Not Until Someday

Hope Springs #7

by Valerie M. Bodden

She’s waiting for her someday. He thinks his has already come and gone.

After spending the past five years caring for her ill grandfather, Grace Calvano is eager to honor his memory by turning his stately old house in Hope Springs into a bed-and-breakfast. All she has to do is fend off her mama, who keeps pressuring her to come home to Tennessee, marry the new youth pastor, and start raising a passel of children. Sure, Grace wants to settle down and marry someday. But only when God sees fit to send Mr. Right her way. Until then, she’s content to wait.

After a career- and relationship-ending injury, former NFL quarterback Levi Donovan is sure his someday has already come and gone. Returning to Hope Springs for the summer to help out at his dad’s construction company is not his idea of a bright future. But maybe it will be a chance to make up for lost time with his brother—and to make his dad proud at last.

The day Levi shows up to help renovate her bed-and-breakfast, Grace is sure of one thing—she and God must have gotten their wires crossed when she asked him to send Mr. Right to her doorstep. Because the motorcycle-riding, football-playing bad boy is the very definition of Mr. Wrong.

But as they get to know one another, Grace is challenged to rethink everything she thought she wanted. Can she and Levi move past their own plans to let God give them the someday neither has dared to hope for?

Filled with faith, humor, and deep emotion, Not Until Someday will make you laugh, tug on your heart, and carry you away in a story you won’t want to end.

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

ebook

First published August 21, 2020

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

[Jaye Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, wow. I’ve got a couple more books to go in this series, but this one was by far my favorite. I loved it so much. I absolutely adored Levi and his character arc. Such a good story.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Until Someday was a wonderful story! I really liked the two main characters. Levi was a complex character who, at first, seemed as if he might be shallow and egotistical. However, there was actually a lot of depth to Levi and a lot of fear of being hurt. I loved watching his emotional and spiritual journey in this book.

And although Grace had a strong faith foundation, she had trouble standing up to her family’s ideas of what they expected for her life. She also wondered if she would ever find someone to share her life with.

The banter between Levi and Grace was great! I loved watching them get to know each other as they worked on the bed and breakfast and as they sometimes hung out with Grace’s friends. I also loved seeing the relationship between Levi’s brother, Luke, and May. It was a touching part of the story.

This novel had some very deep and difficult situations for Levi and Grace to walk through, helping them both to grow in faith, as well as begin to care for each other as more than friends. I loved it from the start to the finish.

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...

[Sherry Deatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie Bodden truly has a gift for writing. Her stories are uplifting, encouraging and delve into life issues that only God can help us effectively deal with.
In this story, Levi and Grace are both dealing with disappointment. Levi can't seem to see God while Grace is a devoted Christian. As they work together and spend every day together they begin to realize how attracted they are to each other. But of course, there are people and events that enter, and things are upended.
But unselfish love showed Christ to Levi and he in return showed unselfish love to Grace.

I loved how the author dealt with Luke's disability and how disabilities affect relationships.

I was not too keen on Levi's dad, as I felt he was harsh. Nor did I care for Grace's mom and her selfish unrealistic demands.

I loved these quotes:
"We may think we know what's good for us - but God knows what's best for us."

"Because prayer isn't about you. It's about God."
She goes on how God listens and in His infinite wisdom and mercy and answers us all the time, even when it doesn't feel like it."

Recommended!

I was given an ARC by the author. But the opinions are entirely mine.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another winner in my opinion. Ms. Bodden's books are always filled with love, faith, hope, forgiveness, and real emotion. This one is no exception.

Levi Donovan is a former NFL super star. When he had a career ending injury, his girlfriend left him and he gave up on his belief in God. It just didn't work for him anymore. He was firm in his resolve to be a bachelor for life. He never dated a woman more than twice and never wanted to get involved in a relationship. His dad was disappointed in him. His mom felt pity and his younger brother, Luke, had a horrible disease. Levi had only come home for the summer to help in his dad's construction business and then he could get out of Hope Springs again. The problem was the client of the bed and breakfast he was supposed to remodel.

Grace was the owner of the bed and breakfast. She had inherited it when her grandfather passed away. She also had disappointed her parents in the past and she was determined that when she found love someday, he would be able to check all the boxes on her checklist. Levi didn't check any of them. He was handsome but he was not for her. The problem was that she kept seeing him as someone she could fall in love with, but her head kept telling her it would be a huge mistake.

I won't give away any more of the story but it is worth the lost sleep and tears you might shed. There is a happy ending but there is also sadness in the story. This story is a clean, sweet faith-filled romance.

I was given an arc of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Stox4story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stubborn as a mule …. you’ve heard the expression. Well here we have two stubborn mules named Levi and Grace. They certainly have their moments. They may seem a little harsh to each other but that’s how they try to protect themselves. Ahhhhh, but there’s laughter too. I almost double dare you not to laugh out loud when Levi meets Grace’s brother and Mama.

As you turn the pages, you’ll understand their fears, their lack of trust. Both, Grace and Levi, had heart wrenching breakups and those broken relationships left deep scars. So what happened…. what happens? Well one of them turned to their faith and the other turned away. Both still hurt. What does it take for healing to take place? Follow Levi and Grace’s journey to restoration, to acceptance…. to love. It won’t be easy but deconstructing walls that built for protection never is. Enjoy the journey and lessons learned.

🤔CHARACTER OBSERVATIONS:

Okay…. first impressions mean a lot and right from the start here is what I thought.

Grace’s Mother: I did not like her. She was way to obtrusive trying to tell Grace what to do, what she needed and who she needed. 😡 By Chapter 19 I still didn’t care for her. And still didn’t like her in Chapter 30 either. She had her reasons but they were unacceptable. You don’t make your daughter pay for your own bad choices.

Grace: It’s obvious she had been hurt and still suffered the repercussions, but how she allowed her mother to try to totally control her love life is not good. And, her little white lies don’t help her out. 😢

Levi: Like him from the start when he signed that boy’s cap without even being asked. 🏈

Levi’s Dad: To me he was self-righteous, judgmental and way to stubborn. Was it his own guilty conscience that made him so cold to the son that always wanted to please him? 🎲

Levi and Grace: Well now, their first impressions were way off. Levi came across as a playboy/jerk and Grace was rather rude. Seems like they have a lot to work on. Both have built walls of protection.Tearing them down won't be easy. 😱

Hunter: Oh boy, you definitely will meet him. .. maybe not in person but he certainly plays a starring role in Grace's life. ⚡️

Rayna: No words to describe her…. UGH🤬


🤔 THINGS TO PONDER:

Truth …. what is truth? Will it really set you free? What will it take for Levi to believe again? Why is Levi so empty? What is missing? Why does he feel so hollow? After all, he broke all kinds of football records. He’s seen as the town hero. He’s handsome, athletic and …. empty. And what about Grace? For all her confession of faith, it seems like hers is lacking. Her step by step plans are just that... hers. She has to learn that G_ds ways are not her ways.

Purpose … how did Levi and Grace lose their sense of purpose? Both allowed fear to control their lives. Pastor Dan’s message on truth and purpose struck a cord with Levi. If both Levi and Grace align themselves with G_d’s truth and purpose, with His Word, will their stronghold of fear evaporate?

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving my personal thoughts and opinions.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful love story albeit riddled with so many true to life challenges! Grace and Levi have so many differences in their lives but are still able to begin building a friendship from the beginning. I love the way this book is expanded to include two small towns and how they have some similarities between them. I don't want to give away too much of the story line but would like to share some of the struggles within it. People often judge others on their appearance or what gossip has spread about their lifestyles. This also talks about a family ripped apart by actions and decisions different members have made without noticing or caring if it hurt the rest of the family. When they come back together this brings you in as they struggle to work through these things.One of the things Grace and Levi both have done is put walls up to avoid letting anyone hurt them the way someone else has in the past. We are able to travel with them as they discover that they have to tear these walls down in order to let love come in again. One thing Val writes about in here that isn't covered very often in a love story is disability. Where the person with the disability isn't Grace or Levi, it shows there are almost always two ways of looking at the person with a disability. You either see what they can't do or what they can do. We often think about how hard it can be for the disabled person himself but in this story we see how tremendously an entire family is affected as well as they walk through life with them! When you read this beautiful story I believe you will see how wonderfully this is communicated.
I highly recommend this book! It is so full of struggles, twists, turns & above all the love of God & between this beautiful couple, Grace & Levi!

[Vicki Hanacek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace and Levi start out disliking the other from their first meeting at a gas station. Grace has listened to her mother’s criticisms of the men she wanted to date so that she won’t get hurt. Levi has tried without success to make his father proud of him. Both are hurting. God certainly has a sense of humor as He sends Levi to do the renovation work on the house Grace wants to turn into a B&B. Even though she doesn’t care for Levi, Grace works beside him because she wants to have a part in everything that is done to change this house into her dream. The author has done a wonderful job of developing these characters. I could just picture them as they rubbed each other the wrong way, and later as they began to get along.

The author sprinkles Scripture throughout this book, but is not the least bit preachy. I love to read stories of people who have a strong faith that they abide by and stories of people who either come to faith or come back to their faith. This book held my interest throughout and I enjoyed it very much. Romances are not usually considered page-turners, but I didn’t want to put down my Kindle. Just one more chapter, and another, and another…

I think this was my favorite book in the Hope Springs series. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy clean books with interesting and likable characters. Although part of a series, each book may be read independently of the others.

Disclosure: I was given a free ARC and am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautifully written. I was very blessed to get an advanced readers copy of this book. I ate it up! :). Valerie has put much thought, love and sweetness in this book.
Grace is in Hope Springs ready to get her new bed and breakfast renovated. She inherited the home and is waiting for Mr. Donovan to show up to start the renovations. Levi Donovan comes back to Hope Springs, because his dad needs help. He has too many jobs and not enough help and is wearing himself out. Levi comes back home to help out, but of course his dad and he bump heads again. Levi had left his families faith and beliefs to pursue a career in the NFL. He became famous and to self absorbed to care about what people thought. He is considered a playboy and doesn't stop when he comes to Hope Springs.
Levi is assigned the job to help Grace out in her renovations. Grace is not looking for a man and definitely not another man like her ex-boyfriend. She is totally sold out to the Lord and does not want anything to do with a man like her ex. So when Levi shows up at her house. She is business all the way. She thinks this Mr. Know it all Football hero doesn't know the first thing about renovating. She tells him immediately that she wants in on the renovations and he helps her to learn how to renovate the bed and breakfast. Little by little the two get to know each other better. Their families go through trials and they both get to know each others families fairly well. Can the two work through their differences and work together to complete the project?
This book is a great read! So much more in it, but I don't want to give it away.
READ IT! My is honest review!

[Carolyn Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levi Donovan is still recognized as a football star and although retired by an ACL injury, he
loves to ride his Harley. He is heading home to Hope Springs because his mother asked him
to come and help his father in the construction business. He's a Jack of many trades and
looks forward to a visit with his brother Luke.

Grace is missing her grandfather's wishes on this first birthday since his passing. She will
soon begin the renovation on the family home he left her. Grace has decided to turn it into
a Bed and Breakfast.

A gas station stop for both becomes a failed attempt for Levi to make a connection with Grace.
He continues his journey home for the visit with his family and remembers his brother Luke
at 24 is still fighting his nine year battle with Becker muscular dystrophy. Levi and Dad were
angry with each other but agreed to disagree, and Levi was given the Calvano renovation project.

Much to the surprise of both Grace and Levi the project begins without major issue and they become renovation friends. Grace discovers that some of his suggestions are on spot. The
book is filled with joy and sorrow, happiness and love.

I wholeheartedly leave my two thumbs up and anxiously await the next in the series. The
characters and setting make me wish for a future move.

As an ARC reader I am happy to have given my unsolicited review.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accepting The Will Of The Lord -
Grace had a plan for her life, including a list of the attributes the man she will marry has to have and opening the house her late grandfather left to her as a bed and breakfast. Levi had no direction in his life when he returned home to help his family, but he was only prepared to stay for a short time and continued to persevere with his decision to avoid serious relationships, after his broken heart.

This story about Levi and Grace’s Faith and belief in God’s plans for us all, as well as teaches us that reading the bible and prayers, can help us with nearly every issue in our lives. When we start to lose Faith, Jeremiah 29 verse 11, reminds us to not worry about what our life will consist of, because God already has a divine plan for our life. I didn’t think the Hope Spring series could get any better after reading book six, but Valerie M. Bodden proved me wrong. I highly recommend you read this awesome book.

I received a copy of this ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levi Donovan is an motorcycle riding, egotistical former NFL player who is still a player in a different way! He has returned home to Hope Springs for the summer to help with the family construction business at his mother's request. Grace has inherited her grandfather's house in Hope Springs and wants to turn it into a B&B but it needs lots of work. She had an experience with a "bad boy" in high school and wants nothing to do with Levi who shows up to do the construction work on her house.
You will enjoy this story of how two people who seem to be opposites learn to trust God with their lives and with their families. This is my first book by Valerie Bodden but it won't be my last! I received an complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, wow!! I loved Grace and Levi's story!!! Grace is happy single, though she'd like to meet Mr. Right. When she prays that God will send him to her, she did NOT expect Levi!!! Levi was attracted to Grace from the first time he saw her. When they become friends by working together on the renovations to the house to make it into a bed and breakfast, Grace thought they would only be friends, though she did long for more. Levi wants to be the man Grace needs him to be. When he finally realizes that God is real, and that He does love him, he finally becomes the man that Grace can place all of her checkmarks for. Such a great read!! I love Luke and May's story, too, which I think of as a great bonus!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Shavona Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written! This is a must read if your heart needs uplifting. If your spirit needs peace or if your faith is questionable, read the story of Grace and Levi. A love story of two people who couldn't be more different but learn to trust that God has a plan for each of us. They just have to have faith and believe. Over and over they observe His work in the lives of their friends and family. Valerie M. Bodden has such a talent for taking everyday tough problems and using Scripture to find solutions. The complete Hope Springs series is so encouraging and uplifting.
I received this copy free from the author and am under no obligation to leave a review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am freely sharing my opinion.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy of the book. I loved it! I am a big fan of fixer upper shows and this one falls into that category. The main character, Grace, was willed a familial home when her grandfather died. She decided to turn it into a B&B against the wishes of mama who lived several states away. Grace hired a contracting company to do the work, as well as wanting to involve herself to do the work to make the house more of "hers". The contractor's son came to begin the project, Grace and Levi sizing each other up all during the process. (Levi was a former womanizing football player and Grace read up on him via the internet,--of course!) Levi's father's expectations of his son didn't set well with Levi, as well as Grace's expectations, and Grace's mother's wishes didn't match Grace's so there is a lot of angst in the story.)
It is a clean story and written in an easy reading style.
Will be reading more by this author!

[J. Gilmour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Grace and Levi's story! Levi is not Grace's type or so she thinks. He drives up to Grace's house one day on his Harley to do renovations on Grace's grandfather's house to turn into a bed and breakfast. They both work on it together and though they are both different, they do come to like each other eventually. Grace has her own ideas of what she wants for her Mr. Right, but God has other plans. This is the best love story I have ever read! It is very moving and entertaining. It is a very beautiful story of love, faith, family and friends. With Grace's help in turning Levi back to his faith was one of the most moving parts of all in this story! Also, the message in the book that love does what's best for others even if it hurts was very moving. I have read all of the Hope Spring's books, but this is my favorite one!

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when we face disappointment? Do we pout? Do we run? Do we become angry or bitter? What happens when we disappoint those we love? These are the hard questions with deep answers that are featured in Not Until Someday. Levi is first smarmy and cocky. Thankfully, he meets Grace who isn't impressed...at all. Her strength of character and steadfast faith were evident, but Levi's transformation was remarkable. The author skillfully presents the evidence of a God who loves us even when it hurts and the the grace He extends to our unworthy souls. This is a story of faith, hope and love...but mostly grace extended because of a greater love than we can comprehend. I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my honest opinion

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Until Someday by Valerie Bodden was a delight to read. It is about Grace and she is fixing up a bed and breakfast. She firsts runs into Levi has he is getting gas. He was too much of a bad boy for her to be interested in? But he shows up at her house to do the remodeling. I loved how Valerie showed how these two fell in love while working together on the house. Hope Springs is where Levi grew up with his parents and brother Luke. Levi left years ago to play in the NFL. Luke had a form of muscular dystrophy and had been declining in the last couple of years. Luke’s girlfriend was May but Levi was positive that May would leave him because of his illness. But throughout this book it kept telling us God has a plan for us and he does answer our prayers. It may not be what we think is best for us but it truly will be.
That is all I am going to say about this book I don’t want to give everything away but I believe you will enjoy it as much as I did. It puts a spark in my life every time a read a book from Valerie.
I did receive this as an ARC for an honest review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get your hankies ready and settle in for a sweet, romantic love story that asks some hard questions. If you’ve ever wondered if God really hears your prayers or even cares about you and your felt needs and hopes, then this book will offer you some answers to bring you some peace and comfort. It’s not about “vending machine God” but about how much the true God loves us and always acts in our best interests even when we can’t see it. Highly recommend! I was entrusted with a copy of this book by the author and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Kris Vanica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was deeply engaged in Not Until Someday right from the beginning. A story about seeking approval, finding forgiveness, and praying for someday. God knows what's best for us.

This story has wonderfully developed characters that invite you into their private thoughts and personal relationships. I cried multiple times, feeling the grief, regret and helplessness of a loved one's illness, a relationship's deception, and the power of forgiveness. I could relate to the desire for parental approval and craving a deeper love. I understood a mother's love and over protective behaviors. This was one of the best of Valerie Bodden's Hope Spring series. A great reminder of Thy Will Be Done.

[Judith Barillas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a joy to read. Once you’ve met this family of characters, you want to know what happens to all of them. I am immediately hooked on the story, every time, hoping it will turn out happily (spoiler alert: it usually does!). These two main characters had their share of obstacles, including a formidable mother. Valerie’s books are always clean, sweet romances and also help answer some common questions about Christianity – without sounding preachy. I’m part of her advanced reader team.

[Sue Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for Someday

Grace has waited a long time for God to send her the perfect Mr. Right who checks all the boxes on her checklist. When former pro football player Levi Donovan comes to do the remodeling of her late grandfather's home for her dream B and B, she has to laugh at the absurdity. But when we make plans, God laughs. This story tells of Levi's return to faith, his brother Luke's struggle with MD but confidence in his eternity, and Grace's learning to trust God with her future--even when it's not the one she planned. Another great read in the Hope Springs series.

[Bonny Rambarran]

She is determined to make the house her grandparents lived in a B&B. So she hires a local contractor. When he shows up, she is flabbergasted! He’s a famous football player - who is the contractor’s son . . .and is no longer playing due to injuries. To say she is ticked is putting it mildly . . . Can they possibly work together? She wants to put her sweat into the house . . .and he knows she’ll slow him down. Two unhappy people . . . that have to learn to get along. Can God possibly use this for His glory and their good??

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an Advance Readers Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. What a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Valerie Bodden included themes of forgiveness, God’s grace, and dealing with disability in the plot of this book. The problems encountered were real and well handled, and added a great deal to the book. I would highly recommend this book and the series.

[Kari King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read almost of the Hope Springs series and this is probably my favorite one to date. The characters Levi and Grace were well written. I also loved the little love story within this story. This series is so well written, that I think I have cried at least once while reading each book. I am really hoping that Valerie Bodden writes an 8th story on a character from this story we haven't met yet. I would recommend to all my friends and family to read this whole series. I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love each and every book in this series. This book was a little bit of a challenge for me as it brought back memories for me of my past...if I say more I will give it away! Val is amazing at bringing out true emotions in her books and allows you to share the emotions of the characters. These books are so true to really life that I forget that the characters are fictional. What a great talent Val has!

[Tandy Oschadleus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC to review: Oh My! One of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read! I chuckled, cried, smiled, oohed, aahed and had tummy dips - a delicious rollercoaster ride! Valerie has woven a beautiful tale, encompassing love, life, faith, truth, family, loss, soulmates, grace, healing and friendship all in one story!! The characters' love journey delights and entertains, and the nitty gritty tough faith questions encourage and nourish one's faith in God. Definitely in my top 5 books for 2020!!!

Sex: none - clean, spicy kissing.
Triggers - faith being tested by fire; crisis of faith; allowing past mistakes (sin) to overshadow your decisions even though you have been forgiven.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Grace and Levi's story in Not Until Someday. This is a beautiful, well paced, extremely engagingly written romance. Ms. Bodden's stories always tug at my heart strings, cause a few tears and keep me reading far into the night because I cannot put her books down! Grace's decisions do not please her mother; Levi's disappoints his father. Grace is sure Levi is Mr. Wrong, but maybe God has other ideas. You have to read this heartwarming story.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book with plenty of revelations from two broken heart people. Levi is a football player that is coming home to help his family. Grace has moved to town to rest not the B&B but her broke heart. The characters are well developed and amazingly written. The storyline is written beautifully and flows smoothly.


I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of love

Grace and Levi are completely wrong for each other. Or so Grace believes. God listens to our prayers and then gives us so much more than we can comprehend. This was such a beautiful story of love. I loved watching Levi's journey to find God's love in his life and learning about selfless love.

This sweet story can be read without reading the series, but I did enjoy the snippets about characters from other books. Such a good read.

[Kori Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me that no matter how great my plans are for life, that God’s plans are always better! It’s beautifully written, and pulls on the heartstrings. Hope Springs is my favorite fictional town! The story line is easy to follow, a few tears, and some laughs thrown in for good measure!