I LOVED this book! It's one of Becky’s best! I enjoyed the dynamic between Genevieve and Sam. The message of redemption and forgiveness was powerful. Great start to a new series. I can't wait for the next one!

As always, I loved this book by Becky Wade. When she came on the Christian fiction scene a few years ago, I immediately added her to my to be read pile. Every. Single. Book. Stay with Me is the beginning of the Misty River Romance series. It features Genevieve who finds herself awakening in a strange cottage near her hometown. She's stressed from her career and having received some disturbing news is now crashing the property of the cottages owner, Sam. He's not interested in a tenant. He's sort of a loner and wants to live a quiet life. It's an interesting read. Very romantic and has a mystery. Highly recommended!

I read Becky Wade romances for her wonderful characters, her great storylines, and the romance! Ms. Wade is definitely one of my favorite authors. Sadly, this book just didn’t work for me. It felt so different from what I was expecting and the subject matter was just too heavy. That being said, I really cannot wait for Becky Wade’s next story.

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

Lovely offering from Becky Wade with such a rich and redemptive message. As always her characters draw you in and keep you glued to the pages with a unique blend of broken people finding grace in difficult situations. Looking forward to the next for sure!

Realistic fiction. Trauma. Heartache. Drug addiction. But within it all, is wrapped a romantic love story and a mystery, complete with Jane Austen quotes. I was not sure how this book would end and when it did, I was not sure I got all my answers. But I see there are more books coming, which is always good. This book was one that had me torn on if I liked it at all or if there were any better books out there. In the end, I did really enjoy it! There were quote I highlighted, ones I wanted to keep to my memory. I loved how she captured the face of trauma, and yet, did not rehearse it to death.

Our heroine has misplaced God in her life. She’s a celebrity among Christians, so her personal relationship with Him matters. So does her idolatry. What a great conflict.

Our hero is in hiding, of sorts. He’s avoiding dealing with a painful issue from the past, and yet trouble finds him.

This story had multiple layers. Our heroine survived a catastrophe as a child, along with a few others. So she has seen God work a miracle in her life—at close range. We visit the other players in that crisis on and off as the novel progresses. I liked this aspect.

Becky injects humor into insightful prose, which kept me busy highlighting various sections. Her descriptions help readers feel, taste, hear, experience what her characters do. So well done.

One element I felt could have used more umph was the heroine’s devotional time. She did not strike me as a student of Scriptures, but her career would demand it, ongoing. (More on this in a bit.)

Relatable, though, were the heroine’s doubts about God’s personal care of her. She keeps a sizeable secret from the world—one that could destroy her career if news got out. Because of her failure, she questions whether God is still with her, still cares, will still help her. Who hasn’t felt like that?

However, the lack of spiritual maturity did lead me to doubt her career’s apparent success. If she really doesn’t know God deeply, isn’t a student of Scripture, how could she carry out the career she’s in? Instead, she struck me as an interior decorator, or designer, without the substance she’d need to lead others. Unfortunately, her career element wasn’t believable. Especially, when we see her choice for music that will cheer her up.

I enjoyed the therapy thread. And the therapist was zany enough to bring a few chuckles.

Oh, the romance! Becky is exceptional at keeping the narrative clean but digging deep to give us a delightful romance. We feel the characters’ chemistry for each other. She gives us outstanding why-nots that keep the characters apart.

The other thread that engages readers the entire story relates with the heroine’s family of origin. This element surprised me, but again, it was engaging. You’ll have to read the story to see what I mean.

While I read this book, I interacted with a few folks in a reader’s group online. All of us loved this story. Very enjoyable! I'm looking forward to the next book in this series and hoping we learn more about the kids who survived that catastrophe.

Highly recommended!

Wow!! I'm still reeling from the emotions of this story!
Becky Wade writes such emotional, realistic, yet charming stories, that my heart comes out changed at the end because I always live the characters struggles in an intense way! That's what happens to me in her books, I always feel part of the story, related to the characters in some way. They are always flawed, but the author shows me that even if we can break sometimes, God is the absolute Healer, and He doesn't mind our brokenness as long as we put our trust in Him and let Him bring good out of every -even bad- situation. It's not easy to render God the control of our lives, and Becky Wade portrays this human trait to perfection, but the outcome when we surrender to God is a sight to behold!
Genevieve has lived a high profile perfect life, a perfect example for so many years, being a Bible Study author and speaker, but her facade is about to fall, when her addiction to Oxycontin becomes difficult to overcome and the exhaustion of keeping appearances just takes its toll on her. Sam Turner finds her asleep, deeply asleep in his cottage, and knows from the beginning this woman means trouble. He wants a quiet life for himself, even if loveless, but peaceful, to overcome a past that still haunts him. Is Genevieve a person sent from God to redeem himself or is God wanting him to be his instrument in Gen's overcoming her med addiction and remaking of herself?
This is a very realistic and relatable story that will tug at your heartstrings. It will make you -at least it made me- cry -no sob- and laugh out loud at the same time. It will make you reflect upon your own life and make you want to be a better person after reading it. There's also a mystery related to Gen's parents that keeps you intrigued...
I have a family member that struggles with another type of addiction, and I felt related, and felt it was very realistically portrayed. A hard struggle to be sure, but I love that her stories are full of hope and redemption.
I loved Gen's sister, Natasha, and hope to read her story in a future book in the series.
A heartfelt novel that will leave you satisfied and inspired! One of Becky's best stories! Next to True to You, my favorite!
I definitely recommend this story and the beginning of what promises to be a wonderful series!

Upon second read, 3 months after originally reading it, I have to change my rating to a 3.5 star rating. I did take away a half star because the plot was a bit all over. I felt like the plot with the parents was a bit much considering this was a contemporary romance and not a mystery. I also feel like the addiction portion could have been more centered in the story.

I still loved Gen and Sam and how they came together. They were absolutely adorable. I did have an issue with the flashbacks that Gen and the miracle five had concerning black kids and their experience with the earthquake. I think that could have been written a bit differently or not at all -- but that's personal preference as a black reader. I also feel that this story was dragged out, could have been better as a 200 page read and not almost 400 pages. I loved Natasha, Sebastian and Ben. Luke still confuses me a bit.

Overall, its still a good read, but I had to be a bit more critical upon my re-read.

What better way to "Stay Home" than to "Stay With Me" - Becky Wade's newest gem. I received an ARC, and was blown away, once again, by Becky's talent. She continues to bring new depth to the table with unconventional characters, heart-stopping romance, and spot-on theology that never feels preachy or forced.

Stay With Me's leading lady is Genevieve Woodward - a bestselling author of women's Bible Studies, and motivational speaker with a generous following. She's a light to a dark world, but secretly battling her own demons that she fears will invalidate her message.

This was a timely read for me, since I devoured it on the heels of finishing Jennie Allen's non-fiction "Get Out of Your Head." Jennie Allen is the real life counterpart to Genevieve Woodward - a notorious Christian speaker and author. In "Get Out of Your Head" she shares that she went through a season of serious doubt, while simultaneously carrying out her work for Christ.

I love Becky's authenticity. One of my favorite quotes from the book is this:
"Why was it so hard for Christians to come clean to one another about the sins that had them by their throats? Because of pride? Because every Christian wanted every other Christian to think they were doing it right? That they were strong and good? If so, that was idiotic."

Yes!

But this was also a story of love, forgiveness, friendship, and grace - not to mention smokin' romance and gut-busting humor!

I haven't found a Becky Wade book that has disappointed me yet, and I can't wait to read the next installation of the Misty River series. Write faster, Becky!

"Time does not heal all wounds. Some things burrow into you like a splinter, and no amount of ignoring the splinter will help."

I was expecting a romance that would make me swoon and I certainly got that. I was NOT expecting everything else this book had to offer, though, and I was completely blown away. The storytelling is magnificent. The characters are real. The spiritual thread is deep and convicting. 

Stay with Me is much more than a romance, and I applaud Becky Wade for masterfully handling the content while entertaining readers. This book is so well done.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All expressed opinions belong to me.

I really loved this book. I so admire the courage Becky Wade had in tackling a subject like opioid addiction in a Contemporary Christian Romance and pulling it off in an authentic, raw way.
Genevieve is picture perfect from the outside looking in, but not all is as it seems. And isn’t that the way with all of us? I loved the theme of breaking silence and letting people in to help us with our struggles and to hold us accountable. It’s such a valuable lesson, and so often hard learned.
Sam as well deals with the difficulty of hanging in there for people, and allowing God to work in our weaknesses, when all we want to do is run away.
The themes of grace and truth walking hand in hand and God being present in our weaknesses are powerful in this book, and ones that encouraged me personally.
Aside from that, this is a very entertaining book, with a mystery that I had to see to the end, and a romance that pulled me in.
Truthfully, I can say that this is one of the best books I’ve ever read by Becky Wade. Well done.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Our female protagonist Genevieve gets an anonymous letter hinting at her parents' pasts prompting her to return to her hometown and uncover her family's secrets. There she meets Sam Turner. Genevieve reminds Sam of all the things he's trying to forget from his pasts; however, their paths keep intersecting. Slowly their relationship blossoms from not-quite strangers to something more.  

This is the first book in a new series that centers around the "Miracle Five"—five people who miraculously survived an earthquake while on a mission trip as teenagers. Genevieve and her sister are two of the five along with Sebastian and Ben who are also present in this story, as well as Luke who is only seen in flashbacks. 

Becky Wade has a way of writing about such difficult topics while also giving us a lighthearted and sweet romance, and always weaves strong spiritual threads throughout the story that remind us of God's love.

This is book one in A Misty River Romance series. What a great place to start. 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 getting to know the people of Misty River and look forward to hearing more from them. Genevieve Woodward has much to overcome. Sam Turner can not believe what he is feeling again. Sam and Gen have a lot to learn, give and experience.

I really enjoyed this book! Another winner from Becky Wade.

I loved the reflection that both MC's went through and how they wanted to improve their current situations, not for each other but for themselves! The love story component was beautifully told, with Genevieve worming her way into Sam's life in a way that he tried to resist, but broke open his heart to see that shutting himself away was not actually the best plan.

Becky Wade is a favorite Christian author of mine, who writes beautiful, redeeming stories with so much heart! 

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This author masterfully weaves a heart-wrenching yet hopeful tale that begins 18 years in the past, San Salvador – Junior High Mission Trip where things go horribly wrong. Then the story fast forwards to current time. I loved the first line of this story, “Like Papa Bear in the Goldilocks story, Sam Turner had discovered a strange woman sleeping in the bed of a house he owned.”

I liked how the author respectfully and realistically talks about and tackles some hard topics such as Oxycodone addiction, co-dependency, forgiveness, tragedy, and recovery. Where is God in all this? I liked how the author naturally and honestly dealt with that matter too.

I instantly liked Sam Turner who discovers a young lady in his house and is courteous to her. Looking at her sleep, flash backs remind him of a previous relationship that break his heart. He cannot get involved with this gal she’ll be nothing but trouble. Hadn’t he been running from trouble all these years?

Genevieve realizes she has a problem and the only way to deal with it was to stay at this cabin until she was better. She wanted Sam to rent the place to her. He is reluctant. He sets up some guidelines and she abides by his rules. I liked Gen. She was trying to do all she could for the Lord, who spared her life on that mission trip.

Sam hears a voice in his spirit, “In your weakness, I am strong.” Really God. Because Sam felt that he just couldn’t do any of this….” Regardless of his weakness, in God’s strength he could do the one thing within his ability.” He just had so stay the course…He began to realize he was not an island. God had created him for community. “Relationships were painful and messy and beautiful and important. The mess came with the beauty. The pain came with the importance. That was life. And God was calling him to live it.”

I liked how this author masterfully weaves in the spiritual thread naturally. By looking at the front cover I never imagined I’d be reading such an intriguing story that dealt with such heavy topics. I like how she explains the situation and lets the readers come to their own conclusions.

This is a story I thought would be predictable, boy was I wrong. It was full of surprises. I could not put this novel down. I liked the characters and enjoyed rooting for as they matured over time. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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

Classic Becky White.  Inviting cover art.  A beautifully written story.  Real characters.  Read this on your front porch...or back deck.  You will not be disappointed.  Five stars.

A unique spin on the usual contemporary Christian romance genre tropes, this love story is sure to delight Wade's loyal fans (and bring her new ones, too!)! I've long been a reader of Becky Wade and am inspired by her dedication to the genre and her love of writing craft. I'm looking forward to the next books in this series!

Stay With Me is the first novel in Becky Wade’s new Misty River series.  If you have ever read a Becky Wade book, you will certainly love this one.  It is filled with all the things that make Wade an award-winning writer:  classic banter between the characters, humor, love, and a heart touching spiritual message.  If you haven’t read a Becky Wade book, since this is the first book in the series it is a perfect place to start.

I was taken in immediately by the characters in this story.  First, Sam and Genevieve have professions that are not the most common ones that we read in a romance novel.  Second, they are both encumbered with a load of secrets.  What a weight they both are trying to carry on their own!  I was engaged in their story from the first entertaining meeting of the two to the very last page.

Becky Wade handles some heavy topics in this book , but she handles them well.  I felt respect and hope was given for people who struggle with similar things. I loved the inclusion of characters who forgive and continue to love anyway despite the mistakes committed by others.  The story was brought to a satisfying conclusion, one that brought a few tears, but was full of grace.

I highly recommend this latest book by Becky Wade.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.

I don't usually read Contemporary Christian Romance books.  I tend to stay with historical or suspense, but ever so often I step out of my normal genres and pick up something different.  After reading Stay With Me, I'm asking myself why I don't read more books like this!  Especially by this author!



This book had me from the first page.  It is a beautiful story that deals with some really tough subjects.  Genevieve is a Bible study author who, after an ankle surgery, is battling an addiction to prescription pain pills.  After receiving an anonymous letter about her parents past, she returns to her hometown.  After a long night, Genevieve takes some pills and ends up asleep in the beautiful farm house that belongs to Sam Turner.  When Sam finds Genevieve asleep on his property, he can't seem to wake her.  He soon finds out her secret.  This is the last thing Sam wants in his life as he is still dealing with the guilt of his own past, but it seems as God has another plan. 



Just about every emotion is visited in this book.  I found myself laughing in several places, frustrated in others, and also at times hopeful as well as saddened.  There is a family secret that two sisters work to uncover and I enjoyed the mystery it brought to the book.  There is a great message of grace and forgiveness and I loved the gospel message that the author brought out.  



This just so happens to be the first book in The Misty River Romance series and you better believe I'll be reading the rest of the series.





***Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for this book!

Stay With Me was a wonderful start to this new series! At first I didn't like the characters (especially Genevieve), but as I continued reading they grew on me. There were a couple instances when she said something that bugged me, but the storyline and writing made up for it.

I loved the mystery of what happened with her parents. I definitely did not see the conclusion coming. I also enjoyed the glimpses into the past and what the children felt when they were trapped all those years ago.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Stay With Me and can't wait for 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.*