Beth Prudhomme and Sam Carney are talked into a blind date by mutual friends. It doesn't go well. They are total opposites. As Beth is driving away she is involved in a terrible car accident that Sam witnesses. He rushes to her aid and since she is new in town and knows few people he feels compelled to show up at the hospital to support her. Before he knows it he is there every day having long talks with Beth and they discover they may not be so different after all. The problem could be Beth's Mother. Beth left town to get away from her and she will definitely not approve of Sam.

Sam is a caring compassionate man with issues in his past. Beth is just getting out from under her Mothers thumb and finally standing up for herself. Their relationship is slow to develop and you can't help but root for them. I liked Sunshines story. My only negative was the ending, it was a bit abrupt, it just stopped. There could have been another chapter for me, it felt incomplete. I almost downgraded my rating to a 3 1/2 because of the ending. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Great author and a good love story. I hope there will be more to this story. I thought there should be more closier with the daughter. I will recommend it to our patrons.

You can't judge a book by its cover or people by how they look. Under the long hair and tattoos is a very surprising warm & caring person. Standing up to your mother is hard, but Beth has to live her own life which includes the man she loves, even if her mother doesn't approve. There's also an additional twists of car accidents & the riff between sisters that has torn the family apart for years. Love conquered after many twists & turns.

Debbie Macomber has a knack for creating characters and a storyline that draws a reader in. So it is no surprise that she accomplishes it in this book. It is a classic tale of prim and proper meeting rough and rugged. A car accident leads two unlikely people on a journey through the highs and lows of a relationship. I thoroughly enjoyed this book but my one criticism is in the treatment of Jake's backstory. He has a child who turns out to be a music prodigy but he can't have a relationship with her. It's frustrating to receive a tantalizing tidbit and no more. My hope is that this story is the start of a new series and the many unanswered that I have will be answered.

Debbie Macomber never disappoints, this book was a true love story from start to finish

If Not for You, Debbie Macomber’s latest entry in her New Beginnings series, is a sweet tale of romance and catharsis which interweaves several different characters, their lives and relationships. 

The two main characters, Beth Prudhomme and Sam Carney, are invited for an awkward “set-up” dinner by Beth’s friend, Nichole. Both are basically alone; Beth having recently moved to Portland and Sam still not over a devastating loss following a heart wrenching breakup many years past. They don’t connect at dinner, but when Sam witnesses a horrific car accident involving Beth later that night, he feels compelled to follow her to the hospital, and that marks the true beginning of their relationship. Throughout her long recovery, Sam is there and their relationship deepens. Also offering support, is Beth’s aunt, Sunshine, who had moved to the West Coast following the breakup of her engagement roughly 30 years earlier. Sunshine is a very successful artist and I enjoyed reading about her. I would love to be able to see her paintings as described. One in particular was very intriguing. 

This is a book that is character/relationship driven. Though the relationship between Beth and Sam is the primary focus of the book, there are several other threads that carry a similar theme of catharsis. Beth left Chicago to escape her overbearing and controlling mother. After the move, Beth is the very essence of the proverbial butterfly as she slowly leaves her cocoon behind and spreads her wings. In doing so, Beth has more than one run-in with her mother, as she works hard to establish her independence. Her relationship with Sam is just one point of contention as her mother “knows best.” There is no little irony to be found when Beth later meddles in others’ relationships, much as her mother might have done. Other relationships also evolve as the book progresses, which I will not go into in detail for fear of giving too much away. . 

While not a classic, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it. Once engaged, I found it difficult to set aside. The warmth, heart and gentle lessons found in this book are typical of Debbie Macomber, and that is never a bad thing. 

I was given a free copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions stated are solely my own.

Another fantastic book by Debbie Macomber. She has such an uncanny ability to bring characters to life and make me care about them. I was sad to finish the last page and say goodbye to these wonderful people.

Being a huge fan of Debbie Macomber, I was super excited when this showed up for grabs on NetGalley! And let me just say I was definitely not let down! Great writing with a good plot and some familiar characters.

5 stars!

She never disappoints. Another very sweet story, including characters from her previous books. I wish she gave more updates on them as well.

Hooked Again, Although I will always love Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy -- I think this just may be the best Debbie Macomber novel yet. I loved the characters and how they grew, overcoming their hurts and limitations, and fighting their fears to attain their dreams, their hearts desires. This is good enough to read again, and I will..

If Not For You
Debbie Macomber
Available: March 21, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley.com for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Third in the New Beginnings series, If Not For You is probably the weakest of the books so far. It seems like a re-hashing of the second book in the series since they both have the same premise (upper class woman falling in love with a blue-collar man). The anticipated showdown and drama between Beth and her mother, Ellie, never really comes to fruition and it is a real let down. I was expecting Ellie to be more of a witch with a B, but she was all bark and absolutely no bite.
What I loved: Nothing in particular, but it is still a sweet, gentle love story that it expected of Ms. Macomber’s writing.
What I didn’t love: The bumps in the road of love for Sam and Beth were just that – little hiccups. I was hoping for more drama to make the inevitable reunion all that sweeter.
What I learned: People can take Classical Music as an elective in high school?
Overall Grade: B-

www.FluffSmutandMurder.com

This is the love story of two unlikely to make it work people. As you read, you realise that is true, it's very unlike that they will last, and that is not only because they come from different backgrounds, but because they are so immature, childish, and over-exaggerating that only in a romance could they make it work. Happy reading!

I tried to come to this novel unhindered by the fact that is was romance, and women's fiction, and chick lit. I had read a Debbie Macomber before, and it had been a cute read. This time around, yes, there were some things that I did like about this novel, such as:
* The main character was OK, I liked the way she ended up in a new city, namely Portland, OR.
* There were some mildly funny scenes
* I especially liked the story of Sunshine and Peter, mostly Sunshine's character. Probably the most likeable and down to earth character.
* Although it wasn't a gripping novel, I was still curious how things will turn out, despite the air of predictability it had.

And sure enough, there were things I did not like, nor did I think believable. They certainly read like something you'd see happening in a movie or a novel like this, despite the characters' remarks that such things don't happen to them, but only in fiction.
* Sam was immature, a teenager-like character who wanted to appear in control of his life. Despite his bad past and hurtful situations, he over-exaggerated mostly everything.
* Beth was a fix-everything kind of person, and I agreed with Sam's harsh observations that she shouldn't mingle in everyone's lives. But of course! everything she did works out just fine in the end. Convenient!
* Their love story is that of two teenagers. I am sorry, but I was not impressed. Overly infatuated with one another. Had it not been for that accident, there wouldn't be a story to tell, and maybe it would have been for the best. Harsh, I know, but I was not goo and aww over their love.
* At some point there seemed to be an unnecessary repetition: the author mentioned Sunshine and Ellie's rift in relationship, and twice she compared it with the large gap of the Grand Canyon. We got it the first time. Another thing, when Beth told Sam about her talk to Peter, Sunshine's first love, he offered his opinion and she told him about her opinion about Sunshine's ex-lover. Some chapters later, Beth brings up the same discussion and acts as if this is fresh news, despite talking about the same man before.

I am always overly judgmental when it comes to romance, but I am sure those who are fans of this genre will like this novel. For me it was an OK read, easy for a lazy day around the house. The fans of Debbie Macomber will surely appreciate it come March, I am sure. It's cute and darling, and it gives you warm feelings.

It's a Debbie Macomber book so you start out with the premise that it's going to be a great read. Debbie does not disappoint! The storyline is compelling, you want to finish the book to see how everything ends. The characters are reminiscent of real people and you can identify with them easily. I enjoyed the relationship that Beth and Sam shared and you could feel the love they have for each other. If you can actually feel emotion from a story, I say that's a well written book! The side story of Sunshine and Peter was a nice addition to the book also and also kept you reading to find the outcome. All in all this is a very sweet, clean novel that is enjoyable to read.

Loved it! Another hit for Ms. Macomber. Perfect second chance book. That will make you smile.

Another new book by Debbie Macomber... and she never seems to disappoint me! Her ability to pull the reader directly into a story to really get to KNOW her characters is nothing short of amazing.

Beth Prudhomme is a twenty five year old high school music teacher who finds it necessary to move from Chicago to Portland, Oregon in order to escape the control and interference of her mother. A blind date with handsome, hunky Sam goes from bad to worse when it ends up with a car crash where Beth is seriously injured. But then things get better and a beautiful new relationship develops between the two of them. Add in the artsy Aunt Sunshine, friends Rocco and Nichole, a cute little boy named Owen who follows Sam around with his cussing jar, and numerous other characters, and you have a delightful, romantic story that flows with all the warmth, sincerity, humor and emotional drama you can muster in one novel!

This was a delightful quick read... the kind of book that could cause a sunburn if you''re reading it on the beach. You just can't stop turning those pages to apply fresh sunscreen!

I would heartily recommend this book to people looking for a clean romance with tingles.

Another great book by one of my favorite authors. I love a good clean love story that leaves me not feeling like it is just one sex scene to another, but a true love story full of respect and dignity. Being a widow and not expecting to find love make the female character real and identifiable.

If Not For You by Debbie Macomber
Glad as one of her fan ambassadors I was given this ARC prior to the release of the book.
Have read all the authors other works and love knitting inspired ones.
Beth has finally broken away from her mothers grip and moved from Chicago to Portland, OR where her aunt Sunshine lives.
She was able to get an apartment and job as a music teacher and loves her new life. Her friend Nicole has invited her to dinner with her husband Rocco and son Owen.
Sam is Rocco's friend and feels comfortable with the family. Beth and Sam are set up and can't wait to leave the dinner when they feel things didn't go well. As they each drive home Beth's car is hit and she's in really bad shape.
Sam does all he can to just be with her and even afterwards when she's in the hospital and rehab he's there for her and despite their outside appearances they find they do like one another-the inside persons they are.
Some tender moments and some bringing up events of the past to bring the whole puzzle together.
Found book was rather boring and a bit longer than it needed to be to get the story told but liked the read.
Liked new things I learned and location of OR as we are familiar with areas of it in our travels.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

If not for certain people, places and events in our lives, our lives could take entirely different turns, as the main character, Beth finds out in this book.

At the age of 25, Beth decides that it is time to take control of her life. Up to this point, her controlling mother has guided everything she has done, including picking the male companions she would date.

After moving from Chicago to Portland, Beth finds a job, makes new friends and experiences many things she would have never been able to if she would have stayed at home.

A horrible experience leads her to a very unlikely new friend in her life. Will the vast differences in their lifestyles and upbringings keep them apart, or will their friendship turn into a special gift? Will Beth’s mother undermine Beth’s attempts at a new life, or will Beth stand up to her mother to be in control of her life? Where will all of this end?

Each book that the author writes becomes my “new favorite”. I enjoyed this book so much and was able to read it in a couple of days. I highly recommend it to all lovers of Debbie Macomber books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Penguin Random House, in exchange for my honest unbiased review.

The first thing I want to say is that if you read, A Girl's Guide to Moving On, some of the characters show up in this book. Had I known that from reading the other reviews, I would have moved this up through my TBR pile faster.

Beth left behind her gentile and privileged upbringing in Chicago, to move to Portland, Or to live with her hippyesque aunt, Sunshine. Determined to get out from under her mom's thumb, she embarks on an adventure to find herself. A teacher at a local high school, she gets set up on a blind date by a fellow teacher who thinks she'd be perfect for her husband's friend, Sam. The two are polar opposites in many ways and to say there was no love connection, is putting it mild. They both leave the dinner date before dessert and Beth gets in a nasty car accident that Sam witnesses. Feeling compelled to visit her since he was with her during the immediate aftermath, the two begin to fall in love - much to the chagrin of Beth's snobby mother who rushes to Oregon to make sure that her daughter doesn't make any mistakes. Add to that mix, the fact that Sunshine and her sister (Beth's mom) don't get along because of something that happened over 30 years ago and you have on your hands a sweet little story.

I was skeptical of this book based on the reviews that I read but was hooked once I realized that Rocco and Nichole were back. Something about characters that continue on in other books makes my heart do a little happy dance. I do wish that the characters evolved a little bit more than they did, and I found it hard to connect to Sam, but his and Beth's story was so very sweet. As I often say with Debbie Macomber books, you won't be wowed with her prose, her books won't leave you deep in thought when you've finished them but they WILL leave you warm and fuzzy. A perfect sit inside under the blanket while the rain is coming down outside kind of book.

I received this book from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1870438943

Beth is a music teacher who recently moved from Chicago to Portland, Oregon to live near her Aunt, Sunshine and to escape her controlling Mother. One night, her co-worker and friend, Nichole invites her to dinner with the intent of introducing her to her husband's friend, Sam.

Neither Sam not Beth want to be set up. Sam has sworn off relationships and is not looking for a girlfriend. She agrees to the diner to appease his friend, Rocco. Beth is apprehensive but is talked into going by her Aunt. Their first impressions of each other are not very promising. Sam is an auto mechanic with long hair and a beard. Sam initially sees Beth as being quiet, reserved, and not like the women he meets in bars. Both decide to go their separate ways when fate steps in.

On the way home from the uncomfortable set up, Beth is hit by a teenager who is texting and not paying attention. Sam witnesses the accident and stays with her until help arrives. He then decides to go to the hospital where their mutual friends come to find out if she will be okay. As Beth has a long healing process ahead, Sam feels compelled to visit her in the hospital and both learn there is more to the other than meets the eye. They have a mutual love of music and learn they enjoy playing together.

As Beth and Sam get closer, the reader also learns about Beths's Aunt Sunshine's lost love and her strained relationship with her sister Ellie (Beth's Mother).

Initially I really enjoyed this book. It was nice to see Nichole and Rocco again after reading their story in "A Girl's guide to Moving on". It was nice to see how their relationship had progressed and the friend's they have made. But as the book got closer to then end, I began to fall a little out of love with this book. It fell from a 4 star read to a 3 star read for me. Why? The boy with the troubled past has been done before and I felt the conflict and resolution just did not feel right. Plus, the ending felt SO RUSHED. There is CONFLICT....then BOOM...they once again kiss and make up and BAM the book abruptly ends. Is it too much to ask for an epilogue? Is it too much to ask for a little bit more after the kiss and make up. The ending was so abrupt..as in SERIOUSLY????? it's over just like that. I like these types of books. I really enjoy reading them. I hate the abrupt endings. If I could say one thing to the Author and/or Publishers it would be EPILOGUE. I'm sure these characters will show up in future books and we will get a glimpse of where they went from the end of this book but come on already.....I just wanted more..just a smidge more.