This is technically a stand alone book, but in the same world "new beginnings" series. I love character series! 

Debbie Macomber is a queen, and all her books give you everything you need in a novel. Sometimes that means they are a bit predictable, but thats a comfort that I appreciate. 

This book focuses on Beth Prudhomme, and she's a highschool teacher! I am a teacher as well so I immediately connected. Loved the bad boy vibe that Sam gave.  Over all, an entertaining and well written book.

***This ARC was provided by Netgalley for an honest review***

Beth grew up in a well off family in Chicago, she’s 25 years old and has never had a job. She deals with a very controlling mother who has her hands in all aspects of her life.  Beth has tried many times to take cha of her life and is finally breaking free. She moves all the way across the country to Portland where her Aunt Sunshine Iives.  Not long after moving Beth is set up on a blind date by one of her coworkers with Sam. Sam is the head mechanic at a local dealership and is great with his hands. From their first meeting she knew he wasn’t the man for her.  Tragedy struck moments after the date when Beth is involved in a major car accident.  Sam happens to be there, witnessing the horror right before his eyes. Their relationship begins from there, the hospital, the rehab center to Beth finally getting her life back.  Can their relationship get past all the challenges they face, from their own demons to outside influences? Find out in If Not for You.

Yet another excellent read from one of my very favourite authors, Debbie Macomber. If you haven't read a book by her yet, this is the perfect one to start with. I really loved this story and have recommended it to my friends.

A wonderful story of unlikely love connections and of bravery in taking charge of one's life. I really enjoyed this book, found myself rooting for the characters as they developed beautiful bonds and made their own way in life. Thank you NetGalley for the e-reader copy for review, all opinions are my own.

Another amazing and favorite from author Debbie Macomber. If you haven't picked up a book by her, this is the perfect one to start with. I loved this book and can't stop telling my friends about it.

Beth Prudhomme is finally on her own. She's 25 years old and always listened what her mother wanted her to do. She finally got her wings and left Chicago to go stay with her free spirited Aunt Sunshine in Portland, Oregon. Her mother is also on strict orders from Beth to leave her be in Portland for 6 months without her trying to interfere in her life.  After being there only week, she gets a job as a music teacher and gets her own apartment. She befriends a fellow teacher named Nichole.  Nichole tries to help Beth liven it up by setting her on a blind date with Sam Carney. He is best friends with Nichole's husband. At first Beth already wasn't up to meeting him, because he was a mechanic, and she was way too worried about what her mother would think.. Their dater did not go well and on their way home Beth is in a serious accident, and Sam saw the whole thing. 
While she is recuperating with a broken hip, Sam visits her and the start up a friendship, which eventually turns into a romantic relationship.
Sweet, funny romance book. Great story, Just didn't like how it ended. It was like "That's it??!!"

I finally got a chance to finish this book and oh my I really liked it. I love everything I have read by debbie Macomber and this book was no different. I really enjoyed seeing Beth's life and the things/people that pushed her to get where she is. It really makes you stop and think about the people and places and forces that have acted upon your own life. .

I'm a big Debbie Macomber fan but this is one of my least favorites by her. It felt rushed, but was a fast decent read. I did love there inspiration note.

Debbie Macomber is an auto read author for me. If Not for You tells the story of Beth, who is living in Portland Oregon away from her Mom., to experience freedom on her own. She had a loving aunt nearby and ends up on a blind date that doesn’t go as planned. This book is about finding true love unexpectedly.

I loved "A Girl's Guide to Moving On," so I was very much looking forward to reading "If Not For You," the next book in Debbie Macomber's New Beginnings series.  While "If Not For You" is very much a standalone novel, it does offer the chance to catch up with a few favorite characters from previous books in the series.  Rocco and Nichole, the hero and heroine of "A Girl's Guide to Moving On," play particularly important roles in bringing together Sam and Beth, the main characters of this novel.  

Overall, I enjoyed "If Not For You," though it wasn't my favorite book of the series.  I applaud Beth for her efforts to stand up for herself and make a life apart from her mother's expectations and demands, but at the same time, she drove me crazy with her attempts to interfere in her aunt's and Sam's lives.  It's funny to me how much Beth protested her mother's interference in her own life when she basically did the same thing to Sam and Sunshine.  Both Beth and her mother wanted their loved ones to live their lives according to the visions they had for them, whether that was what they wanted or not.  Ellie and Beth did what they did out of love, at least, so it wasn't too difficult for me to forgive them in the end.  

*ARC provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who doesn’t mind a romance I found this book sorely lacking in plot or character development. I found the story’s subplot more interesting than the main story and found the female lead difficult to cheer on.

This is a love story of sorts. Beth has gotten away from her parents and finds a job teaching. She is not really looking for love but finds it. Or does she? Sam rescues her from a car wreck by staying with her. Then he continues to be in her life. No one really knows Sam. Is her decision right ? or is she wrong?

Debbie Macomber's writing is always thoughtful, and while she tends to include religion, she doesn't preach. The characters in her stories are relatable, and the settings are easy to visualize. This holds true for If Not for You, to a point. I enjoyed the premise, and the pace of the story kept me reading happily along. I binge read most of this story, and found myself tearing up near the end (always a good sign). The personalities of some of the characters is where Ms Macomber lost me, and is the main reason for only a three star review. 
I found Beth to be very naive, and although you can give her a bit of a pass for being so sheltered growing up, there are limits. Ellie, her mother, was believable until the end-not buying the changes in her. I liked her dad, Phillip, and her aunt, Sunshine, they were probably the most realistic people in book, next to Nichole and Rocco. I would enjoy reading more about them. As for Sam, I found him at times a bit childish and confused. His backstory didn't ring true, either. I liked him, just didn't find him believable. All of that said, I still enjoyed reading this title, but would not suggest it if you aren't already a fan of Debbie and her writing. Not my favorite. Thanks to Netgally and the publisher.

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review

I have always liked reading a Debbie Macomber book. I loved how everything is the book happened for a reason and how the reason was subtly explained, but it did get a bit repetitive

Beth was determined to live life the way she wanted not the way her mother wanted her to live it.Sam lived life without getting involved with anyone. It is an unlikely beginning but they make it work.
It was an enjoyable book

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.