They made a pact of friendship. Love was not supposed to be part of the deal. Lauren is desperate to escape the massive shadow of her father’s and sister’s political careers. Matt is running from the biggest disappointment of his life.After a messy meeting in a snowbound airport, they launch a new friendship, founded on a mutual love for the Lord and an agreement of respect. They find themselves … of respect. They find themselves working together at the Lake Shore Resort, thankful to have each other as they each carve out a fresh start. But as the winter season wears on, and through a few interesting predicaments, one begins to feel more, and the other…well. Maybe neither knows what they really want. Already wounded from the things they’ve left behind, Matt and Lauren wrestle with what comes next. Afraid to move forward. Not wanting to go back.
Each must face a dilemma that only the hand of the Potter can smooth into a hopeful, promising future. Can they surrender past hurts, as well as their future hopes and plans and trust the good intentions of the God they both love?
Always You, a contemporary Christian Romance, is Book 5 in The Potter’s House Books Series (Two). Stories of hope, redemption and second chances. Read today and be blessed.
Coming soon from The Potter’s House Books Series (Two) authors:
The Hope We Share by Juliette Duncan
Beyond the Deep by Kristen M. Fraser
Honor’s Reward by Mary Manners
Hands of Grace by Brenda S. Anderson
Always You by Jennifer Rodewald
Her Cowboy Forever by Dora Hiers
Changed Somehow by Chloe Flanagan
Sweet Scent of Forgiveness by Delia Letham
and more…
more
Lauren is a amazing woman who is trying to do what she wants in her life, not what her family expects from her. Matt is a wonderful person who is trying to get out of town away from the life he can’t have. When these two run into each other their lives will change. The way these two help each other is truly amazing. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful story. Jennifer Rodewald is truly a amazing Christian author.
Okay, if nothing else, read this story for the meet-cute. Um….it’s the best. I can’t really say more than that – you’ll have to check it out for yourselves. But it paves the way for a beautiful friendship and story. One that you don’t want to miss.
I love Jennifer Rodewald’s stories, and this is no exception. Here are two characters that end up in the same place, working together – by chance, and yet it’s perfect that they find each other. Coincidence? I think not. But I’m not the one that needed to realize that – the characters were. Their journey was full of ups and downs, funny moments, swoony moments, and memorial moments. Rodewald gives readers a story of hope, redemption, and following the Lord. I highly recommend this delightful story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What an unforgettable meet-cute! I loved the instant rapport Matt and Lauren have with each other, and friendship looks good on them. They are each at a crossroads in their lives, and the respite they find at the lodge and with each other allows them to step back and reevaluate their lives. The chemistry between them is strong, but with Matt’s dysfunctional unrequited love between them, they struggle with moving forward int heir relationship. There is plenty of self-reflection, angst, and spiritual awakening as they each learn to choose the path that God has in store for them. This is a fun story with depth and great dynamics!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
I’m always a fan of a friends-to-more story but one from Jennifer Rodewald, one where friendship is born from a most embarrassing situation, is something not to miss.
Lauren and Matt are fun characters. They have a great rapport with each other, including some witty banter and silly nicknames. They are also real. They struggle with things in their life. They’ve both got people in their lives who have used them but they each deal with that in their own way.
Whether she’s writing deep subjects or more light-hearted stories (like Always You), Rodewald always leaves me at the end of her books feeling like I’ve traveled with friends.
And the good news is that there are plenty of Murphy brothers to hang out with in future books. I’m looking forward to finding out who prankster Jackson’s match is and also really want Connor’s peel back some layers on Connor.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
A wonderful story
Once again, Jennifer Rodewald has written a fantastic story!
Always You is quirkier than some of her stories, more upbeat and maybe RomComy, yet it is so full of spiritual truth that I cringe a little to describe it that way.
This may sound strange but I just loved the way the author gave each chapter such fun titles. Each time I would come to a new one, I would just smile. They were old-fashiony titles like Chapter 1 (in which Lauren meets a man at the airport). See what I mean?
So Matt and Lauren have an awkward meet-cute that resulted in an inside joke that caused her to blush each time he said “tux”. That event really highlighted what a sweet and easy-going guy Matt is.
Lauren, despite the fact she was trying to run away from her troubles, was quite a mature Christian who loved the Lord with all her heart. I loved the way she had so many scriptures memorized and how they would just pop out at the best possible times. Psalms of praise, words of encouragement. Words timely spoken. And not for effect because sometimes she didn’t even realize anyone was listening. It was truly a case of “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”. And I loved the way that Lauren helped Matt to see things from a right perspective and help him to turn back to seeking the Lord.
I can’t forget about Matt. The oldest of seven boys, he wasn’t surprised by much. Though he had been raised with a great foundation, he had allowed his desire to please his best friend’s girlfriend/fiance to lead him to turn his focus to worldly things. Things he didn’t even really care about. The natural, friendly way he treated Lauren from the start was so fun! I loved the way he completely ignored personal space etiquette with Lauren.
If you enjoy sweet romances that make you laugh and think about the Lord, be sure to read Always You!
(One final note. I’m not a fan of references to bodily functions – please don’t tell me when the characters are going to the bathroom! And I dislike the word “puke”. Yes, both of these appear here but they worked and didn’t do more than make me cringe for a moment.)
Read my review of Always You by Jennifer Rodewald at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
The opening line is PRICELESS! How can you pass up reading something that the opening line is something we all struggle with at some point in our lives?
This book is a great filler for that post holiday “doldrums” that we all get. Gives a “pick me up” for a little holiday cheer. The banter between Matt and Lauren is so real and lively – loved it!
And then the internal issues that they both are dealing with are also VERY real and are issues we all deal with also. This was a great story with questions we all ask ourselves internally but can’t figure out how to word them externally. Read the story – you’ll find those “ah-ha” moments when you figure it out.
Always You by Jennifer Rodewald is a memorable contemporary romance that begins with one of the funniest meet cutes (ever!) and grows into a sweet friendship-to-more story.
With moments of wonder at the splendor of creation (hello Lake Tahoe setting!) and the ups and downs of a daily walk of faith, Matt and Lauren find deeper purpose in their lives and understanding with each other. I like how the friendship is developed so naturally, as is the reality of a daily surrender to God’s will. Both Matt and Lauren learn some hard lessons on their own through this new season, but find a sweet assurance in their relationship with refreshing honesty and humor.
This story is on the lighter side compared to some of Jennifer’s novels, yet just as impactful and skillfully written. I’m looking forward to more FUN with the Murphy brothers (hopefully Jackson!).
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.
I love the humor woven into this book. Couple that with the wonderful characters and wrap it all up in a Christian bow: it’s amazing! This book is just warm, for lack of a better descriptor. The characters and the setting and the way the humor and life, dialogue and narration work together and flow – it’s just warm and homey and relaxing. I really loved the naming of each chapter along with the number. Not many authors do it anymore, but it fit so well with this novel’s feel and made me feel like I was reading something fun with and from a friend. I don’t know how that all works, but it’s how it all made me feel. So, obviously I was super impressed with this book and I think it’s the best Potter’s House book I’ve read so far in this series and I can’t wait for her next one to come out!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
What a wonderful story! I loved the way Lauren and Matt basically fell into each other’s lives. Their friendship developed quickly due to the circumstances that threw them together in the first place, yet it felt believable to me.
Both were running from something and both needed to resolve the issues they were running from. Yet, even before those issues had been resolved, the attraction grew between Lauren and Matt and that initial friendship began to grow into more.
I appreciated that these two dealt with some conflicting feelings and situations that left both of them worried at times and heart sore at others. They were not perfect people and Matt, especially, needed to evaluate some past heart issues before moving on. This was such a great, romantic read with a wonderful faith message! I also really enjoyed the introduction to Matt’s brothers and hope to read their stories in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Always You by Jennifer Rodewald is a delightful contemporary novel and part of the Potter’s House series.
Jennifer Rodewald has presented a wonderful, warm and welcoming collection of characters who envelope the reader with love. Her lead characters have a rapport with each other as they bounce their dialogue backwards and forwards. They make the reader smile.
God’s plans are always best for our lives. We do not always realise this. “He [God] means good for you, even when He tells you no.” Sometimes in our prayers we tell God what we want instead of listening to His plans for our lives. Prayer is important. It should be as natural as breathing. “Prayer came easily.” Prayer should be a two-way dialogue not a monologue from us.
Knowing God’s Word is also important. Whatever season we are in, there will always be an appropriate word from God. Sometimes in life there are just no words and then we need to lean on God and press into Him. “When there were no words, there was presence.”
The novel is about choices. “The choices we make today will play out in all our tomorrows.” We must choose wisely. When looking for a life partner, we must be equally yoked. We want a partner who loves God as much as we do.
The setting is snow-capped America before Thanksgiving. The reader revels in the clean, fresh air that mirrors one of the characters who quite literally is a breath of fresh air.
I adored Always You and read it in just one sitting. I ‘walked’ my way through the novel and enjoyed my time spent with the characters.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“[His] faith wore boots and walked daily.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Oh wow!!! This is my first read by Ms Rodewald and what an inspirational read this was! Reminding me that I should always trust in Him and not what I feel I really want or need. It’s not about me, it’s about glorifying our Father. Matt and Lauren’s story was the page turner lite with passion for learning to lean into His word and see the beauty of His amazing grace and oh so sweet plans He has for us. And the picturesque views of Lake Tahoe Ms Rodewald gave us, it had me in awe and wanting to make a trip out west. Oh my! Truly a remarkable story!
This book is full of emotions and will hook you at the very start. It is well written and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. The author made the book come to life with her words and the people felt like your friends. I highly recommend this book
Ha!
I loved the way Laureen and Matthew met! Even though not the best of ways it was hilarious!!!
I enjoyed reading the banter between them. Very organic and refreshing.
Quick-witted Lauren met her match in Matthew.
Both of them reeling from unhealthy circumstances found their place in Lake shore lodge.
I admired reading how Matt let go of his plans for God’s plan to be actualized in his life. Jemimah29:11 found great expression in Matt’s life. His protectiveness and way with Lauren was so sweet to read about. The most endearing thing about Lauren was how well she memorized scriptures and could connect them to nature and recite them in a heartbeat.
They both found their place in the world in God.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Really enjoyed watching Lauren and Matthew’s story unfold. Both were running from users in their lives. I felt so bad for Lauren when she ran into Matthew, but that scene caught me off guard and I laughed out loud. I loved that both were trusting God to help them through the mess they created. If you like clean stories with heart, I highly recommend ‘Always You’.
I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
This book was fantastic. It’s another winner from Jennifer Rodewald.
The way Lauren and Matt met was kinda mortifying, but, oh my goodness, absolutely hilarious. And Matt was such a good sport about it! I knew he was a keeper from that moment. They’re such a fun pair. I loved how they started out as friends and things slowly grew from there. It felt very natural. But my favorite thing about them was how they both relied on and leaned on God. How He was at the center of everything for them.
There were lots of laughs and cute moments, but there was a lot of depth to this story too. I loved pretty much everything about it. Well… except that it ended. I could’ve just kept reading about this awesome duo. It’s my new favorite from Ms. Rodewald.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
‘He could trust the goodness of God’s heart even if it felt harsh in Matt’s moment of blindness.’
I love it so much when I begin a book and from the very first, the characters seem to leap into my heart, real as anything! I can’t stand to see characters walk woodenly across a page. From the first paragraph, I knew Jennifer Rodewald had created those characters that just burst into life in my heart. Lauren and Matt will remain two of my favorite characters a very long time, I’ll tell you that.
Lauren is headed toward a new life away from her overachieving family. She just wants to be her own person in her own life. Then she gets sick getting off a plane. On a total stranger. Who is nice about it! I mean, seriously, who is nice after getting puked on by a strange woman? Matt Murphy is. He is also running, but away from a broken heart. From what he had prayed and prayed and prayed for what he thought was God’s path for him. Turned out, it wasn’t. Because sometimes the very thing we know for certain is what we want and will make us happy is the very thing God does NOT want us to have. Because He’s got something way better for us!
I loved how these characters allowed God to penetrate their hearts and root out the wrongness of their attitudes and asked Him to then change them. It reminded me of King David’s heart when he said, ‘Cleanse me, O God.’ Both Matt and Lauren wanted the best for each other, even if it meant their own heart got broken.
Rodewald always manages to craft characters that have the most emotional depth I’ve ever seen in a fictional person. I was completely all in this book from the very first page. I hated for it to end. It was totally heart-deep. I highly recommend this book.
*My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This was a great book about a chance meeting and needing a friend. Lauren and Matt meet at the airport when she gets sick on him and that is the start of there banter and friendship. However as time goes one they both realize that they want more then friendship , only problem is he over his hurt and past.