The best way to describe Stay With Me is to say it’s a gloriously, lovely book. I’ve read all of Becky Wade’s books, but I can say this is one of her best if not the best. I refrain from saying it’s the best because I still think My Stubborn Heart and True to You are two of the best books ever written in the Christian Romance genre, so I’m going to put Stay With Me in a three-way tie. Wade has created these beautiful rich characters in her latest that will stay with you for a long time. I laughed out loud throughout, totally enjoyed the little mystery in the story, and fell in love with Sam Turner. At the end of the book, I literally wept, not because it was sad, but because it was such a beautiful story. Gracious, I still get a little choked up just thinking about it.  There aren’t enough stars for this book. It’s absolutely fantastic.

This is the first book in the Misty Rivers series and it sets up the series quite nicely! There is a difficult story line in this book and Becky Wade approaches it delicately and yet confidently. I will be honest and say that it took me a good bit to get into this story but I am glad that I kept going and got involved into the lives of these characters.
Sam is not your typical contemporary romance hero. In fact, just leave him alone and let him have order in his life. Gen is not your typical heroine in that she is Miss Perfect and full of life on the outside but harboring a deep secret on the inside. These 2 complete opposites make for a tough relationship. But oooh, parts of this relationship are totally swoon worthy!

Becky Wade is headed up there on my list of favorite contemporary romance authors! I picked this one up because the themes intrigued me, and for the most part, I was not disappointed!

The story starts out with one of Wade's iconic meet-cutes. Awkward, somewhat hilarious, altogether adorable yet cringe-worthy in the most realistic way. I greatly enjoyed the prequel novella to the series, so I already had a brief introduction to our main character, Sam Turner. From that brief introduction, I knew I was going to love his character, and I did! I love the way Genevieve was able to win him from his taciturn ways and his desire to help her. I love the contrast of his character--tough farmer dude, yet tenderhearted, a very talented cook, and a healthy-eating nerd.

Genevieve was a very realistic character and I found myself relating to her a lot. Her character had a myriad of dichotomies, which is what made her so fascinating--and still relatable. I appreciate how Wade didn't entirely gloss over her withdrawal process, but still didn't go deeply into it. I find it hard to empathize with the character when such a pivotal time in their life is completely glossed over and boom, she's just fine!

The mystery woven throughout the plot was fascinating and I didn't want to put the book down until I reached the conclusion. The themes of forgiveness and mercy and grace were absolutely beautiful and spun throughout without being shoehorned in or cliche. Wade is not afraid to shy away from deep themes, which is perhaps why I love her books so much.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed Becky Wade's newest contribution to the contemporary romance genre! Inspirational, realistic, and deeply moving, this isn't one you'll want to miss!


FTC Disclosure; I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Netgalley for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Sam Turner discovers a real-life Goldilocks sleeping on the bare bed in his guest cottage. When he finds pills in her purse, he immediately suspects she suffers from the same thing Kayden did—an opioid addiction. He wants nothing more than to get her off his property. A few days later she shows up again, this time, asking to rent and renovate his cottage. Reluctantly, he agrees—as long as she commits to his rules. No more Oxy, counseling, telling someone else, and not falling in love with him.

Genevieve Woodward came home to Misty River for two reasons—to ask her parents about a mysterious letter she received and to quit Oxy cold-turkey. Either thing could tank her career as a best-selling Bible study author and public speaker. When she wakes up in a stranger’s guest cottage, it only confirms her need to quit Oxy.

After spending a day with her overprotective mom, Genevieve knows she can’t keep her addiction secret while staying with her parents. She decides to convince the enigmatic Sam Turner to rent his cottage to her. He drives a hard bargain, but she senses he’ll hold her accountable—something she desperately needs. Once she makes it through the worst of withdrawal, she’ll tackle the other problem—uncovering the mystery behind the threatening letter.

Why I Love this Book

Wade has a beautiful way of crafting stories full of romance, deep spiritual truths, and humor. The well-developed characters have relatable struggles, and in Stay with Me, Wade tackles a problem that, statistically, thousands of Christians face. But no one wants to talk about—opioid drug addiction.

Wade takes the time to delve into the backstory of why a Christian leader (or anyone else), could turn to painkillers. Through Genevieve, Sam, and Kayden, she shows readers how best to tackle addiction or support someone who struggles. We have to trust God with our truth—no matter how sordid and tattered—in order to receive his grace.

The first book in the Misty River Romance series, Stay with Me will draw you in and keep you reading from the first page to the last.

Stay With Me by Becky Wade is an excellent tale of intrigue, romance, and faith to introduce her new series, Misty River Romance. I have read some of Ms. Wade's previous writings and have greatly enjoyed them.  The Bradford Sister Series by Ms. Wade was my first taste of her lively and wholesome writings, and when I had the opportunity to read Stay With Me, I was delighted and enjoyed it, of course!  Some of my favorite features of Ms. Wade's writings are her undeniably believable yet complex situations, her utterly human characters, as well as the depth of emotion, struggle, and growth that her characters deal with.
I particularly liked Stay With Me because of the very real and hard struggles that the two main characters endured--loss of a loved one to addiction and the struggle to overcome an addiction. I also greatly enjoyed the main character, Genevieve Woodward, not only a unique and perfect name for her personality, but a very relatable person for all readers. Genevieve had endured tragedy early on in her life, yet had overcome it and turned to God for help. However, after other events in her life, Genevieve turned to the dangerous but sly relief of pain medicine, leaving her months later completely unaware of her destructiveness. Genevieve returns to her hometown to deal with a very mysterious and threatening letter she received which makes her question her parents' perfect past.  On her way home to her parents' home, Genevieve finds herself waking up in a strange cabin with a highly suspicious and confused farm owner staring down at her. Sam Turner is shocked at the intruder sleeping in the worn-down farm cottage on his property, even more so when he realizes Genevieve's deeply held secret addiction. He has dealt with drug addicts in the past and clearly sees that Genevieve needs help. Sam doesn't want to get involved, but knows that if Genevieve doesn't seek help immediately, her destructive habits will become deadly to her or someone else. Sam Turner enjoys his solitude and his well-organized and disciplined life. When Genevieve sees this incident as a wake-up call, she turns to Sam for help, asking him to let her detox in his cabin away from her family and friends, keeping her addiction a secret. Sam doesn't want to add more sorrow and grief, not to mention, irritation and trouble to his life, but he cannot refuse to help someone in need.
Sam and Genevieve develop a terse bond of acquaintanceship (not quite friendship;) throughout Genevieve's detox, which shows Genevieve how truly giving, caring, and sweet Sam is as he checks in on her and holds her accountable.  Both Sam and Genevieve begin to care for one another, but are stubbornly opposed to each other for different reasons, leading them down a long road of friendship and comedic miscommunications.  Along with Genevieve's physical struggles, she also deals with sleuthing into her parents' past to discover the truth.  Can Genevieve overcome her addiction? Will Sam ever open up and allow himself to enjoy life?  Can Genevieve discover what really happened in her parents' early lives?  Will Genevieve and Sam be able to survive their friendship or romantic interest?  I would highly recommend Stay With Me if you are looking for a lighthearted, faith-filled, wholesome, intriguing, and adventurous read.

Disclaimer: Bethany House Publishers graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

Becky Wade never disappoints! This book is one of her best in my opinion. It deals with super hard topics but is still has the fun elements that make her books great. As always the romance was superb and Sam was a heartthrob and will be at the top of my list of hero’s. Make sure to read this book. It is well worth it.

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is a first by this author for me. I really enjoyed Genevieve and Sam’s story. They meet with a very strange first encounter and Sam’s property. The story takes off from there. Good read!!

In the first full-length novel in Becky Wade's new Misty River series, we get a look at characters who are flawed and struggling, dealing with real issues. I loved gruff Sam from the get-go; it took me a little longer to actually like Gen, but even while she grated on me a little, I did appreciate her journey. For both characters, I really enjoyed seeing how they had to apply their faith to real-life situations and figure out how they were getting in their own way and needed to trust God to truly help them. I also liked seeing their blossoming relationship; I love good banter between romantic leads, and there were some really great lines in this book.
Based on the cover, this might seem like a fluffy romance, but there's a lot of depth. There's also a lot of hope and great messages about introspection, forgiveness, redemption, and more--but without ever being preachy.
Great start to a new series!
4 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

Wade tackles difficult subjects in this book and handles it beautifully. Sam was an amazing hero albeit often reluctantly. Gen might be the most flawed heroine I've ever read.

I think I loved this book because it was a romance, but not just between Sam and Gen - but also between God and Gen and God and Sam. I loved how they both grew closer to God throughout this book in spite of their flaws and struggles. But don't get me wrong, the romance between Sam and Gen was spectacular as well and there are some great kisses.

This book has a touch of mystery to it as well and as Gen searched for this secret it was neat to tag along and figure it out. It was also interesting to read how the past shaped so much of her life. I was really impressed with her ability to have hard conversations.

I don't feel like I've done this book justice with this review, but I don't want to give anything away! I highly recommend it!

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Stay with Me is one fantastic redemption story! I've read all Becky Wade's books and I consider this her finest book yet.

Genevieve Woodard has a cheerful effervescent personality and quite the unique job for a 30 year old as a well known Bible study teacher and speaker. She meets her polar opposite in brooding, no nonsense restaurant and farm owner Sam Turner. Both characters have serious issues to overcome and it makes for quite the story. As it all unfolds, I could not have been more mesmerized or captivated. The connection between the two was full of ups and downs, but the romantic tension sizzled.

"He wasn't built for superficial dating relationships. He was wired for serious love and commitment. Kissing Gen would be like playing with a stick of dynamite."

The questions surrounding the mysterious letters Gen has been receiving added another surprising dimension to the Woodward family dynamics. Readers get an amazing romance and an intriguing suspense all in one.

On a side note, I do wish a few references to rap and hip hop songs hadn't been called by specific title and artists, as it wasn't really believable a Bible study teacher would be listening to songs with such profanity.

I love Wade's sense of humor and her quick-witted banter between Gen and Sam was first class. The Grace and Truth inspirational element that was brought to light was nothing short of stunning. Stay with Me has been Becky Wade's strongest book when it comes to revealing divine truth and I just had to sit and let it soak in.

"She could not pay Him Back. And Praise God for that. Praise God! Because that meant she could stop trying so hard."

Stay with Me is on my Best Books of 2020 list. With several future book scenarios being introduced, I can't wait to read the next installment in the Misty River series. I appreciate Bethany House via Netgalley making a copy of Stay with Me available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

I really enjoyed this novel that digs into the felt need to maintain a facade that all is well, even when it isn't. Add in layers of sweet romance and a family mystery that could pull a family apart, and it was a book I couldn't stay away from. Another great read from one of my favorite contemporary romance authors.

Such a good book!
A very emotional story.... Four important story threads 1. Is about an earthquake that five middle schoolers on a mission trip survived 2. Sam and Kayden. relationship. 3. Genevieve and Sam. 4. Genevieve's parents and their secret from the past.
The setting is perfect, a small southern town.
I loved the characters and their separate spiritual journeys. It gave me goose bumps when they each let God direct their paths.
Truely one of the best books I've read.


I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review of the book.

I'm sitting here in that happy/sad place when you've finished an amazing book like Stay with Me by Becky Wade. You're so satisfied with the ending, but also so sad that story has come to an end.

Stay With Me’s main characters are Genevieve, a Bible study writer and a person with secrets, and Sam, an Australian farmer living in Georgia. It's a beautiful love story with wonderful kisses, heartfelt moments, some mystery, and enough humor to keep you laughing and smiling. But most importantly, Becky Wade reminds us that our God is big, He loves us so very deeply, and that grace and redemption are part of His eternal plan. She encourages us to live in the light of God our Father and not in the shadows. My heart will never be the same.

I've so enjoyed my time in Misty River, Georgia reading Stay with Me. My only consolation to finishing the book is knowing that I will get to revisit Misty River in future books by Becky Wade.

I highly highly recommend Stay With Me and promise you that your faith will grow and your heart will be happy when you read it.
I was given a copy of this book by publisher and not required to write a review

I’m sitting here with tears, trying to process all the layers of this amazing story.
So much pain. Hope. Redemption. Forgiveness. Love.

This story pretty much had me hooked from page 1. (I had already read the prequel novella, Take a Chance on Me, and knew that I loved this series, so I didn't really have a chance... :) )

Gen is thrown into Sam's life in a most unconventional way. He does what he can to get rid of her. Because he's sure she's everything he doesn't need to be involved in.

But she keeps popping up.
And they get to know each other.

Gen is convinced that his little cottage is the perfect living space for her.

I really enjoyed all the tension that happens between these two. So much going on.

Gen was a very intriguing character. I wanted to dislike her and all that she'd been doing. But, in spite of myself, I found myself rooting for her.

She was living proof that there is always hope.

This book, this story, is full of hope. Of love coming after deep pain.

I also liked the bit of mystery, suspense, that was woven into this story. Rather unsurprising, some of the turn of events. It kept me reading until the end.

I can't wait to get to know more of the people from this delightful town.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Stay with Me is the first book in Becky Wade’s Misty River series and it is not to be missed!
The story begins with Gen (who I really didn’t like until later) and the odd but true way she meets Sam. She is a Christian author and speaker whose secret life is spiraling out of control. “she’d misplaced God somehow”. Sam is a man who had experienced great sorrow and is living in self-protect mode. But “Regardless of weakness, in God’s strength he could do the one thing within his ability. He could stay.”
The book is filled with romance, self-examination, realizations, faith and intrigue. Becky did a superb job of intertwining them all. I love how she writes! It is a beautiful lesson in faith and the romantic tension builds wonderfully sprinkled with spine tingling kisses and deep longing.
There are secrets, lies, shame and past history. It is often real and raw. There is wrestling with trying to be perfect, feeling undeserving of God’s gifts and wondering what He expects of us. It is a great beginning to this series which makes me anxious for more! I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Regardless of his weakness, in God's strength he could do the one thing within his ability.
He could stay.

Becky Wade's Misty River series kicks off with a magnificent story of faith, grace, and love. "Stay With Me" tackles major issues facing our society today, primarily addiction and its aftermath, in a way that is so astoundingly eloquent it is nearly impossible to put the book down.

Wade knows just how to intertwine elements of faith, romance, and intrigue it is almost painfully beautiful. The reader is completely entranced by the story from the first pages, and it is difficult to see it end.

Genevieve and Sam are achingly irresistible protagonists, with struggles and emotions any reader can relate to. Their journeys are portrayed so the reader is constantly engaged and, by the end, is infinitely inspired.

It is going to be so hard to wait for the rest of the series to release, as Wade has already set up impossibly absorbing storylines, including a love triangle and an imprisoned hero. The background of the main characters as natural disaster survivors weaves a complex web of guilt, gratefulness, and hope that already sets this series up as one you absolutely cannot miss.

"Stay With Me" is tear-jerking, inspirational, and unmissable. Grab a copy as soon as you're able!

Disclaimer: I received a free advance copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

STAY WITH ME is the first book in the Misty River Romance series by BECKY WADE. It is a beautifully told romance with a good Christian message, interesting characters and a bit of suspense to keep you guessing.
I love the way rhis author describes her characters' emotions and struggles, really drawing us into the story.
Genevieve Woodward is a highly successful Christian author and speaker, but she has never got over a traumatic experience when she was twelve and feels she has to work hard to show her gratitude to the Lord for saving her life. She is well known and well liked.
Sam Turner is also hurting and, although he runs a successful restaurant and farm, he keeps to himself by choice.
When he finds her asleep in his guesthouse all kinds of alarm bells start ringing.
Genevieve is close to her older sister, Natasha, and the two women work together to see what it is in their parents' past that has led to Genevieve being sent a threatening note.
I am not going to tell you any more of the story, except to say that there are some serious matters involved, but through it all we see the Lord at work bringing redemption out of chaos.
I really recommend Stay With Me as a most enjoyable and heartwarming read.
I am looking forward to the next novel in the series.
I was given a free copy of the book by Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own

In my humble opinion this is Wade's best work. I was riveted from the first page. I couldn't put it down. The characters are wonderful, the story-line is gripping and, the inspirational message is one every heart needs to hear. I laughed out loud. I cried tears of joy. The ending is beautiful and I am blessed to have read it.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher and this is my honest opinion.

This book was gut wrenching in the best possible way. I love Becky Wade's books and once I get the email from amazon saying she has a new book coming out I immediately start stalking Netgalley to see when it will be available to read! So I was PUMPED when this book hit netgalley! I will say this is not your normal binge read book. It was more like a bible study for me, meaning that I felt like I needed to read some of it. Then put it down and think over what I had read. I needed to digest it a bit.. It wasn't just an entertaining book, but it gave me alot to think about. I applaud Ms.Wade for writing about things that maybe most Christians don't want to talk about. But drug addiction is real, and yes, even Christians face it. I really appreciated learning about what the character was going through with her addiction, how she got into it, and what it felt like to her, why she liked it, ect. It gave me insight that will hopefully make me be a more compassionate and helpful person to anyone I come in contact with that struggles with addiction.

Becky Wade crafts masterful characters who are truly hurting. In her latest novel, Stay With Me, which also happens to be the introduction to her new Misty River Series, Wade's heroine struggles with pain pill addiction throughout majority of the novel. Wade made her struggles realistic and haunting. As someone who has personally never seen someone go through withdrawal but read books and watched movies with this type of scene, I believe Wade did a good job at allowing Genevieve succeed but still crave the pills. The romance is enduring and formulaic for the fans of contemporary romance. The plot was different and captured my attention from the first page. I really liked the side story that Natasha and the heroine worked on. I was curious what the messages meant to. Overall, Stay with Me by Becky Wade has hauntingly realistic hurt characters who work through their struggles to find purpose and love for their loves. A definite must-read for fans of Wade's other works and contemporary romance fans.

I received a complimentary copy of Stay With Me by Becky Wade from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.