Falling for You by Becky Wade

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

The second installment of the Bradford Sisters Romance series brings a quiet story of reconciliation with a mystery thrown in to keep things interesting.

I discovered Becky Wade just over a year ago when I was offered for review her first book in the Bradford Sisters Romance, True to You. I was pleased with the style of writing she used that drew readers in without having to employ a lot of action or complicated drama. This story is a bit different as the persons involved are a bit more “high maintenance” when it comes to their personalities. Willow Bradford has taken a much needed break from high profile modeling and is enjoying running the family bed and breakfast as the interim manager. Thrilled with the chance to practice her baking skills as well as her business skills, Willow has jumped in with both feet to make the Inn as welcoming as possible. The added bonus of this time off is a chance to spend time with her sisters and reacquaint herself with her hometown. And everything is going so very well until she runs into the last person she ever wanted to see again: her ex-boyfriend Corbin Stewart. His NFL quarterback career sidelined by a devastating shoulder injury, Corbin has come to Merryweather to recuperate and complete the therapy he needs to function without pain. He has bought a house that will require major renovation before its really livable but it will give him much needed time with his father who has been battling cancer for quite a while. Corbin never expected to run into Willow again after their breakup, given his hurtful words were what drove them apart in the first place. But he has recently become a Christian and is doing his best to right his past wrongs, if only Willow will give him a chance. Willow has always been the rule-following, people pleaser of the Bradford family but when she met Corbin, she decided to move beyond her self-imposed “restrictions” and give herself totally to Corbin and his love. Consequences of that decision had long reaching effects and ultimately led Corbin to lash out in desperation, hurting both Willow and himself with his destructive words and actions. Vowing she will never break her rules again, Willow ran fast and far from Corbin and his betrayal. Fast forward four years and Willow is still holding her hurt and mistakes close to her heart – both to ensure she never compromises herself again or lets anyone get as close as Corbin did. Corbin has never forgotten a single moment of his time with Willow, and he is certain that she is the only one he will ever love that deeply. But breaking down her very thick walls of resentment and hurt will take all he has as well as some help from God. Corbin’s chance comes when his niece Charlotte asks Willow to help her solve the mystery of her great aunt’s disappearance and supposed death. With only a few newspaper articles and photos from family albums to go on, the case seems nearly impossible to begin, much less solve. But with new technology and some help from her librarian sister, Willow begins to piece together what happened to Josephine Blake. The case will take some unexpected twists and turns that will bring a conclusion that is totally unforeseen. But through their work on the case, Willow and Corbin will get the chance to talk through what happened four year ago – and maybe, move on to something even better than they had before. I enjoyed reading this story and getting to know the people of Merryweather better. The characters focused on in this story were well developed in both voice and description. I was able to get a real feel for how each of them thought and it helped me connect with them in their situations. I really identified with Willow as its very much in my own nature to want to please others. And while I know its not always possible or probable, it is a goal I set for myself to do my best on and with everything. This can often create a heavy pressure on yourself to be and do all things for everyone and its hard to find a good balance. I’ve been growing in this with the Lord and it was good to read of another who faces the same problems. Corbin desperately wanted love and, until he found Jesus, he sought it from anyone and any thing. He was also seeking a forgiveness that he couldn’t seem to find and it made him reach out to whatever he found to hide his needs away. The weight that was lifted as he handed it all to God was profound and finally gave him the courage to ask Willow for the forgiveness he knows they both need. Corbin further learned the hard truths of trust and letting go. Control is a hard thing to release and while there is much freedom to be found in that release it still takes strength to say “Okay, you take it because I can’t anymore.” So although this story did not make my heart race with danger or drama, it did reaffirm some wonderful truths and gave me new challenges to my faith. I will most certainly recommend this book and the series to others as its very well done. I’m looking forward to the third book to see what will happen with Britt and Zander.

I received this E-book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

True to You was one of my favorite books last year, so to say that I was excited for Falling for You might be a bit of an understatement. It was just as good, maybe even better than, it's predecessor.

Falling for You's first sentence instantly hooked me and left me quite intrigued. I was glued to the pages from that point onward and read it as fast as possible. It was definitely hard to put down. And even though it's book two in the series, it can easily standalone.

Corbin and Willow were great, multifaceted characters. Their chemistry was off the charts and their back and forth banter was so much fun. I really enjoyed watching them learn to trust one another again.

Despite her grumpy nature, Grandma was still my favorite character. I think we've all known someone like her and I'm hoping she's in the next book more.

One of the things I enjoyed most in this novel was all the text messages, letters, phone conversations, newspaper articles, etc. at the end of each chapter. It was a fun way to add additional insight into the characters and the missing person case.

There were many times when I was laughing out loud, but also moments that brought tears to my eyes. This novel was very well balanced and as close to perfect as a romance novel can get. I can't even tell you how much I loved it! Slipping into this book and getting to know these characters was the best kind of feeling. I wish I could give it more than five stars; it was just that good! I can't recommend it highly enough and am very eager for book three!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Falling for You
by Becky Wade
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 01 May 2018
I am reviewing a copy of Falling For You through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:
Willow Bradford is a famously beautiful model who is taking a temporary break from her hectic schedule to work as the innkeeper at her family's bed and breakfast. Willow is enjoying the peace of her hometown.



Corbin is a former NFL quarterback who is used to getting what he wants, but that isn't the case when it comes to him getting Willow Bradford. He will never stop regretting what happened to them a few years prior, but when their paths cross again, he is determined to try and make things right.

A decades old missing persons case means that Corbin and Willow must work together and in doing so they are forced to confront their past as well as the people they have become.

Will Corbin and Willow risk falling in love again despite all of this?


Find out in Falling For You!

Five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Becky Wade has earned herself a spot n my shelf of must read authors! She knows how to weave a captivating romance that I'm invested in from the beginning. Her Bradford sisters series started off strong with True to You and Falling for You did not disappoint. I did connect a little more with Nora than Willow but that's simply because I'm also a book worm with a penchant for period dramas. Willow and Corbin's last attempt at a relationship did not end on a good note and when they're thrust together again they both resent the sparks that immediately start to fly. Corbin is a different man than he was the first time they were together and quickly realizes Willow is the one for him. Willow is still struggling with guilt over their last relationship and has built walls around herself. As a mystery of a missing woman slowly starts to unravel Willow is realizing Corbin is exactly what she wants and needs in a partner but still struggles to let him close. I truly enjoyed the mystery and seeing Willow and Corbin's relationship blossom. I would recommended this story for fans of contemporary romance and am eagerly waiting for the next installment!

I love love love what Becky Wade is doing with this series! The Bradford sisters are an authentic and endearing trio with all the usual hiccups and blessings of sisterhood. I’ve enjoyed getting to know them and understanding their individual strengths and insecurities.

Despite her extraordinary modeling career, Willow Bradford is such a relatable character for me. She has many traditional first-born qualities like high expectations, stringent adherence to rules and/or traditions, and family loyalty that runs deep. Willow might be a celebrity but she’s still a regular gal with hopes and dreams that don’t consist of jetting all over the world and making a pile of money.

Corbin Stewart, his charismatic charm, and his earnest fledgling faith captured my reader heart as his frustrated goading evolved into persistent wooing and a relentless endeavor to love. I found Corbin’s lingering ego to be exceedingly entertaining, especially when he’s being taunted or brushed aside by a confident tween or enduring the eagle eye of a no-nonsense grandmother.

Faith and family form the solid foundation of this second-chance romance and intriguing mystery. Wade gives us characters that set up permanent residence in our reader hearts. I am already looking forward to reading these stories again and again. There is no doubt in my mind that the third installment will be just as delightful as the first two have been.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

I seriously wish that Merryweather existed in real life. If it did, I'd move there in a heartbeat and never leave. (Which says something, because I love my town.)

Wade possesses a gift for creating and maintaining a sense of place. I immediately felt like I stood right next to each character as the story progressed. I saw what they saw, smelled the baked goods (chocolate in the morning? Absolutely), looked out over the town. Out of the way, Gilmore Girls' Stars Hollow -- Merryweather is giving you a run for your money.

Corbin and Willow's story took twists and turns throughout Falling for You. I truly didn't know what would happen next! And oh, that climax. Wow. *insert much applause here* *hands readers a box of Kleenex*

"If Willow was brave enough to do it with me, then why wasn't I brave enough to do it with Him? I've always liked to ... think of myself as brave." (eARC, location 6187 of 6344)

I'm not one to cry while reading (aside from Mary Beth Chapman's "Choosing to SEE"), but Falling for You nearly got added to the list. Not only due to the story progression, but just my own conviction! I like to think of myself as brave ... when in reality, perhaps not as much as I thought. Falling for You will remain with me for quite a while to come.

I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Falling for you, by Becky Wade, is the second of the Bradford Sisters series but can be read as a stand alone.
Willow- the oldest of the Bradford sisters- is a model who has taken a break to help run her parents inn in Washington. I would best describe her as having a Type-A personality with an addiction to shopping for housewares, which is apparent throughout the book.

Four years previously, she dated NFL Corbin Stewart which ended terribly and happens to come back into her life when she least expects. Now, Corbin and Willow must work together with his niece to help solve a 40 year old crime. I would say this is a reunion of sorts, two people who are meant to be together but the first time didn’t work in their favor so they have this second chance. There was definitely chemistry, but each tried to fight due to personal reasons. Throughout the book, you can see the determination in Corbin to reconnect, but Willow is hesitant due to past hurts. There are multiple religious references about finding forgiveness and finding your faith.

Thank you to Bethany House and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book! All opinions stated are my own.

I loved Willow's story! I could totally relate to her with being a fellow oldest. I loved how Becky deals with some hard topics too.

Falling For You Is a story of childhood love rekindle. A chance for that proverbial second chance. They also during all that try to solve a 10 year old mystery - will they be able to solve it? What is the mystery? Wouldn't you like to know you - have to read for yourself -. In this book you have love, laughter, family, thoughtfullness and colossal Faith. enjoy the refined read.

It's not often that a book makes me reach for Kleenex but this one did. But I won't give any spoilers as to why!

First, let's start out with some quotes from our hero and heroine. I marked these because they capture the essence of the relationship between them that is constantly at odds. Plus, one of the lines displays the beauty of Wade's writing.

"He studied her. 'Four years have passed, and you still hate me,' he said." - Corbin

"But like the pea in the Princess and the Pea fairy tale, Corbin continued to bother her. He wouldn't go away. He wouldn't let her relax. The mattresses upon mattresses she'd stacked between her heart and his memory weren't doing the trick." - Willow

From the beginning of the book Corbin and Willow were always butting heads (there's just no nice way to say it), making you wonder how they could ever reconcile. But as the two spent more time together, their past relationship was slowly unveiled igniting sympathy towards both of them. Some hard issues were discussed in regards to their relationship and Wade did a fabulous job of weaving the descriptions throughout and heightening the emotional pull you felt towards Corbin and Willow.

My two favorite scenes in the book (no spoilers here!) were when Corbin and Willow "have it out" in the entryway of her home. I could just feel the agony of both during that scene! Heart pounding! The second favorite scene happened during a talk Corbin had with his dad. Oh man! I got teary-eyed during that one. Wade definitely knows how to build a scene and escalate the emotions to where you, as a reader, are sucked in and feel like you're observing the characters first-hand.

The theme of reconciliation is woven throughout the story line giving us all a reminder that we should reconcile with those we love. After all, it's what Jesus did for us.

Falling for You by Becky Wade is the second book in the Bradford Sisters series. I was definitely looking forward to this book after being introduced to the characters in the first book. It's about model Willow Bradford and former NFL star Corbin Stewart. When we met them previously we found out they had been in a relationship a few years ago, and it ended badly. Apparently, very badly. Somehow they both get wrapped up in a decades old missing persons case and are forced to face the reasons their relationship ended as they work together.

I thought Willow's fears within relationships rang true given her past, and I enjoyed seeing her deal with real struggles like guilt and unforgiveness. I thought Corbin's character was interesting as a new believer, but my heart hurt that there wasn't anyone discipling him. His understanding of the gospel seemed pretty self-focused (what does God do for me), and I really hope we can see him continue to grow in the future. In fact, the biggest thing that bothered me was how manipulative he could be, and it was never really addressed to my liking.

The other part I had a hard time with was the missing persons story. I can't quite figure out how three amateurs are able to uncover all this new evidence when no one else had been able to. And why wouldn't Corbin (who clearly had a lot of money) just hire investigators? I had to suspend disbelief a bit here, but it didn't detract too much from the story.

I'll definitely be reading the next book because Becky Wade has done a fantastic job of setting up the main characters. I really enjoyed this book and read through it quickly. Hopefully the next one will be even better!

Falling for You, is the second in a series about the Bradford sisters. It could stand alone but really makes more sense if you have the background from the previous book in the series.



Having said that, I must say that when I finished this book, it jumped to one of my all-time favorites beside two other books I think are great not only for the romance but for their spiritual insight (those being: The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander and The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw).



Before you think this is going to be a sappy review, Let me start by saying I was aggravated by Willow's unwillingness to listen to, much less forgive Corbin. She was supposed to be a Christian but she acted more selfish than selfless.



Christians aren't perfect, and when they put someone or something on a pedestal above God then, not only are they breaking a commandment but they fall susceptible to temptations.



Corbin was right to be persistent and persevering in confronting his and Willow's past. He had messed up royally but not unforgivably.



Corbin was sexy, funny, and sweet. Willow was the opposite, classy, gentle, and loyal. The agenda to solve a 40 year old mystery by one little girl brings them together again; but many obstacles remain in their path including Corbin's Dad's illness. Corbin's Dad, Joe dislikes Willow for what she did to Corbin earlier and he extracts promises from her that just might keep the couple apart for good.



I was angry at how these promises were creating such angst for the characters as Corbin had to deal with his Dad's dying alone. Ultimately, I realized what the author, and most importantly, God needed to do with the characters.



Corbin needed to see that God not Willow was all he needed. We people can't fix everything. We have a need within that can only be filled by One.



Becky created a superb novel, well worth the 5 star read and a spot on your keeper shelf.

I received this book from Bethany House for my honest review.

FALLING FOR YOU by BECKY WADE is an incredibly beautiful inspirational romance novel with a really strong Christian message. It is a story of forgiveness, reconciliation and redemption.
Two people, each famous in their own right, Corbin Stewart, the NFL quarterback, and Willow Bradford, the successful model, who are both still reeling from a nasty break up four years ago, agree to work together with Corbin's young cousin, Charlotte Dixon, to find out what happened to her grandmother's sister who disappeared without a trace in 1977.
We are drawn into the characters' emotional struggles, heartaches, joys and fears. I love the way the relationship between the three Bradford sisters and that between Corbin and his father, are portrayed.
It is a book I will read more than once and I can highly recommend it.
I was given a copy of the book by Bethany House Publishers from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Willow Bradford hasn't forgiven Corbin for the way their relationship ended 4 years ago. Now they are forced to work together and he is determined to win her back. As Willow begins to fall for Corbin again she realizes that maybe she hasn't forgiven herself. This was a great story about forgiveness, second chances, and never giving up hope.

A quaint setting and easily-relatable characters are just the tip of the iceberg with this heart-filled story. Beneath the surface lie layers of unforgiveness, family complexities, a tough faith journey, banter & humor, mystery, and the vulnerabilities of romantic connection.

Falling for You encompasses so many emotions and moments of truth. Just when it seems like the characters are making progress, another layer of Willow and Corbin’s past relationship is revealed, increasing the tension and complexity of the story. I love that Becky Wade can make me laugh, cry, and swoon in a matter of pages. Mostly, I love that my own faith can be challenged through story — and what a lesson it is! For Willow, it’s a lesson in trust and forgiveness. For Corbin, a lesson in surrender and waiting. For them both, fully depending on God’s strength becomes essential.

I’m looking forward to Britt’s story (finally!) next! This story already made me crave chocolate. 🙂

Thank you to Prism Book Tours and Bethany House for the review copy. This is my honest review.

This book is the story of the oldest Bradford sister, Willow. I personally love Willow (she might be my favorite of the three sisters), and I just loved this love story. True to any Becky Wade novel, this book is packed full of heart-stopping romance that just makes your toes tingle (Can we say Corbin? Mmmhmm)! There’s also a little bit of a mystery thrown in — Charlotte quickly became one of my favorite characters!One of my favorite things about Falling for You (besides the heart-melting romance) is that each chapter ends with a text message or letter or some other form of communication — and Y’all know how I love multimedia type texts! I also enjoyed the missing person mystery that wove its way through the pages. An all over great story — if you’re going to the beach this summer, it would be the perfect read (along with book one!)

Also, can we just stop and appreciate the gorgeous cover of this book? I mean seriously. I love it (and I wouldn’t be mad if I happened to find a dress like that either…)

Everyone keeps telling me that I have to read Becky Wade’s books. I have tried two of them before, but they were not my cup of tea. A couple of years have passed and after hearing so much good things about Falling for You, I decided to try this one, but . . . I didn’t like Willow from the start and that didn’t change the further I read. Her thoughts drove me mad. I think Charlotte was the cutest character in the story. Corbin was ok, but not my kind of hero. I know the author has many fans and I’m glad she has a big reading audience that loves her books, but I’m not one of them – mainly because I don’t like her characters, but her writing style is good.

When an ex-football player and a model on vacation team up with a 12-year-old to discover what happened to a 40-year-old missing persons case, anything is bound to happen in this second installment of the Bradford Sisters series. A wonderful series when read in order or as a standalone novel. Check out my full review with RT Book Reviews!

Becky Wade took a huge leap of faith in the first book of The Bradford Sisters series. She took her expertly crafted romantic side and merged it with a new mysterious side. In between she sandwiched some of the best and most realistic characters I've met in some time.

And she's done it again with "Falling For You", and I enjoyed this book twice as much as her first. Considering how much I loved "True To You", that's saying something!

Wade has mastered the genre of romantic suspense and done it her own way: heavy on the romance, mildly suspenseful, and liberally sprinkled with faith and fun.

I adore the Bradford sisters, and I can hardly wait to see Britt finally realize. . .oops, almost wrote a spoiler!

True to You by Becky Wade was one of my favourite reads of 2017. It was a contemporary Christian romance about a librarian who dabbled in family history research, so how could I not love it? The heroine of True to You was Nora, one of the three Bradford sisters—a librarian, a pastry chef, and a famous model. It was pretty obvious the series was going to give us stories for each sister.

After reading True to You, I was keen to read the other two stories. Falling for You is the second novel in the series, and it’s the story of the internationally famous model and the retired football star.

Injury has forced Corbin Stewart to retire from football. He’s bought a house in Shore Pine, Washington, to be near his only remaining family. What he didn’t know was that it also put him near ex-girlfriend Willow Bradford, now on a sabbatical from modelling, living in nearby Merryweather and managing her family B&B.

Charlotte Dixon, Corbin’s twelve-year-old niece, has discovered a family secret. She’s convinced Willow Bradford will help her uncover the mystery behind the secret, and convinces Corbin to introduce her to Willow. Willow agrees to help, even though helping will bring her into too much contact with ex-boyfriend Corbin. Who is still devastatingly attractive, despite the way he broke up with her four years ago.

Falling for You follows the same pattern as True to You and the free prequel novella, Then Came You. It intersperses the present-day story with letters, emails, and text messages from the past and present. It’s a novel (!) way to tell a story, and it works as we see the past and present stories of Willow, Corbin, and others.

And it’s a strong story. It’s the romance of two people who messed up years ago, and have to work out if there’s a way through that mess to find happiness. Part of that mess was because while Willow is and always has been a strong Christian, Corbin called himself a Christian but didn’t live the life (football star, remember?). He’s now become a Christian, but finding life hard.

Willow has her own problems with faith, and they are so deep-seated it actually takes her a while to realise they even exist. This, to me, was the depth in the book—Willow coming to terms with her past choices, and what that means for her faith. And there was a fascinating suspense plot around Charlotte’s secret.

I loved True to You because I related to Nora, the librarian. She’s bookish, and that meant I could relate to her in a way I can’t relate to an internationally famous model. But I could still relate to Willow as a woman who has made mistakes, who has to learn what forgiveness really means.

Falling for You is a touching tale of love lost and love found again, underpinned by an intriguing mystery, and the power of God to forgive.

Now I’m looking forward to the third book in the Bradford Sisters series, the story of the pastry chef who doesn’t realise her best friend of forever is in love with her (and has been forever). He knows it. I know it. Her sisters know it. But she doesn’t, and that’s a trope I love.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.