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Hope Springs #4
Not Until Us
Everyone knows former bad girl Jade and local pastor Dan don’t belong together. Jade knows. That’s why she left eight years ago. Dan knows. That’s why he tries to protect his heart by avoiding her now that she’s back. But when what they know and what they feel are two different things, can they trust God to give them a second chance?
When Jade agrees to return to Hope Springs for the summer, it’s with the hope that she might finally be able to escape her past. But small towns have long memories—and Jade knows she deserves every one of the judgmental looks the townspeople direct her way. What she doesn’t understand is the handful of people who see past her reputation, including her ex-almost-boyfriend Dan, whom she left without so much as a word of explanation eight years ago.
Newly appointed as head pastor of Hope Church to replace his deceased father, Dan is under pressure to prove he’s up to the task. He doesn’t need any distractions. Not newcomer Grace, who on paper would make a perfect pastor’s wife, and especially not Jade—who, well, wouldn’t.
But as Dan and Jade get to know one another again, they can’t deny that their relationship has grown from childhood crush to once-in-a-lifetime connection. When Jade learns a secret that could destroy both of their reputations, they have to decide: Trust God to see them through this, or walk away again?
A fast-paced, emotional story of love, forgiveness, and second chances, Not Until Us is a clean Christian romance that will touch your heart and leave you feeling uplifted and filled with hope.
***
While the books in the Hope Springs series are linked, each features a complete romance about a different couple and can be read in any order.
Hope Springs Series
Not Until Forever
Not Until This Moment
Not Until You
Not Until Us
278 pages, ebook
Published September 11, 2019
1119 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Valerie M. Bodden
33 books443 followersI 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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VISIT MY WEBSITE FOR A FREE BOOK!
www.valeriembodden.com
CHAT WITH ME ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/ValerieMBodden/
CHECK OUT MY PINTEREST!
https://www.pinterest.com/valbodden/
HANG OUT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/valboddenbo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
April 20, 2025
i’ve been eating up these christian romances 🤍
September 22, 2019
I loved this second chance romance! Not Until Us dealt with some very heavy issues and the consequences of decisions made. But even more so, it highlighted the importance of God’s grace and forgiveness for us, as well as the way we should also show forgiveness to others.
I really enjoyed the romance that blossomed between Dan and Jade, even as they both tried to resist it. I thought that the complexity of Dan’s reaction to a couple of key events in the story was very realistic. This was a heart-tugging story from start to finish, and even though it is the fourth book in the Hope Springs series, it stands nicely on its own, too.
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...
I really enjoyed the romance that blossomed between Dan and Jade, even as they both tried to resist it. I thought that the complexity of Dan’s reaction to a couple of key events in the story was very realistic. This was a heart-tugging story from start to finish, and even though it is the fourth book in the Hope Springs series, it stands nicely on its own, too.
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...
June 2, 2020
Having faith
Jade has agreed to go back to Hope Springs for the summer to help her sister with her wedding plans. She runs into an old flame that she left behind eight years ago . He is now the Pastor of Hope church and she doesn't want him to be hurt because of her last reputation.
Jade has agreed to go back to Hope Springs for the summer to help her sister with her wedding plans. She runs into an old flame that she left behind eight years ago . He is now the Pastor of Hope church and she doesn't want him to be hurt because of her last reputation.
May 31, 2020
A beautiful love story in the Hope Springs Series. A story of love, forgiveness and second chances. I enjoyed Jade and Dan's story and the wonderful friendships!
May 11, 2020
Fantastic Series!!!!
I absolutely love be all the books in her Hope Valley Series. The characters are wonderful and believable, and so are the storylines. I have cried in all of them.
I absolutely love be all the books in her Hope Valley Series. The characters are wonderful and believable, and so are the storylines. I have cried in all of them.
August 28, 2019
Hmmmm…. I can tell you right now…. my first impression of Leah is, she needs to get a life, mind her own business and leave her brother alone. However, Dan needs to man up and tell his sister to step aside. And maybe, just maybe, Leah needs to practice what she preaches and be more concerned about her own relationships … or rather lack of.
Now that I’ve got that out of my system. This is a storyline about two people who ‘should’ not be together. Jade has a wild side. Dan is secure and stable. Jade has made more than one bad choice. Dan tries to live up to expectations. After his Pastor Dad’s death, he has BIG shoes to fill. Jade sees herself as a failure. She hasn’t been in a church in eight years until now.
Both have needs. Both need each other to help fill those needs. They both need to understand just what happened eight years earlier. And as the book progresses, the characters do too. One only can questions themselves for so long until they finally give up and give in. They finally let go and let God.
👁OBSERVATIONS:
As the book progresses, it’s easy to fall in love with Dan and Jade. You’ll find yourself rooting for them, failures and all.
Dan had a choice to make. Do you choose to follow your heart or do you choose to do what others expect of you?
Jade constantly lives in the past. It’s almost like her security blanket. Letting it go would mean changing and accepting herself. No longer could she always use her past to protect her from getting hurt in the present.
Of course Jade has reinforcements maintaining her thoughts with all the judgmental hypocrites that sit in the pews each Sunday. Maybe they should pick up their Bibles more often so they can actually read some scripture such as ‘Judge not least ye be judged by the same judgments’.
Leah is interesting. She’s a protective sister and meddles when she shouldn’t…. but also meddles when she should.
I was provided an ARC to read and review. I really enjoy redemption storylines and this one did not disappoint.
Now that I’ve got that out of my system. This is a storyline about two people who ‘should’ not be together. Jade has a wild side. Dan is secure and stable. Jade has made more than one bad choice. Dan tries to live up to expectations. After his Pastor Dad’s death, he has BIG shoes to fill. Jade sees herself as a failure. She hasn’t been in a church in eight years until now.
Both have needs. Both need each other to help fill those needs. They both need to understand just what happened eight years earlier. And as the book progresses, the characters do too. One only can questions themselves for so long until they finally give up and give in. They finally let go and let God.
👁OBSERVATIONS:
As the book progresses, it’s easy to fall in love with Dan and Jade. You’ll find yourself rooting for them, failures and all.
Dan had a choice to make. Do you choose to follow your heart or do you choose to do what others expect of you?
Jade constantly lives in the past. It’s almost like her security blanket. Letting it go would mean changing and accepting herself. No longer could she always use her past to protect her from getting hurt in the present.
Of course Jade has reinforcements maintaining her thoughts with all the judgmental hypocrites that sit in the pews each Sunday. Maybe they should pick up their Bibles more often so they can actually read some scripture such as ‘Judge not least ye be judged by the same judgments’.
Leah is interesting. She’s a protective sister and meddles when she shouldn’t…. but also meddles when she should.
I was provided an ARC to read and review. I really enjoy redemption storylines and this one did not disappoint.
September 19, 2019
I really loved reading this book. The emotions were real and raw at times. It didn't shy away from difficult topics but the best takeaway was the power of forgiveness and love.
Jade and Dan had "dated" in high school. Actually, they key their budding relationship secret until Jade just disappeared one day with only a note for Dan with no real explanation. Now, eight years later, Jade is back in Hope Springs for the summer before her sister, Violet's wedding. Violet is her only family and she feels that she owes to her to be there for her.
Being back in Hope Springs brings back a lot of difficult and wonderful memories. One of those is Dan, who is now the new pastor since his dad's death. Is it possible for Jade and Dan to find the love they both had or is someone else better suited as a pastor's wife. Jade has a lot of secrets and one of them is bound to destroy any possibility for a happy ever after for she and Dan. But, love is powerful and forgiveness is freeing. In Hope Springs, anything is possible.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Jade and Dan had "dated" in high school. Actually, they key their budding relationship secret until Jade just disappeared one day with only a note for Dan with no real explanation. Now, eight years later, Jade is back in Hope Springs for the summer before her sister, Violet's wedding. Violet is her only family and she feels that she owes to her to be there for her.
Being back in Hope Springs brings back a lot of difficult and wonderful memories. One of those is Dan, who is now the new pastor since his dad's death. Is it possible for Jade and Dan to find the love they both had or is someone else better suited as a pastor's wife. Jade has a lot of secrets and one of them is bound to destroy any possibility for a happy ever after for she and Dan. But, love is powerful and forgiveness is freeing. In Hope Springs, anything is possible.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
September 6, 2019
This wonderful story conveys the message of hope and forgiveness that our Lord provides to us but we have to remember to forgive ourselves as well. Keep the tissues handy! I was completely drawn into both the heroine and and hero and still can't decide who my heart hurt more for throughout the story! It is way more than just another satisfying read. It moves at a good pace and has great characters. The story left me with a very happy and satisfied heart that is staying with me and I expect it to for days to come (can't say that about a lot of stories!) This is part of the author's 'Hope Springs' series and the first that I have read. But I now have an author that I know to go to when I need some great inspiration and my hope is that there are many more to come from her. I received my copy of the book as part of an Advance Reader with no obligation to write a review. My review is voluntary and most definitely sincere.
September 11, 2019
The Benefits Of God’s Love And Blessings
By Korkoi
It is a wonderful Christian story about hope, forgiveness and blessings that can occur, if you allow the Lord to guide your life. Jade’s life was chaotic when she was a teenager, as she didn’t really have the Lord fully in her life, but she took a drastic decision, that had a ripple painful effect on the people in her life at the time. Dan’s life is turned upside down, when Jade returns to spend time with her sister. However, the pain he endured following Jade’s decision years earlier and the new complications in their lives, nearly caused them to forgo their happy ending. This is an amazing Christian story that warms your heart, teaches you about the God’s loves for us, about the joy of having God in our lives and also that we should learn to forgive.
I received an ARC of this book from Bookfunnel and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
By Korkoi
It is a wonderful Christian story about hope, forgiveness and blessings that can occur, if you allow the Lord to guide your life. Jade’s life was chaotic when she was a teenager, as she didn’t really have the Lord fully in her life, but she took a drastic decision, that had a ripple painful effect on the people in her life at the time. Dan’s life is turned upside down, when Jade returns to spend time with her sister. However, the pain he endured following Jade’s decision years earlier and the new complications in their lives, nearly caused them to forgo their happy ending. This is an amazing Christian story that warms your heart, teaches you about the God’s loves for us, about the joy of having God in our lives and also that we should learn to forgive.
I received an ARC of this book from Bookfunnel and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2019
The girl with the reputation for being wild dates the town pastor's son in secret. She ends up leaving town without even a goodbye, breaking Dan's heart. Now she is spending the summer with her sister to help her sister get ready for the sister;s wedding. How will the town receive her? They remember the wild girl and they aren't about to let her forget. On the other hand, Dan is still attracted to Jade and he is now the town's pastor. Dan and Jade's sister's friends treat her warmly, like she has always been one of them. How is this all going to play out? What happens as truths are told and the past becomes clearer? This is a wonderful book full of hope and love, a tale of brokenness and redemption, Don;t miss this one!
September 3, 2019
This is a beautifully written clean second chance romance with strong well developed characters in Jade and Dan. The author does a fantastic job developing the story and pulls you in with all the gut wrenching emotions that flow through the pages. The characters are described in detail as are the scenes,bringing a realistic and believable story that captured and held me from start to finish. The struggles these two face are heartbreaking. Being told in the dual POV shows the depths of their thoughts and feelings making this an inspirational romantic love story that touched my heart. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Warning: you may need a few tissues with this one.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
September 11, 2019
A past forgiven but not without lasting consequences. Jade left Dan years ago with a broken heart. Little does he know her heart was broken too. I love books that show that we can be forgiven by the Lord while dealing with the consequences. It seems harder for people to forgive and move past their own sin as well as others. Dan is a pastor now but can he deal with Jade's past and present? While we may get upset with how he initially handled everything, I thought the author showed a realistic view of how we truly react. Ultimately if we have been forgiven by the only One who can truly forgive, we can forgive others. The ending was so sweet but would have loved a further down the road epilogue - but not a cliffhanger. I still think about this book.
August 29, 2019
When Jade left Hope Springs eight years ago, she left crying and broken hearted. She left behind sister and Dan, her almost boyfriend. Now she is returning to help her sister with her upcoming wedding. One of the first people she bumps into is Dan, who is now the pastor of his late father’s church. Will she be able to avoid him and keep her past in the past? Or will she have to face that past when a new soul crushing event hits her in the face?
This novel is a true love story and filled with grace and forgiveness. What a great night’s entertainment it is!
I received this book from the author and the opinion expressed is my own.
This novel is a true love story and filled with grace and forgiveness. What a great night’s entertainment it is!
I received this book from the author and the opinion expressed is my own.
October 24, 2020
Wow! What an intense, second chance romance story this is. I got nothing else done until I finished Not Until Us! This is a wonderful story about faith, redemption, moving past your mistakes, forgiveness, living up to your potential and love - for family as well as romantic love The book has well developed characters who experience heart rending situations. The story is believable and sucked me into Hope Falls in chapter one. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an inspiration, Christian romance.
September 19, 2019
I love second chance romances and "Not Until Us:" did not disappoint. What I really like about this story is the twist from bad boy/good girl to bad girl/good guy. From page one you feel for Jade the bad girl, hating her bad girl ways. Jade and Dan the pastor, made for an unlikely pair, but love is a strange thing, it chooses who it wants. Grab some tissues as you read this wonderful book about hope, love and forgiveness. This is the first book I have read of Valerie Bodden, but it will not be the last. I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
August 29, 2019
Valerie M. Bodden is a new author for me and I am hooked. I can't wait to read more books by this author. This inspirational story is SO good! It is a story of hope, forgiveness, faith and love. It was tender and romantic yet touched on real life struggles and emotions. It is a testament that with faith you can overcome all obstacles no matter how insurmountable they may seem. This story will truly touch your heart.
September 7, 2019
This was the first book I've read by Valerie Bodden. It is a book about second chances and first loves. It is a beautiful love story. It reflects the power of forgiveness and how God's love for us is so much deeper than we can ever imagine. It is a reminder that with God nothing is impossible-even the romance of a dedicated young pastor and a wayward young woman who can't forgive herself for the sin in her life. The story is beautifully written and brought tears to my eyes.
September 12, 2019
In this clean romance, the author introduces us to Jade and Dan and their life journey. It’s full of surprises, bumps in the road, big challenges, and romance. I like the way the story develops over time – without being too pat or cookie cutter. It is faith-based without being “preachy” and I was encouraged in my own faith walk. As you read, you will get pulled into the characters’ lives, as you wonder how things will all turn out. Enjoy the journey!
August 31, 2019
Love this series. Such raw emotion shown in this book regarding Jade and Dan. Opposites definitely attract in this book. Real struggles by both characters and the conflicting emotions are genuine based upon the issues between them. Looking forward to the next book in the series...even though Leah says she doesn’t need anyone, I speculate she is next!!!
September 12, 2019
This is the first book I've read by Valerie M. Bodden but it won't be the last. I really enjoyed this story of second chances, God' love and forgiveness, and how the church needs to seek and love the lost--not judge them. It was a sweet story with a wonderful romance between the "bad" girl and the pastor. I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
September 12, 2019
What an amazing story of hope, love, self-discovery, and redemption. Beautifully written with such realistic and emotional characters. This book truly speaks to anyone who has made poor choices in their past and struggled to forgive themselves. Highly recommend this romantic and inspirational story.
I received this book as an ARC and have chosen to give my honest review.
I received this book as an ARC and have chosen to give my honest review.
September 19, 2019
Book four in the Hope Springs series a well written story, I will say keep the Kleenex handy as you will need it. A great storyline with a story that flows smoothly across the pages. A second chance story for former bad girl Jade and head pastor of Hope Church Dan. I recommend this story. I received it as an Arc copy but once I read I also had to buy it.
August 28, 2019
I loved this story. The characters where so real and emotions so raw. I pulled for Jade to take a chance for a good life, even when she thought she didn't deserve anything good. If you love clean stories with purpose I highly recommend 'Not Until Us'!
September 11, 2019
Will there ever be an ‘US’? A pastor - who was a friend from childhood. A young woman who has no sense of self-worth and allows men whatever. How can there ever be an US??? REALLY A GREAT BOOK!!!
September 11, 2019
God sees you as perfect
This was a great book and the underlying message really spoke to me. I love that despite Jade’s past she was able to forgive herself and realize she is worthy of love. She opened her heart to God and Dan.
This was a great book and the underlying message really spoke to me. I love that despite Jade’s past she was able to forgive herself and realize she is worthy of love. She opened her heart to God and Dan.
September 13, 2019
The words we and us sounds so simple but is everything but that.
A second chance at love crops up but is she too broken?
In God's infinite mercy everything is possible
A well written story
A second chance at love crops up but is she too broken?
In God's infinite mercy everything is possible
A well written story
January 11, 2021
I have mixed feelings on this book. It's probably one of the most emotionally fueled, moving and powerful out of all the series. However while I don't look for perfect theology in a book, there were some areas that concerned me in this due to the big topics she was dealing with. Long story short, Jade a bad girl was once close to Dan but why did she leave him without explaining years ago? They bond again, and Jade seems to change.. only for him to find out she's expecting another man's baby: for the second time. When she left years ago she aborted the baby.
I'm glad Bodden wove in how a man can forgive a woman who's cheated on him, accept the baby as his and point her to God's forgivness. I was a boit dismayed at another example of teaching the wonderful message of forgivness, but not a clear message of repentance or the need to right back with God , except proclaim "God has forgiven you" and a person to be saved through that. I thank God that a writer is showing God can forgive abortions, and we should too, but just as clearly we should present a message on repentance and need to get right with God. And while Jade did show some guilt over her sin, and heard it could be forgiven, so in that sense there is repentence, I feel the message in the book can be twisted to think none of us are condemned , as there is a sermon on how we aren't condemed and are all washed clean. So true , when we put our trust in Jesus, and it's important we remember Jesus didn't come to condemn the world.... But sadly some people remain condemned despite the amazing offer of forgiveness. Some beautiful truths that convicted me in here, but it can easily be twisted to make people unsaved think they're not condemed, forgiven totally and not see the urge of Jesus calling them to be saved from the kingdom of darkness .Still there is a lot we can all learn from this clear teaching on forgivness, and the redemption story is beautiful. I would reccomend, but with caution.
I'm glad Bodden wove in how a man can forgive a woman who's cheated on him, accept the baby as his and point her to God's forgivness. I was a boit dismayed at another example of teaching the wonderful message of forgivness, but not a clear message of repentance or the need to right back with God , except proclaim "God has forgiven you" and a person to be saved through that. I thank God that a writer is showing God can forgive abortions, and we should too, but just as clearly we should present a message on repentance and need to get right with God. And while Jade did show some guilt over her sin, and heard it could be forgiven, so in that sense there is repentence, I feel the message in the book can be twisted to think none of us are condemned , as there is a sermon on how we aren't condemed and are all washed clean. So true , when we put our trust in Jesus, and it's important we remember Jesus didn't come to condemn the world.... But sadly some people remain condemned despite the amazing offer of forgiveness. Some beautiful truths that convicted me in here, but it can easily be twisted to make people unsaved think they're not condemed, forgiven totally and not see the urge of Jesus calling them to be saved from the kingdom of darkness .Still there is a lot we can all learn from this clear teaching on forgivness, and the redemption story is beautiful. I would reccomend, but with caution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2025
Valerie writes such amazing stories. She brings the whole package with redemption, love, and just great reading. I did listen to this book and it was great through and through. It is Pastor Dan and Jade's story. Jade is the bad girl. She just makes bad choices in life. Choosing to sleep around and not commit to a relationship. She left Hope Springs to remove herself from Dan's life, but was that really her reasoning for leaving, or did she have another more significant reason. She does not change her ways and ends up back in Hope Springs. Dan and Jade meet again. Jade tries to stay away, but the attraction is there and they are just drawn to each other. But a Pastor's wife? She doesn't even know who God really is. She gets involved in church and learns she can really change her ways and starts to trust God. Bad news could change her decision on that though....read more to find out
October 24, 2021
This is a story about second chances- not not only in love but in faith as well. Jade has always been known as the girl with a reputation- a title that haunts her to this day. But when she goes home to attend her sister's wedding, the thought of a possible second chance at love gives her pause.
There's only one problem- he's a pastor now.
In the midst of navigating the pitfalls of a potential relationship, she comes to a devastating conclusion. She's pregnant. Forced to face past sins, she thinks about running again and leaving the pastor wondering what happened. This book deals with real life issues and shows flawed characters that still deserve the love of God. No one is perfect but once we come to faith in him, God only sees himself when he looks at us!
There's only one problem- he's a pastor now.
In the midst of navigating the pitfalls of a potential relationship, she comes to a devastating conclusion. She's pregnant. Forced to face past sins, she thinks about running again and leaving the pastor wondering what happened. This book deals with real life issues and shows flawed characters that still deserve the love of God. No one is perfect but once we come to faith in him, God only sees himself when he looks at us!
September 19, 2020
Dan and Jade have lived opposite lifestyles. He’s a pastor and she’s been living a rough life. But as teens they were close. She’s back in town now and there’s a connection there that they can’t ignore. But there are serious issues here. This is an very emotional story of forgiveness and hope.
The only thing that I had trouble with was Dan’s church members seemed to accept all this easily which would probably not happen. But it is fiction.
“He’d learned in seminary that he should preach to himself first of all, and he’d definitely needed to remind himself of God’s forgiveness, of the Savior’s refusal to condemn those who believe in him.”
The only thing that I had trouble with was Dan’s church members seemed to accept all this easily which would probably not happen. But it is fiction.
“He’d learned in seminary that he should preach to himself first of all, and he’d definitely needed to remind himself of God’s forgiveness, of the Savior’s refusal to condemn those who believe in him.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews