“This was a fabulous, fantastic, best ever Christmas book. WOW!” -Advance ReaderShe’s a fixer… He’s about as broken as they come… Can they learn to turn to God for healing and hope this Christmas?Leah has always been a fixer. That’s why she decided to foster a troubled teen. And it’s why she’s determined to give him the perfect Christmas. It might also be why she feels compelled to reach out to … give him the perfect Christmas. It might also be why she feels compelled to reach out to her grinchy, reclusive neighbor Austin. But she’ll have to be careful that reaching out doesn’t turn into something more—she’s been hurt by crossing the line from friendship to romance once, and she’s not willing to let it happen again.
After losing his leg, his friend, and his faith in Afghanistan, Austin figures he’s about as broken as they come. For Austin, Hope Springs is simply a stopping point—a place to rehabilitate his leg, get over the burden of his PTSD, and get back into shape to redeploy. He has no desire to get to know anyone while he’s here, least of all the meddlesome—if sweet—woman next door. But when she calls on him to help her make Christmas special for her foster son, something compels him to relent. Soon, his heart belongs to both of them.
But what if Austin is too broken for even Leah to fix? Can the two of them learn to turn to God for hope and healing—and maybe even a chance at love—this Christmas?
Not Until Christmas Morning is a heartwarming Christian romance filled with faith, love, and the reminder to trust God “even if.”
“Not Until Christmas Morning is such an inspiring and uplifting book that you won’t want to wait until Christmas to read it! I loved this story of how God can make something beautiful out of broken people and their painful circumstances. If you’ve ever been angry with God about the suffering in your life or the lives of loved ones, then this book will give you hope. Highest recommendation!” -Advance Reader
While the books in the Hope Springs series are linked, each features a complete romance about a different couple and can be read in any order.
Hope Springs Series
Not Until Forever
Not Until This Moment
Not Until You
Not Until Us
Not Until Christmas Morning
more
4.5 stars. I loved most of this book!
Though it was in the Hope Springs series, they can be read in any order, and I didn’t feel like I missed anything at all. It was grittier than I expected in a Christmas romance, but it wasn’t too bad – though the memories of the war did get a little more graphic than I appreciated.
I loved the very real, flawed characters and how even all the secondary characters were unique and 3D. The quality of writing was excellent! It just drew me in from the first page!
Though the romance was faster than I usually like, it still felt realistic because of where the characters were in their personal lives.
The parenting of a foster child was amazing! I’m not sure that that relationship would also have progressed so far in the month that the romance did – at the same time, at least – but it also felt right.
I was super impressed with the quality of editing and formatting, too. I only noticed two things, and as a proofreader myself, that is really good.
The only two things I didn’t like were: 1) the very Calvinistic/deterministic doctrine blatantly taught all throughout the novel. At least it was consistent. 2) Leah not hesitating to date a guy who was unbelieving. At least that would be a concern of mine. It didn’t seem to matter to her.
I will definitely be reading this again in winters to come!
Favorite quotes:
“’It’s raining peaches.’ It had been one of their mother’s favorite sayings when they were growing up, and after she’d died, Chad had taken it over as if he’d inherited it the same way he’d inherited her curly hair.” (p. 8)
“He said it with certainty, as if it were the most logical thing in the world. Even though some part of him knew it was the exact opposite.” (p. 11)
“It didn’t make sense that his heart felt lighter after being here for only a few hours. But it did. Only a sliver, maybe. But a sliver was a start.” (p. 38)
“She smiled at him, and he tried to convince himself it didn’t warm him. That was just the fire that one of the guys now had roaring in the fireplace. Nothing else.” (p. 60)
“She was so used to feeling certain about everything, used to making snap decisions and not thinking twice about them. But now, she was questioning everything, second guessing herself at every turn. Was this what parenting was going to be like? For the rest of her life?” (p. 62) Yep! Welcome to motherhood.
“But how could he [cook]? After what Tanner had said the last time he cooked? If this is the last meal I ever eat, I’ll die happy. What was he supposed to do with the fact that it had been the last meal Tanner ever ate?” (p. 93)
“And he’d already cheated death. The least he could do was avoid making things easier on himself than they should be.” (p. 105)
“He may not know how to act around Leah right now. But boys and video games? That he did know.” (p. 108)
“They didn’t see him as someone broken. As far as they knew, he was whole and intact. And knowing there were people who thought that gave him hope that maybe he could be again. Someday.” (p. 111)
“Though Austin had to admit that he did like spending the day with Leah—and if hanging Christmas lights was the price he had to pay to do it, he’d gladly pay again. Nice job following through with that whole not getting distracted thing.” (p. 120)
“But he didn’t care. Seeing both of them smiling at the same time made it so worth it.” (p. 123)
“Being sick for Thanksgiving hadn’t been part of the plan. But at least she had people she could rely on to take care of things. People like Austin.” (p. 158)
“’It’s not that simple.’ … ‘Seems pretty easy to me. Call and tell him he’s being an idiot.’” (p. 235)
(I received a copy for free from the author in a giveaway. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was the decision to write this review.)
a very sweet story, about two people who finally find each other’s hearts.It’s a moving story that certainly ceeps you captivatid til the end. I really do love this series. I can’t stop reading.
It is the best book I’ve read this year. A powerful message. I haven’t cried reading a book in a while, but this one was the one who wraps me in its message:
“Faith isn’t faith if it only believes in God when he answers our prayers in the way we want him to. Faith is faith when we believe even if.”
If you want to understand this, you have to read this book, and I pray for all of you to let God speak to you through all these pages. Because I know that He’s already done it to me.
Leah, Austin, and Jackson were each broken in their own way, beaten down by life experiences. I thought Leah was crazy as a single woman taking on a troubled teenage boy, who didn’t give her a moment’s peace after she brought him home. I don’t know if I would have had her strength and determination not to give up. She was the same way with her neighbor Austin even though they both put up walls and pushed her away. I loved that Jackson rescued and cared for a baby squirrel and was so great with all the little kids. It was funny that he ate PB&J because that was what I brought to school for lunch, although it might not be allowed anymore because of all the nut allergies. This was not a fairytale, but a Christian story with real characters dealing with issues who find strength and happiness in themselves and each other.
This was a wonderful story about turning to God and accepting his will even if it isn’t what we want or think we need. There was no foul language or sex; just a wonderful story about redemption, healing and the power of love.
Austin had lost his best friend and his leg in an attack while serving in Afghanistan. He was angry with God and determined to heal and be redeployed so he could protect his brother, who was still serving in Afghanistan. He had no time for distractions. He had decided to take a “vacation” in Hope Springs. His family had lived there and had been happy.
Leah lived next door to the house that Austin was renting. She was a small business owner who was in a good place in her life. She wanted to do something worthwhile and good so she decided to become a foster parent to any older child. She had dreams of eventually adopting this child who would love her from the beginning. When Jackson was placed in her home, he was an angry, sullen twelve year old boy who didn’t believe in love. He had found his mother dead from a drug overdose when he was six years old and had been moved through many foster homes since then.
Austin and Leah began to spend some time together and Jackson connected with Austin. They each helped provide something for each other that helped in healing and demonstrated true love.
I was given an arc copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed reading such a wonderful story and I willingly offer my honest review.
Ever been mad at God? Ever feel like all hope is gone? What starts out as a heart wrenching storyline transcends to a heartwarming tale.
Austin lost his faith when he lost his leg and friends in Afghanistan.
Jackson found his mother dead from an overdose when he was six. Now the young 12 year old who only has seen loss, disapproval and anguish, acts out.
Leah, who has a heart wanting love, even if she refuses to admit that, needs Austin and Jackson as much as they need her.
While turning the pages, it was was so rewarding to see how God takes bad situations, turns them around and uses them for good. Seeing how He touched each life and gave the strength needed to move forward was amazing. But don’t be fooled. Healing usually is a journey, seldom is it an instant miracle. And so it is with Leah, Austin and Jackson.
Talk about tugging at the heart, this book does it. And while it makes for a touching story to read at Christmas, being full of hope and love, this book certainly isn’t designated ‘only for Christmas’. This is a book that will touch your heart anytime of the year.
Not Until Christmas Morning is one of the best books I have read this year! It put me through an emotional wringer and I could not put it down. Leah, Austin and Jackson are all amazing. This book challenges you to remember to trust God even when things seem evil or not going your way. The characters are imperfect humans who with God;s help are better able to adjust to their circumstances. This is a well written, powerful romance and I highly recommend it.
This is one of the best Christmas fiction books I’ve ever read! So much real emotion, not just fluff.
A wonderful story with all the emotions, anger, fear, hate, forgiveness, and more. It draws you in from the first words to the last words. It’s well written, a pure joy to read, characters you’ll love and feel like you’re part of their lives. When you let God in and let Him take control of your circumstances, it’s truly amazing what happens. A touching story that will move you to tears. Highly recommend and a must read! I received an advance copy of this book from the author to leave my review.
Not Until Christmas Morning was another book that I absolutely loved by this author! These characters felt so real to me and I could feel their various struggles as I read their story.
Jackson, Leah’s foster child, had so much fear and anger in him. I felt compassion for him, even as I felt sad for Leah as she continually tried to reach out to him. Austin was determined and strong, yet struggled with PTSD and the idea that because some very bad things had happened, belief in God was silly.
The attraction between Austin and Leah was beautifully written and I enjoyed reading as they started out working together for Jackson’s benefit and then grew into much more. This book really pulled on my heartstrings. It is part of a series, yet can easily be read as a stand alone novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was a very good clean romance read! Love the story line. Would recommend reading.
I received an advanced ebook and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
This up lifting, believe in Christmas magic is a must read stirring Christmas. Fill your heart with his love as you walk with Leah. Leah’s heart is filled with love and she’s determined to share that love with a child. But fostering a child who has experienced things no child should have is challenging and Leah finds herself conflicted. Austin is damaged, a tragedy of war. Through God’s intervention these two collide. Wonderful Christmas magic read. So relatable! Immerse yourself in the love of God through this incredible story! A must read to bring the holiday spirit into your heart!
What a wonderful story of anger, hate, fear, forgiveness and lots of other emotions. This book actually made me cry and no other book has done that. Wonderfully written with the characters drawing you in to their lives. You can feel their pain and joy. This is an absolute must read. It is amazing what happens when we let God take control and we give it all to Him. I can not express what I feel after reading this book. It touched me so very much.
This was a beautiful and inspirational story! After going through a rough year, the messages in these pages touched my heart and I have been blessed with the reminder to “Let go, and let God”. I could feel the healing in my own soul as I read the beautifully crafted words.
The story is truly inspiring as it reminds us that God provides us with everything we need, and hears our prayers. He may not answer the way we expect or want, or in the time we want, but he always answers. Our suffering teaches us to depend on Him to help us through it, and at times He takes us down roads of pain and beauty to bring us back to Him.
Austin, Leah, and Jackson stumble their way through difficult circumstances, but Leah never gives up, though she is hurt time and again. Her outlook on life, her strong faith, and openness to everything that happens is the true blessing of this book. She is the rock that Austin and Jackson cling to as they learn love, trust, and belief in themselves and others. Together they weather fears, disappointment, anger, frustration, confusion, frustration, but also stand together in hope, compassion, strength, trust, and love. This story is a must read.
Thank you, Valerie for writing such a wonderful story and lesson.
I received this book as an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
I LOVED this book!! I was a little irritated with Leah at first, but grew to like to her. I felt like she was very naive to think that taking in a foster child would be a piece of cake, and the child would come in with no lingering problems from being in foster care. She wasn’t realistic her thinking at all!! She finally figured things out, but it took longer than I thought it should have. Still, I loved the book, and she did figure things out, and grew in her knowledge of herself and how she needed to relate to God. My favorite quote in the book was: “Faith isn’t faith if it only believes in God when He answers our prayers in the way we want Him to. Faith is faith when we believe ‘even if.'”
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to review, and the opinion expressed is totally my own.
This story shows how having just one person in your corner can make all of the difference in the world! Wonderful book.
Not Until Christmas Morning is an emotional story of three people that are all not happy with the road their life has taken. Austin, the disabled vet that is determined to work himself too hard to get back to the way he needs to be to redeploy so he can be back in Afghanistan where his brother is still fighting. Leah, has her own catering business but was hurt by a boyfriend she was sure was going to marry her yet he left her and married another woman three months later. So she has given up on marriage but not a family. So she decides to foster an older child. And Jackson, the 12 year old boy that has been from foster home to foster home due to his Mom dying from a drug over dose there with him. The school principal tells her he is nothing but trouble and she would find out soon enough. But the thing each one of these three people are looking for is healing of their hurts. Only God can take the missing and broken pieces from each of them to make them find their happily ever after.
This was so good. A single girl, Leah with a servants heart decided she wants to be a foster Mom to Jackson. And a war torn soldier, Austin who moves next door to wait out his time while trying to past his fitness to be redeployed. I read this book in a 24 hour period. Stopping and starting while being filled with hope and inspiration. I laughed and cried. I highly recommend ‘Not Until Christmas Morning’ to everyone.
Not Until Christmas Morning is such an inspiring and uplifting book that you won’t want to wait until Christmas to read it! I loved this story of how God can make something beautiful out of broken people and their painful circumstances. If you’ve ever been angry with God about the suffering in your life or the lives of loved ones, then this book will give you hope. Highest recommendation!
This is such an inspirational story of forgiveness, trust and belief. Trust that God has forgiven us and has a plan for each of us. It’s a reminder that He is in control and knows what is best for each of us. We just have to trust and believe in His Word. Valerie Bodden has such a talent for grabbing and holding your interest from the first chapter to the last. She isn’t afraid to tackle the tough situations every day life throws at us. Her ability to use her stories to share God’s word is uplifting. I couldn’t put this book down. I received this copy free from the author and am under no obligation to leave a review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am freely sharing my opinion.