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!

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.

Debbie Macomber does it again with this heartfelt book. It makes you believe that true love does exist.

ANOTHER WINNER!!

Debbie Macomber can always be counted on for writing an entertaining story. If Not For You is her latest offering. It is a another well written story by one of the most beloved authors of modern times. The plot revolves around Beth and Sam being set up on a blind date by friends. As they leave, Sam witnesses Beth's involvement in a horrific car accident. Even though they felt no initial attraction, Sam feels compelled to go to the hospital and be with Beth. Will a romance blossom? Will their families and friends encourage them or tear them apart? I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Henery Press but this opinion is strictly my own and without influence.

You can never go wrong with a story written by Ms Macomber. Though I have not read the previous books in this series, I would consider this one a stand alone.
It’s quintessential Debbie Macomber and if you like the Hallmark type movies, this one is for you.
Our main characters are Beth, and Sam. Beth has moved away from her well to do family in order to get away from an overbearing family. She takes a teaching job in Portland and moves in with her aunt . An aunt that has been in the outs with Beth’s mother.
Sam is set up as a blind date with Beth and their dinner date is a disaster. But due to an accident, Sam decides to at least visit Beth and somehow these two seeming opposite individuals start seeing each other in a different light. Will the budding love survive their differences? Will Beth’s mother interfere and will they raise to the challenge and find true love?
All in all , an entertaining story that will hold your attention.
I was gifted this novel by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Tired of living life under her mother's thumb, Beth moves from Chicago to Portland, Oregon, where she's found new friends, a job she loves, and a place to live that's hers and hers alone. After a disastrous blind date, however, she's involved in a horrific accident that leaves her hospitalized and in a rehab center for several weeks. An unexpected visit turns into a regular routine, and Beth's life is turned around in more ways than one.

I'm not a big romance reader, but I've always enjoyed Debbie Macomber's books, with their upbeat storylines and close-to-normal characters. While I liked this book and the characters in it, despite its predictability, I found the Scriptural references a bitt more "preachy" than usual. Nevertheless, I would recommend the book to friends, and am looking forward to Ms. Macomber's next book.