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When Forever Stays

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A surfing accident brought them back together.
Only obedience to God can guarantee their happily ever after.

Dana

Taking on the role of a “Christian influencer” should have pushed me deeper into my relationship with Jesus, but instead, it brought more questions. Especially when it came to finding love. I shouldn’t have felt like a spinster at twenty-four but as the self-proclaimed Last Bachelorette Standing, I wondered if my desire for a husband was truly from God.

Then Rhett Stryker--the gorgeous guy who ghosted me--literally washed onto my shore and threw me for the biggest plot twist of my life.

Rhett

Waking up with memory loss was jarring, to say the least. Yet even without my missing memories, I knew Dana Swann--the beautiful woman who rescued me--was someone special. She claimed we were just a fling, but flings don’t produce the deep connection we shared. More than anything, I wanted to prove to her we were more.

Then when my memories returned, including the huge secret I kept from her, I realized there was no piecing together the shattered remains of our delicate relationship.

Will Rhett and Dana claim their forever? Or will Rhett’s deception tear them apart for good?

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About the author

Tawni Suchy

11 books722 followers
Tawni is a Christian wife and mother, living life to the fullest with her family. She’s been writing since she could pick up a pencil which was also when God instilled a passion for storytelling into her heart.
Every story she writes contains a guaranteed happily ever after. Real life has no guarantees of happiness, but she can control her fictional worlds. Sort of. Her characters like to take her on several roller coaster rides of uncertainties, daily.
When she’s not writing, she’s tending to the house, playing with her kids, or on those rainy, lazy days, curled up with a good book and cup of coffee (probably with too much creamer.)
As much as she loves telling love stories between a man and woman, she hopes you discover the ultimate love story of Jesus. Her goal with each book is to show her readers the fulfillment of what having a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ is like.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Janet.
90 reviews3 followers
January 12, 2025
I received a complimentary copy but wasn't required to leave a positive review.

Friends! This is my first book from this author and let me tell you, it not only hooked me from the beginning and kept me wanting to get back to it but the author clearly loves Jesus and it oozes out on every page without coming across as “cheesy”. It’s beautifully written and I appreciate the opportunity to enjoy an early copy.
Profile Image for Kristi .
80 reviews3 followers
January 10, 2025
Are you looking for a clean, Christian romance with all the swoon (and spice-free)? Well, When Forever Stays is for you! I loved reading the story from Dana and Rhett's points of view. I loved the underlying themes of forgiveness and redemption, and I enjoyed how Christ-centered the book was throughout. I loved both Dana and Rhett and seeing their story unfold. Both characters are relatable, and I loved seeing their individual growth as well as their love story.

If you enjoy any of the following Tropes, this book is for you:
Second chance
Secret Identity
Age Gap
Ghosted to Love
Strong faith themes
Unlucky in love heroine
Hero with amnesia
Profile Image for Stefanie Ann.
83 reviews8 followers
January 10, 2025
Wow! This book is so beautifully written, Tawni has a way with words that just flows and reads so effortlessly that it’s hard to put down. I love Dana and Rhett’s story so much, the swoony moments balance the raw grit that these two characters go through perfectly. I love how seamless their faith was woven in as well. It’s a beautiful story of redemption and forgiveness.
Profile Image for Harlie Roark.
70 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2025
This is a great Christian romance! It blends beautifully with the first book of the duet, making them the perfect pair! This book is also so spiritually encouraging. It’s motivated me to want to pick up my Bible and to keep building my relationship with my youth girls. I pray that whoever reads this will be encouraged!
Profile Image for Natalia (Talia).
108 reviews9 followers
February 12, 2025
Tropes:
💜 Slow Burn
🤍 Second Chance
💜 Amnesia
🤍 Found Family
💜 Strong Faith

This book is so good! I actually won a “giveaway” Tawni did a while back to create my own character and had forgotten about it. Then when my scene came I was like ‘Oh wait! That’s me!! 😂’

The faith in this book is certainly not a side plot, it is front and center and I loved it! Both B and Dana’s faith journey was both beautifully done but also felt realistic in our human struggles. Definitely give this book a shot!


BTW - if anyone is interested, my character is named Natalia in the book 😁




***I have received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Maggie Blankenship.
57 reviews56 followers
February 12, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ CLOSED-DOOR Contemporary Romance

🖊️ “When Forever Stays” by Tawni Suchy

🫑 CONENT AND ROMANCE RATINGS/ CONTENT WARNINGS
* KISSING: 16&up
* FADE-TO-BLACK: none
* VIOLENCE: 16&up
* ASSAULT: none
* LANGUAGE: none
* Suicide
* Child born out of wedlock
* Premarital activities are mentioned
* Drugs and alcohol are alluded to

#️⃣ 2nd in the Forever Duet
* could be read as standalone
* Some key details of book one are included

🗓️ FORMAT / AVAILABILITY
* available 2/12/25
* Kindle
* Kindle Unlimited
* Paperback

📝 REVIEW:
I thought this books was so sweet! The faith elements were extremely well written, and the truth of the Gospel is evident throughout.
But that being said, the romance was so good! The way Rhett cared for Dana and was so protective of her had my attention for chapter one. I just loved watching their love grow and seeing how they let God guide their relationship.
Also, this book was very real in the way it represented casting aside the old self and putting on the new self in Christ.
Overall, this story is one that could teach us all about redemption, forgiveness, and putting our foundation in Christ with all the romance a girl could ask for.
Profile Image for Brittney (booksta.britt).
177 reviews19 followers
February 18, 2025
Rhett + Dana

I loved all of the deep faith themes throughout this one. Their story was unique in how they reconnect and they have a lot of past/current struggles to work through but it was a very sweet second chance romance!


Favorite quotes -

“You’re not a fling for me, Dana Swann.” His next words come out gravelly. “You never were and never could be.”

“The pull I have toward you is so strong I can taste it. The feel of you in my arms right now is like taking the strongest hit of epinephrine. My heart feels like it can finally beat again. Like I’ve been brought back to life.” 

Our faith shouldn’t depend on our mountain-top experiences with Jesus. Our faith shouldn’t focus on how close we ‘feel’ to God. It shouldn’t depend on how we feel at all. Our love of God isn’t a feeling but a choice.

“Where you are is where I want to be. You can have all of me. I will give you my heart, handing it to you piece by piece until there’s nothing left.”

My worlds colliding could have easily brought nothing but destruction. Instead, God worked my failures for His good.

Content -
Kissing only
No foul language
Profile Image for Stephanie - Books Less Travelled.
222 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2025
This was a fun read, and one I enjoyed, but I can also see how it could be problematic. Dana is a little all-over-the-place in both her faith and relationship status. She seems to see her worth and identity in other people, from her sister, to Rhett, to others in her life. Plus, both her and Rhett tend to be very focused on the 'physical' attraction, even though they try to pretend otherwise. Rhett especially tends to really toe, and even crosses that line a couple of times between off-handed comments to the clear impact and desire he displays when things get a little...tense. I know his past is part of this, but often even though he does catch himself, there doesn't seem to be a lot of effort made in stopping or curbing the thoughts, so long as he doesn't 'touch' her, no matter how kissable her lips are...(Wait, what?)

Dana likewise has a similar approach, and while she does seem slightly uncomfortable with how brash and bold he is when he actually says something less than proper, she never speaks up, and it's clear that for the most part she welcomes the attention, and enjoys being the object of his desire. This both impacts the testimony and faith aspect, potentially sending the wrong message to some readers. I know I'm personally one who is called to a life of singlehood, and had I read this a few years ago would have likely come away with a very different message and focus, one not on God, but more on finding fulfillment in this life, whether it's in the potential of a 'future relationship' or simply always hoping the God will simply change His mind about my relationship status...Neither of which are helpful or healthy.

There is some wisdom and good reminders shared along the way, and I can see why readers enjoy this one, but it also seems to appeal to the flesh a bit too much, being more 'emotionalism' in the name of faith, and less the biblical faith we are called to. I am glad that the living arrangement was something she clearly wasn't in favor of, but even that seemed to be more about appearances than true godly obedience to live a life dictated by scripture. So, while there is some good, there's also some concerning messages and elements to this one that kept me from being able to rate this one higher. I also wasn't a fan of the term 'siren' and especially not when he started saying that was was not only a 'siren' but also an 'angel'. I know people will argue or disagree, but the Bible is clear that neither are we supernatural monsters or are we angels, and to call someone by either name is incorrect and carries its own problems.

Overall, this was an entertaining read, but not without some considerations. It is a clean fiction story, for the most part, with faith references. But the psychical attraction the becomes almost the focus of their relationship at times might be worth being aware of. Plus, while the story doesn't make it clear at all, there are some who are called to a life of singleness, who like Paul are called to be focused on God, and who spend all of their days serving Him without a marriage or family being a part of their story. That doesn't mean that their are any less-than or that God is punishing them in some way, but simply that He has a different plan for them and their lives. We find out identity in God alone, it's Him who defines us. Not our relationship status, significant other, friends, family or otherwise. God alone, and I would have loved to find that message here, but it clearly wasn't the intended message or focus here.
Profile Image for funkelbunt.liest.
369 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2025
When Forever Stays was a wonderful surprise for me. I bought and read When Forever Comes, book 1 of the Forever Duet right before diving into the second book and absolutely enjoyed it. So I expected to enjoy Dana and Rhett’s story too, but I did not expect to love it as much as I did!

I think this second book gained so much when it comes to depth and I’m absolutely here for it. While I would still consider this a lighthearted read, it deals with heavier topics and addresses different struggles of the main and side characters.

The romance was really sweet and the tension between Dana and Rhett really well written.
But I especially loved the faith elements of the story. Faith was definitely not some random thought, but an integral part of the character’s lives and this romance book.
Dana is struggling with her faith. With praying and reading her Bible. She is feeling like a hypocrite, since she is the one teaching young girls how to study their Bible.
Her struggles felt very real and while the “solution” was rather simple, it was still more than relatable. Because the truth isn’t always too complex to grasp. More often than not, we are simply standing in our own way.

“Our faith shouldn’t depend on our mountain-top experiences with Jesus. Our faith shouldn’t focus on how close we ‘feel’ to God. It shouldn’t depend on how we feel at all. Our love of God isn’t a feeling but a choice. Will you choose to get up and read your Bible?”


Rhett’s backstory spoke to me even more and I absolutely loved how this situation was handled! Won’t say more because I don’t want to spoil the reading experience, but it’s a great redemption story on more than one level!

Absolutely recommend this sweet Christian romance and am excited to read more from the author in the future! - Oh and I will definitely get a paperback copy of this book too. I mean I loved the story and want this for my shelf to complete the duo, but how gorgeous are the paperback covers?! Absolutely in love!

* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
76 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2025
Wow! This book was packed full of life lessons and victories of faith. I literally stood to my feet and cheered so many times! Thank you, Tawni, for tackling tough subjects (and questions that are relevant for a lot of young people today), and all in a way that uplifts and encourages the spirit. Questions such as: Can I trust God? Does He really care about the small things of my life? Is He really going to give me someone that will not only respect me and protect my heart, but also take my breath away? Yes. Yes, it is possible (trust me), and this book is a wonderful reminder!

Okay, how much did I want to join Dana’s young women’s small group? I’m about 3 times too old but where do I sign up? The theme of found family/community was just lovely, and kept me turning pages.

Highlightables:

- The love story: the chemistry between Dana and Rhett was very well done. I loved their banter and their honesty.
- That last plot twist: I never saw that coming, but it was a nice surprise and added just the right amount of tension.
- The church, community, small group elements: all made me want to join up.
- The redemption story: don’t want to spoil anything, but second chances (esp after some heart-felt redemption) make for some of the best stories.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys themes of redemption, second chances, or the amnesia trope. All were well done here and made for a lovely story, bound to uplift the heart and encourage the spirit.
Profile Image for Priscila.
857 reviews87 followers
January 28, 2025
Wow. I wasn't ready for the wild (in the best way possible) ride that When Forever Stays was. It had so many beautiful reminders that I'm pretty sure my copy is full of highlights. To name a few: about God's grace upon grace, that things will happen in His perfect timing and according to His perfect will, and to just go dive into His word, since He wants to talk to us and have a relationship with us.

Honestly, Dana and Rhett's story was beautiful and full of God's redemption and grace. It was nice to finally find out what had happened with Rhett and his ghosting act, as well as learn more about who he is and work things out about his past. Dana can definitely be relatable to all the single girls, so I think her struggles and questions were perfectly depicted, but also pointing out to the One who loves us and wants to help us through it all. 🤍 As for these two MCs together? I loved it! Their chemistry together was 🔥 and that makes the first half (?) of the book unputdownable, but it also sets the stage for God's work in their lives and the things they need to work through. Still, that first kiss was definitely worth the wait, and I couldn't be happier and more satisfied with the hard-fought Happy Ending of these two. ~ 5+ stars and completely recommended!

PS: I know the author said this is a duology, but is there any way we can get Crew's story?
Profile Image for Alejandra.
16 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2025
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝚰𝐄𝐖: 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙮 𝙏𝙖𝙬𝙣𝙞 𝙎𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙮
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

“When Forever Stays” by Tawni Suchy is a heartfelt and beautifully written story that perfectly combines second-chance romance, memory loss, and secret identity themes with a strong foundation of Christian faith.

The relationship between Rhett and Dana is both tender and complex. I loved how the story delves into their internal struggles, making their journey feel incredibly genuine and relatable. The romantic tension is well-balanced with their commitment to their beliefs, offering a clean yet realistic portrayal of attraction.

Twany Suchy’s writing shines in her ability to weave faith into the storyline without feeling forced, making this an uplifting and inspiring read. Fans of second-chance romance who appreciate clean stories with emotional depth will thoroughly enjoy this book.

Release Date: February 12, 2025

𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
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Profile Image for Deneé Arledge.
77 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2025
I loved this book!! I laughed, cried and kicked my feet throughout all of it. I needed this book at this time of my life. As a single woman, I needed the reminder to trust in God’s plan and focus on loving Jesus. I needed the reminder to read my Bible to learn more about who God is and not just what I get out of it.
I loved the themes of forgiveness and grace within this story. I especially appreciated how this story showed how forgiveness is not easy, but it is possible. The authenticity of it all was refreshing.
I liked how Rhett and Dana’s age gap was not too wide. Normally, I stay away from age gap couples in books because they are mostly 20+ years apart in age. I personally don’t like that.
Rhett and Dana’s relationship was also amazing to read for all the right reasons: chemistry, connection, substantial, true love, Christ-centered, and the KISSES!! *squeal*
Overall, I loved this story! I love the author, Tawni Suchy!
Profile Image for Makayla Welch.
26 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2025
When I say this book was everything I didn’t I needed I MEAN THAT! When forever stays follows Christian influencer and fellow crochet artist Dana swan. She’d recently been ghosted a few months ago by a gig who she thought was “the one”. That “one” happened to be Rhett Stryker, who’s now washed up on the beach near Dana’s home. As she struggles with her faith to determine whether Rhett is a beautiful distraction or is God telling her to give their love story another chance? This book didn’t have an undercurrent of faith, faith was in integral part of each character’s journey and that’s what I loved about this book. There’s scripture and rockstars, what else could I ask for? I received a complimentary copy but wasn’t required to leave a positive review. I’ll now be deep diving into her back catalogue🤭
7 reviews
January 18, 2025
Ah what a beautiful, faith-fueled, forgiveness-laced story! Tawni writes unapologetically Christian stories, and I love her for that. Her characters aren’t perfect, but they’re seeking Christ and in Him finding themselves and purpose for their lives—which, of course, in a romance book includes finding one another. 🫶🏼 Tawni’s writing is sometimes funny, sometimes deep and raw, always pointing you to Christ.

Some favorite lines:
“Well, hand me my crochet hook and call me a spinster…”
“…she still looks at me as if I invented sunburn.”
“My walls may as well be made of tissue paper with how easily he’s tearing them down.”
“But it only happened when I finally handed over everything to Jesus.”

If you love contemporary romance and Jesus, When Forever Stays is a must-read!
Profile Image for Nicole.
Author 25 books178 followers
February 3, 2025
When I first heard about Dana and Rhett's story, I was dying to read it. And it totally did not disappoint! I binge-read it in two days. The gospel-infused romance, relatable struggles of feeling like God is distant (as well as feeling like you're not enough for a man), and the mild suspense plot mixed in with Dana and Rhett's swoony banter hooked me! I fell totally in love with Rhett Stryker and Dana was his perfect match. The charm, sass, and angst in this book was so delightful to read. It had the perfect balance of faith, romance, and plot twists for me. Thanks to Tawni for this arc; all opinions are mine.
6 reviews
January 18, 2025
I received a complimentary copy but wasn't required to leave a positive review.

Amidst a whirlwind of romance and discovering the past, When Forever Stays depicts the difficulties of going through a faith crisis and shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It is a beautiful story of forgiveness and love!
Profile Image for Mary Lindsey Edwards .
29 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2025
This book was amazing! It had everything I was looking for. Clean romance with a very strong Christian message. The story actually helps you in your faith…which you don’t usually expect in a romance novel. I love reading Tawni’s books. I go through them so fast. Dana and Rhett’s story is so special. It taught me a lesson on forgiveness.
Profile Image for Samantha Oglesby.
28 reviews
January 18, 2025
Tawni! Master of plot twists! I did not see it coming.

Rhett ghosted Dana, but he forgot her. When/if he remembers will he remember why and will she forgive him or will his past life be too much for both of them to overcome?

Faith Filled
Plot Twists
Forgiveness
Banter
Found Family
New Families
24 reviews
April 2, 2025
J'ai beaucoup aimé cette deuxième histoire. Je l'ai trouvée moins "rushée" et rocambolesque que "When forever comes". J'adore la façon dont la foi est infusée dans tous les personnes, tous les chapitres. C'est une très belle lecture !
Profile Image for Lily.
143 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Very well written and it was so relatable 💖
Profile Image for Kelsey Jean.
50 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2025
I enjoyed this 2nd one more! I loved the way Tawni mixed in the ways God can answer things and prayer, and how it's always his timing and that sometimes there is a reason why no is no 💕
Profile Image for Lisa Jennings.
8 reviews
January 13, 2025
Such a sweet and wonderful story! I loved all the scripture woven throughout. The main characters are real and authentic and you will cheer them on while they fall in love!
Profile Image for Rayanne Jalbert.
11 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2025
⭐️4 Stars ❤️ Christian Romance 🚫🌶️ No Spice

I was not sure what to expect when I picked up this book. It is beautifully written and I was hooked early on by the adorable flirting from a character who clearly was head over heels. While the novel starts light, it is a faith-filled read with themes of trusting God, forgiveness, and redemption.

The characters are well developed, and I loved the writing style and dual POV. The novel is spice free and is a second chance love story.

** I was given a complimentary copy of this novel, but was not required to leave a positive review. I honestly enjoyed this novel very much, and my heart felt lighter after reading it 💗
9 reviews
April 11, 2025
Yeahhh

This book ended up in my Christian circle and I thought I'd give it a shot. I like supporting small writers when I can, and my faith is a huge and important part of my life. Unfortunately, this book was preachy, hard to follow and handled heavy topics in what I would consider harmful ways. I read it to the end because I wanted to give it a fair shake, and I really did go into it wanting to like it, but the book continued to spiral out of control the longer I read, and I hate to say I felt completely empty when it ended. Which feels awful to say. I really did want to enjoy this book.

In the "Before You Go" notes after the epilogue, the author says that this book is "for the girls who feel hopeless in love and romance. Know this: God has a plan." Sometimes God's plan for you is to be single, and that is every bit as valuable as being in a relationship. I never got the impression from this book that Dana truly found her identity in God. She was only truly happy when she was with Rhett. I don't think that message is fair.

I also don't love that the book started out with our male lead suffering a severe head injury only for this woman he has no memory of to be pretty handsy with him, constantly think about how attractive he is, and noticeably not call for help when she found him unconscious and half-drowned on the shoreline. There's an issue of TBI and consent there that was honestly very uncomfortable to read and completely ripped me out of the story. The doctor taking care of him also violated HIPPA a lot. It was an enormous barrier of entry into the rest of the story.

I hate giving one-star reviews, especially to small writers. I wanted to come away from this book really enjoying it.

Maybe I'll get more out of one of the author's earlier books.
Profile Image for Rosalynn.
220 reviews
May 17, 2025
I absolutely loved reading about Dana and Rhett. Knowing their past connection and then watching Dana help him after he washed up on shore with no memory of who he was or where he was. Dana relied on God to help her ease through her past pains and help Rhett. Their relationship was fragile from the beginning but with the help of God it was able to bloom into something great.
This is my first read of Tawni’s but I’m definitely going to read more.
Thank you to the author for my advanced copy. These words are my own
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