Not Until the End

Hope Springs #10

by Valerie M. Bodden

Emma has been with the Hope Springs friends from the beginning, and at last it's her turn to get a happily-ever-after!

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Christian Fiction

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2023

About the author

I have three great loves: Jesus, my family, and books. And chocolate (okay, four great loves). I write fast-paced, emotional Christian fiction that weaves real-life problems, real-life people, and real-life faith. My characters may (okay, will) experience some heartache along the way, but I promise I'll always give them a happy ending.

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Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Until the End was an absolutely beautiful novel that had my eyes welling up with tears multiple times during the story. And I’m not someone who cries easily while reading books. It had moments that hurt my heart, but also such a hard won happily ever after that I couldn’t help those happy tears! There were some very deep emotions experienced by not only the two main characters, but also by one of Owen’s daughters, who intensely struggled with grief and anger.

The author guides the reader through a myriad of emotions in this story, and tackles the tough topics of the loss of a loved one to cancer, the loss of a hoped for future, fear, anger, and disappointment to name a few.

This story is the final book in the long running Hope Springs series. If you jump into this book, I believe you can immerse yourself in it even if you haven’t read the other books. Just be aware that there are many couples and children who have been slowly introduced throughout the years who will make some appearances in this novel. Yet the main story for Owen and Emma should be able to hold its own for readers who haven’t visited Hope Springs before.

I loved this story and the author truly pulled me through all of the emotions on this one. I highly recommend it and the entire series. There is also a sweet bonus epilogue that can be downloaded with updates on all of the various characters from the Hope Springs novels, which is set a couple of years after the end of this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but ended up reading it through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Sherry Deatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way Valerie Bodden writes. Her stories are always faith filled. And her characters always have deep issues that they must overcome. You know they are going to get together but can't imagine what she will put them through to get their happy ever after.
I loved in this that Owen was a skydiver for a living, how unique. And that he had children he was raising alone. I also appreciated that he and Emma were mid life characters.
This has been a great series. I am sorry to see it end. But this is a great final story where you get to revisit a few of the people from earlier books.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book in the Hope Springs series brings Emma and Owen's story. The author takes you into their lives with a slow burn romance with a ton of emotions, life struggles and everyday living. She brings scripture and faith in helping to heal and in time , find love and a HEA. It's well written with descriptive scenes, moves fluidly and is a heartfelt read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Melissa Burke]

Amazing!!!!

Loved that a not perfect life is still one that needs God. And others!! I HIGHLY recommend all of TBE Hope Springs series. Start at book one. All are Sooo looks Good and tie into each other a little with past and future characters. I'm only sad the series is ending.

[Kay Defreese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally we get Emma's story. I did not enjoy this one as much as I did the rest of the series. At times I felt the story dragged.

[Stox4story · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It’s not about how much faith you have. It’s about how faithful God is.”

Emma is a cancer survivor. Her dream of marriage and having a family disappeared the day she got the diagnosis. She almost died with ovarian cancer and had to have a hysterectomy… so there goes her dream of the having family she’s always wanted.

Owen was a different kind of cancer survivor. His wife of 20+ years died from ovarian cancer. Now a widower with five children he can’t seem to move on. When his work demands moving away life becomes even more challenging, especially when uprooting children from friends and the only home they know. But God works in mysterious ways and what may seem wrong just may be what is right after-all.

Scripture says faith without works is dead, but Emma and Owen take the ‘works’ part to extreme. It’s their way of hiding and denying a full life rather than remembering just how faithful the creator of the universe really is.

Dealing with life and death situations isn’t easy, especially when troubles and struggles compound. There is no doubt that Emma and Owen have their plates full. As you read and keep turning the pages, it’s easy to see real life situations with real life issues. Illness is very real. Death is no stranger. Children struggle to adapt and adjust to their new life. These everyday life issues are depicted clearly in this book. Dealing with them is an arduous journey, both mental and spiritual. It doesn’t happen overnight as that’s not reality, however, we get to see just how all things work together for good for those who love the Lord.

🤔OBSERVATIONS

✒︎ This is a love story but not your typical love story. It shows us that life is short and will come with ups and downs. We see how faith can be challenging during those ‘down' times. We see how a middle aged couple finds love alongside hope and learns to accept the bad with the good.

✒︎ This is a slow burn book. We have a protective father, at times too protective, then we have a a single woman who chooses to live life to the fullest. No way she’s going to sit back and waste away what’s left of life.

✒︎ The book moves slowly, sometimes too slowly for me. I got too much detail in some places and not enough in others. I wanted to ‘see’ Claire’s about face. A trouble maker doesn’t change overnight.

✒︎ Loved basing a story on mid-life couples. Loved how family, young and old, are seen in favorable and unfavorable circumstances. Also, loved examples using scripture in various situations.

I received an advance copy of this book and freely leave my review.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Reason to Live Again -
Dan was still grieving the loss of his wife, whilst juggling being a single father, so relationships or falling in love was the last thing on his mind. Emma wasn’t searching for a relationship, as she had decided to leave her fate in the hands of God. However, what neither one of them realised was that their destinies were linked and they would have to navigate the obstacles placed in their path find the forever happiness that they both deserved. Even though they were both attracted to each other, their insecurities and the objections of a potential union made them getting a happily ever after quite difficult.

This story is about a single father who lost faith in God because of a personal loss, but he found a partner who not only helped him find his faith again, but also showed him how to love again. Psalm 62:8 “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” We are encouraged to give our unwavering trust and our hearts to God in this bible verse. We are told we should turn to God in the midst of losing our faith, by sharing our struggles and seeking refuge in Him. By placing our trust in God wholeheartedly in times of both faithfulness and doubt, He will help us find comfort and strength in His presence.

This truly moving story took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride, but I was happy to have been able to read it. I urge you to make this clean romance book you next weekend read and you won’t be disappointed.

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma had hopes and dreams of having a big family, but cancer had other plans. She’s thankful to be alive. When a new family moves in next door, she vows to be a good neighbor and nothing more, no matter how attractive the new neighbor is, which she finds out when he comes to collect his wayward dog. But after getting to know him and his children, helping them when needed, it’s hard not to develop feelings for him.

Owen is new to Hope Springs and his plans include getting his new skydiving venture going with a friend, and raising his five children, who weren’t all happy with the move. He has no plans for a relationship even though he promised his wife he would before she passed away from cancer. But the more he gets to know his new neighbor, the harder his plan is to keep.

Is there any way Emma and Owen can open their hearts to each other, in spite of their reasons for claiming it’s not possible?

A heartwarming story about secrets, loss, tragedy, second chances, faith, hope, dreams coming true, new beginnings, and more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me feeling so uplifted and joyful—not the kind of joy that comes easily because everything has gone smoothly and all the circumstances are perfect but the hard-won kind of joy that results from placing your trust and your agenda into God’s hands and believing
Isaiah 42:3 is true: “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out.” Emma and Owen both had come through their own histories of suffering—Emma was a cancer survivor and Owen had lost his beloved wife to cancer and was raising his 5 children alone in their new town of Hope Springs next door to Emma. Neither was seeking romance but God had other plans. If you or someone you love has ever been dealt a crushing blow in life and you find yourself struggling to keep your faith while dealing with the fallout, then this book will give you hope. The message of God’s faithfulness rings throughout this book and the slow burn friends-to-more love story kept me turning pages to the so-happy-I-cried ending. Highly recommend! I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Owen and Emma's story!! Owen's wife died of ovarian cancer. They had always dreamed of having a Drop Zone, and when Owen's friend found one for sale in Hope Springs, they decide to go into business together. Owen's not sure he's doing the right thing for his five children, the oldest of whom is in college, and neither are they. When they move in next door to Emma, it's a change for Emma and for them. Emma is an ovarian cancer survivor, and has given up on having a husband and family of her own. Her Mom and stepfather live in her house, too, and she has other family and many friends in Hope Springs. The more these two and their families spend time together, the more Owen opens his heart to the prospect of loving again, and Emma is afraid to open hers to have a family, though it's the deepest desire of her heart. When both finally open their hearts to find out what God would have them do, that's when the real fun begins!! This is a wonderful ending to a great series!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Linda Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of Katie and Owen, who both have challenges in their past. Owen is a widower with 5 children. Katie has never been married and has survived ovarian cancer and now feels her chances of ever becoming a mom are doomed.

They meet when Owen and his family move in next door to Katie. Katie teaches lessons to children on horsemanship and riding for a living, and is in general, a very welcoming neighbor. Owen has barely gotten his family into their new home when it burns down. Katie’s home is large enough for Owen and his family, so they temporarily move into Katie’s house. This begins Katie and Owen’s relationship as they spend time together, although neither wants to admit they are attracted and want to spend time with the other.

Owen’s children are endearing, and Katie falls in love with the children as well as Owen. There are lots of ups and downs in the story, with many enjoyable moments between Katie and Owen. I loved this story and will read it again in the future!

[SJ Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Emma and Owen's story. Emma had the fight of her life, and won. Getting back to her life, she was finding it hard with everyone smothering her with their concerns for her. Owen and his 5 children just move to Hope Springs to start a new life, while Owen opened his own skydiving business with his friend Charles. I don't want to be too detailed and spoil the direction of the characters, so I'll stop there. I will say, the Sunday messages from Pastor Dan not only helps the lead characters navigate the obstacles of life, these messages will help anyone reading this book. While I was reading this book, I was grieving the death of my Mother. I was sitting here with cleansing tears streaming down my own face, so I know what I'm saying to be true. If you like clean heartfelt books with Christian values, you will love 'Not Until the End'. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Lynn Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is an amazing book! Right from the beginning, the author caught my attention and I didn’t want to put the book down. This book is part of the Hope Springs series but is a stand alone with a HEA. These are strong main characters with real life problems. Family, friends, and Faith are an important part of their lives. I love the sermons by Pastor Dan in this book. They spoke to me when reading and were exactly what I needed to hear for my life.

Emma is a cancer survivor and lives on a farm where she provides horse riding lessons. Owen is a widower with 5 children hoping to start fresh in Hope Springs where he and his partner are starting a drop zone. Emma and Owen meet as neighbors when his dog, Lexi, comes over to Emma’s and scares her chickens. They become friends and help each other’s families and friends out where needed. Through laughter, tears, and troubles, Emma and Owen find out that there may be a chance at love for them.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written story by Valerie. She does it yet again in this novel! Emma has been going through a tough time trying to recover from her Cancer. She had lost her hair and her energy, but slowly she is gaining both back. Owen and his family move to Hope Springs. Of his five children most are okay with the move, but it will definitely be a change for them. His wife passed away from Cancer years ago and they are all still trying to get over the death. Owen and his kids move next door to Emma, but it is country living so their dog is actually how they met. Emma fell in love with Owen's children, but she was a spinster and knew she was never meant to marry. Plus no one wants to marry someone in remission from Cancer, but God can change all of that. This is my honest review for a great story.

[Marlee B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been anxiously waiting for Emma to have her own story and it did not disappoint. It was a powerful reminder to trust in God and have faith that He sees the bigger picture. Emma has had her share of hardships in life, but she has made peace with what God has given her. After losing his wife, Owen decides that he and his children need a change of scenery and they end up as Emma’s neighbors. I loved watching their relationship unfold, especially the part that each of Owen’s kids and their unique personalities played. As is her tendency, Emma steps in & serves Owen at times when he really needs it. Second love stories are so unique & special, and Valerie does a fabulous job at describing the range of emotions that this relationship entails- for Emma, Owen & his kids. Loved, loved, loved it! Definitely one of my favorites from the Hope Springs series.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Until the End is full of beginnings.
A widower and his 5 children are still reeling from the loss of the wife/mother who died from cancer 5 years earlier. Hoping a change of location and associated memories brings the family to Hope Springs. The children, some with their own challenges, and especially one rebelling to all the changes happening to the family.
This is a clean, inspiring story dealing with very real issues, applying their faith values to their problems. The verses used also bolstered my faith in dealing with issues. This series is like having an extended family which relies on each other and helps each other. And what a heartwarming ending!
I was provided with an advanced copy of the book, this review is my honest opinion.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest book in Valerie Bodden’s Hope Springs series. If you’ve read the others in the series, you’ll enjoy the “visits” from various leading characters as they interact with Owen and Emma. You may want to have tissues handy – there’s lots of emotion in this story, and plot twists that left me saying, “Oh no!” The human characters are wonderful, and the animal characters are hilarious! I ended up reading the whole book in one day (thanks mostly to a head cold that required sitting up rather than lying down) and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Diana Acord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final story in the Hope Springs series. Emma and Owen are both cancer survivors. She to ovarian cancer and he as the widow to 5 children after his wife died of the same cancer. Owen uproots his family from Tennessee to move to Hope Springs. He finds himself living next door to Emma and her menagerie of animals and all our previous Hope Springs friends. They are attracted to each other but both are dealing with survivor's guilt and the difficulty of moving on. The story goes through difficult emotions and learning to have faith in God's promises while the two of them and his children learn to become a family.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen, his children, and Emma face different losses in their lives. Owen lost his wife to cancer. He moves the family to Hope Springs starting a new business. One of his children is not happy with the move. Emma has had the same cancer as Owen's wife but survived though she has challenges after the treatment. She has a heart for giving and caring for the family. They all struggle with what God allows into their lives. It has a sweet ending, however, proving once again that God's plan is always good and just what they need. I always enjoy Ms. Bodden's writing and her spiritual lessons. I received an advance copy and chose to voluntarily write this review.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a few of the books in this series, off and on. Then I began to get to know all the wonderful couples, and I had to read the whole series. It's best of they are read in order. This final book is fantastic. Emma has played an important part in many of the past books, so it's good to see her finally get her happily ever after. As always - she pitches in "full hog" when a widower moves in next door with 5 children. She loves them all, and is exactly what the hurting people need. The series includes lots of community support and fellowship, and great sermonettes by Pastor Dan. I've recorded many thoughts in my special journal. Now on to the next series....

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen and Emma have suffered the rough side of life. He’s a widowed single dad to 5 kids. She’s a cancer survivor with a case of survivor’s guilt, staying busy to ease her conscience. They each plaster on a smile to cover uncertainty, all while trying to keep the faith in God even when his ways are obscure. These are sweet vulnerable characters that come to lean on God in ways I struggle to do. How inspiring! The author says it best, “It’s not about how much faith you have. It’s about how faithful God is.” I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[J ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie has done it again!! Every single one of her books is just the book I need! Her characters are always so well written, the character motivation and growth is always wonderful, and the Christ centered romances are amazing! I can never give enough thanks to Valerie for writing these wonderful stories! Really! If Christian romances with characters who face hard battles is your thing, read Valerie's books!!

Owen and Emma had such a beautiful story, I can't even describe how much I loved this book (as well as the rest of this series), and I definitely 100% recommend it to you!!

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Emma had come through cancer treatments, but has some lasting effects. Owen lost his wife to cancer and with his 5 children moved to Hope Springs and is Emma’s next door neighbor. Through several more tests, his faith grows and his children come through the hard times too. He and Emma grow closer, and she grows close to his children. A heartwarming and uplifting faith filled story about second chances, personal growth and growth in God. I highly recommend reading this book.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widower Owen and his five children move to Hope Springs for a new start. Owen and his best friend, Charles, are opening a parachute school. The day they arrive in Hope Springs they meet their next door neighbor, Emma and her bubbly niece Ruby.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this story. Most of them were people I would like to know. And I wouldn't mind living in a town like Hope Springs.

I highly recommend this clean, inspiring Christian romance.

I was given an ARC of this story from the author but this review is my honest opinion given voluntarily.

[Judith Barillas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie never fails to give us a happy-ending…that is after more than a few conflicts that have you wondering if the story really is a happy-ever-after! She writes from a Christian point of view and Pastor Dan always teaches me something about my faith. The main character, Emma, is a woman who has been through it and struggles. She comes out the other side a better person, however! I hate to think the series will end but I know without a doubt that Valerie will come up with a fantastic new series should that happen.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read! Full of heartbreak and loss as we meet Owen who has lost his wife to cancer. Despite telling her he will find someone after she has gone, he has no intention of doing so and concentrates on their five kids instead and moves to Hope Springs where he runs a sky diving school. They move next door to Emma who has survived cancer but has given up on having a big family herself as she believes this is Gods plan for her. She and Owen get close but each have their issues to work out and their story is an emotional one but so well worth a read!

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Until The End is a Christian, inspirational, later in life romance. This awesome, engaging tale held my interest from beginning to end. Ms. Bodden’s well written books are never preachy but they do contain untold reminders of God’s love for us and his faithfulness. This series is full of great characters. Owen, his kids, Emma, Anne, William and the townspeople all felt like family as I immersed myself in Hope Springs life. From good neighbors to a slow burn romance, the story progresses with many trials for Owen and his family. I love Emma’s Life List.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

An older couple that both are going through their own stages of grief. Owen for the loss of his wife to ovarian cancer, Emma for the loss of her dreams of children due to her hysterectomy because of ovarian cancer. When Owen moves next door, Emma wants to be a good neighbor to Owen and his kids. Owen wants his kids to be happy and is amazed as the kids get closer to Emma, but he is not ready to move on. There are real situations in this book and real feelings, that's what I love about this series.

[Mia2Four · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great ending to a really great series. I have throughly enjoyed all of the characters I have met in Hope Springs. This is the ending that Emma deserved and Owen and his family were a great addition to Hope Springs. Loved how Ms. Bodden showed all the different responses to illness and grief. Very realistic. Always love the times we ‘attend’ a church service with Pastor Dan. They are a perfect edition to the story and show how God’s Word is so applicable to our lives. Thank you for sharing your take on this small community of believers. Gonna miss them.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommend

This book was so-o-o go-o-od. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. It has everything in it, but best of all a happy ending. It can be read as a stand alone novel, but I recommend reading the whole series. Every one of the stories leading up to this one is excellent as well. They build on each other. After reading all of the books, I truly want to move to Hope Springs and be a part of that community. Valerie Bodden did an amazing job of building each character, each story line, and then weaving them altogether. Thank you, Valerie!!