I loved the first book. I didn't care for this one, I felt like it was Leah;s story and I kept trying to figure out who she was because I knew the series was about the 5 adults who had been trapped and rescued on a missions trip when they were younger. I'm not sure at what point I realized this was Sebastian's story. I thought Leah's character was very over bearing with her brother. I'm hoping the next book about Luke will be better.

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.

A very enjoyable read, though a bit long, with just right amounts of romance and a tinge of mystery.

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.

First sentence: Mom and Dad are not my biological parents. Leah Joanna Montgomery blinked slowly, then squinted at the DNA test results displayed on her computer screen, straining to digest the information displayed there.

Premise/plot: Leah Montgomery is a math teacher dreaming of earning her Ph.D. She's spent the last ten years raising her younger brother, Dylan. Her dad is long, long gone. Her mom is long gone. She likes thinks regular--logical, precise, predictable. So when she's surprised by the DNA results, she's flustered. Soon flustered becomes a way of life--much to her dismay and displeasure. As she is actively seeking out how she got switched as a newborn baby (not so she can meet her birth parents just so she can reason out how everything played out twenty-eight years ago), she's also possibly maybe feeling attraction for the first time ever.

Sebastian Grant is a pediatric heart surgeon who has been pining away for the angelic woman who stopped at the scene of his car accident. Though he's never really had time or energy to date or fall in love, he knows that this mystery woman whom he spent a few minutes with before the ambulance arrived is his one and only true love. When not preoccupied with this mystery woman, he listens to his best friend, Ben Coleman, talk endlessly about his coworker--a math teacher--whom he's head over heels in love with. They've known each other two years and he's never actually flirted with her--not even once.

When Sebastian sees THE ONE again it's to quickly arrive at the conclusion that his dream woman is one and the same with Ben's dream woman. Of course this means that Sebastian can't ask her out on a date even if Ben doesn't have any actual plans on asking her on a date any time soon.

My thoughts: This was my first time reading a full-length novel by Becky Wade. Let It Be Me is the second in a series. It's entirely possible some of the characters also made appearances in the first novel in the series, Stay With Me.

I wanted to enjoy Let It Be Me more than I did. I've only ever heard positive things about Wade's writing.

I was disappointed. I thought it was over-written and saturated in melodrama. (Yes, I realize using the word saturation to describe the melodrama is in itself a bit over-written and melodramatic.) The book reminded me of the 1991 film Soapdish. (And I don't think it was meant to...at all.)

I do think Leah is a neurodivergent heroine. (Or possibly neurotypical?) I do think she's on the spectrum. I think this accounts for the social awkwardness of the dialogue. (Leah herself would be the first to admit that when it comes to social interactions, she's a bit awkward and unsure. She prefers bluntness and directness.)

I am willing to explain away some of the writing style as Wade's living inside the character of Leah. But I really don't know how to explain away the rest. I never knew that verbs, adjectives, and adverbs could be so annoying and obnoxious.

The story is melodramatic and a bit busy. I think there were too many stories trying to be told within one novel. Instead of having one to two crises, I felt there were a dozen. More isn't always better--not when it spreads out your focus too much. The drama just felt over the top. Like someone was in a poker game and kept raising the stakes. I felt a bit of a disconnect with all the characters. It was a lot of little things combining. Like the mention of her twenty-eight year old birth records at the hospital being yellowed and mildewed. Or sentences like, "Silence exploded inside Sebastian's car," or "Even though relaxed, his fingers communicated proficiency."

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.*

I really enjoy reading books by this author and this book didn’t disappoint. I felt like the plot was believable and it was heart-wrenching to think that happens to some people. The love storyline was tastefully romantic. My heart went out to Ben. On the downside, I also found myself frustrated with the main female. There seemed to be a side of today’s agendas that I didn’t think was necessary to bring into an enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


***I also posted on CBD, B&N

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!