Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for providing me a copy of this book on NetGalley to read and review.

I wanted to like this book, I really, really did. It just had too many subplots and too many characters that seemed not to go anywhere. I really like other books by Catherine Ryan Hyde, but found this was a bit of a slog to get through. The epilogue also seemed to come out of left field and there just didn't seem to be a need for it, except to wrap up everything in a neat little bow.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is an amazing author and this book was one of her best. I devoured it in two days and was disappointed to see it end. Her characters are so well developed that you feel like you know them and miss them when the last page is turned. This is a book that stays with you long after the reading is done.

I love this Author's writing. This book really makes you feel. Lucas is 14 in 1969. He has a brother fighting in the Vietnam War and a best friend (also 14) with suicidal thoughts. He meets a recluse living with her dogs in a cabin in the woods. Do yourself a favour and read this book. It is absolutely fantastic. Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the Author for allowing me to read and review this wonderful book.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for an honest review.

This is a book about true friendship, loyalty ,healing and redemption. This is a well written book in the words of a 14 year old boy . The characters are believable and well crafted. Read this book you will not be disappointed.

I wasnt sure about this book. I received an ARC from NetGalley but it wasnt my usual genre - mystery/thriller/psychological so I wasnt prepared for what I read. The story starts with Lucas, a fourteen year old boy, who was very confused. His home was unsettling with his parents fighting all the time and as a teenager he had loads of questions about life. And no one to talk to.

His best friend, Connor wasnt much help either - having an unstable mom and being depressed himself. The story takes you through their friendship and relationship with Zoe, grandma-aged lady living in the woods who was responsible for the deaths of two children when the school bus she was driving veered off the road.

And from there the story took hold of me and wouldnt let go. It hit home a bit because it also covers the time of the Vietnam War which Lucas' brother served in and I grew up in that era. I found myself turning pages and reading every minute I could because the home life these boys had was what brought them to be closer and rely on each other for their well being.

Lucas' philosophy on life was amazing especially the book , in the second half, fast forwards 50 years and finds Lucas telling his stories to Connor's grandson.....who states "everyone dies in your story" to which Lucas replies: "If you think having and losing is so bad, try never having." So profound are the statements in this book. A must read. I was glad I read out of my usual genre.

This is a thought provoking, heart felt story that I loved! Ten stars!!
Lucas is a fourteen year old young man with a heart of gold. He longs to try to help anyone and everyone, and wishes that life would be perfect for all.
The time is the late 1960’s when the Vietnam War was in full blast. The world and life in general is in turmoil.
He is troubled by his best friend Connor, who seems to be depressed. Can he help him?
"You can’t make somebody leave and you can’t make them stay.” Can you?

Lucas saves, befriends and truly loves Zoe Dinsmore who will be just what both need as their lives intersect.
The quote: “Nothing in my life has ever been a mistake” is the perfect description for Lucas. He is in exactly the “right” place at the required time.
Zoe is my favorite character and has guts,heart and a strength that I admire!
However, Lucas is her angel at a time when desperately needed!

I am so grateful that the last piece of this story is a fast forward to present day.
It gave me the closure needed to say “ see you later” to each of these characters that I had spent a few days living with.
Definitely a book people should read! Excellent!

Summer, 1969
Lucas Painter, aged 14
Connor Barnes, also 14, Lucas Painter's best friend since they were three years old
Leroy "Roy" Painter, Lucas Painter's brother who's been at war in Viet Nam

This book is like coming back to a comfortable room to talk to an old friend. The narrative is like the voice of someone dear and familiar.

Lucas Painter is at that awkward age when things inevitably start to change in the lives of most people his age, but he knows the moment the biggest change happens in his life. It becomes that moment when he crosses the invisible line between what is and what will be.

Lucas happens upon a cabin in the woods near his home. The two big dogs who belong to the occupant of the cabin become his running buddies, and one of the first things Lucas learns is that he really loves running. He's good at it, and the dogs love running with him. The mystery of the occupant of the cabin becomes known to him over time.

Zoe Dinsmore has her burdens to bear and she does the best she can, on her own and with no help from the townsfolk. Slowly but surely, her layers get peeled back, though. We begin see her as a whole human woman, and not just the pieces the people of the town have assigned to her. Her friendship with Lucas seems to be just what they both need.

I love the way this story ties up loose ends and gives each character the knowledge of how their lives might have been different if not for the fact that each of them dared to step out of their comfort zones and say or do a thing that, while small, was huge in the lives of each the them.

I long ago ran out of superlatives to describe the books Catherine Ryan Hyde writes. There is no bottom to the depth and breadth of her stories and characters.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book, I loved it the writing was brilliant and the characters so believable. I would definitely recommend this book.

Lucas and Connor are best friends, both fourteen years old. They live in a small town where've everyone knows each other. The Vietnam Ws raging on. Lucas' brother Roy was drafted. But when he is sent home early he is damaged both physically and emotionally. One day, while in the woods Lucas finds a cabin and two large dogs. Lucas begins to run regularly with the dogs.

Finally, he meets Zoe, the dog's owner, who is a recluse because of a tragic accident years ago. As Lucas gets to know Zoe he learns more about himself. Connor gets to know Zoe as he deals depression.

This is a story of individuals who are struggling with their own demons. They find strength love and support in each other.

The characters were beautiful, even though they were flawed. This story is engaging and uplifting. It's a story of friendship, promise, and hope.

This is told from Lucas' point of view as he reflects back on his life. This was a wonderful book.

Such a good read about brotherhood bonds and redemption. Lucas Painter is a 14 yr old boy who’s brother is fighting in Vietnam and living with parents that do not get along, His best friend Conor lives next door and has his own set of problems. To escape his problems he escapes to the woods behind his home and discovers a small cabin and two large dogs. Lucas starts daily runs with the dogs and meets the owner a woman . A friendship develops and the boy and the women help each other Navigate life’s complex problems. I have read several books by this Author, the latest “Just After Midnight”” which I recommend.

“Stay” is a well written book about decisions we make in youth and how they follow us through our life. Friendship and family dynamics are at the heart of this story. I would have loved to have more story in Part 2, after the characters have grown into adults. Overall a great read.

Ài received a digital Advance Reader Copy through NetGalley.

I connected with each character right away. This story is a raw one, but one of hope, too.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I always love Catherine Ryan Hyde's books, and this was no different. I got so involved in the characters and their stories, that I couldn't put this book down. Lucas is a good kid, and has more on his shoulders than many kids of his age, and he has so much empathy, you can't help but love him. I'm not good at doing reviews, and can't explain much of the story or other characters without giving spoilers, but I can say that the whole book was fantastic. Then the last part- oh, the last part was so emotional for me. Friendship, family, empathy, love -it had it all. I will be thinking about this book for a long time.

I’m going to miss reading about Lucas and Connor and Roy and especially Zoe. Through this book I’ve learned to love them and become interested in their escapades. Catherine Ryan Hyde is an amazing author. Her books never fail to capture the very essence of her characters. Lucas is the real star of this book. He’s only about 14 when it starts out. The book is set in the Vietnam era but it’s not a war story. It’s about coming of age no matter how old you are. I’m really going to miss these guys. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.

I think that I have read all of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books. I encourage you to do the same. “Stay” is her latest novel. This book tells the story of Lucas, a young man who is dealing with difficult people and difficult relationships in his life. Like a lot of young teenagers, he is aching to do the “right thing” and yet, is surrounded by adults in his life not doing the right things. Lucas struggles but he learns that we have control over our own choices but not the choices of others. Even though we get to make our own choices, we don’t get to choose our consequences. There is an old saying, referenced in the book, that says an ill wind blows no good, if you look long enough, you can find a bit of good for someone even in an ill wind. There will be no trouble finding the good in this book.

Thanks to NetGallery, the publisher, and author, Catherine Ryan Hyde, for the opportunity to read and review “Stay” in exchange for my honest review.

Beautifully written book about the power of friendship and how one simple decision can have such far reaching consequences. Another cracking book from Catherine Ryan Hyde. She never disappoints.

I really enjoyed reading this book by Catherine Hyde. I have read numerous books by this author and I found this one to be one of my favorites. Strong characters, fast pace, good dialogue, characters change and grow with time. Lucas is a 15 year old boy with a best friend Conner. Lucas's parents are always bickering so to get peace and quiet he either goes to Conner's house or begins running in the woods near his home. One day he comes upon a cabin sheltered in the forest and makes friends with the two dogs living there. One day at the cabin he makes a dramatic discovery and saves the life of the woman living there who tried to commit suicide.
Lucas and the woman Zoe begin conversing one day and he founds out there is a mystery surrounding her which he wants to solve with the help of Conner.
There are some strong issues to explore in this book (Zoe's attempted suicide, Conner's issues, Lucas parents marriage) but they are explored carefully and things begin to look up for all the characters in the novel.

Interesting twist on flawed families. The story contains addiction issues, views on the war, how to forgive and go forward in your life, the art of having empathy for others and above all, the importance of family and friendship.
Written from 14 year old Lucas’s perspective. His mother and father fight constantly, his older brother is fighting in the Vietnam War, his best friend seems to be contemplating suicide, he discovers a love for running as he befriends 2 dogs that belong to a women’s living in the woods.
Many thanks to NetGallery, the publisher and author, Catherine Ryan Hyde, for the opportunity to read and review “Stay” in exchange for my honest review.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of my favorite writers. She seems more of an artist with some beautiful depth and colors in her paintings of characters.
You have to connect to characters and STAY had some touching, sweet people. All are fighting to STAY. Lucus is fourteen and carries everyone feelings and pain in his heart.
His story touches on coping with many issues. His friend Conner living with depression. His brother is in the war and comes home damaged. Zoe Dinsmore another person and friend which helps Lucus to learn one cannot hold all people's sorrows, grief, and addictions. One heart is too small for so much caring and trying to make everyone stay.
A brilliant book for adults and great lessons as always for Young adults. When you read Catherine Ryan Hyde books, you come away with more caring and the artist colors on the painting of life.
I just wanted to book to stay so much longer.
Thank you, NetGalley for the advance copy to review.

I loved this book it is another good book by Hyde who is the queen of character study and flawed families that overcome.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book