⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (3.5 Stars)

Stay With Me by Becky Wade was an intriguing and unique story.

Becky tackled some raw, tough subjects with grace and I was fascinated with the unique concept of this series and the challenging storyline.

The characters were indeed incredible, (so many adorable personality traits that were super fun to read about) and the setting was simply gorgeous—I’m so excited to explore a series set in Georgia!! (Southern girl here 😉)

While I honestly did enjoy much of this story and am thrilled to continue this fascinating series, I ended up feeling quite conflicted and a little disappointed in some aspects by the end of the book.

Gen is a world-renowned Bible study teacher and writer. She captivates audiences with her charm and sincerity. But privately, she struggles with the chains of addiction and dishonesty.

Sam is an international transplant attempting to leave behind a past of tragedy and start anew with a simple life of solitude.

Both characters are missing something from their lives and struggling to leave the darkness behind.

But through their struggles and interactions with each other, I felt that the “soul” of the struggle was missing. Both characters, but especially Gen, are searching for restoration, but I never felt as if they sought God for it. God is missing from Gen’s life, but instead of crying out to God, getting in the Word, and seeking godly counsel, she simply plugs on through her life and almost seems to find fulfillment in family and Sam.

While I understand that everyone’s walk of faith is different and not all stories play out the same way, in all honesty, this one just fell a bit flat for me and left me a bit disappointed.

I do adore Becky and her books and will for sure be continuing this series, but I felt compelled to provide my sincere feedback through this review.

I received a copy of this book for FREE, and a positive review was not required.

(🌟🌟🌟-🌟 3-4 out of 5 stars)

“𝚆𝚑𝚢 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚒𝚝 𝚜𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝙲𝚑𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚗𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚌𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚋𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚊𝚝𝚜? 𝙱𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚍𝚎? 𝙱𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝙲𝚑𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚗 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝙲𝚑𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚝 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝? 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍?” (𝐒𝐚𝐦-𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐞, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎)


I’m giving this book about 3-4 stars out of 5.
I can’t make up my mind about the star-rating because I have mixed emotions on this book which I would try to explain in this review.

Genevieve was a preacher of God’s teachings for a living. She comes from a respected family and grew up close with her sister, Natasha. She and her sister were famous from an event that happened in the past and has been living under the shadows of that event. She was battling her thoughts and emotions about everything in her life including her purpose as a person. Because of all the pressure that she had to endure, she suffered from drug addiction but vowed to clean herself to not disappoint the people around her.

Sam was an half-Australian, half-American who decided to live permanently in the US after everything that he’d been through in life. He, as well, experienced a very scarring event in his life that resulted to him living a self-imposed prison. It may not have been his exact description of living, but that’s how Genevieve saw it. Sam owns the restaurant and farm in Gen’s hometown and their paths crossed when Genevieve went back home to recover and refresh herself.

In this book, you will be able to read about Christianity, faith, mental health, and a twist of mystery. In totality, I liked this book. I like the roller coaster of emotions that it brought me while reading it and how the story line went. I also like how this book showcased how a person can cope when struggling with mental health by saying that you do not need to be afraid to seek help from people close to you, because if they truly love you, they will support you no matter what. I also liked how this book showed God’s power. He may not be giving you everything that you want, but know that He will always be watching and listening. His ways are to be trusted and be praised for He knows what is best for you. As a catholic, I admire how Becky Wade included this because this is what we believe in our religion. It may not be what you want or what you asked for from God, but He knows better and He has valid reasons for everything that happens or will happen.

However, there are still some points where it felt a little off to me like when either of the main characters doubted Him. I know and understand that at some point in life, people really tend to do doubt or question God and His ways, especially when their life has turned upside down. It just pains me to know and think that people do not have as much faith in Him even if they know that He is our creator. He created life. Readers, please do not get me wrong. I AM NOT JUDGING ANYONE, but a part of me wishes I could help people who struggle. I wish I could impart wisdom to anyone who needs to be uplifted..

The other point that seem off to me was kind of the story-telling. I appreciated the effect of how you need to keep reading in order to understand, but the roller coaster of emotions gets a bit overwhelming when you’re too carried away. Yes, roller coaster of emotions has good and bad sides and this is what the bad side is, at least in my opinion.

I would still recommend this book to anyone but most especially to readers who are into romance, Christianity, self-care, mental health—these are the topics covered by this book. I hope you give this a try as I would also like to see other people’s thoughts about this one. Happy reading!

I've enjoyed each Becky Wade book I've read and Stay with Me was no different. The thing I really liked about this book was that it didn't shy away from hard things.

The opioid crisis is real and relevant in our society, and I like that this book showed that it could happen to anyone. But that wasn't an excuse to continue in sin. We all allow something to take priority over our relationship with God. And most of us wear masks so others can't see our flaws. What a timely reminder that we can't hide from God, and He is the only one who can satisfy.

The characters were real and relatable. There was more focus on physical appearance than I would have liked but honestly, that's pretty realistic too. This book helped me look at my own life and ask questions about how honest I am with others, myself, and God. It's hard to have a book that focuses this much on the Christian walk but doesn't come across as preachy. I think Becky Wade accomplished it.

I’m blown away by this book! Touching on a full range of emotions at a heart and faith level, Stay With Me is a stunning, grace-filled story of romance and redemption. This is one of my “Becky Wade” favorites, ranked up there with True to You. (And can I say how fun it is that Becky is not afraid of using exclamation marks!!!)

Both Gen and Sam are realistic characters with relatable quirks. Their journey is a heartfelt, page-turning one with their friendship at the center. Gen and her struggles are completely relatable, even if some of her particular issues aren’t familiar ones for some readers. (I can’t say more because spoilers!) But I will say the challenge to stay “on top” and to thrive, especially if a public image is a concern, was a brave and timely aspect for Becky Wade to explore at great depth. The family history Gen starts to uncover, too, is riveting and interesting!


Now it’s time to talk about SAM. Sam talks to plants, he’s Australian (which means an adorable accent), and HE BAKES. If that doesn’t make you fall in love with him, his gentlemanly actions and kindness will! He notices Gen’s quirks, virtues, and negative traits. He sees the big picture where she’s concerned. I feel like Sam’s perception of Gen elevates Stay With Me in the genre because it captures real-world details like this in many aspects: with Sam and Gen’s romance, with Gen and her family, with the friends and supporting characters. Gen’s zest for life draws Sam out of the shadows of his own choosing — I loved seeing that happen, too.

I appreciate how the romance, especially in Becky Wade’s unique voice, is sexy yet clean. This is a prime example of how the inspirational romance genre CAN have heat and convey a real, respectful sense of desire without crossing any inappropriate lines.

Becky Wade deals with hard truths with a balance of grace and honesty in all of her novels. This honesty, in Stay With Me‘s case, confronts things like pride, accountability, grace in our failings, and even guilt and loss. This list is not something that’s ticked off here and there. Instead, the story embodies these themes as naturally as Sam and Gen’s romance grows; steadily and like second nature.

I have to give a shoutout here to Genevieve’s sister, Natasha, and her “Year of living Austenly” she’s attempting in the novel. Yes, Austenly like Jane Austen and no television. Hobbies like knitting. I *really* need a short story set at Christmas about Natasha and her husband, Wyatt. With all the Austen things. Knitted gifts and drawing room card games. Tea and brown paper packages.

I’m very excited for the rest of the series, and seeing this special group of friends interact and grow closer!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Stay with Me is genuinely marinated in grit and shame yet seasoned with grace and authenticity. Yes, my reader heart was trampled by heavy emotion but the empathy gained is well worth the cost. Grief, substance abuse, guilt, secrets, and shame play important roles in the lives of these characters and they are crafted with transparency and heart.

A simple small-town girl who happens to be a quasi-famous Christian celebrity meets ridiculously handsome Aussie-American foodie guy who lives in a historic mountain valley… a purely wonderful storyline without all the baggage. Stay with Me is more than that. It is exquisitely complex and I highly recommend it. We need more stories like this one to make us think and feel and learn what we may not know we need.

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.

Becky Wade is an author I can count on with each and every book she's writes, as there is not one yet that I haven't loved! "Stay with Me" is the first book in her brand-new Misty River Romance series and this is an excellent start (besides the prequel novella "Take A Chance On Me," that is also available now!).
Stay with Me (Misty River Romance, A): Wade, Becky: 9780764235603 ...
Genevieve and Sam are the two main characters in this novel; however we are introduced to other characters whom are going to be playing major roles in the upcoming novels in the series. When Genevieve was a young teen, she and a group of her peers made national news when they were trapped and survived several days following an earthquake. Genevieve's life has been forever changed following this time. When she receives a letter that is not quite the same as the other fan mail she receives, she knows she must find out the answers, even when it means going behind her loving, devoted parents' backs. Sam is living a quiet life, doing what he enjoys and yet he gets drawn into helping Genevieve, partly from guilt and partly because she really does not give him much choice. These two, among other characters, must face their pasts and issues in order to truly be healed and find closure.
I really enjoyed this book, the setting, the characters, the intrigue and the flashbacks. I loved how the time frames and stories switch back and forth with present day, the earthquake event and the story that involves Genevieve's parents from years ago. This book will leave you wanting to spend time at Sam's home, farm and restaurant and learning from one of many Genevieve's Bible studies.

I highly recommend this sweet story of healing and love!

Stay With Me by Becky Wade is the author’s best work to date. I have long been a fan of this author’s work and she has won awards that were well deserved. But this book— it stands alone. Ms Wade is not afraid to take on difficult, timely topics and take them on thoroughly. I highly recommend this novel to readers of all genres because its topic of addiction is so important in today’s world. So good! You’ll be sad to see the book end. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Ah-mazing. This author is seriously skilled at bringing out all the feels! I love that when I read a Becky Wade book I know I will emotionally connect to the characters, and that they don't have to be perfect, but their flaws make them more realistic and relatable. The strong spiritual thread leaves me feeling inspired and uplifted, and the message of redemption and forgiveness is one that everyone can appreciate. There is a perfect balance struck between the introspective angst and the lighter moments that brought a smile to my face as I read. Sam is my favorite in this one with his compassion and kindness, and I loved the way he allowed Gen to bring him out of his darkness. Some of the themes and struggles tackled are pretty heavy, but they are explored with grace that prompts self-reflection in the reader. The history of the earthquake survivors and the mystery of Gen's parents bring even more layers and depth to the story, and I'm so excited for the upcoming books in the series that will feature the Miracle Five.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)

Stay with Me stands as a prime example of why Becky Wade rates as one of my favorite contemporary romance writers. So many elements worked together to form this beautiful story. It had Pride and Prejudice quotes, laugh-out-loud humor, emotional drama, family secrets, and an unfolding romance. The story held my attention as the characters dealt with tough issues such as prescription drug addiction, trauma, and following God’s leading. To me, the story didn’t feel dark or heavy, but I recognize that it could be more difficult for those who know someone struggling with prescription drug addiction or have fought that battle themselves. Thankfully, there is so much hope and truth in Stay with Me.

As I reviewed my notes on Stay with Me, I found seventeen topics or issues that the novel touched on. There are probably some that I missed. Though the story taps so many issues, it focuses in on only a few and wraps up beautifully in the end. I recommend Stay with Me to readers who enjoy contemporary romances with plenty of character development and spiritual truths.

Stay with Me by Becky Wade debuts as the first full-length novel in the Misty River Romance series. There is a prequel, Take a Chance on Me, in which Sam appears as a minor character; however, it is not necessary to read the prequel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this ebook by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Becky Wade is one of my favorite contemporary romance writers. I don’t even read the back cover blurb because I know I will like her books because she has never let me down.

I’m not even sure where to start.

How about with the romance? Becky knows how to light a fire under her characters and develop a romance that will have you cheering them on. Sam basically has to face his worst fears when he meets Genevieve and Genevieve needs to start being real with herself and along the way they try not to love each other.

How about Genevieve’s issues? As someone in ministry myself I can relate to the fact that you feel like you can’t be real because people see you one way on the stage, but wonder if they knew the struggles you were really going through? Would they still love you, respect you? Very tough topics in this book.

How about the mystery? That is what I love about Becky’s books. She always has some kind of mystery involved in the story. This is a good one that had me wondering what in the world was going on.

So did I like this book? Yes!! I loved it and can’t wait to read more in this series, which the ground work is beautifully laid out in this book.


A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.

“He’d been living in a black-and-white world. She was Technicolor.”

This book, y’all. Sometimes the books you love the most are the hardest to review because you have so much to say but can’t find words that will do it justice. Stay With Me is such a book.

One of the first things that sets this book apart for me is the way it respectfully and honestly deals with tough issues like addiction and at the same time maintains a sense of humor and tenderness throughout. (The scene where Sam gets roped into Gen’s therapy session had me laughing out loud.) Not many authors can achieve this balance well – Cynthia Ruchti & Pepper Basham are two others who come immediately to mind – but Wade has done a stellar job.

Both protagonists are infinitely likable and relatable. Sam is a charming-but-brooding hero with a yummy Australian accent, a farm-to-table restaurant (and the farm to go with it) and a secret shame. Genevieve is a tangle of energy, genuineness, wit, faith, and heart. Apart from her secret shame, she makes the perfect women’s Bible study leader (and anyone who’s done women’s Bible study will chuckle at Sam’s introduction to the teaching videos & workbook). The two of them together are truly a delight – even before the kissing starts but definitely after as well.

There are so many layers to Stay With Me. From addiction to family dynamics to even the Christian celebrity culture and our transparency (or lack thereof) with fellow Jesus-followers, it is a story that tackles these things head on but covers them all with grace and redemption. There’s also an underlying backstory to Gen, her sister and 3 of their friends that we receive through flashbacks from different characters’ perspectives – I’m really intrigued to see where the other characters’ stories go from here & if the bit of a teaser we get in the later chapters of Stay With Me is any indication, Sebastian’s story will be a doozie!

"Why was it so hard for Christians to come clean to one another about the sins that had them by their throats? Because of pride? Because every Christian wanted every other Christian to think they were doing it right? That they were strong and good? If so, that was idiotic."

Bottom Line: Wow. Becky Wade has always written exquisitely perfect books, but Stay With Me takes this exquisite perfection to new levels – with the exquisite imperfection of her characters. I loved every moment spent with Gen & Sam – the witty banter, the tender friendship, the smokin hot kisses. But this is so much more than a story of two people falling in love. It’s about broken people finding grace & healing. It’s heartfelt and sincere, often sobering & equally often hilarious as the scene allows. And every word is on pitch & thoughtful. This is definitely one of my top reads for 2020 so far – highly recommended!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Excellent storyline. Well written characters. Overall a great read. I couldn’t put it down. The depth of the story and the characters was amazing. They were real, they struggled, they weren’t perfect, and not everything worked out in their favor. There were a few times where I got confused in the details. Like I had missed something. But it didn’t affect the understanding of the story. The spiritual thread was natural and not forced feeling. Another story to love from Becky Wade. She doesn’t disappoint.
I received a digital copy from netgalley. I was under no requirement to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

A miraculous rescue when Genevieve was only twelve led her into a career as a Bible study teacher and writer. An injury to her ankle led her down a slippery slope she wasn't even aware she was on. The secrets she hid strangled her relationship with God, making Him seem distant. . .

When the handsome Australian farmer and restaurateur, Sam, discovered Gen in his guesthouse, he confronted her with a truth she was loathe to accept. The mirror he shined into her heart reflected an image she was ashamed of. And determined to correct.

Determined, also, to solve the mystery behind the anonymous letter she received, Gen worked with her sister Natasha to ferret out the secret her parents are clearly concealing. The truth was almost more than they could handle and threatened to send Gen back into the mire she had only begun to escape!

The story of the Miracle Five is slowly revealed as introductions to each chapter. The events of that week had a profound impact on all five, four of whom remain close friends to this day. It is strongly hinted that we will learn more about Ben and Sebastian and that their story is going to be profound! I hope Luke's story will also be told in a future book. He needs a happy ending!

Genevieve's older sister, Natasha, was also one of the "Miracle Five". She was a riot! I loved her obsession with everything Jane Austen and her year of "living Austenly". She would quote Austen's works whenever she could fit them into the situation, invited friends over to play whist, and shunned television for more appropriate pursuits like knitting (which she was terrible at) and listening to the pianoforte. Her poor husband!

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. What I really liked about this book is that it reminds people that no-one in ministry is perfect - which I think that we as Christians so often forget as we ask a lot of those in ministry. I liked flawed characters that are redeemed and this book provided that.

The big theme in this book is forgiveness and coming to grips with the past. Both main characters have interesting backstories (I don't want to give you any spoilers) as well as the side characters who also play a big role in this book. The threads of the story also set it up for at least 2 other books - which I am definitely aiming to read!

This book is unapologetically Christian and this theme is woven throughout the book. There are no sex scenes or bad language.

Would I read it if I had to pay for it? Yes I would. I enjoy Becky Wade's books and have read all of them. I have also suggested them for purchase at two different libraries. You can get the prequel to the series free on the author's website.

(4.5 Stars) This beautiful story has many facets and lessons embedded within. Gen and Sam are phenomenal characters with flaws and strengths that add depth and dimension to who they are. Wade does a fantastic job of embracing the hard and wrapping it up with hope and goodness, allowing the reader to follow along on an inspirational journey.

I love these character's voices, as their personalities shine through their words and actions. Sam is steady and stalwart, while Gen is more vibrant and social. They way they come together, even with resistance, is heartwarming, especially as they each have demons they face and stories to unfold through the course of the book.

Amidst the small town charm, a small mystery develops, which succeeds to add another layer to this already great story. My only wish was to see the characters in the prequel show up more. All in all, this is a wonderfully engaging tale and I can't wait for more.

Content: mild+ romance; moderate religion; talk of drug addiction, some vague/past abuse, and murder.

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

Stay with Me is a deeply touching story of addiction and the hard road to recovery wrapped in God’s sweet mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Wade does not pull any punches with her latest contemporary, touching on issues that are often swept under the rug.

Genevieve and Sam are both hiding from the brutal fallout of opioid addiction but for different reasons. I was rooted to the pages of their story and could not help but feel the stress and expectations that are present for many people. Often times, we hide behind a mask of all-is-well when in reality it is definitely not. Who can we turn to and be vulnerable with, without feeling as if we will be judged? How quick a medication, or anything we put before God in our life, can become an idol of addiction.

If you are a fan of Becky Wade books, you will definitely like this one. She is a master at weaving a story with deep emotion and strong faith. She makes you cheer for fictional characters as if they’re friends.

I was provided an electronic copy of the book through the publisher and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Becky Wade quickly became one of my favorite authors when I read her Porter Family series and she cemented that position with the amazing, swoon worthy and award-winning Bradford Sister Romance series. Stay With Me kicks off her new Misty River Romance series that promises to be AMAZING! I adored everything about this book. The characters were so intriguing from extreme people person Genevieve and borderline hermit Sam, Natasha and her “Year of Living Austenly,” unlikely brothers at heart Ben and Sebastian, who I hope to see in their own books, and Genevieve and Natasha’s quirky parents who aren’t as boring as they appear.

Wade tackles some heavy topics in this book and deals with themes of truth and transparency. You’ll probably want to have the tissues ready for this one as there are a couple moments that have the potential to be ugly cry inducing. The set up for the next installment in the series leads me to suspect it will be a beautiful, tearjerker as well. If you’re a romance fan Becky Wade is a must read, just be ready to binge her backlist once you finish this stunner.

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

This first book in Becky Wade’s new series sets a different tone for her in some ways but is a combination of everything I love about her stories in others. Although she has featured taciturn characters in the past (Jake Porter in A Love Like Ours and even John Lawson in True to You come to mind), Sam’s distinctly non-social tendencies elevate him to a whole other level of taciturn. Couple that with Genevieve’s addiction to pain killers and her investigation into her parents’ past and the scene is set for a more sombre story than readers have seen from Wade so far. On the other hand, the pairing of a hero and heroine who are at opposite ends of the introvert/extrovert spectrum is the perfect recipe for the lively and enjoyable character interactions I’ve grown to love in Wade’s stories.

And really, Sam and Genevieve—particularly how well their characters were developed and portrayed—were a huge part of what made this such an enjoyable read for me. The fact that Sam is Australian was certainly a point in his favour 😉 and I loved that this came through in subtle ways, such as little differences in vocabulary and a preference for drying his washing on a clothes line rather than in a dryer. But it was the contrasts and contradictions in their characters that really breathed life into the story. Sam presents as taciturn and even gruff, but his emotions run deep and he feels things intensely. Genevieve is charming and confident, but in many ways she’s also insecure and a little lost. And despite being so completely different to each other, there was palpable chemistry between them—romantic and otherwise.

But even more than all that, I love the spiritual themes Wade has explored through Sam and Gen’s story. “The truth will set you free” is such a well-known maxim these days it’s become somewhat clichèd, but this story brought it home in a way that felt like a fresh revelation. I got completely caught up in every aspect of the story—Gen’s battle over her addiction, the investigation into her parents’ past, and Sam’s reluctance to accept the vulnerability that comes with relationships—and the hints for where the second book in this series is headed have well and truly whet my appetite for more.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

I absolutely, unequivocally, without a doubt adore Stay with Me by Becky Wade. This story walloped my heart. I chuckled. I cried. I got frustrated. I cheered. And I swooned! Stay with Me is jam-packed with so many inspirational moments I may have overwhelmed the highlight function on my Kindle. LOL! But in all seriousness, this book is gold. It’s well-written. It’s heartfelt. And, it illustrates well some of God’s truths and His grace. I met unique, damaged, endearing characters that I won’t soon forget. And, I learned a little bit more about who I am and who I want to be. Stay with Me by Becky Wade is a can’t-be-missed, must-read novel. I highly, highly recommend this story.

Stay with Me is a story about hiding our true selves from the world and sharing only that which makes us look “perfect.” Why do we hide? Because many people enjoy shaming and tearing down others. If we make a mistake, not only will we have to deal with our own feelings of shame and inadequacy, but we will have to deal with the meanness of others who revel in our failings. We care about what others think. We want people to think we are good, honorable women and men who live godly, respectful lives. So, we hide who we truly are. We put on a society-approved mask and hide everything “bad” about ourselves. We do this long enough and the society-approved mask becomes our identity. When we slip and show a moment of our true self, the world is left aghast and we are left ashamed and embarrassed. Everyone makes mistakes, but for some reason in our current day and age, we are not allowed to actually make mistakes. The world has lost sight of humility, grace, and forgiveness, and people are suffering because of it.

Inside all of us is a right vs. wrong meter. It’s different in everyone, but it’s there. It’s that feeling you get in the pit of your chest when you know with every fiber of your being that you are doing something wrong or something right. Some call it conscience. I call it the Holy Spirit. Genevieve, the heroine of Stay with Me, looks like the perfect Christian. She has written highly-acclaimed Bible studies, she has spoken at packed-out churches, she has millions of followers on all her social media platforms, and she’s even part of the Miracle 5 (read the book to find out what this means). Genevieve looks like she has it all: a supportive mother and father, an older sister who is also her best friend, the sweetest niece and nephew, tons of money, the latest fashions, and a super cute home. While the outside picture, for Genevieve, is true, it’s not a 100% accurate picture of who she is. Gen has some really scary issues she must deal with or she could end up hurt, dead, or the reason someone else is hurt or dead. But to deal with these issues means she will have to come clean to everyone — her bosses, her family, and her followers. Gen struggles with the idea of revealing her truth because she knows she’s going to be treated to a hefty dish of meanness, belittling, and emotional scourging by the world. So, she covers up her right vs. wrong meter and keeps being the “perfect” Christian. This lying, this Holy Spirit shut down, makes it impossible for Gen to hear God. And this is the great truth Stay with Me forces the reader to wrestle with: who are we living this life for?

1 John 2:15 states, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Genevieve’s number one conflict in this novel is that she cannot feel God’s presence in her life anymore. But she is unwilling to speak her truth, to show who she really is, to accept God’s grace in the truthtelling. She doesn’t want to lose her status as “Best Christian Woman Ever.” Because of this, because she is stuck in the world of her own making, she is no longer in the Father. This is why she cannot feel God’s presence. Yes, writing Bible studies is awesome. Talking to standing-room-only crowds about God is a great thing. Sharing God on social media platforms is exactly what is needed — social media is a DARK place and needs a lot of LIGHT. But to close off her right vs. wrong meter and choose all these worldly aspects of Christianity over being right and honest with God is to choose a secular world over a phenomenal Father, and we cannot kid ourselves into believing that our Christian actions are good enough when we are not right with God. I won’t share how Gen learns this lesson because the moment is stellar, but I will say its impact on me will be lifelong and one I won’t soon forget.

Stay with Me is an excellent story and it has affected me deeply. Yes, it is well-written and fast-paced and highly engaging. Yes, the characters are fantastic and the romance is perfect. But Stay with Me is a must-read novel because of the timely themes and their impact on the reader. This story is heart-changing and for that, I highly, highly recommend this beautiful novel.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Prism Book Tours and NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book. This book jumped right into hard things and did it with grace and hope. Christian influencer culture, prescription drug additions, accidents, blackmail, forgiveness.

Genevieve is a Bible study author and Christian influencer with a shameful secret. One she has tried to humanly justify, but she now must come to terms with. I love the way Becky Wade handles this healing—raw, real, and with compassion. She doesn't shy away from the realistic thoughts, struggles, and very human and relatable "justifying" thought patterns.

Sam is living the dream taking care of a historic farm, growing fruits and vegetables and running his own farm-to-table restaurant. But he has demons of his own and keeps everyone at arms length. He has a heart of gold, though, so it's fun to see the glimpses of his heart in between his stand=offishness.

We read these books because we know they're going to end up together, we just don't know how, so I don't consider this a spoiler. The way Genevieve and Sam's relationship develops and the growth and fears and pain the two of them experience is so real and raw. Nothing they do seems like they had to do it because it "is what needed to be done to follow the story." It felt true to both the characters and genuinely being a human.

Additionally, there is a side plot with a secret from the past of Genevieve's parents and the delight that is Genevieve's Jane Austen=quoting (and knitting. badly) sister.

If you like Christian fiction that has straight up TRUTH in it, you should definitely check this one out. It doesn't preach at you or even to the characters, but walks along the characters as they learn and grow deeper into love, grace, and vulnerability.