“A heartwarming story about fresh starts: about finding the courage to hope and trust again; the grace to forgive; and a faith not only for the future, but for ‘this day’ as well.” -Advance review
Three kids. Two broken hearts. One chance to become a family.
Isabel has three simple rules: Keep moving. No friends. No men. It’s the only way to keep herself and her daughter safe. But when she arrives in the small town of Hope Springs, she finds that she suddenly wants to break all the rules. Especially when it comes to a certain sweet single dad.
Tyler has one goal: Keep his boys from ever getting hurt again. That’s why he avoids dating, women, or anything having to do with love. So why does the mysterious single mother who works at his family’s orchard have him rethinking everything?
As Isabel starts to think of Hope Springs as home, Tyler starts to think of her as more than a friend. But when Isabel’s past comes to light, her fears and his doubts are tested in new ways. Will they give in to the fear and pain of the past–or can they turn it all over to God and trust him to give them a future?
Not Until This Day is an emotional story of faith, forgiveness, and most of all, trust in God’s perfect love.
my point of view:
I cannot begin to tell you how powerfully this story has touched me…the very core of me! I have had the pleasure of reading all of Valerie Bodden’s series to date, but this one went straight to the heart of me. Sadly, the story of Isabel’s circumstances is not a new one, parts of which I have experienced first hand. Seeing her bravery in trying to keep not just herself safe, but her daughter as well will, as the saying goes, ‘give you all the feels’.
Not just for Isabel, either, but Tyler will get you straight in the heart too! If you have read the previous Hope Springs books you will remember Tyler well, and the amazing cherry orchard! Ah, what I wouldn’t give to visit Wisconsin in cherry season! The setting is of course wonderful, seeing a glimpse of the previous friends in the stories past is lovely, but this book can certainly stand on it’s own as well! Both of these amazing characters must face their past in order to look forward to the future God has in store for them, and believe me – it’s not an easy journey!
Valerie’s books are wonderful Christian romances, but God and Faith are ALWAYS at the center of the story! I cannot give away too much, as I want you to read it for yourself, but I promise you, if you have a love of Christian romances (and if you don’t, why are you here?? lol!) then you will truly adore this series and story as much as I did!
About Valerie M. Bodden:
I like a series because you get to know the characters better and when a new book is published it’s like visiting a friend.
Yes, Carol…that is exactly how I feel, getting to catch up with old friends!! Thank you for sharing!
I love the way Valerie weaves real life struggles, doubts & fears so beautifully together with the strong underlying message of the need for the Savior in every area of life. Her characters are strong and each have their own battles. While I like stand alone books the way these people all intertwine with others in Hope Springs as they walk through life building love with each other and growing in their walk with Christ makes you feel a part of the community. True to life situations along the way toward building a HEA ending….what more could you ask for?
(No need to put me in the drawing.)
So well said, Deb! I like stand alones too…but I feel sad that I don’t get to see more of the characters.down the road!
Thank you so much for the lovely review, Paula Marie! It means so much to me to know my book has touched your heart.
Thank you, Valerie, for writing such marvelous stories!
Oh, I loved this book, too!! Another great read by Valerie!
❤️
I love meeting up with characters in later books and learning more about them. It almost makes them feel like friends!
Yes, Jan, I completely agree with you!
I love both! I love stand alone because the book is finished and there is a conclusion to it. I love series books because after one book there are others filled with the characters you loved.
So well said, Meredith, thank you for sharing!
I mostly like stand alones because if I don’t particularly love the book I can read another book. I like series if the book is great and I want to read more from that author. I like series if there aren’t a lot of books in the series, no more than 5.
Very good points, Linda, I appreciate you sharing!
I love series books and watching how all the characters interact with each other throughout the books. When I like a series it’s always fun to know have more books to read in the series!
I agree, Terry, when it’s a great series it’s hard to see it end!
Thank you Paula for sharing this beautiful review!
I enjoy both, stand alone and series!
Thanks for visiting, Natalya, I couldn’t agree more with you!
I like series because you become more involved with the characters.
Very valid point! It’s like reading a huge book, lol!
I love series because it gives me more time to spend with the characters in the books
I like that to, Heleen – we get to know them all on a deeper level!
Series allows you to continue to enjoy your favorite characters
Yes, Michele, one of my favorite reasons too!