Stay with Me - (Misty River Romance, a) by Becky Wade (Paperback)

"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." This is actually my first full-length novel by Becky Wade and I am so glad that I finally started my journey into the fandom of the author. The writing is easy to read and the plot is smoothly laid out. There are many surprises in the plot as well as secrets from the past that surface to add just the right amount of intrigue to this contemporary romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the subplot of how Genevieve and Natasha persistently dug through their parents' past to figure out who is threatening their family as Genevieve and Sam figured out their relationship. Sam is the wounded hero in this story - so loyal, steadfast, and practical yet longing to belong and punishing himself for past mistakes - who will grab your heart from the very beginning. Genevieve is the complete opposite of him - unpredictable, emotional, and bursting with multiple colors - who wanders onto Sam's farm, needing to stop her prescription medication addiction. Surprisingly, I did not like Genevieve at all, but my investment and commitment to see her story to the end clearly shows what a masterful storyteller Becky Wade is. Sam and Gen's friendship/relationship is fun and incredibly tender but also heart-breaking and shrouded by a cloud of guilt, shame, and a sense of failure. The banter is witty and clever; their conversations will make you laugh out loud even as your heart is cracking for the pain they each carry. The author addresses some heavy topics in this story like addiction, abuse, and survival after trauma as well as spiritual topics like need for transparency, forgiveness, and grace. I wasn't sure how the "Miracle Five" and their first-person present tense interjections during an earthquake eighteen years prior to the current storyline would fit into the plot but understood its significance in Genevieve's life by the end of the story. The next book about Sebastian, another of the "Miracle Five", should be fascinating and I'm looking forward to finding out more about how surviving that earthquake shaped him.

Ah-mazing. This author is seriously skilled at bringing out all the feels! I love that when I read a Becky Wade book I know I will emotionally connect to the characters, and that they don't have to be perfect, but their flaws make them more realistic and relatable. The strong spiritual thread leaves me feeling inspired and uplifted, and the message of redemption and forgiveness is one that everyone can appreciate. There is a perfect balance struck between the introspective angst and the lighter moments that brought a smile to my face as I read. Sam is my favorite in this one with his compassion and kindness, and I loved the way he allowed Gen to bring him out of his darkness. Some of the themes and struggles tackled are pretty heavy, but they are explored with grace that prompts self-reflection in the reader. The history of the earthquake survivors and the mystery of Gen's parents bring even more layers and depth to the story, and I'm so excited for the upcoming books in the series that will feature the Miracle Five. (I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)

Stay With Me, by Becky Wade, the first book in A Misty River Romance series, is an emotionally-stirring novel rich with relevancy and meaning. Even while incorporating difficult themes like addiction, guilt, and pride, Ms. Wade succeeds in crafting a thoroughly compelling story that is redemptive, uplifting, and memorable. With characters that are truly authentic and captivating, this book is a genuine pleasure to read and to savor. Elements of sweet romance, a small town setting, and even a bit of mystery further enrich this novel and ensure that it entertains and satisfies from the first page to the last. With thoughtfulness and undeniable skill, Ms. Wade has written a novel that is deeply moving and remarkably charming. As the characters endeavor to heal from choices that are heavy with shame and remorse, they find support in each other as their wounded hearts begin to mend through the power of vulnerability, honesty, forgiveness, and trust. Hope is renewed as grace is given the opportunity to flourish, and faith is nurtured by the gifts of mercy and compassion. Stay With Me is a terrific novel that effectively engages the reader's senses, emotions, and imagination. With a compelling plot, endearing characters, and thought-provoking themes, this well-written book is a must-read. I recommend it wholeheartedly. *I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through Prism Book Tours. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

Whew! Once again I have been reminded me of the power of God's love and the wonder of God's grace and it wasn't from the Holy Bible. I just finished Stay With Me and I doubt that I can write words that will fully do it justice. Author Becky Wade transported me into one person's struggle to recover from opioid addiction after a serious injury and another person's determination to live his life alone, using several underlying stories and a shocking mystery to reach her goal. As I learned about Genevieve Woodward's near-death experience as a young girl I gained understanding as to why she has dedicated her life to leading others to God. As Sam Turner's guilt over his girl friends's death comes to light it becomes clear why he is determined to live a 'safe life' by focusing on diet, exercise, sleep, and work. It also explains why he is so determined to keep Genevieve from traveling a path to destruction but it does come at a cost. By allowing himself to befriend her and to eventually fall in love with her, he realizes that safety isn't always good and solitude is against God's Plan. God wants us to enjoy a sense of community and to interact with His other children. Stay With Me is a powerful story of honesty, acceptance, forgiveness, and trust and it has everything that I enjoy in Christian fiction! A heartwarming romance, a mystery to be solved, and a hero and heroine who are special, but oh, so flawed! They aren't perfect and this is why I loved them so much. Wade has proven herself to be a master in writing Christian romance and I wish that I could give it a higher rating than 5 stars. I can't wait to read the second book in the Misty River Romance series. I received a copy of this book from the author and Prism Book Tours. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my honest thoughts.

Stay With Me is such a unique story. It’s not often that an author writes something that seems so relatable. Becky Wade has a way with words, and seems proficient at taking my breath away. I first met Sam in the prequel novella Take a Chance On Me. I couldn’t wait to get to know him more, and was so excited to find out he was getting his own story. I could tell Sam had gone through some stuff, and knew it would take a one of a kind woman to break through his walls. Lucky for him Genevieve is just that. I loved getting to know them, and watch as they both learned more about themselves and each other. They had great chemistry together and I enjoyed seeing Sam’s sweet “caretaker” side. I couldn’t imagine being so addicted to something that it easily controls your life, and yet that’s just where Genevieve found herself the day she met Sam. Genevieve has seen her share of trials, and all have led her to where she believes God wants her. Knowing she was destined to do great things has often caused her to push condemning thoughts away for another time. Until she wakes up in a stranger's house with no clue how she got there or where she is. Knowing she has no other choice but to quit, and succeed this time, Genevieve starts the journey to stop taking Oxy. If that wasn’t enough on her plate, she also needs to discover what a letter she received could possibly mean. Genevieve embarks on a journey to learn not only more about herself, but also about the parents she feels would never hide anything from her. Being a part of the miracle five, a group of kids who survived a tragedy, has caused her mom to hang on a little tighter than most parents. Can she figure out what her parents might be hiding before it’s too late? And what about Sam and all the feelings he brings out of her? Now isn’t the time to start a relationship, but how can she not? This book made me feel such a wide range of emotions. It’s definitely a story that is going to stay with me. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Contemporary Fiction. I receieved a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I just finished this book and I loved it! It’s a beautiful story of love, forgiveness, and grace in the worst of situations. The love story is so sweet that I’m sad the book is over!

I will be the first to admit that I am not an avid reader but this book and author Have really changed my heart about reading. When I was young I hated to read because I was slow and it did not come naturally. This feeling carried into my adulthood. This book made me a reader. This book kept me intrigued from the first line to the last. Becky Wade’s incredibly descriptive writing style in Stay With Me made it easy for me to imagine I was on Sam’s farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia. One of the themes of transparency hit me right in the heart and made me reflect on my own authenticity in my life. Becky Wade has such a wonderful way of making her main characters Sam Turner and Genevieve Woodward perfectly imperfect. I love that because of their flaws they are connected. I highly recommend this book whether you are an avid reader or a novice like me. I finished this book in 48 hours. I couldn’t put it down. I am on round two of reading Stay With Me and catching new things I missed the first time around. Thank you Becky Wade for turning me into a reader. I am forever grateful. #WadeIntoAGoodBook

Can you hear my happy sigh over there? Becky Wade has created another stunning, heart-wrenching, romantic novel. And, Sam, please don't get me started about how kind, caring, supportive, and altogether wonderful he is. He gives Ty Porter a "run for his money" and wins in my book. He's only matched in bravery and soul with Genevive, a character you want to fold into a hug and chat with over a cup of coffee. I won't tell once ounce of this story, please get this book to experience the "feels" for yourself. It is gorgeous! There's more to come in the series and I'm ecstatic! I received this book from the author and was under no obligation to post nor write a review.

Good gracious. This book was PHENOMENAL. Gen and Sam’s story is one that has left me with the biggest book hangover I’ve ever experienced. Becky Wade doesn’t shy away from tackling real issues prevalent in these times. But she handles them with care and honesty. And she always finds the perfect way to knit in hilarity and chemistry-packed romance. This is a novel that transcends genres. I can’t wait to read it again.

“Like Papa Bear in the Goldilocks story, Sam Turner had discovered a strange woman sleeping in the bed of a house he owned.” - Opening line of “Stay with Me” by Becky Wade Becky Wade strikes a beautiful balance in “Stay with Me”, book one of the Misty River Romance series, of serious discussion and laugh-out-loud humour, From the outset, Sam, our Australian leading man, struggles with Genevieve, our leading lady, inserting herself into his life, his farm and his head. Genevieve has no intention of creating such disruption but she can’t face living at home, alone in a big city or at her parents home with her mom hovering and smothering her whilst she endures her drug detox. Sam recognises her addiction problem within minutes of meeting her and so, she sees his farm cottage as the perfect space to recover. Sam struggles with his past and bad memories haunt his relationship with Genevieve. His curiousity about her draws him to learn more about her bible teaching books and leads to one of my favourite lines from the book when he asks the shop assistant about her videos. “DVD series? We do. It’s one hundred and twenty dollars for the set.” He blinked at her. What on earth? He could buy a top-of-the-line cordless drill for that price.” - Favourite line of “Stay with Me” by Becky Wade Genevieve digs into the emotional pain and psychological trauma that led to her addiction. Having been through drug withdrawal, I can say Becky has captured the experience so well. The conversations Genevieve has with her counselor are powerful in growing one’s faith, whether or not you struggle with addiction, they discuss healthy rhythms and how to draw near to God in hard times. “Trauma never disappears, Genevieve. The things we’ve experienced are always a part of us. When we’re stressed, old traumas like to rear their heads.” - Favourite line of “Stay with Me” by Becky Wade I loved the novella that opened this series and “Stay with Me” is fabulous, I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! I highly recommend this one, it’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale!

4.5 stars "How could this purse-snooping man with the alluring face and zero sympathy have uncovered her secret so suddenly and so thoroughly?" And the lovely Geneviere Woodward is carrying a boatload of secrets. For months she has been infusing her public life as a well known Christian writer and speaker with with subtle- turned- blatant lies; how ironic that her deceit catches up with her withine the walls of an isolated cottage on Sam Turner's historic North Georgia farm. Obviously, the question is just begging to be asked . . . . . what is she going to do about it? Unfortunately for Geneviere, her own conundrum is one of two to be solved; someone has intimated through a somewhat threatening letter than her upstanding parents have skeletons of their own tucked away in their closets. "He'd stupidly placed his trust in too many lost causes over the years . . . " . . never again, Sam Turner tells himself. But neither can he refuse Geneviere's plea for a place to stay while she battles her demons and investigates her parents' past. The woman unnerves him, to put it mildly. Sam has fashioned a nice, predictable, satisfying, . . . lonely . . .life, and he refuses to let a few electrifying laundry room encounters change his self imposed isolation. It seems that God's ways are much higher than any that Sam or Gen can conjure up, for in the struggle to become transparent, theirs is a love that tethers brokeness with mercy, and regrets with the most amazing grace. What a beautifully written story!

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