I had been eyeing this book when it came out last year, as it is part of the same series as A Girl's Guide to Moving On, which I loved. I was also excited that Nichole would be back. So I can't believe it took me over a year to get around to reading it! I decided to check out the audio version and it definitely kept me entertained during my rides to and from work, as well as while doing household chores. Kristine Hvam was the narrator and she did a nice job bringing the characters to life. I had heard her narrate The People We Hate at the Wedding and was surprised she was the same person, as she had a softer feel to her voice. However, she still had an edginess that worked well for Sam.

Just like with Girl's Guide, it was easy to become emotionally invested in the story. Some parts of it hit close to home, but I was relieved that those parts happened 20 years ago! I really liked Sam as the male lead. It was nice to see that he had a vulnerable side. He makes for an amazing "book boyfriend." I like that there were multiple perspectives and that we got to hear Sunshine's story, as well.

I liked how music was used throughout the story. I was a bit surprised at the religious references, although I do remember some in Girl's Guide, but I let that slide since the book was so enjoyable overall.

I hope there will be more books in this series. I like the tone and feel of it. This is my second book from the series, and I need to go back and read Last One Home soon. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, it contains spoilers for Girl's Guide. I have been recommending it a lot lately, especially as an audio book!

Dream movie cast:
Beth: Arielle Carver-O'Neill
Sam: Milo Ventimiglia (He reminded me of Jack from This is Us)
Sunshine: Lisa Kudrow
Peter: Tim DeKay
Ellie: Kristin Bauer van Straten
Nichole: Keri Russell (From Girl's Guide casting)

Typical Debbie Macomber title, a bit predictable, but an okay read. Preferred the supporting characters stories over the main characters.

Beth and Sam can’t stand each other when they first meet on a blind date. Then Beth has an accident leaving the date and Sam proves to be a true lifeline.

Great storyline, Very easy to follow. Loved all the characters Debbie does it again

I received an ARC edition of this book courtesy of Netgally.
I loved this book and would highly recommend it to Debbie Macomber fans! Her books are always entertaining. Great characters a lot of fun to read.

If Not For You by Debbie Macomber
• Special
You never know what could have been... Just what's missing... Debbie has done it again (not surprising!)!!! What an amazing story of love (lost and current), family and acceptance. As usual I shed a few tears, laughed and just plain enjoyed Sam and Beth's story. There were several unexpected twists and turns, but my oh my his story is a DEF winner!!! I can't wait to read more. The hasn't been a Macomber book that I haven't fell completely overjoyed reading... She's amazing!!! ARC received from Netgalley in for a voluntary review.
Favorite Passages ~
• Sam’s Song for Beth
I’ve been broken
For such a long time
And love Wasn’t much a friend of mine It took everything
I had to give
But God
Must have had sympathy
And suddenly
God gave Beth to me
• Bigger than big.

This is an amazing book. I loved the plot and the character development. I felt drawn into the book. Like the other books from this author I felt a since of hope and comfort. Easy read with a deeper meaning. I highly recommend it

Beth Prudhomme has moved from Chicago to Portland hoping to put some space between her and her overbearing mother, and to reconnect with her favorite aunt. Beth gets set up on a blind date wit Sam Carney by their friends Nichole and Rocco. The blind date does not go well and both of them leave dinner as soon as they can. While sitting at a red light Sam watches as Beth is broadsided while making a left hand turn by a young girl who was busy texting. Sam gets out his truck and runs to Beth and holds her hand and talks to her until medical help arrives. Sam visits Beth everyday in the hospital where they slowly start falling in love as they talk and get to know each other.

When I think of Debbie Macomber I think of Hallmark Christmas movies. That was until I read “A Girls Guide to Moving On”, the 2nd book in her New Beginnings Series. That’s when I learned she also writes stories with a more serious theme. “If Not for You” is the 3rd in this series, and it has a realistic story that really grabs at your heart.
Ms. Macomber creates a word that is easily visualized. I love her characters, they are well developed, with good backstories. They aren’t millionaires, they aren’t perfect, and most of all, they aren’t sappy. They are regular, everyday people. with relateable situations. Even the supporting characters carry their own subplot.
Beth had to get away from her interfering mother. She had just moved to Portland, and was finally on her own. A new apartment, a job, and whole new lifestyle. She loved it and she was doing so great. She was close to her aunt, making friends, and teaching music. Reluctantly, she agreed to a blind date. A disastrous blind date. That couldn’t end it fast enough. It was mutual, both her and Sam knew right away they were too different. It could never work. Her mother could never accept a man like Sam. And Sam could never be attracted to someone so prim and proper. Then came the crash, and Sam never left her side.
The storyline itself is unique, it winds around in such a way, that you’re not quite sure what will happen next. It grabs you from the beginning, with each chapter compelling you need to read on. It concludes with a satisfying ending, that ties everything up in a believable way.
Now I need to read the first of the series!
Please note: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A heart warming novel of opposites attract and overcoming obstacles. The characters were realistic and lovable although Beth was at times too much of a busy body for me. Their romance was straight-fortyward and engaging and the conclusion was logical and satisfying. Not many surprises but all in all a good read. Can be read as a standalone. Typical Debbie Macomber novel.

Beth and Sam are the most unlikely of couples - which is probably why their blind date was such a disaster. I loved this story, I just wish Beth's character would have been a little more mature in her actions.

Review: If Not for You by Debbie Macomber is a sensational story. Immediately she drew me into the tale. Realistic, entertaining, and believable. A story of love, forgiveness, and healing. A family torn to pieces over a relationship, is brought to life. Two sisters who need to forgive and move forward, a daughter who needs to live her own life, not her mother’s, and a man who needs to let go of his past and move forward.

The title If Not for You is perfect. It’s exactly the theme the novel portrays. If Not for You…neither one of the characters would be able to move on with their past. Anger, sadness, and regret. The book was one emotional journey after another. Debbie Macomber has a way with words. I felt every emotion as though it were my own. Each character had to deal with their issues on their own in their own time. It could take thirty years, or a month. But once they decided they were ready to let go…the healing process was beautiful.

Sam is a man who let a woman steal his heart and take away his soul. He created a beautiful yet smart daughter. But he can’t be a part of her life. The mother made sure of that. It’s because of that, that Sam won’t let any woman near his heart. Little did he know a plain woman like Beth would steal it and take him captive.

Beth is a woman who let her mother rule her entire life. She was done with that. Leaving behind her parents, she sets off on her own. Once there, she found a job and friends. Plus, her Aunt Sunshine is awesome. Soon, her whole life will change. One terrible blind date set up…and an accident later, Beth would be falling in love with Sam.

But that’s not all. If Not for You also has two sisters who have fallen for the same guy. Because of that they both ended up not taking to the other one. The damage was done…and one sister’s love life was destroyed forever. It will take a common interest before these two to reunite…and even then it will take a miracle.

Overall, If Not for You is the most interesting piece of literature that I have ever read. Sad, hilarious, and well-written. These characters had a way of tugging at my heart. Their tales combined made for one powerful read. I highly recommend this to all.

Books that meld together like this one and the previous ones written by the author is what make this such an enjoyable read. So often, we want to go back and see what's going on in the life of some of our beloved characters and Debbie Macomber let's us do that with this book. You start reading and realize the cast of characters are familiar. I loved that and will definitely be reading all the others that come out.

I was given an ARC from the publisher/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect anyone else's.

This was a first time read of this author for me. I was pleased with how the story flowed and captured you. I always felt like I was connected to Beth because she was a very relatable character. Over all I am happy with this book and plan on reading more of the authors work.

I have loved books that Debbie has written for many years. This one is no different. It is heartwarming, intriguing and a page turner! It's a book I want to run out and make all my friends read!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Beth's mother has always tried to run her life. At 25, Beth has finally had enough and is moving from Chicago to Portland, Orgeon, where her aunt Sunshine lives, to accept a job as a high school music teacher. When Beth gets set up on a blind date with Sam, they both immediately realize they have nothing in common and want the date over as quickly as possible. However, when Sam witnesses the car accident that injures Beth right after their date, he stays with her until the ambulance arrives and feels an unexplained need to continue to check on her, leading the two to grow closer.

Though this is book 3 in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors, but this was not her best book. The turn the book took 2/3 of the way through was ridiculous and unbelievable. It's not a bad book, but I expected more.

For some reason, I just couldn't jump into this book.

Sam, has a past that defines him, even 14 years later he refuses to date or be involved in a relationship. He's a mechanic, has some tattoos and a beard, and wears his hair in a ponytail. Beth, having recently moved to Portland from Chicago to escape her controlling Mother, comes from a different world than Same does. Her family has money, but she refuses to take a dime from them; wanting to earn her own way in life.

When Sam and Beth are set up on a blind date at a mutual friends home, he isn't nice to her, he completely makes up his mind about her by the second she introduces herself. He also thinks that she asked for the date, which was a last minute invite for dinner by both their friends. Beth is a good sport about the awful situation.

After the long, but uncomfortable dinner, they both leave at the same time. While Beth is sitting at the light waiting for a green, she didn't think that he was so bad. Next thing that happens, Beth is hit straight on by a teenager who was texting while driving, and was running a red light. The last thing Beth remembers is Sam holding her hand while help came.

So now Beth has broken ribs, a hip, and is stuck in the hospital for 6 weeks. Sam starts visiting her daily and a nice friendship develops. But he is skittish about dating, so he tries to pull back from her. Sam's insecurities and his thinking methods are so skewed, I spent half of the book annoyed with him.

He wants to date her, then he wants her to date other men. He can't make up his mind. I would have walked away from him if I was Beth.

I wouldn't say this is an enemies to lovers kind of story. it definitely is a story about two people who seemed along wrong for each other and didn't really care for each other, but because of an accident really come together a realize it isn't all about looks and hobbies. And that's what is so great about Debbie Macomber, she gets right to the heart of things and shares an entertaining heartfelt read.

Everyone likes a new beginning and sometimes you need a new beginning to bring hope where hope is not found.

Beth Prudhomme has moved to Portland Oregon from Chicago to live life without the control of her mother. She is now teaching music and spreading her wings. A good friend and co-worker suggests a blind date with Sam Carney. A rough and rugged man, a man that would not meet the approval of her mother. The date goes terribly wrong as they have nothing in common but as fate would have it, they are at the same intersection when a terrible accident takes Beth to the hospital and Sam becomes her protector. The accident brings them together but the chance for a new beginning keeps them together thru misunderstanding, fear, and a controlling mother.

A fun read that is relaxed without the in-depth character development that I like.

A Special Thank You to Random House Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Such a sweet read. Any book by Debbie is wonderful, especially this's one. You fall in love with the characters and feel like you're right there besides them!