Not Until You

Hope Springs, Book 3

By: Valerie M. Bodden

Narrated by: Emily Norman

Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

One mistake cost Nate everything. One woman stirs something he never expected to feel again: hope for the future. Nate’s star was rising in the world of Christian music. But all that was erased with a single life-shattering mistake. A mistake that has kept him from seeing his family for seven years. Working for his ruthless father is the last thing he wants to do now. But his dad has made it clear—it’s the only way he’ll be welcomed back into the family. So Nate dutifully heads to the small town of Hope Springs. He plans to keep his head down, put in his time, and leave the moment he can.

Three years after her husband’s death, Violet spends her days working to keep their antique store—and his memory—alive. Her friends say it’s time to move on, but she’s not sure she wants to. So when Nate moves in next door, she fights hard to ignore the feelings he stirs in her. Especially when she learns that his father wants to shut down her store.

But as the two work together to save the business, neither can deny the relationship that is starting to develop. Until Violet learns the devastating truth about Nate’s past. Will she walk away—or trust the God of second chances to give them a future?

©2019 Valerie M. Bodden (P)2023 Valerie M. Bodden

Compelling Story!

I read this book a few years ago and had honestly forgotten what an amazingly moving story it was. What a joy to be able to listen to it in audio book format! The narrator did a great job and the budding romance of Nate and Violet captured me completely once again.

Violet had a great set of supportive friends, yet she still looked back to the past, when she was married to her high school sweetheart. When he died, Violet felt that all of her future hopes died as well. Nate thought that because of a bad decision he made years earlier, he no longer deserved a happy future. It seemed that even his family didn’t want him around. Could he ever possibly be forgiven and start anew?

I really enjoyed the way these two characters got to know each other and grew to care for each other. It seemed that they both might be able to have a happy future full of love together. Yet, there were things that Violet did not know about Nate that could affect the possibility of them being together.

I loved listening to this story! Even though it is book three in the Hope Springs series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel.

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

Narrators voice

A bit too long
But the subject matter was really good and the characters were well portrayed

Touching Story

One mistake cost Nate the love of his family and his music career. After prison he is banished by his father to Hope Springs where he meets widow and antique store owner, Violet. When his father tries to force him to evict Violet from her store in order for a bar to go in, he rebels and stands up for her and himself. When things move from friends to more than friends, and Nate must face his past mistakes, he rediscovers his faith. A touching story about love, commitment, and forgiveness.

Great Audible Listen

Violet is trying to survive after the death of her.husband. She has an antique shop she is trying to keep afloat. Nate was just released from prison, he was in due to driving drunk and almost killing his sister and injuring another driver. He's trying to stand on his own, but his dad demands he work for hin and work hard. He sets him up to fix the files for his tenant office Nate and Violet meet and they are attracted to each other, but it's only been 3 years since violets husband passed away and Nate is to embarrassed about his past and so many heavy burdens. They have to fight through all of these issues to come to the place of forgiveness and being able to move on with their lives. This is another great read from Valerie and she has blessed me with it once again for my honest review.

A story filled with hope and second chances

This beautifully written, well-narrated audiobook isn't "just a love story," but is so much more! The engaging characters draw you into their hopes and dreams, as well as their struggles with grief, fear, resentment, and regrets. But as they each deal with doubts, challenges, and adversity, they find answers and strength in a deepening faith ... and experience the wonder and joy of falling in love. Once again, a "visit" to Hope Springs doesn't merely entertain, but it proves to be an inspiration in one's own journey through life.

Engaging

A cozy romance, which kept my interest from beginning to end. Two hurting people … can they leave their pasts behind, and let God heal them? The narration was enjoyable, too. I received a free copy of this audiobook, with no obligation.