A heart-wrenching, perfectly inspiring addition to Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series! Let It Be Me is rich with Wade’s signature relatable characters, profound lessons in faith, and love.

One of my favorite things about Wade’s books is her characters. Each one is unique and interesting, yet relatable and magnetic; they just draw the reader in and don’t let go, without fail. Sebastian and Leah are well-written and impactful. I always appreciate the cast of minor characters, who make me laugh and cry, and add another intriguing layer to the story. Readers will love seeing past Misty River characters, and the little peek at Luke’s character makes me utterly, wonderfully impatient for his story.

Readers will adore Wade’s latest masterpiece. Her writing makes the reader swoon, laugh, cry, and feel completely inspired. Don’t miss this excellent series! 4.5/5 stars

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

Oh my goodness! This book completely exceeded my expectations. I read it in about a day and I couldn't put it down. I really shouldn’t have started it before I got something done because I didn't get anything done. Let It Be Me is the second book in Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series. I loved the characters and the whole book.
Sebastian had me from the beginning, he was such a kind guy. He truly cared for the children who were brought under his care. He is a pediatric heart surgeon. I really enjoyed reading about his history and his life. I felt so bad for him and I don't know what else to say, but I loved him. I also really enjoyed his relationship with Ben, Sebastian’s best friend, and Ben’s family. Sebastian had to learn to forgive God for his past and to see how blessed he was.
Leah was so cool, she was a math prodigy. However, she was also down to earth. She had wanted to pursue a PhD in mathematics, but she put her dream on hold to raise her brother. I liked how she cared for her brother and her growth as a character. She tried too hard to control her life, but she had to learn that God was ultimately in control. I loved the way she thought and how direct she was.
Leah and Sebastian were brought together when Leah receives interesting news when she was tracking her ancestry. They work together to find the answers to Leah's past, but as they spend time together they start to fall for each other. Sebastian liked Leah from the beginning, but because of his best friend's feelings he steps to the side. However, the more time he spends with Leah the more he falls for her. Leah wasn’t looking for love, but as Sebastian helps her she finds herself wishing for more with the handsome doctor.
I liked the progression of Leah and Sebastian’s relationship. I didn’t feel like it was forced. And I was relatively happy with the decisions that the characters made. I wanted them to find their happy endings, but I also understood their feelings. I really enjoyed seeing Ben, Sebastian’s best friend, and his family interacting with Sebastian. Leah’s brother was also a lot of fun.
I couldn’t put Let It Be Me down! I read it so quickly, and I would definitely recommend it! There were so many twists and turns. And it was so interesting to read about Leah’s past and the results of her tests. I can’t wait for the next book and I am so excited to see who it is about!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Let It Be Me
by Becky Wade
Book 2 in A Misty River Romance series
Rating: 4.5/5

Ready for a swoon-worthy romance with sass and banter? Becky Wade delivers her second installment in Misty River that does not disappoint. Reading in order is recommended but not necessary.

"As a rule, Sebastian didn't form attachments. One, he didn't like to rely on people. Two, he didn't want the fear and potential loss that came with loving people."

Despite his difficult and miraculous past, Sebastian Grant has become a successful pediatric heart surgeon. Although he is a dedicated surgeon, he still struggles with feeling like he belongs and opening up to people. When someone comes along who he decides might be worth becoming vulnerable with, he discovers that she is off-limits since his best friend, Ben, is already in love with her. Sebastian is devastated but tries his best to push the lovely Leah Montgomery into Ben's arms.

While Leah values Ben's friendship, she does not feel anything more for him; however, there's something about his friend, Sebastian, that draws her in. She doesn't want to ruin a friendship, but she cannot get over how different she is with Sebastian - how much she can be herself with him. However, the math prodigy who sacrificed her Ph.D future to care for her younger brother has a bigger problem - Leah's genealogy DNA results are back and disturbingly different than she anticipated. Leah seeks Sebastian's help to discover what happened on the day that she was born, but can she keep her distance from the one man who actually stirs her heart and excites her more than algebra?

Not only does Becky Wade weave an interesting mystery into this story but she is able to incorporate her faith in a very meaningful way. Leah and Sebastian both have their issues and insecurities but the banter they share is irresistible and will make the reader smile (or laugh out loud). I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Leah and Sebastian and their story. I appreciated the work that the author did to make her characters believable. I'm not the greatest fan of love triangles, but I really liked how the author dealt with this love triangle in a very realistic way.

"The day they'd met, he'd thought she had the face of a world-weary angel, but he hadn't known the half of it. He'd had no idea then of her quickness, feistiness, fairness. He hadn't known what it felt like to kiss her. Or how one look from her blue eyes could set his world on fire."

Highly recommend this Christian contemporary romance with sass and mystery.

My thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

LET IT BE ME by BECKY WADE is a beautifully written love story in which the author deals sensitively with many subjects, such as pediatric heart surgery, loyalty amongst friends, forgiveness, second chances and unselfish love; and through it all we get the sense of a loving Father God, being in control and bringing good out of all things. We also see God's miracle power at work as He protects and heals broken people, both physically and emotionally.
Leah Montgomery is very young when she becomes her brother Dylan's caregiver due to their father's disappearance and their mother's maternal ineptitude. Leah is a mathematical genius and gave up her chance of studying at Princeton and becoming a math professor in order to provide a stable life for her beloved brother. She is a woman of logic and reason and tells everyone she does not "do romance". When she finds out that she is not related to her biological parents, she searches everywhere to find out what went wrong on the day she was born.
Dr Sebastion Grant is a pediatric heart surgeon who does not let anyone close to him, except for his friend Ben Coleman and Ben's family. When his mother, his only living relative, died, he became rebellious and fought his way through school.
I do not want to tell you any more, but there is a great deal more to Let It Be Me. I really loved this novel and cannot recommend it highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers, The opinions in this review are completely my own.

"Everything in him was demanding that he tear down heaven and earth to make Leah his."

Let It Be Me, the second installment in award-winning author Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series, is guaranteed to be a hit with fans of contemporary romance. With a fabulous cast of characters, Becky Wade immediately draws readers in and keeps them interested until the very last page.

The author is a master at creating witty banter between the hero and heroine, and she continues to shine throughout this novel. With two best friends realizing they are interested in the same girl and an intriguing ancestry angle, readers will not want to miss this incredible story.

Becky Wade shares the beautiful message of God’s unconditional love and grace for us. Let It Be Me is highly recommended for readers of contemporary romance, especially those who enjoy books by authors such as Courtney Walsh, Denise Hunter and Susan May Warren.

Now the anticipation is extremely high for book #3, in which Luke Dempsey finally gets his own story. He first captured my attention during his brief mentions in book #1, and I absolutely cannot wait for his story next year!

"Despite his many sins and failures, Luke was a man of his word. He'd returned to his hometown to fulfill the promise he'd made to his friend and fellow inmate, Ed Sutherland."

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.

"She'd spent a lifetime trusting in the answers math provided. The world was not always logical. But math was. And she loved math for that."

I just finished Let it Be Me by Becky Wade. WOW! WOW! WOW! Let it Be Me is an amazing story. I appreciate that our heroine, Leah, is a math genius and sees the world in relation to math concepts. Sebastian, our hero, is a pediatric cardiac surgeon and fiercely devoted to saving lives. They both come from challenging backgrounds, but they are learning not to let that hold them back from being who God created them to be.

Honestly, Let it Be Me has it all in my book. It has romance, suspense, plot twists, humor, great kisses, fabulous dialogue, interesting characters, and a reminder of God’s sovereignty and goodness. Becky Wade’s ability to craft an amazing story had me from the first page. My biggest decision now is whether to reread it today or try to wait until next week. Either way, this is a story I am glad I have in my library, and I would recommend you add it to yours.

I received a copy from the publisher/author and was not required to write a review.

One of the things that sets Becky Wade's books apart from other romances is her ability to draw you into deeper heart issues without making you feel like you're reading something other than romance. She seems to effortlessly balance romance, humor, and depth in each book she writes. This isn't just a love story between a hero and a heroine. It's a love story about friendship and family, and ultimately with God. Each of the characters draw you into the world of Misty River and encourage you to stay as long as possible. I always walk away feeling as though I've met my friends in a picturesque setting and walked away having learned something about myself and God and feel refreshed by it.

"Her truest identity, the only one that would last, was anchored in Christ and no one could take that from her."

Becky Wade's books are automatic reads for me. She has such a wonderful way of writing stories that touch you so deeply while also giving the readers delightful banter/dialogue between the characters. She touches on so many different struggles that people may go through and does a fantastic job of weaving in a strong faith thread.

I have enjoyed this series and all of the characters so much and am looking forward to Luke's story in book #3. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Christian contemporary romance. You will not be disappointed.

**Thank you to Bethany House Publishing and the author for this complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.**

Let It Be Me gives us the story of Sebastian, one of the Miracle 5 that we met in book 1 of this series. I love Sebastian! He had a hard life growing up but didn't let that stop him from being a highly sought after pediatric cardiologist. He caught my heart with how he still sees himself as an outsider despite how great his professional life is. Sebastian is a loner. Never lets anyone close. With the exception of his best friend Ben Coleman and his family. They simply would not take no as an answer and include Sebastian in every family gathering. They see him as family, but he knows he really isn't. But, Ben is his best friend and that is why he can not and will not pursue any type of relationship with the girl who helped him last year when he was in an accident. Because that girl? She is the one Ben has liked for a long time now. Besides, Sebastian knows that Ben is the better man.
Leah is a mathematician (and says no one is bad at math; that is probably the only thing that I disagree with in this story...LOL) She was set to go to Princeton on a scholarship when life through her a curve and she became the sole caregiver of her younger brother. Now, she is a teacher of advanced math at Misty River High School.
But life is about to throw another curve ball at Leah and this one isn't any less life changing than raising her brother. This curve ball has her needing hospital records. And since she met Ben's friend Sebastian at a Coleman family get together, she knows just who to ask for help.
Becky Wade weaves spiritual truths into each story she writes and this one is no different. The truths are there, but not forced. She gives us strong, believable, likable characters that have struggles that all of us can understand. And then she weaves in those biblical truths and shows us that God is in control. That God loves us.

I am amazed at the power of this novel! The heroine, Leah, is a math prodigy (think of a female Sheldon Cooper), and the hero, Sebastian, is a pediatric heart surgeon (all the sighs) with a painful childhood. Becky Wade seriously nailed everything a contemporary Christian romance should be with this book. It’s a must-read for sure.

Really enjoyed the second book in this series. It can be read as a standalone book however. the series definitely adds context and I can't wait for the next one! I read this book in one sitting as it was compelling and I wanted to know what happened next.

I loved the mystery element of the story and guessing what exactly went on. The characters were multi-layered and complex which added both to the mystery and to my enjoyment of the story. I liked the themes in the book of forgiveness, Friendship and love.

I got this book free in exchange for an honest review. I do recommend buying it - It's worth the money and the time!

Let It Be Me is another heartwarming contemporary, Christian romance from Becky Wade. Like her previous book, Let It Be Me features one of the Miracle Five, five teens who had been miraculously saved after a building collapsed on them during an earthquake. Now adults, we follow them as they sort through their past hurts and journey on the road to love. This time it’s Sebastian’s turn.

Sebastian is a gifted surgeon. After the events of the earthquake, he turned his life around. Drawn into the Coleman family, he didn’t let being a foster kid define him. They saved him and offered what he most wanted - to belong. That’s way he would do anything for his best friend and closest person he has to family, Ben Coleman. When Sebastian meets and is instantly drawn to Leah Montgomery, he knows he has to get to know her better. The one problem is that it’s the same Leah Ben has been crushing on for two years. Sebastian does the right thing and withdraws but when Leah asks for his help to untangle a mystery involving DNA and hospital logistics, they spend more time together and Sebastian finds it increasingly difficult to stay honorable to his best friend.

I think this book has one of the few love triangles I’ve truly enjoyed. Maybe that’s because all along Leah has no feelings but those of friendship for Ben and it’s so clear that she and Sebastian are perfect for each other. Everyone is respectful of the other and mindful not to hurt anyone’s feelings. There is an intense connection between Sebastian and Leah but there are many obstacle in the path, firstly Ben and Sebastian’s duty of friendship but also Leah’s desire to remain single and Sebastian’s own habit of not getting to close to people.

Leah and Sebastian have such a formal, educated way of speaking. I’m not entirely sure most people use that many four syllable words in everyday sentences but it does give the characters a sense of being different and reinforces their rightness for each other. While Sebastian is instantly drawn to Leah (he has just been in a car crash and bumped his head, so his exuberance is allowable), Leah’s attraction is much slower to build. She a math genius, has sacrificed her dreams to care for her younger brother and has her sights set firmly on one day completing her PhD. Romance and dating are not on her radar at all. Sebastian has to work really hard to first ignore the attraction between them and later woo her and get her to agree to spend time with him. For Leah, being attracted and interested in a guy is new, but Sebastian is hard to resist.

Alongside this story of romance is the mystery surrounding Leah’s unexpected DNA results. This is how the book starts - with Leah discovering that she is not related to her family. While it explains how she is different in every way from her absentee father and adventure seeking mother, it’s hard to believe the brother she loves and has cared for since he was little is not her blood relation. She begins to uncover what happened. Her mother claims she was never adopted so she starts to dig into hospital records and that’s when she has time to get to know Sebastian better.

This book really is delightful. And, side note, there are finally some black characters in Christian fiction!! About time. I’m thinking the next book in this series might feature Luke, but I’m hoping Ben gets his own book soon and we get to experience more of his amazing family.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog <a href="https://madisonslibrary.com">Madison's Library</a>

This is the second book in a series by Becky Wade, but it reads well as a stand-alone. This is not the first novel I've read by this author and I love her writings. Whenever she comes up in a list on NetGalley.com, you will be sure that I will be requesting her books.

Leah has been given a DNA test by her mother to help her find more of her roots. Her mother thinks nothing is amiss when Leah gets the results that prove she's not related to her family at all. Her mother is aghast and believes the DNA company messed up, but when the second results come back the same as the first, Leah begins to dig. From the very beginning, the plot goes sideways and gets rather convoluted, but the way Becky has tied all the elements together in this book make it a very satisfying read.

Through Leah's friend, Ben, she meets a man whom she had helped in a car accident about six months previously. Leah fights her attraction to Sebastian because she feels that romance is not for her, and Sebastian fights his attraction to Leah because Ben has had a huge crush on her for the longest time. When Sebastian is given the green light by Ben to pursue Leah, she is not really accepting of his advances. It takes a lot of work for Sebastian to get through her defenses and to touch Leah in a way that is lasting.

The premise of Leah's story in this book is that she was switched at birth in the hospital where she was born. As she investigates all the information she can find about the circumstances of her birth, she finds the one key to the whole conundrum--her friend, Tess Coventry. This is the one part of the book that does not make sense to me. Tess has switched two healthy babies for no other reason that revenge, but neither set of parents ever suspect a thing. There was no good basis for Tess's actions--the revenge she wanted never came about.

There are plots and subplots that are left hanging in the book that would lend themselves to another book or two in the series. To be honest, I wouldn't mind seeing a novel come out about some of the other characters--Ben is one I'd like to see find his one true love. There is a subplot about the "Miracle Five," who were caught in an earthquake in El Salvador during youth missions trip, and Luke, one of the five, has just come out of prison. I'd like to see how his story plays out. I'm never really happy until all the loose ends have been tied up satisfactorily.

Four Strong Stars, it would have been five except for Tess's reasons for switching Leah at birth.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

4.5 stars✨

*excuse me while I go fangirl over Sebastian for the foreseeable future*

Okay, first the review. THEN the fangirling ;)

I loved this book! I don't even know how to begin reviewing it - it's even harder to review than Stay With Me (book 1 in the Misty River series). I was a bit apprehensive because I knew going into this that we'd have a love triangle and that's one of my least favourite tropes, but I shouldn't have worried because ... this is Becky Wade! That aspect (which did drive the plot for the first bit) was skillfully executed. I knew it would end happily-ever-after, but I still felt the tension and intricate balance of every conversation between Leah and Sebastian and Ben. Normally I pick sides right away on who I want to 'win' the girl, but both men were just so good, and wonderfully kind, and intensely deep that it was so hard to let go of either!

Becky Wade has mastered the craft of developing characters, each one endearingly imperfect, authentically complex, and three-dimensional - even the background characters! Ben's wisdom and overall awesomeness :D Leah's logical, math-empowered brain and the control she manages over her life. Sebastian's depth, emotion, kindness, the way his mind processes life, and he's a pediatric heart surgeon!!! and my goodness I could just keep talking about him! 😍 I was torn between wanting Sebastian's story first or Luke's and now that I have Sebastian's, I really don't know how I'll wait a WHOLE year to get Luke's! Between Zander, Jake, Sam, and Sebastian... my standards are impossibly high now.

I was especially excited reading chapter 12 and simultaneously a little heartbroken for Sebastian.

As expected, Becky delivers some beautiful spiritual truths woven throughout this story, and tackled hard but relevant issues of today. Seeing Leah struggling to let go of the tight control she presumes to have over her life and Dylan's really hit home as I too often struggle with control. Let It Be Me is a brilliantly complex contemporary romance that was truly a joy to read.

*A big thank you to the author and publisher for a complimentary eARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are purely my own and all that important stuff - seriously, what are you doing still reading this? Get the book for yourself!!

Let It Be Me is another winner from Becky Wade. This book is the second in her series entitled A Misty River Romance. The story features Sebastian Grant, a pediatric heart surgeon and his love interest Leah Montgomery. She is a mathematician who is raising her younger brother. The book really does center on Leah because she is trying to find out the mystery of who her biological parents are. This is a twist on most stories because this is a matter of being switched at birth. I found it fascinating and multi layered with both Sebastian and Leah dealing with issues from childhood. I really enjoyed the novel and can't wait to read the next one in the series featuring bad boy Luke.
*I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers and this is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars

Everything about this book is sweet and perfect. The heroine is unique and quirky, so deeply inside her head and in love with math. And Sebastian is so strong yet broken. Take a genius in medicine and a genius in math, both with brokeness in their pasts, and you have the ingredients for a good romance. I loved the way Leah made great sacrifices for her brother Dylan. And Sebastian is willing to give up a chance at love for the sake of a friendship. There's a mystery with potentially life changing implications and there is such a spark between these two. A beautiful, delightful contemporary romance.

I jumped into this book without having read its predecessor because I enjoy Becky Wade's writing. The story read and developed just fine without having read Genevieve's story, but I will want to go back and read it. Becky Wade has such a unique writing style that is straightforward and fun. I did not want to put this book down and I made bad bedtime decisions because of how wrapped up I was in the characters and the story. There was a lot going on in this story; both main characters had a lot of baggage to unpack. There was a love triangle (it really wasn't awful, I promise) and then there was a mystery and navigation of friend and family relationships besides the romantic relationship's struggles and the MCs' character arcs and faith journeys. I was starting to get concerned when I was past 90% in the book and there were still so many loose ends to tie up, but Becky managed to do it without feeling too rushed or unfulfilled! I was actually surprised at how satisfied I was with the characters' faith journeys at the end when it was so dicey in the middle and was afraid it would get smoothed over too easily. But Becky always has a decent amount of depth in her books and I appreciate that. I was laughing and crying in this book, but by far the best part was the chemistry of the two MCs. They were just made for each other. I don't always feel this amount of chemistry in books- attraction, yes, but not this. They had a great connection, great personalities, and great secondary characters around them. I could feel the tension between them and their kissing was perfectly satisfying. I mean that in a positive way like, it didn't take my desire for them or their relationship beyond the kiss, it was just right. Because of all their baggage, I was concerned about dependency issues - the man especially seemed to be leaning on/"needing" the woman too much, which would cause red flags irl, girls - but thankfully that was part of his arc. His struggle was tied up with his relationship with God, which is always the proper solution for these things. I thought this book was a great addition to Misty River and look forward to enjoying more of Becky Wade's books.

Let it Be Me tells the story of two insanely intelligent, independent people who fall for each other despite numerous obstacles that try to stand in their way. Sebastian is a pediatric heart surgeon who lost his family as a child and relies on his best friend Ben for any sense of belonging, though he’s always felt like an outsider. Leah is a former genius child who skipped going to Yale for her PhD to raise her younger brother, and has recently discovered that she may have been switched at birth. What follows is a relatable story as the two fall in love but struggle with their own fears and identities.

Overall, I loved this story. Becky Wade is one of my favorite Christian authors. She knows how to talk about faith in a way that is so relatable without being sappy or overly sentimental. The story is heartrending and relatable and I love her characters. There were a few places where I felt like the characters’ desires, strengths, and weaknesses didn’t necessarily match their actions. I also would have liked a final conflict that was a little more singular rather than a few final problems. Overall though a great story! I’m ready for the next in the series!

Let It Be Me is the second book in Becky Wade's Misty River romance series. The stories surround the Miracle Five, five teens who miraculously survived a collapsed building during an earthquake. This is Sebastian Grant's story.

Highly intelligent, a highly skilled pediatric cardiac surgeon, Sebastian meets Leah in a most unusual way. She is his angel when he is in a car accident. And he is instantly smitten. The problem arrives when he discovers that Ben Coleman, his best friend is also smitten with her. Being a foster kid, and having no family, Ben's family had taken Sebastian under their wing after they survived the earthquake.

Leah is a math protégé and has had the care of her younger brother since she was 18 years old. Having sacrificed her PhD to care and support her brother, she learns through DNA testing that she is not the biological child of her parents. Nor the biological sister of her young brother. She asks Sebastian for his help dealing with hospital records trying to find out about her birth, and the possibility of her being switched with another baby.

Leah values Ben as a friend, but has no other feelings for him. She fights the attraction she has for Sebastian, as she doesn't want to come between his and Ben's friendship.

Wow! What an intriguing mystery and story line. Becky Wade has written the most interesting characters in this book. I really felt that Leah had the spotlight in this story. The complexity of Leah's and Sebastian's romance was a great draw. You could sense their struggles in wanting to do the right thing. Very well written, contemporary Christian romance.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Another great novel by Becky Wade. And what a great reminder that God has a beautiful plan for our lives, and He's so worthy of our trust through the hardest of times.

Becky Wade without fail tackles the tough stuff with her characters. You’ll quickly be drawn in to the plight of everyone involved.

Direct talking Sebastian & Leah each have some monumental challenges to work through, and it’s clear from the start that despite the obvious odds - they’ll be much stronger together than apart.

A solid page-turner, with plenty of surprises along the way!

As always the inspirational elements leave me feeling God’s love.

5*. Highly recommended.

#mustread #contemporary #christianfictionromance #bookquotes #wadeintoagoodbook

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC. I love this so much there’s a paperback on order from Baker!!

Sebastian and Leah meet in an unexpected incident and Sebastian is instantly attracted. Sebastian is a former foster child who grew up to be a pediatric cardiac surgeon. Leah is a mathematical genius who gave up on her PhD to raise a younger sibling. She now teaches High School math. Add to the picture Leah’ recent discovery about her genealogy and the fact that Sebastian’s best friend has long had a thing for Leah. And both of them distrust relationships and are conflicted about that stance and their budding attraction. This is a fun story. I hope there is another story coming into this series.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Lately, I've been unimpressed with a lot of the heroines I've read. It's easy to love a good hero, and Sebastian is great, but Leah is the star of this show IMO. She's thoroughly true to character, a logical mathematician with an overdeveloped sense of responsibility that flows through her thoughts, decisions, motivations, and even her ability to fall for Sebastian. Their relationship is complicated by a few twisted tropes that work well together to create an intriguing and unusual story.
Highs: Leah, their highly-educated and yet highly-quotable banter, true plot twists, excellent side characters
Lows: bit of a slow start for me
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for approving me as part of Ms. Wade's Advance Reader crew. I loved this book and am willingly and freely leaving my personal opinions under no expectations or obligation.

Sebastian is an ambitious, hard-working pediatric heart surgeon and Leah is a math prodigy who has been teaching high school for the past 10 years to support her brother after their parents abandoned them and her mother gave her custody. When Leah discovers a surprising truth after having genetic testing done, she goes to Sebastian for help, but he is already smitten with her after he crashed his car and she happened to be the one who found him and called for help. Trouble is, his best friend Ben has been in love with her for two years.

The story of how these two overcome their individual obstacles is a testament to how God works in people's lives. As with all of Becky Wade's books, you can count on a storyline that has a lot more than romance in it, and characters that have their share of wounds. Leah's mystery helps move the plot along, and supporting characters include Sam and Genevieve from "Stay With Me," as well as who I hope will be the future protagonist, Luke.

The Misty River series has delved deeply into the lives of real people facing real life situations that don't get magically fixed or avoided because someone becomes a Christian. The issues of faith in the book are authentic and not easily resolved. But there is hope, and God breaks through when the characters let Him.

I highly recommend this book to fans of Christian fiction or anyone who likes a good story. As someone who has read all of Becky Wade's books, Let It Be Me is another delight for the reader in the finest Becky Wade tradition.

This is the second book in this series of the survivors, Sebastian's story, and when you read this, survived he has.

This brilliant, kind man loves those that have embraced him as he grew up, and in paticular the Coleman family, and Ben. Now Ben wants the one woman that he has been attracted to, but his adopted brother comes first.

This woman is a brilliant math teacher, she is gifted, but at eighteen she began raising her eight year old brother, a lot of responsibility for a young woman, but she never looked back.

This story kept on giving, and you never will see the next one coming before it is time to open it.

I for one cannot wait to read the next survivor's story, they keep getting better and better!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Let it be me 4.5
What a great addition to the Misty River series! I can always count on Becky Wade’s books to be well written and thoughtful. This one is no different. There are spiritual lessons of love, God’s goodness and miracles.
Leah Montgomery relates to the world through math concepts. She is often awkward at personal relationships, direct, abrupt, and a highly intelligent math genius
Sebastian Grant is a gifted, caring surgeon. (The surgery details were fascinating). He is a loner, a hard worker and driven. He is one of the survivors of earthquake. Leah is ‘his angel” that Sebastian met when he wrecked his car in an accident and couldn’t forget.
Both are unique characters, with insecurities, control issues and come from challenging backgrounds. I imagine writing them - especially Leah was a challenge. Their interactions were formal, both in their conversations and banter. I enjoyed this aspect, as it was so different.
This story showed love in many forms and the importance of family or making a family of friends, related or not. And the love and wisdom from Ben’s family was the glue that held Sebastian and the story together.
Leah never really knew what ‘being in love’ was
It also has possibly the best ‘first kiss’ scene ever!
I am anxious to see in the coming books how Leah and Sebastian navigate the challenges ahead.
Thanks you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

'Let It Be Me' is a powerful, evocative read that frankly left me stunned! As in "what just happened here?" stunned. No, there wasn't excitement leaping off every page and yet one could feel the electricity in every relationship, conversation, and situation from beginning to end.

Leah Montgomery is a math genius and high school teacher who oozes confidence. She has everything under control and doesn't need a man to fulfill her life. Or so she thinks. Sebastian Grant, a brilliant pediatric heart surgeon, has an empty hole in his ticker that no one can fix. Or so he thinks. A relationship between the two of them is totally off-limits because of their devotion to a mutual friend. Or so they think.

What an inspiring story of loyalty and love between lifelong friends—rife with witty, laugh out loud moments and somber, tear-filled ones as well. I would be remiss not to mention the mystery intertwined surrounding Leah's birth and the shocking revelation I didn't see coming! Well done, Becky Wade!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own and I received no monetary compensation.*

Let It Be Me is a richly textured novel, with depth and emotion. I think it might be Becky Wade's finest yet--and that's saying a lot. Leah Montgomery is the perfect balance of humble genius and devoted sister. Sebastian Grant is brilliant in his own right, swoony, sweet, and strong. I loved the layers Wade wove into the story, including the questions about when is it best to *not* tell someone the truth? When would the truth cause more harm than good? What does one do when they have that knowledge? Tough questions to wrestle with. Readers will be taken on a surprising ride through the pages of Let It Be Me. I received an advance copy of this novel for my honest review. All opinions stated are my own.

I love everything about this story! Brilliant, intelligent, quirky, and slightly awkward Leah reiterates why I love math geniuses. She’s going to tell you exactly what she thinks with an endearing sense of humor, without trying to be humorous, which is what makes it even more humorous! Sebastian is bold, direct, and untouchable and for the first time, meets a woman who can handle his iron façade. There are so many witty barbs, blunt observations, and moments of discovery as they both have to find the courage to expose their heart.
Becky Wade is the master of knowing when to pull in your emotions to the point of breathtaking tension and then providing sweet release at just the right time. I could not put this book down and wholeheartedly recommend it to all lovers of real, gritty yet sweet, contemporary, inspirational, romance fiction. I received a copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

Gulp! My heart was in my throat as I read...this book touched me way down deep.
I just love this series by Becky Wade! These stories about the kids on a mission trip and were trapped in a building during an earthquake...it's neat to hear their stories and have the opportunity to know each one of them.

This is Sebastian's story, and he's probably the one I'd disliked the least, when I read the earlier books. But that's because I hadn't understood him.

It is also Leah's story, and what a story she has! I really enjoyed reading this story line, although it did strike me as a bit unlikely...but then, what else makes a good story but something that is not so likely to happen?
Leah gets some surprising results when she takes a DNA test, and is on the search for her history. She is one determined individual, and I really enjoyed seeing her process as she searched for answers, wanting clues to solve this little mystery.
One thing that is very constant throughout this story is Leah's fierce love for her younger brother. She's been responsible for him ever since her own teen years, and even through the rocky times they face in this book, they have a strong sibling bond.

Leah's beliefs are challenged, and I loved watching her grow and become a better, stronger person because of some of the things she faced.

Realistic characters with some real life drama, and a bit of sweet romance thrown in....this is one amazing story!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Leah Montgomery chose to become her little brother’s legal guardian over her dream of academia. She gave up a full-ride scholarship in math and started teaching math instead. At 18. Ten years later, she works hard to handle her little brother’s teen years with grace and understanding, but an unexpected result on her DNA test has her searching for clues to her true identity.

As a math prodigy, she has her life mapped out, and her map doesn’t include a romantic relationship. But when she bumps into the man she helped after he wrecked his car, she may have to recalculate.

Sebastian Grant grew up in foster care. When an earthquake trapped him and four other kids from Misty River in a building during a mission trip to Ecuador during middle school, life changed forever. Ben Coleman, one of the other Miracle Five, and his family took Sebastian under their wings. Sebastian, now a pediatric heart surgeon, comes home to Misty River and the Colemans whenever he can.

For months Sebastian has dreamed about the angel he fell in love with at first sight when he wrecked his car, but he forgot to ask her name. He hopes one day, he’ll find her.
When he recognizes her voice at a local high school event, he realizes the woman who helped him, and the woman Ben wants to date are the same woman.

When Leah asks for his help untangling her mysterious past, Sebastian agrees, thinking he’ll remain neutral and loyal to Ben. But Sebastian’s good intentions and Leah’s life calculations haven’t taken into account the pull they feel for each other.

Why I Loved This Book

In this second Misty River Romance book, Wade creates a delightfully quirky character in Leah. Her responses to Sebastian’s efforts to go on a date made me laugh out loud. The author creates drama, humor, mystery, and romance in the fictional town of Misty River—along with a side helping of sweet community. Readers don’t need to read the first book in the series in order to enjoy Let it Be Me. Characters from the first book make cameo appearances, and a character from the third book has a teaser scene or two.

Fans of Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series will fall in love with Misty River and the Miracle Five.

Becky Wade is one of those select authors whose books I will run out and buy/read pretty much ASAP. "Let It Be Me" is another case in point as to why.

I work in the healthcare/computer-software industries, so was particularly fascinated by Sebastian's job as a pediatric heart surgeon. Wade brings the hospital world to life through his day-to-day activities, that's for sure--the good, the bad, and the super challenging. (And, can I just say I adore the name "Sebastian"? His character immediately went to my shortlist of fave characters with that name, right up there with Seb in "La La Land" and, okay, real-life examples in Sebastian Stan [MCU's Bucky Barnes] and Sebastien of Il Divo.)

And, holy cow, Leah and her whole entire story arc. Just ... wow. Her pursuit of the truth of her history, and how to deal with it and potential ramifications, is just...huge, in more ways than one. Wade writes it masterfully. Loved it.

Fantastic, fantastic read. It's helpful to read the series' installments in order, but if you happen to pick this one up without reading the first (as I'm usually wont to do, LOL, but actually didn't this time!), it'll catch you up nicely. It also provides a nice little segue into the next book, featuring Luke from the "Miracle 5." Can't wait!!!

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed reading Let It Be Me. Leah is an unusual main female character: she is a genius mathematician and is not interested in romance in the least. However, all of her self proclaimed insistence of not being attracted to men and love interests changes when she meets renowned surgeon Sebastian. I was interested in the switched at birth subplot throughout the book, but I did feel like the book lagged some in the middle and it was hard to push through. The ending definitely picked up! I am very excited to read the next book about Luke!

I love Wade's writing, and this installment did not disappoint. Her character development is always on point.

As a "smart" person, I loved the banter between Sebastian and Leah.

I read an advanced copy via NetGalley--all opinions are my own!

Any book by Becky Wade is a good one and worth reading. Her characters are unique but relatable. In Let it Be Me, Sebastian and Leah have gone through some circumstances most of us will never experience, but many of their concerns are things we all deal with. By the end of the book we see a lot of growth in both characters.

This is a great follow-up to Stay With Me. I think it's best to read the first book of the Misty River series so you'll know the characters from that book and understand the story of the 5 better. This one also has a mystery to it which really added to the story.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. This was a great book and I look forward to the next one in the series!

When I realized that the elusive woman of Sebastian's dream was the woman Ben had professed to be in love with for two years, my first thought was "uh-oh, that's going to be awkward". Ben and Sebastian are more than best friends, they're brothers.of the heart. And nothing destroys a friendship like someone of the other gender coming between them. But Becky did such a great job showing us how perfect Leah was for Sebastian and he was for her that you couldn't help rooting for them.

Let It Be Me brings us back to Misty Ruver where we reconnect with the Famous Five (the children who had been miraculously sheltered when they were trapped underground after an earthquake). It shows you why Sebastian became the deeply motivated and stoic person that he was. It also highlighted his loneliness and showed a different side of him when he found the right person to love.

Leah was a great character--the child prodigy turned high school math teacher who has custody for her younger brother. Leah's DNA result rock her world and had the potential to cause her to challenge her identify, but she came through with grace and  faith. I liked that Leah kept her faith throughout the process even when the enemy tried to tell her lies.

Sebastian and Leah teach us that our identity is not rooted in the family whose DNA we share or the people who raised us. While they have some impact on who we become and the characters we form, our identity should be grounded in Christ and what God says about us.

Let It Be Me is the second full-length book in the Misty River series and while it can be read as a standalone, it's so much more fun to read it in sequence.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publishers through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

#BookReview: LET IT BE ME by Becky Wade

Have you read Stay With Me? This is book #2 in Becky Wade’s Mystery River Romance series but it can be read as a stand alone. It’s nice to get reacquainted with the characters from the first book. I have been looking forward to Leah and Sebastian’s story. Leah is a math prodigy and a bit quirky. She loves her brother, Dylan. Sebastian is a successful pediatric heart surgeon due to his determination. I enjoy their witty and fun conversations. I like Sebastian and Bens’ friendship. I love it when Leah asks them what they like and don’t like about each other. Leah is very straightforward like that. She is funny too and says things like this:

“When I say that I love you”, she continued, you can take that to the bank. I’m a mathematician and certainty is my currency.”

I don’t normally read a love triangle but it’s a Becky Wade book so it’s nicely done. Leah and Sebastian’s sweet love story is delightful but this book is more than their romance. There is mystery with regard to Leah’s birth. It tackles on topics like surgical matters of the heart, domestic violence, genealogy, loyalty and forgiveness.

I like the characters. Leah and Sebastian’s like and faith journey picked up towards the second half of the book. Their struggles are real. Unexpected circumstances and revelations can shake a person. There are so many quotable lines from their conversations with God and realizations. I cried with them. Trust in God. Surrender to Him. He never leaves us. I truly enjoyed this book and I look forward to Luke’s story. 4.5 stars

Thank you Bethany House for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the first Becky Wade novel I’ve read, but it won’t be my last! This is the second book in the series, but I enjoyed it as a standalone.

This book is for those that enjoy a sweet romance filled with faith, transformation, and a few surprises along the way.

Sebastian met Leah once and hoped to find her again. He succeeds at his best friend’s work. When he discovers she’s the same girl his best friend has fallen hard for, it feels like he’s found and lost her all in the same day. 

I enjoyed following Leah and Sebastian’s journey along with a few twists along the way. The supporting cast of characters makes this novel even more delightful! This novel doesn’t gloss over the hard stuff in life, and I like that. One of the lines I loved was "You're going to have to accept that no human being is perfect enough to heal your scars."

I have the first book and the prequel novella in the Misty River series on my Kindle and can’t wait to go back and read those two!

Thank you, Bethany House and NetGalley, for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

I am new to Becky Wade books, but I am fast becoming a huge fan. Her books are so heartfelt, with some humor mixed in. When I'm in the mood for something light and entertaining, she's becoming a go-to author.

This book tells the story of Sebastian and Leah. Sebastian was introduced in “Stay With Me”, which is part one in the series. This book can be read on its own, but I do think you’d enjoy it more if you read the first book because the same characters are present, with different ones playing a bigger role. Although this is a romance novel, it’s so much more than that. The author anchors the story by the issue of babies having been switched at birth. This thread allows the writer to bring in other topics such as abandonment, control, physical abuse, rebellious teenagers and unforgiveness, which she does beautifully. I love the well-developed and flawed characters, even if they get a little annoying at times. I also appreciate the christian values. I was excited to see that well into the story, I still had a lot of book to go. It is substantial, which is my favorite kind! The description of what the main characters are wearing every single time they see each other was a bit much and distracts from the story in my opinion. I had read “Stay With Me” (also one I’d recommend) and was not disappointed with this one. I’m looking forward to part three!

Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House for providing me with an ARC. I was not required to leave a positive review and all opinions are my own.

I haven't read any of the other books in the series, however, it didn't keep me from getting all the feels. What an amazing story!

Let It Be Me hooked me from page one and refused to let go after The End. I adored everything about this book. It’s quintessential Becky Wade with all the feels, a broody hero that makes you want to find out what makes him tick, and a heroine that you want to cheer for and add to your squad.

Sebastian has intrigued me from book one and Becky Wade delivered in spades. Y’all, I was swooning and wondering if I should jump on the book boyfriend craze. He was perfection.

And Leah! It’s rare that I feel such an affinity for Leah but I adored everything about her. She’s a great person and I’m sad she’s not real. But I’m grateful that I can reread this book whenever I like, because it’s that good and I have to visit these two again.

If you haven’t read it or feeling on the fence, please add it to your TBR pile. It’s book 2 in the Misty River Romance series but I believe can totally be read as a standalone.

Happy Reading!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

Leah has never been an average, ordinary girl. Being a math genius teacher and raising her teenage brother. Until she received some shocking news that had her questioning everything about her life and who she is. Sebastian Grant hasn’t been the same since he survived the earthquake along side four other friends. When Leah asks Sebastian for help with a situation, he graciously helps, and as the two spend time together, sparks begin to fly.
Will Leah be brave enough to try romance and will Sebastian open up to her?
This truly was a wonderful romance. While reading it, I felt like I was watching it as a movie in my mind and couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.

I graciously received an advance e-copy from netgalley for review. All opinions are my own.

Super interesting plot line. Very unique. I found myself wanting to know more of the story when I finished the book. There could definitely be another entire book written about these characters and it would be great, I’m sure. I couldn’t put it down. It reads quickly. Flows nicely. References to Christian content aren’t in your face and excessive. Tasteful and added to the story well. I loved the practical messages that seem so appropriate for our world today. Well written. Overall great book.
I received a digital copy from NetGalley. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Upfront, I love Becky Wade’s writing and have never gotten anything that I didn’t love so I start reading with that bias. Also upfront I am not a fan of love triangles, they rarely end well since most authors vilify one character to make the other the better choice. Not realistic. Not cool and a huge pet peeve for me.
I’m happy to report that Becky Wade continues to write books that I love and if more love triangles are handled this well I just might become a fan of them. Sebastian actually ‘met’ Leah in the first book of this series but if you haven’t read it that’s okay you’ll still follow along nicely, but go read it because it’s great (pretend my previously mentioned bias does not exist here). Both characters are guarded and trying not to become involved. They each had less than normal childhood experiences that affected how they approach relationships but I also feel amplified their sense of loyalty. They have great chemistry with each other even when they aren’t trying to and there is a natural effortlessness to their friendship and connection that comes through in the writing that really pulls you into the story. The mystery, I don’t want to give spoilers but you probably already know that DNA tests results are involved. I can say I was totally blindsided but it made sense. It wasn’t just a filler to flesh out a romance you can see the pieces falling into place. I appreciate that I also got a sneak peek at the next in the series without taking away from this storyline. I am at the edge of my seat waiting for it while still sitting in the glow and re-read of this one.

“Since the day we met,” he told her, “all I’ve wanted is to be with you.”

Oh. My. This book is so incredibly good!!! Wade is a master at weaving life issues, faith questions, attraction, heartache and love into the most beautiful mosaic of emotions.

Sebastian Grant is the one that all other heroes are going to have to live up to from this moment on. He is the quintessential wounded hero. He’s guarded, loyal to a fault, and uber focused in his career as a pediatric heart surgeon. Throw in the added perk of him being tall, dark and handsome, and yep, not sure any other character is going to live up to Sebastian. 

Leah Montgomery gets the shock of her life when she receives her DNA results and it is on from there with such a compelling aspect to this story. She’s a genius mathematician so the way she goes about dealing with the news and ferreting out the truth of what happened kept me glued to the pages.

There are many great characters in this story. Wade has truly raised the bar with this one. Let it Be Me is destined for my Top Reads in 2021!

I received an advanced and unedited copy from the publisher through Netgalley. No compensation received.

This is the second book in the Misty River Romance series. I read the first to know what was going on and I liked this book better. Leah and Sebastian are perfection. She is a quirky breath of fresh air. She’s brave and honest. Sebastian is the essence of strength and love. Both of them come from a place of brokenness which is woven into their relationship. This book combines a sweet romance with a family mystery. I really enjoyed this book and all the details.

Thank you Bethany House for the ARC.

It isn't often I pick up a book where both of the main characters are brainy but Sebastian and Leah are both very academically minded.

It was hard for me to connect with Leah at first since she so adamantly didn't believe in love, but once she opened her eyes to her interest in Seb I started to like her more.

I loved Sebastian. He has plenty of faults so there were times I wasn't happy with him, but his determination in all aspects not his life was incredible. I really liked some of the creative ways he got Leah's attention.

I love how Wade incorporated a little mystery into this book and especially how it helped Leah and Seb connect. The love story alone had me hooked and the mystery was just a bonus.

The first kiss in this book was pretty amazing. I felt like since both characters were so cerebral everything was described differently and the way they assessed their emotions gave this love story a different vibe. I really enjoyed it. Sometimes in it is nice to read a book with a different view on life.

Many of the characters in this book were put through the wringer. But I love how Wade drew us back to God's faithfulness even in hard times.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Let It Be Me has everything I've come to expect from a Becky Wade book. Unique plot points, page-turning tension, interesting dialogue. A hero and heroine I immediately care about, surrounded by fleshed-out, charming friends and family who support them in their quest to heal. And a resolution that both inspires me and satisfies my story-loving heart. I was glad to spend time in Misty River. Sebastian and Leah drew me into their charming story, and my only disappointment was that it was over too soon! 5 stars for this must-read inspirational romance!

“The thing is,” she whispered, “I don’t need a man in my life. I have math.”

“Let It Be Me” grabbed my heart from the start and still hasn’t let go! The reality, friendship and sweetness of Leah, Ben, and Sebastian’s story simply stole my breath away. Leah and Sebastian don’t think they need a long-term relationship, until they meet one another. However, Sebastion would never get in the way of his best friend, Ben’s happiness. The sparks fly and the chemistry is tangible at times as everything changes, and yet they have so much to overcome. I love the cerebral thinking they relate to that is challenged by their developing emotions. Leah was a wonderful heroine and strong role model.

“He was a heart surgeon who did not understand the inner workings of his own heart.”

Sebastian was the perfect hunky doctor with layers he has to work through to be in a relationship. Both of their hearts for kids was enviable. All of the “Star Wars” references added fun to the story as well.

“It really was exceptional, the combustion that thickened the air when they were together. Like “the force” in Star Wars—invisible and powerful.”

Wade wrote a book with so many depths and layers that my emotions were all over the place. She stresses the importance and beauty of being real in relationships. I am really loving this series and cannot wait for the next book to come out. What a beautiful and unexpected ending to this story. Oh, and I absolutely loved the beautiful updates from prior books in the series. Truly swoon worthy reading!

“When you met a man you couldn’t help but love . . . it changed everything.”

I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley and by the publisher. All opinions are my own and are given honestly.