I decided to take a break from reading nonfiction books and found this compelling Christian romance novel that captivated my imagination. “Not Until Forever” by Valerie M. Bodden is an exciting book that took me on an emotional rollercoaster while tackling the important themes of love, loss, and the struggle for personal growth. In this book review, we will delve into the world created by Bodden and explore the complexities of the characters, the engaging storyline, and the overall impact of this beautifully crafted novel.
“Not Until Forever” tells the story of Sophie Olsen, a young woman who declined Spencer’s proposal to focus on her career. But when she is suddenly called home to say goodbye to her dying grandmother, Sophie is determined to avoid seeing her ex, whom she left heartbroken five years ago. However, when she returns to Hope Springs, Spencer is the first person she encounters. Seeing Spencer again stirs up old feelings and causes her to question old decisions.
Choosing to drop out of college to help save the family farm caused Spencer to lose the woman he loved. But he could not abandon his family. Now that Sophie has returned to Hope Springs, Spencer is determined not to let her break his heart again. But when he meets Sophie, he senses that something about her has changed which makes him think that God might be giving them a second chance at forever. But when his family needs his help again, he feels like he’s reliving the past. Only this time, he’s not sure if he should stay to help his family or go after the woman he loves.
One of the central themes of “Not Until Forever” is the journey from heartbreak to healing. The author tackles tough topics such as heartbreak, the loss of a loved one, fear, and uncertainty about the future.
This story is the first book in the Hope Springs series. I enjoyed reading “Not Until Forever” and look forward to reading the other books in the series. I can identify with the main character Sophie because she chose to pursue her career over getting married, and she questions whether she made the right decision. I can also identify with Spencer because he could not turn his back on his family when they needed him.
This book is a beautifully crafted, clean, and wholesome romance novel with loveable characters and a strong storyline. “Not Until Forever” is a story about second chances for love, faith, friendship, and acknowledging grief. I highly recommend this book to readers who are interested in reading emotion-filled Christian novels.
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