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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.
veralyn's review against another edition
5.0
Another great novel by Debbie Macomber! I loved following the story lines for both Beth and her Aunt Sunshine! A great incorporation of the ups and downs of life and the relationships one has with their family.
kristi518's review against another edition
4.0
This book was everything I expected from Debbie Macomber. Down-to-earth characters, a believable storyline, and great writing combined to make this a quick and easy read for me. If Not for You is classic Debbie Macomber.
While the premise of this book could be seen as very cliche for romance, upper-class woman meets rough-around-the-edges guy, Debbie keeps the story fresh and real. I like her writing style and the way she writes about everyday people. She keeps the story interesting and keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.
There is a great mix of characters in this book that adds to the realness of the story. All of the characters are well-developed. I liked the chemistry between the two main characters and how their relationship went from awkward to friends to more. There is a natural progression to their relationship that adds to the story and makes it that much more realistic.
Fans of Debbie Macomber are sure to enjoy this story. This would also be a great introduction to the author and her writing. I like to think of this author's work as "comfort reads". A nice, cozy read for a lazy afternoon.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are mine.
While the premise of this book could be seen as very cliche for romance, upper-class woman meets rough-around-the-edges guy, Debbie keeps the story fresh and real. I like her writing style and the way she writes about everyday people. She keeps the story interesting and keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.
There is a great mix of characters in this book that adds to the realness of the story. All of the characters are well-developed. I liked the chemistry between the two main characters and how their relationship went from awkward to friends to more. There is a natural progression to their relationship that adds to the story and makes it that much more realistic.
Fans of Debbie Macomber are sure to enjoy this story. This would also be a great introduction to the author and her writing. I like to think of this author's work as "comfort reads". A nice, cozy read for a lazy afternoon.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are mine.
cari1268's review against another edition
3.0
I've seen this author on the shelf and recently heard that some of her novels are clean. I decided to give this one a try. It was clean. But it also was poorly written. The dialogue was particularly painful. Still, I can see the appeal of this author as I did zoom through this book within a 24 hour time period. I feel like this won't be my last Debbie Macomber book I read. I just can't bear to rate this higher than three stars because the writing was rough.
2.5 Stars.
2.5 Stars.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
4.0
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
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
nicki_theoverflowingbookcase's review against another edition
5.0
Truly an inspirational love story that will make you believe that good things can happen even when you are surrounded by bad. The love between Sam and Beth started out rocky and had its own twists and turned but in the end it was heartwarming. Beth helped Sam take off his armor and let love in. A great read that I highly recommend.
jbarr5's review against another edition
5.0
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.
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.