Member Reviews
Let It Be Me by Becky Wade is a perfect fit for readers who enjoy heartwarming, emotional, and inspiring stories about second chances, family, and the power of love, particularly those who appreciate themes of foster care, adoption, and the complexities of relationships, as well as those who enjoy a mix of romance, suspense, and Christian fiction.
I absolutely loved this heart warming story. Sebastian is a lovable character and I love the story of his past and what he made of his future. What an amazing story. I highly recommend.
Some things might have gone wrong on that day, but you weren’t one of them.”
"I don't want you to need me. I want you to choose me."
Wow! What a book! Becky Wade has written another “must-read” with Let it Be Me, the second full-length novel in the Misty River Series. Math genius, non-romantic Leah Montgomery is paired with pediatric heart surgeon and former foster kid Sebastian Grant, two very intelligent and extremely driven people.
Wade pens a beautiful story of two people falling love. The writing is full of banter, wit and humor as well as deep thoughts. The obstacles that the characters face in their journey together draw them to each other and to God.
Wade is not only an excellent story-teller, but she is a wordsmith as well. I found myself not only drawn to the plot of this story, but to the masterful phrasing and the magic created by the words themselves.
I definitely recommend this book to readers of contemporary romance and Christian fiction.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions given are my own.
Another sweet story by Becky Wade! I enjoyed getting to know the characters and reading each book in this series. Her books are like a romcom and always deliver!
3.5 stars
It started out with a great set-up and was briefly on the way to being a five star, but ultimately it tried to be too many things and include too many different story lines. The characters got overwhelmed and grumpy, and I as the reader felt like I lost touch with them about halfway through. They weren't relatable in their grumpiness over relatively minor issues, and some of the biggest issues of all were resolved extremely simplistically.
At least they got over themselves a bit at the end, enough to make me round up instead of down. A promising but mostly frustrating story, and the flirtation with a love triangle didn't help matters.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required. My review is based off a final published copy of the book.
These characters were so interesting! Sebastian is part of the group of kids that survived a collapsed building during an earthquake, so we get to know him a bit in the previous books. He was a bit of an enigma, so it was really fun to get in his head, learn about his true feelings and how he views the world. I loved his friendship with Ben (and Ben's awesome family), and how he stayed loyal to Ben even though it was a major struggle as his feelings for Leah deepen.
Leah's journey is not what she anticipated- taking care of her brother and teaching high school math- but her latest twist really throws her. Sebastian is a huge support in her search for answers, and as they allow themselves to be vulnerable with each other their attraction and chemistry just increase. An angsty yet hopeful story with layered characters and a dynamic supporting cast.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Another great book in the Misty River Series from Becky Wade. Wade has created characters that we continue to want to learn more about and join them on their journey.
Becky Wade has written a cute story about a former foster child - Sebastian Grant and high school math teacher Leah Montgomery. I appreciated that this story was told over a longer timeline, often jumping a few weeks or months to allow the characters time to grow and breathe. But I struggled to enjoy this story overall. Leah was a sweet character, but it felt like Wade was writing a character who is Autistic without actually naming it. And because of that, it felt like Leah was highly understood. It was frustrating that she had no close friends throughout the story also. She was very alone without being able to process much of what happened throughout the story.
It was an interesting plot line, but having read this story did not want me to continue reading this series.
Oh my goodness, Becky Wade knocks it out of the park again! She does such a phenomenal job of writing characters that are likable and genuine, with flawed pasts and current struggles, but with growth and hope threaded into their lives. Becky Wade is not afraid to tackle challenging subjects, which makes her books so real and applicable. I love how the more serious parts of the book are broken up with fun, witty conversations and humor. I really liked the romance in this novel as well, which is believable and swoon-worthy. Although this book is a stand alone, the first book is also fantastic and gives a bit of background on a few of the characters. I really liked the twists the book took as well and was surprised on several occasions. I really cannot recommend this series enough and this particular book is a true gem!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
After a troubled childhood Sebastian Grant has made a career out of fixing hearts, but is his own in danger when he falls hard and fast for the one woman he can't have?
High School Math Teacher Leah Montgomery is shocked to discover a secret that puts her world in a tailspin, she has worked hard raising her younger brother and never thought that she was cut out for romance. I loved her relationship with Dylan and how she is devoted to giving him the best, and is worried about his future.
An engaging multi-layered read, with familiar faces from the previous novels in the series. There was definitely some great chemistry between Sebastian and Leah, and I liked the winding plot that kept me on my toes. While this wasn't my usual kind of book, I found it to be enjoyable. I really liked how the Colemans took Sebastian in and became the family that he needed in his life. But I wasn't comfortable with the idea of forgiving God.
Overall, a well written contemporary romance, filled with tension, relationship building, friendship, and stepping into the unknown. I would definitely read a book about Ben finding someone nice in the future!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
What an amazing story! The characters came to life for me and it was difficult for me to read the last page of the book, because I hated for it to end. I am never, ever disappointed by this author. It you love a well-written, faith-based story, this one is for you.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my are my own.
Let It Be Me is a contemporary romance written by Becky Wade. It is book 2 in A Misty River Romance series. I highly recommend reading them in order because of an event that sets the backdrop for the characters and how they are connected. The "event" and backstory are one of my favorite parts of the first book, Stay With Me.
The featured characters in this book are Sebastian and Leah. One a pediatric cardiac surgeon and the other a math prodigy turned high school teacher. They meet for the first time after a trip to the ER, but their second encounter is where things get interesting. The story is full of emotion, love and plenty of twists and turns! This read is enjoyable from the beginning to end and will tug at your heartstrings.
Heart wrenching and for my first one in the series, a good one to start with. I will say it may be better to start off with books earlier in the series to get to know the characters of the community better.
Wade does it again -- an interesting storyline, strong character development, and descriptive narrative, a swoonworthy romance, and faith elements that aren't preachy.
Fun yet serious characters with deep wounds that even years later cling to them and push them to react in ways that push people away, all while they possess a deep need to connect. Leah and Sebastian are well-developed characters who are perfect for each other, even though Sebastian believes he can never let himself love Leah. This story is a bit of a love triangle, a bit of a switched-at-birth story and a lot of faith woven together in a tapestry that brings light to the dark. I love Leah's pragmatic approach to life and her dogged determination to bypass romance entirely. Sebastian is dedicated to his career and saving infant lives. He's never considered love until Leah, and the constant tension between them pushes the story. I was deeply invested in the characters' lives and especially Sebastian's faith arc. I love a redemption story, and Let it be Me fed that insatiable appetite.
Such an intriguing romance book. At the start, Leah has just discovered that, because of a DNA test, her parents are not related to her. So, this book is about that mystery. But it is also the story of what can happen when two best friends fall for the same woman. How will they work it out; will they be able to maintain their long friendship? This is the second of the Misty River Romance books and it is mostly Sebastian’s story. I loved it and highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I picked up this book on a whim today and I somehow finished it instead of all my other reading plans. I was so addicted to the story and characters of Leah and Sebastian that I could not stop until I knew the end. I love how a “romance” is so much more with Becky Wade. This is my second book from her and I already have high expectations going forward. There is a depth of plot and character development that I love to see in the romances that I read. Two buzzwords for me are adoption and foster care. This book had characters with both of those elements and I couldn’t be more happy. I also loved the love triangle which is a trope I normally hate. It was well done in here. I can’t wait to read more in this series and from Becky Wade.
I received an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest but I am so happy that I purchased a copy as well!
I absolutely loved this book. 2 guys in love with the same girl and she has no idea. A DNA test will have her in the presence of both. Which one will she choose? A must read!
Let It Be Me was an entertaining, unique story I enjoyed overall. The characters were interesting, quirky (in a good way) and their chemistry together enjoyable to “see” as their relationship unfolded. The author did a good job of assigning a relatable and realistic motivation to each of the main character’s struggle or the lie they believed that each had to work through. It was well done. Let It Be Me introduced me to a host of fun side characters (CeCe was such a hoot and the way Ben’s family embraced Sebastian just so perfect) and the mystery plot woven through kept me turning pages.
A few things that were frustrating and disappointing to me as a reader were -
1. The glorification of Susan B Anthony - she was not a godly woman. I am disheartened every time I see Christian fiction embracing worldly views. To quote Anthony as one of a multitude of examples - “Work and worship are one with me. I can not imagine a God of the universe made happy by my getting down on my knees and calling him great.”
Christian fiction should not be glorifying people who do not adhere to biblical truth.
2. The vilification of gun owners. The stereotype used (don’t want to spoil) was forced, unnecessary and ignorant especially in light of the book’s setting (North Georgia). I was born and raised in the state of Georgia where the vast majority of people are gun owners. Peaceful, gracious and law-abiding people who exercise their right to own a gun. The “abusive guy with a gun” caricature was silly. No one keeps their gun safe in view of a window either.
All that said - overall, a good story. I am looking forward to checking out Luke’s story in book three 😀. I would also like to see Ben get his own story or perhaps, a follow up. What a great guy!
Sebastian and Leah's relationship was delightful and I enjoyed watching it unfold. Sebastian's backstory was very compelling and I enjoyed getting to know his character. The storyline kept me engaged and I enjoyed the romance. I wasn't sure how to feel about the love triangle, but in the end, I was happy with who ended up with who . . . no spoilers! All in all, I greatly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it if you're looking for a good romance!