“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 … 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.
“Not Until This Day is a story of faith triumphing over fear and trust winning out over worry…. A wonderful, lifelike story that was just what I needed to be reminded of today.” -Advance review
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
Not Until This Day
more
It was good to visit Hope Springs again. This small town may be fictional, but the issues and problems the people face are very real. This one tackles spousal abuse, divorce, trust issues and fear, all in a very realistic way.
Our two main characters, Isobel and Tyler have suffered different kinds of pain, but their pain is very real. Tyler was burned badly when his wife just up and walks out to be with another man. Isobel has to flee, not only for her life, but for her small daughter’s life as well. Her husband is well-to-do and powerful. He shows himself as a loving father and husband on the outside, but behind closed doors he’s a devil in disguise.
Healing is possible but it’s a long journey. Following Isobel and Tyler down their road to redemption, faith and health is well worth the read. I am glad to see this author touch upon subjects that many authors spurn. Hence my rating.
OBSERVATIONS
Enjoyed revisiting so many of the people living in Hope Springs. This is a stand alone book but seeing how past residents are doing is nice. I kept thinking how sharing their own stories and struggles with Isobel and Tyler could be helpful.
I would like to have more ‘ending’ to wrap things up. What about Isobel’s ex? He was powerful and had lots of connections. Do they get him off or does he have pay for his actions? Does he ever realize what he did? Does he ever find himself in a place where he has to look at himself in the mirror? Does he ever know or even care what he has done to his daughter? Just would have liked more depth into him and his character.
I received an advance copy of this book and am freely giving my thoughts in this review.
This is a very realistic depiction of domestic violence, fear, and the sense of aloneness experienced by those who have suffered at the hand of someone who has “claimed” to love them. It takes great courage and faith to take a chance and trust others after experiencing such cruelty. Faith, hope and love can accomplish that. This beautifully crafted story shows how faith in God, trusting that we are safe in his pure love will bring us to the life we are meant to live. Because of all the trials Tyler and Isabelle have gone through, they can now appreciate how beautiful their life will be together. Valerie Bodden has a gift for taking tough subjects and turning them into amazing love stories that warm your heart.
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.
Some fear is expected, some is easy to hide, some is consuming and some keeps the senses sharp. Isabel and Tyler are both fighting fear. One of them has a fear that is hidden, the other not so much. One fights from a position of faith while the other is solitary. The antidote is faith, over and over, moment by moment. Their victories were my victories. This is a sweet clean romance with lots of faith. I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
In this book we meet a close knit and loving Christian community of people who are reaching out to someone with great need and drawing them into the circle of love and acceptance. Isabel is on the run from an abusive ex-husband along with her young daughter, Gabby. They move from town to town with new names in hope that he will not be able to track them. One day they arrive in Hope Springs and Isabel is able to get a job and a nice but inexpensive apartment so they stay for a while. Isabel tries to avoid making friends and putting down roots—it would just hurt that much more when they have to leave. But it is hard to resist the power of love. If you’ve ever felt like there’s an empty place inside that needs to be filled and nothing seems to be able to fill it, then this book has some answers for you. If you are just looking for a sweet romance and a feel-good story, then this book is also for you. Highly recommend!
Isabel is running with her daughter and in the process isn’t totally honest with the people she meets in Hope Springs. Tyler is living with the pain of having been cheated on by his spouse and her deserting their boys. I’ll admit I had a problem with Tyler. I did appreciate how the author portrayed both of these characters as real people who struggle and still sin – as we all do. Their attraction is immediate and they both resist it. I just thought Tyler could have handled things a little differently – maybe I just saw her reasons a little more clearly than I did his. Loved how their children bonded and helped them form a family. I do love this series. The ending was so sweet left me with a smile.
This story was so emotional. I felt for Isabel and Gabby having to move all the time and change their whole lives due to tragic circumstances. Valerie Bodden must do extensive research to get her stories to sound so real. I love that Tyler was able to forgive his ex for watch she did. This is a great story of faith and forgiveness. This is one of my favorite series. I love all of the spiritual references in Valerie’s books. Another great job by Valerie Bodden. Now on to book 7.