This Time Forever

Mickelle #1

by Rachel Ann Nunes

Mickelle Hansen never realized marriage could be so challenging. Her husband's epilepsy has caused him to become cynical and verbally abusive, but with love in her heart and strength from her Heavenly Father, Mickelle is determined to make her marriage work. Then the worst happens. Can she ever pick up the shattered pieces of her life?


Meanwhile, Rebekka Massoni arrives in America to work for handsome widower Damon Wolfe, leaving all her hopes and dreams back in her beloved France. She has loved and idolized Marc Perrault since she was five years old, but he can offer only her friendship in return.


Can Rebekka forget Marc and learn to love another man? Both Damon and Samuel Bjornenburg, successful CEO of Corban International, hope to win a place in her heart, but Damon's daughter doesn't like Rebekka, and Samuel doesn't share her faith. To make matters worse, Rebekka's heart is still breaking over Marc. Suddenly she must make the most important decision of her entire life. Will it be the right one?


Join Mickelle and Rebekka as they search for love and self-discovery. This tender story of heartbreak, healing, and faith is one you will not soon forget.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Lds Fiction, Lds, Contemporary, Christian

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Rachel Ann Nunes (pronounced noon-esh) learned to read when she was four and by seventh grade knew she was going to be an author. Now as a stay-at-home mother of seven, it isn't easy to find time to write, but she will trade washing dishes or weeding the garden for an hour at the computer any day! Her only rule about writing is to never eat chocolate at the computer. "Since I love chocolate and writing," she jokes, "my family might never see me again."

Rachel has over sixty published books, including the popular Ariana series and the award-winning picture book Daughter of a King. She enjoys hiking, swimming, spending time with her family, reading, and visiting far off places.

For more information or to join her e-mailing list, visit http://www.RachelAnnNunes.com.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet, clean love story. It's a quick read that I found on Bookbub. When I downloaded it, I didn't realize it was an LDS novel, I didn't even realize there were LDS stories. I don't think that should be a factor in deciding to read or not read the book, I'm not Mormon and it didn't faze me.

[Rayni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wavered between 3 & 4 stars, but decided it was only fair to give it 4 stars. After all I pulled an all-nighter reading this book. If I only "liked" it, I would have been able to put it down & go to bed, right? It didn't make 5 stars because it took another 4 days to read the last 25% of the book. I felt like the last part of the book had too much crammed into it.

It was a good stand alone book, but now I want to read Savvy's story again, or actually read Brionny's story, then Savvy's story. There are a whole series of books out there that could be read. I do enjoy series like this but I like to read things in order. It must be my OCD.

[Caranna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for sweet, sappy, and clean romances with a happy ending.Rachel Ann Nunes writes Latter-Day-Saint fiction and incorporates the religion into her writing and her characters.

I found "This Time Forever" as a free download from the Amazon Kindle store. I love it when the free downloads are actually good books!

Nunes' characters are well written, multidimensional and believable. She has a good grasp on the complexities of human emotions and their origins.

The story was full of ups and downs for each of the characters. I always love a book that can tug at my heart strings.

This book touched on some sensitive topics, such as, abusive relationships after temple marriage, depression, suicide, illness, and death. Even with all of that "This Time Forever" holds a message of hope. Hope that, even after such hardship and trial, the heart can heal. The Lord will make you whole if you trust in him and move forward in faith.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about a couple of minor characters from previous books by this author. Mickelle's husband is kind of abusive--verbally. Just not very nice and very controlling. After getting after her, he always asks, "Do you want a divorce?" She usually says no, but one time says yes, if he doesn't get help and change. So....he commits suicide. Meanwhile, Damon moves to Utah from Alaska and needs a new nanny. His partner's wife has a friend in France who is looking to get away from her love life (or lack of one), and comes to be a temporary nanny for him. I liked how Mickelle and Damon actually meet, but otherwise, cute, but kind of predictable.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Long

Although I wanted to find out how Rebekka and Mickelle's story ended this book was too long and drawn out for me. I do not share the Mormon faith and didn't know when I chose this book that was what I was reading until I had gotten into the book. I have learned more through this book about the differences and similarities between my Christian faith and Mormonism. I have no plans on reading anymore of the books in this series. That being said I did love her books "Tell me no Lies" and "Your Eyes don't lie." I don't want to take away any joy from those who loved this book. I wanted to like this book too but it just wasn't for me.

[Charissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book that kept my attention...but I didn't love it like the 1st 3 Ariana books I read by the same author. There are a lot of characters, and several different plots interwoven throughout the story. My favorite characters were Damon and his daughter Belle. Several topics are covered in this, including emotional spousal abuse, depression, and suicide. They aren't delved into deeply though--probably because of the complicated plot and the number of characters. It would be twice as long if the character development was deeper like Ariana. Overall, a good read though.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice light read, with a good story line tinged with the very serious theme of spousal abuse.

[Kellie-jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

Any women out there who need a good heart warming LDS novel, pick this one! I couldn't put it down. The character's intertwined brilliantly. I love Rachel's books.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a free download from Kindle so I got it...wasn't too thrilled about it. Pretty boring and extremely predictable. Just didn't connect with the characters!

[Vanessa Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

This Time Forever is a story of heartbreak, healing, and faith. A wife who lost her abusive husband and is now afraid to take chances and to be in a relationship again. And a successful young woman who's heartbroken because she's always on a friend zone to the man she loved since she's 5 years old.

To be honest, I really had a hard time reading the first half of this story. There's different POV every chapter so I wasn't sure who's the main leads were. That said, I kind of hate its first half but what surprises me was that I still keep on reading it. The twists and turns were kind of amusing not because they're bad but because it's kind of corny for my taste. I LOVE romance, but I hate it when it's corny or cheesy. But for this story, I dunno, I don't hate it but I don't love it either.

This Time Forever was the very first Christian romance (LDS) that I've read so the mention of religion and having such a great faith in God was kind of great to read. I'm not a mormon but this story didn't faze me at all. It's just kind of refreshing reading a story where the characters turns to God for strength and guidance.

I really love the whole idea of this story, I just think that the way it was presented didn't set well on me. The different POVs every chapter was ok I think, but for this one, I find it quite confusing. Also, this book was composed of not just 1 story, but 2 which is really good I guess. Though, I prefer Mickelle's love story hehe. There were quite a few characters you need to keep track of but almost all of them has their own role in this story that really matters or has a great impact for each of the main leads. I don't have any characters that I really hate (though there were a time that Rebekka irritates me) since all of them portrays their roles pretty well. But it kind of gave me shivers whenever Rebekka and her older brother exchanges very sappy lines. I'm just used to stories were siblings always fights, I guess French people are just so sweet to each other *wink.

Aside from the "quite confusing" interchangeable POVs each chapter, I didn't like the part where Rebekka is so eager to find the right man for her. She's only 24! I understand her situation, imagine being in love with someone for a long time but that someone only sees you as a younger sister?! That's definitely not good with theheart, but I don't believe on the idea that you need to find someone right away to move on. I mean, going to America was a good move but going to America to find the guy for her wasn't a good reasoning. Oh well, everyone of us has different ways of moving on I guess.

Also, this story was composed of very reader friendly words, so aside from the happy ending, I guess it was also the reason why I'm giving this story a 2.5 star rating instead of just 2. I still can't see myself reading another story from the author and this story even has a second book! But I already think This Time Forever already has a good ending so I'll pass the second book for now *wink.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars


To read more of my reviews, book news and updates:
Main Blog: Blushing Geek
Subscribe
Facebook Page

[Ranee · Rating 3 out of 5]

**spoilers** I liked this one better than the last one I read in the series - some good happy endings. But, as with the last one, there are some weird relationships going on, very soap opera-like. A man in his 30s in love with his friends' mom? A teenager overly crushing on his nanny? I could see that happening do a degree but it seems a little extreme. I kept wondering about the title of the book - didn't really find a good connection to the story except maybe Mickelle choosing to marry someone in the church vs. her brother and mom? So much happens in the story hours & days versus weeks of major importance. That being said, I will read the next one in the series, when it's free :)

[Stacey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was too preachy. The abuse was not portrayed well at all. The husband was rude, but that doesn't constitute an abusive marriage. This author doesn't seem to have any real experience with abuse. The strange religious aspects are all wrong too. So I am Mormon, so it isn't the religion... it was the idea that depression could be solved with just a prayer. No! That is not how it works either. The spiritual parts didn't show growth, it showed over simplified spiritual elements that felt like hand waving magic. It also felt preachy. The plot was not the best either. The kids reaction to their parents dating was not realistic either. It doesn't work that way. Not sure if this author has had divorce or any close friends who remarried... of if she just thought it would make a good story driver. I don't think she did well at all in being authentic or respectful to those who have this kind of trial in their lives. I did appreciate the fact that the story wasn't pornographic, but she didn't have some of the most important elements of world building and character building that make a story sing for me. I didn't enjoy this. I will not be reading anymore of this. The story telling of having 7 people telling the story created some kind of mystery, but overall it just felt like it was dragging out the story. The actual writing was ok, but it had typos... getting an editor is really nice.

[Susan Tietjen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. I felt bad for the main character's sad life with her abusive husband and then the steps she had to take to heal, get back to life, and open herself up to a lot of possibilities in life, not just love. There is a strong Christain message in the book; the author is religious, and I liked the way she presented it. I am sad to have read a review here that stated that Mormons are not Christian. The name of the church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and although I respect everyone's right to have their own opinion of religion in general, I think it's rude to make public comments about the author's POV in the story. Reviews should be about the story, not assumptions about authors' lives or intent in writing the book. If Hitler had written a fabulous book about cooking pork, would reviewers be sensible in claiming that pork is of the devil? I think not. As for me, I like the thought that people love each other beyond this life. My parents are not Mormons, but they believe their association and their love will go on. I think Celine Dion feels the same way, and she isn't Mormon.

[Sher · Rating 1 out of 5]

I almost didn't admit I read this book, but it was so bad I felt I had to warn others not to waste their time. Like another reviewer, I did not know this book was written for a Mormon audience and I do not share those beliefs. However, the story starts off with a sickening, harsh tragedy so it at least makes you want to see how it ends - predictably, of course. But the tragedy itself was so awful that I was shocked to find out this was written for a "faith-based" audience. While I felt bad for Mickelle, she was probably the only character that was likable. I felt sorry for Rebecca until I saw her through Mickelle's eyes. Then I couldn't stand her. She behaves like a tramp and very forward with men. It's so cliche that she goes after the man whose children she is a nanny to. What kind of "religious" person does that? I still don't understand how a man with a gold tooth is desirable, either. I don't even understand this reference, but he sounds like he's a gangster and not a religious person. I would not read any of these books again nor books by this author.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second reading of this book. I have enjoyed all the books and stories by Rachel Nunes. The LDS romance novel explains the delimnas that many men and women face in marriage. Some are married in the temple and end up in sad, unloving, or abusive marriages. Others marry non-members or out of the temple and face the heartache of not being able to totally share for eternity. Then when death takes a loved one, the newly married couples deal with their previous love and know it is for eternity, but in a woman's case, she can only be sealed to one man while living. As I have family in all situations dealt with in this book, it is always interesting to me to see how others have dealt with their challenges and to realize that we are all loved by our Heavenly Father and that things will work out in the eternity if we have faith and trust in the Lord. It was interesting how much I had forgotten from the first reading and new things I picked up on the second read.

[H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Rachel Ann Nunes' book This Time Forever right after I read another of hers--back to back. I enjoy her writing style. It's like putting on a comfy pair of slippers and camping on my sofa with a quart of Ben and Jerry's.

These books had me sitting in the front seat of her car, right there in Utah. I've been a single mother struggling to make it on a tiny income. I've had an ex husband who I had to live beyond and try to understand, in order to stay sane. His temper was a match for Mickelle's ex's. This was a lovely book which gave hope to the single mothers out there to whom hope is a rare commodity.

I was so glad Mickelle, like Cinderella, met her prince. He's rich, kind to his family, and an all-around nice guy. What a wonderful fairytale! Insert my sister and she'd be a happy camper.

Bring on the Rachel Nunes books! I'm ready for them.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be fair, I did not know that this was part of a series when I read it. Perhaps my review would be different if I'd read the other books that lead up to this one. I was pretty overwhelmed through the first third or so of the book with so many characters and story lines to keep straight. I did enjoy how they started to intertwine and how everyone seemed to have a connection with each of the other characters by the end.

I'm always up for a squeaky clean romance. It's nice to have books that I don't worry about my teenage daughter reading. (She liked this, by the way!) Overall, I enjoyed this book and I was happy with the way it ended so I don't feel like I have to rush right out and read the others.

[Joni · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only thing I don’t like about free books from Kindle is the fact most are part of a series.

Basically this was two separate stories of two women in one book. I don’t know if I would trust a man that was in love with my mother for half his life and also once dated my best friend; To close for comfort for me, that part of the story was a little odd to me. The story about Mickelle was sad, situations like that happen all too often, I hope in the 2nd book she learns to let go and love again. For this reason I will be reading the next book in the series, I would like to see how Mickelle’s life turns out.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

High 3...I rounded up because this book is wholesome and centered on good family values that mirror my own! :)

Good story, but with lots going on. There are a couple of different 'romances' taking place in this book and they are intertwined. There were times during the story that I felt like I was missing something and I was pretty sure that a lot of the characters' backstories had taken place in other books. And I was right. Ms. Nunes has written about these secondary characters in quite a few of her other books. So I'm not sure if you need to read in a certain order? I don't necessarily think so...

Overall, a great LDS read with humor, romance, and likeable characters!

[Skedatt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I kind of got the feeling that I started in the middle of a series, but it didn't hamper me in the reading of it. But after I finished I wondered, "Why did I read that?" Oh, right, it was free on kindle and I recognized the author from something that my friend had read eight years ago.

Overall, it was a fantasy without the redeeming fantastic elements. Prince Charming came along and swooped her up. No castles, no sword fights, nothing. Just angst about an emotionally abusive relationship and a wonderful second marriage. Bummer for me. Yawn.

To be fair, the goodness of Prince Charming was very realistic. Human interactions were mostly fine, too.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It definitely kept me up late last night. (Shhh... Don't tell my husband!) I related to the characters because our religion is the same, and I felt I might react the same way they did to things. Things were just so sad for Mickelle for the longest time for me to really enjoy the book. I understood her depression, because her life was Rough with a capital R.

I'm glad stories like this exist because it reminds me of how good I have it, but I'm not sure I want to read a lot of them. I read books to kind of escape... This one held my attention until the end, but I'm not sure I could do another reading of it.

4 stars.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite liked this book. I noticed that in several reviews the term "sappy" had been used to describe the story. A negative connotation seems to accompany that term and I don't think it should. Yes, there are lots of strong feelings weaving themselves all throughout. But when you're talking about love, strong feelings had better be involved. Mickelle's depression was well portrayed as well as Rebekka's struggle with unrequited love. Yeah, some things work out a little too smoothly; but that's so easy to forgive. An enjoyable read--just like any other book by this author.

[Amanda Rank · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me a while to read because I couldn't get into it. I found it irritating that every character had 2-3 people wanting to date them. Rebekka liked Sam, Damon, and Marc. Tanner liked Rebekka, but then crushed on Amanda too. Damon was married, than he fell in love with someone else, than he liked Rebekka than he fell in love with Mickelle. Marc liked Rebekka's mom and then fell in love with Rebekka. Mickelle was married, dated a police officer while falling in love with Damon..ugh! And the ending wasn't drawn out as I like, I liked to know if they got married, had children etc.)

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is clean and has lots of things going on, but I probably won't read anymore in the series(I haven't read the previous 4). I felt it was more drama than anything. Things I liked: the funnies, the presentation and a little resolution of an abusive situation. Things I didn't like: the drama was a bit overdone, the silly jealousy of Rebekka when deep down she knew who she really loved, and the constant infatuations/falling in love with married women. It wasn't a terrible book, but one I won't read again.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not know this was 5th in a series, but it worked out just fine as a stand alone. I liked the 2 main story lines. It was a little busy at first, but made for fun transitions. One story is about a person who is in love with their best friend but never says anything. The other talks about domestic abuse and suicide, which is not really comfortable to read about, but important to understand. I did like how both stories were inter-connected.

Clean Mormon read for 14 & up, although the main characters are in their late 20s and early 30s.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whoa! There was a lot, too much, going on in this story. Several potential books hide in the under stories of the fistful of characters. So much so that at one point I stopped reading and researched to see if I was joining it in the middle of a series. Editorially speaking, I had to take several deep breaths on more than one occasion to convince myself to finish the story due to poor grammar or choppy writing. All that being said, it was a sweet story, or rather, several sweet stories piled into one.

[Bonnie Jarrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was a good love story involving several people.

At first I felt the story line was confusing with all the different people who were involved. However, it soon came together and the various families each had their own love story to share together. I really enjoyed this book and appreciated the author Christian wording and references each character upheld. It is amazing other people can't see how good a book is without all the cursing and the improper actions. Loved this story and others will also.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't perfect by any means and the wrting could definitely use some polishing, but I found it to be surprisingly addictive and hard to put down. I look forward to reading the follow-up book on Mickelle's story. (I'm less interested in the Rebekka follow-up.) I don't think it's necessary to be a member of the LDS church in order to enjoy these books. I'm Episcopalian and I thought this was a fun, feel-good read.

[Verona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second time to read this book according to my records, but funny thing, I don't remember reading it the first time! I think we may have listened to this on audio tape a long time ago. This time I read it on my Kindle. i really enjoyed this little romance/family novel. It was somewhat contrived, but had a couple of sweet love interests and some good family dynamics. It was a quick, fun read.

[Chandra Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a spin off from some of the minor characters in the Ariana series. I wasn't as attached to them from the beginning, so I didn't love this book like I did the 4 Ariana books. But it explains emotional abuse really well and how to work through those feelings, as well as many other emotions! Because I love Rachel's writing style, I came to know these characters much better, and so I bought the next book right away after finishing this.