Not Until This Moment

Hope Springs #2

by Valerie M. Bodden

She’s looking for “the one.” He knows it can never be him. Unless God has other plans for them...

Peyton has been looking for “the one” forever. She thought she’d finally met him when she started dating Jared. But when he told her he never planned to get married, she had to face the facts: maybe he wasn’t the one God intended for her after all. Now, she’s just trying to survive the annual ski trip with her bones—and her heart—intact.

Jared wishes he could give Peyton everything she desires. But marriage is the one thing he can never offer her. Not that it makes it easy to let her go. Especially when everywhere he turns on this ski trip, he sees her with another man—a man Jared knows can’t be trusted.

Jared may not have any business worrying about Peyton anymore. But he promised himself long ago that he’d never again stand by and watch a woman get hurt. And he’s not about to let anything happen to the woman he still loves. Even if that means losing her forever.

When a crisis rocks the trip, both have to reexamine what they want. But are their hopes for the future still too different, or can they trust that God has a plan for them?

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

Kindle Edition

About the author

I have three great loves: Jesus, my family, and books. And chocolate (okay, four great loves). I write fast-paced, emotional Christian fiction that weaves real-life problems, real-life people, and real-life faith. My characters may (okay, will) experience some heartache along the way, but I promise I'll always give them a happy ending.

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Reviews

[Kyrié · Rating 2 out of 5]

okay i have thoughts:

i liked the book i was entertained but the whole issue i didn’t like. i get it you wanna date to marry but then he just got on one knee and i feel like she rushed him and i don’t like her

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this novella that is part of the Hope Springs series. It is a book that you can definitely read as a stand alone story, too. The narrator is the same as was used for book one in the series and I, once again, enjoyed her narration.

This is a sweet second chance at love story. It takes place about a year after Jared and Peyton’s breakup and they are both still emotionally hurting from it all. Traveling together with a group of friends to go skiing places them in a forced proximity situation that results in the two of them having to face the fact that they still care for each other. However, they both have issues that they must surrender to the Lord before any true healing and moving forward can take place.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Anna |This Curly Girl Reads| · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3 ⭐️This book was pretty solid for a novella. It has a good message about trusting God’s plan for your life. I appreciated how the characters grew spiritually. I also enjoyed the setting and could easily imagine the ski lodge and area.
I did not care for the ending though. It felt too tv like and not realistic. That docked my rating it a solid 3⭐️

Content: SPOILER/TRIGGER WARNING
Peyton gets into a situation with a guy where a guy gives her unwanted physical attention and ignored her pleas to stop. Nothing “else” happens and he is apprehended, but still this could be a trigger to victims of rape.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great second chance romance! I really enjoyed the way this showed how haunted Jared was by his fear of ending up to be like his abusive father. I believe there are more people today who have the tremendous fear of ending up like our parents. When you live through abuse it is embedded into you deeper every day that you are bound to end up just like the only example you have been given. It can also be so difficult to share our fears with others. It is so hard to open up, no matter how close you are. I believe that brings out the fear of judgement. I truly love the way Valerie shows that when we honestly accept the truth that when we depend on God He will give us the life He plans for us! I consider Jeremiah 29:11 my life verse because no matter what the circumstances are in my life I need more than anything to trust that as long as I follow God day to day I am doing all I need to. He will give me all I need!! This realization is what Jared needed to be able to let God give him the best life for him! It is always difficult to give up control to anyone but who is better than God?? The ending of this book showed the blessings for both Jared & Peyton when they put their complete trust in God! I love the message in this story, how God is waiting to give us the best life for us when our trust is in Him!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read by Valerie Bodden! This is a shorter story, but still leaves you with a heartwarming feeling. In this short story, Peyton and Jared, who were formally in a relationship go on a ski trip with their friends. They are faced with the decision on whether or not they are ready to move on from each other or if they are ready to move back towards each other for another try at love. Each one of Valerie's books leaves me wanting to read more about the characters she has developed in her stories and leaves a smile on my face. Looking forward to reading more books by Valerie!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Until This Moment had everything that I look for in a novella. I connected quickly to these two main characters.

In the story, Peyton and Jared, have a shared past. It is a recent past and ended badly. I loved the tension this provided. Watching these two try to avoid each other, while knowing that they both still cared for each other made for a very interesting and romantic story.

Even though this is book two in the Hope Springs series, it can be read as a stand alone. I read this novella through the Kindle Unlimited program.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Musings

This is a sweet romance with a great spiritual message and characters that will touch your heart ❤. I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to read the next one. Happy ☺reading 📚!

[J. Gilmour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Peyton and Jared's story. Another beautiful Hope Springs story! In spite of Jared's troubled upbringing, he works through his doubts about marrying Peyton. I loved the happy ending!

[Kristi Lay · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s hard for me to love a novella because their isn’t much character development, and I could not stand the MMC in this one

[Johneice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this was a cute, short read! I love a good second-chance romance! I do think there were a few plot holes, though.

[Lisa Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

I absolutely loved this book! Ms. Bodden does a wonderful job creating characters you want to be friends with and you feel every emotion with. I'm so glad I found her books!

[Peggy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and couldn’t wait to get started on the next one! Any time I find a great Christian author, I really enjoy loading my Kindle with every novel they’ve written; and read them start to finish! Valerie Bodden
is my current favorite! Great reads! Keep them coming out! ><>

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peyton and Jared have a past. They are still in love but not together. What happens when someone else shows interest in Peyton while a group of them are on a snow trip? Will Jared step aside or tell her how he still feels? A really sweet second chance at true love.

[Donna Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sweet Christian stories
Read it again!!!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and clean romance with an uplifting message about God having a special plan for each of us. The majority of the story took place at a ski resort where our main characters, Peyton and Jared, were on a ski trip with their friends. They had previously been together as a couple, but had been apart for a year due to a breakup. When Peyton chose to go skiing with Sawyer, an employee of the ski resort, I was absolutely stunned that he would encourage her to ski down a black diamond run, knowing she wasn’t an experienced skier. AND that she would actually follow his lead! This seemed to me to be either very naive of her or very stupid. I didn’t get the impression any other time in the book that she was stupid, so I’m guessing naive. Either way, it made me want to jump into the book and punch Sawyer. She was extremely lucky that she only ended up with a sprain. Then it astounded me further that she chose to go out with him again! These were the only scenes in the book that seemed unrealistic to me, but it was enough to make my review what could have been a 5-star into a 4-star rating. I guess there needs to be some kind of drama to make a book interesting, but making the main character act like an idiot detracted from my enjoyment of the book. Ultimately, the main message of the book—God’s great love for us and His desire that we totally trust His plan for our lives—shone through to bring this story to a satisfactory conclusion, and because of that, I’m glad that I read it. We all need to be reminded that God sees our purpose, and the future he wants for us, much more clearly than we ever can, and it is only with His guidance that we can discover what that purpose is.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were things about this second chance romance that I really liked, but again there were things that really bothered me. Both Jared and Peyton seem like they should be very intelligent people, and yet their immaturity was very obvious which would make me concerned about a possible future marriage. After a three-year relationship, should they not have talked over their concerns, hashed it all out and maybe even sought outside counselling and God's guidance? Ok, yes, I know - matters of the heart are hard to talk about. It did remind me of 'love matters' that I went through between 14 and 19, but I believe Jared and Peyton were in their mid twenties at this point. The 'grand-standing' at a customer's wedding would have put me over the edge with annoyance - not at all mature or appropriate. I did think the insertion of Sawyer and his character was a good touch. I

Overall, a fast-paced, short story that will appeal to romantics. Any story that makes me consider life and the various paths we take is well worth reading.

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peyton had dreamed of marriage and a family forever and she wanted that with Jared. She was sure he would propose to her on Valentine’s Day but it didn’t happen. She had asked Jared repeatedly what his plans were but he finally told her again he just couldn’t get married. Peyton decided it was time to move on but both of them had a hard time with that decision. When their friends were getting ready for another ski trip she hesitated in going because her and Jared had always went together.

It was fun watching both of them trying to avoid each other. But Jared always watched out after Peyton even when she got hurt skiing. Why couldn’t Jared commit?
Jared finally tells Peyton his father was very abusive and he didn’t want to end up that way.

This was an audiobook the author gave me for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The narrator was awesome!

[NaToyia Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY HEART!!!!!

It’s 11:42pm on a Saturday night and I have church in the morning…but I simply HAVE TO begin book #3!!! At this point I’m committed to reading a book a day from this series!! Not only are the love stories absolutely beautiful, the message of Christ’s love for us radiates throughout the pages!! God has confirmed a couple things to me about my personal relationship with Him through the two books I have read so far!! I need to go to bed but I have to start book 3!! I just HAVE TO!! 😩

I’m thankful for your gift Valerie. I’ve truly fell in love with reading again through your books. I prayed for something to help me detach from my phone and this has truly done the job!! I plan to read everything you have written before the end of the year!! 💕💕 Blessing🙏🏽

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of reviewing this book for Valerie. Peyton wanted to get married to Jared, but Jared could not do it. He would not say why. They ended breaking up, because he did not want to get married. Peyton is heart broken of course, but tries to move on with her life. Jared tries to move on as well, but neither are happy without each other and they have to come to the place where they realize that they can't stand to be without each other, but can Jared get over the reason why he doesn't want to get married to begin with. Thank you Valerie for allowing me to read this book for my honest review :).

[SJ Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed Peyton and Jared's story. Jared's had a hard childhood with his Dad beating up his Mom and then him when she walked out without her family. He and Peyton had been so close, but commitment was a pill Jared couldn't swallow. Peyton loved him so much, but she wanted a forever love and he couldn't give her that. If you like clean stories with real people living with values. I highly recommend 'Not Until this Moment'. I received the book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peyton’s story

I forgot to mention in my review of book 5 how much I like their pastor. His sermons are real Ann deal with everyday issues that Christians and nonChristians alike face. My favorite part of this story, though, was the demonstration of how a person does not have to turn out like his or her parent. By the grace of God, we can change and be who He made us to be. Praise God! Now for the next book!

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Peyton finds the man she thinks is her forever love, but Jared refuses to marry her and won’t tell her why. After their break up, they end up on an annual ski vacation with friends and both re-think their relationship. It takes a return to faith for them to work out their differences. An uplifting book about love and second chances.

[des · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The themes of this book are perfect, and I absolutely loved this book! I loved that Bodden is taking all of Hope Spring's characters on love adventures of their own while also incorporating previously mentioned characters. Jared and Peyton's love is not only passionate, but it almost seems too much for both of them to handle without God. I loved loved loved this book, and I truly cannot wait to read the next one.

[Debbie]

In this book you will read about a group of amazing friends, being scared to make a commitment and never stop loving someone. Peyton is trying to move on with her life after her relationship broke up. Jared is struggling because he can’t be with the woman he loves. When these friends go on their yearly skiing trip Jared and Peyton’s friendship is strained. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.

[Brenda C. McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!!

This book is --WOW!!!! I should be in bed asleep--- it's 4:00 am!!!! I couldn't quit reading!! This book just grabbed me. I'm so glad thatJared realized that God did have a future for him; that he didn't have to believe those words that were spoken to him so many years ago!!!!

[Kay Defreese · Rating 4 out of 5]

He loved her but could not commit.

She loves him. He loves her so what is his problem? I had my suspicion but kept reading. Loved it Jared. He was so protective of her. I liked Peyton for standing up for herself. Loved seeing characters from previous books and look forward to reading their stories.

[Michelle Ferrari-Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Are Not Your Father

Awe, in book two we see Peyton trying to move on after her break up with Jared. When they both go on a ski trip with their mutual friends, things get dicey when another man makes a move on Peyton. After Jared rescues her, both have to reevaluate their feelings. Turning to God is the only way to accomplish this ~

[Tina Yarrall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short Christian romance about plans

The second in the series it continues to have one character from a broken past that needs healing. The story centres around trusting God for your future and not trying to control it and recognising even a painful past can be used to mould you into the loving person you are today.

[Zenobia N Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-Wrenching and Touching

Initially, you wonder what crime Nate could have committed to label him a felon. You are disheartened at the father's response to his son. It's interesting to see the walls break down as Nate finally opens up and heals. It's good to see Vi open her life back up to love.

[Nancy Ludwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Not Until This Moment. I especially liked the way Bodden showed how giving up our own plans and giving them to God instead is ever so much better. I definitely appreciated the importance of faith in this book. I read the first book in the series, and just began the third one. I am grateful to Christian fiction authors whose faith is a ministry to others.