When a crisis rocks the trip, both have to reexamine what they want. But are their hopes for the future still too different, or can they trust that God has a plan for them?
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Not Until You
She clings to the past like a treasured antique. He’d rather toss it in the trash. But if they can learn to trust in the God of second chances, they might just discover a future together.
The past is all she has… Since her husband’s death three years ago, Violet has struggled to keep their antique store afloat and her grief at bay. She knows it’s time to move on, but she’s not sure she wants to. So when Nate moves in next door, she tries to ignore the feelings he stirs in her―feelings that were supposed to have died with her husband.
The past haunts him… Nate’s star was rising in the world of Christian music. But all that was erased with a single, life-shattering mistake. One he doesn’t deserve to be forgiven for. One that means he doesn’t deserve a future―and definitely not with his beautiful new neighbor.
Can they have a future? As the two work together to save her store, neither can deny the feelings that are starting to develop. But when Nate’s secret is exposed, they have to decide if they should walk away―or trust that the God of second chances has a plan for their future.
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Not Until Us
Everyone knows former bad girl Jade and local pastor Dan don’t belong together. But when what they know and what they feel are two different things, can they trust God to give them a second chance?
When Jade agrees to return to Hope Springs for the summer, it’s with the hope that she might finally be able to escape her past. But small towns have long memories―and Jade knows she deserves every one of the judgmental looks the townspeople direct her way. What she doesn’t understand is the handful of people who see past her reputation, including her ex-almost-boyfriend Dan, whom she left without so much as a word of explanation eight years ago.
Newly appointed as head pastor of Hope Church to replace his deceased father, Dan is under pressure to prove he’s up to the task. He doesn’t need any distractions. Not newcomer Grace, who on paper would make a perfect pastor’s wife, and especially not Jade―who, well, wouldn’t.
But as Dan and Jade get to know one another again, they can’t deny that their relationship has grown from childhood crush to once-in-a-lifetime connection. When Jade learns a secret that could destroy both of their reputations, they have to decide: Trust God to see them through this, or walk away again?
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Acknowledgements
I cannot even tell you how many times while writing this book I’ve had to sit and absorb its message for myself—the message that in all things God works for our good (even if things don’t work out as we’ve planned), that God is in control in all things, that he loves us with an unfailing love. I am thankful for his daily reminders of that love and for the privilege of sharing that message with others. When I started writing the Hope Springs series, I had no idea how God would bless it—or how he would bless me through it. But the answer to both of those questions is abundantly! I thank God for that. And even more than that, I thank him for the promise of salvation through the perfect life and innocent death of his Son, Jesus. Without that promise, nothing else would matter.
God has also blessed me with a loving husband, who would totally take me to those gazebos in the woods, if such a place really existed. A husband who is my number one supporter. Who leads our family faithfully in all things. And who models Christ’s love to me every day. Together, we have been blessed with four children: Hannah, Elijah, Titus, and Chloe. I thank God for each one of them. Being a mother has its challenges for sure (which is why I can relate to Leah!), but the reward of seeing my children grow in the Lord and share his love is more than I could ever ask for. I am grateful to our parents and extended family as well, for their continued love and support.
A big thank you also goes to Joe Davis, first, for his service to our country, and second for taking the time to talk with me and share his experiences with PTSD as I wrote Austin’s character. Thank you also to everyone who serves or has served in our country’s armed forces. Your courage and dedication astound me and bless our nation.
And to foster and adoptive parents everywhere, including my sister-in-law and her husband, thank you for opening your homes and your lives to give children their forever families. You are heroes.
And a super-sized thank you to my dedicated team of advance readers. Thank you especially to Marilyn Blackwell, Sheri, Lisa Lee, Donna Burfield, NJ, Ilona Stagg, Melanie A. Tate, Jennifer Ellenson, Sharon, Patty Bohuslav, Michelle Butler, Kathryn Rebernick, Judith Barillas, Pam Williams, Elle Ann Brown, Judith Seale, Sharika, Diana, Diane Markesbery, Evonne Hutton, Shavona Thompson, Jean S., Jenny Kilgallen, Annette Lawson, KH, Jan Gilmour, Korkoi Boret, N. Fudge, Debra L. Payne, Ashley Lundquist, Deb Galloway, Rachel Kozinski, Seyi, Alina Bogateanu, Tandy Oschadleus, Sherry Johanson, Trudy Cordle, Vickie Escalante, Connie Gronholz, and Josie Bartelt, who have been such a support and encouragement to me, sending lovely notes to let me know how much this book meant to them. And thank you to Jess, my friend since before I can remember, who offered her wise insights into the title of this book and who never fails to share her enthusiasm for my books.
And finally, thank YOU. Yes, you! I am so grateful for every single reader who spends time with the characters who walk the pages of my books. Thank you for all you do to support and encourage authors. God’s blessings to you!
About the Author
Valerie M. Bodden has three great loves: Jesus, her family, and books. And chocolate (okay, four great loves). She is living out her happily ever after with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband and their four children. Her life wouldn’t make a terribly exciting book, as it has a happy beginning and middle, and someday when she goes to her heavenly home, it will have a happy end.
She was born and raised in Wisconsin, and aside from a short stint in Minnesota while her husband trained for the pastoral ministry, has lived there her entire life, in spite of an aversion to all things cold and snowy (except Christmas―a snowy Christmas is good). She periodically tries to coax her snow-loving husband and children to pack up and move to a warmer climate with her but so far has had no luck. So she tolerates the snow for them. That’s some kind of love, if you ask her.
Valerie writes emotion-filled Christian fiction that weaves real-life problems, real-life people, and real-life faith. Her characters may (okay, will) experience some heartache along the way, but she will always give them a happy ending.
Feel free to stop by www.valeriembodden.com to say hi. She loves visitors! And while you’re there, you can sign up for your free short story.
Not Until Christmas Morning (Hope Springs Book 5) Page 24
