beneficial all around.
Ron
What's It All About? (Article) - 9/5/2021 2:28:37 PM
Thank you for, "the rest of the story." It reads like a miracle.
Ron
Encouraging Words (Article) - 4/17/2021 9:59:50 AM
It's Saturday, the day I seem to have time to watch movies. I am familiar with your story and have read it. Now I get to see how you coincidently met in Las Vegas and and how the cake help solidify and rekindle your love.
Watching very soon…
Ron
After the Silence (Article) - 2/2/2021 11:38:32 AM
A beautiful poem that Cesar Gonzalez wrote for you. I'm not sure why is posted in the articles section, but it is lovely to read here.
Ron
Family Movie Premiere (Article) - 12/30/2017 11:15:42 AM
Your family can be proud. What an accomplishment.
Ron
CAKE: A Love Story Feedback (Article) - 6/12/2017 1:04:17 PM
It is certainly wonderful to have a a novella converted into a short film and even more wonderful to have a very positive review in a major media source. Bravo!
Ron
Why Cake: A Love Story? (Article) - 2/23/2017 7:52:56 AM
So glad they are making your story into a movie. As you already know, many times the authors of novels or true life stories like yours, feel that the producers and directors with their scriptwriters often violate the key parts of the original work. Sometimes lawsuits ensue.
So, I'm pleased that you're "convinced" that the title change is okay. I remember Herb Morrison telling me after returning from his consulting role on the movie, Hindenburg, that he was pleased by the way they portrayed the movie and him. He said they got the scene where he slugged the Nazi henchman who tried to grab him coming down the steps from the plane in Buffalo just the way it happened. And, he added, "That actor they got to play me was so handsome."
This was spoken from the mouth of one of the most handsome and well spoken 73-year-old gentleman that I've ever met. I was so pleased to be treasurer of our little community where he was president.
Ron
It's a Wrap! (Article) - 1/8/2017 5:36:31 PM
Looking forward to seeing this film!
It's a Wrap! (Article) - 1/7/2017 1:24:04 PM
I am so looking forward to seeing your brilliant film!!!
It's a Wrap! (Article) - 1/6/2017 4:53:20 AM
I know the story so I can see where it will make a great movie. Congratulations on its completion.
This past year I got involved with a production of a film by a former student worker of mine. He used my home for one scene in his Indie film, Joined at the Heart.
Ron
It's a Wrap! (Article) - 1/6/2017 12:15:50 AM
Brilliant news. Excited to see US. The book It Had to Be Us was an insightful and moving experience. Thrilled that Betty Jo and Larry Tucker's story will be made as a short film, one of my favourite categories.
So Romantic (Article) - 6/6/2016 5:31:17 AM
I thought about it this weekend, but haven't gotten to the book yet. I promise that I will. That's good news about the prospects for a movie.
One of my former student workers has started a movie production company and has a film of his life/reuniting with his ex-wife called, Joined at the Heart, coming out soon. As an indie film, it may not have wide distribution unless it's offered on the Internet. He filmed a couple of scenes from his childhood in my house.
Ron
A Romantic Memoir Journey (Article) - 4/10/2016 8:35:57 AM
Your book certainly seems to be acquiring many accolades and romantic films already have a built-in audience whether at the theater or on television. I only wish you would have included an excerpt here rather than describing all the promotion and awards.
Ron
Joint Interview for Muse Book Reviews (Article) - 12/12/2006 11:35:51 PM
Write something everyday and aim for the funny bone. Good advice from two very charming people.
Keeping Love Alive (Poetry) - 7/29/2023 8:58:55 AM
I watched it. Such a wonderful tale of how you two got back together by a chance meeting and lived out the rest of your lives together so well. Tons of memories there to remember.
Ron
Missing Harry (Poetry) - 3/20/2023 12:23:10 PM
He will always be with you. So sorry for your loss.
Missing Harry (Poetry) - 2/17/2023 11:25:02 AM
Beautiful words Elizabeth…
He will always be around you…
Never fear…
watch out for those
little signs…they are real!
With love,
Diana…🍃
Missing Harry (Poetry) - 2/3/2023 11:43:54 AM
Once again, your poetry is very fitting with advice to others who may make the mistake of letting their best love leave when they should stay to the very end.
I feel bad when I see that young couples break up over simple mistakes where rigid unforgiveness is stronger than simply forgiving and moving on to a better and more beautiful love.
Ron
Missing Harry (Poetry) - 2/2/2023 11:23:41 AM
So deeply sorry for your loss Elizabeth. He watches over you. Look for red cardinals outside..
Remember earth is just a blink and eternally we will be together. Take heart with comfort
Missing Harry (Poetry) - 2/2/2023 8:03:39 AM
Beautiful. So sorry about your loss.
Growing Old Together (Poetry) - 5/4/2022 9:07:29 AM
Happy anniversary and many more to come. Lovely poem.
Growing Old Together (Poetry) - 5/2/2022 6:07:15 PM
Happiest beautiful anniversary to you both)"
Growing Old Together (Poetry) - 5/1/2022 9:11:06 AM
You have a gift for poetry. And a gift for honestly revealing your life story both in poetry and your memoir made into a movie of some acclaim. All due to your fine writing, Elizabeth.
Ron
Growing Old Together (Poetry) - 5/1/2022 5:52:10 AM
How Heartwarming your words are,
and your appreciation of each other is
so wonderful to read…
I wish you a truly Happy Anniversary….
and the precious gift of many more
Treasured years together…
Warm regards,
Diana 🍃
Friendship (Poetry) - 3/1/2022 3:42:17 PM
Friendship is so important…especially in these
uncertain times…
Pat and Bill sound wonderful friends…
Diana..🍃
Friendship (Poetry) - 2/2/2022 8:46:09 AM
Distance really doesn't matter to good friends.
Friendship (Poetry) - 1/29/2022 12:14:56 PM
Delightful! Your poem inspired a limerick for me...
A Friendship that Fits the Bill
There is a couple, Pat and Bill,
Whose friendship certainly fits the bill;
That is for sure,
And all can assure,
This couple is not “run-of-the-mill.”
All the best to you,
Regis. 🙏🌳🌺🌲🍁
Friendship (Poetry) - 1/23/2022 9:19:30 AM
I'm sure that Pat and Bill love your verses dedicated to them, cementing your friendship even more.
Ron
Friendship (Poetry) - 1/22/2022 7:00:24 PM
Very sweet!
Sandie
Two Weddings (Poetry) - 5/15/2021 3:54:00 PM
WHAT AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING WEDDING PHOTO! I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS...BUT YOUR LOVE SEEMS TO 'GLISTEN' IN IT. IT IS NO WONDER THAT YOU TWO TOOK A SECOND CHANCE AND...LET ME EXTEND MY BELATED AND SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS
Two Weddings (Poetry) - 5/9/2021 9:00:59 AM
VERY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
Two Weddings (Poetry) - 5/9/2021 7:11:25 AM
Second chances almost always bring much more happiness than the first time around....
Two Weddings (Poetry) - 5/8/2021 8:19:38 AM
A love story for the ages. I'm so happy that your mutual love for movies has helped bring you together all of these years.
Happy 50th, and many more…
Ron
Two Weddings (Poetry) - 5/8/2021 6:36:02 AM
Lovely picture, lovely remembrance.
Two Weddings (Poetry) - 5/8/2021 1:09:17 AM
Charming!
And so glad that things worked out the second time
for you both...
It was in the stars..just meant to be...
Congratulations and Happy 50th Anniversary for yesterday!
Best Wishes,
Diana...
Soul Mates (Poetry) - 2/15/2021 8:03:10 AM
You are blessed and I hope many will enjoy your book.
Soul Mates (Poetry) - 2/5/2021 11:20:10 AM
I read it before but it certainly is Valentine's Day perfect.
Ron
Elizabeth's Lament (Poetry) - 9/15/2020 10:36:12 AM
You had to go deep into the lost and found of happenstance to find happiness again. Good for you for writing this poem and for righting that last line 20 years later!
Ron
A Christmas Past (Poetry) - 12/26/2018 2:55:09 PM
When we have memories such as this one, it never, ever goes away. Thank Goodness!
A Christmas Past (Poetry) - 12/26/2018 9:45:06 AM
While I know this poem is very personal about a Christmas that brings fond memories, by posting it here in a public forum, you are showing us that you want to share that memory with us, too.
Merry Christmas Elizabeth and Harry, and thank you.
Ron
A Dream Come True (Poetry) - 7/21/2018 1:22:09 PM
Enjoyed, good when hard work pays off.
A Dream Come True (Poetry) - 5/8/2018 11:55:17 AM
Words whether pages
Movies weather time
Adrift love refrains
A Dream Come True (Poetry) - 5/2/2018 5:01:01 AM
Great poem! It must have been so exciting! I can't even compare but I can think I can share your joy. I watched with delight when I was in my first T.V. commercial when I was a much younger boy. Enjoy the moment!
John Michael
A Dream Come True (Poetry) - 4/30/2018 9:23:10 AM
Elizabeth, it is so exciting to see you having so much fun with your dream come true! And using one of my favorite platforms, AuthorsDen, which has been powering my newsletter for years. I shared this, of course, and I hope your other AuthorsDen friends will do the same. Find it on Facebook at http://Facebook.com/carolynhowardjohnson.
Hugs,
Carolyn
A Dream Come True (Poetry) - 4/30/2018 8:57:27 AM
M ay all your dreams come true.
A Dream Come True (Poetry) - 4/30/2018 8:35:46 AM
A poem singing praises of your good fortune. I noted the awards placed below the poster for the film. Once again, congratulations on your achievement.
Ron
A Dream Come True (Poetry) - 4/30/2018 7:38:06 AM
Oh, I absolutely believe you . . . This is fantastic to say the least. Congratulations! May they be more coming your way.
Las Vegas Reunion (Poetry) - 6/22/2013 11:51:10 AM
From the hints that you've given, I would say it is, lost love, found again.
Ron
The Kiss (Poetry) - 9/11/2012 12:54:59 AM
Short but sweetly effective.
Tom
The Kiss (Poetry) - 3/16/2011 6:15:50 AM
A soul soothing kiss, "The Kiss" Harry and Liz!
All the best with "It Had To Be Us"
The Kiss (Poetry) - 2/16/2011 9:27:38 AM
Lovely thoughts and loving emotions.
The Kiss (Poetry) - 2/15/2011 6:29:27 AM
Breath taking...HUgsss
The Kiss (Poetry) - 2/11/2011 10:47:09 AM
Blissful!
Diana...
