Review: 'If Not for You' by Debbie Macomber (2017)

Sometimes, just one person can change your whole world...
If not for her loving but controlling parents, Beth might never have taken charge of her life.
If not for her friend Nichole, Beth would never have met Sam Carney – a tattooed mechanic who is her conservative parents' worst nightmare.
And if not for Sam – who witnessed a terrible accident and rushed to her aid – Beth might have never survived and fallen in love.
Yet there are skeletons in Sam's closet that prevent him from ever trusting a woman again. Will he be able to overcome his past and fight for love?
Over the past few years I have had the pleasure of reading several Debbie Macomber novels and I have to say she has definitely become one of my go-to authors when I need a warm read that will make me smile and has a guaranteed happy ending. Her Christmas novels, such as ‘Starry Night’ and ‘Mr. Miracle’, are always lovely festive reads, and most recently I read ‘A Girl’s Guide to Moving On’, which is the second part of Debbie’s ‘New Beginnings’ series; another novel that I thoroughly enjoyed (click here to read my review). On 9 March the third part of her latest series, ‘If Not for You’, was released by publisher Arrow and I was lucky enough to get a review copy. I straight away loved the pastel-coloured book cover and was keen to give it a read!
Beth knows she did the right thing when she decided to leave behind Chicago and her controlling mother, to build up a new life for herself in Portland. She has her aunt Sunshine, whom she adores, and a job as a teacher at a local school that she really enjoys. When her colleague Nicole invites her over for dinner, Beth is thrilled until she discovers it is actually a blind date. Nicole’s husband invited one of his own friends, but it is clear from the start that Sam Carney and Beth are not exactly hitting it off. Deciding to make it an early night, Beth drives away from Nicole’s home but ends up in a horrible car accident. Sam is there to witness everything, and makes sure Beth is taken to the hospital. The accident seems to bring Beth and Sam closer together, but what will Beth’s mother say when she meets Sam, and is Sam really ready for a serious relationship after everything that he has been through…?
I love how after just two or three chapters of a Debbie Macomber novel I already feel as if I have known these characters for a long time and am really curious to discover what will happen to them and how things are going to work out. ‘If Not for You’ is definitely one of those reads; I was straight away intrigued by Beth and Sam and the connection between the two of them, and thoroughly enjoyed exploring that connection by reading on. While the story was a bit slow-paced at times I still really liked it, especially since there were also two other smaller storylines that played a role in the novel, one with a focus on family relationships and one with a focus on Beth’s aunt Sunshine. As always in Debbie Macomber’s novels there was a lovely dose of romance in the book, and sometimes it’s just a nice feeling to know the story you’re reading is definitely going to end in a way that will leave you with a smile on your face instead of tears.
While this novel is the third part of the author’s ‘New Beginnings’ series, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. Readers who have read the other books will come across a few familiar faces, such as Nicole and Rocco, but that is just a nice little extra, not something you need to know if you want to read and understand this novel. With her well-developed and realistic characters and wonderful storytelling ability, Debbie Macomber has treated us to another lovely, warm-hearted and sweet read in the form of ‘If Not for You.’ I really enjoyed this book and already look forward to the next Debbie Macomber read I will be able to pick up. If you’re a romance fan and not yet familiar with this author and her work, definitely go out and get one of her novels; I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with what you will find!

Rating:8,5/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review: 'Twelve Days of Christmas' by Debbie Macomber (2016)

Julia is infuriated by her grumpy neighbour, Cain, who can’t even be pleasant when they bump into each other.
So on the suggestion of her best friend, Cammie, Julia concocts a plan. She starts a blog in order to clinch her perfect job, and now she has a subject. Over the next twelve days, she is going to kill Cain with kindness – and Christmas cheer – and document it for all to read about.
But as the experiment goes on, Julia realises she underestimated the effect it would have on Cain, and on their relationship, and things take an unexpected turn…
I love books with guaranteed happy endings. Sometimes all we need is a good dose of positivity and no focus on everything that can go horribly wrong in life; just a warm-hearted novel that will make us smile, that's what I especially love to read around this time of year. One author who definitely won't let me down in that instance is Debbie Macomber. Over the past few years I've had the pleasure of reading several of her festive novels such as 'Starry Night' (click here to read my review) and 'Mr. Miracle', and I'm incredibly glad to once again have a review of a Debbie Macomber Christmas story to share with all of you. 'Twelve Days of Christmas' immediately sounded like the perfect holiday read and I already had a good feeling this book wouldn't let me down...
Julia prefers to look at the positive side of life, whenever possible. So it's no surprise that she and her grumpy neighbour Cain, who seems to complain about almost everything, do not exactly get along. When one day Julia discovers Cain stealing her newspaper, she's had enough. While complaining to her best friend, she's hit with an idea, namely to kill Cain with kindness. During the twelve days until Christmas Julia sees it as her mission to offer Cain as much kindness as she possibly can, and she records all of it on a blog on the Internet that could perhaps even lead to her getting her dream job. As the days pass, Julia gets to know Cain a bit better and also sees a different side of him, but what will happen when he discovers what she has been doing? Will this ruin or save this year's Christmas for both of them...?
I love Debbie Macomber, and every time I read one of her novels I wonder why it has taken me so long to once again pick up one of her stories. 'Twelve Days of Christmas' is a simply lovely Christmas romance and a read I thoroughly enjoyed from the first word until the very last. I really liked how there's a touch of the classic Christmas story of Ebenezer Scrooge in there, but transported to our modern day and age with a good dose of romance added to it. The story isn't complex with just a handful of characters, but characters that are interesting and easy to warm to such as leading lady Julia, Cain, and a special mention for Cain's lovely grandfather, who really stole my heart...!
I've read other reviews of this book and noticed that a number of people describe this book as being similar to a Hallmark film, and I understand that comparison. Debbie Macomber is one of those authors who really writes books from the heart and that shines through in her stories. In my opinion that's also what Christmas is all about, which is why I can recommend Debbie's novels for the whole year, but especially around the holidays. All in all, I thought 'Twelve Days of Christmas' is a feel-good festive romance I couldn't get enough of; a well-written and lovely novel that truly has that sparkling Christmas spirit at its core!

Rating:9,5/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review: 'A Girl's Guide to Moving On' by Debbie Macomber (2016)

When Nichole discovers that her husband, Jake, has been unfaithful, the illusion of her perfect life is indelibly shattered. While juggling her young son, a new job, and volunteer work, Nichole meets Rocco, who is the opposite of Jake in nearly every way. Though blunt-spoken and rough around the edges, Rocco proves to be a dedicated father and thoughtful friend. But just as their relationship begins to blossom, Jake wagers everything on winning Nichole back—including their son Owen’s happiness. Somehow, Nichole must find the courage to defy her fears and follow her heart, with far-reaching consequences for them all.
Leanne has quietly ignored her husband’s cheating for decades, but is jolted into action by the echo of Nichole’s all-too-familiar crisis. While volunteering as a teacher of English as a second language, Leanne meets Nikolai, a charming, talented baker from Ukraine. Resolved to avoid the heartache and complications of romantic entanglements, Leanne nonetheless finds it difficult to resist Nikolai’s effusive overtures—until an unexpected tragedy tests the very fabric of her commitments.
I love receiving book packages in the post. It’s one of those things in life that always manages to make me smile, no matter what, and it’s really exciting to open the envelope and see which book you’ve been sent to review (book-nerd alert!). A few weeks ago I received Debbie Macomber’s ‘A Girl’s Guide to Moving On’ in the post and the colourful book cover immediately caught my attention. I’ve had the pleasure of reading and reviewing some of Debbie’s other novels in the past, such as ‘Starry Night’ (click here to read my review) and ‘Mr. Miracle’ (click here to read my review). I really liked the sound of ‘A Girl’s Guide to Moving On’ and couldn’t wait to give another one of Debbie’s novels a go!
There is one thing Nichole and her mother-in-law Leanne have in common: they both have a husband that is cheating on them. Nichole is determined to divorce her husband Jake, and Leanne quickly follows her example, leaving Sean after 35 years of marriage. To help each other deal with things, the two women come up with a list of things to stick to, to help them move on. When Nichole meets single father Rocco, she can hardly ignore the sparks between them. But is Rocco, with his dark past, really the right person to get involved with? At the same time Leanne also finds herself with an admirer from an unexpectant corner, namely in the form of one of her students from her English language class, a Ukranian baker named Nikolai. Are Leanne and Nichole both ready to start afresh, or is moving on from marriage not as straightforward as it may seem...?
Debbie Macomber is quite the bestselling author with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide, and after having read 'A Girl's Guide to Moving On' I am once again reminded what a wonderful storyteller she is. This novel is actually the second part of Debbie's 'New Beginnings' series, which started with 'Last One Home', but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. The book focuses on two different female characters who each have their own storyline; Leanne and Nichole. I really easily warmed to both characters and enjoyed their stories equally. It was lovely joining Leanne and Nichole on the road to starting their new lives, single and ready for some well-deserved happiness. 
I particularly loved the romance element that was clearly present in the novel. Rocco and Nikolai, the two male characters, were both great and I loved seeing Leanne and Nichole falling in love again and dealing with all the things that come with that. I also want to take the chance to say how much I fell in love with Nichole's son Owen; he was just the cutest little boy. Debbie Macomber's writing style fit the story really well which turned it into a lovely comfort read. It wasn't too deep or heavily emotional; perfect if you're looking for a bit of romantic escapism. I thoroughly enjoyed 'A Girl's Guide to Moving On' and put it down with a smile on my face; it's an inspiring and touching novel about love and friendship and finding happiness; a great read!

Rating:9/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review: 'Mr. Miracle' by Debbie Macomber (2014)

Harry Mills is a guardian angel on a mission: help Addie Folsom to get her life back on track - and help her find love.
Creating a happy ending for Addie and her neighbour Erich doesn’t seem like much of a challenge. But soon after arriving in the town of Tacoma, Harry realises he might need some guidance. Addie and Erich can't stand each other; growing up he was popular and outgoing, while she was rebellious and headstrong. Addie would now rather avoid Erich entirely, especially at Christmas.
Harry is going to need all the help he can get, and a bit of divine inspiration, to help Addie and Erich find their Christmas miracle.
Thanks to the lovely people over at Random House, I received an unexpected review copy of Debbie Macomber's festive release 'Mr. Miracle.' The soft colours of the cover straight away pulled me in and I got a feeling this was going to be a great Christmas read. I wasn't familiar with Debbie Macomber's work, but had heard much about her (she, for example, releases a Christmas story every single year), so couldn't wait to check it out. 
Harry Mills is a guardian angel who finds himself on earth, ready for his first ever mission. He is given the role of English professor at a local college in order to help student Addie Folsom. Addie has just moved back home again after having been away for six years. It's the first Christmas without Addie's dad, who passed away unexpectedly earlier in the year. As soon as Addie comes home, her mother tells her she actually planned to go on a cruise with her neighbour, to get her mind off things. When the neighbour's son and Addie's teenage crush Erich gets in a car accident, Addie is forced to take care of him so his and her mother can still go and enjoy their cruise. It's Henry's job as a guardian angel to take care of Addie, but will he be able to give her a happy Christmas this year?
This novel was a quick but touching and entertaining read, and a wonderful introduction to Debbie Macomber's work! I was really curious to read the novel because the blurb already told me one of the main characters in the novel is a guardian angel. This topic has always fascinated me and I couldn't wait to see how the author would deal with it. Thankfully, Debbie Macomber did a great job. I really liked reading about how Harry is trying to adapt to being a human being and living on earth, which was a fun storyline next to the main plot which follows Addie and Erich. They were two interesting characters and I couldn't help but root for them to get together!
The story isn't very long and quite quick-paced, which unfortunately did not provide the author with enough space to really go into the background stories of Addie and Erich, which was a shame. I would have loved to have learned more about them and the reasons for the decisions they've made and are making in their lives. However, this did not make the story any less compelling or entertaining. 'Mr. Miracle' is a fast-paced, uplifting, sweet Christmas story about love and hope, important aspects to hold onto during the holiday season. I really enjoyed it and already look forward to hopefully reading and reviewing more of Debbie Macomber's work in the future!

Rating:8/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads   Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review: 'Starry Night' by Debbie Macomber (2013)

Carrie Slayton, a big-city society-page columnist, longs to write more serious news stories. So her editor hands her a challenge: She can cover any topic she wants, but only if she first scores the paper an interview with Finn Dalton, the notoriously reclusive author. 

Living in the remote Alaskan wilderness, Finn has written a megabestselling memoir about surviving in the wild. But he stubbornly declines to speak to anyone in the press, and no one even knows exactly where he lives.

Digging deep into Finn’s past, Carrie develops a theory on his whereabouts. It is the holidays, but her career is at stake, so she forsakes her family celebrations and flies out to snowy Alaska. When she finally finds Finn, she discovers a man both more charismatic and more stubborn than she even expected. And soon she is torn between pursuing the story of a lifetime and following her heart.

Thanks to the lovely people at Random House I received a review copy of Debbie Macomber’s 2013 Christmas novel, ‘Starry Night.’ I stumbled upon this book while looking around on the Internet and I immediately couldn’t stop looking at the cover. It’s simply gorgeous, isn’t it? I’d love to spend a Christmas in a log cabin in the middle of nowhere, watching the sky for falling stars... What could possibly be more romantic? I hadn’t read anything by Debbie Macomber before, but after a bit of research I discovered that she hasn’t only written more than 100 novels, but also owns her own tea room, ‘Victorian Rose Tea Room’, and her own yarn store, ‘A Good Yarn.’ Wow, what an inspiration! I couldn’t wait to read ‘Starry Night’ and secretly found myself hoping I’d straight away like Debbie Macomber’s style, because that means I’ll have plenty of books waiting for me! 

Carrie Slayton is getting tired of her job as a reporter for the society page for a Chicago newspaper. After two years of visiting and writing about parties, she is ready to write a bigger and more serious piece. She is given the chance to do just that, the big opportunity she has been waiting for, but it involves finding reclusive author Finn Dalton. The author of a chart topping survival book has never done any interviews before, and all Carrie has is a lead to Alaska. With a bit of luck, she manages to find the log cabin where Finn lives, in the absolute middle of nowhere. However, he isn’t at all thrilled with this unexpected visit from a reporter and Carrie realises it will take some hard work to get the interview she is after from this stubborn, but at the same time incredibly attractive, man...

I really liked the basic plotline of this novel and the characters at its core. Carrie is a likeable main character and I instantly wanted her to succeed; she is an independent and ambitious woman, and I found myself rooting for her to find Finn and to get that big break she had been longing for. Finn is the stereotypical image of an isolated man who is in touch with nature, stays away from civilization, and immediately makes any female heart beat that little bit faster. I was really captivated by Finn and his background, and I loved learning more about him. 

There is a wonderful wintery atmosphere in the novel that suits this time of year perfectly. I loved the scene setting of the novel, particularly the contrast between busy Chicago city life and calm, beautiful Alaska. The only thing I would have preferred is for the novel to have been longer; the book’s a little over 200 pages, placing it somewhere between a novella and a regular novel. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline and I definitely would not have minded if it had all been a bit longer! Overall, ‘Starry Night’ is a light and stunning read with a warm tale of romance at its centre, and a book I recommend to anyone looking for a quick read during the holiday season!

Rating:8/10