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Women of Prayer #1
Until Forever
It was something she would never forgive herself for…
It wasn’t until lunchtime that Jessi remembered to call home. No answer. She tried calling several times while she ate her lunch. Still no answer. She closed her eyes and rested her arms and head on her desk. She breathed deeply, wishing she had remembered to call earlier.
Until Forever is a story of a young family that is torn apart by the devastating effects of alcoholism. Can healing take place in a relationship when an unforgivable act is committed? Will Jessi's pain and Mark's guilt keep them apart forever, or will unforeseen circumstances bind them together?
It wasn’t until lunchtime that Jessi remembered to call home. No answer. She tried calling several times while she ate her lunch. Still no answer. She closed her eyes and rested her arms and head on her desk. She breathed deeply, wishing she had remembered to call earlier.
Until Forever is a story of a young family that is torn apart by the devastating effects of alcoholism. Can healing take place in a relationship when an unforgivable act is committed? Will Jessi's pain and Mark's guilt keep them apart forever, or will unforeseen circumstances bind them together?
270 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
218 people are currently reading
1320 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
February 4, 2025
Christian Fiction.
This was actually a beautiful story. The characters were great, and the pacing was perfect. The story is so very sad, but as the book goes on it gets better and it is a lovely ending.
This was actually a beautiful story. The characters were great, and the pacing was perfect. The story is so very sad, but as the book goes on it gets better and it is a lovely ending.
May 26, 2011
What can I say about “Until Forever” by Darlene Shortridge? Ah yes, it is beautifully written, full of likable characters, a powerful story, and it sheds light on an aspect of life that many dismiss, mock, and even resent. I am referring to the fact that millions of people actually take their faith in God seriously, live it, and find that it holds the solution to problems that so many of us struggle with. Here is a book that does not ignore the spiritual aspect of human existence, as so many books and movies do, but rather boldly showcases it in a realistic and interesting way for all to see. “Until Forever” is a story about a family torn apart by alcoholism and heartbreaking tragedies so deep that it seems only death can relieve the pain. Perhaps some things can never be forgiven. Is it true that there are no second chances when betrayal destroys trust? Is there hope for those who have lost all hope? Perhaps the most we can expect under the circumstances is polite tolerance and a parting of the ways. After all, we are only human. Or is there something more powerful than our human strength that can work miracles, and what form can those miracles take? Powerful and moving, “Until Forever” will stay with you. You will be loath to put it down and eager to pick it up again to find out what happens to a family so broken they might never fully heal. Steve Groll author ~ "Beyond the Dead Forest."
November 16, 2011
Until Forever by Darlene Shortridge caught my interest with one of the first little details which I read involving the title. My heartstrings were pulled, and I enjoyed the intimate and cozy way Darlene draws us into this story of a husband and wife whose marriage is going very wrong. Jessi is the responsible mother carrying a heavy load of responsibility while Mark is the father struggling with substance abuse and selfishness. Aunt Merry prays with her friends consistently, and her Christian faithfulness is interwoven within this compelling story .
There is tragedy, heart-wrenching questions, and strong faith all wrapped into the common threads of everyday life. Death, divorce, jail time, and stark emotional pain are weaved into the testimony all of us need to hear about the faithfulness of God in all places, forgiveness that is impossible without God, and humility which repents fully unto restoration. Until Forever is an engaging fiction story which hits close to home. I have asked the same questions; I have had the Lord befriend me and work with me in much the same way. I encourage others to take a plunge into this book to be comforted, entertained, and convicted. I couldn’t put it down until I knew the end of the story. I cried a little, laughed a little, and identified with the characters a whole lot.
~Cara Coffey, Author
There is tragedy, heart-wrenching questions, and strong faith all wrapped into the common threads of everyday life. Death, divorce, jail time, and stark emotional pain are weaved into the testimony all of us need to hear about the faithfulness of God in all places, forgiveness that is impossible without God, and humility which repents fully unto restoration. Until Forever is an engaging fiction story which hits close to home. I have asked the same questions; I have had the Lord befriend me and work with me in much the same way. I encourage others to take a plunge into this book to be comforted, entertained, and convicted. I couldn’t put it down until I knew the end of the story. I cried a little, laughed a little, and identified with the characters a whole lot.
~Cara Coffey, Author
May 13, 2011
Addiction, Manipulation, Control, Tragedy, Depression, Salvation, Redemption, Forgiveness.. in just one book. Darlene Shortridge's first novel is superb in so many facets. Accuracy in depicting characters with addictions, struggles, fears, as well as those on the other side with happiness, salvation, and wisdom. Her characters are 'real', and make you cheer for them with each turn of the page.
Loved the wisdom that the Pastor offered to Mark in the book, and how he stood by him. Loved the transformation of each character throughout the book and the relationships that they built with Jesus.
I think many people can relate to this book in one way or another by either knowing someone with an addiction, or someone that seems unforgiveable, or someone on their knees in constant prayer. Well rounded story left me wanting more.
I dont typically read contemporary Christian novels, preferring historical so that the story doesn't get too personal or real as I tend to internalize them. I cried tears of sadness, as well as tears of joy in this novel. I think Darlene ranks right up there with some of the better known authors of our day in her writings. Can't wait to read her future works.
Loved the wisdom that the Pastor offered to Mark in the book, and how he stood by him. Loved the transformation of each character throughout the book and the relationships that they built with Jesus.
I think many people can relate to this book in one way or another by either knowing someone with an addiction, or someone that seems unforgiveable, or someone on their knees in constant prayer. Well rounded story left me wanting more.
I dont typically read contemporary Christian novels, preferring historical so that the story doesn't get too personal or real as I tend to internalize them. I cried tears of sadness, as well as tears of joy in this novel. I think Darlene ranks right up there with some of the better known authors of our day in her writings. Can't wait to read her future works.
August 6, 2011
When Jessi and Mark Jensen, already at odds in their marriage, suffer a terrible tragedy as a result of Mark’s alcoholism, the guilt, anger, and grief of that tragedy tear them apart.
At the heart of Until Forever is a question: Are forgiveness, healing, and restoration possible when your life has been forever changed by grief? This is not an easy question to answer--especially when healing seems improbable and restoration impossible--and Ms. Shortridge offers no pat answers. This is not a glib tale of one year’s unhappiness followed by a walk into the sunset. The journey Jessi and Mark (and all the main characters) take stretches over two states and many years. In other words, it’s real. There are setbacks and roadblocks--and near the end, a gut-wrenching incident that makes you grip the page and say, “No, not now!” But that’s life, and Ms. Shortridge doesn’t shrink from it. I look forward to reading more of her work.
At the heart of Until Forever is a question: Are forgiveness, healing, and restoration possible when your life has been forever changed by grief? This is not an easy question to answer--especially when healing seems improbable and restoration impossible--and Ms. Shortridge offers no pat answers. This is not a glib tale of one year’s unhappiness followed by a walk into the sunset. The journey Jessi and Mark (and all the main characters) take stretches over two states and many years. In other words, it’s real. There are setbacks and roadblocks--and near the end, a gut-wrenching incident that makes you grip the page and say, “No, not now!” But that’s life, and Ms. Shortridge doesn’t shrink from it. I look forward to reading more of her work.
June 13, 2011
"I will love you until forever." Jessi Jensen spoke those words to her son Ethan every day then tragedy strikes and her entire world is torn apart. Darlene Shortridge writes a book with characters so real you will feel their pain. Can Jessi let go of the past and forgive the man who she once loved for the mistakes he has made?
What does true love mean? How can we forgive what seems unforgivable? What are our relationships built upon? These are some of the questions that Darlene addresses in this book. The story is compelling, emotional, and captivating. The Christian message is clearly shared in an everyday language. This book will show you how to truly love someone Until Forever.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads but the review is my own opinion and was not inspired by the author or publisher in any way.
What does true love mean? How can we forgive what seems unforgivable? What are our relationships built upon? These are some of the questions that Darlene addresses in this book. The story is compelling, emotional, and captivating. The Christian message is clearly shared in an everyday language. This book will show you how to truly love someone Until Forever.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads but the review is my own opinion and was not inspired by the author or publisher in any way.
June 15, 2011
Until Forever by Darlene Shortridge is a book that you will not want to put down. Although the characters are fictional, the story of God's amazing grace isn't. You will be captivated by the story of how a couple caught up in self-destruction that leads to unbearable tragedy find their way into the arms of God. You will be moved to tears as you discover the true heart of God who loves unconditionally and leads us into his love, even when we don't deserve it and are not looking for it.
If your faith in God is shaken by your circumstances of life, whether it's of your doings or not, you will find hope in, Until Forever. If your faith in God is strong, chances are you will be brought to tears as I was, as you are reminded afresh of God's amazing love and grace, even though we don't deserve it.
I highly recommend this book to you. You will be blessed as I was as you read it.
If your faith in God is shaken by your circumstances of life, whether it's of your doings or not, you will find hope in, Until Forever. If your faith in God is strong, chances are you will be brought to tears as I was, as you are reminded afresh of God's amazing love and grace, even though we don't deserve it.
I highly recommend this book to you. You will be blessed as I was as you read it.
May 15, 2011
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
A beautiful story about a family that is practically destroyed by alcoholism. This is definitely a story that so many of us can relate to. Sometimes it is so difficult to forgive wrongdoings yet God provides unconditional love and forgiveness so we should as well. Very few books bring tears to my eyes like this book did. What can I say... I loved this book. I could not put it down. A very well written book by Darlene Shortridge.
A beautiful story about a family that is practically destroyed by alcoholism. This is definitely a story that so many of us can relate to. Sometimes it is so difficult to forgive wrongdoings yet God provides unconditional love and forgiveness so we should as well. Very few books bring tears to my eyes like this book did. What can I say... I loved this book. I could not put it down. A very well written book by Darlene Shortridge.
December 30, 2010
"Until Forever" by Darlene Shortridge is a very, very powerfull story told from a Christian point of view. In my honorable opinion, this should be required reading for every father in this country! They will gain a perspective about their own decision making process. They will gain a perspective about what is truly important in life. All readers will gain a perspecitve about a subject that could perhaps save them from experiencing the most incredible grief and loss imaginable. This book stands as an example of the reality created by the decisions we make and how they can and will affect us and others for the rest of our lives! I take my hat off to fellow Author Darlene Shortridge for her excellent work of fiction and for finding her voice in her book, "Until Forever!" God bless the readers!
S. B. (Steve) Newman, Author
"The Night Eagles Soared"
S. B. (Steve) Newman, Author
"The Night Eagles Soared"
April 17, 2011
Review by Kathy Goodhew, author of; A Vision Beyond Abuse
"Until Forever" is an excellent story of God's powerful and redemptive love, especially in the worst circumstances. I grieved with Jessi and Mark during their pain of loss and I followed along during their time of change and inner growth. When Aunt Merry spoke of forgiveness I cried, because I could personally see myself in the same place. Author Darlene Shortridge's writing style is superbly filled with creative and faith-filled reflection that contiually gives glory where it belongs...to the Lord.
"Until Forever" is an excellent story of God's powerful and redemptive love, especially in the worst circumstances. I grieved with Jessi and Mark during their pain of loss and I followed along during their time of change and inner growth. When Aunt Merry spoke of forgiveness I cried, because I could personally see myself in the same place. Author Darlene Shortridge's writing style is superbly filled with creative and faith-filled reflection that contiually gives glory where it belongs...to the Lord.
January 12, 2011
Until Forever is a love story in every sense of the word. It is a love story between a man and a woman. It is a love story between parents and their children. It is a love story between an aunt and the niece she considers to be more like a daughter. But most of all it is a love story between The Heavenly Father and the people he wants so dearly to be his.
Darlene Shortridge creates a cast of characters who are complex and flawed. They choose, however, to learn from their mistakes. They choose to trust in a merciful God. They choose to love Until Forever.
Darlene Shortridge creates a cast of characters who are complex and flawed. They choose, however, to learn from their mistakes. They choose to trust in a merciful God. They choose to love Until Forever.
June 25, 2011
This was a nice story which flowed well and kept my interest. Not being a huge reader of Christian literature, it started off with alot of religious reference, which lightened up after I would say the first third of the book. In "speaking" with the author, I was actually prepared for more. Def. maintained a "feel good" story. I like a little bit more twists and turns or "stressors" to the books I read and this didn't quite match up to that, but it def. kept my interest as what I would consider a "light read".
February 8, 2011
Until Forever is a powerfully written, inspiring work by a wonderful storyteller! Ms. Shortridge created realistic characters that are completely relateable to. Even if you've never known the devastation of what addiction can do to a family, Ms. Shortridge brings it home to the reader. This is a story of love, understanding and most importantly, a faith in God and His power.
A compelling story. Be ready to laugh and cry...and be moved. Highly recommended...
A compelling story. Be ready to laugh and cry...and be moved. Highly recommended...
April 16, 2011
In “Until Forever” Darlene Shortridge tells a realistic and emotional story that weaves the fabric of one’s life…joy and sorrow, love and loss, the faithful, as well as, those who lost their way. Shortridge shows us that when life slaps us in the face, God is there to soften the blow. I found myself empathizing with the characters and cheering them on as if I knew them personally. A very moving story!
Lisa Tortorello - Author of “My Hero, My Ding”
Lisa Tortorello - Author of “My Hero, My Ding”
August 4, 2012
I am clearly in the minority here, but reading this book was torture for me. It has a great premise, and sometimes you can really feel what the author wants you to feel. But for the most part it was boring and very middling in most every way. The author did a whole lot of telling and not much showing. Add to this that it was incredibly preachy. I prefer religion in books to be a lot more understated, coming across from the individual values and choices of the characters.
May 25, 2011
This is an excellent book detailing various situations that are relevant to our world today. Heartbreaking and finally uplifting as we watch our heroes grow and mature into Christian's with Christian principles. Follow Mark and Jessi as they struggle through alcoholism and its effects on their family.
Well done, Ms. Shortridge ~ waiting in line for your next!
Well done, Ms. Shortridge ~ waiting in line for your next!
June 25, 2011
I went through almost every emotion known to man while reading this book. Happiness, sadness, apprehension, anger, joyfulness and many more.
I grieved and celebrated with along with the characters.
This is a true story of love and forgiveness. I loved it and I will be recommending it to all my friends and family.
I grieved and celebrated with along with the characters.
This is a true story of love and forgiveness. I loved it and I will be recommending it to all my friends and family.
January 2, 2011
A very well written story. Although it is a work of fiction, I found myself able to relate to the characters and their actions throughout the story. I could easily see this being made into a Lifetime movie!
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June 19, 2011I absolutely loved this book! It opened my eyes to some things and really made me think. I love books that can do that.
August 3, 2011
5 stars - A wonderful story of deep dispair that turns to tragedy and unforgiveness, but with Gods' redemtive plan ashes turn to beauty.
August 3, 2012
story line is too predictable and contrived. olivia is not believable as a prekindergartener. the story seems more of a vehicle to preach than to produce a well written novel.
July 26, 2017
I...am not sure how I feel about this book. I did like it...BUT. I feel like I've felt this a lot, of late, but this one has to be the book on which my feelings are the most mixed.
2.5 stars.
This book is really trying hard to get across the message of redemption, family, and prayer. REALLY TRYING HARD. Too hard. It was really long for what was trying to be accomplished, and the characters, while interesting, were surprisingly flat. I much preferred the supporting cast to the main characters. I really liked the premise of the book, and the plot was enough to keep me going. I won't, however, be reading the rest of the series.
2.5 stars.
This book is really trying hard to get across the message of redemption, family, and prayer. REALLY TRYING HARD. Too hard. It was really long for what was trying to be accomplished, and the characters, while interesting, were surprisingly flat. I much preferred the supporting cast to the main characters. I really liked the premise of the book, and the plot was enough to keep me going. I won't, however, be reading the rest of the series.
April 8, 2016
SUMMARY: Jessi hung up the phone. That was the fifth time she tried calling home with no answer. She had just started eating lunch when she remembered she had forgotten to call home. It was something she would never forgive herself for.
It wasn’t until lunchtime that Jessi remembered to call home. No answer. She tried calling several times while she ate her lunch. Still no answer. She closed her eyes and rested her arms and head on her desk. She breathed deeply, wishing she had remembered to call earlier.
Until Forever is a story of a young family that is torn apart by the devastating effects of alcoholism. Can healing take place in a relationship when an unforgivable act is committed? Will Jessi's pain and Mark's guilt keep them apart forever, or will unforeseen circumstances bind them together?
REVIEW: Is there anything too big, too devastating, so heart wrenching that a person can't forgive no matter what? Shortridge focuses this storyline on forgiveness and second chances. The characters are so realistic and have such normal human emotions, strengths and weaknesses that the reader is immediately drawn in to the storyline. As you read, you will run the gamut of emotions yourself. Aunt Merry is the lynchpin of the story, and it is through her own strengths and weaknesses that Jessi and Mark learn the realities of life and grow in their faith and love for Jesus. It is also how they learn that only through God's strength can weak humans forgive the unforgivable.
I especially loved Aunt Merry's prayer group, their closeness, and the format of their meeting time. What a bond these wonderful women had developed as well as the strength and persistence of their prayer life. I particularly loved their joy and celebration when a prayer had been answered.
Overall, a wonderful easy to read faith-based book. I look forward to reading the next in this series.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"When you feel weak, open the Word. When you feel helpless, hopeless, friendless, open the Word, and God will fill every place of emptiness inside of you. Lean on him for everything. If you put your trust in him, his plan for your life will come forth."
"..every day is a gift. Learn to treasure what it is God is showing you. Learn to make your days his days. When we following his perfect will for our lives, we are walking in the direction he wants to go. Each day, keep your Bible witgh you. It's your source of strength."
"God wants our firsts, not our leftovers."
"..follow your heart and don't keep holding on to not forgiving. It will keep you from the life you are meant to lead."
It wasn’t until lunchtime that Jessi remembered to call home. No answer. She tried calling several times while she ate her lunch. Still no answer. She closed her eyes and rested her arms and head on her desk. She breathed deeply, wishing she had remembered to call earlier.
Until Forever is a story of a young family that is torn apart by the devastating effects of alcoholism. Can healing take place in a relationship when an unforgivable act is committed? Will Jessi's pain and Mark's guilt keep them apart forever, or will unforeseen circumstances bind them together?
REVIEW: Is there anything too big, too devastating, so heart wrenching that a person can't forgive no matter what? Shortridge focuses this storyline on forgiveness and second chances. The characters are so realistic and have such normal human emotions, strengths and weaknesses that the reader is immediately drawn in to the storyline. As you read, you will run the gamut of emotions yourself. Aunt Merry is the lynchpin of the story, and it is through her own strengths and weaknesses that Jessi and Mark learn the realities of life and grow in their faith and love for Jesus. It is also how they learn that only through God's strength can weak humans forgive the unforgivable.
I especially loved Aunt Merry's prayer group, their closeness, and the format of their meeting time. What a bond these wonderful women had developed as well as the strength and persistence of their prayer life. I particularly loved their joy and celebration when a prayer had been answered.
Overall, a wonderful easy to read faith-based book. I look forward to reading the next in this series.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"When you feel weak, open the Word. When you feel helpless, hopeless, friendless, open the Word, and God will fill every place of emptiness inside of you. Lean on him for everything. If you put your trust in him, his plan for your life will come forth."
"..every day is a gift. Learn to treasure what it is God is showing you. Learn to make your days his days. When we following his perfect will for our lives, we are walking in the direction he wants to go. Each day, keep your Bible witgh you. It's your source of strength."
"God wants our firsts, not our leftovers."
"..follow your heart and don't keep holding on to not forgiving. It will keep you from the life you are meant to lead."
March 4, 2012
Until Forever by Darlene Shortridge is a deeply emotional story about second chances and learning to forgive. From the outset, Jessi and Mark Jensen’s marriage is rocky at best. Jessi comes across as an over anxious control freak, while her husband Mark is selfish, immature and has a drinking problem. With that kind of foundation, is it any wonder that Jessi coddles their only child and treats Mark like an adolescent rather than an equal member of the relationship? Then devastation strikes. Mark and their son Ethan are involved in a car accident. Mark, who had been drinking, goes to jail and Ethan falls into an unresponsive coma.
Several years pass and Jessi decides to pull the plug and let Ethan die. She has become even more bitter than before, and even her Aunt Merry, a woman of deep faith, cannot convince her to surrender her problems to God. Meanwhile, Mark has been undergoing some changes of his own while in prison. Befriended by the prison Chaplin, he becomes a Christian and embarks on a brand new life as a believer. The biggest surprise that takes place during this time is that Jessi has had another child – a girl named Olivia, who is also Mark’s daughter. Apparently she was pregnant when the accident happened and no one knew. I had to wonder where the infant was while she was spending every waking moment at her son’s bedside before he died. That aside, the story moves forward when Mark gets released from prison. For me, this is where the story really begins.
The tables have turned as far as the reader’s sympathies go. Mark is a genuinely changed man, where as Jessi has become, quite understandably, even more anxious and unforgiving. Little by little, however, through the prayers of Aunt Merry, Mark and others, Jessi begins to soften.
What I really liked about this book was the way the characters were so well rounded. I can’t imagine facing this same kind of trauma and yet the author manages to reveal all the emotional turmoil while still keeping it real. Healing is a slow process for Jessi, as I imagine it would be for someone faced with this situation. Mark, as a Christian, demonstrates the dramatic change that can take place in a person’s life without becoming a goody-good or seeming cliché.
Because of the depth of the emotional content, this was not always an easy book to read. However, it was satisfying in that the character’s growth and the story line moved steadily forward. Ultimately, healing does come, but it is not an easy journey. For a poignant, touching, and thought provoking read, try Until Forever.
Several years pass and Jessi decides to pull the plug and let Ethan die. She has become even more bitter than before, and even her Aunt Merry, a woman of deep faith, cannot convince her to surrender her problems to God. Meanwhile, Mark has been undergoing some changes of his own while in prison. Befriended by the prison Chaplin, he becomes a Christian and embarks on a brand new life as a believer. The biggest surprise that takes place during this time is that Jessi has had another child – a girl named Olivia, who is also Mark’s daughter. Apparently she was pregnant when the accident happened and no one knew. I had to wonder where the infant was while she was spending every waking moment at her son’s bedside before he died. That aside, the story moves forward when Mark gets released from prison. For me, this is where the story really begins.
The tables have turned as far as the reader’s sympathies go. Mark is a genuinely changed man, where as Jessi has become, quite understandably, even more anxious and unforgiving. Little by little, however, through the prayers of Aunt Merry, Mark and others, Jessi begins to soften.
What I really liked about this book was the way the characters were so well rounded. I can’t imagine facing this same kind of trauma and yet the author manages to reveal all the emotional turmoil while still keeping it real. Healing is a slow process for Jessi, as I imagine it would be for someone faced with this situation. Mark, as a Christian, demonstrates the dramatic change that can take place in a person’s life without becoming a goody-good or seeming cliché.
Because of the depth of the emotional content, this was not always an easy book to read. However, it was satisfying in that the character’s growth and the story line moved steadily forward. Ultimately, healing does come, but it is not an easy journey. For a poignant, touching, and thought provoking read, try Until Forever.
March 4, 2013
I got this book free on a Kindle Book deal, and got it because it was under the heading of Christian fiction. It was light and fluffy, and I liked that there was no sex, violence or foul languages. Outside of that, however, I didn't find many redeeming qualities to this long, drawn-out, incredibly unbelievable tale. I finally gave up at the 80% mark because I just couldn't take it any more! The characters were one-dimensional and un-engaging. I had a hard time believing that an abusive alcoholic who was responsible for the death of his own son (no spoilers--it happens right in the beginning) could turn to God and find forgiveness and then never be tempted to take a drink. I believe the forgiveness part; it's the never being tempted part that I don't buy. Everybody has trials. Everybody feels tempted. NOT everybody lives an idyllic life where they are never confronted with someone who drinks or tries to get them to revert to their old ways. The whole book was a long, drawn-out sermon about God's love and forgiveness and faith. I'm good with that, but the delivery was preachy and boring.
November 29, 2014
This book is definitely a hard one to review! It is most definitely not light reading, but deals with a lot of hard hitting subjects that are difficult at best to deal with in one's life. It is a very emotional read, allowing us to forge a deep connection to the characters, and yet I kept feeling like something was missing from the story. Some events happened too fast for my liking, and I also didn't agree with how things ended up between certain characters. The religious theme in the book is very heavy handed, almost preachy to a degree, and woven throughout the story, but was essential to how the story turned out. I'm not entirely sure I liked it all that well, and am hesitant to read the sequel to this or the rest of the series.
April 24, 2011
When I first received this book (which was won from the goodreads giveaway) I was a bit skeptical of it. I hadn't realized that it was part of the "Women of Prayer" series. Even though it has a very spiritual basis, which I will admit, sometimes to me seems a bit too "in your face" to me, I really enjoyed the story. I think the storyline (even though some of the events that occur don't happen to us all) deals with issues that a lot of people deal with. It was interesting how they played out. I was actually quickly sucked into the story; not wanting to put the book down. I was drawn into the characters lives and couldn't wait to see the outcome.
August 20, 2011
Undying Love Story
Until Forever by Darlene Shortridge is a well written love story, though filled with disaster and heartache. The author brought it full circle with the sweet, likable character of Aunt Merry, who was an example of true, unselfish love who patiently tried to lead Jessi to the place she needed to be before she could be truly happy. Aunt Merry lovingly conveyed the message that there is a shelter in spite of life's storms--a haven of rest, a place of redemption and restoration through God's marvelous grace and forgiveness. On story content alone, I'd have to give Until Forever five stars and two thumbs-up!
Linda Robinson, author of When Love Abounds
Until Forever by Darlene Shortridge is a well written love story, though filled with disaster and heartache. The author brought it full circle with the sweet, likable character of Aunt Merry, who was an example of true, unselfish love who patiently tried to lead Jessi to the place she needed to be before she could be truly happy. Aunt Merry lovingly conveyed the message that there is a shelter in spite of life's storms--a haven of rest, a place of redemption and restoration through God's marvelous grace and forgiveness. On story content alone, I'd have to give Until Forever five stars and two thumbs-up!
Linda Robinson, author of When Love Abounds
July 7, 2011
I have no idea where my reviews go but here I go AGAIN. I loved it. It was full of "those moments" in life that make you think , Oh No, or well it's about time. I had to confess to Darlene that when I read the first few pages I put the book down because I could tell something very hard for me to take was about to happen. Ever felt like if you don't read it, it won't happen? Darlene laughed and said, yup! It's gonna happen so I grit my teeth and read the book. I'm so glad I did, it was delightful.
February 10, 2011
"Until Forever" by Darlene Shortride is an amazing story with so much truth that it becomes your reality. The novel's characters are real people, and at least one of them appeals to yourself. This novel is not only an eye catching novel, but after you have read it, it catches your heart. The novel caused me many smiles, many tears, and many chewed off fingernails. I cannot wait until the next novel is released. I am sure that Darlene Shortridge will top her first novel (although that will be a very hard feat to accomplish).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews