Everyone would like to believe they are in control of their destiny. Not day by day but in the grand scheme of things. Life just has a way of getting in the way of plans and that’s not necessarily always with a bad outcome. Some might call these just hiccups in life but for others their path is forever altered. IF NOT FOR YOU is part of Debbie Macomber’s New Beginnings series. This is actually book number three.

IF NOT FOR YOU is about people having a wakeup call of sorts. Life has been predictable, unexciting, and candidly disappointing. Debbie Macomber pairs the most unlikely people in order to clearly illustrate her point of view on love. And in IF NOT FOR YOU she lovingly does that more than once. Kind of to prove her point I guess. Or to drive home her firm beliefs about the nature of love, healing, kindness and candor.

Beth is the epitome of that belief. There are times you would like to shake Beth to get her to face reality but then you quickly realize that then she wouldn’t be Beth. Sam is what he is at least to those superfluous in his life. Only the important people know Sam and he is okay with that. At least until he meets Beth. Debbie Macomber doesn’t want you to believe in love at first sight at least not for Beth and Sam. In fact the only thing they have in common is their mutual desire to end this blind date disaster.

Life is going to have other plans for these two folk. Lovely young people whose paths were very different. And yet somehow there is much that they share. In IF NOT FOR YOU Debbie Macomber is insightful in peeling away the layers of their pasts and revealing much about their hopes and dreams. Sam isn’t even aware that he has any hopes or dreams. His life at this juncture is about today. Beth on the other hand is seeking out her future, away from controlling parents looking to protect their daughter from life’s rough spots.

But we quickly realize that for Sam and Beth it is those rough spots that has shaped them into the two people they are. In IF NOT FOR YOU Debbie Macomber tells us a lot about each character in their own tongue so to speak. And there is a wonderful supporting cast.

Beth has an unfortunate habit of getting involved with other people’s lives. It’s as if this sweet rather unassuming woman thinks the world should be filled with love. And somehow this is her mission. Sticking your nose into other people’s business is a risky proposition. You’d think after a few bungles Beth would learn her lesson but romantics can’t seem to turn a blind eye. This is what could ultimately be the greatest challenge Beth and Sam face.
Debbie Macomber likes to work with characters that have flaws so don’t expect to agree with everything the folks in IF NOT FOR YOU do or say. Macomber makes her characters practically jump off the page and there are times you are genuinely annoyed by something they do or say. But that’s exactly the point. The folk in IF NOT FOR YOU fall into the way Debbie Macomber fashions characters. Fans of this engaging author know that ultimately her characters will grab at your heart and conscience. You just might find some of their antics counterproductive but that’s okay. In life you don’t always have to like what someone does – but compromise is imperative.

Debbie Macomber weaves a story of love, second chances, betrayal, and forgiveness together.to form this stirring novel. Beth has been under her mother's tight control all her life until she decides to move to where her Aunt Sunshine lives. A series of events occur that bring Beth and Sam together and things get complicated after that. Sam is someone who her mother wouldn't approve of but Beth is determined to live her life her way. Great characters, dialog, and feeling make this a story that I had a hard time putting down. Beautiful

If Not for You

by Debbie Macomber

If Not for You is part of the New Beginnings series by Debbie Macomber. These are books related more by theme than by characters, although there is some overlap of characters. Each could definitely be read as a standalone. I am not a fan of the romance genre, but I do enjoy reading one occasionally. I like Macomber’s romances because she manages to talk about relationships without taking the reader into the bedroom with detailed descriptions. If Not for You begins with a blind date between Beth, a young socialite struggling to escape a controlling mother, and Sam, a bearded, long-haired, tattooed mechanic. The date doesn’t go well, the evening ends in physical disaster, and a romance begins.

If Not for You details the ups and downs of Sam and Beth’s relationship as well as their respective backgrounds which brought them to this point. Other characters in the story have romantic issues as well. Beth has a tendency to want to “fix” other peoples’ affairs. Her efforts sometimes backfire despite her good intentions.

This romance is set in Portland and in Chicago. The characters are interesting and likable. Most of the story is predictable, but there are surprises along the way and I think fans of the gentle romance genre will enjoy it.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Random House (Ballantine) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Romance

Publication: March 21, 2017--Random House (Ballantine)

Memorable Lines:

...the look in his eyes that said more than an entire library of books.

My mother will find a way of making sure the entire facility knows she’s arrived. She’ll make more of a production than Hannibal crossing the Alps.

My husband would have disapproved, but he’s been gone three years so I do what I want these days. That’s one of the compensations of being a widow.

...when we fail to be kind and loving, then we fail to be wise.

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?

March 20, 2017 – Started Reading
Review Here I go again to read a book from a series of which I have not read the previous books. Still, reading Ms Macomber's book is refreshing.
Her novels always with dilemmas, surprises, discoveries and reconciliations make us think better of our own lives.

Here we find a couple, Beth and Sam, who met each other in a Blind Date. And even though Beth found Sam interesting, somehow she knew they would not end together because Sam did not have the appearance that would be accepted by Beth's mother.

An event in common between the couple: car accident.

Between comings and goings, meetings and disagreements, ends up happening when one is in love, the other retreats.
Beth and Sam seemed destined to be together, but for that they would have to overcome the many barriers raised to disrupt this love.

A mature romance that would have to overcome fear, rejection and pride.
4 stars

I loved this book. It was nice to see that Debbie showed that even though people make mistakes that things can work out and that the road to a lasting love takes a lot of hard work and forgiveness. Beth and Sam were amazing characters and I felt like I was there with them.

One thing I always know when I pick up a Debbie Macomber book is that I'm in for a fantastic read and this book was no different. This was a gorgeous romance that pulls at your heart strings. This author does an incredible job of bringing her characters to life and pulling emotions out of her readers. This is a book you don't want to pass up.

If Not For You
Debbie Macomber

This was a very heart warming double romance. Beth and Sam are from two completely different backgrounds. Beth comes from a wealthy family and Sam is a mechanic. They meet on a blind date and they both can't get away from the other quick enough.
But after Sam witnesses Beth get in an accident and he spends time with her while she recovers, he falls for her.
Meanwhile Beth's aunt Sunshine has loved and lost. She was never able to move on from her first love. And with Beth always trying to be the fixer she tries to make things right for her aunt.
Sam and Beth go through lots of ups and downs. They have family issues to work through and secrets from the past that try to ruin their love.
Great story of true love.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Earlier this week, Debbie Macomber released her newest novel, If Not For You. I've enjoyed the lightness of some of her books before and in the middle of trying to read heavier literature and An Army at Dawn (a Pulitzer non-fiction winner about World War II), I thought this would be the perfect time to read a lighter romance.

I was a little disappointed that this wasn't exactly light, though. It wasn't a steamy romance, of course, but because of a car accident, most of the book takes place in a hospital or rehab center. This isn't exactly an exciting setting or a great location for a romance, and it wasn't my favorite aspect of the book.

I did like the characters to a point, though I thought they were both a little too extreme. Beth, the Bible-reading good girl who just has to defy her parents (because for some reason, at age 25, she still needs their permission to live her life?), is too unrealistic to me. Sam, the rough-around-the-edges mechanic who (of course) sweeps her off her feet, despite (or perhaps because of) his unsuitability in Beth's mother's plans, has too many issues that pop up that just aren't necessary. Between the two of them, I thought they created problems where there weren't any.

Besides this, I didn't really get the sense that they belonged together. I liked that Sam was attentive and kind, but I didn't see why they were so hooked on each other. The romance element was lacking for me, or at least, the escapist romance was. I could see how these two might have fallen in love in real life based on their situation, but for a book, it was a little lackluster.

I didn't not like it, though. It was a quick read and I liked seeing Beth's growth over time, though she did make a lot of dumb repeat mistakes. I ended up giving this three stars because I didn't love it, but I didn't dislike it, either. It didn't work as much for what I was looking for, but it might be someone else's cup of tea.

*ARC from Ballantine Books via NetGalley

Beth Prudhomme moved to Portland, Oregon to escape her overbearing mother in Chicago. For the first time in her twenty-five year old life, she is independent and free. She is a music teacher and loves her new job. She is living on her own and loving life. Her new friend, Nichole, asks if she will come to dinner to meet a friend of her husband. Beth reluctantly agrees to to blind dinner date with Sam. Sam Carney is has long hair, a beard and tattoos. He is nothing like Beth's mother would ever approve of. It ends up being so awkward for both Beth and Sam and they can't escape fast enough.

Beth is too perfect for Sam's taste. She would never be interested in someone so below her social circle and the blind dinner date he goes on with Beth is beyond uncomfortable. He can't get out of their fast enough. As soon as dinner is over, he and Beth leave Nichole and Rocco's home and while stopped at a traffic light their vehicles are right next to each other. As soon as the turning lane signal turns green, Beth begins to turn and is hit by a speeding car running the light. She is seriously injured and Sam comes to her rescue and stays with her until emergency personnel arrive. This accident changes the rest of their lives.

This was a sweet story that is clean and with a HEA ending. It is proof that opposites attract and can be wonderful together. I have read other books by this author and like her others, this one did not disappoint.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: You can physically run away but the problems you're running from will follow.

If Not For You
By Debbie Macomber
In the third installment of the New Beginnings Series, Debbie Macomber continues with her "Inspiring series of stories about friendship, reinvention, and hope. These stories affirm the ability of every woman to forge a new path, believe in love, and fearlessly find happiness."
If Not For You is the story of Beth Prudhomme, moving to Portland, Oregon away from her childhood home in Chicago. One of the main reasons is to create a life outside of her parent's control. Adding salt to the wound, she is counseled by her Aunt Sunshine, her mother's sister. A feud has kept the sisters apart since college and of course it all started over a man. Sunshine welcomes Beth to the Pacific Northwest with open arms, hoping someday a reconciliation with her sister might happen. Beth takes a position at the high school as a music teacher where she befriends Nichole. Nichole was featured in book two, A Girl's Guide to Moving On where she met Rocco. Now married Nichole invites Beth over for dinner hoping she will hit it off with Rocco's mechanic friend, Sam Carney.
The two couldn't be more opposite if they tried. Yet, opposites do attract, at least in magnets. These two, not so much... They couldn't leave fast enough from the blind dinner date but fate had other plans. Sitting side by side in their respectful cars at a stop light, Beth gets hit by another car. Sam watches the entire accident in a surreal, "This can't be happening" sort of way. He rushes to Beth's side, assuring her until the first responders arrive.
While it is a horrific way for a relationship to begin, it is the accident that breaches the wall between them. Sam continues to "check up" on her in the hospital and during her physical therapy at the rehabilitation center. They soon find they have more in common than they believed.
As with all of Debbie Macomber's stories, there are layers upon layers and If Not For You is no exception. The title has significance in so many ways, if not for Nichole, Sam and Beth would not have met. If not for Peter, Sunshine and her Sister, Ellie might still be on speaking terms. If not for the accident Sam might have never moved beyond his protections to see Beth for who she truly is. If not for Beth meddling in affairs she has no business in, Peter would never know Sunshine forgave him for his betrayal. If not for Beth starting the unraveling of the tensions between all of them by moving in the first place, If Not For You couldn't come full circle to re-weave these family threads into a revised tapestry.
If Not For You is a magnetic story sure to keep readers stuck to the pages just to find out how it all ends!
Be sure to visit Debbie Macomber's website for a reading guide after you purchase this book. https://debbiemacomber.com

All of the Titles in New Beginnings Series:

Last One Home

A Girl's Guide to Moving On

If Not For You


FTC Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this title via Net Galley and Penguin Random House for review purposes only, no other compensation was awarded

Thank you NetGalley for the copy of It Not for You by Debbie Macomber that I read and reviewed.
This is the third book in the New Beginnings series and even though it is a stand alone it does contain a lot of spoilers for the second book so if you haven't read it and are planning on reading it I would suggest you read the books in order or at least the second and third due to spoilers.
Now for this book. It started off really fast then slowed down a bit and for me that was a bit strange but I guess it worked for this book in the grand scheme of things because I really ended up enjoying it.
Beth and Sam seemed like they would be total opposites and not work but as the book moved on as a reader you had no choice but to cheer for them. I loved how in this book true opposites attracted.
Then there was Sunshine, Beth's aunt who was dealing with the pain of the betrayal of her sister and really not getting over her true love. Her story that was intertwined with Sam and Beth's added a second layer to this book and a second character for the reader to cheer for.
This book is not your typical romance if that is what you are looking for. Things are not always easy for these characters and they have to fight their own demons and their pasts to get their happily ever after in this story and the journey they go through makes them stronger as individuals, as a family and as couples and that is what makes this book so special.
I am giving It Not for You four out of five stars.

Debbie Macomber returns following A Girl's Guide to Moving On (New Beginnings, #2) with her third in the New Beginning Series IF NOT FOR YOU a charming fun contemporary tale of unexpected romantic connections with Macomber’s own Hallmark signature style.

Second Chances. Fresh Beginnings. Self-discovery. Healing.

Set in Portland, Oregon, twenty-five-year-old Beth Prudhomme has escaped the clutches of her overbearing mother, moving to a new town to teach music, near her aunt.

As the book opens she going on a blind date with a mechanic, Sam Carney. A total opposite. Mutual friends, Nichole and Rocco have made the introduction.

One look at Sam made it clear they were not a good match. Definitely not, what Beth’s mom would choose. Which also makes her smile. In her mother’s eyes, Sam would be unacceptable due to his tattoos and long hair. Her mother had high expectations for her daughter’s future husband.

Sam was handsome and rough around the edges. However, there is a car accident and it is Sam who stands by her. However, once she is released the bond they developed will be tested. Can they get past their differences?

In addition, there is another storyline with her aunt Sunshine. Beth becomes involved in her aunt’s personal romantic affairs.

Enjoyed the author’s inspiration for the book and her granddaughter’s poem, “The Warning Label No One Reads.”

An easy breezy light-hearted delightful romantic spring chick-lit which Macomber’s fans will enjoy. (A beautiful cover which draws you in).

A special thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an early reading copy.

JDCMustReadBooks

Debbie Macomber is one of the best character developers in any genre. She can write any kind of story, draw the reader in and makes you care about the characters and the story. She is always my favorite and her stories stay with me.

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.

If Not for You poses the question, can two polar opposites find true love together? Beth and Sam agree that they have no attraction to each other but circumstances throw them together, making them see life and each other differently. Debbie Macomber does what she does best; giving us every day, down-to-earth people in an emotional drama.

You can’t help but like Beth and Sam as they navigate the accident, the conflict and her meddlesome mother in this novel. The story starts out quite interesting as we get to know these two and what makes them tick. I liked seeing the events through both of their perspectives, knowing how their thoughts as well as their reactions change over time. I found the middle of the book becoming bogged down as others’ opinions affected the characters’ actions. However, it picked up again near the end giving me the expected upbeat ending that Ms. Macomber always delivers.

Fans of her stories with love this one. It is a stand-alone with connections to a previous book. I found it predictable which is quite all right since some days you just need to get lost in someone else’ life; knowing that at the end it will leave you with a smile on your face.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.

Synopsis:

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. (Goodreads)

Review:

I have read many books by this author and I have liked them all. This is a feel good book and a book about love coming in mysterious ways.

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Beth is strong willed, she had to be to break away from her mother. She is making it on her own, but sometimes she gets lonely. Sam is a good guy, but a little rough around the edges. But he has a big heart and has lots of love to give. Will Beth and sam be willing to take a chance and have a happily ever after?

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. She is very talented in her descriptive writing and she created scenes in my head that kept propelling me along to read more pages. She took everyday people and gave them a unique love story.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written women’s contemporary. I am looking forward to reading the first two books in this series. You can never go wrong reading a book by Debbie Macomber.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group--Ballentine for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I have been reading Debbie Macomber books for at least ten years. She tells stories about people that could be your friend, neighbors, aunts, or sisters. She make her characters real with real successes and real failures. And she does this without a lot of foul language and sex scenes. This book is no different. I could have been Sunshine's neighbor and through her known Beth. I would have wanted to see Beth and Sam make a go of their new relationship. And I would have wanted Sunshine to find happiness. As with all her books, I was totally vested in this one. I feel like I've been given a present when I have a new Debbie Macomber book to read. I would definitely buy this for my elderly Mother or my teenage granddaughter. And what fun we would have discussing it. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.

Beth moves away from home to escape her controlling mother and live a life of her own. What I liked the most about this book is the message of hope. Characters aren't evil - many of them have been hurt in the past and have issues to overcome, but they work through their problems. Beth is a sweet heroine, and I liked how she progressed to being able to stand up to her mother. Sunshine, Beth's aunt, is another good character, who was disappointed early in life but did not let that stop her and her artistic career.

This is a very good Debbie Macomber book and I will recommend it to my mother and friends who like a sweet romance.

I loved the prologue which whet my interest, and made me want to read on. A little drama goes a long way!

The contrast of characters in Sam and Beth was interesting but not really surprising. Sam might seem a little rough with his tattoo, long hair and strong language. But he is loved by a couple of children which is kind of telling. His values are good, although his head is a little mixed up as it turns out.

Beth is an only child with a mother who is a bit of a snob and rather controlling. Beth has to move to Portland to make her point that she is her own person, that she can stand on her own two feet, make choices for her life that will make her happy. Perhaps the choices will not earn her the approval of her mother, but then her mother's values are a little skewed.

I thought the apple does not fall far from the tree because Beth got into a little meddling herself. All done with the best of intentions but was she justified? Or did those people she set out to help heal, need her gentle prod.

This is a rather straight forward romantic story, with interesting enough characters and a plot that moved along well and was all tied up very neatly at the end. A light, pleasant read.