I really enjoyed this book! Another winner from Becky Wade.

I loved the reflection that both MC's went through and how they wanted to improve their current situations, not for each other but for themselves! The love story component was beautifully told, with Genevieve worming her way into Sam's life in a way that he tried to resist, but broke open his heart to see that shutting himself away was not actually the best plan.

Becky Wade is a favorite Christian author of mine, who writes beautiful, redeeming stories with so much heart!

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This author masterfully weaves a heart-wrenching yet hopeful tale that begins 18 years in the past, San Salvador – Junior High Mission Trip where things go horribly wrong. Then the story fast forwards to current time. I loved the first line of this story, “Like Papa Bear in the Goldilocks story, Sam Turner had discovered a strange woman sleeping in the bed of a house he owned.”

I liked how the author respectfully and realistically talks about and tackles some hard topics such as Oxycodone addiction, co-dependency, forgiveness, tragedy, and recovery. Where is God in all this? I liked how the author naturally and honestly dealt with that matter too.

I instantly liked Sam Turner who discovers a young lady in his house and is courteous to her. Looking at her sleep, flash backs remind him of a previous relationship that break his heart. He cannot get involved with this gal she’ll be nothing but trouble. Hadn’t he been running from trouble all these years?

Genevieve realizes she has a problem and the only way to deal with it was to stay at this cabin until she was better. She wanted Sam to rent the place to her. He is reluctant. He sets up some guidelines and she abides by his rules. I liked Gen. She was trying to do all she could for the Lord, who spared her life on that mission trip.

Sam hears a voice in his spirit, “In your weakness, I am strong.” Really God. Because Sam felt that he just couldn’t do any of this….” Regardless of his weakness, in God’s strength he could do the one thing within his ability.” He just had so stay the course…He began to realize he was not an island. God had created him for community. “Relationships were painful and messy and beautiful and important. The mess came with the beauty. The pain came with the importance. That was life. And God was calling him to live it.”

I liked how this author masterfully weaves in the spiritual thread naturally. By looking at the front cover I never imagined I’d be reading such an intriguing story that dealt with such heavy topics. I like how she explains the situation and lets the readers come to their own conclusions.

This is a story I thought would be predictable, boy was I wrong. It was full of surprises. I could not put this novel down. I liked the characters and enjoyed rooting for as they matured over time. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Classic Becky White. Inviting cover art. A beautifully written story. Real characters. Read this on your front porch...or back deck. You will not be disappointed. Five stars.

A unique spin on the usual contemporary Christian romance genre tropes, this love story is sure to delight Wade's loyal fans (and bring her new ones, too!)! I've long been a reader of Becky Wade and am inspired by her dedication to the genre and her love of writing craft. I'm looking forward to the next books in this series!

Stay With Me is the first novel in Becky Wade’s new Misty River series. If you have ever read a Becky Wade book, you will certainly love this one. It is filled with all the things that make Wade an award-winning writer: classic banter between the characters, humor, love, and a heart touching spiritual message. If you haven’t read a Becky Wade book, since this is the first book in the series it is a perfect place to start.

I was taken in immediately by the characters in this story. First, Sam and Genevieve have professions that are not the most common ones that we read in a romance novel. Second, they are both encumbered with a load of secrets. What a weight they both are trying to carry on their own! I was engaged in their story from the first entertaining meeting of the two to the very last page.

Becky Wade handles some heavy topics in this book , but she handles them well. I felt respect and hope was given for people who struggle with similar things. I loved the inclusion of characters who forgive and continue to love anyway despite the mistakes committed by others. The story was brought to a satisfying conclusion, one that brought a few tears, but was full of grace.

I highly recommend this latest book by Becky Wade.

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

I don't usually read Contemporary Christian Romance books. I tend to stay with historical or suspense, but ever so often I step out of my normal genres and pick up something different. After reading Stay With Me, I'm asking myself why I don't read more books like this! Especially by this author!



This book had me from the first page. It is a beautiful story that deals with some really tough subjects. Genevieve is a Bible study author who, after an ankle surgery, is battling an addiction to prescription pain pills. After receiving an anonymous letter about her parents past, she returns to her hometown. After a long night, Genevieve takes some pills and ends up asleep in the beautiful farm house that belongs to Sam Turner. When Sam finds Genevieve asleep on his property, he can't seem to wake her. He soon finds out her secret. This is the last thing Sam wants in his life as he is still dealing with the guilt of his own past, but it seems as God has another plan.



Just about every emotion is visited in this book. I found myself laughing in several places, frustrated in others, and also at times hopeful as well as saddened. There is a family secret that two sisters work to uncover and I enjoyed the mystery it brought to the book. There is a great message of grace and forgiveness and I loved the gospel message that the author brought out.



This just so happens to be the first book in The Misty River Romance series and you better believe I'll be reading the rest of the series.





***Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for this book!

Stay With Me was a wonderful start to this new series! At first I didn't like the characters (especially Genevieve), but as I continued reading they grew on me. There were a couple instances when she said something that bugged me, but the storyline and writing made up for it.

I loved the mystery of what happened with her parents. I definitely did not see the conclusion coming. I also enjoyed the glimpses into the past and what the children felt when they were trapped all those years ago.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Stay With Me and can't wait for the next book!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

"Stay With Me," by Becky Wade is a wonderful piece of literary excellence. Wade masterfully develops the character of Genevieve Woodward, transforming her from emotionally distant to endearing in ways that the reader could not fathom early on. Upon her return to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, she comes into contact with Sam Turner, who is immediately endearing. The detailed writing of Becky Wade plays a key role in helping the reader to feel as though one is right alongside these characters in their journey to overcome a past that has been kept secret for so long.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and was not required to write a favorable. All opinions are my own.

This is a beautiful story and one of my favorites that I’ve read from Becky Wade. Genevieve needs a break. Her career has left her drained both physically and spiritually. She decides to head home to the Blue Ridge Mountains to regroup. She finds herself an unplanned and unexpected position that forces her to admit that she needs help confronting an addiction. Sam determines that he’s going to help her, even though he’s not that comfortable getting involved.

Here’s what I loved about this book: It’s all about the grace of God and His unfailing love for us. Genevieve is a wonderful, caring person who loves her family and the people in her life, but she’s finding it hard to admit she needs help. It’s a great reminder to us to be there for our friends and support them in their struggles. When we do that, we open up avenues for God to reach them ( and us) in miraculous ways.

Genevieve and Sam’s story is amazing, and I have to admit that I was teary-eyed through part of the book. Don’t miss this one. I love it that this is Book One in the series, and there’s more to come!

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

I tried really hard to get into this but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. I just can't get into books that have a strong religion theme and this seemed like that type of book to me.

Several things: I can't "see" this title without singing Sam Smith. Two, I avoided reading this book for the longest time, because I knew when I started that meant IT WOULD ALMOST BE OVER and I just couldn't take it.

I wasn't wrong.

This is one of those books that is surprising in the very best of ways. It also ends in the very best way....leaving you extremely hungry for the next one. A lovely setting, an interesting premise, a unique mystery, and multi-layered characters with atypical back stories....all elements that have come together to create a wonderful story.

The first book in the new Misty River Romance series, we are introduced to Genevieve Woodward and Sam Turner.

Not your typical couple - in fact they are not even a couple for the majority of the book - the meet cute occurs when Genevieve is discovered by Sam, passed out in his cottage (she says cottage, he says guesthouse....) When he wakes her up she barely knows where she is, which stems from a pill dependency - I promise this is not a serious spoiler as it's revealed quickly. To further complicate matters, Genevieve is a Christian author and speaker - and she is sincere and genuine to be sure, but the extra layers of pressure to recover and find redemption also add some serious "how will this be resolved" tension.

Sam is dealing with deep regrets from his past, and Genevieve's particular challenges are not a place he wishes to visit. Their chemistry is super valid and their verbal repartee game is strong. Meanwhile, as Genevieve is navigating her sobriety along with whatever this is with Sam, she is also trying to solve a mystery about her parents that has the potential to change everything she knows to be true.

This is not a traditional or typical romance book; the author often includes an element of mystery in her stories which I always appreciate. I especially enjoyed the peek back to the different members of 'The Miracle Five' sprinkled throughout the book and their clear setup I AM SO EXCITED for the next book in the series. I thought the resolution of both the mystery as well as Genevieve and Sam's relationship was unexpected....a pleasant surprise.

In case you did not feel it was clear....I strong recommend this book and all other books by this author.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Becky Wade engages readers with this emotional contemporary romance and draws you in with her characters real world problems. Stay With Me addresses very real struggles while peeling back the layers of hope by facing them head on. The main female character, Genevieve, is a Bible study author with secrets that could devastate her career. Sam, the main male character, is living the life of a farmer in order to shut out his past and stay secluded. Their paths cross in an unusual way and they struggle to let go of their own reservations to move toward the future. Lies, secrets and trauma will all be exposed and an inspirational message fills the pages. Stay With Me is engaging, emotional and full of redemption. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

Good girl and spiritual role model, Genevieve Woodward needs a rest, as her world closes in on her. When Sam Turner finds Genevieve in his house, he's reluctant to turn her away. As past events and secrets shape the present, Sam and Genevieve struggle with deep loneliness. But the two slowly begin to lean on one another, making room inside of their very weary hearts. Becky Wade shines with an unputdownable mix of romance, very human emotions and how faith plays a role in each. Genevieve's journey will stay with readers for a very long time

Stay with Me
by Becky Wade
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Romance
Pub Date 05 May 2020


I am reviewing a copy of Stay With Me through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:




A strange and mysterious letter hinting to a secret in her parents past draws Genevieve Woodward back to her Blue Ridge Mountains hometown, but she needs a break from her high profile career that has left her burned out, and hiding a powerful secret of her own. Waking up in a cottage she does not know, with a confused owner staring down at her, she realizes she can no longer deny she needs help.





Sam Turner embraces his sadness as well as being an outsider. The solitary, disciplined life he lives on his historic farm is the life he's chosen for himself. He certainly does not want to rent his cottage to a woman who is both troubled and talkative. Yet he can’t turn her away when she obviously needs him.


As Genevieve researches her family’s history the emotions between her and Sam deepen. They have to let go of the facades and loneliness they've clung to and allow light to illuminate every hidden truth.



I give Stay With Me five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

A well written lovely novel that deals with how past choices affect the present. Beautifully depicted, lovely characters, great Christian message.

Stay with Me by Becky Wade is the first book in the Misty River series. Genevieve Woodward has it all a successful career as a Christian author and motivational speaker, but she is hiding a secret of opioid addiction. A mysterious blackmail letter concerning her parents' past sends her back to her hometown to investigate. When her addiction sends her spiraling out of control, she takes refuge in a nearby cottage of Sam Turner. He volunteers to help her through withdrawal. Together, they unite to discover her parents' secrets and find out more than they bargained for including romantic feelings for each other. Wade has started off another great series.

Stay with Me, the first book in Becky Wade‘s Misty River Romance series, is a sweet romance that wrestles the topics of trauma, addiction, and secrets. Sam Turner, who readers meet in Take a Chance on Me, prefers his solitude, but when he discovers a stranger asleep in his empty guest house, his world is turned upside down.

Genevieve Woodward is a successful Bible study author and speaker. After receiving a threatening letter, she returns home to Misty River to find answers. Except, she’s harboring a secret of her own: a prescription drug addition. When it causes her to black out in a random guy’s guesthouse, she realizes she has to get clean. Her past few attempts failed, but Sam Turner’s guest house held the perfect balance of someone to keep an eye on her and the privacy she needed to be successful.

I don’t think I’ve read a Christian Fiction story that so unabashedly showed someone struggling with addiction and recovery. It was refreshing to read the honest take. Becky Wade also avoided making it melodramatic. Readers rooted for Genevieve to stay clean, even as she faced pitfalls to her recovery. It was also refreshing to read about the hidden side of what a (fictional) famous Christian personality could go through. Like Sam, I saw Genevieve as too loud and too pushy, but seeing her real personality emerge endeared her to not just Sam.

I highly recommend reading Stay with Me. Of course, if addition and trauma are triggers for you, this may or may not be the best book to read. But for anyone who wants to a refreshing take on these topics, definitely pick up a copy. The story continues in the next book in the series.

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I received this book free from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

There are some stories that lightly feather your emotions and some that just whack you in all the feels. Stay with Me is the latter in the best possible way.

Having been a Becky Wade fan for a while, I had no doubt this would be a great story, but this-This!- book far exceeded my expectations. And my fangirl levels are soaring off the charts, because not only did this novel have layered-yet-relatable characters, an Intriguing plot, and a swoon-worthy romance, but the author tackled a delicate subject with brilliant strokes of grace.

The scenes were so vivid I wanted to pack my bags and head toward Misty River. Seriously Sam’s house and Gen’s cottage (well, Sam insists it’s a guesthouse) is my kind of charming! And can we just talk about Sam for a bit.
SAM!!!!
Okay, he has such a tender heart. He knows it, Gen knows it, the reader knows it, but he was still so scared to open up again because of past hurt. His protectiveness and devotion was super endearing. I could probably gush on and on about Sam because he was that beautiful. Yes beautiful.

In true Becky Wade fashion, this series has an amazing cast of secondary characters. Natasha is by far my favorite. She’s an Austen fan and quotes Pride and Prejudice like a boss. We could be besties.

I love the spiritual theme woven throughout the pages. It reminds me of that verse- in my weakness, His strength is made perfect. In our struggles, God shows up and shows up BIG! That’s what resonated with me while turning the pages of this amazing story! I give it all the stars!

** I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

Stay with Me is a welcome change to your typical Christian romance. In this page turning romance, we see our characters deal with drug addiction, honesty, and ultimately how the truth will set us free to receive grace. I highly recommend and was unable to put this book down until the very end.

This was a sweet story with a good back story. It had great pace and intense moments. It was a unique read that keeps you fully engrossed.