Becky Wade has delivered another beautiful story with the third book in the Misty River series, Turn to Me. It is a heart-tugging story of pain from loss, but also redemption and healing and what He can do with a life given to Him.

One cannot help but love the gruff, almost-reformed bad boy, Luke and the tender-hearted, dog rescuer, Finley from the opening pages of the book. I was drawn into their relationship and turned pages as quickly as possible to get to their happy ending. I love that Finley first sees Luke as one of her “projects” and Luke tried to see Finley as only an obligation to a promise made to her father. The banter between the two main characters is delightful – funny, sarcastic, heart-breaking, and romantic – whatever fits the setting and circumstances of that part of the novel. The inclusion of an intriguing treasure hunt and cute puppies only added to my enjoyment of this book. Other characters from the first two novels appear and their stories are tied up as well.

I am always amazed at Wade’s manner of crafting words into wonderful word pictures while telling a story, and she delivers in Turn to Me. Her romantic heart is evident as is her sense of humor.

I highly recommend this latest novel by Becky Wade for readers of contemporary romance and Christian fiction.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions stated are my own.

Another delightful story by Becky Wade! I enjoyed getting to know the characters. I love that there are always good secondary characters as well!

Turn to Me is probably my favorite novel from Wade, until I read the next one. Ha! Honestly - her romance novels are so well written. They are full of swoony moments, all while dealing with real life issues and circumstances. This was a fantastic read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was a great wrap up to this series. I thought the grumpy/sunshine trope was done really well. I loved how Luke and Finley complemented each other and helped one another to grow and become better. I loved that the Miracle 5 were all more present in this one as a group, not just two or three together here and there. I really liked the epilogue and only wanted more of Ben & Akira.
Finley is kind of adorable. I loved her sunshiney, optimistic attitude and unflinching devotion to what she knew was right. Luke was the perfect mix of broody grump and devoted friend. I really loved his redemption arc and what he learned about himself, family, trusting people, and God’s grace. Sometimes the grumpy/sunshine is a little overblown, with the grump being so grumpy no one could possibly want anything to do with them, or the sunshine being so cheerful they’re annoying. But that didn’t happen here. I loved the progression of their relationship and how well they brought out the best in each other.
As with the others, this is a Christian fiction romance. There is a lot of talking about God, His grace, love, and forgiveness. I loved those themes and how each character—even the one “preaching” them—has to learn more about how God’s forgiveness and one can transform a person.
The little side romance with Ben and Akira was absolutely adorable and I loved it so much! Every single “this is not romantic at all” made me smile. I loved how they tried to be honest with each other right up front and they were just so dang cute.
Bridgett, Meadow, Trish, Cat, and Blaire were all such good side characters and brought a fullness to the story that was so good. And I personally think we need more stories for Bridgett and Blaire. Oh, CeCe is also hilarious and I totally could have enjoyed her getting more page time. I know she wasn’t a main character, but gosh she is funny! Her fiery personality is hilarious!

**Many thanks to the author & publisher for an advanced copy of the book, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions belong to me.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Read by Barbara McCulloh—I liked her reading. Basic, but not annoying. Though her voice does sound older than the characters, so not entirely fitting for the characters.

Quotes I loved:

Her employee was a pirate prince! -Finley

He seemed to have turned dissatisfaction into an art form. -Finley

Of the two of them, he was the sensible one. The one who didn’t meditate, or wear felt hats indoors, or ride bikes attached with big dogs. -Luke

Fear should never be what holds any of the three of us back from something. -Meadow

For the thousandth time, he wondered why she couldn’t have been a woman in her fifties, like what he’d been expecting, based on Ed’s age. Or why couldn’t she have been plain? It have a personality as unlikable as cats? Why? -Luke

Then I think you are good enough for my son. And I don’t mind telling you that my opinion carries more weight than yours. -CeCe

Your faithlessness doesn’t affect God’s faithfulness. None of the love He has for you is conditional. -Finley

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Luke has been the intrigue throughout the series- why did he go off the rails after the trauma while the others bonded together? I loved getting his perspective and discovering what led to his choices. As opposite to him as Finley seems, she is the perfect match to bring light and hope into his life as he transitions back to society. She's not judgemental of his past, but seeks to understand. I loved how protective Luke is as he reluctantly joins her search with the clues her father left. Their romance is a slow burn, and the anticipation builds as they develop a deeper friendship and attraction. A wonderful redemption story that brings all the feels!

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.

Upon release Luke Dempsey finds himself in the last place he wanted to return to thanks to a promise he made to a dying friend. He didn't expect that the woman he promised to help would be so beautiful, with a smile that brings back his hope.

The long awaited finale to the Misty River Romance Series, brings the Miracle Five together at last, in this romance of renewed hope and redemption. Luke had a rough upbringing, and struggled to deal with the aftermath of the mine incident. He doesn't want to stick around Misty River too long, but he is a man of his word. Finley is outgoing and passionate about second chances for animals and humans alike, she has also faced overwhelming loss.

An engaging read, with characters and storylines that are easy to invest in. I also enjoyed the touch of suspense in this book. Great interaction, and a opposites-attract romance. I also was so happy to see Ben get another shot at finding love in this book.

Overall, a great conclusion to the series. It was great seeing characters from the previous books pop up throughout the story. An enjoyable contemporary romance, with strong themes of second chances and new beginnings.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me advance access to this title. I really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to reading more from this author. As a reader, I am really motivated by character driven stories and I found myself quickly becoming immersed in these characters’ lives. Full review to come.

I love a book by Becky Wade! While contemporary romance is not my go-to genre, her books are. Turn to Me, the final book in the Misty River series, was a delight. Its setting is my happy place — the North Georgia mountains. While that might be inducement enough to fall into the book, the engaging and relatable characters are the star of this novel. Luke, one of the Miracle 5 from previous books, has been a bad boy since the event that took his younger brother and changed his life. He has lots of baggage, but is determined to live on the straight and narrow. Finley, whose father was a friend to Luke in prison, is a flower child with all the charm and quirks that entails. The two come together to embark on a treasure hunt set up by Finley’s now deceased father. It is certainly a puzzler that keeps Luke and Finley on their toes while requiring they spend more and more time together. There is definite chemistry there! Fans of romance will love their relationship. If you don’t mind a mystery, it’s a great one. It kept this reader guessing until the end. For those who have been following the returning characters, you will love how Wade finishes their stories.

Turn to Me was such a fun book — some lighthearted moments, some soul-searching, a mystery to keep the pages turning. I’m a bit sad that my time in Misty River is at an end — it’s such a fabulous series. If you haven’t read it, you are in for a big treat. make sure you get all the books. You’ll want your stay to continue.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

Due to a personal difference in beliefs (WITH THE PUBLISHER) I will not be reviewing this book outside of Netgalley nor do I plan to support Thomas Nelson in the future due to their decisions of late and the lack of fiction with good Biblical values.

This does not mean I do or do not like the book, it just means I will not be reviewing books for this publisher anymore as I do not care to support them when I do not agree with the way they have left their former standards.

Another amazing book from an amazing author. I am never disappointed in a Becky Wade book and this one was no exception. Would definitely recommend.

Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House Fiction for the gifted book that I read along with the library audio!

Luke has let the tragedy of the earthquake he survived and his brother did not define his life. Newly released from prison, he is making good on his promise to a fellow, now deceased, inmate to protect his daughter as she hunts down the clues in the treasure hunt he left for her. Finley is a big fan of lost causes and Luke is a great target for her ministrations. But they both aren't fans of letting people in, except now it seems they are each going to have to let down their walls to get what they want.

These two are polar opposites drawn together through being attracted to each other's character as much or more so than by their looks. I love how they slowly reform each other to be better people and draw each other to Christ, Finley meaning to and Luke not realizing he is doing so. And once again in this series, the chemistry is quite nice.

This is a closed door, kisses only romance.

I felt slightly lukewarm (Ha, pun intended) over the first two books in this series, but I fell in love with this one! I love the grumpy hero stereotype and Luke was perfect! Also, the kitten?? Hello, how perfect and adorable! Finley was also perfect and adorable and I absolutely loved their relationship and the way she gently pushed him out of his comfort zone. The growth in both characters was wonderful to see and I loved how they pushed each other to be better individuals. The mystery also captured my interest and I was on the edge of my seat during the climax. If you're going to pick a Becky Wade book to read, make it this one!

When Finley Sutherland’s father dies in prison, he leaves her a bequest and a request. The bequest is a sealed envelope, the first clue in their traditional birthday treasure hunt. The request is that she’ll give Luke Dempsey a job at The Furry tails dog rescue shelter. She needs someone to rebuild and upgrade their website, and Luke earned two degrees in computer science while serving his time in prison.

Turn to Me is the third book in the Misty River series. These are all stories about the “Miracle Five”, five teenagers who survived eight days trapped in a basement in El Salvador after an earthquake hit.

Luke has always been the bad boy of the bunch. He’s the one who never wanted anything todo with the others after they were rescued. It’s easy to see why: he has survivor’s guilt, because he survived and his younger brother didn’t. Worse, Ethan might have survived if Luke hadn’t told him to go to the back of the line.

Turn to Me could easily have been a feel-good story about the do-gooder accidentally falling for her latest rescue project, but it’s so much more. Finley has issues of her own, although it takes a while for her to admit them to herself, let alone to Luke. But the two are a good match in that while their backgrounds are different, theire will be similarities in their respective paths to healing.

What throws the two of them together (more than just work) is the treasure hunt. Finley’s father made Luke promise to help her, which is the only reason he’s back in Misty River: his plan is to move to Montana.

The treasure hunt was a lot of fun, and is a unique plot idea. I will admit to being pleased that I got one clue long before Finley and Luke … But there was also an element of suspense, because Ed’s last words before dying had been that the treasure hunt might put Finley in danger.

Yes, this is yet another Becky Wade Christian romance that has an unexpected suspense subplot. I say unexpected, yet they all have them. One day I’ll remember and won’t be pleasantly surprised when it appears …

Overall, this was another excellent contemporary Christian romance from Becky Wade. The only problem is that it will now be another year before I get to read another new Becky Wade novel, and I don’t know if this is the end of the Misty River series or if we are going to get one more book with Bens’ story. I hope we do.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Turn to Me is the third book in the Misty River Romance series by Becky Wade. It can be read as a stand-alone novel. Wade has created a plot full of redemption as Luke Dempsey tries to rebuild his life after serving his prison sentence. She adds in the character of Finlay Sutherland to "rescue" Luke Dempsey while setting the story in an animal rescue center. A perfect romance to cuddle up with the furry friend in your life!

I’ve been anxiously anticipating Luke’s book all along, and this did NOT disappoint! He’s the absolute perfect begrudging grump with a compassionate heart, and Finley is his perfect counterbalance. I love her sunny hippie side as well as her ability to see through Luke and identify what he really means/needs. I love that Ben also gets a chance to discover someone new after his hopes were previously dashed. And above all, I love that the mystery elements create the drama and tension so that the characters are free to grow and fall in love without unnecessary angst, yet I had to keep flipping the pages to see where they would end up next!

Many thanks to the publisher for my advance copy. My review is freely and willingly given without expectation. I’ve long been a fan of Ms. Wade’s books, it is my joy to read and review!

I started reading this around 5 pm in the evening and finished at 12:16 am. To say it sucked me in was an understatement. When I wasn't reading, I was thinking about it and wondering when I could pick it back up. I declared that leftovers were for dinner, help yourself, and went back to my book as soon as possible.

The characters were great, the premise of the treasure hunt was fun, and the little bits of tension/danger keep you going. I loved the Christian aspect of it and thought it was really well done and not preachy. I've read the first two books and now I want to re-read the series to make it really come together as a tight, cohesive, trilogy.

Wade is an absolute master at creating just the right amount of weakness and strength in her character’s that hits the right balance. Both Finley and Luke felt perfectly cast - and they complement and complete each other in the very best of ways.

The pacing is on point, nothing feels rushed. The character development, even their friendship to love just felt unhurried and natural.

Turn to Me was didn’t disappoint despite the anticipation for its release. I loved every single minute of it. A real page turner for the contemporary romance fan that appreciates clean content. There’s enough tension and mystery to keep you on the edge, chemistry to hit in all the right places for the romance addict and inspiring and uplifting messages of hope and healing to round out one of the best stories this year.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. This is my honest review.

Turn to Me by Becky Wade is a 2022 Bethany House Publication.

Just before his release from prison, Luke’s friend, and fellow inmate, died of a heart attack. His dying words to Luke were to help his daughter, Finley, with her annual birthday treasure hunt, alluding to the possibility that this time the hunt could put Finley at risk.

Finley works at a non-profit dog rescue and is a devout Christian. When Luke arrives, announcing his intentions help Finley with her treasure hunt, she accepts his help, working hard to ignore her attraction to him, as well the idea that the birthday hunt might be dangerous...

This is my first novel by Becky Wade, and I really liked it. The story involves two people who have both lived through gut wrenching tragedy, and still carry the pain and scars with them.

Luke is out on parole, but still riddled with guilt, while Finley lost her fiance, and believes she is destined to be single for life. But, Luke and Finely must rethink their presumptions about what plans God may have for them, while they work through the mystery of the birthday treasure.

There is a side romance, and a thread involving Luke's troubled teenage sister who is out sowing some wild oats.

That's a lot going on in one book, and it kept the pacing from ever picking up steam- causing the mystery to unfold at a snail's pace. Things do pick up in the last few chapters, though, with a few intense, 'hold your breath' moments.

The author note at the end explains where she came up with the inspiration for the mystery thread, but for me some of the details were still stretched the realm of plausibility- at least for me- yet, the human nature parts of criminal elements were spot-on.

That said, I loved Finley’s unconventionality, Luke’s transformation, the character development, the great message about mistakes, guilt, and worthiness, the sweet and often funny romance…. And of course, all those rescue dogs.

Overall, this is a lovely story and a nice introduction to Becky Wade’s work. I’ll definitely consider reading more of her books in the future.

*LibraryThing/Netgalley giveawaY

Grump Hero meets His Match. This is book three in the Misty River series. This was a beautiful, moving, roller coaster of a book. It is a romance novel with fun, quirky but genuine characters who have believable problems. I liked that Luke and Finley were opposites in many ways, and the banter between them was fun and illustrated the way they were connecting with each other. For anyone who has felt guilt, loss, or grief - this handles all those topics with grace and truth. These books aren’t cheesy at all. They are real and honest and I appreciate her writing.

Turn To Me
Becky Wade

Genre: Christian Romance
Pages: 416
Price: 1033₹

Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

Review:

There are not many books that could make me add more stars than the required five but Becky's books always put me in a place to contemplate and this book is definitely it!

My favorite quote:
🔹“Your faithlessness doesn’t affect God’s faithfulness,” Finley had said to him. “None of the love He has for you is conditional.”🔹

The book gave me the best hangover EVER! The book is simply amazing not just because it's Becky's book but because of the amazing lines in it! If you could just see how much I've highlighted you'd definitely give me a look like I'm crazy but when you read it you'll definitely understand the highlights!

Luke Dempsey is a survivor of the great earthquake and one of the MIRACLE FIVE who survived, but he's plagued with survivors guilt and he's distanced him from everyone he knows after pulling a stint in prison and making a friend of Finley's dad and making a promise to him he's tied to Finley until he fulfils his promise but his heart wants more but his inner demons come to play!
Finley is a bleeding heart for broken souls if there's a puppy in distress she'll find it somehow, God has always helped her rescue many pets but this time he's asking her to rescue Luke the brooding mysterious man her father sent, she has only one shot at rescue but her heart is somehow on the line this time and she doesn't want to lose!

This book was so well written I was crying a lot and the plot was just earth shattering (pun intended), the book doesn't have a boring page in its spine! The writing is flawless, the characters are amazingly written and Luke's transformation will make your heart feel so full you'll burst into tears! A MUST READ kinda book in my humble opinion, if you love small town romances, enemies to lovers, grumpy-sunshine, Christian romance then this IS the book for you!!