Monday, April 10, 2017

"If Not For You"

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.


My Thoughts...

As always I like a good clean romantic story, and Debbie Macomber never disappoints. As a master storyteller Ms. Macomber introduces her intriguing characters. She is attuned to her readers and infuses her characters with compassion and frailties that make them even more real.

Debbie Macomber has a way with words that wind together into delightfully "feel good" stories, and this was a delightful story of family, friends and changes. This is a comfort read, and there are no big surprises.  If you are looking for something deeper – move right along, but if you sometimes have a bit of a sweet tooth when it comes to books, like me, you might want to consider this for a treat. Therefore, I am awarding this book 5*****cotton candy stars.

I own this book and it is a part of my personal library.

3 comments:

  1. Gigi Ann,
    I'm glad you enjoyed this book and the work of Debbie Macomber. Terrific review! I'm sure I have a book or two by this author nearby. It may be time to sit down with one of her books soon.

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  2. I love the cover. It's nice to read a book and have an idea what to expect.
    Ann

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  3. It may be time to sit down with one of her books soon.


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