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sek73's review against another edition
5.0
This book brought the feels. Sam is introduced as Rocco's best friend in the second New Beginnings book about Nichole. He's got a good heart but a big chip in his shoulder about women and relationships. So it's no surprise when his blind date with Beth, a new woman in town who was raised in a gilded cage goes bad. Resolved to never see each other again, the next thing he knows is that Sam witnesses Beth in a neat fatal car accident. Throughout her tenuous rehabilitation Sam and Beth grow closer and fall for each other. But if course there are conflicts they need to resolve if they want to be together. Another awesome book by Ms. Macomber.
sharonsm_28's review against another edition
4.0
This was an enjoyable read. This is the third book in a series, but I am reading them out of order. This book is well-written. I am a fan of Debbie Macomber and how she writes her stories. Beth moved to Portland to get away from her mother. She goes on a blind date with Sam. Sam and Beth were really different. Then Beth got into a car crash, and Sam stayed by her side. Beth is driven and wanted to be independent. Sam is caring, and is the kind of man who stand by you. However, he does make some mistakes. I really love how the story grabs you from the beginning. Also, I really liked how the story begins in the perspective of a different character. I hope that the other books will be really interesting. Also, I am loving the Christian references that displays. I really liked the David and Goliath reference near the last few chapters. The ending was sweet. I am glad that they got together in the end. I cannot wait for the other Debbie Macomber books that I still have to read. Overall, a great read.
acraftyescape's review against another edition
4.0
An example of why you should never judge a book by its cover.
kle105's review against another edition
4.0
Debbie has such a way with weaving a story and making you feel a part of the story. If it had been any other writer I may have rolled my eyes at the polar opposite leads clearly not suited for each other, just to hours later clinging to each other, but you feel the connection in a time of need.
They both need each other and that need, gives them the chance to understand each other. Beth is a fixer, and wants everyone around her to be happy which gets her in more than one predicament that hurts people close to her. Beth also comes into her own standing up to her over protective mother, and standing by the man she has fallen in love with, even when he tries to deny their connection. Beautifully written, kept me wanting to curl up and read all day.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
They both need each other and that need, gives them the chance to understand each other. Beth is a fixer, and wants everyone around her to be happy which gets her in more than one predicament that hurts people close to her. Beth also comes into her own standing up to her over protective mother, and standing by the man she has fallen in love with, even when he tries to deny their connection. Beautifully written, kept me wanting to curl up and read all day.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
roxnn2000's review against another edition
5.0
A cute read that was a lot of fun.
Summary:
Wanting to be free of her mother, Beth moves closer to her aunt Sunshine and to start a new life in Portland. She is introduced to Sam, a man her mother would never approve of with his tattoos, beard and his job as a mechanic, and Beth is sure that Sam isn't the one for her. Sam feels the same about Beth, thinking that she is too well put together for the likes of him and has no intention of going out with her. Besides, he doesn't do relationships. However, a car accident involving Beth ends up bringing her and Sam closer together and if they can overcome their pasts they could be happy together.
Review:
I thought the story was cute.
Watching Sam and Beth begin to fall for each other was very sweet. I liked watching how Sam and Beth had to overcome a few things later in the relationship, including Sam's reluctance to be in a relationship.
I laughed a lot of the time as well. There were many scenes that while they played out I was laughing at what was going on. It was hilarious and I enjoyed it.
I saw the major conflict coming quickly and it did bother me a lot that Beth would do what she did. She was oblivious to how much pain she could cause in trying to do what was right. I felt that she should have understood when Sam told her the story of his past that he didn't talk about that kind of thing lightly and that it was hard for him to do so. Bringing that back up would have been devastating to him and she did it thinking it would make him happy.
I loved Sunshine. She was one of my favorite characters. I could see what caused the conflict between her and her sister coming because it was really obvious what had happened once a man was mentioned. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this story.
4.5/5 stars
Summary:
Wanting to be free of her mother, Beth moves closer to her aunt Sunshine and to start a new life in Portland. She is introduced to Sam, a man her mother would never approve of with his tattoos, beard and his job as a mechanic, and Beth is sure that Sam isn't the one for her. Sam feels the same about Beth, thinking that she is too well put together for the likes of him and has no intention of going out with her. Besides, he doesn't do relationships. However, a car accident involving Beth ends up bringing her and Sam closer together and if they can overcome their pasts they could be happy together.
Review:
I thought the story was cute.
Watching Sam and Beth begin to fall for each other was very sweet. I liked watching how Sam and Beth had to overcome a few things later in the relationship, including Sam's reluctance to be in a relationship.
I laughed a lot of the time as well. There were many scenes that while they played out I was laughing at what was going on. It was hilarious and I enjoyed it.
I saw the major conflict coming quickly and it did bother me a lot that Beth would do what she did. She was oblivious to how much pain she could cause in trying to do what was right. I felt that she should have understood when Sam told her the story of his past that he didn't talk about that kind of thing lightly and that it was hard for him to do so. Bringing that back up would have been devastating to him and she did it thinking it would make him happy.
I loved Sunshine. She was one of my favorite characters. I could see what caused the conflict between her and her sister coming because it was really obvious what had happened once a man was mentioned. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this story.
4.5/5 stars
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
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 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.
wendyann62's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
suzysuzy34's review against another edition
3.0
First time I've read this author, first 200 pages were really good, then it just kinda fizzled-out from there. Just an okay read nothing more.
bakerml1919's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
A pretty terrible read. The only reason I finished it is that I usually like D. Macomber so wanted to give her a chance to deliver. The entire first half of the book could have been accomplished in a couple of chapters. Instead, she dragged it on and on, and was incredibly repetitive with the information about the characters. In the second half of the book, there were a couple of decent plot developments, although frankly they were pretty anticipated.