Rating: ****
Tags: Fiction, Sagas, Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Women, Lang:en
Summary
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 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