Now and Always

by Lori Copeland

Very few things distract Katie Addison when she’s on a mission, whether it’s opening her home to abused women, rehabilitating injured horses, or helping tall, gorgeous Warren Tate mend his broken heart. But when financial difficulties pile up for her, Katie hesitantly admits she herself may need help. Since his fiancé left him, Warren is done with women—especially independent women, which he’d guess describes Katie Addison to a tee. Reluctantly he agrees to help Katie with her financial troubles. But when his budget doesn’t include Katie’s daily lattes, Warren realizes he may have a challenging client on his hands. Meanwhile, Sheriff Ben O'Keefe can’t seem to get Katie’s attention. Everyone in town knows he has had a longstanding crush on her. But to Katie, Ben is just Ben. When mysterious events turn Katie to him for help, is it the chance Ben has been waiting for?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian Romance, Christian, Contemporary

336 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2009

About the author

Lori Copeland was born on 12 June 1941. She had a relatively late start in writing, breaking into publishing in 1982 when she was already forty years old. Over the next dozen years, her romance novels achieved much success, as was evidenced by her winning the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller award. She has been inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame.

Despite her success in more mainstream romantic fiction, in 1995, she decided to switch focus. Her subsequent books have been in the relatively new subgenre of Christian romance. She has also collaborated with authors Angela Elwell Hunt or Virginia Smith on a series of Christian romance novels.

Lori and her husband of over forty years, Lance, live in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by the beautiful Ozarks. They have three grown sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. She and her husband are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Reviews

[Strawberry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read some of the less than stellar reviews of this book before finally deciding to give it a try. It took only one day to listen to this as an audio book, so I was okay with the usage of time even though the 2 stars reviews were right.
In addition to some of the other reviewers comments, I thought the solution to the problem was extremely obvious and the author should have done a better job of concealing the villain in the story.
I had no question who she would end up with in the end and guessed accurately to the actions in regard to her financial problems.
These story was just too predictable.

[Ella · Rating 2 out of 5]

very disappointing. Not much of a love story. to much about what a person is thinking,(which is the same thought over and over again) and not enough interaction with Mr. Right.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was just okay for me...I usually am a big Lori Copeland fan, but it took me awhile to get into this one.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

**“Now and Always” by Lori Copeland follows Katie Addison, a determined woman running a shelter for abused women and injured horses, as she navigates financial hardship, romantic tension, and mysterious events—with help from two very different men.**

🌕 **Beginning: Katie’s Mission and Struggles**
🎈 Katie Addison runs a ranch that doubles as a shelter for abused women and injured horses.
🎈 She’s fiercely independent and deeply committed to her cause, but financial troubles begin to mount.
🎈 Her daily latte habit and generous heart strain her budget.
🎈 Warren Tate, a former high school nerd turned handsome businessman, reenters her life.
🎈 Katie offers Warren emotional support after his fiancée leaves him.

🌕 **Middle: Financial Help and Emotional Tension**
🎈 Warren agrees to help Katie with her finances, but clashes with her spending habits.
🎈 He’s wary of independent women, yet finds himself drawn to Katie.
🎈 Sheriff Ben O’Keefe, who’s had a longtime crush on Katie, watches from the sidelines.
🎈 Ben is dependable, kind, and quietly in love—but Katie sees him only as a friend.
🎈 Mysterious events begin to unfold at the ranch, prompting Katie to seek Ben’s help.

🌕 **Investigation and Emotional Shifts**
🎈 Ben steps in to protect Katie and investigate the strange happenings.
🎈 Katie starts to see Ben in a new light, appreciating his loyalty and quiet strength.
🎈 Warren’s feelings deepen, but he struggles with Katie’s independence and emotional walls.
🎈 The tension between the two men grows as Katie’s heart begins to shift.

🌕 **Ending: Love and Resolution**
🎈 Katie realizes that love doesn’t have to mean giving up her independence.
🎈 She opens her heart to the possibility of romance—without compromising her mission.
🎈 The mystery is resolved, and Katie finds clarity in both her personal and professional life.
🎈 Sheriff Ben’s patience pays off, and Katie begins to see him as more than “just Ben.”

---

🌕 **Character Breakdown**

🎈 **Katie Addison** – Protagonist; strong, independent, runs a shelter for women and horses.
🎈 **Warren Tate** – Former nerd, now a successful businessman; emotionally wounded, helps Katie financially.
🎈 **Sheriff Ben O’Keefe** – Loyal, protective, quietly in love with Katie; helps her during mysterious events.
🎈 **Quirky Townsfolk** – Various minor characters add charm and humor to the story’s small-town setting.
🎈 **Abused Women at the Shelter** – Represent Katie’s mission and emotional drive; background but meaningful.

### 📚 Detailed Plot Summary

Katie Addison is a woman on a mission—running a ranch that shelters abused women and injured horses. Her heart is in the right place, but her finances are falling apart. Enter Warren Tate, a former nerd turned successful businessman, who reluctantly agrees to help her budget. Their dynamic is tense: Katie’s impulsive spending (especially on lattes) clashes with Warren’s strict financial discipline.

Meanwhile, Sheriff Ben O’Keefe watches from the sidelines, still nursing a crush on Katie. He’s always been there for her, but she’s never seen him as more than a friend—especially after he failed to take her to prom years ago.

When Katie takes in a high-profile abuse victim, strange things begin to happen. Threats escalate, and someone seems determined to shut down her ranch. Katie turns to Ben for help, and the mystery deepens. Is the danger coming from the woman’s past, or is someone in town trying to sabotage Katie’s mission?

As tensions rise, Katie must choose between the two men in her life—Warren, who challenges her, and Ben, who comforts her. The climax reveals the villain’s identity and motives, and Katie’s courage and compassion ultimately triumph.

Yes—Warren Tate **is revealed to be the villain** in *Now and Always* by Lori Copeland.

Here’s how it unfolds:

- Warren starts off as a sympathetic character: a former high school nerd turned successful businessman, recently dumped by his fiancée.
- Katie Addison, the protagonist, offers him emotional support and financial partnership to help her struggling shelter.
- As the story progresses, Warren’s behavior becomes increasingly controlling and manipulative.
- He tries to undermine Katie’s independence and isolate her from others, especially Sheriff Ben O’Keefe.
- The **twist** reveals that Warren is behind the sabotage and threats targeting Katie’s shelter.
- His motive: jealousy, control, and a desire to dominate Katie’s life and mission.
- In the climax, Warren’s actions escalate to violence.
- **Outcome**: Warren is killed—bringing an end to his threat and allowing Katie to reclaim her peace and purpose.

[Kristi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here are my main complaints:
- Rife inconsistency and poor editing (the main character swears off a guy and then throws herself at him immediately thereafter; the prom was 12 years ago, then 20, all while saying the character is 36; the dog is a male in one chapter then a female in the next; "fraternal" grandparents, etc.)
- A daftly naive, ditzy heroine who is difficult to root for at times due to her apparent lack of functioning brain cells (terrible judgment in men, and honestly, she couldn't keep the shelter solvent because of a latte addiction, and she never looked into grants...?)
- A rather obvious culprit
- Rescued horses that served no real purpose beyond the first few chapters (I kept expecting them to be more important than they were)
- And an over-the-top ending featuring not one but two dei ex machina (albeit one was a little harder to spot because it didn't happen to our main character)

I like Lori Copeland books but this one was more irritating than enjoyable to me. I gave it two stars because I found the part with Ben and Katie's conversation with signs humorous. The rest was just frustrating.

(Note: I read the e-book so some of the errors listed above could have resulted from that. I will happily update if needed.)

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read some of the other reviews on this book, and though I understand what they are saying, I think many have missed the crux of the story. The underlying message is powerful and should not be ignored. Physical and emotional abuse is a serious issue. As an outsider looking in it is easy to judge and question how someone could stay in the relationship. It is also easy to question how they could have allowed themselves to get into a relationship like that to begin with. This book shows how easily we can ignore warning signs and fall into the trap of an abusive relationship. It also addresses the many reasons some women do not successfully get out of the relationships. Rather than judge, we should pray for, support, and educate! Pray for and support those already in abusive relationships (help them find God’s way out)! Educate your daughters! I would pass this book on to my teenage daughter and then discuss it with her after she reads it. Sometimes we overlook the depth of a book in our search for a good romance. Life is much deeper than the shallow romance novels we like to waste our time on.

[Janis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such a frustrating book. I like the inspirational message, but everything she wanted to do suddenly became Gods plan for her. I couldn’t fathom what she saw in the man she wanted. He was was rude and offensive. I found myself yelling at the audiobook, telling her to stop being such a ninny and get a clue! But, she couldn’t get a clue because it was gods will for her to end up with this jerk. I’m always leery of people who tell me what Gods will is. Unless I had a Zoom meeting with Him where he told me in person what his plan is for me, I would never be that sure. She made such stupid choices that she drove me to distraction. Buying caviar when she can’t afford horse feed? In what universe could this woman run a farm. There was no suspense in this romantic suspense novel and very little romance either. I liked the final chapter. It was the only one in the whole book that worked for me. I’ve liked other novels by this author, but it’s been several years. I’ll give her another chance.

[Jennifer Elrod · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the first half, but it seemed like someone else took up the writing from there and couldn't quite decide where to go with the story. The main character is likable and relatable until she suddenly loses her mind and relentlessly pursues an abusive, controlling man for whom she has no apparent affection. If a man calls you stupid, and you're not that attracted to him, don't chase him, run the other way! Small, but annoying, dances have mirror balls, not crystal balls.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie Addison has a big heart and loves her job providing shelter for abused women. She is struggling financially, so when, handsome, Warren Tate returns to Lost Creek, she gladly accepts his help to budget her means. Thinking that Warren is her future, she's not affected by the one man that comes running when she's really in trouble--Sheriff Ben O'Keefe. Until her life is in real jeopardy, does Katie realize what's been right in front of her the whole time.

[Marsha R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is a beautiful story with a message that resonated deeply with me. While this isn’t one of her usual funny books, I really enjoyed it. What stood out most was Katie's servant heart—a reflection of humility and faith that we can all learn from. The central lesson of waiting for God's will instead of rushing ahead with our own plans is one we need to hear often. Copeland delivers this message in a touching, heartfelt way that leaves a lasting impact.”

[Cheriwinkle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook-Goodreads does not have the audiobook edition listed. I made it through 4 chapters and returned it. It was not at all interesting—I found myself backing up a lot because I had quit paying attention— and the narrator’s voice (for me) didn’t fit the character. Not my cup of tea.

[Wendy Huddler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading anything written by Lori Copeland. I’m happy to say it won’t be the last.
This book was very well written with enough story lines to keep you interested. It shows you what happens when you follow God’s desires and not turn them around to be yours. Oh, and there were some tears in the end.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 2.5 This was okay, but I almost didn't finish it. I liked Katie Addison's helpful spirit, but she wasn't too smart. She wasn't very good with money and ignored signs that Warren was not to be trusted. It took her a while to realize that Ben was the one for her. My favorite part of the book was the final chapter, so I'm glad I finished it.

[Laura Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure that I will read anything else by this author. However, this was just the kind of light, wide eyed, innocent story I needed to read to see life from a whole different perspective. It made me smile.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was definitely not what I expected but overall a decent story.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

[annabeth ☼]

*DNF at 15%

I have nothing to say. I knew this would suck, and it does, and I don’t have the willpower to trudge through it tonight, so I’m just giving up, even if that does make me quitter.

[Mary Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book. We need more people caring about one another.

[Renee Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline, it wasn't completely predictable and had some unexpected twists which were fun.
It was very interesting reading about the abused women shelter and their stories.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, considering that I generally enjoy Copeland's romances and she creates very realistic characters. However, here she creates idealistic and naive Katie Addison, who runs a women's shelter despite not having any type of degree in social work or psychology.

She is also dumber than a bag of hammers. She doesn't seem to comprehend simple math, and really has no business taking care of women who've been abused when she can't take care of herself or her grandfather's farm. She constantly acts without thinking, and this is her greatest flaw. Would any man, no matter how patient, really put up with this level of stupidity on a daily basis?

That was my real problem with the book. Ben, her suitor, has had a longstanding crush on her; she doesn't reciprocate, believing that since he stood her up on prom night over a decade ago, they're not destined to be together. (That he has a valid excuse doesn't placate her.) Ben and Katie woo each other via amusing handheld signs, which is one of the little things I liked about this book. Copeland also creates a very good romantic triangle between Katie, Ben, and the book's sneering villain, Warren, a wealthy landowner/lawyer who genuinely believes that women are beneath him. How he eventually gets to Katie in the book's conclusion is worthy of any good thriller.

It's a decent read, but Copeland has definitely done better.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Katie is really into running her home for women who are running from abusive partners, but financial problems could force her to shut the home down. She turns to her neighbor Warren for help, thinkiing that with his financial smarts he can help her develop a budget and stick to it. Not to mention that Katie is very attracted to Warren, despite his sometimes rough manner. She is grateful for his nearness when several incidents make her think that her frecent intake of a high profile client may have put her in danger, but is is really Warren or her forever buddy (who happens to be the local sherriff) who will come to her rescue?[return]This was a sold romance with likeable characters, the plot was somewhat predictable but it was satisfying to see the main character end up with the right guy in the end.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. I thought it was an interesting plot. But the main character was thirty-something but thought like a 17 year old. Running a battered women's shelter, I thought the main character would have been more mature but she was running around thinking about men like a college student does.

At least the author kept me guessing about who Mr. Right was. I had my suspicions, but my guess wasn't final until 3/4 of the way through the book. I thought it could have gone either way, especially because of some of the main character's stream of conscious thinking.

But sheesh. Don't go into relationships thinking you're going to change the other person. It doesn't work.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a christian suspense book. It was good but still took days to read. The main character owns and runs a womens rescue shelter. She is not good with money and always dodging creditors. She runs into a guy she knew in high school and thinks he came back for a reason and that they will eventually get married. He is stand offish and runs hot and cold. He wants her to shut down the shelter and focus on them. She also has the town sheriff who she has known all her life. She likes him but does not feel anything for him other than friendship. In the end her life is in danger due to one of the men and the other one comes to her rescue.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Katie ends up over 30 and not married, but living a life of giving. She uses every bit of money and property she has to aid battered women in her own home where she can hide them when necessary. She renews relationships with a couple of young men in her hometown that she knew in High School. When mysterious things begin to happen at her home and her life is threatened, which man has mental issues from old wounds that never healed? Katie takes a chance on love and it almost backfires on her. But the Lord is looking out for her and all of her friends too.

[Rhonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good story...Katie runs a home for abused women, and also rehabilitates injured horses. She incurs financial difficulties, and falls for Warren, when it's really Sheriff Ben she should be giving her attention.

[Patricia Hullett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. Great story line about a woman running a small home for battered women in a very small town. Two men in her life - which one is the bad one? I really wasn't sure until close to the end. Lori Copeland is a fine author!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good especially the theme but dragged some.

[Cws]

YA Cop

[joyce lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

great mystery braided into the romance

so true ~ we usually never see what's right in front of our eyes, as we always think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about a woman who runs a shelter for abused women, and how she falls for a munipulative abuser. It end great!