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.”