Probably my favorite book in this series! Luke's story is a powerful tale of finding redemption and forgiveness. Luke and Finley are a great example of the grumpy/sunshine trope and I loved every minute of this adventure. Finley's rehabilitation program for Luke added an extra dimension to the story, and Luke's determination to fulfill a promise pushes the characters together. Just when you think it can't get any better, it does! Finley's birthday mystery and the danger that it involves doesn't take away from the story but instead helps to add to the intrigue. While this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. You will, however, get more from the secondary characters if you've already read their books.

Wow, this book is so good! Becky Wade has this incredible ability to draw her readers into her stories so they feel every emotion of the characters. I felt the guilt of Luke and the grief of Finley, and it was hard to put the book down as I was so invested in their story. The romance in this novel is sweet, realistic, and yes, has several perfectly swoon worthy kissing scenes! The bits of humor and banter allow for some light moments among the heavier topics and I really enjoyed reading about the dogs Finley works with in the story. Additionally, mystery abounds with the treasure hunt Luke and Finley undertake and I loved the twists and turns in the story. My favorite part of this novel, however, was the way Becky Wade seamlessly incorporated strong faith elements in the story that made it easy to grow in my faith while reading. I love everything this talented author writes, but this series has been my favorite so far and I really enjoyed this novel! Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I will preface this review by saying that I had some expectations that are not hinted at in the synopsis, but rather what I wanted to see based on my love for a certain side character throughout the rest of the series. I have adored Ben for over two years and wanted more of him. I was fully anticipating more page time for him in this book than what is actual. I would have loved to see him have his own time as center stage!
That aside, Becky pulls out all the stops for the bad boy, Luke, of the Miracle Five. As with the other novels in this series, there are heavier topics dealt with (death, grief, survivor's guilt, etc) and they're handled with a deft hand. There's adventure through a treasure hunt, themes of healing and forgiveness, family drama, and a beautiful love that develops between the MCs. Finley is an ideal match for Luke with her ability to look past flaws and encourage others to overcome obstacles.
Luke lost his brother in a disaster on a missions trip as a kid. His survivor's guilt is strong and he pursues a life best described as self-destructive. While imprisoned, he meets and befriends Finley's father, leading him to meet and join her efforts upon his release. Finley's life isn't all roses, however, her lemons to lemonade attitude smooths out what could be a contentious beginning.
A note for audiobook fans: I listened to a good chunk of this book via audio and would recommend physically reading this series instead. The narrator, Barbara McCulloh, lacks the youthful tone I think this book needs. Her matronly voice would be more suited to either a historical fiction or nonfiction book.
Thank you to the author and Bethany House for the gifted copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Turn to Me by Becky Wade concludes the Misty River Romance series and gives readers the long-awaited story of the enigmatic Luke Dempsey as he keeps an inconvenient promise to Finley’s father – working for her animal shelter while providing protection and assistance in an adventurous final birthday treasure hunt. This story features a deep perspective of grace, a swoony romance, endearing and realistic characters, and a gorgeously fleshed out setting in the mountains of northern Georgia. Readers of the previous book in the series, Let It Be Me, will delight with occasional sections from Ben Coleman’s perspective as he moves on from heartbreak and develops a tentative new friendship with a sweet woman named Akira.

Finley and Luke are seeming opposites in many ways, but their common sense of honor unite them from their first interactions. Their conversations and banter highlight their chemistry, with Luke’s snarky sense of humor shining through at the BEST times! While Finley’s plans to “restore” Luke to society and wholeness through her friendship and encouragement are successful, I love that he challenges her to think and choose to hope in a future she had given up on.

I personally find an intangible something very relatable in the dynamics and relationships of Becky Wade’s stories. It is that key style element which elevates her stories in the genre. For Finley and Luke, it is their struggles to risk their hearts for love and to work through hard things in their lives. I especially find the parts of the story where Luke is processing the grief and loss of a sibling, and talking through his self-labeled responsibility, to be touching.

While the friendship-and-romance is the heart of the story, themes of forgiveness and an organic sense of the characters’ faith are all important parts that make up this impressive whole. I love the daring of the treasure hunt with personal clues leading Finley on a journey of discovery. The various pets and DOGS (tiny, fierce Agatha in particular!), the collection of cacti, Luke’s automobile knowledge and restoration, CeCe’s wisdom, Trish’s Christmas songs, Ben and Akira’s encouraging friendship, and Luke’s family are more small things I enjoyed.

I am a little sad to say goodbye to these “Miracle Five” characters with this last book in the series. The concluding chapters, with heart-wrenching moments and a certainty of HOPE, are perfectly written.

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

I was dying to get my hands on this book. If you have read anything by Becky Wade, you know what I mean. Knowing that this story was going to be about the elusive Luke Dempsey made me want it all the more. Turn to Me is the third novel in the Misty River Romance series, and having read the previous books, I already love this town and those who live in it. Luke has always been more of a mystery, belonging to a group the town calls the Miracle Five, he is a bit of a celebrity. But Luke too often lets his mistakes define him. Fulfilling a promise he made to a fellow inmate is the last thing Luke needs to do before he feels free. But Finley isn’t anything close to what he expected.

I loved everything about this book. Wade kept me turning pages way too late into the night, and I couldn’t get enough. Finley is easy to love, and I enjoyed watching them fight the chemistry they obviously had. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Romance. You can totally read this book as a stand alone, but I loved the other books in this series, so I vote you get all of them! I received a complimentary 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.

This book is phenomenal and my favorite read of 2022 so far! I love all of Becky Wade's books and I have been a fan of her writing for a long time. I was eagerly anticipating reading Turn to Me, and not only did Turn to Me meet all of my expectations, but it blew me away! One of the reasons this book stands out as an incredible novel is the dynamic between the main hero and heroine. Luke is an ex-convict whose grumpiness and strong opinions bring a wonderful sense of humor and lightheartedness to a story that tackles heavier topics such as grief and guilt. The main heroine, Finley, is optimistic, strong, and brings out the best in those around her. I loved the opposites attract romance between Luke and Finley because it felt so real and honest. They are such a fun couple and I would want to be friends with them!

In Turn to Me, you are reunited with the other members of the Miracle Five, and Ben's love story is a sweet side-plot [happy sigh]! I loved the mystery elements involved with the treasure hunt and the theme of new beginnings highlighted in the novel.

I give this book my highest recommendation!

Thank you to the author, Bethany House Publishing, and Net Galley for providing me with an early copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not compensated for my review.

Loved the treasure hunting and the history of the buried treasure. I loved the relationship Finley had with her father and her sense of adventure. Her loving heart gave people as well as animals a second chance. The relationship between Finley and Luke was not realistic in my opinion. Both were haunted by past mistakes which did connect them in a way but lacked depth. Finley was a little to flighty. I'm glad to see Ben has found someone to love. Sweet contemporary novel.

Wow.

Just. WOW.

I am absolutely floored by this novel. Becky Wade you have absolutely outdone yourself.

I don’t typically go for the “bad boy” with the black leather jacket and obsession with cars, but in this particular novel I wouldn’t have it any other way. Finley’s eccentricity paired beautifully with Luke’s rough exterior which made for a wonderfully satisfying read. I’m not sure that “True to You” by Becky Wade could ever be replaced as my #1 favorite novel ever, but if any book ever did come close, it was “Turn to Me.”

First, let me say that the spiritual message and faith elements of this novel were incredibly important and expertly entwined into the narrative. Luke’s acceptance that Jesus died on the cross to forever remove his sins was a beautiful moment. I feel that Finley and Luke’s relationship perfectly mirrors how God can use the people in our lives to draw us closer to Him.

Secondly, the humor in this novel was TOP-NOTCH!! I couldn’t help the dopey smile I had plastered to my face as I read about Luke attempting to care for Agatha (an adorably rambunctious rescue pup).

Third, the mystery in this novel was artfully interwoven throughout the story and Becky Wade did a masterful job of providing enough details and debacles to make solving the mystery seem realistic and not all all contrived/too convenient.

All throughout the other Misty River Romance installments readers have been left wondering what would ever become of the mysteriously secluded “Luke” fellow. I feel safe to say that this novel perfectly satiated our curiosities. The reunion between the Miracle Five was more than I could have ever hoped for and getting to hear about the latest news regarding the characters from the previous books just about made my heart explode with happiness. I was super thankful that in this novel we got to witness Ben find a love of his own while he came to peace with Sebastian and Leah’s relationship (P.S. if you haven’t read the first two Misty River Romance books, I highly recommend that you do so before picking this one up… thank me later!!).

Last, but not least, the romance in this novel was 110% there. No one does swoony like Becky Wade and “Turn to Me” was no exception. Luke’s protectiveness over Finley and the many ways he showed his love for her gave me alllll the heart eyes! And of course I can’t neglect to mention the final birthday present Luke gifted Finley in the epilogue which was just *chef’s kiss* PERFECTION!!

6/5 stars!!

I loved this book by Becky Wade! I have loved the other books in the series because I have loved seeing how the other characters dealt with their trauma. I was really excited to finally read Luke’s story since his story was really hard. I loved how Finley helped him as he came to terms with his lose. I also liked how they worked together to solve the scavenger hunt. I loved these characters and the emotions they invoked. I loved how they came to rely on God to help them going forward. I thought this was a really good book and highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

This was a very interesting story and I enjoyed the mystery involved and wondered who was following Finley and Luke.

That first kiss was a good one too, but Becky always knows how to write a wonderful romantic scene.

We also get another romance in this book too, which I was so happy to see play out because Ben deserves a happily ever after as well.

Overall, a good romance with an overall good message.

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

For fans of Becky Wade who have been waiting for Luke’s story, it is worth the wait. Turn to Me brings Luke home to Misty River to fulfill a promise he made while in prison. And of course, it’s not as simple as he expects it to be.

Luke is a character who had me both smiling at his moodiness about so many things (Finley, the dogs, Finley, the treasure hunt, Finley, his former friends, did I mention Finley?) while empathizing with him and wanting his hurting heart to feel. Finley and Agatha the puppy aren’t about to let him wallow, though, despite how many times he pushes them away. Finley’s a woman who loves God, her animals, and her town. And she’s determined to help Luke while he’s helping her.

Wade writes characters with such personality, you can’t help but become friends with them by the end of her books. In Turn to Me, she also gives readers a mystery to solve, which makes an already engaging book difficult to put down. In addition, we get a brand-new perspective of what happened with the Miracle Five during the earthquake and how Luke still carries so much guilt. If that’s not enough for you, the author also gives us the rest of Ben’s story.

While it sounds like there’s a lot going on in this book, Wade balances it so well, you are never confused or backtracking to figure out what’s going on. And the end of this book and series was everything I hoped it would be.


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.

I believe series are my nemesis. I love them for the ongoing story and getting to know the characters more intimately ... but I hate it when they end, and sadly this is the last book in the Misty River series.
Ms. Wade has really stretched herself as an author by adding a mystery thread. The layers of characterization of each of not only the main characters but the supporting cast are clear and concise.
There are so many things that I loved about this book. Returning to a community and characters that I have grown to love. The treasure hunt was fun and so creative. I felt that due to the treasure hunt this book was a tad wordier than it needed to be but that is my only negative.
Luke and Finley were a great hero and heroine. I loved their banter and how their romance was sweet and moved at a reasonable pace.
Ms. Wade has used this series to touch on some very tender subjects. In this book, she doesn't shy away from mental health. Both Luke and Finley are dealing with grief in different ways which for Finley could keep her out of Luke's arms.
I loved the puppies! Especially since currently we have a three and a half-month-old puppy named Pepper Marie. Anyway, I could completely identify with Luke's frustration over Agatha's puppyhood!
I also identified with Luke and his not wanting to be a part of the close friendship that the Miracle Five enjoyed after their rescue. I abhor Halloween and not for the reasons most believers think. It was the day I was diagnosed with epilepsy. It also began fourteen years of me apologizing for seizures because my ex-husband said they were my fault. I have healed and am way past that but when I read Luke saying "You remind me of the worst day of my life." My heart sunk, I started crying because I knew how that felt.
Becky Wade is a go-to author for me. I can always count on a swoon-worthy read with spiritual truths woven throughout the story, great characters, humor, and plain fun!

I’ve been in love with Becky Wade’s writing since her first book, which means I may be slightly biased when I say that Becky Wade has done it again, with the third book of the Misty River series we follow the story of Finley and Luke as they go through on a scavenger hunt left behind by Finley’s father. Finley and Luke are your classic opposites attract story.
Turn to Me is a story of mystery, romance and a journey that will have you hooked from the start. If you haven’t read the Misty River series you’re in for a treat as you meet an amazing cast of characters. Becky Wade has created characters who are relatable and flawed and have things to overcome that makes them come right off the page. You will not regret reading Turn to Me or any of the other Misty River books!

Talk about opposites attract, Luke and Finley are opposite in SO many ways it was fun to watch them grow and fall in love. But the premise of the book got me ~ how the author set these two characters up on this treasure hunt, which had some twists and turns, one which I was not expecting! The characters were so real and the romance was so organic. A great read!

I loved the first two books in this series but struggled to get through this one. I didn't enjoy the side story of Ben and Akira- while I would love to read a whole book devoted to them, it broke my focus on Finley and Luke. I found that it left all the characters less fully developed than I would have preferred. Still, the ending was satisfying and I loved that the Miracle Five got the happy ending they deserved.

I'm really enjoying when Wade adds a mystery to her books. It keeps the story moving along and keeps me guessing. I really enjoyed the premise of what brought them together even if a few parts didn't seem super plausible, that's okay since it is fiction.

Unfortunately in this book I didn't enjoy the side character storyline as much and kept skipping back to the main story, but that was probably just me.

Like I said I enjoyed the main story and I appreciated the peace Luke finally found.

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

3.5 STARS

'Luke Dempsey was a tragic and thorny case. Many would say he was a lost cause.'

Wade wraps up her Misty River Romance series quite well in Turn to Me. I was delighted to finally read Luke’s story, and at the same time see Ben get his as a small side story in the book.

The redemption thread here for “bad boy” ex-con Luke is phenomenal! Maybe that is why there was so much emphasis put on his physical desire for Finley. It’s pretty descriptive. I appreciated the author repeatedly, through Finley and others, communicating to Luke that he was not beyond redemption. Our past does not have to define us in the present. This message came across very strong. And it was a beautiful thing to see work out in Luke.

The best part of Finley’s story for me was reading about her dad and how she grew up a “free spirit” and dresses sort of Bohemian. But I’m not a dog fanatic or interested in constantly hearing about animal rights etc. so that really put a damper on this part of the story for me.

All in all, fans of Wade will be satisfied with this series and its ending. I know I thoroughly enjoyed the overall story of The Miracle Five. I look forward to whatever she has coming next year!

I was provided an electronic copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley. No compensation has been received.

This was a great twist on a treasure hunt story. Finley’s father passed away while in jail. He kept up his yearly tradition of giving Finley a treasure hunt for her birthday as part of his will. Luke is finally out of jail and he has a promise to keep before he can get started on his new life of freedom. Luke promised Finley’s dad that he would keep her safe during her last treasure hunt. Neither one of them have a clue what the treasure is but as they start gathering clues they are becoming in danger. Finely notices that someone has been in her house but nothing is missing. They did mess with the safe that has all of the clues they have gathered so far. From the moment Luke saw flower child Finley at her dog rescue he knew he was in trouble. Luke is a loner who never wants to feel anything. He blames himself for his brother dying in an earthquake and makes himself aloof. Finley is determined, while they are hunting for treasure, to break down those barriers and help him feel again. They start something great and then tragedy strikes, Will both of them make it out alive with the treasure? I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was the perfect ending to the Misty River Romance series! I naturally gravitated towards the setting, being from Georgia myself, but there was so much depth to each character's journey. There were five characters throughout the series who were impacted by an overseas mission trip they took as young students, that ended tragically when an earthquake killed one boy and nearly killed the remaining five. When Luke's brother died that day, the lives of his friends and family were forever changed.

Initially I wasn't crazy about the way Finley treated Luke like her own personal rehabilitation project. Finley is passionate about running Furry Tails, an animal rehab and adoption center, but the way she approached Luke's trauma like she would a wounded animal didn't really connect with me. But as the story continued, and Finley's character developed along with Luke's, Becky Wade did a great job of bringing all together. By the end I could see how every aspect of the story worked. I enjoyed the treasure hunt aspect of the story as well. It was a unique way to connect Finley to her father as well as tie in some light mystery and suspense. Luke definitely fits the bill as my favorite type of hero: wounded, broody, dark, and handsome. Yes, please : ).

If you enjoy clean, Christian romance, this is the book for you! In fact, I would definitely recommend the entire series as you're planning your summer vacation reads!

Let It Be Me will always be my favorite of the Misty River series, but Turn to Me provided a satisfying conclusion.

Luke and Finley fall perfectly into the grumpy/sunshine trope. I loved reading Luke’s sarcastic thoughts as he tried to get used to Finley’s upbeat personality and hippie ways. And then there are her employees, who provide plenty of laughs.

The treasure hunt provides a great background to their developing relationship, giving a reason for the two opposites to spend time together. And it’s also a perfect backdrop for the growing tension in their relationship.

I can’t help but mention Ben’s subplot, though. Ben deserves a happily ever after, and getting to see it made my heart happy. I just love Ben and his care for his friends, even the reluctant ones, like Luke.

Wade includes some great discussions about faith, such as God’s forgiveness and freedom from shame. Both characters discuss grief, something I think we can all relate to.

While Turn to Me is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone (though I highly recommend reading the series in order).

Overall, Turn to Me is a sweet romance with complex characters and a captivating plot.