Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Tunbridge

Until You Found Us

Rate this book
He carried the weight of fire. She carried the weight of everything else. Love found them anyway.

Alice Winslow never planned to raise twins alone. At thirty-one, her days are a blur of school drop-offs, late bills, and a flower shop always one season from sinking. Love isn’t on her list—it never has been.

Johnny Calloway is a firefighter with scarred hands and a past he won’t talk about. He seems built for leaving. Yet in the quiet way he notices Alice, in the steady strength he shows her children, something begins to take root—something that feels achingly like home.

Until You Found Us is an autumn-soaked, slow burn romance—emotional, raw, and powerful. It’s a story of found family, tender friends-to-lovers tension, and a love that feels both fragile and unstoppable.

As autumn settles over the charming town of Tunbridge, Georgia—harvest festivals, church suppers, evenings lit by lanterns—Alice and Johnny are drawn together, caught between the weight of what’s been and the delicate hope of what could be.

This faith-filled, closed-door small-town romance is about second chances, quiet redemption, and the light that lingers even after the darkest seasons.

This story is the cozy charm of a Hallmark autumn romance meets the layered emotion of Rebecca Yarros.

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2025

84 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

About the author

Elle Christopher

9 books56 followers
Elle Christopher writes emotional, immersive small-town romance rooted in the deep South. Her stories blend powerful character journeys, tender intimacy, and heroes who love with quiet devotion. If you crave books that make you feel everything and fall hard, hers are for you. She lives in Georgia horse country with her five kids, a few opinionated cats, and more antique books than she can count. When she’s not writing, she’s sipping tea, hunting for vintage hardcovers, or dreaming up the next love story in Tunbridge.

Elle cherishes her readers and loves to connect. Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases.

Newsletter www.ellechristopher.com

Instagram @elle_christopher

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
54 (57%)
4 stars
33 (35%)
3 stars
6 (6%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Kayla Austin.
20 reviews
October 11, 2025
"Pain doesn't scare me," he said softly. "Kindness does." The words landed heavy, and I felt what he didn't say--pain was easy, expected. Kindness cracked you open, made you hope, and that was the risk he never trusted himself to take.

Johnny, a man with scars-both physical and emotional-is trying out life in a new place.

Alice, a single mom of twins-with abandonment issues and emotional scars-is barely making it month to month is a town where everyone knows your business.

The newest fireman in town saves Alice's son from being hit by a car, falling out of a sycamore tree, and living life from the branches watching other kids with dads.

I love this single mom, small-town romance, and growth from grief story.

In the end I wanted more of where their life was leading and how they developed a stronger relationship with 2 kids in tow.

Overall, Elle does it again with her poetic, emotional writing. If you didn't cry through all of chapter 27, who are you?!

Thank you for allowing me to return to Tunbridge as a 2nd time ARC reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heidireadsitall.
193 reviews9 followers
September 29, 2025
Until You Found Us grabbed my heart and didn’t let go. Alice is such a strong single mom and I felt like I could really understand her, and Johnny is the kind of quiet, tough guy you just can’t help but love. The town felt so real that I could picture the fall leaves, the festivals, and all the cozy nights like I was right there with them.

The twins were my favorite part. They weren’t just extra characters, they made the story funny, sweet, and so much more fun to read. Watching Johnny spend time with them made the love story even better and showed how much he really cared.

This isn’t only a love story, it’s also about family, faith, and finding a place where you belong. It’s sweet, emotional, and full of hope. I enjoyed every bit of it.
Profile Image for Taleah.
12 reviews
October 11, 2025
Elle is a master of writing charming small-town romances that deliver all the heart and hope readers look for in a feel-good love story. This book is sweet, comforting, and full of small-town charm. It’s hopeful, tender, and has that wholesome, cozy vibe that makes you want to curl up and keep reading. Perfect for anyone who loves heartfelt stories about community, healing, and second chances. Five stars. 😊
Profile Image for Sophie.
157 reviews419 followers
October 14, 2025
Elle Christopher has returned to Tunbridge with another touching small-town romance about finding family and inner healing through the quiet, tentative relationship between a single mother struggling to run the local flower shop and a fireman scarred by his past. ❤️‍🔥

I had the absolute pleasure of beta reading and editing this one. It is a privilege to be able to enhance the wonderful story that was already there, and I would not have taken it on had I not been captured by the idea and these heartwarming characters. My praise isn’t just a professional endorsement but an enthusiasm for a story I genuinely adore.
Profile Image for Megan Reynoso.
121 reviews
October 13, 2025
I’d give it a 4.5 🌟. This is a very wholesome and modest romance story. This book also has a lot of brushes with religion (the MFC is religious and it's often mentioned how she leans on her religion and prayer)
This book is soo good. From the same author who brought Where Loyalty Lies, Elle crushed it with another beautiful small town romance. Through out the book you follow: Alice, a single mother of twins who was left who makes ends meet the best she can. She lives in a small very tight knit community and runs the local flower shop. She is simply doing her best with what she has to build a life for her and her family. Johnny is a local transplant, he just moved to town and works for the local fire department. Johnny is reserved and scarred both mentally and physically and is simply trying to stay afloat and adapt and start over. This story takes you through the fated insections of Johnny & Alice and how they learn to heal, grow, and depend on more than just themself. They have to go through the uncomfortable and unthinkable to find peace and patch up a life together as a family. I was floored when they finally discussed Johnnys past and thank goodness it was not what I thought it was going to be (Johnny deserves all the love). This book does a tremendous job of taking you through all of the feelings grief, joy, love, connection, loneliness, and peace. You get the intimate look into a love found by chance and the journey to build something real. Side note: As someone who is not very religious and can often times tina discussion of religion to be uncomfortable I was nervous to see how it would play out with this book as the MFC is religious and often used her worship and prayer as a coping style and the intertwine of it all in this book was sooooo good. It was relevant without being overpowering and just very well done. I'm a huge fan of this author can't wait to see what's next.
Profile Image for Yashna.
46 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2025
ARC Review:

My rating: 4.5 stars ⭐

“Until You Found Us” felt like a warm hug in fall, the pleasant breeze of summer, the comfort of hot chocolate in winter, and the scent of wet earth in monsoon. It’s calm, quiet, and doesn’t rush you—almost as if the author invites you to slow down and let the story embrace you.

The story follows Alice, a single mother of twins—Jack and Lucy—who’s barely keeping her flower shop, Beloved Blooms, afloat. Life isn’t easy, but her faith and her children’s laughter give her strength. Then comes Johnny Calloway, a firefighter burdened by guilt and scars from the past. When he saves Jack’s life one day, an unspoken connection begins to form—first with the children, then slowly with Alice.

The friendship and affection that bloom between Alice and Johnny are tender and patient. Their love is built on faith, kindness, and quiet understanding—never rushed, never forced. The small-town backdrop of Tunbridge, Georgia, wrapped in autumn hues and second chances, makes it all the more beautiful.

Faith plays a subtle yet powerful role, grounding the story in hope and healing. This book leaves your heart full—with love for family, belonging, and the quiet beauty of ordinary days.

It did feel slightly dragged in parts, but that’s a minor flaw in an otherwise heartwarming, deeply emotional story. A slow burn that heals every ache in your heart.

Perfect for those who want to regain calm and stability in their reading journey.
Profile Image for Randi Sampson.
1,776 reviews96 followers
October 5, 2025
There was something about this story that truly just felt like... home. While there were a lot of difficult and emotionally impactful moments throughout the story, it didn't feel like those moments were big or over-the-top dramatic... instead, there was a gentleness about them. The story was tender and peaceful... in the best way possible. Johnny and Alice had such a sweet relationship between them. These were two characters who had been through the fair share of hardships, making you root for them all that much more. I loved seeing how naturally their relationship evolved... again, there weren't any huge romantic gestures, but a steady growth into a complete family. With messages of faith woven beautifully into the story, there was so much to love about this one. This is the first book that I had read from Elle Christopher, but it certainly will not be the last.

Until You Found Us is a faith-filled closed-door romance with kisses only and one minor swear. It is the second book in The Tunbridge Series. I had not personally read the previous book and found I was able to enjoy this one just fine as a standalone.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kelsey Fletcher.
375 reviews
September 22, 2025
Another truly moving story from Elle. I loved how devoted Alice was to her twins Jack and Lucy and that she never let the fact that their father left as soon as he found out she was pregnant mar her relationship to them. Johnny was a really wonderful and complex character. It was clear he was haunted by his past and I loved that Alice didn’t pressure him to disclose it before he was ready and how they both just sort of grew together. I loved how Johnny became a safe space for Jack and Lucy and he did it without being presumptuous. The faith factor in the story and how the church brought Johnny and Alice together was really beautiful and the fact that she shared that faith with her children and it was such an important part of their lives was very poignant. This story moved me to tears more times than I can count because it was just so full of love and heartfelt moments. Johnny with Jack and Lucy was beyond perfect and the little notes they wrote to him had me absolutely wrecked in the best way. I loved seeing Emerson and Sam in a couple scenes, it really helped to connect this story to the previous story and I thought that was really beautiful. This was such an amazing read and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Tunbridge.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
33 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2025
I loved the story of Alice and Johnny, two people who've been through some really heavy things in life. This story is about their journey towards healing and in the process, finding each other.

Some things that I really loved about this story is how raw and how real the story itself felt. From Alice's journal entries alone and then add in the descriptive tone of the story, you could feel her emotions and the struggles that she was fighting to make it through.

I also appreciated how neither Alice nor Johnny's healing was dependent on one another. They each had to go through their own journey, however they were able to be a support to each other through it.

I think that this story is a great reminder to us, the readers, that no matter what we are struggling with, no matter what we are going through, God is always there ready to help us through. That our circumstances aren't the end of the line. "None of us walk in with the answers. We walk in with hunger. And God meets us."

8 reviews
October 22, 2025
I was privileged to be an ARC reader for this book and all opinions and observations expressed are my own.

This is the second novel by Elle Christopher that I have had the pleasure of reading. Her first book, “Where Loyalty Lies” was riveting and later I found out that most of it was true, although poignantly, in real life, there’s no happy ending.

In Elle’s second book, I found the same endearing characterizations, the warmth of the small southern town setting, and another story to build on in this world.

The story reminded me of times gone by wherein faith, love, family, and community are combined to make a rich and satisfying read.

Sometimes, the use of similes for imagery or emotions made me pause and picture the moment, placing me in the story, and occasionally the use of this device took me out.

I’ve given the book four stars because I think the author is still finding her voice and will hit her stride. I would definitely read the next book as eagerly as I did the first two because I enjoy being in the world that Elle so skillfully is weaving.

Anyone who enjoys a good, clean, Christian-faith based story, should definitely give Elle Christopher’s world a visit!
Profile Image for Ashley Wyatt.
136 reviews21 followers
October 24, 2025
copied off of my Bookinsta @justanotherbook10

🔹️Finished reading🔹️

Until You Found Me by @elle_christopher
Pages - 368

Thank you Elle for having me on your arc team! 🫶

Until You Found Me is a remarkable faith-driven, small town romance. It made my heart feel hopeful as I read it. I loved how their faith brought the main characters together and its was beautiful seeing the family grow as one. Its truly amazing how something broken turns into something so breathtaking.

"If we keep letting the fire win, than he's gone twice."

"You pray like you know God is listening, and it makes me wonder if maybe He hasn't given up on me yet."

I am extremely impressed with the authors work on how she told this story. This is the second story I've read by her and yet again, im speechless. Its raw, real, and full of hope. I fully recommend checking this story out...

☀️Tropes☀️
Small town romance
Single mom
Firefighter MMC
Slow burn
Faith-driven
Clean/wholesome romance
Found family
Profile Image for Stephanie.
63 reviews
October 12, 2025
I don’t know that I will be able to write a review that really justifies Elle’s writing. I don’t know exactly how to explain it but this book is written almost, poetically. I am a person that really struggles with visuals when reading. I often can’t picture what the author is describing. My brain just doesn’t allow me. While Elle still describes scenes well, there is something else about her writing that is just very descriptive and beautiful but in a different way. I can’t put my finger on it other than saying “poetic.”

I loved the twins in this book. Having twins I already have a soft spot for them but they were just adorable. Watching Alice evolve from beginning to end made my heart happy and the healing that Johnny went through by the end of the book was absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with me once again Elle. This was an emotional and heartwarming story.
Profile Image for Jaine.
59 reviews5 followers
October 14, 2025
Elle you did it again! You made me cry and feel love again.

Alice is a single mom who endured throughout her life and never gave up and stay faithful. I learned so much from Alice and how she managed to stay strong until the very end. She truly deserved the happy ending! I love how her parents and siblings were able to support her throughout. For Johnny, his character gave me hope in life. His character development was spot on that truly marked a lesson. The plot of the story was very light and interesting, not super intense with the problems unlike the first book. So it is a good refreshing read after reading so much dark romance and intense fantasy.

Lowkey love a lil cameo of Emerson and Sam. Thank you so much Elle for writing this amazing romance novel!
Profile Image for Julie.
120 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2025
From the first pages, to the last, this book resonated within my very heart and soul. As someone who has raised my three children into the young adults they are, I found myself resonating with Alice, and her journey as a single mother, raising twins, on her own, in a world that can sometimes be challenging in so many ways.

Elle has captured perfectly the struggles within, and externally, and the strength it can take to keep going.

I found myself smiling happy tears when Alice happened across Johnny, someone who also carries with him the challenges of the past. I know from personal experience how hard it is to move past the difficult chapters in life to open yourself to new ones.

If you enjoy a small town, found family, small town slow burn romance, then this is perfect. I loved the closed door aspect of the intimate moments, but the shared raw and real emotional and mental intimacy that people often disregard.

Thank you for another wonderful story Elle, and I look forward to reading more of this series in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity
Profile Image for RebelReadingVi .
35 reviews
November 4, 2025
Johnny Calloway and Alice Winslow.

5/5 ✨️

Alice is just a single mother raising twins in a small town going through a tough time she manages to make her babies happy but when she met johnny everything changes.
Johnny is a firefighter who was haunted by his past and he doesn't know if his ready for something new and love.
They been through some really hards things in there life and its a healing process for both of them and finding each other.
I really love reading this book. I highly recommend reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Noelle.
214 reviews13 followers
September 21, 2025
Wow the emotions in this book were off the chart. I related to so many of Alice’s feelings of inadequacy as a mom so those moments really touched my heart. I also really admired Alice’s strong faith and was touch by her testimony and strength. I mean this as a compliment but this was a quiet book and its power was in the quiet moments. So much was exchanged between Alice and Johnny in few words and actions - few doesn’t diminish their impact though. So much occurred in the quiet moments in Alice’s shop or in the quiet of her house after the kids were in bed. I loved the connection Johnny built with Alice’s children. The entire book was emotion packed.
Profile Image for ✨Lucy✨.
4 reviews
October 7, 2025
Until You Found Us completely captured my heart from the first page. Elle Christopher has such a beautiful way of writing that feels sincere, passionate, and full of inner strength. I loved Alice so much and related quite deeply to her moments of self-doubt as a mom, as well as the struggles she endures. Johnny was also such a wonderful character. I loved how their bond developed slowly and naturally in all the little moments, like when Alice was in her store or during those peaceful nights after the twins went to bed. My favorite characters in the book were Jack and Lucy. They were funny, sweet, and full of life, and the way Johnny bonded with them made my heart melt.

The fall vibes in Tunbridge were everything. The story felt so authentic because I could visualize the vibrant foliage, the warm evenings, the festivals, and the small-town coziness that made the story feel so real. Additionally, the faith element was written so beautifully, and it really felt like such a natural part of who these characters are. This story is about love, family, faith, and finding your place in the world, and it made me feel so many things. Elle Christopher writes with so much heart, and I love her writing more with every book. Until You Found Us was such a touching and hopeful story, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in Tunbridge.💗
Profile Image for Ashley.
64 reviews16 followers
October 14, 2025
Until You Found Us by Elle Christopher is a wholesome, heartwarming story set in a small Georgia town. I loved the Hallmark feel, the themes of healing and found family, and how seamlessly the author wove in aspects of faith—it felt genuine and added depth to the story.
That said, the relationship between the main characters developed a little too quickly for me. I would have loved to see their connection grow more gradually before the children became part of the dynamic. At times, it felt more like an audition for a father than a naturally evolving found family, which made it a bit harder to believe as a mother. The story itself had such great potential, but some moments felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped.
Still, Elle Christopher delivers a story full of warmth, redemption, and small-town charm, and readers who enjoy clean romance with faith-based undertones will likely connect with this one.
Profile Image for Gail.
78 reviews9 followers
October 15, 2025
I really didn't think this could be better than your first book, but once you've turned my heart to mush!!!!!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I'd give this more than 5 stars!!!!

💐UNTIL YOU FOUND US is the perfect cozy read!!! It's like a warm hug from a friend at just the right time🧡 It's about small town charm, finding love, family, letting go of past hardships, faith, a young single mom raising young twins, a fire fighter, tree house, flower shop, and all the joys of a simple romance.

I can't wait for the next book!!!
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
October 23, 2025
The second book in the Tunbridge, Alice Winslow a single Mother of twins and firefighter Johnny Calloway's story. It was exceptionally well-written, featuring great characters and a compelling storyline that culminated in a very satisfying happy ending. I enjoyed reading. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kylee.
59 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2025
This story wrapped me up in all the soft, tender feelings!!🥰👏🏼

I was a little hesitant going into this because heavier religious themes aren’t usually my thing…BUT the way Elle includes them feels gentle and natural! Instead of distracting from the plot, it adds to the innocence and sincerity of the story.🤭💞✨

Alice is such a beautiful and strong single mother with two incredibly bright, sweet children who completely stole my heart.🥹

Their family dynamic feels real and vulnerable in the best way. Then Johnny shows up and it almost seems too good to be true. Their slow-burn romance is so enjoyable and gave me everything I wanted from this love story.💖👏🏼✨

I adored the first book in the series and this one brings that same raw emotion and refreshing honesty. A heartfelt, hope filled read that left me smiling!!🫶🏻
Profile Image for Hannah.
870 reviews7 followers
December 27, 2025
A single mother, a fireman, and the weight of walking through life alone…this is the heartfelt Until You Found Us.

Alice did not plan to be a single mother to six year old twins before she was 30, but that’s the hand she was dealt. The small town florist is struggling - with her job, bills, parenting alone…the weight of it all is slowly crushing her spirit. To top it all off, her children have never had a father - and they’re asking questions.

Then Johnny enters her life. A firefighter with scarred hands and a weight on his shoulders, he begins to show up when she needs someone most. Slowly, both he and Alice piece themselves back together as individuals - but will Johnny’s past stop him from moving forward into the future?

I have never been to America, let alone small towns in Georgia. Reading this book is like someone took the essence of a small town in America’s South and used it as ink. It is the epitome of a cosy autumn romance, with all the moments you’d expect - but described in such a beautiful way that you feel like you can put yourself in the moment. I truly felt like I was present on the field trip to the farm, or in the church services, or at the festival wandering through a field of sunflowers.

Faith plays an important role in this book, with frequent discussion/moments of prayer. The church community feels vibrant and supportive and the characters are actively involved in their church.

This is a no-spice, slow burn book. By the end of the book it is clear the MMC has moved in, and the couple are sharing a bed, but there is no on-page intimacy beyond kisses, and nothing further is insinuated.

Thematically, there’s some potentially triggering moments. There are (among other things) descriptions of fires, death of a child (historical), infidelity (historical) and several small town gossip/hurtful words moments.

This is the second stand alone about this town, and I truly loved the time I’ve spent there. I highly recommend this book for fans of gentle romances where a brushed elbow will make you swoon.
Profile Image for Chandra Luna.
1,785 reviews12 followers
October 18, 2025
Alice Winslow is the kind of heroine who feels real in every sense—tired, strong, loving, and stretched too thin. She’s a single mom raising twins, running a flower shop, and doing her best to hold everything together with sheer grit and a fragile kind of hope. Romance isn’t even a blip on her radar… until Johnny Calloway walks into her life.

Johnny is a man shaped by fire—literally and emotionally. A firefighter with scars and a past he’d rather leave behind, he’s quiet but steady, broken but kind. The way he moves through Alice’s world—helping her without taking over, noticing her without pushing—was so beautifully done. You can feel the slow build between them, the way healing sneaks in through laughter, kindness, and small acts of care.

Elle Christopher doesn’t rush the story. She lets it breathe—like the slow change of seasons in the little town of Tunbridge, Georgia. You can practically smell the crisp autumn air, hear the laughter at the harvest festival, and feel the warmth of light spilling through the flower shop windows.

The twins completely stole my heart—they bring humor, chaos, and that special innocence that makes the emotional moments hit even harder. Watching Johnny bond with them was one of the sweetest parts of the book—it’s where you see love blooming in its purest form.

What makes this story shine isn’t just romance—it’s redemption, faith, and quiet love. It’s about finding home not in a place, but in people who see you, flaws and all.

By the last page, I was smiling through tears. It’s soft, heartfelt, and full of grace—the kind of book that leaves you feeling whole again.

Until You Found Us is a gentle, soul-soothing story about second chances, healing, and the quiet courage it takes to love again. Perfect for anyone who believes that even after life’s hardest seasons, love can still bloom—slowly, steadily, beautifully.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan).
1,419 reviews30 followers
October 14, 2025
𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐬 is the second book in the Tunbridge series by Elle Christopher featuring a heartwarming closed-door romance for a stressed single mom and a broken firefighter in search of a fresh start. I love the way this author writes in such beautiful prose, setting up stunning imagery and an authentic small town feel. Whether it’s the fun festivals and helpful friends, or the gossip-ridden judgmental side, it all felt very realistic. Both Alice and Johnny stole my heart from the very beginning. Alice exuded so much strength, conviction, and faith as she fights to care for her adorable twins and keep her floral shop afloat. Johnny swooped in like a superhero with impeccable timing, being exactly what they needed, while at the same time, he needed them just as much! His backstory broke my heart, and made me love him even more! Seriously, though, the twins, Jack and Lucy, were often the stars for me! The raw emotions and open hearts of the kids brought me to me knees, and the way Johnny interacted with them was *chef’s kiss* perfection! I think he fell for those kids, before he allowed himself to fall in love with their mama.🥰😆 The romance aspect is a full-on slow burn with only a few kisses eventually on page, although you can definitely feel the love. More is implied, but not shown at all. I don’t personally mind this, because it fits this story well, which is focused on the characters’ emotional journeys of faith, hope, and family. I, for one, am enjoying my time in Tunbridge. It was great to see glimpses of Sam and Emerson again, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for this series!

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Profile Image for Page Turner Sisterhood Bookclub.
135 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2025
Until You Found Us by Elle Christopher
There are some books that don’t just tell a story — they minister to your heart. Until You Found Us by Elle Christopher is one of those rare reads that feels like a prayer answered through fiction.
From the very first page, you can sense God’s hand in every detail — in the pain, the healing, and the quiet moments where grace meets brokenness. This isn’t just a love story between two people; it’s a story about forgiveness, faith, and learning to receive the kind of love you never thought you deserved.
So many readers on Goodreads said they found themselves crying, praying, and reflecting right alongside the characters — and I completely understand why. Elle Christopher writes redemption in a way that feels deeply personal. You don’t just read it; you feel it.
Johnny was everything a true hero should be — strong, patient, protective, and grounded in love. His journey as a father absolutely broke and healed me at the same time. The way he loved, the way he showed what grace looks like in action — that’s what makes this book unforgettable.
And the female lead? Alice ! Watching her learn to forgive herself, to see her worth through God’s eyes, was powerful. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes God uses love — in all its forms — to restore what’s been lost.
You can feel love radiating through every chapter of this story: romantic love, the love of a father, and above all, God’s love. It’s a story about second chances and divine timing — proof that no one is too far gone to be found.
✨ Until You Found Us isn’t just a book. It’s a message: that grace is real, healing is possible, and love — true, unwavering love — is one of God’s greatest gifts.
Profile Image for Stephanie Coniff.
337 reviews6 followers
December 6, 2025
🌻💛🪡💛🌻 Until You Found Us by Elle Christopher
Book 2: Tunbridge series
Genre: Romance
Length: 368 pages
Pub Date: Oct. 14, 2025
My Rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

Thank you to the author @elle_christopher for the advanced copy of this beautiful novel in exchange for an honest review. 🫶

Summary:
This is the love story of single mom, Alice, and firefighter, Johnny, in the small town of Tunbridge. Alice is barely making ends meet running her flower shop and raising 6 year-old twins, Jack and Lucy. She has gone it alone from the moment she found out she was pregnant and her then boyfriend ran out on her. Alice prays and hopes for a world in which she could have a loving partner and her sweet children could have a father.

Into Tunbridge comes Johnny, a firefighter, with a traumatic past, who never puts down roots, but leads with quiet grace and kindness. He meets Alice as he saves Jack from what could've been a fatal accident. For both of them, it felt like a magnetic force at first sight, but can their own pasts and doubts be put aside for them to realize they belong together?

Review:
Alice and Johnny's love story is one of the most honest and true out there. It really is a tale of two wonderful humans, with all their flaws, who desperately hope to find love. I absolutely adored the quiet strength of Johnny's character and how Alice was such an amazing mom who always put her family first. Something I really took from this book was remembering how important one's family is in supporting each other when times are tough. Alice's parents and siblings were such an important part of her story and her journey to finding happiness. If you are looking for an emotional, small town, closed-door romance, with real heart, you need to read this one! Thank you, Elle, for the opportunity! 🌻
Profile Image for Becksreadingbooks -Becky.
96 reviews8 followers
November 6, 2025
Until You Found Us just stepped in & took root in my single Mom's heart!

Alice and her struggle to be her best for her busy twins, Jack & Lucy, pulled me into her life. She owns a flower shop in a small town and she is truly trying to make it work, as a single Mom & primary income for Jack & Lucy. Alice was left as a single parent when she told the twins' father, she was pregnant. But she stepped up and without anger at the two sweet children, who changed her life from that moment on. She moved forward without blaming her twins.

Then suddenly we meet Johnny, who is instantly special to the twins, a transplanted local firefighter with a past and the physical scars, plus the mental, & emotional memories. Johnny is fighting the pain of the past and we watch as Alice patiently waits for him to trust her. Johnny learns what being part of Alice, Jack, & Lucy's life means & will he gain their trust, too? This story is just such a beautiful story.

This book was an amazing experience to me & I loved the way you watch Alice approach everything with her faith. The twins beautiful picture of children's faith was sweet to read. I'll always remember PB & J prayers!

As a single Mom, you don't often see a story from this viewpoint and I felt that Elle Christopher did an amazing job writing & I was so grateful to be able to ARC read this sweet story. I highly recommend you take a chance to get to know Alice, Jack, Lucy, & Johnny. I know that I don't regret it!
Profile Image for tati_sofiaa.
95 reviews
December 11, 2025
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.


We are finally back in Tunbridge, and once again Elle Christopher delivers a story full of heart, healing, and the quiet strength it takes to rebuild a life. Just like in the first book, this story reminds us what it means to try, to fail, to try again, and to lean on the people who walk beside us. Family and friendship continue to be the emotional backbone of this universe, and I loved returning to that feeling.
Alice’s kids absolutely stole the show for me. They’re sunshine in book form sweet, funny, chaotic in the best way, and bursting with personality. Every scene with them added warmth and hope, and they really helped shape Alice’s journey.
Johnny, on the other hand, is a man marked by what he’s been through. He moves carefully through life, protecting himself, protecting his heart, and always trying to do the right thing. But beneath all that caution, he’s steady, deeply steady and watching his relationship with Alice (and the twins!) grow felt so natural and so earned. He doesn’t rush anything, and yet you can feel how deeply he cares.
One quote that stuck with me honestly sums up the emotional tension of the entire story was:
“Pain doesn’t scare me… kindness does.
Both scare me.”
Watching these characters learn to accept gentleness again was incredibly moving.
A beautiful addition to the Tunbridge world.
Profile Image for Sigy George.
Author 3 books18 followers
December 11, 2025
Until You Found Us is a beautifully vulnerable story about motherhood, resilience, and unexpected grace. Christopher paints Alice — a young single mom raising twins while battling judgment, exhaustion, and loneliness — with heartbreaking authenticity. From the first chapter, where she receives a call about her son Jack defending himself, the emotional tone is set: this is a woman carrying too much and breaking only in private.

When Johnny, a fireman with scars of his own, saves Jack from a near accident, the novel shifts. Their connection forms slowly, through quiet moments rather than dramatic declarations. Christopher’s strength lies in portraying grief, trauma, and hope with tenderness. The Christian themes are woven naturally throughout — less sermon, more oxygen.

The small town feels alive, both comforting and suffocating, and the children shine with real personality. Johnny’s trauma is handled with care, adding depth without melodrama.

This is not just romance. It’s a story about healing, belonging, and the way God sends people exactly when we need them. Warm, emotional, and gentle — a lovely, soul-soothing read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Savanna Breazeal.
64 reviews20 followers
October 24, 2025
“You seem like someone who makes things bloom.”

A wonderfully written book on hope, taking steps towards healing, and grace. Elle Christopher does such a beautiful job painting a description of each character and their journey towards growth and opening oneself up to love when it feels unattainable.

This is the second book in the Tunbridge series and I was honored when Elle asked me to read it! I read the first one and thoroughly enjoyed it so I didn’t hesitate to read Until You Found Us!

“The shop smelled of damp leaves and roses just beginning to turn, the scent sharp and sweet at once, like beauty trying to outlast itself. Buckets of mums crowded the front window, their gold and rust petals glowing against the glass, catching the late October light like embers.“

💐 Single mom that runs a florist shop
🔥 Firefighter with a past
💐 Christian themes
🔥 Closed door romance
💐 Will make you make you tear up

I rated this 4⭐️s and I can’t wait to purchase my own physical copy of this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.