A mysterious letter alluding to a secret in her parents’ past brings Genevieve Woodward back to her Blue Ridge Mountains hometown, but she’s also in need of a break from a high-profile career that has left her dangerously burned out and concealing a powerful secret of her own. When she wakes inside an unfamiliar cottage to find the confused owner staring down at her, she can no longer ignore the … the fact that she needs help.
Sam Turner has embraced his sorrow and his identity as an outsider. The solitary, disciplined life he lives on his historic farm is the life he’s chosen for himself. The last thing he wants is to rent his cottage to a woman as troubled as she is talkative. Yet, he can’t force himself to turn her away right when she needs him most.
As Genevieve researches her family’s history and her and Sam’s emotions deepen, they will have to let go of the facades and loneliness they’ve clung to and allow light to illuminate every hidden truth.
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First off, I just want to warn you I loved most of “Stay With Me” by Becky Wade, I just have a bit of a beef with some of the things that happened. There will be some slight spoilers but I did my best to keep them to a minimum.
Okay, since I read “Take A Chance On Me” I’ve been waiting eagerly for “Stay With Me” just because Sam was so intriguing, the small parts we saw with him showed him as a man of mystery.
What I loved …
Sam! He has such a heartbreaking past and I loved seeing him with Gen, I loved their relationship and seeing them come to trust each other.
The cover is so beautiful! So cute! And the colors are so adorable together! I also loved the cover when Becky Wade did a blog post on the models, which was neat.
The flashbacks … Wow, it is crazy how good these flashbacks were, it isn’t everyday that an author accomplishes flashbacks with such real detail.
The PRIDE AND PREJUDICE references. I just loved it!
Gen’s overcoming her addiction. This isn’t something you see in this way in Christian fiction, I’m not sure I’ve read another book where the main character was currently battling addiction.
The historic farm that Sam owns. Oh goodness, I loved reading about the farm and Sam’s businesses!
The laundry meetings … *laughs* I have to applaud Becky Wade on this part of “Stay With Me”, it made the romance so much sweeter. This alone gets a star…
What I didn’t love …
The mystery. I knew there would be a mystery from the blurb, I just wasn’t sure what I expected. I had no idea it would be what it was… And honestly? I didn’t love the mystery.
The murder. I get that there had to be something else in the book aside from the romance … But, this? It didn’t float my boat. At all.
The parents’ secret, wowzers! I did not see that coming, it came out of nowhere.
A secret first husband of Gen’s mom, yikes, it was a surprise!
The serial killer theme, nu-hun, didn’t like it. Sickening to me.
The real murderer … Woah, I thought that it might have been an affair but I didn’t see the real reason coming out to be what it was.
I really couldn’t follow the mystery with enjoyment. I found it to be … Weak? Cliche? No … It just didn’t make me happy with the book, I found it to be a dramatic punch in the face, as I was reading it felt like it was only there for the drama effect. I feel bad saying that but it is the truth. And I wasn’t very happy with the ending … The confession I loved that the character had the honor but they still should have gone to the police, even though I see why Wade did it the way she did.
When the next book will come out. It is waaaaaaaay too long! I will be waiting on the edge of my seat for the next installment!
I didn’t really connect with Gen at first, but soon after she got clean of the meds I came to enjoy her point of view, she became relatable.
All of that rounds a book I loved but didn’t one hundred percent love to a solid four stars and recommendation for 18 up or 16 up with parent or guardian’s advice in reading.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I was excited to have the opportunity to read Becky Wade newest release, Stay with Me. This first book from the A Misty River Romance is probably my favorite that I have read by this author to date. I adored Sam and Genevieve’s story. The setting was perfect and I loved reading the details of the area that made me feel as though I was right there.
I am giving Stay with Me a very well deserved five plus stars. I will be eagerly waiting for the next installment from the A Misty River Romance series. I highly recommend this one.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Stay With Me by Becky Wade is the author’s best work to date. I have long been a fan of this author’s work and she has won awards that were well deserved. But this book— it stands alone. Ms Wade is not afraid to take on difficult, timely topics and take them on thoroughly. I highly recommend this novel to readers of all genres because its topic of addiction is so important in today’s world. So good! You’ll be sad to see the book end. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
You simply cannot go wrong with a Becky Wade book. She is a masterful storyteller and I’ve enjoyed her books for years.
Stay With Me launches the Misty River romance series, with quiet and solitary Sam Turner finding a beautiful, peculiar intruder in his guesthouse. I felt their chemistry immediately, but it wasn’t overdone. She is his polar opposite but despite wanting to keep his distance, feels a persistent pull toward her. Genevieve is dealing with a serious secret, a dependency on prescription pain medication, as well and trying to unearth secrets her parents may have buried.
This is a spellbinding, begin-again story. It deals with hard and heavy subject matter–opioid addiction–yet softens the edges with God’s guidance and grace. I love the way Genevieve’s addiction is addressed, and how it doesn’t overtake the deeper story of discovering and rediscovering our true path.
The story is the perfect blend of sweet romance, mystery, and discovery. The characters are easy to love, easy to connect with, and I can’t wait to return to Misty River.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Excellent book!!!
I love that this book dealt with some very current issues including opioid addiction – especially in a well-known Christian leader.
Becky Wade developed the perfect meet-up for Gen and Sam. From there, a beautiful romance, suspense, grace, truth revealed, healing and more grace.
I also very much loved the relationship between Gen and her sister Natasha! So fun!!
Warning- this will be a very hard book to put down once you start! 🙂 I can’t wait for Sebastian’s story next!
**SPOILER ALERT**
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“God had a sense of humor, yes. But knowing her heart and her history… surely, surely He would not have allowed her to meet a highly eligible man after taking too many painkillers…. at the most inopportune low point in her life. God wouldn’t dare do that to her. Would He?”
“Why was it so hard for Christians to come clean to one another about sins that had them by their throats? Because of pride? Because every Christian wanted every other Christian to think they were doing it right? That they were strong and good? If so, that was idiotic.”
“The book of John said that Jesus had been full of grace and truth. That’s exactly what Genevieve had seen just now. Unmitigated truth. And in response to it, undeserved grace.” ***TEARS***
“She was a missionary in a housedress and terry cloth slippers.” What a perfect mental image that stirred such joy and inspiration in me!!!
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.
Becky wade is the contemporary author that I keep on coming back to for stories that are romantic, characters that are realistic and relatable and a message that is seamlessly woven into the story.
Stay with me is definitely one of those stories.
Becky wade has once again crafted a beautiful story around some tough topics. Some of these topics are bit out of the norm from what is found in a contemporary romance.
Sam and Genevieve’s story is quite touching, so well written and brings you through the range of emotions.
My one tiny complaint.
I am disheartened to see so many Christians participating in Halloween. I understand that some don’t hold the same view. It didn’t detract too much from the story, it just bugs me personally.
I can’t say too much without wandering into spoiler territory, but I truly hope that this book reaches out to many who have the same struggles as these characters, and I hope that it starts some conversations that need to happen.
That is one of the reasons I love Becky wade books, there is always something that goes beyond the surface, something that stays with you.
This book is very well written and may not be my favorite, but it will be interesting to see where the series goes
I recieved a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, all the opinions in this review are my own.
Now I’ve read a lot of Becky Wade’s book over the years, and this particular version I was reading on my kindle. So somewhere along the way I didn’t realize who the author was, until I finished the book.
That said, I found the book to be amazingly awesome. Loved every part of it and I appreciated the fact that I didn’t go into it with preconceived ideas.
Genevieve Woodward is returning home, but makes a stop at a cottage where Sam Turner learns a secret that prior to him, only one person knew. She soon realizes that staying home is not an option, so she ask’s Sam’s help for helping her with her secret.
There was only one part of the book that left me puzzled, and that was the prelude at the beginning of most of the chapters of the “Miracle Five” and their thoughts during the time. At the end, I expected a different ending, at least with those bits at the beginning. The story it self was pretty awesome and didn’t need any changes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
This book floored me. It was quite simply amazing. Becky has truly outdone herself with this book. I am not sure I can put into words the pure beauty of this story. The characters of Genevieve and Sam were unlike any characters I have read before and they were wonderful and flawed and kept me immersed in this story along with the secondary characters. This whole story drew me in and I had trouble putting the book down at all. This book tugged all my heartstrings and that hasn’t happened in a long time. Basically all there is to say is I loved everything about this book and it will go down as one of my top 2020 reads, no question. I am not sure how I will wait a year for the next book in the series…need it yesterday!!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Becky Wade has managed to write a story that digs deeply into some extremely serious topics and situations, yet still has enough lighthearted moments to not weigh the reader down.
I must admit that after reading the first couple of chapters, I did not like Genevieve. I knew that the author would have a long way to go to redeem her as a main character for me. I viewed her as a person who hid behind her public persona and I wondered if Genevieve could actually overcome her dangerous personal secrets. Well, the author did redeem this character, and by the middle of the book I actually liked Gen and was hopeful about her outcome.
Now, Sam was a different matter. I liked him from the very beginning of the story, and actually even before that, in the prequel novella Take a Chance on Me, where he made a few appearances. His back story was heartbreaking and truly explained so much about him.
Along with the gentle romance that developed between Sam and Genevieve, one of my favorite things about this novel was reading about Genevieve and her sister digging into their parents’ past in order to try to discover if there was any truth behind the threatening letters Genevieve had been receiving. I was fascinated as the truth from the past was revealed.
Stay with Me is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance that delves into deep and difficult topics and weaves God’s grace and forgiveness throughout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Genevieve Woodward has a problem – a huge problem! One that she is trying to keep secret because it could totally derail her should people find out about it. Afterall, Genevieve is a world famous, immensely popular, engaging Bible study author. And aren’t Bible study authors supposed to have nearly perfect lives? What would happen if the media and her multitude of fans find out? As she struggles with her sins, she also encounters a potential mystery that her parents are keeping. Have they been hiding something from her all her life?
Even though Genevieve and Sam both promised not to fall for each other, they cannot seem to keep this promise as many kisses abound. Yet, can they overcome the many, many obstacles they encounter?
I loved reading this book. It reminded me that we all are tempted but each is tempted in different ways. So, we need to give grace and love to those tempted in ways we are not, especially as we live in community which God has made us for. What a great book about redeeming love! I highly recommend it! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I am freely writing a review – all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Reading about Sam and Genevieve‘s journey together was just simply unbelievable! I loved how there were stories within the story. I breathlessly followed the rescue of the Miracle Five, even though I knew the outcome, and solving the mystery behind the letters was a total shock! But back to Sam and Gen…wow! Despite the hardships that brought them together, there was an undeniable, heart-pounding attraction that sizzled every time they were together, but there was no question that every step they took was guided by God’s love for them. Though the road was broken, it unquestionably led them together for all the right reasons. The themes of honesty, forgiveness, and unconditional love were beautiful, and it was was definitely a 2 tissue ending. I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a review.
I have loved all of Becky Wade’s books so expected to love this one as well, however, it far exceeded my expectations. I was drawn in from the very beginning when Sam found a stranger asleep in his guesthouse, that he couldn’t wake up. He asked himself, “Is she dead?”
Genevieve, who had been found asleep, was shocked that she went into a house that was not her own and climbed in bed and fell asleep. She is a well-known author of Bible studies for women, as well as a popular speaker. She was prescribed OxyContin after ankle surgery the previous year, however, hadn’t quite been able to quit taking them. She had shopped around for pain doctors who would be willing to write her a new prescription, all the while presenting her nearly perfect image to her adoring fans. She had come her small hometown in Georgia to visit her parents, relax, write and go through opiod withdrawal, however, she realizes she can’t stay with her parents while going through withdrawal so she goes back to Sam and asks to rent the guesthouse which she refers to as the cottage. He finally agreed with a some pretty strict conditions. One is, that he has the right to go into the cottage anytime to search for pills if he suspects she’s still taking them. He also insists she needs to tell someone in her family of her addiction. She agrees to tell her sister, Natasha. When in middle school, Natasha, Gen, and three other kids on a missions trip in El Salvador, were trapped in rubble for eight days after a devastating earthquake that killed many. The five kids were known for the miracle of living through such an experience and traveled the world sharing their experience, giving God all the glory. In between the main story of this book, every few chapters there is a fascinating flashback to the five kids trapped in the basement of a collapsed building.
There is a intriguing element of suspense in this story as Gen also came home to question her parents about a mysterious note received in the mail alluding to something her parents had done. She wanted to question them about what it could be, however, they both agreed they had no idea. When a second letter arrived that was threatening, Gen and Natasha decide to do some investigating of their own.
As Gen suffers through withdrawal, Sam and Natasha become her only support. Sam, who owns a restaurant brings her healthy food choices, and even prepares a few meals for her. Sam’s past includes a girlfriend who he loved, that was also addicted to prescription pain pills who died of an overdose. As a result, he has closed himself off from most people and lives a pretty reclusive life on a farm.
As this story progressed, I had a hard time putting it down – Gen’s struggle with life without Oxy,brought to light the seriousness of opiod addition and the difficulty of withdrawal. Sam’s reclusive lifestyle, the secretive investigation that was ongoing of Natasha and Genevieve’s parents all came together as a beautifully, heartfelt and intriguing story. One that I’m still thinking about.
An awesome unforgettable read. Lov
ed Genevieve and Sam loved the mystery behind the letter and getting to know more about the Miracle Five. Looking forward to the next books.
Stay With Me is Becky Wade’s first full-length novel in the Misty River romance series, and it has set the bar high for the rest of the series! Everything within the covers is beautifully crafted. Amazing, quirky, memorable characters–and not just the hero, Sam, (swoon) or the bubbly heroine, Genevieve. In fact, one of my favorites is Gen’s sister, Natasha. I loved all her nutty Jane Austen-obsessed antics.
Sam. Is. Amazing. I could hear the melodic tune of his Aussie accent and see his manly profile, but the best parts of him were on the inside. What a loving and serving heart he has! And such courage rests in him! He was such a warrior for the people he cared about, and that instantly drew me to him.
I just love Genevieve, too. She is so bubbly and bright. And I think the contrast between the darkness of her addiction and this shiny facade of her personality really emphasizes how we can deny the sin in our lives until it threatens to overcome us.
I loved every minute of the interactions between Gen and Sam. How they went from abysmal acquaintances to rocky friends to soul-touching partners in her recovery. And those kisses! Whew!
This novel is layered with depth and sub-plots that grip your attention and add such a fullness to the story. From Genevieve being part of The Miracle Five (I’ll let you discover the meaning to this on your own.) to Gen and Natasha secretly researching her parents’ past, this story will capture and hold your attention and your heart from beginning to finish.
This book addresses some very real and timely issues– addiction, grief, anxiety, forgiveness– and how we often turn to the wrong source for comfort. One of the reasons I read inspirational fiction, is I like being challenged in my faith–even if that means taking a closer look at myself. I thought Becky Wade brought important points to light about how we often lie to ourselves and others about the sin in our lives and consequently grow farther and farther from God.
Stay with Me will put you through the emotional wringer, but it is so worth it! You will be crying tears of joy and relief by the end. I promise!
Any fan of contemporary Christian fiction/romance will love this book.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author/publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
A raw, poignant, and unforgettable experience in forgiveness. Becky Wade once again traverses the territory of the messy human heart and the baggage it is capable of hauling around in secret. This story beautifully and graciously demonstrates the truth that perfect love cast out all fears and exposes the darkness. Genevieve and Sam navigate the ugliness of brokenness and the beauty of redemption. They both have a unique charm that will attract even the most stoic of readers and break through all barriers of resistance to a wonderfully real love story. Trigger alert if you or a loved one has struggled with an addiction, but Wade has handled it so beautifully it is worth the range of emotions you are sure to experience. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own and freely shared.
Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series starts off with this amazing book. You know those books that you can’t put down, yet you don’t want it to end? Yeah, this is one of those.
Genevieve is a Bible study author who receives an anonymous letter suggesting her family has a terrible secret. She goes home to uncover the truth but didn’t expect to come clean about secrets of her own. Sam is a farmer and coffee shop owner who is also forced to work through issues he has kept hidden for years.
The author did a wonderful job weaving in difficult topics and struggles throughout this emotional love story. I laughed. I cried. I felt the Spirit in the words about forgiveness and redemption. This will definitely be one of my top five books of the year. I highly recommend it!
*I received a free advanced copy from the author. All opinions expressed were my own.
There are some stories that lightly feather your emotions and some that just whack you in all the feels. Stay with Me is the latter in the best possible way.
Having been a Becky Wade fan for a while, I had no doubt this would be a great story, but this-This!- book far exceeded my expectations. And my fangirl levels are soaring off the charts, because not only did this novel have layered-yet-relatable characters, an Intriguing plot, and a swoon-worthy romance, but the author tackled a delicate subject with brilliant strokes of grace.
The scenes were so vivid I wanted to pack my bags and head toward Misty River. Seriously Sam’s house and Gen’s cottage (well, Sam insists it’s a guesthouse) is my kind of charming! And can we just talk about Sam for a bit.
SAM!!!!
Okay, he has such a tender heart. He knows it, Gen knows it, the reader knows it, but he was still so scared to open up again because of past hurt. His protectiveness and devotion was super endearing. I could probably gush on and on about Sam because he was that beautiful. Yes beautiful.
In true Becky Wade fashion, this series has an amazing cast of secondary characters. Natasha is by far my favorite. She’s an Austen fan and quotes Pride and Prejudice like a boss. We could be besties.
I love the spiritual theme woven throughout the pages. It reminds me of that verse- in my weakness, His strength is made perfect. In our struggles, God shows up and shows up BIG! That’s what resonated with me while turning the pages of this amazing story! I give it all the stars!
** I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Learning to be transparent is hard, that is what Genevieve Woodward and Sam Turner discover when Genevieve shows up unexpectedly on Sam’s doorstep and he agrees to rent her his cottage for the summer. They help each other deal with past and present wounds and work together to find the secret that Gen’s parents have been hiding for generations. A beautiful story of God’s love, forgiveness, renewal, and redemption. I am anxiously awaiting the second book in the series.
I’m sitting here with tears, trying to process all the layers of this amazing story.
So much pain. Hope. Redemption. Forgiveness. Love.
This story pretty much had me hooked from page 1. (I had already read the prequel novella, Take a Chance on Me, and knew that I loved this series, so I didn’t really have a chance… 🙂 )
Gen is thrown into Sam’s life in a most unconventional way. He does what he can to get rid of her. Because he’s sure she’s everything he doesn’t need to be involved in.
But she keeps popping up.
And they get to know each other.
Gen is convinced that his little cottage is the perfect living space for her.
I really enjoyed all the tension that happens between these two. So much going on.
Gen was a very intriguing character. I wanted to dislike her and all that she’d been doing. But, in spite of myself, I found myself rooting for her.
She was living proof that there is always hope.
This book, this story, is full of hope. Of love coming after deep pain.
I also liked the bit of mystery, suspense, that was woven into this story. Rather unsurprising, some of the turn of events. It kept me reading until the end.
I can’t wait to get to know more of the people from this delightful town.
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