Darlene Shortridge

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 show more 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. show less

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 show more 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. It was worth the tears, and 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. show less

Things that define a great book to me:

Tears, Laughter, feeling like you are a part of the family, surprises.

And every child deserves another day with those they love, if only to hear the
words ‘I love you’ once more.”

This book was about love. Jessi, was raised by her aunt and uncle. This is the story of her going back home (with her family) for her dad's funeral and her mom sharing her dad's story. Jessi never felt like her dad loved her and through chapters written by her dad as he show more was a young man, became a husband, businessman, etc we learned how much James did love her.

Although a novella I savored this book because I didn't want it end. I felt connected to James , Will, Jessi.

I like that Darlene actually walks you through how to accept Christ. So many talk about people that have but not exactly the words to say.

Well done Darlene, well done. show less

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!