Let It Be Me

A heart-wrenching, perfectly inspiring addition to Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series! Let It Be Me is rich with Wade’s signature relatable characters, profound lessons in faith, and love.

One of my favorite things about Wade’s books is her characters. Each one is unique and interesting, yet relatable and magnetic; they just draw the reader in and don’t let go, without fail. Sebastian and Leah are well-written and impactful. I always appreciate the cast of minor characters, who make me laugh and cry, and add another intriguing layer to the story. Readers will love seeing past Misty River characters, and the little peek at Luke’s character makes me utterly, wonderfully impatient for his story.

Readers will adore Wade’s latest masterpiece. Her writing makes the reader swoon, laugh, cry, and feel completely inspired. Don’t miss this excellent series! 4.5/5 stars

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

Oh my goodness! This book completely exceeded my expectations. I read it in about a day and I couldn't put it down. I really shouldn’t have started it before I got something done because I didn't get anything done. Let It Be Me is the second book in Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series. I loved the characters and the whole book.
Sebastian had me from the beginning, he was such a kind guy. He truly cared for the children who were brought under his care. He is a pediatric heart surgeon. I really enjoyed reading about his history and his life. I felt so bad for him and I don't know what else to say, but I loved him. I also really enjoyed his relationship with Ben, Sebastian’s best friend, and Ben’s family. Sebastian had to learn to forgive God for his past and to see how blessed he was.
Leah was so cool, she was a math prodigy. However, she was also down to earth. She had wanted to pursue a PhD in mathematics, but she put her dream on hold to raise her brother. I liked how she cared for her brother and her growth as a character. She tried too hard to control her life, but she had to learn that God was ultimately in control. I loved the way she thought and how direct she was.
Leah and Sebastian were brought together when Leah receives interesting news when she was tracking her ancestry. They work together to find the answers to Leah's past, but as they spend time together they start to fall for each other. Sebastian liked Leah from the beginning, but because of his best friend's feelings he steps to the side. However, the more time he spends with Leah the more he falls for her. Leah wasn’t looking for love, but as Sebastian helps her she finds herself wishing for more with the handsome doctor.
I liked the progression of Leah and Sebastian’s relationship. I didn’t feel like it was forced. And I was relatively happy with the decisions that the characters made. I wanted them to find their happy endings, but I also understood their feelings. I really enjoyed seeing Ben, Sebastian’s best friend, and his family interacting with Sebastian. Leah’s brother was also a lot of fun.
I couldn’t put Let It Be Me down! I read it so quickly, and I would definitely recommend it! There were so many twists and turns. And it was so interesting to read about Leah’s past and the results of her tests. I can’t wait for the next book and I am so excited to see who it is about!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Let It Be Me
by Becky Wade
Book 2 in A Misty River Romance series
Rating: 4.5/5

Ready for a swoon-worthy romance with sass and banter? Becky Wade delivers her second installment in Misty River that does not disappoint. Reading in order is recommended but not necessary.

"As a rule, Sebastian didn't form attachments. One, he didn't like to rely on people. Two, he didn't want the fear and potential loss that came with loving people."

Despite his difficult and miraculous past, Sebastian Grant has become a successful pediatric heart surgeon. Although he is a dedicated surgeon, he still struggles with feeling like he belongs and opening up to people. When someone comes along who he decides might be worth becoming vulnerable with, he discovers that she is off-limits since his best friend, Ben, is already in love with her. Sebastian is devastated but tries his best to push the lovely Leah Montgomery into Ben's arms.

While Leah values Ben's friendship, she does not feel anything more for him; however, there's something about his friend, Sebastian, that draws her in. She doesn't want to ruin a friendship, but she cannot get over how different she is with Sebastian - how much she can be herself with him. However, the math prodigy who sacrificed her Ph.D future to care for her younger brother has a bigger problem - Leah's genealogy DNA results are back and disturbingly different than she anticipated. Leah seeks Sebastian's help to discover what happened on the day that she was born, but can she keep her distance from the one man who actually stirs her heart and excites her more than algebra?

Not only does Becky Wade weave an interesting mystery into this story but she is able to incorporate her faith in a very meaningful way. Leah and Sebastian both have their issues and insecurities but the banter they share is irresistible and will make the reader smile (or laugh out loud). I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Leah and Sebastian and their story. I appreciated the work that the author did to make her characters believable. I'm not the greatest fan of love triangles, but I really liked how the author dealt with this love triangle in a very realistic way.

"The day they'd met, he'd thought she had the face of a world-weary angel, but he hadn't known the half of it. He'd had no idea then of her quickness, feistiness, fairness. He hadn't known what it felt like to kiss her. Or how one look from her blue eyes could set his world on fire."

Highly recommend this Christian contemporary romance with sass and mystery.

My thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

'The safest course was to depend on himself. So why had he strayed from that?'

Every so often I read a book that just resonates so loudly in my heart that I have a difficult time sitting down to compose a review adequate enough to do the book justice. This was that book. Becky Wade absolutely never fails to pull me deep down into her stories. The characters she creates are not just people walking across a page in a book. No, not by a long shot. They are people slipping inside my head and heart and taking up residence there.

Wade takes us back to Misty River for the second in her series and tells us Sebastian and Leah's story. And what a delicious story it is. An extremely guarded pediatric heart surgeon with enough hurts to cause him to never feel much emotion finally finds the woman who came to his rescue when he had a car accident in the closing pages of last book. Leah Montgomery is a math prodigy, math genius, math teacher who is absolutely no nonsense. She doesn't believe in romance, either. She is too busy raising her teenage brother and trying to figure out the issues involved in a recent DNA test to engage in a relationship with Sebastian Grant.

Once again, Becky Wade proves she is indeed incredibly masterful at plumbing the absolute depths of the human heart. I wanted to read to the end but hated to finish it because I knew I'd feel bereft because it ended. Wade gets inside these characters and then pulls everything out of them in a way that leaves her readers gasping at the realness of it all. Every single word in a Becky Wade book is a treasure.

'God, her spirit howled, where are you?'

As always, Wade is not one bit shy of proclaiming Christ in her books. That's one thing I love about her. She puts Him first. God's goodness shines through every page. The spiritual theme of this one was powerful and ministered to a situation in my own life. I can highly recommend this one. Bravo! Well done!

My thanks to Bethany House Publishing and the author for a copy of this book. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is expressly my own.

LET IT BE ME by BECKY WADE is a beautifully written love story in which the author deals sensitively with many subjects, such as pediatric heart surgery, loyalty amongst friends, forgiveness, second chances and unselfish love; and through it all we get the sense of a loving Father God, being in control and bringing good out of all things. We also see God's miracle power at work as He protects and heals broken people, both physically and emotionally.
Leah Montgomery is very young when she becomes her brother Dylan's caregiver due to their father's disappearance and their mother's maternal ineptitude. Leah is a mathematical genius and gave up her chance of studying at Princeton and becoming a math professor in order to provide a stable life for her beloved brother. She is a woman of logic and reason and tells everyone she does not "do romance". When she finds out that she is not related to her biological parents, she searches everywhere to find out what went wrong on the day she was born.
Dr Sebastion Grant is a pediatric heart surgeon who does not let anyone close to him, except for his friend Ben Coleman and Ben's family. When his mother, his only living relative, died, he became rebellious and fought his way through school.
I do not want to tell you any more, but there is a great deal more to Let It Be Me. I really loved this novel and cannot recommend it highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers, The opinions in this review are completely my own.

"Everything in him was demanding that he tear down heaven and earth to make Leah his."

Let It Be Me, the second installment in award-winning author Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series, is guaranteed to be a hit with fans of contemporary romance. With a fabulous cast of characters, Becky Wade immediately draws readers in and keeps them interested until the very last page.

The author is a master at creating witty banter between the hero and heroine, and she continues to shine throughout this novel. With two best friends realizing they are interested in the same girl and an intriguing ancestry angle, readers will not want to miss this incredible story.

Becky Wade shares the beautiful message of God’s unconditional love and grace for us. Let It Be Me is highly recommended for readers of contemporary romance, especially those who enjoy books by authors such as Courtney Walsh, Denise Hunter and Susan May Warren.

Now the anticipation is extremely high for book #3, in which Luke Dempsey finally gets his own story. He first captured my attention during his brief mentions in book #1, and I absolutely cannot wait for his story next year!

"Despite his many sins and failures, Luke was a man of his word. He'd returned to his hometown to fulfill the promise he'd made to his friend and fellow inmate, Ed Sutherland."

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

"She'd spent a lifetime trusting in the answers math provided. The world was not always logical. But math was. And she loved math for that."

I just finished Let it Be Me by Becky Wade. WOW! WOW! WOW! Let it Be Me is an amazing story. I appreciate that our heroine, Leah, is a math genius and sees the world in relation to math concepts. Sebastian, our hero, is a pediatric cardiac surgeon and fiercely devoted to saving lives. They both come from challenging backgrounds, but they are learning not to let that hold them back from being who God created them to be.

Honestly, Let it Be Me has it all in my book. It has romance, suspense, plot twists, humor, great kisses, fabulous dialogue, interesting characters, and a reminder of God’s sovereignty and goodness. Becky Wade’s ability to craft an amazing story had me from the first page. My biggest decision now is whether to reread it today or try to wait until next week. Either way, this is a story I am glad I have in my library, and I would recommend you add it to yours.

I received a copy from the publisher/author and was not required to write a review.

5/5 stars

Let It Be Me, the second book in A Misty River Romance, is beautifully crafted and interweaves faith, romance, and elements of mystery/suspense. This book can be read as a stand-alone; however, I would recommend starting with the prequel novella, Take A Chance On Me, and reading the first novel in the series, Stay With Me.

I absolutely adored this book! I adored it so much, in fact, that once I finished it I started rereading my favorite scenes again because I could not say goodbye to this fabulous story. Becky Wade exceeded all of my expectations and crafted a novel that I believe many will claim as her most exceptional work to date.

This story features Sebastian, a pediatric heart surgeon who is emotionally guarded, and Leah, a math genius who loves 80’s music (yay)! Becky Wade has a unique gift for creating original characters that are both likable and flawed. The characters' struggles with loneliness, control, and being able to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness are relatable and will pull the reader into the story. The banter between Leah and Sebastian was fast-paced and a highlight of the novel.

Readers of contemporary romance will not be able to put this book down! Let It Be Me incorporates a sweet love story, loyal friendships, and strong family bonds that will stay with the reader long after the last page. Leah’s search into her genetic history adds a fun and intriguing layer that does not detract from the overall theme. This novel was brilliant, and readers will be highly anticipating the third installment of this series.

"He'd once lost what he'd loved, so he would move mountains and oceans with his bare hands to ensure that she did not endure the same pain."

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

One of the things that sets Becky Wade's books apart from other romances is her ability to draw you into deeper heart issues without making you feel like you're reading something other than romance. She seems to effortlessly balance romance, humor, and depth in each book she writes. This isn't just a love story between a hero and a heroine. It's a love story about friendship and family, and ultimately with God. Each of the characters draw you into the world of Misty River and encourage you to stay as long as possible. I always walk away feeling as though I've met my friends in a picturesque setting and walked away having learned something about myself and God and feel refreshed by it.

"Her truest identity, the only one that would last, was anchored in Christ and no one could take that from her."

Becky Wade's books are automatic reads for me. She has such a wonderful way of writing stories that touch you so deeply while also giving the readers delightful banter/dialogue between the characters. She touches on so many different struggles that people may go through and does a fantastic job of weaving in a strong faith thread.

I have enjoyed this series and all of the characters so much and am looking forward to Luke's story in book #3. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Christian contemporary romance. You will not be disappointed.

**Thank you to Bethany House Publishing and the author for this complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.**

Let It Be Me gives us the story of Sebastian, one of the Miracle 5 that we met in book 1 of this series. I love Sebastian! He had a hard life growing up but didn't let that stop him from being a highly sought after pediatric cardiologist. He caught my heart with how he still sees himself as an outsider despite how great his professional life is. Sebastian is a loner. Never lets anyone close. With the exception of his best friend Ben Coleman and his family. They simply would not take no as an answer and include Sebastian in every family gathering. They see him as family, but he knows he really isn't. But, Ben is his best friend and that is why he can not and will not pursue any type of relationship with the girl who helped him last year when he was in an accident. Because that girl? She is the one Ben has liked for a long time now. Besides, Sebastian knows that Ben is the better man.
Leah is a mathematician (and says no one is bad at math; that is probably the only thing that I disagree with in this story...LOL) She was set to go to Princeton on a scholarship when life through her a curve and she became the sole caregiver of her younger brother. Now, she is a teacher of advanced math at Misty River High School.
But life is about to throw another curve ball at Leah and this one isn't any less life changing than raising her brother. This curve ball has her needing hospital records. And since she met Ben's friend Sebastian at a Coleman family get together, she knows just who to ask for help.
Becky Wade weaves spiritual truths into each story she writes and this one is no different. The truths are there, but not forced. She gives us strong, believable, likable characters that have struggles that all of us can understand. And then she weaves in those biblical truths and shows us that God is in control. That God loves us.

I am amazed at the power of this novel! The heroine, Leah, is a math prodigy (think of a female Sheldon Cooper), and the hero, Sebastian, is a pediatric heart surgeon (all the sighs) with a painful childhood. Becky Wade seriously nailed everything a contemporary Christian romance should be with this book. It’s a must-read for sure.

Really enjoyed the second book in this series. It can be read as a standalone book however. the series definitely adds context and I can't wait for the next one! I read this book in one sitting as it was compelling and I wanted to know what happened next.

I loved the mystery element of the story and guessing what exactly went on. The characters were multi-layered and complex which added both to the mystery and to my enjoyment of the story. I liked the themes in the book of forgiveness, Friendship and love.

I got this book free in exchange for an honest review. I do recommend buying it - It's worth the money and the time!

Let It Be Me is another heartwarming contemporary, Christian romance from Becky Wade. Like her previous book, Let It Be Me features one of the Miracle Five, five teens who had been miraculously saved after a building collapsed on them during an earthquake. Now adults, we follow them as they sort through their past hurts and journey on the road to love. This time it’s Sebastian’s turn.

Sebastian is a gifted surgeon. After the events of the earthquake, he turned his life around. Drawn into the Coleman family, he didn’t let being a foster kid define him. They saved him and offered what he most wanted - to belong. That’s way he would do anything for his best friend and closest person he has to family, Ben Coleman. When Sebastian meets and is instantly drawn to Leah Montgomery, he knows he has to get to know her better. The one problem is that it’s the same Leah Ben has been crushing on for two years. Sebastian does the right thing and withdraws but when Leah asks for his help to untangle a mystery involving DNA and hospital logistics, they spend more time together and Sebastian finds it increasingly difficult to stay honorable to his best friend.

I think this book has one of the few love triangles I’ve truly enjoyed. Maybe that’s because all along Leah has no feelings but those of friendship for Ben and it’s so clear that she and Sebastian are perfect for each other. Everyone is respectful of the other and mindful not to hurt anyone’s feelings. There is an intense connection between Sebastian and Leah but there are many obstacle in the path, firstly Ben and Sebastian’s duty of friendship but also Leah’s desire to remain single and Sebastian’s own habit of not getting to close to people.

Leah and Sebastian have such a formal, educated way of speaking. I’m not entirely sure most people use that many four syllable words in everyday sentences but it does give the characters a sense of being different and reinforces their rightness for each other. While Sebastian is instantly drawn to Leah (he has just been in a car crash and bumped his head, so his exuberance is allowable), Leah’s attraction is much slower to build. She a math genius, has sacrificed her dreams to care for her younger brother and has her sights set firmly on one day completing her PhD. Romance and dating are not on her radar at all. Sebastian has to work really hard to first ignore the attraction between them and later woo her and get her to agree to spend time with him. For Leah, being attracted and interested in a guy is new, but Sebastian is hard to resist.

Alongside this story of romance is the mystery surrounding Leah’s unexpected DNA results. This is how the book starts - with Leah discovering that she is not related to her family. While it explains how she is different in every way from her absentee father and adventure seeking mother, it’s hard to believe the brother she loves and has cared for since he was little is not her blood relation. She begins to uncover what happened. Her mother claims she was never adopted so she starts to dig into hospital records and that’s when she has time to get to know Sebastian better.

This book really is delightful. And, side note, there are finally some black characters in Christian fiction!! About time. I’m thinking the next book in this series might feature Luke, but I’m hoping Ben gets his own book soon and we get to experience more of his amazing family.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog <a href="https://madisonslibrary.com">Madison's Library</a>

This is the second book in a series by Becky Wade, but it reads well as a stand-alone. This is not the first novel I've read by this author and I love her writings. Whenever she comes up in a list on NetGalley.com, you will be sure that I will be requesting her books.

Leah has been given a DNA test by her mother to help her find more of her roots. Her mother thinks nothing is amiss when Leah gets the results that prove she's not related to her family at all. Her mother is aghast and believes the DNA company messed up, but when the second results come back the same as the first, Leah begins to dig. From the very beginning, the plot goes sideways and gets rather convoluted, but the way Becky has tied all the elements together in this book make it a very satisfying read.

Through Leah's friend, Ben, she meets a man whom she had helped in a car accident about six months previously. Leah fights her attraction to Sebastian because she feels that romance is not for her, and Sebastian fights his attraction to Leah because Ben has had a huge crush on her for the longest time. When Sebastian is given the green light by Ben to pursue Leah, she is not really accepting of his advances. It takes a lot of work for Sebastian to get through her defenses and to touch Leah in a way that is lasting.

The premise of Leah's story in this book is that she was switched at birth in the hospital where she was born. As she investigates all the information she can find about the circumstances of her birth, she finds the one key to the whole conundrum--her friend, Tess Coventry. This is the one part of the book that does not make sense to me. Tess has switched two healthy babies for no other reason that revenge, but neither set of parents ever suspect a thing. There was no good basis for Tess's actions--the revenge she wanted never came about.

There are plots and subplots that are left hanging in the book that would lend themselves to another book or two in the series. To be honest, I wouldn't mind seeing a novel come out about some of the other characters--Ben is one I'd like to see find his one true love. There is a subplot about the "Miracle Five," who were caught in an earthquake in El Salvador during youth missions trip, and Luke, one of the five, has just come out of prison. I'd like to see how his story plays out. I'm never really happy until all the loose ends have been tied up satisfactorily.

Four Strong Stars, it would have been five except for Tess's reasons for switching Leah at birth.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

4.5 stars✨

*excuse me while I go fangirl over Sebastian for the foreseeable future*

Okay, first the review. THEN the fangirling ;)

I loved this book! I don't even know how to begin reviewing it - it's even harder to review than Stay With Me (book 1 in the Misty River series). I was a bit apprehensive because I knew going into this that we'd have a love triangle and that's one of my least favourite tropes, but I shouldn't have worried because ... this is Becky Wade! That aspect (which did drive the plot for the first bit) was skillfully executed. I knew it would end happily-ever-after, but I still felt the tension and intricate balance of every conversation between Leah and Sebastian and Ben. Normally I pick sides right away on who I want to 'win' the girl, but both men were just so good, and wonderfully kind, and intensely deep that it was so hard to let go of either!

Becky Wade has mastered the craft of developing characters, each one endearingly imperfect, authentically complex, and three-dimensional - even the background characters! Ben's wisdom and overall awesomeness :D Leah's logical, math-empowered brain and the control she manages over her life. Sebastian's depth, emotion, kindness, the way his mind processes life, and he's a pediatric heart surgeon!!! and my goodness I could just keep talking about him! 😍 I was torn between wanting Sebastian's story first or Luke's and now that I have Sebastian's, I really don't know how I'll wait a WHOLE year to get Luke's! Between Zander, Jake, Sam, and Sebastian... my standards are impossibly high now.

I was especially excited reading chapter 12 and simultaneously a little heartbroken for Sebastian.

As expected, Becky delivers some beautiful spiritual truths woven throughout this story, and tackled hard but relevant issues of today. Seeing Leah struggling to let go of the tight control she presumes to have over her life and Dylan's really hit home as I too often struggle with control. Let It Be Me is a brilliantly complex contemporary romance that was truly a joy to read.

*A big thank you to the author and publisher for a complimentary eARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are purely my own and all that important stuff - seriously, what are you doing still reading this? Get the book for yourself!!

Let It Be Me is another winner from Becky Wade. This book is the second in her series entitled A Misty River Romance. The story features Sebastian Grant, a pediatric heart surgeon and his love interest Leah Montgomery. She is a mathematician who is raising her younger brother. The book really does center on Leah because she is trying to find out the mystery of who her biological parents are. This is a twist on most stories because this is a matter of being switched at birth. I found it fascinating and multi layered with both Sebastian and Leah dealing with issues from childhood. I really enjoyed the novel and can't wait to read the next one in the series featuring bad boy Luke.
*I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers and this is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars

Everything about this book is sweet and perfect. The heroine is unique and quirky, so deeply inside her head and in love with math. And Sebastian is so strong yet broken. Take a genius in medicine and a genius in math, both with brokeness in their pasts, and you have the ingredients for a good romance. I loved the way Leah made great sacrifices for her brother Dylan. And Sebastian is willing to give up a chance at love for the sake of a friendship. There's a mystery with potentially life changing implications and there is such a spark between these two. A beautiful, delightful contemporary romance.

I jumped into this book without having read its predecessor because I enjoy Becky Wade's writing. The story read and developed just fine without having read Genevieve's story, but I will want to go back and read it. Becky Wade has such a unique writing style that is straightforward and fun. I did not want to put this book down and I made bad bedtime decisions because of how wrapped up I was in the characters and the story. There was a lot going on in this story; both main characters had a lot of baggage to unpack. There was a love triangle (it really wasn't awful, I promise) and then there was a mystery and navigation of friend and family relationships besides the romantic relationship's struggles and the MCs' character arcs and faith journeys. I was starting to get concerned when I was past 90% in the book and there were still so many loose ends to tie up, but Becky managed to do it without feeling too rushed or unfulfilled! I was actually surprised at how satisfied I was with the characters' faith journeys at the end when it was so dicey in the middle and was afraid it would get smoothed over too easily. But Becky always has a decent amount of depth in her books and I appreciate that. I was laughing and crying in this book, but by far the best part was the chemistry of the two MCs. They were just made for each other. I don't always feel this amount of chemistry in books- attraction, yes, but not this. They had a great connection, great personalities, and great secondary characters around them. I could feel the tension between them and their kissing was perfectly satisfying. I mean that in a positive way like, it didn't take my desire for them or their relationship beyond the kiss, it was just right. Because of all their baggage, I was concerned about dependency issues - the man especially seemed to be leaning on/"needing" the woman too much, which would cause red flags irl, girls - but thankfully that was part of his arc. His struggle was tied up with his relationship with God, which is always the proper solution for these things. I thought this book was a great addition to Misty River and look forward to enjoying more of Becky Wade's books.

Let it Be Me tells the story of two insanely intelligent, independent people who fall for each other despite numerous obstacles that try to stand in their way. Sebastian is a pediatric heart surgeon who lost his family as a child and relies on his best friend Ben for any sense of belonging, though he’s always felt like an outsider. Leah is a former genius child who skipped going to Yale for her PhD to raise her younger brother, and has recently discovered that she may have been switched at birth. What follows is a relatable story as the two fall in love but struggle with their own fears and identities.

Overall, I loved this story. Becky Wade is one of my favorite Christian authors. She knows how to talk about faith in a way that is so relatable without being sappy or overly sentimental. The story is heartrending and relatable and I love her characters. There were a few places where I felt like the characters’ desires, strengths, and weaknesses didn’t necessarily match their actions. I also would have liked a final conflict that was a little more singular rather than a few final problems. Overall though a great story! I’m ready for the next in the series!

Ah, *swoon*

I couldn't wait to get my hands on the newest Becky Wade book (which is pretty much the case every year), and Let It Be Me DID NOT disappoint. The banter between Sebastian and Leah was so entertaining and captivating, that I literally laughed out loud at several points in this book. The struggles the characters face are so well rounded and really take you along on the journey. If you haven't started with the Misty River Romance series, START TODAY so you can read book 2 asap. (Stay With Me, book 1, is seriously one of my favorite books of all time. I actually re-read it last month to get reacquainted with all of the characters. FUN FACT: Sebastian and Leah make their first appearances in Stay With Me)

Let It Be Me is the second book in Becky Wade's Misty River romance series. The stories surround the Miracle Five, five teens who miraculously survived a collapsed building during an earthquake. This is Sebastian Grant's story.

Highly intelligent, a highly skilled pediatric cardiac surgeon, Sebastian meets Leah in a most unusual way. She is his angel when he is in a car accident. And he is instantly smitten. The problem arrives when he discovers that Ben Coleman, his best friend is also smitten with her. Being a foster kid, and having no family, Ben's family had taken Sebastian under their wing after they survived the earthquake.

Leah is a math protégé and has had the care of her younger brother since she was 18 years old. Having sacrificed her PhD to care and support her brother, she learns through DNA testing that she is not the biological child of her parents. Nor the biological sister of her young brother. She asks Sebastian for his help dealing with hospital records trying to find out about her birth, and the possibility of her being switched with another baby.

Leah values Ben as a friend, but has no other feelings for him. She fights the attraction she has for Sebastian, as she doesn't want to come between his and Ben's friendship.

Wow! What an intriguing mystery and story line. Becky Wade has written the most interesting characters in this book. I really felt that Leah had the spotlight in this story. The complexity of Leah's and Sebastian's romance was a great draw. You could sense their struggles in wanting to do the right thing. Very well written, contemporary Christian romance.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Another great novel by Becky Wade. And what a great reminder that God has a beautiful plan for our lives, and He's so worthy of our trust through the hardest of times.

Becky Wade without fail tackles the tough stuff with her characters. You’ll quickly be drawn in to the plight of everyone involved.

Direct talking Sebastian & Leah each have some monumental challenges to work through, and it’s clear from the start that despite the obvious odds - they’ll be much stronger together than apart.

A solid page-turner, with plenty of surprises along the way!

As always the inspirational elements leave me feeling God’s love.

5*. Highly recommended.

#mustread #contemporary #christianfictionromance #bookquotes #wadeintoagoodbook

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC. I love this so much there’s a paperback on order from Baker!!

Sebastian and Leah meet in an unexpected incident and Sebastian is instantly attracted. Sebastian is a former foster child who grew up to be a pediatric cardiac surgeon. Leah is a mathematical genius who gave up on her PhD to raise a younger sibling. She now teaches High School math. Add to the picture Leah’ recent discovery about her genealogy and the fact that Sebastian’s best friend has long had a thing for Leah. And both of them distrust relationships and are conflicted about that stance and their budding attraction. This is a fun story. I hope there is another story coming into this series.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Lately, I've been unimpressed with a lot of the heroines I've read. It's easy to love a good hero, and Sebastian is great, but Leah is the star of this show IMO. She's thoroughly true to character, a logical mathematician with an overdeveloped sense of responsibility that flows through her thoughts, decisions, motivations, and even her ability to fall for Sebastian. Their relationship is complicated by a few twisted tropes that work well together to create an intriguing and unusual story.
Highs: Leah, their highly-educated and yet highly-quotable banter, true plot twists, excellent side characters
Lows: bit of a slow start for me
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for approving me as part of Ms. Wade's Advance Reader crew. I loved this book and am willingly and freely leaving my personal opinions under no expectations or obligation.

Sebastian is an ambitious, hard-working pediatric heart surgeon and Leah is a math prodigy who has been teaching high school for the past 10 years to support her brother after their parents abandoned them and her mother gave her custody. When Leah discovers a surprising truth after having genetic testing done, she goes to Sebastian for help, but he is already smitten with her after he crashed his car and she happened to be the one who found him and called for help. Trouble is, his best friend Ben has been in love with her for two years.

The story of how these two overcome their individual obstacles is a testament to how God works in people's lives. As with all of Becky Wade's books, you can count on a storyline that has a lot more than romance in it, and characters that have their share of wounds. Leah's mystery helps move the plot along, and supporting characters include Sam and Genevieve from "Stay With Me," as well as who I hope will be the future protagonist, Luke.

The Misty River series has delved deeply into the lives of real people facing real life situations that don't get magically fixed or avoided because someone becomes a Christian. The issues of faith in the book are authentic and not easily resolved. But there is hope, and God breaks through when the characters let Him.

I highly recommend this book to fans of Christian fiction or anyone who likes a good story. As someone who has read all of Becky Wade's books, Let It Be Me is another delight for the reader in the finest Becky Wade tradition.

This is the second book in this series of the survivors, Sebastian's story, and when you read this, survived he has.

This brilliant, kind man loves those that have embraced him as he grew up, and in paticular the Coleman family, and Ben. Now Ben wants the one woman that he has been attracted to, but his adopted brother comes first.

This woman is a brilliant math teacher, she is gifted, but at eighteen she began raising her eight year old brother, a lot of responsibility for a young woman, but she never looked back.

This story kept on giving, and you never will see the next one coming before it is time to open it.

I for one cannot wait to read the next survivor's story, they keep getting better and better!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

I got this ARC from @beckywadewriter and was pretty pumped. Sure enough, this Christian romance did not disappoint and I read it in 1 morning.

Sebastian Grant, a pediatric heart surgeon has a hard time committing because of his past. His new friend Leah Montgomery asks for help with tracking her ancestry after receiving confusing results in the mail and sure enough feelings start to develop#! When Sebastian learns that his best friend also has feelings for Leah, things get complicated. It’s a quick read that has romance, family development and some mystery and I really enjoyed it!

Let it be me 4.5
What a great addition to the Misty River series! I can always count on Becky Wade’s books to be well written and thoughtful. This one is no different. There are spiritual lessons of love, God’s goodness and miracles.
Leah Montgomery relates to the world through math concepts. She is often awkward at personal relationships, direct, abrupt, and a highly intelligent math genius
Sebastian Grant is a gifted, caring surgeon. (The surgery details were fascinating). He is a loner, a hard worker and driven. He is one of the survivors of earthquake. Leah is ‘his angel” that Sebastian met when he wrecked his car in an accident and couldn’t forget.
Both are unique characters, with insecurities, control issues and come from challenging backgrounds. I imagine writing them - especially Leah was a challenge. Their interactions were formal, both in their conversations and banter. I enjoyed this aspect, as it was so different.
This story showed love in many forms and the importance of family or making a family of friends, related or not. And the love and wisdom from Ben’s family was the glue that held Sebastian and the story together.
Leah never really knew what ‘being in love’ was
It also has possibly the best ‘first kiss’ scene ever!
I am anxious to see in the coming books how Leah and Sebastian navigate the challenges ahead.
Thanks you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

'Let It Be Me' is a powerful, evocative read that frankly left me stunned! As in "what just happened here?" stunned. No, there wasn't excitement leaping off every page and yet one could feel the electricity in every relationship, conversation, and situation from beginning to end.

Leah Montgomery is a math genius and high school teacher who oozes confidence. She has everything under control and doesn't need a man to fulfill her life. Or so she thinks. Sebastian Grant, a brilliant pediatric heart surgeon, has an empty hole in his ticker that no one can fix. Or so he thinks. A relationship between the two of them is totally off-limits because of their devotion to a mutual friend. Or so they think.

What an inspiring story of loyalty and love between lifelong friends—rife with witty, laugh out loud moments and somber, tear-filled ones as well. I would be remiss not to mention the mystery intertwined surrounding Leah's birth and the shocking revelation I didn't see coming! Well done, Becky Wade!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own and I received no monetary compensation.*

Let It Be Me is a richly textured novel, with depth and emotion. I think it might be Becky Wade's finest yet--and that's saying a lot. Leah Montgomery is the perfect balance of humble genius and devoted sister. Sebastian Grant is brilliant in his own right, swoony, sweet, and strong. I loved the layers Wade wove into the story, including the questions about when is it best to *not* tell someone the truth? When would the truth cause more harm than good? What does one do when they have that knowledge? Tough questions to wrestle with. Readers will be taken on a surprising ride through the pages of Let It Be Me. I received an advance copy of this novel for my honest review. All opinions stated are my own.

I love everything about this story! Brilliant, intelligent, quirky, and slightly awkward Leah reiterates why I love math geniuses. She’s going to tell you exactly what she thinks with an endearing sense of humor, without trying to be humorous, which is what makes it even more humorous! Sebastian is bold, direct, and untouchable and for the first time, meets a woman who can handle his iron façade. There are so many witty barbs, blunt observations, and moments of discovery as they both have to find the courage to expose their heart.
Becky Wade is the master of knowing when to pull in your emotions to the point of breathtaking tension and then providing sweet release at just the right time. I could not put this book down and wholeheartedly recommend it to all lovers of real, gritty yet sweet, contemporary, inspirational, romance fiction. I received a copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

Gulp! My heart was in my throat as I read...this book touched me way down deep.
I just love this series by Becky Wade! These stories about the kids on a mission trip and were trapped in a building during an earthquake...it's neat to hear their stories and have the opportunity to know each one of them.

This is Sebastian's story, and he's probably the one I'd disliked the least, when I read the earlier books. But that's because I hadn't understood him.

It is also Leah's story, and what a story she has! I really enjoyed reading this story line, although it did strike me as a bit unlikely...but then, what else makes a good story but something that is not so likely to happen?
Leah gets some surprising results when she takes a DNA test, and is on the search for her history. She is one determined individual, and I really enjoyed seeing her process as she searched for answers, wanting clues to solve this little mystery.
One thing that is very constant throughout this story is Leah's fierce love for her younger brother. She's been responsible for him ever since her own teen years, and even through the rocky times they face in this book, they have a strong sibling bond.

Leah's beliefs are challenged, and I loved watching her grow and become a better, stronger person because of some of the things she faced.

Realistic characters with some real life drama, and a bit of sweet romance thrown in....this is one amazing story!

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

Leah Montgomery chose to become her little brother’s legal guardian over her dream of academia. She gave up a full-ride scholarship in math and started teaching math instead. At 18. Ten years later, she works hard to handle her little brother’s teen years with grace and understanding, but an unexpected result on her DNA test has her searching for clues to her true identity.

As a math prodigy, she has her life mapped out, and her map doesn’t include a romantic relationship. But when she bumps into the man she helped after he wrecked his car, she may have to recalculate.

Sebastian Grant grew up in foster care. When an earthquake trapped him and four other kids from Misty River in a building during a mission trip to Ecuador during middle school, life changed forever. Ben Coleman, one of the other Miracle Five, and his family took Sebastian under their wings. Sebastian, now a pediatric heart surgeon, comes home to Misty River and the Colemans whenever he can.

For months Sebastian has dreamed about the angel he fell in love with at first sight when he wrecked his car, but he forgot to ask her name. He hopes one day, he’ll find her.
When he recognizes her voice at a local high school event, he realizes the woman who helped him, and the woman Ben wants to date are the same woman.

When Leah asks for his help untangling her mysterious past, Sebastian agrees, thinking he’ll remain neutral and loyal to Ben. But Sebastian’s good intentions and Leah’s life calculations haven’t taken into account the pull they feel for each other.

Why I Loved This Book

In this second Misty River Romance book, Wade creates a delightfully quirky character in Leah. Her responses to Sebastian’s efforts to go on a date made me laugh out loud. The author creates drama, humor, mystery, and romance in the fictional town of Misty River—along with a side helping of sweet community. Readers don’t need to read the first book in the series in order to enjoy Let it Be Me. Characters from the first book make cameo appearances, and a character from the third book has a teaser scene or two.

Fans of Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series will fall in love with Misty River and the Miracle Five.

Becky Wade is one of those select authors whose books I will run out and buy/read pretty much ASAP. "Let It Be Me" is another case in point as to why.

I work in the healthcare/computer-software industries, so was particularly fascinated by Sebastian's job as a pediatric heart surgeon. Wade brings the hospital world to life through his day-to-day activities, that's for sure--the good, the bad, and the super challenging. (And, can I just say I adore the name "Sebastian"? His character immediately went to my shortlist of fave characters with that name, right up there with Seb in "La La Land" and, okay, real-life examples in Sebastian Stan [MCU's Bucky Barnes] and Sebastien of Il Divo.)

And, holy cow, Leah and her whole entire story arc. Just ... wow. Her pursuit of the truth of her history, and how to deal with it and potential ramifications, is just...huge, in more ways than one. Wade writes it masterfully. Loved it.

Fantastic, fantastic read. It's helpful to read the series' installments in order, but if you happen to pick this one up without reading the first (as I'm usually wont to do, LOL, but actually didn't this time!), it'll catch you up nicely. It also provides a nice little segue into the next book, featuring Luke from the "Miracle 5." Can't wait!!!

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed reading Let It Be Me. Leah is an unusual main female character: she is a genius mathematician and is not interested in romance in the least. However, all of her self proclaimed insistence of not being attracted to men and love interests changes when she meets renowned surgeon Sebastian. I was interested in the switched at birth subplot throughout the book, but I did feel like the book lagged some in the middle and it was hard to push through. The ending definitely picked up! I am very excited to read the next book about Luke!

I love Wade's writing, and this installment did not disappoint. Her character development is always on point.

As a "smart" person, I loved the banter between Sebastian and Leah.

I read an advanced copy via NetGalley--all opinions are my own!

This has been such a beautiful story that I’m sad it has come to an end. The characters were very relatable, both struggling with their own issues. I love how Becky Wade writes such realistic personalities that deal with real life trauma and sorrow, ultimately finding hope and help in God. There were so many moments that made me cry, and I love books that stir my emotions. This was so good and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

Any book by Becky Wade is a good one and worth reading. Her characters are unique but relatable. In Let it Be Me, Sebastian and Leah have gone through some circumstances most of us will never experience, but many of their concerns are things we all deal with. By the end of the book we see a lot of growth in both characters.

This is a great follow-up to Stay With Me. I think it's best to read the first book of the Misty River series so you'll know the characters from that book and understand the story of the 5 better. This one also has a mystery to it which really added to the story.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. This was a great book and I look forward to the next one in the series!

When I realized that the elusive woman of Sebastian's dream was the woman Ben had professed to be in love with for two years, my first thought was "uh-oh, that's going to be awkward". Ben and Sebastian are more than best friends, they're brothers.of the heart. And nothing destroys a friendship like someone of the other gender coming between them. But Becky did such a great job showing us how perfect Leah was for Sebastian and he was for her that you couldn't help rooting for them.

Let It Be Me brings us back to Misty Ruver where we reconnect with the Famous Five (the children who had been miraculously sheltered when they were trapped underground after an earthquake). It shows you why Sebastian became the deeply motivated and stoic person that he was. It also highlighted his loneliness and showed a different side of him when he found the right person to love.

Leah was a great character--the child prodigy turned high school math teacher who has custody for her younger brother. Leah's DNA result rock her world and had the potential to cause her to challenge her identify, but she came through with grace and  faith. I liked that Leah kept her faith throughout the process even when the enemy tried to tell her lies.

Sebastian and Leah teach us that our identity is not rooted in the family whose DNA we share or the people who raised us. While they have some impact on who we become and the characters we form, our identity should be grounded in Christ and what God says about us.

Let It Be Me is the second full-length book in the Misty River series and while it can be read as a standalone, it's so much more fun to read it in sequence.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publishers through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

#BookReview: LET IT BE ME by Becky Wade

Have you read Stay With Me? This is book #2 in Becky Wade’s Mystery River Romance series but it can be read as a stand alone. It’s nice to get reacquainted with the characters from the first book. I have been looking forward to Leah and Sebastian’s story. Leah is a math prodigy and a bit quirky. She loves her brother, Dylan. Sebastian is a successful pediatric heart surgeon due to his determination. I enjoy their witty and fun conversations. I like Sebastian and Bens’ friendship. I love it when Leah asks them what they like and don’t like about each other. Leah is very straightforward like that. She is funny too and says things like this:

“When I say that I love you”, she continued, you can take that to the bank. I’m a mathematician and certainty is my currency.”

I don’t normally read a love triangle but it’s a Becky Wade book so it’s nicely done. Leah and Sebastian’s sweet love story is delightful but this book is more than their romance. There is mystery with regard to Leah’s birth. It tackles on topics like surgical matters of the heart, domestic violence, genealogy, loyalty and forgiveness.

I like the characters. Leah and Sebastian’s like and faith journey picked up towards the second half of the book. Their struggles are real. Unexpected circumstances and revelations can shake a person. There are so many quotable lines from their conversations with God and realizations. I cried with them. Trust in God. Surrender to Him. He never leaves us. I truly enjoyed this book and I look forward to Luke’s story. 4.5 stars

Thank you Bethany House for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Foster kid turned successful pediatric heart surgeon, Sebastian, and math prodigy turned high school math teacher, Leah, have struggles trusting each and God. Could Sebastian “accept a more complex truth? That the God who’d let his mother die was still sovereign, good, powerful, and involved?” Could he accept that no human being was going to be perfect enough to heal his scars? How will Leah deal with the life altering results of a DNA test? Could Leah accept that not everything can be logical like numbers?

This is book #2 in Becky Wade’s Mystery River Romance series....I’m looking forward to her next installment!

This is the first Becky Wade novel I’ve read, but it won’t be my last! This is the second book in the series, but I enjoyed it as a standalone.

This book is for those that enjoy a sweet romance filled with faith, transformation, and a few surprises along the way.

Sebastian met Leah once and hoped to find her again. He succeeds at his best friend’s work. When he discovers she’s the same girl his best friend has fallen hard for, it feels like he’s found and lost her all in the same day. 

I enjoyed following Leah and Sebastian’s journey along with a few twists along the way. The supporting cast of characters makes this novel even more delightful! This novel doesn’t gloss over the hard stuff in life, and I like that. One of the lines I loved was "You're going to have to accept that no human being is perfect enough to heal your scars."

I have the first book and the prequel novella in the Misty River series on my Kindle and can’t wait to go back and read those two!

Thank you, Bethany House and NetGalley, for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

I am new to Becky Wade books, but I am fast becoming a huge fan. Her books are so heartfelt, with some humor mixed in. When I'm in the mood for something light and entertaining, she's becoming a go-to author.

This book tells the story of Sebastian and Leah. Sebastian was introduced in “Stay With Me”, which is part one in the series. This book can be read on its own, but I do think you’d enjoy it more if you read the first book because the same characters are present, with different ones playing a bigger role. Although this is a romance novel, it’s so much more than that. The author anchors the story by the issue of babies having been switched at birth. This thread allows the writer to bring in other topics such as abandonment, control, physical abuse, rebellious teenagers and unforgiveness, which she does beautifully. I love the well-developed and flawed characters, even if they get a little annoying at times. I also appreciate the christian values. I was excited to see that well into the story, I still had a lot of book to go. It is substantial, which is my favorite kind! The description of what the main characters are wearing every single time they see each other was a bit much and distracts from the story in my opinion. I had read “Stay With Me” (also one I’d recommend) and was not disappointed with this one. I’m looking forward to part three!

Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House for providing me with an ARC. I was not required to leave a positive review and all opinions are my own.

I haven't read any of the other books in the series, however, it didn't keep me from getting all the feels. What an amazing story!

Let It Be Me hooked me from page one and refused to let go after The End. I adored everything about this book. It’s quintessential Becky Wade with all the feels, a broody hero that makes you want to find out what makes him tick, and a heroine that you want to cheer for and add to your squad.

Sebastian has intrigued me from book one and Becky Wade delivered in spades. Y’all, I was swooning and wondering if I should jump on the book boyfriend craze. He was perfection.

And Leah! It’s rare that I feel such an affinity for Leah but I adored everything about her. She’s a great person and I’m sad she’s not real. But I’m grateful that I can reread this book whenever I like, because it’s that good and I have to visit these two again.

If you haven’t read it or feeling on the fence, please add it to your TBR pile. It’s book 2 in the Misty River Romance series but I believe can totally be read as a standalone.

Happy Reading!

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

Leah has never been an average, ordinary girl. Being a math genius teacher and raising her teenage brother. Until she received some shocking news that had her questioning everything about her life and who she is. Sebastian Grant hasn’t been the same since he survived the earthquake along side four other friends. When Leah asks Sebastian for help with a situation, he graciously helps, and as the two spend time together, sparks begin to fly.
Will Leah be brave enough to try romance and will Sebastian open up to her?
This truly was a wonderful romance. While reading it, I felt like I was watching it as a movie in my mind and couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.

I graciously received an advance e-copy from netgalley for review. All opinions are my own.

Super interesting plot line. Very unique. I found myself wanting to know more of the story when I finished the book. There could definitely be another entire book written about these characters and it would be great, I’m sure. I couldn’t put it down. It reads quickly. Flows nicely. References to Christian content aren’t in your face and excessive. Tasteful and added to the story well. I loved the practical messages that seem so appropriate for our world today. Well written. Overall great book.
I received a digital copy from NetGalley. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Upfront, I love Becky Wade’s writing and have never gotten anything that I didn’t love so I start reading with that bias. Also upfront I am not a fan of love triangles, they rarely end well since most authors vilify one character to make the other the better choice. Not realistic. Not cool and a huge pet peeve for me.
I’m happy to report that Becky Wade continues to write books that I love and if more love triangles are handled this well I just might become a fan of them. Sebastian actually ‘met’ Leah in the first book of this series but if you haven’t read it that’s okay you’ll still follow along nicely, but go read it because it’s great (pretend my previously mentioned bias does not exist here). Both characters are guarded and trying not to become involved. They each had less than normal childhood experiences that affected how they approach relationships but I also feel amplified their sense of loyalty. They have great chemistry with each other even when they aren’t trying to and there is a natural effortlessness to their friendship and connection that comes through in the writing that really pulls you into the story. The mystery, I don’t want to give spoilers but you probably already know that DNA tests results are involved. I can say I was totally blindsided but it made sense. It wasn’t just a filler to flesh out a romance you can see the pieces falling into place. I appreciate that I also got a sneak peek at the next in the series without taking away from this storyline. I am at the edge of my seat waiting for it while still sitting in the glow and re-read of this one.

“Since the day we met,” he told her, “all I’ve wanted is to be with you.”

Oh. My. This book is so incredibly good!!! Wade is a master at weaving life issues, faith questions, attraction, heartache and love into the most beautiful mosaic of emotions.

Sebastian Grant is the one that all other heroes are going to have to live up to from this moment on. He is the quintessential wounded hero. He’s guarded, loyal to a fault, and uber focused in his career as a pediatric heart surgeon. Throw in the added perk of him being tall, dark and handsome, and yep, not sure any other character is going to live up to Sebastian. 

Leah Montgomery gets the shock of her life when she receives her DNA results and it is on from there with such a compelling aspect to this story. She’s a genius mathematician so the way she goes about dealing with the news and ferreting out the truth of what happened kept me glued to the pages.

There are many great characters in this story. Wade has truly raised the bar with this one. Let it Be Me is destined for my Top Reads in 2021!

I received an advanced and unedited copy from the publisher through Netgalley. No compensation received.

This is the second book in the Misty River Romance series. I read the first to know what was going on and I liked this book better. Leah and Sebastian are perfection. She is a quirky breath of fresh air. She’s brave and honest. Sebastian is the essence of strength and love. Both of them come from a place of brokenness which is woven into their relationship. This book combines a sweet romance with a family mystery. I really enjoyed this book and all the details.

Thank you Bethany House for the ARC.

It isn't often I pick up a book where both of the main characters are brainy but Sebastian and Leah are both very academically minded.

It was hard for me to connect with Leah at first since she so adamantly didn't believe in love, but once she opened her eyes to her interest in Seb I started to like her more.

I loved Sebastian. He has plenty of faults so there were times I wasn't happy with him, but his determination in all aspects not his life was incredible. I really liked some of the creative ways he got Leah's attention.

I love how Wade incorporated a little mystery into this book and especially how it helped Leah and Seb connect. The love story alone had me hooked and the mystery was just a bonus.

The first kiss in this book was pretty amazing. I felt like since both characters were so cerebral everything was described differently and the way they assessed their emotions gave this love story a different vibe. I really enjoyed it. Sometimes in it is nice to read a book with a different view on life.

Many of the characters in this book were put through the wringer. But I love how Wade drew us back to God's faithfulness even in hard times.

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

Let It Be Me has everything I've come to expect from a Becky Wade book. Unique plot points, page-turning tension, interesting dialogue. A hero and heroine I immediately care about, surrounded by fleshed-out, charming friends and family who support them in their quest to heal. And a resolution that both inspires me and satisfies my story-loving heart. I was glad to spend time in Misty River. Sebastian and Leah drew me into their charming story, and my only disappointment was that it was over too soon! 5 stars for this must-read inspirational romance!

“The thing is,” she whispered, “I don’t need a man in my life. I have math.”

“Let It Be Me” grabbed my heart from the start and still hasn’t let go! The reality, friendship and sweetness of Leah, Ben, and Sebastian’s story simply stole my breath away. Leah and Sebastian don’t think they need a long-term relationship, until they meet one another. However, Sebastion would never get in the way of his best friend, Ben’s happiness. The sparks fly and the chemistry is tangible at times as everything changes, and yet they have so much to overcome. I love the cerebral thinking they relate to that is challenged by their developing emotions. Leah was a wonderful heroine and strong role model.

“He was a heart surgeon who did not understand the inner workings of his own heart.”

Sebastian was the perfect hunky doctor with layers he has to work through to be in a relationship. Both of their hearts for kids was enviable. All of the “Star Wars” references added fun to the story as well.

“It really was exceptional, the combustion that thickened the air when they were together. Like “the force” in Star Wars—invisible and powerful.”

Wade wrote a book with so many depths and layers that my emotions were all over the place. She stresses the importance and beauty of being real in relationships. I am really loving this series and cannot wait for the next book to come out. What a beautiful and unexpected ending to this story. Oh, and I absolutely loved the beautiful updates from prior books in the series. Truly swoon worthy reading!

“When you met a man you couldn’t help but love . . . it changed everything.”

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

Let It Be Me by Becky Wade

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
________________________________________________________
Story Notes

Becky Wade returns us to the lives of the Miracle Five and the delightful town of Misty River to tell the story of Dr Sebastian Grant and his journey to love.

When I read the little teaser intro to Sebastian's story that was dropped into Stay with Me, I just knew it was going to be an awesome story. The great Sebastian Grant was going to be felled by the most unexpected person and he doesn't even know her name. She was the kind person who stopped to help when he wrapped his car around a tree and he is convinced that if he can find her, she will be his perfect girlfriend. But when he finally does find her, again on accident, he discovers that she is the girl his best friend, Ben, has been crushing on and is too afraid to ask out. Despite his incredible disappointment, Sebastian becomes his friend's biggest cheerleader and tries to work things out for Ben and Leah. If only he hadn't already lost most of his heart to her before he even knew her name. Leah Montgomery is a math genius who teaches at Misty River high school. She is the guardian of her younger brother, Dylan, and is doing her best to ensure he is healthy and well prepared for life. While she had to sacrifice her dreams of a PhD in Mathematics to care for her brother, she has never regretted it. She calls it dreams deferred and intends to return to them one day in the future. But her life is unceremoniously turned upside down when she gets unexpected results from her birthday DNA test - she is not her mother's daughter. Not quite believing what she's read, she requests a second test to confirm and upon receiving the same results, must now decide how to go forward. Leah is not a vengeful person but she does want to know what happened and how she was switched with another child in the hospital. Her search brings her into the world of Pediatrics, and Sebastian, when she needs his help to gain access to her records. Their search will bring many surprises and more answers than Leah ever dreamed. But there is heartache to be found along the way as well and it will prove challenging to their relationship. Can they really have anything more than friendship together or will everything and everyone pull them further apart? You'll have to come read this marvelous story to find out. I'm not going to spoil the story for anyone but I'm definitely telling people they need to read it. From the super fun Star Wars quotes and references to the hilariously odd reasoning of Leah, it's not one that readers will want to miss. I loved how stubbornly set Leah was about love and how it applied to her; she made me laugh with her conclusions and reasoning. Sebastian was a wonderful MC with plenty of charm, wit and determination to help Leah see her worth to others. The search to discover what happened at Leah's birth was very well written with everything being revealed at just the right moment. Ms. Wade has an incredible ability to write realistic stories that gut-punch you with their revelations but in a way that is a good shock rather than a bad one. This story included that expected shock but it gave such depth to the story that I would have felt the story incomplete without it. Suffice to say, this story was delightfully heart wrenching and I really was a bit worried for what the ending would be. Which is a perfect place for a voracious reader such as myself to be - it keeps us on our toes. I will certainly be highly recommending this story to others and am very hopeful they will find it as marvelous as I did. I'm now super excited to read the next story and find out what's going to happen with Luke. Well done, Ms. Wade!!

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

"She typically got lost in her own mind while navigating labyrinths of pure math. This was the first time she'd become lost in the rubble of a genealogical bomb" (location 60). I learned a lot about how to go about searching for answers about your ancestry. It raised the question "What would you do if you found something shocking in your DNA?" What price are you willing to pay to find out the truth?

Leah is a math genius. Forced to raise her brother from the time she was 18, she has no time for romance. Sebastian is one of the "Miracle 5." He dreams of meeting the woman who helped him when he was in a car wreck only to find that his best friend is in love with the same woman.

For as nerdy and unaware as Leah is, she is wonderfully quirky and funny. I love her interactions with her brother and with Sebastian. I also enjoyed getting to know Ben's family a little bit. The way they embraced Sebastian as a hurting kid and enveloped him into their family was beautiful.

This was a great read. I'm enjoying getting to know each member of the "Miracle 5" and am already looking forward to the next installment. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with an e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

🌸Let It Be Me🌸
🌸Becky Wade🌸

🌸I’m going to trust in you with all my heart and lean not on my understanding. In all my ways, I’ll acknowledge you. Please make my paths straight.🌸

🌸Sometimes words aren't enough to convey how you feel and giving control to the Maker might be hard at times but remember that it's totally worth it! We see Leah struggling with handing over the reins to even God!

🌸She loses her identity in one single email that says that her DNA doesn't match with her mother's and that single email shatters her entire system, she is a math prodigy and has high level intellect but the answers to the email doesn't come handy when she does the math....

🌸Leah has been taking care of her brother since her mother gave her full custody of him to her when she was 18

🌸Sebastian has had a hard life but now that he's settled in life he still feels restless and unable to let people in. He's only ever trusted the Coleman's and wouldn't let anyone penetrate that circle but who knew it would be a good thing when he crashes his car.

🌸Watch these two limbo and find their identity in Christ and figure out who they are and how to trust when trust seems like a hard thing to do.

🌸This book is a masterpiece of Christian Fiction!! I love the way she writes about spiritual battles and how it too affects our real life and leads us in the same spiritual journey of rectifying ourselves and falling in love with her characters is inevitable!

🌸Becky Wade is an author who writes beautiful Christian Fiction and her plots are really unique and yet relatable, her characterization is perfection itself, and her climax scenes and romance scenes are off the charts!! This is a book that would stay with you a long time after you read it!

🌸I've been highlighting a lot from the book and so you may expect one or two posts in the future of the quotes 😉

I was so looking forward to this book and it did not disappoint. The characters of Leah and Sebastian are relatable and it was such a joy to read about their journey together and their journey individually with God.
Leah is a math prodigy and sees the world in mathematical ways. Being a math person myself this was a very fun character to read about. Sebastian is pediatric surgeon who lived a hard life as a child. Together their romance story is beautiful. The journey that Becky Wade takes us on through these characters is wonderful and something to not be missed.

There are SO many wonderful elements in Let It Be Me by Becky wade that I started, then restarted, then restarted AGAIN this review because I’m having difficulty what to gush about first. I won’t apologize for my forthcoming excessive fangirling, but I will give you a warning. Brace Yourself. There. With that out of the way, let’s begin.

I got a glimpse of Sebastian Grant in Stay With Me (Book One in the Misty River Romance series) but I kinda underestimated him. In Let It Be Me, he takes center stage, and oh what a view it is! He’s a pediatric heart surgeon. Friends, the dude saves kids’ lives! He has a penchant for Sinatra music – if I wasn’t already a big fan, that alone would seal the deal. Can’t go wrong with Ol Blue Eyes. But with all his awesomeness, the man has flaws. He was raised a foster kid and grew into the habit of keeping others at arm’s length. Another huge challenge that arises is that he’s fallen in love with his best friend’s crush, Leah Montgomery.

Leah is a math prodigy and high school teacher. With dreams of becoming a professor and with the reality of raising her teenage brother, she has no plans of romance. Besides she’d already given her heart years ago to Han Solo. But she never factored in the very real, very persistent Sebastian Grant into the equation.

Brimming with the signature witty banter we’ve all come to adore in Becky Wade’s novels, this story will make you laugh one second and swoon the next. Add in a twisty mystery along with a solid faith message, and you have a five-star book worthy of your keeper shelf. Highly recommended!!!

**I received a copy from the author. All opinions are completely my own.

“God never left you alone.” Ben spoke with calm certainty. “I understand why you felt that way, but sometimes our feelings are liars."

4 1/2 out of 5 stars for his fabulous, compelling romance story that had me hooked from the start, kept me reading way past my bedtime and had me tearing up with happy tears by the end of the book. Such a fabulous story! The romance was great, the tension was there, and the mystery investigative element that was present in the Bradford sisters series is shining through in this story as well and let me tell you, I did not see a couple of those twists coming towards the end of the book. Such a great story and definitely leaves me wanting the final book in the trilogy. I need to hear more about Isabella, Ben and obviously get to know Luke more in book three.

“Still wearing the Susan B. Anthony T-shirt?” she asked.
“No. It was so tight I had to use a vacuum attachment to suck it off me when I got home.” “The idea that ‘we, the people doesn’t mean we, the white male citizens’ has never been a comfortable one for men to wear.”
He laughed. “True.”

Let It Be Me is an exceptional contemporary romance with great characters and an engaging plot.

I haven’t read every Becky Wade book, but every book of hers I have read, I’ve enjoyed immensely. Let It Be Me was no exception. The characters are raw. Not in a could’ve-been-more-fleshed-out kind of way but rather in a so-well-written-they’re-almost-real kind of way. And they truly felt real.

Sebastian is so much more than your typical brooding hero. He feels deeply but also fears deeply, and his fears are so real, I found myself relating to him more and more. Leah isn’t your average beauty but not your typical intellectual either. She’s anxious and driven and straightforward. When these two characters come together on the page, it’s magic. Not just because of their chemistry or their banter but the way they draw each other out and highlight each other’s best qualities.

And Wade has an amazing ability to cut right to the heart of a character, including their spiritual lives. I loved how she explored our identity in Christ and our ability to trust and depend on Him.

There’s so much more I want to say about this book, about the subplots and the supporting characters, but I’m still in a bit of awe. All I can think to say is…WOW. So I think I’ll just leave it there.

(Blog will go live May 7 at 12 p.m. EDT)

Let It Be Me continues Becky Wade's Misty River Romance series with a wonderful story full of mystery, heartache, faith, family, friendships, and love. Common to all of Ms. Wade's writings, Let It Be Me brings to its readers deeply developed and relatable characters, unexpected plot twists, as well as genuine lessons of faith, patience, forgiveness, and love. Ms. Wade has a special talent for creating characters that are genuinely unique and each character brings specific lessons to her readers. I truly enjoyed these main characters and the struggles they faced in this book. The self-doubts, past heartaches, unexpected life changes, major life decisions, and many more struggles faced by the main characters in Let It Be Me are what make this book relatable to every reader.
I appreciate Ms. Wade's focus on bringing relatable and down-to-earth characters into her literary realm. I absolutely enjoyed the two main characters of Sebastian Grant, a pediatric heart surgeon, as well as Leah Montgomery, a math prodigy and teacher. Neither Sebastian or Leah have an ordinary background or history, but their strength developed from past tragedies and overcoming difficulties makes them a good match. However, before Sebastian has a chance to do more than meet Leah, he discovers that she is the one woman off limits to him. Sebastian's best friend Ben has been good friends with Leah for a while and has been working towards a relationship with her.
Sebastian is devastated to not be able to pursue Leah, but he tries to be a good friend to Leah while not getting in the way of his friend Ben. Leah has always dreamed of obtaining her PhD in mathematics and has put her dream on backburner as she raised and supported her younger brother. Now that Leah's younger brother is nearing college, Leah can finally fulfill her dream. When Leah gets shocking results from a DNA test for her family's genealogy she turns to the one medical person she know for help: Sebastian. Deeply conflicted, Sebastian can't refuse to help Leah with her search for the truth, but he is also concerned with maintaining a healthy distance from Leah to protect his already broken heart from completely shattering. Can Leah discover her true identity? Can she reconcile the discrepancies in her family history? Will she be able to pursue her dreams? What will become of Sebastian and Leah? Can Ben and Sebastian still maintain their friendship even if Leah and Ben don't work out?
Along with excellent characters, Ms. Wade also cleverly weaves her plots full of conflicts, triumphs, doubts, and many twists and turns, leaving her readers interested up to the last page. I appreciate how Ms. Wade brings faith into the storyline without it seeming forced or fake. I appreciate the genuine love, friendships, and true sense of family that she brings into her storyline. I absolutely loved how Sebastian had an "adopted family" in his best friend Ben's family and how well Ms. Wade portrayed the relationships in the non-biological family. There are many reasons to read any of Ms. Wade's writings, but I hope that I have convinced you to pick up Let It Be Me with only a few reasons I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend Let It Be Me and hope that you have the chance to enjoy it as much as I did. Happy readings!
Disclaimer: Bethany House Publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

I loved, loved, loved this book! The first book in the Misty River series, Stay With Me, was one of the best books I've read in a long time, so I wasn't sure how I would feel about this follow-up novel. However, in true Becky Wade fashion, it was delightful!

In addition to the great chemistry between Sebastian and Leah, I was quickly pulled into Leah's search for her biological family and I loved how she learned to rely on other people throughout the book. No spoilers, but I loved the way that storyline was resolved.

The tie that binds these books together, the story of the Miracle Five, is powerful and I already can't wait to read what happens in the next book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion!

What a beautifully crafted story! There is much to love about this book. Becky has woven quite a story within the pages of Let It Be Me. From the banter between Sebastian and Leah(one of my favorite elements of the story!) to wonderful lead characters and fun supporting characters and a storyline I had trouble putting down for pesky things like my kids and sleep, this book has it all. The storyline pulls in the reader from literally the first line and it doesn't let go until the last page. I am literally still processing the surprising twists of the story and how it's resolved. Wow, this is a compelling read! Don't miss it!!

I received this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.

I love how well this author tackles tough issues in a way that I can feel and relate even though I might not have personally gone through the same things the characters are going through. This story filled me with all the feelings I long for as a reader. I was attached to these characters and I was invested in their story and most especially, in their success. There were some twists I didn't see coming and I love to be surprised in good ways. This book was so well written and I loved it from beginning to end. Loved it.

Content: Christian elements, kissing

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

Let It Be Me by Becky Wade is the second full-length novel in the Misty River Romance series. It follows the story of Sebastian Grant, one of the Miracle Five we met in the first novel, a pediatric cardiac surgeon in search of the woman who stole his heart when she came to his rescue after a car crash. And Leah, a math prodigy, is investigating some surprising results of a recent DNA test. When Sebastian finds Leah, he also discovers she is the woman his best friend has been crushing on for over a year. But when Leah seeks out his assistance to help her discover the truth about her DNA test, will he be able to deny the feelings he has for her?
Let It Be Me was a fantastic story. The characters were exquisite--and not just the swoon-worthy hero--all of them. I was completely engaged in Leah’s search for the truth, in Sebastian’s struggle to mend his own heart, in Ben’s unconditional love, and even in Dylan’s teenagerly grunts. These characters and their witty, hilarious, and heartfelt interactions are priceless. They will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Sebastian! What a hero. A pediatric cardiac surgery rockstar. He saves tiny people. He’s a bad boy. He has a big heart. He doesn’t let anyone see it. He is so complicated! And that’s why I loved him. I don’t know how many times he made me throw my head back and laugh, but was also capable of bringing tears to my eyes. As Leah said, he’s a bit of a scoundrel, but that is half of his appeal!
I loved, loved, LOVED Leah. So smart. So loyal. So pragmatic and logical. I fell in love with all of her quirks and complete nerdiness. She is a true inspiration in how she sacrificed her own desires for others, how she treated others with love, and how she sought to have a closer relationship with God. Characters like Leah are why I read Christian fiction. Their lives make me think about my own!
And I CANNOT close this without saying how much I love Ben’s mother, Cece. I love her spunk and her sparkle, but my, oh, my, the woman lives for the Lord and loves like Him, too. I wish all foster children like Sebastian had someone like her in their lives.
Overall, Let It Be Me is a fantastic read and a great second novel in the series. It will be impossible to pick a favorite, I’m afraid! Any fan of contemporary Christian fiction, like Courtney Walsh, would enjoy this book!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This book reminded me of how much I adore Ms Wade’s writing. She manages to craft a compelling story with twists i cannot foresee and she introduces us to new friends who make you love them. (And I always end up crying!) Thank you for being the excellence in Christian fiction that we need.

This was a super fun book for me to read because my daughter is dating a guy named Sebastian and her middle name is Leigh which is close to Leah making me think about them as I read the story.

I have yet to meet a Becky Wade book I didn’t just love! Her characters are real with flaws and fears just like all of us and the moment you meet them you realize they could be one of your best friends.

In this book Becky touches on a “forbidden” subject within evangelical Christians...forgiving God...and she handles it beautifully and with so much grace. Showing how our feelings are just that and they don’t emulate the truth.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Let It Be Me is going straight to my favorites list! This contemporary romance has everything I love about the genre, as well as the powerful storytelling of Becky Wade to recommend it!

Becky Wade’s characters are portrayed in a way that makes them deeply relatable. Their identities are fleshed out through personality, sense of humor, career, dreams, memories, and even a physical sense of how they move through a room to make them feel so REAL and realistic. The reader learns their POV and perspective when all this combines to see life, faith, decisions, and emotions through their individuality. This stirs empathy even when the reader experiences life in a completely different way.

Sebastian and Leah’s dynamic is simply magnetic. Any time they are on the page together, their sparks and passion are palpable, even in a scene as innocuous as a conversation at a school fundraiser booth, it’s present (their banter! it sparkles!). While his attraction to her is instant, he recognizes and falls for her intelligence and compassion quickly. I love romance when the hero falls first and it takes a bit for the heroine to catch up. Challenges to their situation, though, allow for the story to develop at the perfect pace and for the reader to be rooting for them 1,000% by the time things turn more serious.

I have a few more things to say about the romance. No spoilers here, but they have plenty to work through with the Sebastian, Leah, and Ben situation. (note of relief: it is NOT a love triangle). But whew, when things do start happening of a more romantic nature, Sebastian’s determination and Leah’s I-don’t-do-romance mantra practically combust. I will just reiterate what I said about book 1 in this series: it’s a “prime example of how the inspirational romance genre CAN have heat and convey a real, respectful sense of desire without crossing any inappropriate lines.”

Both Sebastian and Leah have personal arcs outside of their changing romantic relationship that center on identity. For Leah, she grapples with surprises related to her heritage. And, she is fiercely independent. Sebastian upends her stability, which causes some friction and challenges her mindset in more than one way. For Sebastian, he carries baggage from living his own heartbreaking past. His arc, too, has to do with his determination, need of acceptance, and perfectionist tendencies. Her presence just might break through his barriers and cause him to reconsider his fears and emotional detachment, seeing all areas of his life with more of his heart. Sebastian’s relationship with the Colemans is an important part of his life, too. I really like his relationship with Ben Coleman and how it exemplifies true friendship in wanting the very best for one another.

From friendships to identity, forgiveness and honesty, many aspects combine to make this much more than a romance. It’s a meaningful story of growth for the hero and heroine. I can’t wait to get Luke’s story next year 🙂

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Let It Be Me is the second book in Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series. It features Sebastian, a pediatric heart surgeon who grew up in foster care, and Leah, a math genius who teaches high school math while maintaining guardianship of her younger brother. This book is also set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia. Y’all, I really loved this book! It was interesting to learn about Sebastian’s profession and life. Since I am a teacher, there were some things I could relate to that Leah dealt with. I enjoyed reading Sebastian’s journey as he spent time with Leah and got to know her, and as he overcame his inner struggles. I felt I could understand some of Leah’s struggle in allowing her brother more freedom, as I am a parent, although my child is still quite young compared to her brother. Sebastian and Leah go together well, and I enjoyed all of their interactions. And, as usual, Becky included an intriguing mystery in this novel, involving Leah’s birth. I really enjoyed investigating with her, and my jaw dropped when the mystery was solved! This book was not easy to put down, and I read it in about 3 days, which is pretty quick for me, a mom with a full-time job! I highly recommend this story! I should also note that you don’t need to have read book 1 (though it is also really good!) in order to read Let It Be Me. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Let It Be Me is a contemporary romance novel written by Becky Wade. It is book two in the Misty River Romance series. It is not necessary to have read book one in order to enjoy this one, but I do recommend it-it’s very good. You can read my review of book one here.

Summary: Pediatric heart surgeon Sebastian Grant’s car accident might have been the best thing that ever happened to him. A stranger stops to make sure he is OK, and he is sure he has met an angel. The problem? He never even got her name.

Months later, he finally meets the woman of his dreams only to discover she is the girl his best friend is completely in love with. Sebastian is determined to stay away for the sake of his friend, but what if this girl is the one that is meant to be his?

Leah Montgomery may be a math genius, but she is definitely not smart when it comes to matters of the heart. Can she let go of her independence long enough to accept love?

My Thoughts: This is a wonderful book. There is a great love story, and a great story line. What is truly wonderful about this story (and book one), is that the author does SUCH a wonderful job describing the characters, what they have gone through in the past, and how it affects the adults they turn out to be. I love how the characters communicate with each other-how they make mistakes, yet are so vulnerable when talking out the issues. It is difficult to describe, but the book is just so well-written-especially in the character development.

This book is easy to read, full of interesting characters, and contains some good twists and turns as well.

I really enjoyed this one, and would definitely recommend it. Very, very good.

If you like romance novels, this series would be a good one to purchase or even buy for a friend.

I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

Wow! What a story! This one is going up there as a top favorite for me of Becky Wade’s books. I always enjoy this author’s stories, however, I was a little nervous knowing that there was going to be a potential love triangle going on, which can be taxing emotionally for me to read about. However, I am happy to report that while Sebastian and Ben did indeed fall for the same woman, it added just the right amount of angst and tension to their friendship to make the story extremely interesting. Having to navigate the situation and remain true to his friend while longing for the possibility for more with Leah showed Sebastian’s loyalty and his true character.

Leah and Sebastian were simply such fun characters to read about. A math genius and a pediatric heart surgeon! Both were so incredibly smart and shared a fun sense of humor. I loved the way they related to each other. Leah and Sebastian were also two individuals who had been wounded in different ways by events and people in their pasts. These two had some big issues two work through in the story before they could find their happily ever after!

I loved getting a glimpse into Sebastian’s work at the hospital. I felt like I was really there, experiencing things right along with him. And Leah’s search into her background was so very interesting! It was fascinating to see as small pieces of information led her in different directions as she worked to discover the truth. I simply loved this story from start to finish!

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

Having enjoyed Stay With Me so much, I was delighted to see that Let It Be Me was available to review! I've enjoyed the little Georgia town of Misty River, the Miracle Five, and the characters who people this series very much.

Both Sebastian and Leah have brilliant minds. I really enjoyed the banter between them and their humor. The Han Solo quotes simply added to the fun!

Sebastian was quite driven, evidenced by the fact he had become a pediatric heart surgeon at a much younger age than most. His motivation for choosing this medical field over others was quite touching. I loved the way his determination influenced his actions in so many areas of his life, including pursuing Leah. His clever way of getting her to agree to go on a date with him was a lot of fun! Yet poor Sebastian was very broken and had created a protective barrier around his heart in hopes of avoiding broken promises and pain. He struggled with trust - trusting people and trusting God. His faith journey took him on a path to realize his need for surrender and forgiveness - in a manner that may surprise you.

Leah didn't appear to be as closed off as Sebastian was and yet she also had deep struggles with trusting others. Which, given the reason she had raised her younger brother by herself, made sense. Her need for controlling things around her was very strong and resulted in a major rift with said brother.

There many different threads to this story, each one interesting on its own, and each one cleverly followed to a satisfying conclusion.

One of the story's threads involved the DNA results that turned Leah's life upside down. It was fascinating to follow Leah's search for answers and to learn about ways to track people down. I was caught off guard by what she discovered!

While Let It Be Me can be read as a stand-alone, it is designed to work as a part of the Misty River Romance series. And as I mentioned at the beginning of the review, the stories are quite enjoyable. Lovers of Christian romance will not want to miss them!

Those who have read Stay with Me I (book one in Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series), met Sebastian Grant. But we were only acquainted with him. In book two of the series, Let It Be Me, we get to know Sebastian—his intelligence, his stubborn determination, his admirable occupation, and all of the hurts he’s carried for years.

A chance meeting brought Leah Montgomery into his life, but when he discovers she is the same woman his best friend has been pursuing (at a turtle’s pace), he steps back. For those of you who are averse to love triangles, just know this one is handled impeccably and does not last long.

Wade writes two cerebral characters so well, even those who don’t have the IQ of Sebastian or Leah will connect with them in some way. Maybe in the witty banter. Or Leah’s solid faith. Or Sebastian’s care with infant heart patients. Maybe the mystery or the faith element. Believe me, there’s something in Let It Be Me that will hook you into this story.

This contemporary romance is a prime example of how heat, sparks, magnetism, and desire can be relayed without any touch (but when that first kiss comes, phew, be sure to pull out your fan because its powerful).

But best of all is the growth of the characters throughout the story because despite their intelligence and drive, they are both humanly flawed. It takes friends, faith, and challenges to grow them beyond the place they arrived on the pages at the beginning of the book. And oh, what a marvelous journey it is to take with them.



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 am a huge Becky Wade fan and when I found out she had a new book coming out I was so excited. I knew that I wanted to be involved in the launch team as soon as I heard about it.

I loved the glimpses of Sebastian that we got in Stay With Me and I was so happy to hear that he was getting his own book. Both Sebastian and Leah are great characters. I love how Becky is able to create interesting and relatable characters that are still unique from other characters.

One of the things I love most about Becky Wade’s writing is how she talks about serious and sometime heavy topics but not in a way that brings you down. There were so many cute, fun moments in this book and they were the perfect balance to the serious moments.

I loved this book and can’t wait for the final book in the series. I’m excited that the others in the Miracle Five will get their stories shared.

Review Snippet:
A SWEET, TENDER ROMANCE

Let It Be Me will absolutely, positively tug on your heartstrings! Becky Wade delivers a multi-layered story of faith, family and romance that is both beautiful and entertaining.

From the direct, matter-of-fact conversation between Sebastian and Leah, to the underlying thread of learning to relinquish our own human-based desire for control to a God who has much bigger plans for our lives, Wade unfolded a story that was very much enjoyed from cover to cover.


Review:
Over the last year or so, I’ve read many wonderful reviews regarding Becky Wade’s contemporary romance novels and was delighted for an opportunity to read her newest release, Let It Be Me.

I found this story to be sweet, tender, rich and simply delightful.

With two dynamic, headstrong characters such as pediatric heart surgeon Sebastian Grant and high school math teacher Leah Montgomery, there were many moments I felt the tangible chemistry between these two. Their magnetic pull to each other is ultimately what enraptured me in this story.

Becky Wade carefully crafts a must-layered story of faith, family and romance that is both beautiful and entertaining. While the story was still rich with struggle and strife, the hope this story delivers is unparalleled.

From the direct, matter-of-fact conversation between Sebastian and Leah, to the underlying thread of learning to relinquish our own human-based desire for control to a God who has much bigger plans for our lives, Wade unfolded a story that was very much enjoyed from cover to cover.

For readers who enjoy somewhat quirky characters, real life situations (ahem, drama!) and contemporary romance, this Christian fiction is for you!

P.S. While I did dearly love Sebastian’s characters, I found a serious soft spot for Ben Coleman! That endearing personality of his! Swoon!

*I voluntarily received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts below are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

Author Becky Wade hits it out of the park with book two in the Misty River Romance series. I am always amazed at the depth of characterization and the subject matters she talks about in her books. All of this makes for captivating read. This novel focuses on Sebastian Grant (one of the Miracle Five) and how his world starts to change after he meets Leah, math prodigy, and high school teacher. She is an amazingly smart, logical gal who has done remarkable things despite her life situation. He is afraid to get too close to her for those reasons. Leah is afraid of how she feels around him too. It’s new territory for them both.

This was a fascinating story on many levels. I enjoyed every second of my time hanging out with these witty, heart-warming characters. At times I felt like praying for them as they faced really difficult situations. This is a wonderful novel to read for fun and one that would work well for your next book club meeting. The story and characters are compelling. There is so much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

I can always count on several things when I read a book by Becky Wade:

There will be pitch-perfect banter.
There will be delicious kisses.
There will be fabulous characters (main & supporting).
I will smile a lot. (Chuckles are also not to ruled out)
I will swoon a lot. (Safety precautions like a fainting couch & a couple of fans are recommended.)
I will get hit in all the feels & my heart will be encouraged.

Let It Be Me, the second book in Wade’s Misty River Romance series, checked all those boxes and more! Leah and Sebastian are immediately engaging characters, though we do have a bit of a history with them already from Stay With Me (and therefore are ready to jump into their story before we even start reading this book). While I am not nearly smart enough to keep pace with Leah or Sebastian – these are two prodigies, after all – Wade has written them in such a way that it’s easy to relate to them. Even if I don’t get Leah’s love for math (lol), let’s hear it for STEM heroines! I love seeing a super smart, strong heroine take center stage. (I also love seeing a super smart, wounded hero take center stage but we all knew that already.)

Themes of belonging and family weave seamlessly throughout this novel, adding layers and dimension to the plot and making it a romance that strengthens your heart in more ways than one. I was hooked from the moment Leah got her DNA results, and I stayed completely engrossed in that story line through some stunning twists. I was also eager to learn more about Sebastian and Ben and their friendship – and how it would withstand the fact that they were both unknowingly in love with the same woman. Normally I loathe love triangles because my heart gets so twisted up for the one left behind. But in Let It Be Me, the author does a fabulous job approaching the delicate situation in a way that’s easy on everyone’s hearts, mine included. And I really loved getting to know Ben’s family – what a hoot they are, and full of unconditional love. I can’t wait to spend more time with them when Ben gets his story.

I haven’t even talked about Sebastian’s personal story … or Leah’s brother … or all the geeky Star Wars references. Ack. Just trust me – you need to read it for yourself! And then we can talk about all the things.

Bottom Line: Wade consistently exceeds the already-high expectations I have with each new book of hers that I read. It’s hard to improve on perfection, but she seriously just keeps getting better & better. Let It Be Me is engaging from start to finish, full of forgiveness and grace, fabulous characters and swoonilicious kisses. Entertaining simply at its face value – as a story of two people who fall in love – it also allows the reader to also explore questions of belonging, faith, and the sovereignty of God. A must read for sure!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Let It Be Me by Becky Wade is still sticking to my heart, long after I reached ‘The End.’ This story will charm any tender hearted reader. Especially one who likes to cheer for the underdog.

Math prodigy Leah Montgomery got her degree at just and took over the raising of her younger brother at just eighteen years old. One day she comes across a car wreck, calls the authorities and stays with the driver until they arrive. She has no idea her presence has a greater impact than the accident itself.

Pediatric cardiac surgeon Sebastian Grant shut his own heart down after a series of losses, including his wonderful mother. In his teens he becomes one of the miracle five, trapped in an earthquake and grows close to another survivor, Ben. After wondering about the mystery woman from the crash, he learns she’s Ben’s teaching colleague.

Sebastian’s feelings grow but because Ben is attracted to Leah, Sebastian refuses to pursue her. When he is free to explore their relationship, Sebastian and Leah begin a tentative non-courtship. For someone shutdown and a prodigy who marches to the beat of her own drum, love is never going to be an easy path

If I’m honest, it took a while to fall for Sebastian, but I loved Leah from the outset. Then about a third of the way through, I clicked with the heart surgeon and was fully invested from then onwards.

Let It Be Me made me smile, tear up, sigh and worry until the very satisfying end. Highly recommended for anyone who values a great love story.

Visit Becky Wade’s website here…

To read my review of the free prequel novella in the series, click here…

Let It Be Me, by Becky Wade, is a tale that opens with a bang. Leah Montgomery, a math prodigy who is currently teaching advanced mathematics at her brother's high school, has received surprising news from a genealogy web-site. The man and woman, who raised her, are not actually her birth parents!

This knowledge seems to open up a lot of unknowns for Leah. Along this journey of trying to discover information about her actual parents, Leah crosses paths with Sebastian Grant, a pediatric heart surgeon. At first, Leah does not remember that she had meet this man previously. She had come upon an accident outside her hometown and this was that man inside a crumbled up vehicle!

This is an interesting tale as you watch Sebastian assist Leah in her search for her parents. As with all of Becky Wade's stories, there will be surprises along the way!

You definitely do not want to miss this tale!

I received an e-copy of this book from Bethany House. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that if you are looking in the book reviews section, it’s because you’ve never read a book written by Becky Wade. She only writes one a year, and I am always anxiously awaiting getting my hands on her next one. Let It Be Me is such an incredibly good and unique book. I mean who writes books about math genius’ and heart surgeons?

This book is the second novel in the Misty River Romance Series and I couldn’t get enough! Sebastian is swoon-worthy in so many ways… hello pediatric heart surgeon! I fell in love with his intensity. I could not imagine having all his attention focused on me and not falling into a puddle on the floor. Leah is his perfect match. Not a woman prone to swooning, her primary focus is on raising her younger brother. How can you not admire a woman who puts her hopes and dreams aside for that? Luckily for them both their primary focus was on something other than romance, otherwise who knows how they would have settled.

The chemistry that Wade put on the page was breathtaking. The way she described everything made me feel as if I was right there with them and I couldn’t stop reading. I was blessed to read the first book in this series, and totally suggest that you do, because hello… Becky Wade! That being said you can totally read this as a stand alone novel. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Contemporary Romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

When I pick up a Becky Wade book, I know I’m in for a great read. Let It Be Me carries on her fantastic book tradition with realistic, engaging, and multi-layered characters and a compelling storyline. With witty dialogue, an intriguing mystery, and plenty of romance, Leah and Sebastian’s story kept me turning pages to the end. A solid faith element permeates the tale with messages of forgiveness, grace, and God’s love for each of us. I’m looking forward to more books in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Let it Be Me
by Becky Wade
Publishing date: May 4, 2021

This is the second book in the Misty River Series and it has left me wanting to read the third one!! I have grown to love the characters and the story is multi-layered. Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for the ARC. These books go out like crazy in our library. I look forward to recommending this book to our readers.

5 star

Let It Be Me, by Becky Wade, the second book in A Misty River Romance series, is a thoughtfully written novel full of heart, humor, and meaning. Page after page, this book delivers a thoroughly intriguing story that is contemplative, surprising, redemptive, and memorable. With characters that are truly unique and authentic, this novel is an absolute pleasure to read. Elements of sweet romance, a small town setting, and a little bit of mystery blend together beautifully to make this story enjoyable and compelling from beginning to end.

With finesse and genuine skill, Ms. Wade has written a novel that is wholly moving and remarkably engaging. Throughout the book, such difficult themes as loss, fear, and vulnerability are deftly explored. The story becomes especially gripping as the characters pursue their goals, make space for unexpected relationships, and endeavor to heal from deep grief, anger, and disappointment. They find support in each other as their wounded hearts begin to mend through the power of honesty, trust, vulnerability, and forgiveness. As grace begins to flow, faith and hope become less fragile in hearts that are open to love, wholeness, and belonging.

A reader’s time is never wasted when it is spent within the pages of a novel by Becky Wade. Let It Be Me is certainly a stunning book that successfully appeals to the reader's imagination, curiosity, sense of humor, and emotions. This well-written story offers a captivating plot, endearing characters, and relevant themes. I recommend this novel enthusiastically.

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

This is the second book in the Misty River series, set in the north GA mountains. As a native Georgian, I will say that this is not necessarily a "southern" book (no thick accents or a lot of southern culture as a part of the story), just a story set in the Atlanta/north of Atlanta area. There is some appreciated diversity in the characters, as Sebastian's best friend and family is African American. I wanted a little more distinction as I have personally experienced a unique warmth and culture from the African American community, but I also thought it was good that the characters meshed together so well.

A big theme in this book is abandonment. Both Sebastian and Leah have had to live a lot of their lives independent of the love and support of immediate family, and both had traumatic experiences that led to their abandonment. Sebastian did have a surrogate family with his best friend, Ben, and his loyalty to them is powerful. This creates the initial tension in the discovery that he and Ben share a mutual attraction to Leah. Both characters have also tried, to great extremes, to fill the voids in their lives that their abandonment has caused. This adds to the tension as both Ben and Leah's lives are turned around through their relationship with each other and as Leah learns of her DNA results. I liked that Ben takes a risk to follow his heart in pursuing Leah. He doesn't always know how to do that, but he knows from the first moment that he saw her that he wanted to try. Ben was an easy character to enjoy in this story. Handsome, smart, driven, romantic....and the list goes on! I struggled a little to connect with Leah's character at first. She was forced at a young age, due to the selfishness of others who should've protected her, to become an adult. It drastically affected her and the choices she makes, which for me, were sometimes hard to relate to. I did appreciate the journey that both she and Sebastian's characters went on, as well as the detail that was put into creating their story.

I'm a forever Becky Wade fan, and I haven't read one yet that I didn't love or appreciate. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, in order to share my honest opinion, which I did.**

Wow! This second book in the misty river series is the better of the two. The storyline of Leah and Dylan and a switched at birth discovery is well written and engaging. I love the story development and characters. The southern setting was a draw, too

Loved this book so much. I love getting to know Sebastian and Leah's story. From the start, it was fun getting into each characters story trying to know more about them. Both had been through a lot and had issues that needed to be dealt with to let them be best of themselves for each other.
It was beautiful seeing them get over these hurts and learn to trust God.
With the infamous "love triangle" and the mysteries throughout the story, this made for a wonderful tale that is wonderful and redemptive. I loved every minute of it and can't wait for Luke's story but then again I hope Ben gets his happily ever after.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via the Publisher. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

When I read books by this author, I can always count on deep plot lines balanced with swoony romance. This one definitely delivered on that. Leah was an unusual heroine because she was really analytical and even thought she was immune to romantic feelings. Of course, when she developed them, she struggled with how to handle them. I really liked that her intellect was balanced with fun quirks like her love of Star Wars. The mystery surrounding Leah’s DNA results was so intriguing that I probably would have read this book just for that. I received this book complimentary from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.

It's been a while since I've read a Becky Wade book. Oh my, how I love her writing, her characterization, and the deep feelings she digs up. I went through a gamut of emotions and found it difficult to slow my reading as I neared the end because I didn't want to leave...

Sigh. Now I must wait for the next Misty River tale. I can't wait!

I am always here for a new release by Becky Wade, and this did not disappoint! A cute, light, fun read, Let It Be Me is second in a series but works as a stand-alone. I liked the dynamics that the main characters shared as they wrestled with themselves about falling for each other, and thought this was a good story. If you’re still looking for a summer read, I’d recommend you check this–or anything by Becky Wade–out!

Thank you to Bethany House publishers and to Net Galley for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

I wish I could give this book the twenty starts it deserves!!! I don't even know where to start! I love that Becky Wade's books always have a little bit of mystery to them, something that the characters have to unfurl. I love love love that she writes woony worthy romance "I want to make out with you", but its still clean and wholesome and representative as romance as a believer. I just love everything about how she writes!!!!!

Let It Be Me by Becky Wade mixes spiritual themes, a love triangle, a family mystery, and fabulous C. S. Lewis quotes. I appreciated that the author designed a believable love triangle without a villain and created fulfilling depth in the story as the characters experienced emotional and spiritual wrestling.

Sebastian, a determined pediatric heart surgeon, and Leah, a math genius, have unique personalities. At times I found it hard to relate to either of them, especially when Sebastian’s pining for Leah turned a bit angsty. However, Leah and Sebastian complemented each other perfectly. They communicated openly, if not bluntly, with honesty and humor. Their romantic tension and chemistry led to swoony kissing scenes that pleased my romance-loving heart.

Let It Be Me stands as the second novel in Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series. This contemporary romance works as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading the novels in order as characters do reappear. I look forward to reading Luke’s story in the final novel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Let it be Me by Becky Wade is the second book int eh Misty River romance series. It was even better than the first one. I loved Sebatian from the beginning and was anxiously awaiting his story. I enjoyed his back story and the man he has become. I thought he was so perfect for Leah.

Leah being a math prodigy was very interesting and I enjoyed her thought process. And the fact that she was convinced that she would never fall in love. And the backstory of her DNA test really got me to thinking what people must be going through. There were some great scenes between them.

I felt the relationship between Sebastian and his friend Ben was very well done. I am invested in the Miracle Five and cannot wait for Luke’s story. Becky has definitely intrigued me enough to keep following this series and anxiously await for the next book to come out. The underlying story of how the five have all dealt with their miracle differently is interesting.

"Let It Be Me" by Becky Wade was a sweet story. I thought this was going to be just a sweet romance, but this book had a little mystery in it, also, which I love! I loved the characters and the way the author portrayed the characters, especially Leah. The characters were so relatable, and it really felt like you were in the story! This is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page!

I highly recommend this book.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

I have always liked Ms. Wades books, but I adored this one and never wanted it to end! I loved Leah and Sebastian and all the other characters. Leah and Sebastián were complex and real, and I was rooting for them from the moment Sebastian realized who Leah was. Oh the angst! I loved it. The book was sweet and lovely and I gave a sigh of happiness when I finished the last page.

I didn't realize this was book #2 so I'm searching out #.5 and #1 ASAP. I can't wait for book #3.

If you ever see that Becky Wade has a new book out, always - ALWAYS - pick it up! You won't be sorry you did!

Let it Be Me is the latest in Wade's Misty River Romance series, featuring the Miracle Five. Survivors of an earthquake in El Salvador that buried them in rubble for 8 days, Sebastian, Ben, Natasha, and Genevieve have remained close friends ever since. Luke veered off the right path, ending up in jail.

The first time Dr. Sebastian Grant ever heard of Leah Montgomery, his best friend Ben Coleman was declaring his love for her. When he met her, though, she was the angel who climbed into his wrecked car with him and held his hand until the EMTs arrived to get him out. He didn't know her name, but he knew that the angel was the woman he'd been looking his whole life for. Discovering that his "angel" is Ben's Leah devastates him. Ben and his family have been the only family Sebastian has had since he went into foster care at the age of 8. No matter how much he wants her, he can't step between her and Ben.

Leah Montgomery's life hasn't exactly turned out like she hoped. A certified math genius, she graduated from both high school and college at 18 and had a full-ride scholarship to Princeton in her pocket when her mother left, dumping full-custody of her 8-year-old brother in Leah's lap. Instead of pursuing her dream of a PhD, Leah started teaching advanced math at the high school, got a house, and raised her brother. Now, nearly 10 years later, her brother is a senior and her dream is back in sight. Meeting Sebastian throws a kink in her plans, though. She's always been positive that she was missing the "attraction gene", but everything about Sebastian makes her sit up and take notice. He's smart enough to keep up with her, loves Star Wars as much as she does, and is physically strong and handsome. Can she keep protecting her heart when all she wants is to give it to him?

I really loved these two characters! Sebastian is a genius in his field of medicine; he's a surgeon who is one of the best in the nation at operating on babies' hearts. He's incredibly loyal to those he loves. The fact that his best friend/foster brother Ben loves Leah is enough to make him step back from her, and plead Ben's case to her. Leah was a math prodigy, who took responsibility for her little brother when she was little more than a child herself. (Her mom is a real piece of work, let me tell you!) She doesn't date, much to the chagrin of several of the men she works with. She has no interest in men in general, until she meets Sebastian. It's so fun to watch these two super-smart people resist their pull toward each other.

Fans of Becky Wade will love this addition to her booklist. Contemporary romance readers will also enjoy this story. It's faith-filled, banter-filled, and even has a mystery to solve. I couldn't put it down!

I put off reading this for far too long. My reason? I knew that if I started it that meant it would soon be over, and then I couldn’t look forward to it anymore :/ But I finally made it happen….and it definitely did not disappoint.

Dr. Sebastian Grant is one of The Miracle Five and has found his purpose as a pediatric heart surgeon. Although his motivations to save lives run quite deep, and he is very successful, he is also lonely. When a car accident connects him with a mystery woman he searches for her …only to find out she is the same woman his best friend has been in love with for some time now.

Leah Montgomery is a math genius who has put her career dreams on hold to raise her younger brother. When a DNA test is returned with some shocking results, she is determined to solve the mystery. Leah was such an interesting character! Her brilliance, motivations, and straightforward speech and behaviors were incredibly refreshing.

I especially appreciated how the author portrayed the (teenagery) conflicts between Leah and her brother as well as navigating the resolution for several of the conflicts. Everything rang true, but without being trite or typical.

Although this could possibly be read as a standalone novel you will be far happier if you read book one (“Stay With Me”) first. I strongly recommend this series, and truly loved everything about this book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Leah Montgomery is a child prodigy who gave up a full-ride scholarship to Princeton to complete her PhD so she could stay home and raise her seven-year-old brother after her mother decides she needs to explore the Amazon (or something. Their mother was an off-stage character, and that’s probably for the best). Anyway, Leah is 100% logical–for better or worse.

Pediatric heart surgeon Sebastian Grant meets Leah at a local farmer’s market, and recognises her as the angel who came to his rescue six months ago when his car crashed. Unfortunately, he finds Leah is the teacher his best friend, Ben, has been in love with for the best part of a year. Not that Ben’s ever asked her out, but still … man-code means she’s off limits.

When a mail-in DNA test shows Leah isn’t the biological child of either of her parents, she knows she must have been switched at birth with another baby (as her unmaternal mother would have grieved a stillborn baby, but certainly wouldn’t have adopted one). Logic says she needs to find the answer, and Sebastian – who works in the hospital where she was born - is the person to help.

What intrigued me most about Let It Be Me were the quirky but likeable characters. Leah is almost certainly somewhere on the autistic spectrum: she’s brilliant at math, responsible, and hard-working. But she’s not good with relationships, especially romantic relationships. In fact, she’s made it to twenty-eight without having any romantic feelings. The result was that I really liked her character voice, which pulled me through the story.

Sebastian is also an overachiever with his own personality quirks. As a medical doctor, he also understands math and physics and other logical, scientific disciplines. He’s loyal, a good friend, and willing to put his own feelings for Leah aside. He also helps Leah to discover the mystery behind her birth.

As such, this was an unusual yet compelling romance with unique characters and plenty of quirky humour—another winner from Becky Wade.

Let It Be Me is the second book in Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series. The stories feature members of the “Miracle Five”, who survived an earthquake as teens, an experience that has brought them together and shaped their lives. Each book is the romance of one of the Five (although one was already married when the series started). While the books are each standalone novels, they feature the same setting and many of the same characters – my idea of a perfect series.

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

Let It Be Me is the second book in the Misty River Romance series, which follows the Miracle 5 a group of kids who survived been trapped underground years ago. One of the Miracle 5, Sebastian Grant has a great life as a heart surgeon, but a car accident sends him seeking a mysterious woman who rescued him from his crumpled car and then disappeared. Leah Montgomery is the mysterious woman who is also a high school teacher who had to grow up too quickly to support her little brother. Sebastian's best friend and also a member of the Miracle 5, Ben is also a high school teacher at Leah's school and has a crush on her. Sebastian discovers Leah is the mysterious woman but does not want to pursue a relationship that will hurt his best friend. Can love find a way? Wade tells a beautiful love story and adds in broken relationships, trust issues, and a genetic mystery to make this novel even better.

Let It Be Me has reminded me of why I fell in love with Becky Wade’s writing in the first place – the fantastic dialogue, amazing chemistry between the characters, and an engaging plot. I mean this as the highest compliment: there is something so simple and refreshingly entertaining about Wade’s writing. It’s simply vibrant. The dialogue is consistently spot on, full wit and charm. I fall in love with the characters every single time. Leah Montgomery and Sebastian Grant are no exception. They are two singularly unique individuals, both driven and intelligent in their own ways.

What seems to start out as a standard contemporary romance becomes more and more layered, not only due to the mystery that pops up when Leah explores her ancestry, but also the superb characters arcs of both Leah and Sebastian. Sebastian is one of the “Miracle Five,” like Genevieve in book one, and though he is wildly successful as a pediatric heart surgeon, his early life as a foster child has left an indelible mark on him. Leah is a brilliant math teacher, but dreams of getting her PhD, something she let go of when she became the full-time parent of her younger brother. I have very, very little in common with either of these characters (seriously, I sometimes still have to count on my fingers, I’m hopeless), but, wow, did I connect with their fears and desires to belong. They both come across as genuine, and it was a joy to see their developing relationship.

The secondary characters in this story are so, so good. Ben, another one of the five, and his family are so much fun and their encouragement and love for Sebastian are palpable. I know Ben isn’t getting his own book, since book three is about Luke, but I do hope we see more of him in the next book. The plot is engaging, with a few brow raising moments, but I let it go pretty quickly, since they weren’t the main events. There is an interesting twist that I actually was not expecting, but the way it all comes together is intriguing. I think that this could probably be read as a standalone, but book one is really good, too, so I would just read them in order.

Highly recommended to fans of contemporary romance with a strong faith thread. I am absolutely looking forward to book three!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. A positive review was not required, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

This book. Wow. I couldn't read it fast enough. If life hadn't of gotten in the way, I would have read it all at once. It was so engaging, and the characters were right up my alley. A man who saves babies by operating on their hearts, and works so hard to make sure they survive? Um....swoon. Oh yeah, he's super loyal, a good guy, and does right by his best friend. SWOON. I mean, Wade knows how to write a great hero, just sayin.

But what's cool about this is the mystery involving the storyline of Leah. I don't want to give it away - Read. The Book. But Leah's investigation to her past was so entertaining, interesting, and had me on the edge of my seat. And then the twist. The twist I NEVER saw coming! Oh Becky Wade what are you doing to me? I literally gasped out loud, only to have my family look at me like I was crazy. But it's ok. I explained I was at a part of the book that completely surprised me. And how she wrote the scenes after that.....well again I can't talk about it (spoilers), but they were so beautifully and wonderfully written.

As if that's not enough, you get a little tidbit of the next story about Luke. That story sounds like it is going to be extremely entertaining! Friends, I cannot recommend this series enough. There is swoony kissing, romance in unexpected ways, laughter, joy, tears, shock, and so much more. Basically...All. The. Feels. Do yourself a favor and start with book one. Not only will it give you a background into some of the characters, it'll just make you happy because it's amazing. And this one is amazing so there you go. Two great books to read! I'm so happy I purchased this book. Why I didn't sign up to review it is beyond me lol.

Now, why are you still reading my words. Go read this book instead!!! I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a favorable review. I also purchased a copy of the book for myself.

Wow! Becky Wade’s stories never disappoint me!
Let it be Me is a keeper! I think it’s even better than Stay with Me, and I loved that one! I fell so in love with these Sebastian and Leah, I’m still thinking about them!
Sebastian, a former foster kid, after lots of hard work, is now a prestigious pediatric heart surgeon. But he still carries his wounds and a deep void that his successful career hasn’t filled.
Leah is a math genius and a teacher, with one big dream: to earn her PhD. But raising her little brother has come first. Now that he’s graduated from High School and going to College, it’s time for her to achieve her dream. But Leah has also a backstory she needs to dig up, and when she receives surprising results from the DNA test she submitted to a genealogy site, she asks for Sebastian’s help. Together, they go through the hospital records to discover the secrets of her history. As they spend time together, Sebastian falls hard for Leah, but he soon discovers Leah is the only woman he cannot have, the woman his best friend has set his heart on! Leah thinks she has no time for romance, a flitting emotion that could steal her focus from her goals. But is it? Can they both overcome their obstacles and give themselves a chance at true love? What is Leah’s family secret?
This was an amazing story! Realistic and relatable. The characters made it so relatable and I loved their complex and loveable personalities! They were so alike in some senses: two prodigies, both confident on the outside but insecure in the inside, a witty sense of humor, a kind and compassionate heart (with some walls that had to be torn down). They both “don’t” want to be in a relationship, yet they are undeniably attracted to each other. I loved their flirty, witty dialogues. Sebastian was swoon worthy! And their sweet romance was so endearing! I mean, how could Leah resist Sebastian? He was so charming, caring and selfless! There is also an inspiring message in the story that is not preachy at all. The plot has a lot of twists and unexpected moments, it keeps you engaged until the end. I was rooting for their happily ever after, they deserved it so much! I loved the ending!
This story can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend previously reading the first book, it enriches the story!
I highly recommend it! A fantastic read!

This is book two in A Misty River Romance series, however each book is a stand alone, you would miss a good book if you skipped book one and some history of the town and sub characters though. I love the writing style of Becky Wade. Her characters are well developed with real life problems. She always has sparks, romance and lots of laughter. I enjoyed reconnecting with the characters of Misty River.

We met Sebastian Grant in book one. He has had a different past than most and has really made something of himself. Yet he is willing to risk his heart to Leah.
Leah Montgomery is smart, loving and loyal. When her world is rocked is she strong enough to handle the fall out and is she willing to risk her heart.

I always look forward to reading books by Becky Wade and can't wait to read more in this series. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

I knew going into this read, I was going to be on the losing team of the love triangle hinted at in Stay With Me. I so very much want more of Ben and for him to find bliss in his HEA. Alas, I must still wait.
While he's no people pleasing teacher, Sebastian has taken life by the horns and run with it. He's a cardiothoracic surgeon and, to top it of, his specialty is infants. I suppose he's worthy of an HEA too. :)
Sebastian meets Leah under extremely trying circumstances, feels an instant connection, but has no idea she's the same woman his best friend adores.
Becky's ability to write a beautiful romance with deep and triggering issues continues. I think this love triangle is handled with such grace and care. She wrote her characters in such a way that it felt realistic that the trio would be able to walk away from the fall out with friendships intact. This time she tackles foster care, death of a parent, abandonment, and self-identity crisis in addition to Sebastian's childhood trauma.
I'll be patiently waiting for the next book which I'm sure will also strongly feature Luke. But in all honesty, I'm crossing my fingers for Ben's journey to be concluded satisfactorily.
Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Let It Be Me is the second book in A Misty River Romance series. While we are introduced to the characters in the previous book and have a bit of backstory from that too, I would say that you could read this as a standalone too with no issues. Personally, while I'd read the previous book, it had been a long while and well, my memory is not that great... and I had no issue catching up and understanding what was going on.

Becky Wade does such a great job of creating romances that truly are just really likable... the banter, the chemistry, the romance... and really just the fantastic characters that you simply cannot help but enjoy! This was no exception. It was a truly enjoyable love story that drew me in and had me wanting more! I truly enjoyed this story, and found myself looking forward to seeing what comes next in the series.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Let It Be Me is the second book in Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series. Dr. Sebastian Wade is a pediatric cardiac surgeon (how awesome is that?!) who was helped during a car accident by someone he considered an angel. Unfortunately, he learns she is the woman his best friend has loved from afar for two years.

Leah Montgomery is a math genius who teaches high school math while raising her younger brother. She’s not interested in romance, especially when she learns her parents are not her biological ones. It also means she needs Sebastian’s help to untangle the mystery.

Let It Be Me was a wonderful story. One I think I will appreciate better the second time. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. For something life threatening to happen. Sebastian saves little babies after all! (There could be trigger warnings for some here). So now that I know all the twists and turns, I want to reread it to enjoy Sam and Leah’s non-dating dating relationship. And, I smile because the author did a fabulous job of writing two incredibly smart and (they readily admit) relationally obtuse characters. I loved it!

I do hope Ben gets his happily ever after. He is a sweet friend to both Sebastian and Leah. We get a sneak peek into one of the other characters who is finally returning to Misty River. Now I’m eagerly waiting for Book Three!

—
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

Becky Wade has been a favorite of mine for a while now. While her contemporary romances often feature characters my children’s ages, I never feel like I cannot connect with them. Their stories always touch my heart. Let It Be Me returns to the north Georgia town of Misty River. I have a vacation home in north Georgia, so I especially love this setting. The story features Sebastian, a pediatric cardiac surgeon and Leah, a math prodigy turned high school teacher. They are first brought together when Sebastian is in a car accident, but neither knows the other one’s name. A second meeting reignites the sparks Sebastian felt, but Leah is a bit slow to agree to a relationship. See, she has plans. (We know what God sometimes thinks of our plans 😉 .)

Let It Be Me is a romance, but the themes of true identity and family connections are strong. The search for Leah’s birth parents takes both characters on an emotional and spiritual journey. I love the mystery that Wade develops for them to work on together. And the ultimate reveal, well I gasped out loud. LOL! I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator was perfect, capturing Leah’s voice beautifully. The humor Wade injects translated well into that format.

Let It Be Me can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend you begin with book 1, Stay with Me. It provides crucial backstory for many of the characters in the series. So now you have 2 wonderful books to read. You are welcome!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

I've always enjoyed Becky Wade's books and this one was no exception. We have been introduced to these characters in prior books, so it was exciting to be able to find out the rest of their stories. And the progress they have made over time.

Becky always has a great way to write and bring me in as the reader. The ebbs and flows of the writing is excellent.

Let It Be Me is the second book in Becky Wade's Misty River series and I loved it even more than the first book. The characters just grab your heart and I felt so much for them. I wanted a happily ever after for Sebastian with Leah and yet I also felt for his best friend and his feelings for her.

I loved following along with Leah and her search for answers regarding her DNA test. It was such an intriguing storyline and one that I think I'll remember for a while. I can't believe the ending and what was revealed. SO good!

All in all, Let It Be Me was an amazing read and I recommend it. I cannot wait to read the next book.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Such a neat series concept! I've enjoyed the fresh take on connecting couples (and friends) through a traumatic event in the past. Like always, Wade has a great voice for romance and a knack for knowing her audience well. Satisfying story with good tension building and resolution. Looking forward to book 3.

I really enjoyed this book. I love reading books where the protagonists overcome adversity and manage to create a successful life for themselves.
Premise
Former foster kid Sebastian Grant has leveraged his intelligence and hard work to become a pediatric heart surgeon. But not even his career success can erase the void he's tried so hard to fill. Then he meets high school teacher Leah Montgomery and his fast-spinning world comes to a sudden stop. He falls hard, only to make a devastating discovery--Leah is the woman his best friend set his heart on months before.

Leah's a math prodigy who's only ever had one big dream--to earn her PhD. Raising her little brother put that dream on hold. Now that her brother will soon be college bound, she's not going to let anything stand in her way. Especially romance . . . which is far less dependable than algebra.

When Leah receives surprising results from the DNA test she submitted to a genealogy site, she solicits Sebastian's help. Together, they comb through hospital records to uncover the secrets of her history. The more powerfully they're drawn to each other, the more strongly Sebastian must resist, and the more Leah must admit that some things in life--like love--can't be explained with numbers.
It was really neat reading Leah & Sebastians story especially when Sebastian best friend was the one who was initially interested in Leah. It was neat how they tied in the storylines to bring these two characters together and I loved watching their romance blossom.

Becky Wade creates such diverse characters and I love how no too books are the same!

I loved diving back into the Misty River world and reading another one of the miracle fives story’s.

Sebastian - how could you not love him. He was so honorable, to his friendship with Ben, but also in his interactions with Leah. I loved that he waited but once he had the green light he was all fire and determination.

Leah - adorable in all her quirks and her strong unfailing love for the brother she raised. I’m not sure I could have discovered her secret and been as chill as she was.

I loved that as their relationship unfolded they supported each by learning about what the other was interested in.

Overall another excellent book with some fabulous mystery elements... I never saw the secret unfolding like it did!

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!