NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Debbie Macomber has written an emotionally stirring novel that shows how 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 … 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.
Praise for If Not for You
“[An] uplifting and deliciously romantic tale with vibrant characters and a wide range of emotions.”—RT Book Reviews
“A heartwarming story of forgiveness and unexpected love.”—Harlequin Junkie
“A fun, sweet read.”—Publishers Weekly
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Beth Prudhomme moved to Portland, Oregon to escape her overbearing mother in Chicago. 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.
In order to escape her controlling mother and start living her life on her terms Beth picks up and moves to Portland, Oregon. There she finds enjoyment in her job as a high school music teacher, sharing her love of piano and classical music with her students. The last thing she’s looking for is a relationship, but reluctantly agreed to a blind date.
A mechanic by trade, with his beard and tattoos, Sam couldn’t be more different than the men her mother would set her up with. Uncomfortable at best, she and Sam endure the evening by mutual agreement and then agree to go their own ways. As they head off, Sam when Beth is hit by a distracted driver and seriously injured. Seriously injured, Sam finds himself visiting Beth in the hospital regularly. Over time they discover maybe they have more in common than they thought.
This is a sweetly emotional story of two people, one who is determined to leave the past behind and one who is determined to fix it. Debbie Macomber has a knack for capturing emotion and making it real. I was able to get lost in the story and felt the pain, the disappointment and the joy of the characters love for each other. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet, real emotional read.
Great book
Debbie Macomber isn’t known for her elaborate writing style. Her fame comes from her ability to tell a convincing story. This is another good one. Beth has spent too long under the controlling thumb of her mother. Now she’s seeking independence by moving far away, getting a new job, and making her own life. Sam is definitely not the kind of man her mother would approve, and at first, she doesn’t either. It takes an unexpected, and difficult, occurrence to bring them together.
The story seems to be headed toward a fix-all-things ending, with Beth manipulating the world around others (somewhat like her mother would?) and having great success at fixing their lives. Just when it appears the book will fall into that cliche, the story turns on its head and the reader wonders how it can possibly work out well. The resolution is believable and satisfying.
For Debbie fans, this is a must-read. Even those who aren’t regular readers will likely enjoy it.
Good Read
Another great book.
I love all of her books.
another hallmark read
One of her best books. Really enjoyed this one! Great characters and great story. I’ve read many of Debbie’s books but enjoyed this one even more than most. Couldn’t put it down. Great job Debbie Macomber!!
a very in depth treatment of characters…hard to put down
I love the author, but, this was NOT one of my favorites…. I had to make myself finish it, not interesting me…but I LOVE Debbie
Another great one !!
Good book that had a twist at the end.
This story was ok. Some parts I enjoyed more than others. I did not like this story as much as the many other Debbie Macomber books I have read. There were parts where I found it hard to like the male main character, Sam. He was so wrapped up in his past, that he was unkind to Beth through no fault of her own.
Every book Debbie Macomber has written is 5 stars+++ She has a lot of wisdom and uses it in her wonderful stories.
this book was awesome felt bad for beth .
Beautifully written story that is sure to lift your spirits, warm your heart, and renew your faith in the possibility of happily ever afters. Really enjoyed it!
This novel made me glad all over again that I became a fan of Ms. Maccomber because she’s a wonderful storyteller. The characters in this book are so real with fears and desires, not-so-great pasts, and great personalities. They jumped right off the page.
If Not For You, is about Beth Prudhomme and her personal experiences which occur after Beth moves to Portland to be near her aunt. If Beth had not made the move the if not for you experiences she has would not have happened. You follow along with Beth as she leaves the protection of her parent’s home and tries to face her future. Beth, is hired as a high school music teacher and stumbles through the next year as she takes on her if not for you moments. The stumbles include the man she meets on a blind date who will become important in her new life. You will applaud Beth as she faces her fears and meets new friends along the way. This is a sweet story that describes how a twenty-five year old who never ventured further than her own city and home attempts to mature and grow without parental protection. I thought Beth was a little old to finally decide to spread her wings and some issues are solved too easily but aside from that the story flowed beautifully. There are references to a biblical story and helping others which add to Beth’s growth. A perfect romance that does not hold any surprises but is satisfying.