During the restore process, a database goes into "loading mode" until the restore command is executed against the database using the "recovery" option. Before you place the database into recovery mode all of the restore commands will have been executed using the "Not recovered" option. This way it is possible to continue to stage additional restore statements to bring the database up to the state you want. The database becomes usable again after the last restore statement has been applied the "Recovered" option.

You can choose the recovery option you want when you perform restores.