The final book in the Misty River series by Becky Wade, a series I adore- is Turn to Me.

This novel follows the last of the Miracle Five characters- Luke Dempsy and the guilt he carries over the loss of his brother in the horrific accident so many years ago.

As Finley’s father is passing, he tells Luke to watch over her and she searches for a treasure he’s left. Nothing out of the ordinary here, since this was her routine every birthday. As time progresses, and Luke is swayed by so many Pugs at her animal rescue, Finley decides that she wants to try and help Luke see he is forgiven and needs to forgive himself to the past.

The novel follows Finley and Luke as they follow clues left by her father on a true treasure hunt- what fun! And as it turns out there ARE people that Luke should protect Finley from along the way.

I loved Finley’s carefree, animal-loving spirit, Luke’s protective nature and devotion to his promise to Finley’s father, and how each character is able to help the other see they are all worth it.

I have absolutely adored this series, and I am sad to see it end.

If you enjoy Christian, clean romance with characters that have flaws they need to overcome, along with slow burn, you will enjoy this novel, and the entire series!

Ooh, I loved this book. I'm pretty sure this is my favorite of the series but maybe that's because I've been waiting so long to get Luke's story? The buildup was definitely worth it because this story had it all. Romance, Mystery (who doesn't love a treasure hunt?!), Danger and Dogs! 😍

Luke is a tough nut. He's been through a LOT and man, he's rough around the edges. Finley is his exact opposite and also exactly who he needs to soften up those rough edges. Finley is quite determined to rehabilitate Luke just like she does the dogs she rescues. Luke can't run away because, well, he made a promise and funny thing, he really likes Finley.

I loved the slow build of friendship for Luke and Finley. The growing intensity of feelings was spot on as both of them adjusted the way they viewed themselves and their lives. Luke's protective nature was attractive and as the danger became clearer to me as a reader, I became so invested in every move, every detail that was happening with the characters. It was one of those books that has lots of layers and lots of growth. Mostly for Luke as he reconciles with his family, his friends, and himself. I loved all of it.

Content: Christian Fiction elements, mild peril, mild violence. Kissing.

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

<b> “Your faithlessness doesn’t affect God’s faithfulness at all. Not at all. He is faithful. Always. That’s part of His character. You believed in Him when you were young. Which means, when you ask for forgiveness, He forgives you. Period.”</b>

Misty River is one of my favorite fictional places to visit, and with the perfect grouchy, pirate prince-ish, once incarcerated Luke Dempsey using his old hometown as a stopover on his way to his Montana dream, it’s no wonder. But Luke’s promise to help his former fellow inmate’s free-spirited daughter Finley search for the last birthday treasure hunt her dad could ever leave her puts him into some seriously uncharted territory.

He doesn’t want to care—not about Finley, or the pets she protects at her animal rescue, or his parents and sisters, or the other members of The Miracle Five that he’s successfully dodged for decades. And he doesn’t want to let anyone get in the way of the dreams that got him through the prison sentence that just may have saved his sorry bent-for-leather hide. And the side story of Ben finding exactly what he was meant to find was also extra sweet after fell hard for Leah in Let It Be Me, but Leah fell for someone else.

There were some real wow moments in this book. Profound words that literally stopped me in my tracks as I cruised merrily along in the book, wondering how long it would take for the Mighty Luke to fall, speculating what the treasure was or who else knew about it, and bam! Moments of unforgettable redemption, grace, and wisdom that apply not only to the fictional folks, but also to us real ones as well, found where we least expect it.
I haven’t met a Becky Wade book yet that I didn’t love, but this one felt like it loved me back. Ten Stars, an amazing, emotional end to the Misty River saga and the Miracle Five, and above all, the chance to demand that life #FreeLuke. I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher, and was under no obligation to write a review.

Turn To Me is a fantastic finale to the Misty River series. I really loved Luke as a main character, I have been waiting for his story since this series started and it didn’t disappoint. He’s such a tortured and brooding hero! You can’t help by relate to Finley and her wanting to help him. Finley was a fun character and brought a cool vibe to the story. The scavenger treasure hunt Finley’s father has set them on was great. What an unusual storyline that completely enthralled me. Loved this story!

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

I’m just striking out lately. I adored Becky Wade and have been reading her books for years now. But I think Finley is one of the most annoying main characters I’ve ever read. She repeatedly violates Luke’s boundaries. I can’t stand her comparing Luke’s character to a dog. She frustrates me, and for that reason, this one is definitely not for me.

In Turn to Me, by Becky Wade, Finley Sutherland’s father leaves her a clue to a treasure hunt in his will. Finley and her father had a tradition of conducting a treasure hunt on each of her birthdays. This would be a final gift from her father!

Following seven years of incarceration, Luke Dempsey starts working at Furry Tails Animal Rescue Center. Ed, Finley’s father, had asked Luke, his fellow inmate, to work for Finley when he was released from prison. Not only would it help him get back on his feet, but the training Luke received while he was in prison would help update Finley’s business. Luke has no idea what this stop in his journey will bring to his world!

Luke, one of the Miracle Five who survived an earthquake as a teenager, has had a rough life. However, he had committed to Ed to protect Finley throughout this treasure hunt. Having no idea of the danger that could be involved, Luke will be by Finley’s side until the hunt is complete. Unfortunately for Luke, Finley feels God leading her to restore life to Luke. She is never far from his side!

You will not believe the dangerous turn that enters this treasure hunt before it comes to a conclusion. Will Finley find her way back to Like and will you see Luke walk into freedom by the final page?

Watch as members of the Miracle Five (Ben, Natasha, Genevieve and Sebastian) make appearances throughout this tale!

I've read all the books in the Misty River series and I can't even pick a favorite. Each one is unique and presented with such vibrant, real characters that I've loved them all. Still, ex-con Luke might be one of my fave redemption-type characters. Initially Finley seemed too-good-to-be-true so it was nice to see some flaws come out as the story developed. As far as the plot, I enjoyed the treasure hunt but I would have been way more impatient with Finley and demanded we stick to it instead of drawing it out, but I understand the reason for drawing it out was to get the romance going in an organic way. Organic makes it sound very granola, but there was definitely some passion and I'm glad Becky Wade doesn't shy away from presenting more than chaste passion in her books. It serves to make them more realistic as to how people behave in real life. Overall, did I enjoy this story? Yes (read it in 3 days and only because my kindle kept dying on me). Would I read this author again? Wouldn't want to break a good habit:)

Another great book from Becky Wade. The last in the Misty River Romance Series and what an ending.

Unique in content and delivery no cookie cutter series that just switches out characters while recycling a tweaked storyline. This book had me guessing the whole way through and although the "ending" was somewhat of a surprise I could see and believe it.

Now on to the characters, loved them all of them. I'll start with the secondary ones who aren't just background decorations to fill scenes. You have characters to be entertained by, annoyed by (in a relatively good way), delighted by. Characters to love. Akira, our secondary heroine is a genuine delight and I loved getting to meet her and following along for Ben's love story which I was very invested in since his heartbreak in a previous book.

Now our main characters. I have been looking forward to Luke's story since before I finished reading the very first book in this series. If I wasn't clear before the characters in this series stay with you and you have to know them. I enjoyed his deadpan responses and quotable thoughts and dialogue. I loved his growth and development throughout the novel that kept true to his innate nature. Finley was the perfect heroine for him, her personality was so Finley. Read the book and you'll understand.

I loved how well they played against each other and with each other. Their journey to happily ever after was a joy to read. This was such a great book..

Turn to Me tells the love story of Finley Sutherland, the hippy peace child who runs the town animal shelter and Luke Dempsey, the hard-edges ex-con who just got out of prison and has been sent by Finley's dead father to protect her on the treasure hunt her father left for her in his will. As the two embark on the treasure hunt, they're pulled together by undeniable attraction as Finley peels away Luke's layers and challenges him to open up and face the guilt over his younger brother's death years ago.

The good: The romance is adorable. I can't help but love Luke, and I adore the realistic dialogue. I love the side characters SO much--especially people like CeCe, Kat, Akira, and Ben. They made Misty Rivers feel like the perfect sweet small town where you could fall in love. It still veers away from too Hallmark-y as they talk about grief and guilt, which was great. I've read most of Becky Wade's books, and she's a good writer.

The bad: At times, the relationship felt shallow. It was all about chemistry and attraction, not about actual love and commitment. Finley often seemed the two-dimensional hippy, and Luke's years in prison seemed to be washed over. When it came to faith, I felt Wade could have delved into Luke's very brief conversion much more without getting preachy. Plus, I wasn't a big fan of the action side of the conflict in a very romance-oriented book. Just a personal preference. Not my favorite Becky Wade book, but I'm still a fan!

"Carefully condition him by exposing him to all the things he'd been avoiding including, but not limited to, the town of Misty River, close connections with others and God."

Finley Sutherland is on a mission. Not only does she want to solve the birthday treasure hunt that her Dad planned for her, but she also wants to help Luke Dempsey return to living again. He had gotten to know her father before he died as they were both serving time in prison. Luke promised to help keep Finley safe during the hunt. Little does he know that Finley has plans for him as well. Will they both got more than they ever could have dreamed?

This is book three in the Misty River Romance series, and I highly recommend that you read the first two books first to fully appreciate this story. (I cried during several chapters in the last part of the book, and I know that was because certain stories were coming full circle.) There are two enjoyable bonus novellas as well, but since they deal with minor characters, those are not quite as important to the continuing storyline. (I still think you should read them because they are fun!)

Finley is such a strong character. Of course, she would have to be to put up with Luke who especially in the beginning of the book put the "c" in cranky. The author does such a wonderful job with characterization to make them seem real without seeming flat or even too contoured.

The sideline characters were also quite enjoyable. We get to know Finley's Dad through her memories. Meadow and Bridget provide best friend support. Ben Coleman also plays an important role in this book - his family and his story added SO much to this book!

Then there are Kat and Trish along with Akira who also work at Furry Tails Animal Rescue and add all sorts of personality to this book. Finley's mission is to save dogs from "death row." Pets play an important role in this one, and even in the dedication of the book.

Luke is forever known as a part of the #miraclefive - while on a missions trip, he and four others survived an earthquake. His brother did not, and he blames himself. These four continue to purposefully reach out to Luke. His redemption story is inspiring.

There is a bit of mystery/suspense involved in this book regarding the treasure hunt. How the clues all came together was interesting. Finley's Dad added so much meaning to what he wanted his daughter to find. The author did a great job of tying everything together.

Faith definitely played an important role in this book. So did the importance of grieving properly. Luke may have felt abandoned at certain times in his life, but God never gave up on him. If you have a prodigal in your life, this book could be encouragement on how to help properly restore someone back. Such a beautiful part of the story.

I LOVED this book and appreciated the reminder of how important it is to live with intention. This one definitely touched my heart. I was so glad to be provided with a copy of this book as a part of the book launch team. I wanted to review it. All opinions are my own.

Luke Dempsey is consumed by guilt over the loss of his brother, and its destructive effects landed him in prison. Finley Sutherland has dedicated her life to rescuing those around her—from puppies to people. So when a deathbed promise lands the newly released Luke on Finley’s doorstep, she’s determined to help him forgive himself. Toss in a treasure hunt, murder, and more than a little mayhem, and you’ve got a mystery-filled, sweet romance that will keep you up and turning the pages until the very end! Loved this book!

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

I enjoyed reading Turn to Me, book 3 in Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series set in Georgia, despite my initial reservations. When I start reading a contemporary Christian romance, I’ll usually connect with and like one or both of the main characters. I’m in their head, seeing and experiencing the story world through their eyes.

I was intrigued by the story premise of Turn to Me and the mystery of the treasure hunt, but I didn’t initially warm to Finley or Luke. They both brought a great deal of sadness, angst, and emotional baggage from their complex pasts and family situations to the story. It took time to unpack their complicated history and backgrounds. As I read on and gained a greater understanding of their life circumstances and choices, I could empathise with their situation and cheer for them in the story.

Luke was recently released from prison after serving seven years for felony theft. Finley’s father passed away while he was serving a sentence for involuntary manslaughter. He was friends with Luke in prison and trusted Luke. Her father’s dying wish was for Luke to keep Finley safe while she undertook her birthday treasure hunt that her father had set up before he was incarcerated.

Finley is an animal loving, flower child vegan who runs the Furry Tails animal shelter in Misty River for abandoned dogs that need new forever homes. The puppies in the story are adorable. She’s a Christian who lost her beloved fiance in a car wreck five years ago, and she believes God’s plan for her is to stay single and care for her animals.

When Luke arrives in Finley’s life, and she learns he’s the reclusive one from the Miracle Five who survived the earthquake in El Salvador almost twenty years ago, she views him as a project to fix and bring back to faith. Finley provides Luke with a job at the animal shelter, and they work together to solve the treasure hunt clues.

Luke and Finley share an undeniable attraction, despite their many differences. Luke wants to finish the treasure hunt as soon as possible and leave behind his home town of Misty River. He’s wrestling with guilt from his life choices, and believes he’s not worthy of Finley. When circumstances in the story put them in danger, they’re forced to reconsider their future plans and feelings for each other.

I liked the fun romantic subplot featuring Ben, from the Miracle Five, and Akira, who works with Finley at Furry Tails. I recommend Turn to Me to contemporary romance readers who like romances with swoony kisses that address challenging topics and include strong faith and mystery elements woven into the story.

Book review: Turn to me by Becky Wade
.
I received a complementary copy to review, but these opinions are my own. Thank you Bethany House!
.
This was a beautiful, moving, roller coaster of a book. I had a hard time putting this book down, and I was gravitated toward it when I wasn’t reading it. Becky Wade is a new to me author, but I will be going back to read the other books in this series. This book read fine as a stand alone.
I adored Luke, after the initial impression which was less than stellar. I loved how he and Finley appeared to be complete opposites. They had enough past hurt and grief to make them more similar than different. I loved the God given second chances (and third and fourth…) that they were given. There was so much love in this book (romantic, familial, friendly and love for God) that you will just be filled. I was a little confused about the role the other couple played, but from what I gathered it was a bonus love story. The mystery of the treasure hunt and the danger had me on the edge of my seat. I loved this emotional adventure!
.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: clean but lots of steamy kisses

I've been eagerly awaiting Luke's story since I first started this series last year, so I was excited to be chosen as a member of the launch team for Turn to Me. Turn to Me is the final book in the Misty River Romance series, and features the last of the Miracle Five. Somehow, this series has just gotten better with each book!

Luke Dempsey survived an earthquake, but his little brother did not. The guilt of his actions so many years ago has convinced him that his family sees him as the reason Ethan is gone and that they want nothing to do with him, despite their efforts to connect over the years. A series of bad choices led to prison where a fellow inmate turned friend asks Luke to watch over his daughter while she embarks on a potentially dangerous treasure hunt after his release. Now free, Luke is ready to start a new life in far-off Montana, but first he has to keep his promise to his friend. The owner of an animal rescue, Finley Sutherland believes no animal--or human--is beyond saving. When Luke explains her late father's last request, Finley accepts his help while secretly pledging to help Luke find peace and finally find forgiveness. But neither of them expected to find love while searching for Finley's inheritance, and they never could have imagined it just might cost them their lives.

Becky Wade's characters are always relatable, and her plot lines portray realistic challenges while pointing her readers to Jesus, and Turn to Me fits perfectly with the rest of her novels. Luke and Finley are complete opposites, but make a well-balanced couple. I loved both of them and didn't want this book (or series) to end! I really enjoyed the suspense that the treasure hunt added to the storyline, and didn't see the ending coming at all. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! I also liked finally getting to see Ben find his happy ever after. He was such a sweet character and really deserved to find someone who loved him back.

To Turn to Me is another 5/5 star book. If you like sweet clean romance with a good dose of suspense, you won't want to miss this one, or the rest of the series.

*I received a complimentary copy of Turn to Me through the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

Turn to Me is the conclusion of the Misty River romance with the much awaited story of Luke. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see a thread with Ben in it as well.

I loved the idea of the treasure hunt and the deeper truth that unveiled in the process. I also loved Luke and how he dealt with people, because it was totally understandable. Seeing him slowly change and rely on God once more was a blessing to see.

I also really enjoyed Ben and Akira’s thread and wished it was a little more in depth, but a writer can only spend so much time between the pages before they’re forced to write The End.

Fans of Becky Wade will adore this conclusion and route for happily ever afters in the process.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

This book is the perfect ending to the Misty River romance series. It features Luke the ex-con, bad boy of the Miracle Five who everyone wants to help. Finley tries to rehabilitate him, and treats him like one of her rescue dogs as she tries not to lose her heart at the same time. Luke and Finley’s story is emotional, inspirational and exciting, with mystery and unexpected danger from a treasure hunt. The writing is as engaging as always, and the story is just so good. We also see a happy ending for Ben who gets some more page time and a romance of his own.

Many thanks to the publisher Bethany House for the eARC via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

In my personal opinion, each book in the Misty River series has just gotten better and better. After reading the other books in the series and hearing about Luke, the member of the Miracle Five who distanced himself from the group and ultimately ended up in prison, it was so fun to finally be able to get to know him more and see his story. And oh, poor old grumpy Luke. All he wants to do is fulfill his promise that he made to a dying fellow inmate. Unfortunately for him, he is met with the challenge that is Finley, who really does come across as his opposite in so many ways. She is bubbly, outgoing, and adores animals. Him, not so much.

Finley’s father used to set up a treasure hunt for her every year on her birthday. After he passes, she receives her first clue to her last hunt as part of his will. Then enters Luke who promised her father that he would keep her safe while she searches for clues. Finley has no idea what treasure she will find at the end of the hunt, but clearly Luke feels like she is in danger as someone else may be hunting the treasure. So, she agrees to let him help her. Luke just wants to finish the hunt and get out of Misty River, no feelings attached. But can he accomplish that?

I loved the opposite dynamics between Luke and Finley. She did not give up despite his sullen attitude. While I was never one to fall for the moody bad boys in real life, I can’t help but have a soft spot for them in fiction. And boy was Luke endearing. At the same time, he comes a long way in learning to forgive himself and reconnect to his faith after all the hurt and grief he’s experienced. Then Finley has her own journey where she moves past her own fears. Also, as a bonus, we get several Ben and Akira chapters where we get to see Ben moving away from his heart break over Leah as well as being introduced to Akira who is learning to take a chance on love again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review.

What a phenomenal conclusion to an amazing series.

Like most Wade-ites, I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for Luke’s story. We heard whispers of him in the first book, got a glimpse of him in the second story to poke our curiosity, and in Turn to Me we get his entire story. Worth the wait!

Also let me say I’m a huge fan of the sunshine/grumpy trope. And Finley is the perfect dash of cheeriness to offset Luke’s dark moods. Kept in true Becky Wade fashion, the banter is off. the. charts. I tend to favor witty and rich dialog, and this story delivers. Throw in an epic treasure hunt, and I’m ALL IN!

What I loved most about this story is the message of God’s grace. No one is beyond redemption. This book vividly portrays that. Also, a special holler to Agatha, the obnoxious puppy. Giving the grumpy hero a high-maintenance furbaby was fabulously brilliant. I LOVED those scenes.

All in all, a wonderful story. Highly recommended!

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

I've been waiting for this book! After reading the first Misty River book (Stay with Me), I binge-read Becky Wade's entire backlist. She has a fun, sassy-romance writing style that I enjoy.

I appreciated how much redemption and her characters' faith journey in this story. Frankly, though, I didn't connect with Finley. I'm just not an animal activist vegan, and I'm not close to any. Her conversations with her dead fiance because he could supposedly hear her...bizarre. I also found her friends to be very forgettable.

I did like grumpy Luke, though. And Ben's mama. ;)

It was a great conclusion to the series. I'm looking forward to see what Mrs. Wade pulls out next!

Breathtakingly beautiful end to this series!

“Luke Dempsey was a tragic and thorny case. Many would say he was a lost cause. Thing was, she had a soft spot for lost causes.”

There is a sweetness to Becky Wade’s stories that seeps deep into your soul. I find it hard to put into words the way she can wrap God‘s love around your heart through her characters. I laughed. I cried. I swooned. Seriously, this book has all the feels. Turn To Me is a story built on the grief and hard fight of healing to find the hope of a new future. She also uses how much our fears keep us held back from all God has for us. This story is a true gem of how the fight for a future can bring more than we ever imagine God can give us.

“The chemistry between them was a force of nature.”

Luke and Finley’s story is about opposites attracting. It’s also about overcoming grief and allowing others to help. The chemistry from these characters leapt off the pages. One of the best things about Luke’s story was it wasn’t fluffy. He was a very straight up character, whether good or bad. His redemption story was so beautiful. Finley‘s heart for the lost, whether her two legged or four legged, really captured my heart as an animal lover myself. Her heart of wanting to rehabilitate really captured my feelings as well.

“You’re still standing in the jail cell of guilt instead of living like someone who’s free.”

Another amazing aspect of the story was finally getting Ben’s happy ending, too. I really enjoyed his character and seeing him matched with another sweet character as well. Seeing the “Miracle Five” come together was a miracle in and of itself, but seeing how they each overcame the struggles of a painful and traumatic event to a future filled with hope was simply beautiful.
5 plus stars!

“Your faithlessness doesn’t affect God’s faithfulness at all. Not at all. He is faithful. Always. That’s part of His character.”

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own and have been given honestly.