What do you think?
Rate this book
Rock Creek #0
It Will Be Forever
She’d left on purpose. Thought she’d stay gone…
Big-hearted Dre Rustin fled her small Nebraska hometown to distance herself from her brother’s troubled past. Texas seemed like a good place to start a new life. Now she’s looking forward to graduating from college, but first she’s got to handle Thanksgiving break. She’ll head home for the first time in years. No way is she going to get sucked back into the drama and charm—namely her brother’s best friend Tommy Kent—of Rock Creek. For moral support, she convinces her best friend to travel with her. Little good that does her.
Tom Kent might not have been the rebel Paul Rustin had been, but he’d earned a less-than-honorable reputation with the girls, which ruined the fragile hope he’d had for romance with Dre before she left for college. In the four years since Dre had shut Tom out, he hasn’t been able to let her go. Now she’s coming home, and he’s got this one last chance.
What if she could forgive him? What if they could recapture the tender feelings they’d shared years ago? What if they could build new dreams together?
It could be good. Really good. Maybe, just maybe, it could be forever.
Big-hearted Dre Rustin fled her small Nebraska hometown to distance herself from her brother’s troubled past. Texas seemed like a good place to start a new life. Now she’s looking forward to graduating from college, but first she’s got to handle Thanksgiving break. She’ll head home for the first time in years. No way is she going to get sucked back into the drama and charm—namely her brother’s best friend Tommy Kent—of Rock Creek. For moral support, she convinces her best friend to travel with her. Little good that does her.
Tom Kent might not have been the rebel Paul Rustin had been, but he’d earned a less-than-honorable reputation with the girls, which ruined the fragile hope he’d had for romance with Dre before she left for college. In the four years since Dre had shut Tom out, he hasn’t been able to let her go. Now she’s coming home, and he’s got this one last chance.
What if she could forgive him? What if they could recapture the tender feelings they’d shared years ago? What if they could build new dreams together?
It could be good. Really good. Maybe, just maybe, it could be forever.
226 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2019
502 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Rodewald
40 books413 followersJennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.
Born in Colorado, she experienced both the seclusion of rugged mountain living and the busy streets of a Denver suburb during her growing up years. Somewhere in the middle of college, she married a Husker and found her way back to the quiet lifestyle of a rural area, which suits just fine.
Blessed with a robust curiosity, Jen loves to research. Whether she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is to learn something new. Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit, and excellence.
Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life.
Born in Colorado, she experienced both the seclusion of rugged mountain living and the busy streets of a Denver suburb during her growing up years. Somewhere in the middle of college, she married a Husker and found her way back to the quiet lifestyle of a rural area, which suits just fine.
Blessed with a robust curiosity, Jen loves to research. Whether she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is to learn something new. Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit, and excellence.
Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 21, 2024
A sweet and honest story. I loved the communication between the characters. The heartfelt emotions and feelings they expressed for each other felt genuine and authentic. The story was well written, had engaging characters, and a sweet little dusting of God's grace and love.
For whatever reason, this author insists on using nicknames for some of the characters. Audrea is referred to throughout the story as "Dre." Why? Why do such a thing?!
There are a lot of cute, thoughtful phrases that I highlighted (Kindle version) throughout the book. One is: "We may not be able to have it all, but we can sure love what we have."
"There's beauty and possibilities right here, in this quiet, amazing life."
Rating: PG
Language: clean read
Recommend: yes
For whatever reason, this author insists on using nicknames for some of the characters. Audrea is referred to throughout the story as "Dre." Why? Why do such a thing?!
There are a lot of cute, thoughtful phrases that I highlighted (Kindle version) throughout the book. One is: "We may not be able to have it all, but we can sure love what we have."
"There's beauty and possibilities right here, in this quiet, amazing life."
Rating: PG
Language: clean read
Recommend: yes
July 9, 2019
Sweet contemporary romance novel. I read the fourth first and now the first. Now to catch up on the middle two.
April 15, 2019
I always look forward to a Jennifer Rodewald novel and It Will Be Forever was no exception. To make it better, it was a prequel and we got to see how Andrea Rustin fell in love. I think that made the book extra special for me.
*I received a complimentary copy as a newsletter subscriber.
*I received a complimentary copy as a newsletter subscriber.
March 19, 2022
A sweet romance with depth, growth and tenderness!
May 6, 2019
Great book! Makes me want to go back and reread Reclaimed.
January 15, 2020
No surprise, this novella is absolutely fabulous!
August 11, 2019
Somewhere along the line, I neglected to review this exclusive gem! Jennifer Rodewald’s Rock Creek books are my favorites. Reclaimed was thoroughly wonderful, and this prequel definitely makes me want to go back and reread (which I hardly ever do). As always, I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!
April 20, 2019
I love reading all of this author's novels!
February 4, 2020
We all walk around with a past, sometimes it has great moments and other times there are moments we wish never happened. Sometimes those moments are hurtful, and we feel incapable to forgive, yet for our own mental health forgiveness is what’s needed. In this story by author, Jennifer Rodewald she tackles this subject and much more.
I loved how this author tells a story and wraps it up with wonderful lessons I can take and apply to my life.
This was a beautiful story of love and forgiveness. There were many times I wanted to shake the characters and tell them to straighten up, and many times I wanted to just hug them. Bringing these emotions out in a reader is a fantastic skill and Jennifer Rodewald is just that talented.
This book and the other stories set in this cute town of Rock Creek will make you want to move to a small town. They are so full of warmth and charm.
I highly recommend you pick this book up to read. It touched my heart and I hope it does yours.
I loved how this author tells a story and wraps it up with wonderful lessons I can take and apply to my life.
This was a beautiful story of love and forgiveness. There were many times I wanted to shake the characters and tell them to straighten up, and many times I wanted to just hug them. Bringing these emotions out in a reader is a fantastic skill and Jennifer Rodewald is just that talented.
This book and the other stories set in this cute town of Rock Creek will make you want to move to a small town. They are so full of warmth and charm.
I highly recommend you pick this book up to read. It touched my heart and I hope it does yours.
August 18, 2023
I read this on #KindleUnlimited
FREE on Kindle
August 18, 2023
https://amzn.to/2TEZB9L
FREE on Kindle
August 18, 2023
https://amzn.to/2TEZB9L
April 23, 2025
4 Stars
Completed: Apr. 22/25
Series: Rock Creek, .5
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: EOW's "set during a holiday" -- first half of the book is Thanksgiving break
Book # 50 of 2025: This is a sweet story of a young woman who broke free of her older brother's issues with dreams of her own. However, despite her crush and later disappointment in her brother's friend, Tom, back in high school, her heart is still thinking about him. She goes home for Thanksgiving break and is reminded of her attraction to him and the friendship they had.
Despite bringing her friend to help keep her on track, she enters into a long distance relationship with Tom. As feelings grow, she finds herself torn. Where is home? Does one dream mean sacrificing another?
I love Tom's devotion to her and how deeply he cares. I
also understand where she is coming from with the past issues with her brother's serious behavioural problems and her hurt where Tom was concerned. I can relate to her wanting to get her education and build her life. I respect that they both grew to rely on God and prayer more as the relationship developed. They learn that you can dream individually but also as a couple and that God will lead the path forward.
I enjoy this author and her relatable characters. I read books 3 & 4 years ago so I'm a little backward going back to the beginning.
Completed: Apr. 22/25
Series: Rock Creek, .5
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: EOW's "set during a holiday" -- first half of the book is Thanksgiving break
Book # 50 of 2025: This is a sweet story of a young woman who broke free of her older brother's issues with dreams of her own. However, despite her crush and later disappointment in her brother's friend, Tom, back in high school, her heart is still thinking about him. She goes home for Thanksgiving break and is reminded of her attraction to him and the friendship they had.
Despite bringing her friend to help keep her on track, she enters into a long distance relationship with Tom. As feelings grow, she finds herself torn. Where is home? Does one dream mean sacrificing another?
I love Tom's devotion to her and how deeply he cares. I
also understand where she is coming from with the past issues with her brother's serious behavioural problems and her hurt where Tom was concerned. I can relate to her wanting to get her education and build her life. I respect that they both grew to rely on God and prayer more as the relationship developed. They learn that you can dream individually but also as a couple and that God will lead the path forward.
I enjoy this author and her relatable characters. I read books 3 & 4 years ago so I'm a little backward going back to the beginning.
June 27, 2019
This was my first read by Jennifer Rodewald and I think this may have been her first book.
At first I didn't like this book as it had some very quirky language like 'For the love', 'Holy frostbite', 'holy hay bales', etc. interspersed throughout the conversations and I found it really annoying. Perhaps some people talk like that but I have never read or heard it anywhere else. As I got further into the story, I realized it was really all coming from the main character's friend, Janelle, who was from Texas and maybe this is common 'cowboy/cowgirl talk', but not that I am familiar with from past Western reading. The story of the main character, Andrea (Dre) and Tom was interesting and the author did a good job of dealing with their past and present relationship and bringing the story to an intriguing finish.
At first I didn't like this book as it had some very quirky language like 'For the love', 'Holy frostbite', 'holy hay bales', etc. interspersed throughout the conversations and I found it really annoying. Perhaps some people talk like that but I have never read or heard it anywhere else. As I got further into the story, I realized it was really all coming from the main character's friend, Janelle, who was from Texas and maybe this is common 'cowboy/cowgirl talk', but not that I am familiar with from past Western reading. The story of the main character, Andrea (Dre) and Tom was interesting and the author did a good job of dealing with their past and present relationship and bringing the story to an intriguing finish.
May 6, 2019
It Will Be Forever by Jennifer Rodewald was just so amazing!! I enjoyed it thoroughly, and am again left convinced of the great gift the author has when telling a story. I loved the characters, and I loved the story; how, for Ms. Rodewald, it wasn't just your typical "boy has a past, girl's trying to accept/forgive it", but, rather, she actually walks the reader through all their characters' emotions and, most importantly, through their walk and trust with God. This book has some really needed and important nuggets of wisdom and/or Truth, and it has moments that either convicted me or made me cry.
A really beautiful story told in a masterful way. Ms. Rodewald, just keep these books coming :) you clearly have a gift, and the world can only benefit from (and actually needs) your writing.
A really beautiful story told in a masterful way. Ms. Rodewald, just keep these books coming :) you clearly have a gift, and the world can only benefit from (and actually needs) your writing.
July 20, 2021
Home for the holiday
When Dre goes home for Thanksgiving she has a chip on her shoulder and does not want to be left along with old crush, Tom. So she is and they clash & clash. Her life is in Texas and his is in Rock Creek, Nebraska. How can they ever move past their anger & distrust and reconcile completely different goals? Reading will give you all the fun answers. I have two bones to pick. I've only ever seen the mask that you wear around your neck & pull up when needed, spelled "gaiter". Every time I read "gator", I envisioned a smallish green amphibian coiled around her neck. Lol. And the Texas state flower is bluebonnets, not bluebells. The only Blue Bell here is Blue Bell ice cream, "the best ice cream in the country.." (And that's a fact!)
When Dre goes home for Thanksgiving she has a chip on her shoulder and does not want to be left along with old crush, Tom. So she is and they clash & clash. Her life is in Texas and his is in Rock Creek, Nebraska. How can they ever move past their anger & distrust and reconcile completely different goals? Reading will give you all the fun answers. I have two bones to pick. I've only ever seen the mask that you wear around your neck & pull up when needed, spelled "gaiter". Every time I read "gator", I envisioned a smallish green amphibian coiled around her neck. Lol. And the Texas state flower is bluebonnets, not bluebells. The only Blue Bell here is Blue Bell ice cream, "the best ice cream in the country.." (And that's a fact!)
February 18, 2020
It Will Be Forever is a wonderful story with a small town setting and realistic, engaging characters. I enjoyed getting to know Dre and Tom and their friends and family. Themes of redemption, forgiveness, love of family, and faith are woven seamlessly into the tale and give it added depth and dimension. Jennifer Rodewald does a great job of creating interesting stories with tough subjects while using sensitivity and compassion.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
February 22, 2020
The prodigal comes home.
Sometimes a prodigal is someone who does not realize that he or she actually is a prodigal. Maybe they believe in the Lord Ann even think His will is what they are doing. I’m really glad this one took the time to seek the Lord and know for real what His will was. Also, I love the strong message of forgiveness. People can really change, by the grace of God. They don’t always stay the way that we knew them to be. It is important to remember this. Very well done!
Sometimes a prodigal is someone who does not realize that he or she actually is a prodigal. Maybe they believe in the Lord Ann even think His will is what they are doing. I’m really glad this one took the time to seek the Lord and know for real what His will was. Also, I love the strong message of forgiveness. People can really change, by the grace of God. They don’t always stay the way that we knew them to be. It is important to remember this. Very well done!
June 8, 2019
High school crushes, sibling problems and rumors that may or may not be true. These all can have a bearing on one's future decisions. Dre loved her family but felt it necessary to get away and follow her dreams and her talent for designing and making the most of her visions. College in Texas was doing just that until she felt obligated to go home to Nebraska for Thanksgiving. Would God's plan for Dre's future become apparent to her after this visit? A must read!
December 1, 2020
Wonderful
What a wonderful series! I thoroughly enjoyed reading all four of these books. Jennifer Rodewald sure does know how to tug on your heartstrings and make you feel so many different emotions while reading her books..guaranteed to make you smile, maybe want to shed a tear or two, and definitely throw in a little bit of swooning. Add in faith, hope, and love for our Saviour...what more could you want?
What a wonderful series! I thoroughly enjoyed reading all four of these books. Jennifer Rodewald sure does know how to tug on your heartstrings and make you feel so many different emotions while reading her books..guaranteed to make you smile, maybe want to shed a tear or two, and definitely throw in a little bit of swooning. Add in faith, hope, and love for our Saviour...what more could you want?
April 5, 2024
Forever is what you plan for
Dre had worked so hard for her forever dream of success and it was within her grasp until a trip home from college brought up old feelings and hurts. Which Tommy was she going to keep- the one she had been angry with for 5 years or the one who had matured and had dreams of his own? Could she leave the world she had grown comfortable in Texas? Could she find success in the love of a good man?
Dre had worked so hard for her forever dream of success and it was within her grasp until a trip home from college brought up old feelings and hurts. Which Tommy was she going to keep- the one she had been angry with for 5 years or the one who had matured and had dreams of his own? Could she leave the world she had grown comfortable in Texas? Could she find success in the love of a good man?
April 7, 2020
Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs
In this first book of the Rock Creek series readers are introduced to Andrea Ruskin and Tommy Kent. Their backstory figures prominently into their present and shows the reader the struggles needed to forgive and forget the past in order to open up a heart to love.
In this first book of the Rock Creek series readers are introduced to Andrea Ruskin and Tommy Kent. Their backstory figures prominently into their present and shows the reader the struggles needed to forgive and forget the past in order to open up a heart to love.
July 8, 2021
A second chance at love
This is a story about a young couple reconnecting after 4 years of the girl going to college. Pass hurts Are hard to deal with alone. They learn through compromise and listening both to the other person And god. That they could have exactly what they wanted. Good plot good story I will be reading the rest of them.
This is a story about a young couple reconnecting after 4 years of the girl going to college. Pass hurts Are hard to deal with alone. They learn through compromise and listening both to the other person And god. That they could have exactly what they wanted. Good plot good story I will be reading the rest of them.
September 24, 2023
Sweet prequel story
I'm starting the series with the prequel after having just finished the Grace Revealed series.
The Grace Revealed series was over-the-top good! And I really enjoyed this prequel. Both characters, Tom and Dre are very likable. I enjoyed their story and am looking forward to book one of the series, Reclaimed.
I'm starting the series with the prequel after having just finished the Grace Revealed series.
The Grace Revealed series was over-the-top good! And I really enjoyed this prequel. Both characters, Tom and Dre are very likable. I enjoyed their story and am looking forward to book one of the series, Reclaimed.
June 22, 2024
Forgiveness brings forever
Finding her place in this world, choosing what is most important to her, and realizing if she tries to do it all nothing will get done well and nothing will be enjoyed to its greatest potential. Choosing well is the lesson to learn and making the best of what you choose. Highly recommended for all readers.
Finding her place in this world, choosing what is most important to her, and realizing if she tries to do it all nothing will get done well and nothing will be enjoyed to its greatest potential. Choosing well is the lesson to learn and making the best of what you choose. Highly recommended for all readers.
January 30, 2026
A sweet read. Dre and Tom, not without past struggles and not without current ones. Can they find their way to each other? She’s Paul’s sister and he’s Paul’s best friend. But there’s hurt there and struggles there. Also Dre is at Baylor and Tom is home in Nebraska. But can God do great things when they let the Son shine in?
April 27, 2019
Her books are always something to sit back and enjoy. This about being young, friends, the drama of wanting someone to do things with or for you. With the holidays sometimes it’s hard to say no. What about a past love, will she forgive and say yes. Enjoyable to read.
January 31, 2020
Dre chose to leave and I thought she made the right decision. She is back and things have changed. Not now can change to forever. Dre and Tom had some things to work through. Forgiveness, change and start anew are themes of the book that give me so much encouragement.
February 16, 2020
An amazing story with wonderful characters. This was a well organized and thought out book. It didn’t take the easy road and there was a lot of wisdom and inspiration in it. I loved getting to know Rock Creek and can’t wait to read more.
April 23, 2020
I loved this story of second chance romance! The main characters Bre and Tom were so real. I’ve not read any of the other books in this series, and now I want to find them. Jennifer Rodewald is a relatively new author to me, but I find she is quite talented.
June 14, 2020
What a good book
The story of Tom and Dre's romance is so good. A teen crush turns into love as they get older but she has moved to Texas and has been studying design and has been offered a lucrative position. He is up for a job in Nebraska. This is a very good book!
The story of Tom and Dre's romance is so good. A teen crush turns into love as they get older but she has moved to Texas and has been studying design and has been offered a lucrative position. He is up for a job in Nebraska. This is a very good book!
December 28, 2021
It will Be Forever
This was a sweet story of hidden love and overcoming the past. Paul and Tom were best friends in school. Paul was always getting into trouble. Andrea, Paul’s sister, was always trying to keep him out of trouble. She went away to college and when she returned, Tom, was at her mother’s house. Just the beginning of unrecognized crush on Tom but Andrea. Enjoy.
This was a sweet story of hidden love and overcoming the past. Paul and Tom were best friends in school. Paul was always getting into trouble. Andrea, Paul’s sister, was always trying to keep him out of trouble. She went away to college and when she returned, Tom, was at her mother’s house. Just the beginning of unrecognized crush on Tom but Andrea. Enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews