We Christians like to appear as though we’ve got our lives together. That we don’t struggle with sin or wrestle with God. But we all do. And Becky Wade tackles that very issue in Stay with Me.

This story is about a heroine who is often in the spotlight praising and teaching about Jesus. But in the darkness, she’s lost and turning to things other than God to help her cope with life. At her lowest point, Genevieve meets Sam. A man who has also been broken by life and now lives his solitary life in protective mode.

I loved Sam and Gen because they are so real—courageously real—with each other. Yes, it takes Sam a little longer to open up to Gen, but it is her struggle that centers this story.

Wade delves into the toll that hiding from others and hiding from God takes on our relationships, or productivity, and our decisions. Stay with Me is an encouragement to live our lives out loud, to be honest and transparent with those people closest to us, to lean into the support God surrounds us with even when we are ashamed of our choices.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Becky Wade delivered an amazing story of forgiveness, acceptance of who we are and moving on to the life that God has called you to. Genevieve's struggle is something that we can all relate to if we are honest with ourselves. We are so busy doing things for God that we neglect our personal relationship with Him. We are overwhelmed with doing and fall into the trap of self-reliant. Sam is another great character in this story. He wants to be alone after feeling like he let the woman he loved die. He is a man whose nature is to help people out. He doesn't realize that it draws people to him. He met Genevieve in her hour of need and becomes her friend despite himself. I loved this story and these characters. They are all flawed but redeemable.

I received this book from the publisher and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I've been reading Becky Wade books for a long time now. She's definitely a favorite of mine in the Christian fiction genre. She creates wonderful characters with substance and personality. It's what I love most, I think.

This book has many different sides to it. Both Sam and Gen have demons they are fighting. They are flawed but inherently good. You can feel their goodness and their desires clearly. I love how the backstories for both Gen and Sam built as the book progressed. We get Sam's a bit faster which was helpful in understanding his struggles with Gen in particular. To add even another layer, Gen and her sister are involved in an investigation of sorts, which brought some mystery and intrigue to the story. It was interesting and engaging the whole way through and I really found myself loving the characters in this story. Becky Wade made that easy to do.

Content: heavier on the Christian elements, drug abuse, kissing. Light mention of abuse, murder.

I loved “Stay With Me” by Becky Wade. This was the first book I’ve read by Becky Wade, but it won’t be my last. This book is an inspirational romance but it had some mystery in it, which I loved. I loved the main characters, Genevieve and Sam. Becky Wade did such a great job in making you feel like you are really part of the story. This book will stay with me for awhile.

I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy good, clean, romance with a little mystery books.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Story Line: 5 Stars
Depth: 5 Stars
Faith: 5 Stars
Love Story: 5 Stars
Overall: 5 Stars


It is always such a joy to bring you yet another new book to add to our Golden List! The first novel in Becky Wade's newest Misty River series is a true winner through and through, and knocked it out of the park in every category.

Genevieve Woodward, by all appearances, has it all together. As one of the "Miracle Five" who survived a devastating earthquake in her teen years, and now, at thirty years old, a best-selling Bible study author, teacher and speaker, life is pretty good. From the outside she appears to be perfect. But she is hiding a devastating secret: her addiction to opioid painkillers. On top of this, she has begun receiving threatening notes hinting to secrets in her family's background.

One morning she wakes up in a strange cottage with the owner staring down at her, with no memory of how she got there or where she is. When she realizes she needs to get clean, the man who found her - Sam Turner - agrees to rent this cottage to her, knowing she will need much support and help in the coming days. As Gen works to break her dependence on prescription drugs, she also sets about researching and uncovering any scandals in her family's history with Sam and her sister Natasha.

The storyline, weaving together mystery, the very real struggle of addiction recovery and a some little memories from the earthquake she was rescued from, blend flawlessly together so the reader is kept on their toes. But the faith and love story are what really shine in this novel!!! God reveals himself to characters in faithful ways and shows us the reality of His unconditional love and grace. The love story between Sam and Gen zings with electricity but is also intensely real as they learn how to navigate addiction recovery, trust, and risking safety for love.

Be sure to pick this novel up as soon as you can, and stay up a few late nights reading!

Eighteen years ago, Genevieve was one of five miracle children who survived days trapped in rubble in San Salvador, after an earthquake hits the during their junior high mission trip. Now, she’s an online celebrity, a famous author of Bible studies for women. And she’s hiding a prescription drug addiction that could destroy her career, and wondering what secrets her family is hiding. Because there is definitely something, if the anonymous letter she received is any indication.

But she knows something has to change after she wakes up in a stranger’s house with no memory of how she got there. But she can’t go to rehab. That would mean the end of her career. And there is also the question of how her parents will react, especially her overprotective mother.

Sam Turner is an Australian American who owns his own coffee shop and is a big advocate of healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. (Okay, so the one thing I’m not convinced about is a man who voluntarily eats kale, but there you go.) Anyway, Sam agrees—against his better judgement—to help Genevieve detox.

Stay With Me is a strong romance with excellent characters. It’s strong Christian fiction, because faith is central to both Genevieve and Sam’s lives. But the real strength is the way it deals with Genevieve’s addition, an issue that’s rarely discussed in Christian fiction, and the subtle warning against putting other Christians—especially Christian leaders—on pedestals.

Stay With Me is a great start to a new series, a Christian novel that isn’t afraid to ask tough questions about faith and life. Recommended.

Thanks to Baker Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Stay with Me by Becky Wade

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Becky Wade’s much anticipated new series begins with a powerful story that takes on the world of prescription drugs and letting go of the identity facade that public figures often maintain.

I have been very anxiously awaiting this book’s release! I read the prequel novella Take a Chance on Me in March and signed up immediately for the chance at an ARC for this book. Ms. Wade takes familiar plot lines and makes them fresh with delightful characters that have real flaws alongside real determination to overcome them. This story begins with a man named Sam Turner finding a lovely woman asleep in his guesthouse. He has never seen her before and has no idea why she is here. Waking her proves to be unsuccessful so Sam looks around to find out something about her. Her purse reveals her wallet and name but nothing suspicious inside. A small container in the outside pocket, however, contains prescription medication that would keep this young woman deeply asleep for some time. But she can’t stay here so he tries to wake her again, this time with more success. Genevieve Woodward is startled to find herself in a strange room with a strange man leaning over her, calling her name. Realizing she has been sleeping in someone’s house brings her wide awake with the further terrifying realization that she doesn’t remember anything about how she got there. She’s been taking pain killers for over a year now, following a painful ankle surgery, but as she now uses them for relaxation instead of pain, it’s clearly become a bigger problem. Determined to clear them from her system, Genevieve comes up with a plan of action. But she’ll need help to pull it off; namely Sam’s help and the use of his cottage. Sam doesn’t like the idea of leasing his guesthouse to Genevieve while she detoxes but when she lets him set the rules for her stay and promises to makeover the cottage while she stays, he finally agrees. Sam knows the struggle Genevieve will be facing firsthand, and while he is agreeable to her mission, he makes her promise not to fall in love with him. Laughing at that idea, Genevieve agrees and sets about making her temporary home habitable. But this detox will be harder than she bargained for and keeping it from her parents and sister until she is ready to tell them proves nearly impossible. She came home to Misty River with the cover story of resting and writing but this detox will be the most important thing she has ever done, even with all the best-selling Bible studies she’s written. Genevieve has been blessed for years with a gift of words and speaking and she’s never had such a battle to fight before. How will the many people she’s spoken to and written for over the years handle the knowledge that she has fallen so easily into this destructive behavior? Putting those worries to the side for the moment, Genevieve plunges into the world of cold turkey detox. Sam offers help in the form of food deliveries, a listening ear and the push to talk to a therapist throughout her process. As she works her way through the long days and nights, Genevieve searches for a new focus for her time. Letters have been coming to her publisher in her name that refer to some event or tragedy in the past that involves her parents. But with neither of them seeming to understand the purpose of such letters, Genevieve is left to puzzle this out herself. Her sister Natasha becomes her first confidant outside Sam to her withdrawal and her decision to find out who sent the letters and why. While Natasha is shocked she quickly recovers and gladly agrees to help Genevieve with both problems. Their quest for answers will bring far more than they counted on and will open up a whole new understanding of the words mercy and grace. Genevieve will also have the chance at love with Sam if he can move beyond the demons of his past and let God heal his brokenness. There is so much more to this story than I can reasonably tell here. Ms. Wade really delves into the reality of the hold that drugs and lies can have on people, even those who are Christians. Christ followers are not immune to temptation and fallacy and that is one of the main points that she is sharing through the story. Often we hold our Christian “leaders” up to such high standards, it may be difficult or impossible for them to tell others when they are facing an intense struggle. In this story, Genevieve never felt she had the right to complain or feel disappointed with anything in her life because she felt like she was so blessed. But God never calls us to be perfectly happy all the time. He tells us to call out to Him in our pain and despair so that He can rescue us and give us contentment in Him. I loved the journey that Genevieve went on throughout the pages and really identified with her in her beliefs about having such a blessed life. I cried, laughed and rejoiced with her as she fell to the bottom of herself and found everything she was looking for when she finally looked up at the One who loves her best. I also found myself drawn to Sam and his closed off nature. His past pain and sorrow had led him to Christ but he hadn’t really let go of all his fears concerning love. The slow opening of his heart to Genevieve also gave him a reason to open his heart fully to God and let his soul be fully healed as well. There was so much to love about this story and I can’t remember any issues I had with it. The flashbacks that were added about The Miracle Five were also well done but I’m not going to spoil that part of the story by telling it. I will most certainly be recommending this story very highly to others and hope that they love it as I do. I’m ordering a copy for my shelves and I plan to reread it very soon. Can’t wait for the next one in the series!

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Stay With Me by Becky Wade is another heart pounding,powerful, sweet romance that will capture your attention. The first novel in the new Misty River series.

Popular Bible study author and motivational speaker Genevieve Woodward finds herself in a strangers guest house. When Aussie Sam Turner finds her, he wants her out! But Gen finds a way to rent the cottage, and even with all his walls up, Sam finds his heart melting.

Becky Wade has written a beautiful story about two troubled people, who find themselves in life's situations as they face the struggles of pain and loneliness. There is so much going on in this story that captures your heart and attention. Gen's flashbacks about the Miracle Five and Sam's feelings of guilt are reflected back as they work through their faith and find forgiveness in themselves.

This story is one of hope, love, redemption and forgiveness. Ms Wades ability to use words to magnify the depth of feelings surrounding the struggles of addictions gives place to the very real problems many face today. And the relationship between Sam and Gen blossoms and blooms as their struggles draws them together.

Becky Wades books have always captured me, as she has a way of bringing her characters to life in such moving ways.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Becky Wade has a winner in this well written Christian romance. It is one that will tug at the heart strings. Genevieve is a Christian author who has become addicted to a prescription drug and realizes she can't be true to her followers and God and continue to use them. She determines to quit and secludes herself in a rented cabin, so she thinks. to detox. The man who owns the cabin, Sam, wants nothing to do with her and tells her up front, Stay Away. So touching and emotional to read of her struggle and his reaction to her struggle. There is also a mystery surrounding  her parents she is searching to find an answer to. All in all this is one great interesting read......Loved everything about it.

Stunning, continually evolving plot that will unravel in totally unexpected ways. Becky Wade is an author that can handle the toughest of subjects in a realistic and serious tone, while inserting a depth for each and every character she writes. At times I contemplated the direction the story was going and wondered if I’d really be able to connect with what was happening on the page. I’ve come to expect this as part of the process of something that it so well written, you don’t need to be hooked from the first page. It’s a process, there’s intensity, there’s questions and then there’s the “aha” moment, and you’re racing to the finish line.

The ways in which she also incorporates beautiful messages of hope and love of God within the story, always leave me feeling lifted as a reader.

There were two passages towards the conclusion that I had to re-read several times, due to the powerful message of grace.

She is a contemporary fiction author I’ve come to appreciate for everything but the fluff - with a knack for writing chemistry as a bonus.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. This is my honest review.

When popular Bible study author Genevieve Woodward  receives threatening letters from an anonymous source claiming to know something about her family she is led back home to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Misty River, Georgia. Upon arriving she encounters Sam Turner, a man determined to live out the rest of his life alone in order to protect those around him. Genevieve works out an agreement with Sam to live in the guest cottage on his property while researching the claims the letters made about her family and working on her new Bible study.


Stay With Me is a novel that is relevant to today and addresses the problems that people, yes even Christians, may be facing. It is a story of grace, forgiveness, and redemption. It is a beautiful story and I can't wait to read the next in the series.


I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

I went on a bit of a roller coaster ride of opinions on this book. I kind of liked how Gen and Sam met, though it was actually under relatively bad circumstances. I applaud Gen for wanting to finally wanting to work on her opioid addiction and completely understand her desire to do so out of the public eye as much as possible, given her celebrity status as a Bible study author. I applaud Sam for agreeing to help her and completely understand his hesitation based on his own history.

I had a hard time with the recovery part because it felt way too easy for reality, though she is still having some struggles. I do love her therapist! Those sessions were fun.

The slow burn romance between Gen and Sam was totally expected and worked well. They really do compliment each other and are good for each other. They accept each other for where they are and who they are and actually grow.

Gen's family mystery was absolutely fascinating. I would have bits of figuring it out that would ebb and flow as Gen and her sister were doing their research. I cannot imagine unearthing such a story! I honestly think that part gripped me even more than the romance itself. And it really does help to explain a lot about the personalities of Gen's parents. Her mom was honestly making me nuts! But I better understand why now.

Her mom is also overbearing because of the Miracle Five story, which is sprinkled throughout the book as little segues in between chapters. This part felt a bit disjointed to me, as it is told from the points of view of all five characters, while the main book primarily focuses on Gen and Sam. I understood wanting to share that whole story but felt like it could have been in its own short book as a prequel or supplement or something, because it is alluded to in enough detail in the main story to make sense.

There's also one other scene that felt thrown into the book just to be a foreshadowing moment into what is likely to be another book in the series. Again, this part felt out of place because it comes from the point of view of a different character and interrupted the flow of this current story.

And for those who are looking for a contemporary romance with a hint of mystery, please note that this is Christian fiction about a woman who is a Bible study writer. There are a lot of references to God and struggles with faith. It's very much a part of the story, but I know people are going to read the blurb and for some reason not quite get that. If you can't handle straight talk about God, His plan, and struggles of faith while you're enjoying the romance and mystery unfolding, then this is not the book for you.

So overall, did I like this book? For the most part, yes. I did enjoy the story. Will I read more in the series? Quite possibly. I have already downloaded the prequel about Sam's best friend Eli and will be reading it. I will likely keep an eye out for the future installments to find out what happens to the rest of the characters.

Thank you to the publisher and Prism Book Tours for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

First off, I just want to warn you I loved most of “Stay With Me” by Becky Wade, I just have a bit of a beef with some of the things that happened. There will be some slight spoilers but I did my best to keep them to a minimum.

Okay, since I read “Take A Chance On Me” I’ve been waiting eagerly for “Stay With Me” just because Sam was so intriguing, the small parts we saw with him showed him as a man of mystery.

What I loved …

Sam! He has such a heartbreaking past and I loved seeing him with Gen, I loved their relationship and seeing them come to trust each other.
The cover is so beautiful! So cute! And the colors are so adorable together! I also loved the cover when Becky Wade did a blog post on the models, which was neat.
The flashbacks … Wow, it is crazy how good these flashbacks were, it isn't everyday that an author accomplishes flashbacks with such real detail.
The PRIDE AND PREJUDICE references. I just loved it! 😍😍😍
Gen's overcoming her addiction. This isn't something you see in this way in Christian fiction, I'm not sure I've read another book where the main character was currently battling addiction.
The historic farm that Sam owns. Oh goodness, I loved reading about the farm and Sam's businesses!
The laundry meetings … *laughs* I have to applaud Becky Wade on this part of "Stay With Me", it made the romance so much sweeter. This alone gets a star...

What I didn't love ...
The mystery. I knew there would be a mystery from the blurb, I just wasn't sure what I expected. I had no idea it would be what it was… And honestly? I didn't love the mystery.
The murder. I get that there had to be something else in the book aside from the romance … But, this? It didn't float my boat. At all.
The parents’ secret, wowzers! I did not see that coming, it came out of nowhere.
A secret first husband of Gen's mom, yikes, it was a surprise!
The serial killer theme, nu-hun, didn't like it. Sickening to me.
The real murderer … Woah, I thought that it might have been an affair but I didn't see the real reason coming out to be what it was.
I really couldn't follow the mystery with enjoyment. I found it to be … Weak? Cliche? No … It just didn't make me happy with the book, I found it to be a dramatic punch in the face, as I was reading it felt like it was only there for the drama effect. I feel bad saying that but it is the truth. And I wasn't very happy with the ending … The confession I loved that the character had the honor but they still should have gone to the police, even though I see why Wade did it the way she did.
When the next book will come out. It is waaaaaaaay too long! I will be waiting on the edge of my seat for the next installment!
I didn't really connect with Gen at first, but soon after she got clean of the meds I came to enjoy her point of view, she became relatable.

All of that rounds a book I loved but didn't one hundred percent love to a solid four stars and recommendation for 18 up or 16 up with parent or guardian's advice in reading.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Stay With Me

This was a thoroughly enjoyable contemporary romance. This is my first Becky Wade, and I really enjoyed it. I loved the characters, and I'm looking forward to getting to know them more as the series progresses. The back story of the Miracle Five is so interesting. I also loved the mystery that was woven in. It had me guessing the whole time. I highly recommend this book for readers of contemporary romance.

I received a copy of this book for review from Netgalley.

If this kiss were an ocean, he'd willingly let himself sink down, down, down until he drowned.
Just when I think I've read Becky Wade's best, she writes a new book!
Using her skill as a writer Ms. Wade creates not only characters that the reader will care about and cheer for she weaves a story line full of romance, witty banter, a cozy mystery and packs it full of spiritual truths showing God's grace to us when we are being the worst version of ourselves.
This book falls into the SWOOF acronym column...coined by my friend Rachel at BookWorm Mama. . .Squeezing Words Out Of Feelings. . .
This book hit me on so many emotional levels. Yes, I swooned, I laughed, I wanted to know what was going on with Genevieve's parents but most of all I saw God's unmatched love and grace He extends to us because He loves us. It also made me think about how we need to be more forgiving towards each other.
This is a great start to a new series by Becky Wade and I can't wait to read the next installment!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Stay With Me is such a unique story. It’s not often that an author writes something that seems so relatable. Becky Wade has a way with words, and seems proficient at taking my breath away. I first met Sam in the prequel novella Take a Chance On Me. I couldn’t wait to get to know him more, and was so excited to find out he was getting his own story. I could tell Sam had gone through some stuff, and knew it would take a one of a kind woman to break through his walls. Lucky for him Genevieve is just that. I loved getting to know them, and watch as they both learned more about themselves and each other. They had great chemistry together and I enjoyed seeing Sam’s sweet “caretaker” side. I couldn’t imagine being so addicted to something that it easily controls your life, and yet that’s just where Genevieve found herself the day she met Sam.



Genevieve has seen her share of trials, and all have led her to where she believes God wants her. Knowing she was destined to do great things has often caused her to push condemning thoughts away for another time. Until she wakes up in a stranger's house with no clue how she got there or where she is. Knowing she has no other choice but to quit, and succeed this time, Genevieve starts the journey to stop taking Oxy. If that wasn’t enough on her plate, she also needs to discover what a letter she received could possibly mean.



Genevieve embarks on a journey to learn not only more about herself, but also about the parents she feels would never hide anything from her. Being a part of the miracle five, a group of kids who survived a tragedy, has caused her mom to hang on a little tighter than most parents. Can she figure out what her parents might be hiding before it’s too late? And what about Sam and all the feelings he brings out of her? Now isn’t the time to start a relationship, but how can she not?



This book made me feel such a wide range of emotions. It’s definitely a story that is going to stay with me. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Contemporary Fiction. I receieved a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

You know how sometimes you love a book so much that you just can't even find the words? Yeah, that's me right now!

More than just a romance (though what a romance it is!), Stay with Me tackles a variety of topics: Christian celebrity culture, addiction, long-buried secrets, and the power of grace.

I loved every second I spent reading this novel—Sam and Genevieve are wonderful, both together and separately, and I loved watching their romance unfold. I also enjoyed the mystery surrounding the letter Genevieve received about her parents, and that mystery led to one of the most touching scenes of forgiveness that I've ever read. The whole novel really is about redemption and grace, and it's so beautiful.

This series centers around the "Miracle Five"—five people who miraculously survived an earthquake while on a mission trip as teenagers. Gen and her sister are two of the five; readers are also introduced to Sebastian and Ben in Stay with Me, while Luke doesn't appear (except in the flashbacks to the earthquake). Sebastian's story comes next, and, without spoiling anything, let me just say that I'm so excited to read it! The romance (and potential conflict) is set up in the final quarter of Stay with Me, and I gasped when I realized where Wade was going to take the story!

Stay with Me is a novel that will "stay with you" long after you finish reading, and I highly recommend it!

Becky Wade has managed to write a story that digs deeply into some extremely serious topics and situations, yet still has enough lighthearted moments to not weigh the reader down.

I must admit that after reading the first couple of chapters, I did not like Genevieve. I knew that the author would have a long way to go to redeem her as a main character for me. I viewed her as a person who hid behind her public persona and I wondered if Genevieve could actually overcome her dangerous personal secrets. Well, the author did redeem this character, and by the middle of the book I actually liked Gen and was hopeful about her outcome.

Now, Sam was a different matter. I liked him from the very beginning of the story, and actually even before that, in the prequel novella Take a Chance on Me, where he made a few appearances. His back story was heartbreaking and truly explained so much about him.

Along with the gentle romance that developed between Sam and Genevieve, one of my favorite things about this novel was reading about Genevieve and her sister digging into their parents’ past in order to try to discover if there was any truth behind the threatening letters Genevieve had been receiving. I was fascinated as the truth from the past was revealed.

Stay with Me is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance that delves into deep and difficult topics and weaves God’s grace and forgiveness throughout.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

There's something to be said for an author who can handle tough topics without making a book heavy. Becky Wade weaves humor into this story, giving it a perfect balance. As is the case with all of her books, this one gave me plenty to think about and the lessons will stick with me long after I've moved on. The characters are real and may surprise you. The mystery introduced in the very beginning will keep you turning the pages! Pay attention to the flashbacks that are present at the start of each chapter, they are there for a reason. I wish I had picked up sooner on their importance but once I did I was amazed! I recommend this book to anyone looking for romance, humor, mystery, and topics relevant today.

What do you do when a book pulls you in from the start, introduces you to characters just as flawed as you are making them more real to you than ever before understanding that they are just as flawed, they struggle, they want to be perfect so they hide behind a mask while slowly dying inside but they also want to be free from pretense so they struggle but fail became they haven't found grace but when they do, Oh the beauty of full surrender, knowing that grace covers it all, understanding the joy of letting go and letting God. This and more filled the pages of this book that has me filling every spare minute I had with wanting to know what happened with Genevieve and Sam. We see their flaws, we walk with them through their pains and struggle and cheer for them as they find themselves and find love, understand grace and realise that they are enough just as they are.
I loved every minute of this book and definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series and getting to know what happens with the Miracle Five.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine