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Hanover Falls #2
Forever After
A fire killed his best friend and his lifelong dream of
BEING a firefighter. The same fire killed her husband AND
HER hopes for a family. Can new dreams replace old?
Lucas Vermontez was a proud firefighter like his father. Now, not only has he lost his father and his best friend, Zach, in the fire at the Grove Street homeless shelter, but the devoted rookie can no longer do the work he loves after being crippled in the tragic event. When friendship with his buddy’s beautiful widow turns into more, he wonders what he could possibly offer Jenna? Jenna Morgan is trying to grieve her husband’s death like a proper widow, but the truth is, she never really loved Zach. His death feels more like a relief to her. But that relief is short-lived when she loses her home and the financial support of her in-laws. Now the secrets of her past threaten to destroy her future.
Can the two forget the painful past and discover new reasons to live and love?
This novel was originally published in 2011 under the same title.
BEING a firefighter. The same fire killed her husband AND
HER hopes for a family. Can new dreams replace old?
Lucas Vermontez was a proud firefighter like his father. Now, not only has he lost his father and his best friend, Zach, in the fire at the Grove Street homeless shelter, but the devoted rookie can no longer do the work he loves after being crippled in the tragic event. When friendship with his buddy’s beautiful widow turns into more, he wonders what he could possibly offer Jenna? Jenna Morgan is trying to grieve her husband’s death like a proper widow, but the truth is, she never really loved Zach. His death feels more like a relief to her. But that relief is short-lived when she loses her home and the financial support of her in-laws. Now the secrets of her past threaten to destroy her future.
Can the two forget the painful past and discover new reasons to live and love?
This novel was originally published in 2011 under the same title.
378 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2011
228 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Raney
77 books682 followersDEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 19, 2011
I was horribly disappointed with this book. The narration was frequently “bumpy” and the development of the arsonist's character was too flat. The main characters were a disappointment, too. I was frequently annoyed at Jenna. She behaved like a spoiled girl or in Lucas’ words, a “brat”. True, she corrected some of her mistakes at the end of the book, but she still held the “I am right” attitude in regards to certain issues she disagreed with Lucas. At the end of the book, Jenna still had not resolved a few of her conflicts, most notably the conflict with her former in-laws. It was unrealistic and almost inhuman the way Lucas could bear with her attitude. Despite all the book’s faults, I was intrigued by the book title. This book is the second book in the Hanover Falls series. The first book was titled Almost Forever, this second book is titled Forever After, and the third book (scheduled to be released in May 2012) is titled After All. I have never come across books in a series with such interconnecting titles. Overall, unless you really don’t have any new books to read, I wouldn’t recommend Forever After to you. If you are looking for a relaxing, light and uncomplicated book to read, then you might want to try this book. If you aren’t, then this book will bore you with its bland mystery.
January 7, 2014
Too slow! I just could not get interested enough in this book to finish.
April 23, 2021
After a fire killed his father and his best friend Zach, and seriously injured him so much that he cannot carry out his beloved job as a firefighter, Lucas Vermontez is desparate to find something to do with his life - all he ever wanted to be was a firefighter.
Jenna Morgan, whose husband Zach was killed in the same fire, faces bankruptcy and homelessness, and has to either live with her in-laws, or find a way to stand on her own feet.
Jenna and Lucas get closer - but can anything ever come of their attraction with the history behind them?
I find it very difficult to say something about a story when I did not like the protagonists very much. Both came over as spoilt, Lucas not as much, and with him having his life dream destroyed by the fire, I can actually understand his attitude. Jenna on the other hand came over as a spoilt and egoistic brat, an adult with the attitude of a stereotyped teenager - never her own fault, being entitled, and throwing a tantrum when she does not get her way. Very shallow and superficial, and not someone I would wish on anyone to have to look after. She had some good qualities as well, though, in all fairness. Her actions did not convince me that she was really trying to find her way back to God.
I have read other books of this author which I liked more.
Jenna Morgan, whose husband Zach was killed in the same fire, faces bankruptcy and homelessness, and has to either live with her in-laws, or find a way to stand on her own feet.
Jenna and Lucas get closer - but can anything ever come of their attraction with the history behind them?
I find it very difficult to say something about a story when I did not like the protagonists very much. Both came over as spoilt, Lucas not as much, and with him having his life dream destroyed by the fire, I can actually understand his attitude. Jenna on the other hand came over as a spoilt and egoistic brat, an adult with the attitude of a stereotyped teenager - never her own fault, being entitled, and throwing a tantrum when she does not get her way. Very shallow and superficial, and not someone I would wish on anyone to have to look after. She had some good qualities as well, though, in all fairness. Her actions did not convince me that she was really trying to find her way back to God.
I have read other books of this author which I liked more.
February 11, 2020
Lucas Vermontez has always wanted to be a firefighter. But one horrific fire ruined everything, leaving him disabled, and taking his best friend as well as his father in one terrible sweep. Now, Lucas’ mother is remarrying and Lucas is becoming friends with a woman he’s long wanted—his best friend’s widow.
Jenna Morgan never really loved Zach, but she’s tried to pretend that she did. Unfortunately, when he died, she could no longer afford her home or the bills, and she didn’t even last twelve hours living with her in-laws before they basically kicked her out. Jenna is homeless, sponging off friends, and looking for a job.
Can Jenna and Lucas forget the painful past and discover new reasons to live?
The story starts off with a fire that both main characters lose a loved one in. Jenna loses her husband Zach and Lucas loses his father, use of his legs and his career as a firefighter. How can someone live so far out of there means that was crazy to me to live like that. I thought Zach's parents where a bit mean.
Jenna Morgan never really loved Zach, but she’s tried to pretend that she did. Unfortunately, when he died, she could no longer afford her home or the bills, and she didn’t even last twelve hours living with her in-laws before they basically kicked her out. Jenna is homeless, sponging off friends, and looking for a job.
Can Jenna and Lucas forget the painful past and discover new reasons to live?
The story starts off with a fire that both main characters lose a loved one in. Jenna loses her husband Zach and Lucas loses his father, use of his legs and his career as a firefighter. How can someone live so far out of there means that was crazy to me to live like that. I thought Zach's parents where a bit mean.
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January 25, 2021
Overcoming
This book is a great story about overcoming obstacles by trusting in God. The obstacles like debt, injury, death and deception were not removed but God helped them through it. Great book. Big D
This book is a great story about overcoming obstacles by trusting in God. The obstacles like debt, injury, death and deception were not removed but God helped them through it. Great book. Big D
June 27, 2011
“‘I remember going to this church one summer.’ Her voice was almost a whisper. ‘It was a Vacation Bible School or something—and they invited all the kids in the neighborhood. Mom made Becky and me go, and they talked about that—about Christmas. I thought it was so weird . . . talking about Christmas in July. But there was something I always liked about that.’
‘I’m going to go out on a limb,’ he risked, ‘and say maybe God planted a seed in your heart way back then.’
She looked skeptical. ‘A seed that’s supposed to grow into what?’
He grasped for an answer that wouldn’t scare her off. ‘Into knowing Him. I think God knew we’d have this conversation one day. And I think He wanted you to know that you can know Him . . . just like you know me.’
She gave a humorless laugh. ‘Wow. You and God are pretty tight, huh?’
‘Oh, yeah’—he held up a hand and crossed his fingers—‘we’re like this.’
She nodded, leaning forward, so much hope in her eyes. ‘But how do you know, Luc?’
‘You just know’—he placed a hand over his heart—’in here.’
~~from Forever After by Deborah Raney
If an author wrote about folks helping out in Vacation Bible School or teaching a Sunday school class or sharing a passing word about the Lord with a friend or neighbor, it wouldn’t make for a very exciting plot. I probably wouldn’t buy that book. Yet those are the moments that lead to reclaimed lives and eternal happy endings.
So it is with Jenna, the focus of Deborah Raney’s novel Forever After. She thinks of her past as a time filled with hurts and disappointments. But that’s when important seeds were planted that blossom years later—in spite of her poor choices, lack of forgiveness, self-doubt, and personal fears.
As in “real life,” God puts people in Jenna’s way to show her glimpses of His heart. One of the key players is Luc, a wounded hero whose faith—though a bit battered and bruised—shines like a beacon in Jenna’s world.
Luc, Jenna, and the other characters who inhabit Hanover Falls experience realistic problems and heartaches as they struggle to figure out how God wants them to live out their lives each day. Along the way, they find love, joy, and eventually peace. I loved seeing small seeds of faith grow to fruition in this sweet story. I’m glad I paid a visit to Hanover Falls. This book will definitely join my list as one I’d enjoy seeing made into a Hallmark movie!
Find more inspirational book reviews at my blog Doorkeeper!
‘I’m going to go out on a limb,’ he risked, ‘and say maybe God planted a seed in your heart way back then.’
She looked skeptical. ‘A seed that’s supposed to grow into what?’
He grasped for an answer that wouldn’t scare her off. ‘Into knowing Him. I think God knew we’d have this conversation one day. And I think He wanted you to know that you can know Him . . . just like you know me.’
She gave a humorless laugh. ‘Wow. You and God are pretty tight, huh?’
‘Oh, yeah’—he held up a hand and crossed his fingers—‘we’re like this.’
She nodded, leaning forward, so much hope in her eyes. ‘But how do you know, Luc?’
‘You just know’—he placed a hand over his heart—’in here.’
~~from Forever After by Deborah Raney
If an author wrote about folks helping out in Vacation Bible School or teaching a Sunday school class or sharing a passing word about the Lord with a friend or neighbor, it wouldn’t make for a very exciting plot. I probably wouldn’t buy that book. Yet those are the moments that lead to reclaimed lives and eternal happy endings.
So it is with Jenna, the focus of Deborah Raney’s novel Forever After. She thinks of her past as a time filled with hurts and disappointments. But that’s when important seeds were planted that blossom years later—in spite of her poor choices, lack of forgiveness, self-doubt, and personal fears.
As in “real life,” God puts people in Jenna’s way to show her glimpses of His heart. One of the key players is Luc, a wounded hero whose faith—though a bit battered and bruised—shines like a beacon in Jenna’s world.
Luc, Jenna, and the other characters who inhabit Hanover Falls experience realistic problems and heartaches as they struggle to figure out how God wants them to live out their lives each day. Along the way, they find love, joy, and eventually peace. I loved seeing small seeds of faith grow to fruition in this sweet story. I’m glad I paid a visit to Hanover Falls. This book will definitely join my list as one I’d enjoy seeing made into a Hallmark movie!
Find more inspirational book reviews at my blog Doorkeeper!
June 27, 2011
Title: FOREVER AFTER
Author: Deborah Raney
Publisher: Howard Books
June 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4165-9993-7
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance
A fire killed his best friend and his lifelong dream of being a firefighter. The same fire killed her husband and hopes for a family. Can new dreams replace old?
Lucas Vermontez has always wanted to be a firefighter. But one horrific fire ruined everything, leaving him disabled, and taking his best friend as well as his father in one terrible sweep. Now, Lucas’ mother is remarrying and Lucas is becoming friends with a woman he’s long wanted—his best friend’s widow.
Jenna Morgan never really loved Zach, but she’s tried to pretend that she did. Unfortunately, when he died, she could no longer afford her home or the bills, and she didn’t even last twelve hours living with her in-laws before they basically kicked her out. Now Jenna is homeless, sponging off friends, and looking for a job.
Can Jenna and Lucas forget the painful past and discover new reasons to live?
FOREVER AFTER is the second in Ms. Raney’s A Hanover Falls series. I enjoyed getting to know Lucas and Jenna better (they were secondary characters in Almost Forever) and getting reconnected with Bryn and other characters that appeared in the first book.
Jenna is a poor girl who always wanted to be rich, one who thought she made it when she married into a wealthy family, and now thrust back into the real world where the rest of us live. Lucas is struggling to get his life back together after a fire took away everything he held dear. I cheered for these characters to find new hope, new life, and new love. Discussion questions are included at the end. An excerpt from the next book in the series After All is included at the end of the book. $14.99. 393 pages.
Author: Deborah Raney
Publisher: Howard Books
June 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4165-9993-7
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance
A fire killed his best friend and his lifelong dream of being a firefighter. The same fire killed her husband and hopes for a family. Can new dreams replace old?
Lucas Vermontez has always wanted to be a firefighter. But one horrific fire ruined everything, leaving him disabled, and taking his best friend as well as his father in one terrible sweep. Now, Lucas’ mother is remarrying and Lucas is becoming friends with a woman he’s long wanted—his best friend’s widow.
Jenna Morgan never really loved Zach, but she’s tried to pretend that she did. Unfortunately, when he died, she could no longer afford her home or the bills, and she didn’t even last twelve hours living with her in-laws before they basically kicked her out. Now Jenna is homeless, sponging off friends, and looking for a job.
Can Jenna and Lucas forget the painful past and discover new reasons to live?
FOREVER AFTER is the second in Ms. Raney’s A Hanover Falls series. I enjoyed getting to know Lucas and Jenna better (they were secondary characters in Almost Forever) and getting reconnected with Bryn and other characters that appeared in the first book.
Jenna is a poor girl who always wanted to be rich, one who thought she made it when she married into a wealthy family, and now thrust back into the real world where the rest of us live. Lucas is struggling to get his life back together after a fire took away everything he held dear. I cheered for these characters to find new hope, new life, and new love. Discussion questions are included at the end. An excerpt from the next book in the series After All is included at the end of the book. $14.99. 393 pages.
November 11, 2015
Lucas and Jenna are drawn to each other but they both struggle with that attraction since they are connected by Jenna’s husband and Lucas’ best friend. It is an interesting story because you wonder how you they will reconcile that struggle. Will Jenna overcome her guilt of loving someone else when she really didn’t love her husband? Will Lucas overcome his guilt of loving his best friends wife? I really like the way that this author makes the characters in this story so real. They struggle with the same things that we all struggle with. They are not perfect which makes them completely relatable. At the same time, there is a strength of faith that some of them have that makes me want to work on strengthening my faith as well.
January 1, 2013
I liked book one in this series, but this one is even better. The characters are so well developed and believable. I was pulling for both of the main characters - as individuals and as a romance.
March 28, 2016
This story is engaging from the beginning. I loved this story of forgiveness and redemption. I highly recommend this book.
December 31, 2019
Where there's smoke, there's fire
Luc lost his dad and best friend in the homeless shelter fire--and he'd been gravely injured. Many surgeries later he could almost walk without a cane.
Jenna lost her husband in the fire and, for a while, her best friend, Bryn. She also lost her source of income--and they'd been living way beyond their means.
And Bryn and Luc's mom had found new loves and were both getting married. Luc and Jenna were both sort of lost until they accidentally met one day and decided to have coffee.
So starts a fascinating story of loss and love and forgiveness and want. And dogs and cats too. You'll want to read this one in the Hanover Falls series. Great series, Deb Raney!
Luc lost his dad and best friend in the homeless shelter fire--and he'd been gravely injured. Many surgeries later he could almost walk without a cane.
Jenna lost her husband in the fire and, for a while, her best friend, Bryn. She also lost her source of income--and they'd been living way beyond their means.
And Bryn and Luc's mom had found new loves and were both getting married. Luc and Jenna were both sort of lost until they accidentally met one day and decided to have coffee.
So starts a fascinating story of loss and love and forgiveness and want. And dogs and cats too. You'll want to read this one in the Hanover Falls series. Great series, Deb Raney!
June 4, 2024
Several reviews mention the female main character in Forever After being a brat, but that's what makes her seem real. She's far from perfect and struggles with self-centeredness, which many can relate to. Her responses to her over-controlling mother-in-law are probably kinder than mine would be under the same circumstances!
I listened to this book on audio during a road trip and appreciated that it was easy to follow even with several distractions pulling at my attention. I agree that the arsonist could have been better fleshed out, but that character was not a huge part of the story so it didn't really bother me that I didn't know much about them.
Although the story didn't contain a lot of action, the romance moved at a steady pace. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
I listened to this book on audio during a road trip and appreciated that it was easy to follow even with several distractions pulling at my attention. I agree that the arsonist could have been better fleshed out, but that character was not a huge part of the story so it didn't really bother me that I didn't know much about them.
Although the story didn't contain a lot of action, the romance moved at a steady pace. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
June 25, 2024
A delightful story with so many characters, so much to think about, contemplate and muse over - good people, but not perfect people of all financial situations live in the same small town of Hanover Falls and near-by Springfield. People seem to know everyone, or about everyone and yet there are secrets. Love exists and is displayed in many ways, and yet revenge and anger and disappointment exists too. God is honored and followed by some, and yet others have no faith in Him. It's our world!
Looking forward to reading the next book in this series. This author always provides a clean, interesting, intriguing, 'something to think about' read, and the questions at the end are very thought-provoking.
Looking forward to reading the next book in this series. This author always provides a clean, interesting, intriguing, 'something to think about' read, and the questions at the end are very thought-provoking.
January 22, 2021
Pain from many sources
Lucas is the perfect hero! He's kind, honest, dedicated to his vocational, firefighting, and a generally happy soul. When his crew is called to a fire at the homeless shelter, it changes his life.
That fire changed Jenna's life, as well. Along with several others, her husband was killed in that fire. After a year of struggling to maintain their lifestyle, Jenna finally realizes she has to sell her house, find a job, and get on with her life.
A wonderful, heartwarming story of two people sharing very different pain, while wishing for comfort and companionship. A lovely book!
Lucas is the perfect hero! He's kind, honest, dedicated to his vocational, firefighting, and a generally happy soul. When his crew is called to a fire at the homeless shelter, it changes his life.
That fire changed Jenna's life, as well. Along with several others, her husband was killed in that fire. After a year of struggling to maintain their lifestyle, Jenna finally realizes she has to sell her house, find a job, and get on with her life.
A wonderful, heartwarming story of two people sharing very different pain, while wishing for comfort and companionship. A lovely book!
January 30, 2021
Redemption, reconciliation, and renewal mark the pages of this beautiful story!
This is a beautiful story of how God’s love can get us through the toughest of times if we will open our hearts to receive it. I love the story of Luc and Jen getting a second chance on love, but I also like how God even gives our lives a second chance when the path we are on gets derailed. There is so much to this story. But to share it would spoil the surprises. Very believable story to read. I could easily relate to most all of the characters. This is sure to touch the heart of most any reader. Highly recommend!!
This is a beautiful story of how God’s love can get us through the toughest of times if we will open our hearts to receive it. I love the story of Luc and Jen getting a second chance on love, but I also like how God even gives our lives a second chance when the path we are on gets derailed. There is so much to this story. But to share it would spoil the surprises. Very believable story to read. I could easily relate to most all of the characters. This is sure to touch the heart of most any reader. Highly recommend!!
January 5, 2020
I thought I would read the next in this series, but didn't think the sequel was as good. In the first book, it says Jenna Morgan only wrote her friend a couple of Emails after her husband died in the fire, but in this one, it said they spent that first Christmas together and she confided in her friend about how her marriage had been. I hope if I was a published author, I would get book 1 firmly in my head before I wrote a book 2. I did like the story of the main characters, but we could have learnt more about both of them.
July 6, 2021
Even though this is part of a series it seemed to stand alone. A devastating fire begins the story and then the aftermath a year later is basically where it picks up. Jenna and Lucas were already friends but Jenna was now the widow of Lucas's best friend Zach from the fire. I've read a number of Deborah Raney's books but this one seemed a bit more predictable than her others. I still enjoyed it and would probably enjoy the other books in the series. I got this as a free one from Book Bubs.
January 16, 2021
This was a great read. It has a bit of mystery, romance and a lot of human emotions. The main characters struggle with not only physical pain but debilitating trauma from the past. Interspersed throughout the book are messages from God's Word that one can relate to in everyday life.
I've always loved Raney's books and this one lived up to her high standards of clean Christian fiction.
September 25, 2021
Deborah Raney’s books never fail
I hope whoever reads Forever After reads Almost Forever first. I think this is one series that really should be read as a series, in order. As per usual with Deborah Raney’s books, the message of mercy, truth, and love shines through. Am expecting the same as I start to read the third book, After All.
I hope whoever reads Forever After reads Almost Forever first. I think this is one series that really should be read as a series, in order. As per usual with Deborah Raney’s books, the message of mercy, truth, and love shines through. Am expecting the same as I start to read the third book, After All.
January 7, 2022
This is another good read by Raney, the second in this series, continuing on with the initial characters.
Nicely developed characters and story line, this is Jenna’s story of life after losing her firefighter husband in the Grove Street Homeless Shelter fire. Lucas, seriously injured in that fire, and Bryn also feature in this.
Nicely developed characters and story line, this is Jenna’s story of life after losing her firefighter husband in the Grove Street Homeless Shelter fire. Lucas, seriously injured in that fire, and Bryn also feature in this.
February 2, 2022
This is the middle book of the Hanover Falls series by Deborah Raney. I thought it was a very good book and enjoyed learning more of the intricacies of the arson suspects and the survivors of the devastating fire that killed 5 firemen. I do recommend reading the series in order. I actually did read them in order but was unable to post a review for this one until now.
June 5, 2023
I found this book an easy read that kept my attention, albeit predictable outcomes. I'm glad I didn't read some of the reviews beforehand because they may have discouraged me. I thought it was a good book and made me want to read the next book in the series. I was not at all disappointed. Good job, Deborah Raney!
October 27, 2025
Enjoyable story!
A well written story. Two people who were suffering in their own way. He had been injured in the fire which took the life of his father and her husband. Both had to try to keep going and make a new life for themselves. A great Christian message about trusting in God.
A well written story. Two people who were suffering in their own way. He had been injured in the fire which took the life of his father and her husband. Both had to try to keep going and make a new life for themselves. A great Christian message about trusting in God.
January 23, 2021
Very entertaining
Learned about firefighters and their families. The truths about trusting God to lead you throughout you life are well told in this book. Like the style of writing along with the good story.
Learned about firefighters and their families. The truths about trusting God to lead you throughout you life are well told in this book. Like the style of writing along with the good story.
January 29, 2021
Great story
Very educational book in a round abd out way. Learn some about training dogs for arson fires and some about God. One negative I did find. The author mentioned giving the dog a turkey leg. That is a big no no. Other than that the book was very entertaining.
Very educational book in a round abd out way. Learn some about training dogs for arson fires and some about God. One negative I did find. The author mentioned giving the dog a turkey leg. That is a big no no. Other than that the book was very entertaining.
January 29, 2021
Great read
The characters are realistic and their challenges and how they overcome them speaks volumes. It makes us take a look at ourselves a little differently. Maybe a little deeper. Great for our perspective and understanding our decision making at times.
The characters are realistic and their challenges and how they overcome them speaks volumes. It makes us take a look at ourselves a little differently. Maybe a little deeper. Great for our perspective and understanding our decision making at times.
February 7, 2021
Second Read
This is the second time I have read this book. Just as good as the first time. I didn't realize I had read it until I was about half way through. So thrilling and exciting that I had to finish it again.
This is the second time I have read this book. Just as good as the first time. I didn't realize I had read it until I was about half way through. So thrilling and exciting that I had to finish it again.
February 8, 2021
MS. Raney Always Delivers
A good Christian book. 😀 Quite Interesting when Luke got into training dogs. Good story about not looking back but what God has in store for you if you will just follow His ways.
A good Christian book. 😀 Quite Interesting when Luke got into training dogs. Good story about not looking back but what God has in store for you if you will just follow His ways.
February 16, 2021
Liked the first book in the series better than the second, but glad I "found" these - the second was recommended when I finished another book. You definitely need to listen to them in sequence.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews