Stay with Me is a fantastic novel and a wonderful beginning to Becky Wade's new Misty River Romance series. With each novel, Wade introduces a richly layered plot within a delightful setting. Stay with Me is no exception. The characters are so well crafted they're almost tangible. Misty River feels like a community I'd enjoy living in, and the relationship between Genevieve and her sister is lovely. Best of all, the slow-burn of Sam and Genevieve's developing relationship makes for an incredibly satisfying read.
Wade expertly weaves the emotional, spiritual and suspense-filled threads into a phenomenal story that is difficult to put down. Her courage in tackling the nuances of addiction is commendable. Readers will finish Stay with Me feeling inspired, hopeful and eager to read the next book in this series.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions shared here are my own.

While I have read one other novel by Becky Wade in the past and found it to be enjoyable, I must admit it wasn't one that for me pushed her into that status of one whose books could not be missed. Stay With Me, however,certainly has me rethinking that. This book absolutely is one NOT to be missed.

Right from the very beginning, this book drew me in. Let's be honest, it didn't start off like your typical Christian romance. In fact, we meet our leading lady, Genevieve as she's passed out in a stranger's cottage, having taken pills that left her more than a little hazy. Like I said, not your typical opening... but it certainly grabbed my attention!

I loved that the author took on such a heavy and even taboo topic in this book. We often think of addiction as being something that non-Christians struggle with, but that's not always the reality--- especially with a prescription drug addiction that can start from a valid need for pain management that eventually leads to dependency, as is the case for Gen. While this may be a work of fiction, I still believe it can open our eyes to that very real issue in our world today.

Still, despite that uneasy topic, there was a lightness and sense of hope about this book that kept it from being too heavy. The romance played a big part in that. I loved the banter between Gen and Sam, bringing lightness to a book with many darker themes. I truly felt the chemistry leap off the page, and found myself rooting for them to overcome the obstacles in their way... as this is the first in the series, I hope to be able to catch up with them again in later books in the series because I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye. (I feel like we also got a glimpse of what will be the start of a story line for a future book, and I must say, I am READY for it!) Of course, a great mystery added in and a beautiful message of God's grace makes this all together a fantastic read, and one that I would certainly recommend!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Stay with me is such an amazing story ! It forces you to re-examine your own life, to check if you are hiding behind a facade because you are too scared to face the truth. It's also a sweet love story with realistic and amazing characters.

Becky has done it again with another excellent novel! Full of romance and family drama, you will not want to put this book down. With one of the main characters Australian, there's plenty of Australian lingo, themes, and cuisine. A must read to all who love romance novels.

This has quite a different feel than the other books I’ve read by this author. It has been awhile since I’ve read one of her books, but I didn’t remember them being so faith based. There’s quite a bit going on in this book, and the character’s faith is a big focus of the story. Also, the subject matter (prescription drug addiction), the mystery (it had a darker feel especially as the details came about), and the flashbacks from the earthquake all lend to that different feel.

I was expecting a bit more focus on the physical aspect of kicking the addiction. I would think the mental aspect is huge in addiction recovery, but thought the physical part was sort of regelated to a few briefly described days.

This was a fairly fast read, and it mostly held my attention. While there is a good message of hope, the bulk of the story had a downer feel as the characters were fighting their demons. I’m not sure I was really in the right mood for this type of story, but I did appreciate that it had a happy ending. And, I’m very curious about how things will end up for some of the other characters.

3.5 Stars

Becky Wade has done it again! This is a story about an Aussie farmer/restaurant owner named Sam and an American Bible study author Gen who both come to terms with their Own issues about themselves. The romance was super sweet and swoony (those kisses!) I loved how Sam wanted to help Gen with her issues even at the beginning when he hardly knew her. He was a great hero. Gen was a great heroine, too. Christian messages about forgiveness and God loving us unconditionally was nice, too. There’s also a mystery woven in this story that has a surprising twist.

I recommend this book!

“Like Papa Bear in the Goldilocks story, Sam Turner had discovered a strange woman sleeping in the bed of a house he owned.” - Opening line of “Stay with Me” by Becky Wade

Becky Wade strikes a beautiful balance in “Stay with Me”, book one of the Misty River Romance series, of serious discussion and laugh-out-loud humour, From the outset, Sam, our Australian leading man, struggles with Genevieve, our leading lady, inserting herself into his life, his farm and his head. Genevieve has no intention of creating such disruption but she can’t face living at home, alone in a big city or at her parents home with her mom hovering and smothering her whilst she endures her drug detox. Sam recognises her addiction problem within minutes of meeting her and so, she sees his farm cottage as the perfect space to recover.

Sam struggles with his past and bad memories haunt his relationship with Genevieve. His curiousity about her draws him to learn more about her bible teaching books and leads to one of my favourite lines from the book when he asks the shop assistant about her videos.

“DVD series? We do. It’s one hundred and twenty dollars for the set.” He blinked at her. What on earth? He could buy a top-of-the-line cordless drill for that price.” - Favourite line of “Stay with Me” by Becky Wade

Genevieve digs into the emotional pain and psychological trauma that led to her addiction. Having been through drug withdrawal, I can say Becky has captured the experience so well. The conversations Genevieve has with her counselor are powerful in growing one’s faith, whether or not you struggle with addiction, they discuss healthy rhythms and how to draw near to God in hard times.

“Trauma never disappears, Genevieve. The things we’ve experienced are always a part of us. When we’re stressed, old traumas like to rear their heads.” - Favourite line of “Stay with Me” by Becky Wade

I loved the novella that opened this series and “Stay with Me” is fabulous, I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! I highly recommend this one, it’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale!

This book picked me up and carried me away to a beautiful cottage in the farmlands of Georgia. Becky Wade has written a phenomenal story of one woman’s futile quest for earned Grace and her journey to healing and peace.
By all appearances, Genevieve Woodward is the epitome of success-she has a huge following for her Christian Bible studies and speaking tours. She’s beautiful, fashionable, charismatic. But behind the facade she carries secrets that could destroy her.
Sam Turner is a serious man with one mission in life-survive each day of loneliness and regret alone as penance for past mistakes.
When Sam learns her secrets, helping her is the farthest thing from his mind but his soul refuses to abandon her, even if his heart must pay the ultimate price.
Gen knows she can’t fight her demons alone but in her pursuit of grace, she forgets that it is a free gift-not earned by works.
My takeaway: While I loved the chemistry between Sam and Gen, the word “desire” sometimes made it feel like more of a lust, or physical attraction, rather than a true connection of heart and soul. Yes physical attraction is important, but a well rounded connection is even more so, in my opinion.
I also had trouble with an unmarried couple living together in sin, even after a gracious Bible study leader lovingly shared the biblical truths with them regarding their lifestyle. As new Christians this became offensive to them. I never saw the characters offer guilt, remorse or repentance for that lifestyle, even after they had grown as a Christian. For this reason I can’t give 5 stars with a clear conscience. Christians are not perfect and definitely mess up from time to time, as this story greatly portrays. We all walk through times where God feels silent and so far away. As Ms. Wade so skillfully reminds us, He is near to all who call upon Him and His grace is freely given, we need only to repent from our sins and accept it. He will never give up on us.

Stay with Me tells the story of women's Bible study author Genevieve who is addicted to Oxycontin. When Genevieve receives a mysterious letter threatening her family, she returns to her Ridge Mountains hometown in hopes of solving the mystery. As she continues to struggle with her personal addiction, coffee-shop owner Sam forces her to face her addiction. Stay with Me shares not only Genevieve's struggle as she combats her addiction, but also the path to solve her family's mystery. Meanwhile, she & Sam develop an unusual friendship as they both battle memories from the past that have shaped each of them into the adult they have become. Great story. Very realistic, never sugarcoating the struggle of an addiction, but also providing hope and showing the value of truth against all odds. This is also an incredible story of God's grace and forgiveness in the midst of seemingly unapproachable obstacles. GREAT story!

Wow! This book took me on an emotional roller coaster-in a good way. This book had it all mystery, romance, personal struggles and an uplifting message. Gen is a successful Christian author and speaker but her life is out of balance and in the grip of opioid addiction. Sam is a loner trapped by guilt but a nurturer by nature. God brings Gen and Sam together--just like the caravan in Joseph's story--and the journey is such a wonderful gift to witness. The message of Grace was presented in such a beautiful, powerful way. I can't wait to read about the other Miracle Five!

This book has it all!!! Heartbreak, loss, healing, mystery, murder, miracles, love, swoon worthy moments, a hunk of an Australian man, and a beautiful message of grace from God. I love Becky Wade's books. She is fabulous! This book is no exception! It kept me reading and thinking and feeling. Can't wait for more books in the Misty River Series!!!

I should say first that Christian Romance (which this definitively is) is not my thing. But as that genre goes, I would say that this is top tier. The heroine and hero are very real people with very real flaws and difficulties that they need to overcome. They don't come across as holier than thou - or really any different from your average person.

Genevieve is an author of bible studies and inspirational/devotional materials. She is respected and adored by her fans and family. She also has a very serious prescription drug habit. She is determined to take steps to get sober and does so - by detoxing alone. As part of that process she lands at Sam's guesthouse/cottage (which is very convenient for a story that isn't going to involve any sexytimes between the H/h. It allows for proximity - but separation.

Sam is an Australian who moved to Georgia after he lost someone to prescription drug addiction. Sam is a successful restaurant owner and farmer (and health nut). He is. however, very much alone and not interested in sharing his life with anyone, let alone another person with a prescription drug addition.

Genevieve more or less forces him to rent his cottage to her and to help her through her rehab.

There is a LOT going on in this book. Each chapter is framed by a flashback to a time when Genevieve and four other kids were trapped underground after an earthquake. With all the kids serving as narrator over the course of the book. That somewhat relates to what is going on in the book - but more seems to just serve as character introduction. There is also a significant plot involving Genevieve's family.

Overall - I liked a lot about the book - but didn't love it. I think it could have used a bit of judicious editing and perhaps a little less plots going on. I also think Genevieve's recovery needed a bit more authenticity and support. I was surprised she wasn't going to NA meeting (or at least being urged to do so).

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley but these opinions are all my own.

Oh how I love a good Becky Wade romance. They are absolutely swoon-worthy and irresistible. The character are always relatable and the plot flows beautifully.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

Gen awakens in a cottage on Sam’s property, with no recollection of how she arrived there. Sam discovers Gen’s secret and from the get-go convinces himself to remain as he has, isolated and alone.

The two characters must work through their past, and attraction to each other causes sparks to fly. Their experiences have shaped them, but can they trust the Lord to guide their future?

This is a must read! Every year, I mark my calendar for Becky Wade’s newest release. And every year, I am so sad when I’ve finished reading her newest book, because they are SO GOOD! Stay With Me is a beautiful story that has the reader searching their heart and staying up past their bedtime!

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

Becky Wade's "Stay with Me" is a sweet story about two people who find a path to healing. Both are broken. Both are dealing with fallout and baggage in their lives. I enjoyed the characters who deal not only with past issues, but the ongoing issues of addiction. How does one convey their faith even through their brokenness? How does one choose to take a risk to love over being alone? Wade explores these themes through the eyes of her hero and heroine, Sam and Genevieve. I enjoyed the emotions, the story world, and the cautious relationship the two developed.

I love Becky Wade's writing, so I was thrilled to get the chance to read an early copy of Stay With Me. As usual, she didn't disappoint! Stay with Me tells the story of Genevieve, a bubbly Bible study writer and Oxytocin addict, and Sam Turner, a taciturn organic farmer. Their paths cross when Genevieve falls asleep in his guesthouse in an Oxy-fueled haze. At first, they clash but they eventually reach a deal that Genevieve can rent his guesthouse if she fights to stay clean of Oxy. Over the next few months, they grow closer as Gen fights her addiction and looks into her family's questionable past. Sam and Gen get closer and Gen learns about his past with an ex-girlfriend who died of a painkiller addiction. The story is full of hope and grace and honesty and shines a light into the flaws that we all share.

The good:
Becky Wade's writing is snappy and sweet and she knows how to write romance. I love the honesty that she showed about the characters' fallibility. I also absolutely loved Sam--he's the perfect love interest. Even though the book crosses into the preachy at times, the truths are eternal and for the most part presented in a way that's relatable.

The bad:
I didn't absolutely love Genevieve's personality. The whole Instagram star, southern Belle, interior designer character was not super relatable for me, but she was well written. I also found the mini-chapters dispersed throughout the story following the "Miracle Five" distracting. We didn't need those little snippets to follow what hpapened to them and I would have preferred if they hadn't been included.

This was a great book and a solid four star read--highly recommended to those who enjoy a sweet romance and relatable (and not preachy) Christian fiction.

The best way to describe Stay With Me is to say it’s a gloriously, lovely book. I’ve read all of Becky Wade’s books, but I can say this is one of her best if not the best. I refrain from saying it’s the best because I still think My Stubborn Heart and True to You are two of the best books ever written in the Christian Romance genre, so I’m going to put Stay With Me in a three-way tie. Wade has created these beautiful rich characters in her latest that will stay with you for a long time. I laughed out loud throughout, totally enjoyed the little mystery in the story, and fell in love with Sam Turner. At the end of the book, I literally wept, not because it was sad, but because it was such a beautiful story. Gracious, I still get a little choked up just thinking about it.  There aren’t enough stars for this book. It’s absolutely fantastic.

This is the first book in the Misty Rivers series and it sets up the series quite nicely! There is a difficult story line in this book and Becky Wade approaches it delicately and yet confidently. I will be honest and say that it took me a good bit to get into this story but I am glad that I kept going and got involved into the lives of these characters.
Sam is not your typical contemporary romance hero. In fact, just leave him alone and let him have order in his life. Gen is not your typical heroine in that she is Miss Perfect and full of life on the outside but harboring a deep secret on the inside. These 2 complete opposites make for a tough relationship. But oooh, parts of this relationship are totally swoon worthy!

Becky Wade is headed up there on my list of favorite contemporary romance authors! I picked this one up because the themes intrigued me, and for the most part, I was not disappointed!

The story starts out with one of Wade's iconic meet-cutes. Awkward, somewhat hilarious, altogether adorable yet cringe-worthy in the most realistic way. I greatly enjoyed the prequel novella to the series, so I already had a brief introduction to our main character, Sam Turner. From that brief introduction, I knew I was going to love his character, and I did! I love the way Genevieve was able to win him from his taciturn ways and his desire to help her. I love the contrast of his character--tough farmer dude, yet tenderhearted, a very talented cook, and a healthy-eating nerd.

Genevieve was a very realistic character and I found myself relating to her a lot. Her character had a myriad of dichotomies, which is what made her so fascinating--and still relatable. I appreciate how Wade didn't entirely gloss over her withdrawal process, but still didn't go deeply into it. I find it hard to empathize with the character when such a pivotal time in their life is completely glossed over and boom, she's just fine!

The mystery woven throughout the plot was fascinating and I didn't want to put the book down until I reached the conclusion. The themes of forgiveness and mercy and grace were absolutely beautiful and spun throughout without being shoehorned in or cliche. Wade is not afraid to shy away from deep themes, which is perhaps why I love her books so much.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed Becky Wade's newest contribution to the contemporary romance genre! Inspirational, realistic, and deeply moving, this isn't one you'll want to miss!


FTC Disclosure; I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Netgalley for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Sam Turner discovers a real-life Goldilocks sleeping on the bare bed in his guest cottage. When he finds pills in her purse, he immediately suspects she suffers from the same thing Kayden did—an opioid addiction. He wants nothing more than to get her off his property. A few days later she shows up again, this time, asking to rent and renovate his cottage. Reluctantly, he agrees—as long as she commits to his rules. No more Oxy, counseling, telling someone else, and not falling in love with him.

Genevieve Woodward came home to Misty River for two reasons—to ask her parents about a mysterious letter she received and to quit Oxy cold-turkey. Either thing could tank her career as a best-selling Bible study author and public speaker. When she wakes up in a stranger’s guest cottage, it only confirms her need to quit Oxy.

After spending a day with her overprotective mom, Genevieve knows she can’t keep her addiction secret while staying with her parents. She decides to convince the enigmatic Sam Turner to rent his cottage to her. He drives a hard bargain, but she senses he’ll hold her accountable—something she desperately needs. Once she makes it through the worst of withdrawal, she’ll tackle the other problem—uncovering the mystery behind the threatening letter.

Why I Love this Book

Wade has a beautiful way of crafting stories full of romance, deep spiritual truths, and humor. The well-developed characters have relatable struggles, and in Stay with Me, Wade tackles a problem that, statistically, thousands of Christians face. But no one wants to talk about—opioid drug addiction.

Wade takes the time to delve into the backstory of why a Christian leader (or anyone else), could turn to painkillers. Through Genevieve, Sam, and Kayden, she shows readers how best to tackle addiction or support someone who struggles. We have to trust God with our truth—no matter how sordid and tattered—in order to receive his grace.

The first book in the Misty River Romance series, Stay with Me will draw you in and keep you reading from the first page to the last.