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Like There's No Tomorrow

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What if loving means letting go?

Scottish widower Ian MacLean is plagued by a mischievous grannie, bitter regrets, and an ache for something he’ll never have again. His only hope for freedom is to bring his grannie's sister home from America. But first, he'll have to convince her lovely companion, Emily, to let her go.

Emily Chapman devotes herself to foster youth and her beloved Aunt Grace. Caring for others quiets a secret fear she holds close to her heart. But when Ian appears, wanting to whisk Grace off to Scotland, everything Emily needs to protect—including her heart—is at risk.

Set in central Oregon’s high desert and the lowlands of Scotland, Like There’s No Tomorrow is an amusing yet heart-tugging love story about two kind, single caretakers, two quirky, old Scottish sisters bent on reuniting, and too many agendas. It’s a tale of family, fiery furnaces, falling in love, faith, and the gift of each new day.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2014

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About the author

Camille Eide

8 books326 followers
Camille writes "more than a romance" tales of tender love, grace, and redemption. Her novels include Like There's No Tomorrow, Like a Love Song, The Memoir of Johnny Devine, Wings Like a Dove, and The Secret Place. Her novellas include Savanna's Gift and The Healer.

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5 stars
67 (62%)
4 stars
19 (17%)
3 stars
18 (16%)
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3 (2%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book342 followers
March 13, 2016
I giggled. (a lot)

I cried. (a little)

I swooned. (a little) … (yeah. ok. a lot)

In short, I fell in love. With the book. With the characters. With the settings. And especially with the message of letting go – of fear, bitterness, and burdens we were never meant to carry.

Let’s talk about the characters for a moment. We’ll get to Ian and Emily in a bit, but I absolutely have to focus on Maggie and Grace first. These two elderly Scottish sisters were a handful! And a hoot! They were the main source of my giggles throughout Like There’s No Tomorrow, and I confess that I wondered there for a while if Camille had based these riotous octogenarians on my grandmothers :) Between Grace’s precious confusion and Maggie’s rebellious determination to steal the keys and drive off into the sunset, there was never a dull moment on the page!

And now for Ian. Oh girls! You will LOVE Ian! That is, as long as you go for the brooding, tender, passionate guys with a sense of humor. Who also happen to be SCOTTISH. That’s right – he comes with a brogue and a kilt and a nicely sculpted chest thanks to chopping wood. Swoon over that for a moment and then come back here so we can talk about what really matters. (No… not his kisses. Although those seemed quite delicious!) As yummy as all of that is, the thing I appreciated most about Ian is the change that goes on within his heart. Camille Eide does an exquisite job of capturing his completely-reasonable anger as well as the gradual healing that takes place over the course of the story. And watching that man fall in love was truly a pleasure.

Which brings us to Emily. Because, you see, Like There’s No Tomorrow is so much more than a love story. I would almost say that the romance is only a small part in the overall story, but that’s not exactly true either. The romance becomes the backdrop onto which Camille Eide paints a beautiful landscape of truth and hope and most especially courage.

Bottom Line: Camille Eide has a way with characters. They get into your heart and set up camp, and you are all the better for having spent time with them. She also has a great talent for creating a scene that appears one way at face value but in fact can be immensely symbolic as well. Like There’s No Tomorrow will linger with me for many reasons – the characters, the setting, the romance. But especially the message of courage – of living life in spite of your fears – and of cherishing each day as though it’s all we’re to be given. If you love to become emotionally invested in the books you read, I highly suggest you try one by Camille Eide!

(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,402 reviews1,336 followers
December 19, 2019
I'm very picky with my contemporary fiction writers, and Camille Eide has been a trusty favorite for several years now. This book gave me plenty of feel-good thrills even while things looked truly dark for the two MCs. I'm not keen on the health-problem angle of romance books (one of my least favorite tropes, actually), but she sold it well and I liked the way it played out in the end.
Profile Image for Jane.
374 reviews60 followers
March 2, 2017
4.55 stars - pg/mild pg13

So....I've no time to write a proper review since I've got to go out and "live like there's no tomorrow".

Ok. Well, here's a mini review: Yummy, flawed Scottish Hero who learns to give it all to God. Lovely, funny pair of Scottish grannies. Sister of Hero who just tells it how it is -- loved her! And a sweet heroine who drove me bonkers for five chapters. If you can get through chapters 25-30 and a heroine who suddenly becomes a self-centered, melodramatic twit....... Chapters 1-24 were great, chapter 31 was a fantastic breath of fresh air and a reality check, and it's all good from there on out. Overall lovely story, I personally just cannot stand when otherwise sensible heroines start acting immature and melodramatic, even if it's for a perfectly good reason.

Did I mention the Scottish part??!! Ahhhh. Be still my heart.
2,907 reviews1,727 followers
December 27, 2019
"Faith isn't expecting God to give us good things. It's trusting the goodness of God in the face of tragedy."

Product Warning: It is recommended that readers have a stockpile of tissue on hand before opening this book. And those with very tender hearts will require a supply of comfort food and smelling salts to safely navigate their way through to the very end.

Possible side-effects: Shuddering sighs which can lead to painful hiccoughs, blotchy skin, bloodshot eyes, a red nose and a period of melancholia due to literary separation anxiety after completing the read are all potential side-effects. If symptoms persist, follow this book up with a romantic comedy.

My heart is skewered, my brain is muddled and my emotions are a yoyoing mass of mush after finishing Like There's No Tomorrow. Sigh. And the significance of that title?! Goosebumps! Sort of feel bruised from the inside out after this read and I'm not sure I can explain why with any sort of coherency. But I'll try.

First off -- it's an epic romance. Full of heart-wrenching emotions, painful spiritual growth and the challenges that come from living in a broken world. Eide has crafted such a powerful love story. I experienced a full gamut of emotions during my read -- from full out belly-laughs to sniffling through my tears.

And I did a lot of swooning over Ian. Hello! Scottish hero alert! Angry and hurt with a wee bit of brooding thrown in. Happy sigh. And what a faith journey! A man who wrestles with God and comes out the better for it. And when he sets his mind to wooing Emily -- whooeee -- toe-curling stuff!

Emily's tragic past, the secret she harbors, her need for control -- well, it all jumbles up into a tangled mess that only God (and true love) can sort out.

A great cast of secondary characters (octogenarins Maggie and Grace are a hoot!) provide support and conflict in equal measures. And the Scottish setting still makes me giddy!

I can't believe this is the first book I've read by Camille Eide-- in fact I hadn't even heard of her until just a few months ago when I began to see posts about her new release popping up on social media. I was thrilled to discover two of her books on audible and this is the first one I've listened to. Becky Doughty's narration is superb. Really brought these characters to life and the way she portrays Ian's accent...swoony hyperventilatingly good! lol
Profile Image for Joleen.
2,045 reviews1,210 followers
August 20, 2021
Scottish author, Ian MacLean, travels to America to bring his great aunt, Grace, back to Scotland to keep his granny company so he can be free of his caregiver burden. But what he finds is a beautiful young woman he'd written to for a couple for years leading up to this trip, a woman who by marriage has called Grace "Aunt" as well.

Emily Chapman loves her aunt dearly and does not want to see her leave. But spending time with Ian, seeing things from his perspective, or what she thinks is his perspective, changes her mind and her heart toward a man she thought she might have to do battle with about their aunt.

Far too early in the book they declare their love for each other, which only means one thing...there's either trouble or an issue ahead.

Aaaaaand, there was. But oh, the writing through it all took my breath away. I rooted for them, engrossed in each character's trials and joys. I fell in love with Ian and sweet Aunt Grace, and Ian’s sister Claire. Even Emily's quirky friend Jay was such a hoot! Loved the way she kept calling Ian "Johnny". Such a great cast in this delightful book.

My heart broke for Emily several times, but as they all learned to trust in God's perfect will I couldn’t help but be affected myself.

Again, as with Love Like a Song, Becky Doughty totally crushed the narration! (Uh, that’s a good thing). She had to not only read girls' parts, but elderly ladies and men...AND change accents! Her voices for elderly, Scottish Aunt Grace and Granny Maggie just tickled me. I seriously forgot it was an American woman speaking the parts. She did an amazing Scottish burr for Ian and did a solo hymn sung in church with a different Scottish man's accent. Crazy good. And by the way, I tried googling the lyrics to see if I could find the song because it was marvelous, but Google came up with nothing. Ah but it was sweet.

Seriously, the only thing I don’t care for about this book is the cover. No biggie, I just didn’t get it. A lush green Scottish countryside might be more in keeping since much of the book takes place there. But I’m not going to reduce the star-rating because of it.

Good book I can recommend wholeheartedly.
Profile Image for Staci.
1,701 reviews519 followers
July 10, 2016
A sweet story set in Oregon and Scotland.

Like There's No Tomorrow deals quite a bit with selfishness through Ian and Emily's story. I loved how the meaning of the title became clear as the novel progressed. The character development was well done and realistic. Secondary characters Maggie, Grace and Claire added to the novel. Maggie and Claire had strong personalities in different ways. Humor delivered by Maggie was delightful.

Like There's No Tomorrow is an enjoyable novel and recommended for fans of contemporary romance.
Profile Image for Carissa (Regency Woman).
261 reviews50 followers
September 9, 2015
To read my full review, please visit Bookshelves and Daydreams.

My Official Take in 3 Parts


The Theme

It's always hard to let people go, even when it's best for them. In Emily's case, she loves her Aunt Grace with every fiber of her being, to the point where it's hard for her to imagine a life without her. But what if Grace's place isn't in Oregon, but back home, in Scotland, with her sister Maggie?

For Ian, his letting go involves something quite different. Stagnating hatred and grief have crippled him emotionally for years due to a personal loss, and it's impacted his relationship with God, the God he once loved deeply and who took away his anger before. Ian must discover that some things, like his faith, are worth fighting for while others, like his bitterness, must be turned over to God.

I love this theme, the idea of releasing control into bigger, more capable Hands than our own. Loving doesn't always mean keeping, and the sooner we learn that the better. And then with Ian, he must release his anger in order to become whole again, to trust again. And I especially love how prayer plays such a huge factor in Ian's healing. Not prayer for himself, but a prayer of blessing for the person he hates. That type of prayer brings about healing every time.

The Characters

I thought I would struggle with Emily because she deliberately holds back information from her Aunt Grace. But I couldn't dislike her because I can see her point of view. When you want to protect people, the last thing you want to do is tell them something that could potentially lead to their harm, like elderly Aunt Grace making a trip to Scotland in her frail condition. So Emily hides information, all out of the sincere belief that she's protecting others, but she does reach the point of giving God the reins and it all works out for the best. She learns to trust, and I love that.

Ian I liked from the first, partly because he's Scottish, but also because he's a gentleman, through and through. He's considerate of the people around him, loves his family, and when he and Emily fall in love, he doesn't do it by halves. Plus, he's constructive in his anger. I would say that he manages the "be angry and sin not" instruction pretty well.

Ahhhh, the sisters. Grace and Maggie (the sister who Ian takes care of) are quite the pair. Both of them struggle with mental frailty, and Maggie's going blind to boot, but they're stronger together. I love that. It reminds me of my sister and our relationship and how I always feel that we're stronger together rather than apart. Grace and Maggie have it down. And while Maggie is far spunkier than Grace, she did a little bit of learning of her own this story, very important learning. Sometimes it's harder to accept help than to give it, and she finds that out.

The Writing

I do believe Camille Eide has a gift with character development. Her story is about real people with real problems and fears, and yet all of the characters felt relatable in some way. I could like each of them for their own strengths, because those strengths far outweighed any weaknesses. Yep, there's romance and gushing and all of that good stuff, but it's tastefully written and tender rather than coarse. Ms. Eide has a good handle on how far is just far enough with the physical attraction thing. Well done.
Profile Image for Just Commonly.
755 reviews111 followers
February 24, 2016
Who doesn't love a good love story? What about a seemingly love that's doomed from the start? With obstacles emotionally and literally that separates what love that could flourish between our two main characters, the least being that they live on two different countries on different continents, what else can go wrong? Apparently more than meets the eye. Don't fret, this is not one story that focuses on tragedy after tragedy to draw readers in. This is one sweet romantic story that taps your tender heart into a benevolent display of cherishing each day.

Honestly, I was a tad bit put off my our main character, Ian. Right off the bat, his selfishness to "get Maggie off his hands" rubbed me the wrong way. Him being our main character surprised me as "why would the author want me to dislike the main character?" However, his attitude changed as the story progressed and both his and Emily's development in character and in faith redeemed all displeasure I felt for either of them.

"Dear God, I thought I was being strong, but maybe I've just been afraid. I haven't been listening to You or depending on You at all. I've been trying to take care of everything and everyone on my own. I haven't been trusting You." (Loc 6116)

A story of family, faith, forgiveness, treasuring each day and the courage to love. This will have you moved to tears, resonated with sighs and maybe encouraged you to live each day to its fullest, undaunted and trust in Him.

QUOTABLE QUOTES
"Faith believes God is good, not just when things are going your way, but in the midst of tragedy." (Loc 4154)
"I know how hard it can be to forgive those who hurt us. Remember looking at the ocean? I am amazed that the God who created all that power and beauty also cares about each of us. I don't know why He does. All I know is His love is immense and unfailing, and has the power to do the impossible. he loves each one of us, though we don't deserve it." (Loc 3014)
"...having family who loves you is a rare gift. Only a fool would waste it." (Loc 2444)
"It's easy to stand there and do your part when times are good and everyone's pleased with you. But it takes real courage to stand up and do the right thing when it will cost something. Like your pride." (Loc 6049)


O, there are so more, but in the end, take courage, and live each day like there's no tomorrow.

Thank you, Camille.


This review first appeared on Just Commonly Blog.

NOTE: I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book through Singing Librarian Tours for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
Profile Image for Lisa.
233 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2016
This is such a heart warming story that goes straight to the heart!
Profile Image for Rachel.
353 reviews29 followers
June 1, 2016
What a lovely story! I knew when I read the synopsis for this book that I was in for a treat. One, it involved a visit to Scotland! Two, it involved 2 older, somewhat frail ladies under the care of their individual family members. The situations this puts our two main caretakers in were sometimes funny, sometimes sad, sometimes wonderfully touching.

Ian MacLean is anxious to get out from under the "burden" of having to be on constant watch and care of his grannie, Maggie. He sees no reason that her sister, Grace, who is living in America, shouldn't move to Scotland and take over the primary care. After all, the letters that he's been reading to Maggie from Grace (and Emily) indicate she is doing great and, in his mind, well able to care for them both. However, what he doesn't know is that the letters from Grace (written by Emily) do not reveal the whole picture.

Emily Chapman has been lovingly caring for her Aunt Grace for many years and knows that Grace is not well enough to travel to Scotland by herself to see her sister. And it definitely wouldn't be safe to leave her in charge of another elderly lady. So when she gets a letter from Maggie (written by Ian) indicating that they want Grace to move to Scotland, Emily writes back a quick refusal.

When Ian comes to America on business and shows up at Emily's work, the battle lines are drawn. But Ian didn't know that Emily was a young woman and Emily didn't know that Ian could be such a charmer and so persuasive. As they spend time together sparks began to fly. But Ian and Emily both have serious wounds from their pasts. Can they work through these issues and find another chance at happiness?

This a very well written book with a lot of well developed characters and in depth emotions. You'll laugh and cry as you follow Ian and Emily's journey to God and to healing, hope, and true love.

*Thanks to Singing Librarian Books & the author for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*
Profile Image for Carla Stewart.
Author 12 books142 followers
November 14, 2014
Tender and heart-wrenching, Camille Eide’s debut novel brings home the eternal truth that no one knows what tomorrow may bring. While set in both Oregon and Scotland, I was particularly drawn to the Scottish setting which gave me a longing to visit those rambling hills and sit at a table over shortbread and tea and listen to the brogue that Camille so aptly brings to the page. With characters and dialogue that sparkle, Like There’s No Tomorrow wove its way into my heart. Beautiful, and the first of many novels, I hope, for this gifted writer.
Profile Image for Loraine Nunley.
Author 27 books94 followers
September 28, 2016
Two quirky old sisters, a devoted woman, and a good looking Scottish man. This was the making of a sweet story. Add a little romance into the mix and I enjoyed it. I particularly liked the way that this author dealt with the issue of forgiveness. It was this realism in the midst of the story that held my attention. (Full review at my website)
Profile Image for T. Rosado.
1,697 reviews42 followers
December 7, 2017
4.5 STARS!
(ebook and audio)

Like There's No Tomorrow was simply a beautiful story with wonderfully developed characters - main and secondary. There was not one character that didn't have a message to share, whether obvious or delicately woven around Ian and Emily's central story. Along with a heart-tugging romance and subtle humor, there was also a potent and life-affirming faith thread. Ian's faith journey was especially moving. You cannot finish this book without falling in love with the Godly man Ian becomes. I'm thrilled to have found this little gem and look forward to reading more from Camille Eide.

Although I'm sorry that I didn't read this book sooner, at the same time I probably wouldn't have been encouraged to listen to the audio - and it was fantastic! Dialects, inflections, and character voice can make or break an audio listen. For me, there's no recovery from a poor audio even if I switch to solely reading. In addition to her own collection of authored books and unbeknownst to me, Becky Doughty is also an amazing narrator (and singer!) I usually only listen to audio when I can't physically be reading, but this was one of the rare instances where I just wanted to keep listening.
August 6, 2017
Humorous and heart-tugging! Fantastic real-to-life characters with struggles you can identify with. Emotionally complex issues mixed with moments of complete hilarity. Amazing story!
150 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2017
This is a story about Ian Mac Lean a widower dealing with a trouble making relative. He goes to American to see if her sister can come to help with her.He is coming from Ireland.He meets Emily where Emily is caring for her Aunt Grace the sister.Emily is dealing with a fear of something but her and Ian go on a trip where her Aunt has gone with friends to check up on.They have quiet a adventure. Emily decides her and her Aunt will go to Ireland and the sisters get along very well.Before Emily goes to Ireland her and Ian fell in love and he went back home expecting her to marry him.Her fear came true so she was going to tell Ian she could not marry him.You will have to read it to find out what happens.It was a very sweet love story with some teary moments but was a great read.
Profile Image for Karen.
214 reviews
October 23, 2014
The story brought me along page by page. I personally do not like to read Christian Fiction that has so much God discussion constantly going on. I like when it's mentioned in the background a bit, but not so much of "let's pray". But, that is just me personally.

I did like the story idea, but the female character was a bit wishy washy for me, and I personally don't like that personality trait in women. I like when they are a bit stronger/more confident and then just need the extra boost from others in their life.

I would recommend this book to my Christian friends though because the story is still a good read.
Profile Image for Debbie.
193 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2017
I recommend some tissue and a good cup of tea while reading this book. I confess, I had to read ahead to see if Emily would die, because I didn’t think my heart would like that kind of book. But knowing the author wasn’t taking it that direction didn’t hurt the story at all, it just enhanced the journey both main characters took to come to their conclusions that together was ok. All the characters added to the story. A well-written plot with action throughout to move the story along. Loved the Christian message throughout. Cleverly worded phrases and scenes. Good job, and can’t wait to read more by this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3 reviews
July 27, 2015
When you read - do you like a book that makes you think, make your pulse pound, make you wonder how it could possibly end well?
This book did the above and so much more. The problems the characters grapple with, are very real, very relatable. What would I do in Emily's shoes? If I was Ian, how would I respond? I loved this story, and I don't say that often.
If you want a book that will not only convict and inspire, but also entertain you, read Like There's No Tomorrow.
Profile Image for Teri.
414 reviews
October 8, 2015
I simply cannot say enough amazing things about the characters that Camille Eide shares with us fabulously lucky readers! Ian and Emily are at a crossroads…Ian has given up on God, and Emily knows she is nothing without God. Somehow, amidst of all the good-natured bickering of two sassy old Scottish sisters, they find their way to a passionate middle ground that leads them both in the direction God is pointing. Simply marvelous!
13 reviews
October 1, 2014
Well done.

A lovely story that makes me cry each time I read it, even though I already know it. It's inspiring and real; and at times amusing and funny. I was blessed to watch this incredible journey culminating in the birth of this story.
I can't wait to read the next one. (s) Love Mom
Profile Image for Ann.
733 reviews17 followers
November 14, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It is a wonderfully written romance and had a story line that kept me engrossed in the lives of the characters from the first pages. It is the heartwarming story of family relationships and also of a couple learning to trust God in their relationship. This is the first book I have read by this author and I certainly hope there will be other books to follow.
Profile Image for Lynn Hare.
6 reviews8 followers
October 26, 2016
I'm a big fan of Camille Eide's fresh voice and genuinely likable characters. I wept through the book as I got to know Ian and Emily's journeys of forgiveness. Camille's story weaves together beautiful, poetic descriptions of the countryside with deep relational dialogue and even suspenseful action. 5 stars for the exceptional strokes of Camille's "paintbrush" of the art of persevering love.
75 reviews
June 9, 2020
I read the hardback; enjoyed this, wanting something different than those I had read for the 6 weeks prior. The book is somewhat God based, but in an interesting story way that touches on many of our daily lives and those of others. Humor involved with elderly sisters that add to the lives of the young people involved. Glad I read it. Uplifting. Easy read as well.
Profile Image for Lizzy Martin.
4 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2015
Absolutely beautifully written. Great characters that get you hooked from the beginning. Easy to picture yourself as part of the clan (or wish you were). Great depiction of Scottish landscapes and tender love.
Can't wait for another book by this talented author.
Profile Image for Ollie.
86 reviews
August 31, 2015
I love a good love story. This book was enjoyable from start to finish. What I loved is that the two main characters were so loveable, Ian & Emily both have such good hearts. It was such a pleasure to read, thank you Camille.
46 reviews16 followers
December 28, 2019
I read and loved all books by Camille Eide but this was my favorite. Excellent read: it was in the same time deep, funny, romantic and heartbreaking.. And the characters were so lovable. One of my favorite books ever.
Profile Image for Sue Walsh.
6 reviews
October 25, 2014
I just loved it!!! So very hard to put down!! Camille is a very gifted writer!! A must read for everyone!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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