If Not for You

Debbie’s style of writing and gift of story development had a way of keeping me wanting to read more of this novel everyday. She explored many sides of love and forgiveness. I often found the peaks and valleys of the relationships portrayed in this novel were disturbing. Yet I couldn’t put the book down. She

CCtox

Ms. Macomber, How dare you take us on this long journey of Sam & Beth's love story and end it like you did? So much development taking place with their feelings along the way and never progressing to any thing more than kissing and then they finally get together AGAIN, and you just end the story! 😔😕

Once again Debbie brings the heart and soul of true love to fruition. She shows us that there are ups and downs, but with FAITH, TRUST, HOPE and FORGIVENESS all things are possible . Thank you Debbie for another wonderful book!

Linear romance with all the pieces falling predictably in place.

Debbie Macomber pulls at our heartstrings with this latest book in her New Beginning series! If you read either of the previous books in the series, you'll be sure to recognize Nichole who is the BFF of the heroine of this one. It was fun to catch up on how she and Rocco are doing and hearing a little about Owen, Leanne & Nicolai! :) I enjoyed the characters and the plot for the most part, but found it a little difficult to connect with them as a whole. There were however several sub-plots that added a lot to the overall book. Beth Prudhomme was at her wits end with her overbearing mother, so she up and moved from her home in Chicago to Portland, Oregon where her beloved Aunt Sunshine lived. It was exhilarating for her to finally be on her own to find the job of her dreams teaching music to high schoolers, and enjoying living however she wanted to. When her fellow teacher and friend Nichole wants to set her up with a friend of her husband's, she's leary, but she agrees to go. Mechanic Sam Carney isn't the type of guy she'd ever take home to her mother. He's long haired and tattooed and cusses like a sailor. They are both quick to realize they aren't interested in each other and beat a hasty retreat as soon as dinner is over, but a chance accident at the corner changes their lives in ways they never could have imagined! Sam is the first on the scene after she's hit by a car that ran the red light, and he keeps her calm and stays by her side until help arrives. He goes to the hospital with her and finds himself returning every day while she recovers. The connection they felt at the accident scene and the hours they spend visiting draws them closer and eventually into a relationship. Will they each be able to overcome their own issues and pasts in order to make a future together?

If Not for You is the latest novel by author Debbie Macomber. Beth Prudhomme has moved from Chicago to Portland, Oregon to get out from her mother’s thumb. Her mother, Ellie likes to smother her and control all aspects of her life. Beth’s Aunt Sunshine, a famous artist, lives in Portland providing Beth with support and love. Beth found a position at a local high school as a music teacher and quickly made friends with Nichole Nyquist, a substitute teacher. Nichole wishes to set up Beth with Sam Carney, a friend of the family. Sam is not like any other man Beth has ever dated. He has long hair, drives a big pick-up truck, likes country music, and is a mechanic. The evening is tense and the two leave quickly after dinner. Unfortunately, Beth ends up in an accident when a teenage girl runs a red light (with a phone in her hand). Sam saw the accident and quickly rushes to Beth’s aid. Beth suffers severe injuries that will have her laid up for weeks. Sam begins visiting Beth at the hospital and continues when she moves to rehab. Sam is unsure about a relationship, but he is unable to stay away. When Beth’s mother, Ellie, blows into town she is quick to show her displeasure in Sam. Matters are not helped by the rift between Sunshine and Ellie. Beth wants to mend the bridges between them and sets out to find what caused their conflict. Then Beth decides to meddle in Sam’s past and he is unappreciative. Is there a chance to a happily ever after for Beth and Sam? Can Beth make her mother understand that she wants to live her own life? If Not for You is nicely written and has a good pace. While If Not for You is part of the New Beginnings series, it can be read alone. I felt that the book was too long and the ending was abrupt (and predictable). I wish the author had devoted a little more time to the conflict between Sunshine and Ellie. It ended up being resolved very quickly. It was nice to see the characters develop over the course of the novel. I give If Not for You 3 out of 5 stars. It is a sweet story, but it reminds me of every other romance novel on the market. The couple quickly fall in love, conflict (and jealousy), break up, and then get back together. It was interesting to see such two-diverse people come together. They do say that opposites attract, and that is true in this book. Sam’s continual use of “babe” instead of Beth’s name grated on my nerves. Do men think that women enjoy being called “babe” or “baby”? Once they started dating, he never called her by her given name. I found some information to be repeated throughout the book which is unnecessary. The story is told from Beth, Sam’s and Sunshine’s point-of-view. It changes with each chapter. I would have preferred the story being told from the third person narrative. I did wonder what happened to the teenage girl who caused the accident (maybe I missed it). I went back and checked, but I did not see where this matter was addressed. Beth’s meddling was thoughtful, but not well thought out. I know she meant well, but her actions are reminiscent of her mother. If Not for You is a pleasant story, but it is forgettable. I did not feel that this is Debbie Macomber’s best work. I am sure, though, that fans of Debbie Macomber will enjoy If Not for You.

Truly enjoyed this book!!! It is a story of new beginnings after tragedy. Also, it points out that you cannot judge people by outward appearances. The inner person is what matters! I highly recommend it!!!

Debbie Macomber can always be counted on for writing an entertaining story. If Not For You is her latest offering. It is a another well written story by one of the most beloved authors of modern times. The plot revolves around Beth and Sam being set up on a blind date by friends. As they leave, Sam witnesses Beth's involvement in a horrific car accident. Even though they felt no initial attraction, Sam feels compelled to go to the hospital and be with Beth. Will a romance blossom? Will their families and friends encourage them or tear them apart? I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Henery Press but this opinion is strictly my own and without influence.

I have most of Debbie's books. I have not found a book I wouldn't read. I found quite a lot of sections of feelings of my life. Debbie's story line bounced all over this story. This lets the reader know who is thinking what. Beth left her clingy mother and makes friends with Nicole. She invites Beth to dinner with an other friend. Awkward! On the way home she gets T-boned and Sam, from, comes to her aid. Major Spoiler! Her mother, Ellie, and her Aunt Sunshine don't talk to each other. Sunshine is a famous artist. Sam helps Beth and they found their common love. Sam plays the guitar. Beth plays piano in school and teaches children and teens for free. She wants to help everyone to get happy again. I would recommend this book to everyone. Pass it along. Don't let it get away. You won't regret this story! I volunteered to read and review this book.