My first from this author after seeing a slew of her hits as movies on Lifetime. I love the way Debbie Macomber writes. Her words flow so effortlessly and she writes characters that I could totally relate to. Her brand of love story is very unique in comparison to the usual I've been reading of late. I liken it to a good old-fashioned kind of romance, where the couple truly gets to know one another without the need to hop into bed right off the bat. In fact, there is zero sex and I didn't miss it one bit!

This is truly Beth's story. Her struggle to find herself at 25, moving to Portland to get away from her overbearing mother and falling into a groove she never quite expected. Her literal run-in with Sam after a disastrous blind date sets the ball in motion for a new adventure for Beth, one in which she finally takes hold of her life and lives it her way.

I truly enjoyed the slow burn between Beth and Sam. His hesitations in getting involved with a woman so different from him. Yet. their time together was always easy and watching as they fall in love ever so slowly was pure joy. The additions of good friends and family, particularly Sunshine, added the right component and gave Beth and Sam the encouragement they needed when they'd hit a bump in the road. There is so much in terms of additional story matter wrt Sunshine and Sam's secret. Beth as someone who tries to help when she can, could be accused of caring too much and twice her actions threaten her happiness.

It's a great romantic tale that consumed me from the start and it felt like a breath of fresh air. I would love more from all the characters to see how they are faring now. For those needing sexy times, this is not the book for you. There is zero physical activity yet the author manages to write about a pure kind of passion seen in both Beth and Sam's eyes. And for me, that was more than enough.

A great respite from the same old thing, If Not For You warmed my heart and is just delightful.

A solid 5 stars!

I love Debbie Macomber. I make it a point to keep abreast of release dates and read all of her new books as soon as I can get my hands on them. Needless to say, I was ecstatic to be given the opportunity to have a sneak peek at one of her novels. Unfortunately, I was not a fan of this book. While reading Debbie's books, one is frequently required to suspend disbelief. I get that, and I'm usually fine with it. However, this one, to me, was simply unbelievable. I also found it to be absolutely ridiculous that the male love interest (Sam) is looked down upon because...gasp!...he's a mechanic! He also has long hair, a beard, tattoos, and swears. Oh no! I did not find him likeable at all, and it had nothing to do with any of those things. He's condescending, controlling, and incredibly immature for a man of 36 years (I would give examples but do not want to include spoilers at this time). The female love interest (Beth), is also immature, though I found this to be more forgivable for a 25-year-old only child who has been sheltered her whole life up until this point. I liked that she had the courage to move from Chicago to Portland on her own, but she definitely needed to do more to cut the cord. She supposedly had an agreement with her mother that they wouldn't have any contact for six months. Come to find out they talk every day on the phone! In my opinion, you don't have much right to complain about your mother butting into your life too much when you continue to communicate with her daily. I enjoyed the character of Sunshine, and actually thought her story would have made a better book. The Sam/Beth story line seemed to drag on; there didn't seem to be enough substance to warrant an entire book. Unfortunately, I have to say this is my least favorite Debbie Mac book to date and would not recommend this particular story to someone new to the author. I would point those new to Debbie Macomber to her Inn at Rose Harbor series and any of her Christmas books, which are all great However, I think diehard fans will enjoy this.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

This is the third book in the New Beginnings Series. If you are a fan of Nichole and Rocco, you will be happy to know they make an appearance in this book. This story doesn't need to be read as part of that series, it could also stand alone, as most of the story is about Sam and Beth. Sam is a friend of Rocco's, and Beth is a friend of Nichole's. Nichole decides to play matchmaker and set them up, only for the meeting to go awkwardly. Beth gets in a car accident on the way home from the dinner, Sam sees it happen, and suddenly has a change of heart, as he ends up falling for Beth and vice versa.

This book was killing me until halfway through. The relationship between the main characters was so forced even Sam knew it. When the main characters started to realized it became a bit better. What really brought it around for me was the secondary story. Beth moved away from her controlling mother and closer to her free spirited aunt. We got to learn all about their histories and why they were the way they were, and how Beth got involved in trying to fix their relationship. I don't want to spoil anything because this was my favorite part of the book. Once that unraveled, the rest of the book just flowed!

Such a delightful story that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions! The story line has ups and downs from the start as Beth and Sam try to figure out what they want from life. The characters are remarkably well written and have amazing chemistry. Loved this book and look forward to more!

Beth has moved to Portland, Oregon, to be near her Aunt Sunshine. She had to get away from her over-protective mother. She gets a job as a high school music teacher, which she loves.

She is introduced to Sam by a well-meaning friend, but their meeting is awkward, and neither one is comfortable. They both leave early, and Beth is involved in a serious car accident, which Sam witnesses. Sam stays with her while waiting on help to arrive, and makes a point to visit her in the hospital as much as possible. Sam is not her usual type of boyfriend, he has long hair and tattoos. And Beth knows that her mother will come unglued if she begins a relationship with him.

What do Sam and Beth do? Will a relationship work between them? Will Beth's mother interfere? And what happened 30 years ago to cause a break in her mother and Aunt Sunshine's family?

I've always enjoyed Debbie Macomber's books, some more than others. This is one of the more enjoyable ones.

I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generosity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it.
Having previously read and disliked A Girl’s Guide to Moving On, I wasn’t so sure about starting this book despite having been a long-time fan of the author. It had several carry over characters from the previous book in the series and I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this one as much as I did. Granted it had a lot of the silly drama that is so prevalent in all of Macomber’s books (honestly, her adult characters blow things out of proportion and break faster than high schoolers after prom) but at least the characters are fairly likeable.
The premise is simple; two characters that are completely opposite are brought together through a blind date gone wrong and a car accident. Main female character Beth is a prim, uptight and parentally challenged young woman while Sam is a grouchy, rough around the edges mechanic who has sworn off serious dating due to a bad breakup when he was much younger. The usual ups and downs and complications ensue plus some back stories about family dynamics and loveable hippy aunts. Simply put, it’s the usual Macomber novel. If you are looking for a quick read that will leave you in good spirits and that is not filled with violence, gratuitous sex and cursing then this is the book/series to read. I appreciate the author’s values and that she does not have to assault readers with tabloid-type hype in order to satisfy and be on the best-seller list.

Author: Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Date: March 21st, 2017
Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: romance

Very enjoyable book, a sequel to "A girls guide to moving on." It is fun to go back and see what the characters from the first book have been up to.. The story of Sam and Beth is a sweet story. At first they were anything but a match, but circumstances change and they each bring out in the other what they each need.

If Not For You by Debbie Macomber is a uplifting read, reminding us that love comes in all shapes and sizes. This book is listed as third in a series called New Beginnings, although I did not in any way find any difficulty starting in the midst. The characters are interesting and the situations help make the book interesting.

Beth Prudhomme leaves home and her overprotective and assertive mother, to start again in Portland Oregon. She moves with the idea that she is going to run her own life. However, not everything happens smoothly as she is quickly hit in an accident. Beth has a long way to go in order to gain her independence again. Sam is a constant visitor and both of them begin to bond. Sam does not fit her idea of a boyfriend, but with so much time together slowly she begins to see herself with Sam. Then more happens, giving Beth and Sam more doubts and fears.

I liked the book. I mostly liked the characters, except for Beth’s mom, who was overbearing and clueless. Beth does have a busy body gene within her that almost bites her (and probably should). Debbie Macomber’s newest book If Not For You is a good read.

Really enjoyed this book! I like the author's characters, plot and series. The cover is very inviting and beautiful.

Everything Happens for a Reason and in it's own time.
This is a wonderful , uplifting story of a young woman - Beth, who has finally decided to pursue her dreams and her life and move away from her domineering Mother. She moves to Oregon near to her Aunt Sunshine.
Sunshine is the most upbeat, happy person Beth has known.
While driving home from a blind date, a horrible accident takes place where Beth's life will change forever.
She meets the love of her life, but will this relationship be cast aside once her parents meet Sam? He is not exactly what her parents had in mind for their "Little Girl."
Fabulous novel and I read it in 2 days. You will want to continue reading to see what is next for Beth and her family. Loved it!

3.5 out of 5 stars

In the past I've found myself quite enjoying Debbie Macomber's books. She tells feel good stories where the romance is sweet without being too sexy. They're the kind of books you can relax with and find yourself becoming fully submerged in the comfortable predictability of the outcome. That's not to say they're all cookie cutter stories each one decorated slightly different from the one before. It's not that at all. It's more that you know what to expect from her stories- even when they're new and exciting you still have an idea what you're in for. That's the comfortable predictability right there. It's a good thing. However, If Not for You, while meeting many of those expected points, fell short for me.

The underlying premise was good. I enjoyed how the author wrote her main characters as polar opposites; I found their initial story endearing. We all know how opposites attract. I even bought into the quickened pace of their head over heels infatuation. What I couldn't accept, or rather get into, was the angst. We're talking about adults here. Adults who, yes, have been sheltered for years by overinvolved parents. Adults who, yes, have been twisted up by life's cruel injustices. But adults none the less. The petulant temper tantrums, the incessant busybody behavior, the back and forth "I love you so much- now leave me alone" moments of indecision... It all grew banal and clichéd. I really wanted to like the characters and cheer for their love story in the making, but more than not I just wanted them to make a decision and stick with it. Either grow up, have a relationship, and butt out of everybody else's. Or continue to behave like a bratty child but do so off the page.

At the end of the day, I think Macomber definitely has a knack for syrupy romance that can bring the story back around even when it seems to have gone far off course. I liked that love was shown to be able to cover a multitude of sins and stupid choices. I liked that forgiveness was shown to reign supreme even when adding insult to injury. I only wish all of these could have been demonstrated in a less obnoxious way.

Even though, for me, this wasn't my favorite of Macomber's books I can say with confidence I will still be back. Perhaps the next time I'll feel a stronger connection to the characters and the story they have to share. In the meantime, I'd like to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with this review opportunity. So, thank you.

I can always depend on Debbie to give me a feel good book about family, love, friendship, forgiveness and just a bit of romance. Sam is everything Beth is not and I am so glad they found each other cant wait to see what is in store for this couple. I hope Sunshine is featured in #4 I want her to have her happy ending too.

My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It was good to visit again with Nichole and Rocco and see how they are doing. Rocco's friend, Sam, doesn't date anyone and Nichole was so sure that he and Beth would be great together. When they meet, they know they are not at all suited. Beth comes from money and Sam is a mechanic with long hair and tattoos. Beth just know that her mother would not approve. Sam knows that she deserves more than what he can give her. But, circumstances change and they find they have more in common than they thought. The road to love and forgiveness isn't easy and none of the characters had an easy time with it. Beth's aunt and mother were at odds for over 30 years and she is trying to help them heal their relationship. Betrayal is hard to forget and it takes a lot for them to come together. This is a story of love and forgiveness. Loved it!

If not for you by Debbie Macomber📚💕

Sam and Beth's story is what real life is made of. Both broken in different ways. Sam by a love who betrayed him and took everything good that should have been. Beth escaped an over controlling mother by moving from Chicago to Oregon. Set up on a blind date by well meaning friends is a colossal disaster. Both went respecting the worse with preconceived opinions. Escaping the date at the exact same time makes it so Sam witnesses Beth get hit my a teenage girl texting and not paying resulting in severe injuries. Both have an unexpected connection while Sam hold Beth's hand while waiting for the ambulance. This is the start to a beautiful love story.

I really enjoyed this book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I really loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. This is a fun, sweet, frustrating , romantic must read book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

Written in dual POV my personal favorite. 📚💕

Congrats Ms. Macomber another beautifully written book. Thanks you Netgally for the opportunity to read and review.

Was so happy to get an ARC of Debbie Macomber's new book. Love all of her books and this one did not disappoint. Didn't want to put it down!

This book is about Beth and Sam. Beth's Mother is the queen of manipulating a person to make them do as she wishes. She wants to control her daughters life, her daughter does what she can to get away, she makes a deal with her Mom to leave her alone for six months. No contact. Beth went to live near her Aunt Sunshine, who is a big hit in the Art world. Aunt Sunshine never married, and she has nothing to do with Beth's Mother, they don't speak haven't as far back as Beth can recall no one will tell her why. Beths friends set her up for a blind date, only they don't tell the guy that Beth is coming to meet him, he knows what is going on the minute he meets her. This book is about living, how people can't help themselves they have to meddle in others lives, they want to help them, make things better, and it often flys back in their face but they keep trying. It is also about how life happens and often times we have so much pride we will make a decision not best for our life but it is made during an emotional time, and we won't go back and say it was our fault, let's fix this.
People do the most stupid things in the name of love, and they often enough have too much pride to want to go backwards. So the book is about living really and it does have really well developed characters,, is well written, I've heard it is 3rd in a row of books around some of these characters, but it didn't stand out as a series book. It was great as a stand alone I wouldn't have picked it as one in a series. Debbie Macomber writing as she does with great love for her characters and great endings for them also! Loved the book!


I received a kindle copy to read and give an honest review from http://NetGalley.com. I would give this five stars. Couldn't put it down.

From Good Reads the description: An emotionally stirring novel that shows how obstacles can be overcome, differences can be strengths, and sometimes a choice can seem wrong even though it s absolutely right

If not for her loving but controlling parents, Beth Prudhomme might never have taken charge of her life and moved from her native Chicago to Portland, Oregon, where she s reconnected with her spirited Aunt Sunshine and found a job as a high school music teacher. If not for her friend Nichole, Beth would never have met Sam Carney, although first impressions have left Beth with serious doubts. Sam is everything Beth is not and her parents worst nightmare: a tattooed auto mechanic who s rough around the edges. Reserved and smart as a whip, Beth isn t exactly Sam s usual beer-drinking, pool-playing type of woman, either.

But if not for an awkward setup one evening, Beth might never have left early and been involved in a car crash. And if not for Sam who witnessed the terrifying ordeal, rushed to her aid, and stayed with her until help arrived Beth might have been all alone, or worse. Yet as events play out, Sam feels compelled to check on Beth almost daily at the hospital even bringing his guitar to play songs to lift her spirits. Soon their unlikely friendship evolves into an intense attraction that surprises them both.

Before long, Beth's strong-willed mother, Ellie, blows into town spouting harsh opinions, especially about Sam, and reopening old wounds with Sunshine. When shocking secrets from Sam s past are revealed, Beth struggles to reconcile her feelings. But when Beth goes a step too far, she risks losing the man and the life she s come to love.

Let me start by saying Debbie Macomber is one of my very favorite authors and has been for years. However, if this was the first book of hers that I had ever read, I'm not sure I would continue reading Debbie's books. It was "ok" but nothing spectacular. An easy read, sure. But I felt there was little sustenance. No passion between the two main characters. Even when they had "fights" (if you would even call them that) I didn't feel anything. The characters' emotions were just not there. Blah. That's how the book left me feeling. Don't get me wrong - I'm a die hard fan of Debbie Macomber, and I will continue to read her books religiously. Just hope this doesn't mean her genius is fizzling out!

If Not For You by Debbie Macomber is the story of Beth Prudhomme. Even though she is already an adult, Beth’s story is a coming of age story as well, as the story of falling in love with the man that is all wrong for her. Sam Carney has a past, a blue collar job, and meets none of Beth’s mom’s expectations. Yet, the two are drawn together quickly through circumstances and their ability to connect deeply with each other. Fans of Debbie Macomber will not be disappointed with the book’s familiar rhythms of dialogue and descriptions. It is Debbie Macomber at her best, only better due to deeper characterization than I’ve found in her other books. This is a character driven book that is definitely worth reading. I believe the book would have been even better had it taken a few more chapters to develop a more robust ending. I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.