In my humble opinion this is Wade's best work. I was riveted from the first page. I couldn't put it down. The characters are wonderful, the story-line is gripping and, the inspirational message is one every heart needs to hear. I laughed out loud. I cried tears of joy. The ending is beautiful and I am blessed to have read it.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher and this is my honest opinion.

This book was gut wrenching in the best possible way. I love Becky Wade's books and once I get the email from amazon saying she has a new book coming out I immediately start stalking Netgalley to see when it will be available to read! So I was PUMPED when this book hit netgalley! I will say this is not your normal binge read book. It was more like a bible study for me, meaning that I felt like I needed to read some of it. Then put it down and think over what I had read. I needed to digest it a bit.. It wasn't just an entertaining book, but it gave me alot to think about. I applaud Ms.Wade for writing about things that maybe most Christians don't want to talk about. But drug addiction is real, and yes, even Christians face it. I really appreciated learning about what the character was going through with her addiction, how she got into it, and what it felt like to her, why she liked it, ect. It gave me insight that will hopefully make me be a more compassionate and helpful person to anyone I come in contact with that struggles with addiction.

Becky Wade crafts masterful characters who are truly hurting. In her latest novel, Stay With Me, which also happens to be the introduction to her new Misty River Series, Wade's heroine struggles with pain pill addiction throughout majority of the novel. Wade made her struggles realistic and haunting. As someone who has personally never seen someone go through withdrawal but read books and watched movies with this type of scene, I believe Wade did a good job at allowing Genevieve succeed but still crave the pills. The romance is enduring and formulaic for the fans of contemporary romance. The plot was different and captured my attention from the first page. I really liked the side story that Natasha and the heroine worked on. I was curious what the messages meant to. Overall, Stay with Me by Becky Wade has hauntingly realistic hurt characters who work through their struggles to find purpose and love for their loves. A definite must-read for fans of Wade's other works and contemporary romance fans.

I received a complimentary copy of Stay With Me by Becky Wade from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

“Kissing Gen would be like playing with a stick of lit dynamite.”

Stay with Me, the first installment in award-winning author Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series, is guaranteed to be a hit with fans of contemporary romance. With powerful authenticity and deep realism, Becky Wade pens a heartwarming tale of unexpected love, while also tacking difficult topics that are extremely relevant in today’s society.

Genevieve Woodward returns to her hometown after receiving a disturbing letter hinting at secrets from her family’s past when she meets Sam Turner. Genevieve reminds Sam of all the pain he is trying to forget from his own past, but their lives continue to intersect as their relationship develops from “one notch above strangers” to possibly something more.

While becoming invested in Sam and Genevieve’s developing relationship, readers will also be introduced to the other members of the “Miracle Five” who, along with Genevieve, survived a devastating earthquake 18 years earlier while on a junior high mission trip. Their flashbacks bring an additional layer of authenticity to the present-day storyline. I was especially drawn to Luke’s heartbreaking story via the flashbacks, and I hope that readers will have the opportunity to learn more of his backstory as the series continues. “As always when she thought of Luke, sorrow, love and guilt knotted her stomach.”

Becky Wade shares the message of God’s grace and truth even when we feel undeserving of His incredible gifts. Stay with Me is highly recommended for readers of contemporary romance, especially those who enjoy books by authors such as Denise Hunter, Courtney Walsh and Susan May Warren. Stay with Me will definitely be on my list of Top 10 Books of 2020.

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.

“The things we’ve experienced are always a part of us.”