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.
more
Becky Wade crafts masterful characters who are truly hurting. In her latest novel, Stay With Me, which also happens to be the introduction to her new Misty River Series, Wade’s heroine struggles with pain pill addiction throughout majority of the novel. Wade made her struggles realistic and haunting. As someone who has personally never seen someone go through withdrawal but read books and watched movies with this type of scene, I believe Wade did a good job at allowing Genevieve succeed but still crave the pills. The romance is enduring and formulaic for the fans of contemporary romance. The plot was different and captured my attention from the first page. I really liked the side story that Natasha and the heroine worked on. I was curious what the messages meant to. Overall, Stay with Me by Becky Wade has hauntingly realistic hurt characters who work through their struggles to find purpose and love for their loves. A definite must-read for fans of Wade’s other works and contemporary romance fans.
I received a complimentary copy of Stay With Me by Becky Wade from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
This book is super powerful, it discusses some very tough subjects. The author also discusses finding forgiveness when life doesn’t look so great. I found this book really hard to put down. I liked how the author held nothing back. The characters felt like so relatable and felt like I was catching up with a friend who was going through something. This author does not disappoint the book draws you in keeps you going to the end. I really hope to read more about the Miracle five and I hope that Ben and Sebastian’s stories will be coming soon. This book is a good clean read though it does discuss some tough topics it’s so worth the read. I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
Whew!! Where to start??? I knew going in that this would be a great book because hello…. Becky Wade wrote it!!! What I did not expect was to be so instantly pulled in from the very first sentence. This book was not just great it is unbelievably amazing. The story of Gen’s struggle and of those surrounding her is one we hear about but unless it actually happens to us or to someone we are close to it is not something we actually understand or even fathom at times. The grace, mercy and truth theme woven throughout this book had me ugly crying at several different moments. I can not even begin to describe this book with actual articulate words except to say….
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and that review would be TO GO OUT AND BUY OR ORDER THIS BOOK ASAP!!!!!!!
This is the first book in the Misty Rivers series and it sets up the series quite nicely! There is a difficult story line in this book and Becky Wade approaches it delicately and yet confidently. I will be honest and say that it took me a good bit to get into this story (I honestly think it was my mindset about some things and not the story) but I am glad that I kept going and got involved into the lives of these characters.
Sam is not your typical contemporary romance hero. In fact, just leave him alone and let him have order in his life. Gen is not your typical heroine in that she is Miss Perfect and full of life on the outside but harboring a deep secret on the inside. These 2 complete opposites make for a tough friendship let alone relationship. But oooh, parts of this relationship are totally swoon worthy!
There are threads outside of Sam and Gen’s story. Both grab you and you want to know more. One is answered through this book in a scene that is incredibly powerful (I don’t want to say anything else that might spoil it). The other, I hope to see played out in subsequent books.
I have yet to find a Becky Wade book that does not beg me to continue reading. This one doesn’t break that trend.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher to review. All opinions stated are my own.
Becky Wade’s books have proven to be “read-worthy” every single time. I loved the chemistry between Sam and Genevieve. They are very much opposites yet just what the other needs. The back story of the Miracle Five was handled beautifully and the mystery surrounding Gen’s parents was a good added touch. The reminder of the importance of transparency and honesty in our relationship with God and with others can never be stated often enough. I loved this book. — I won a free copy from the author. My review is my own thoughts and opinion.
If this kiss were an ocean, he’d willingly let himself sink down, down, down until he drowned.
Just when I think I’ve read Becky Wade’s best, she writes a new book!
Using her skill as a writer Ms. Wade creates not only characters that the reader will care about and cheer for she weaves a story line full of romance, witty banter, a cozy mystery and packs it full of spiritual truths showing God’s grace to us when we are being the worst version of ourselves.
This book falls into the SWOOF acronym column…coined by my friend Rachel at BookWorm Mama. . .Squeezing Words Out Of Feelings. . .
This book hit me on so many emotional levels. Yes, I swooned, I laughed, I wanted to know what was going on with Genevieve’s parents but most of all I saw God’s unmatched love and grace He extends to us because He loves us. It also made me think about how we need to be more forgiving towards each other.
This is a great start to a new series by Becky Wade and I can’t wait to read the next installment!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Every book of Becky Wade’s I read I think this is my favorite yet! Becky is one of my favorite go-to authors and this new series set in the Georgia mountains doesn’t disappoint. Stay with Me deals with some tough issues, a natural disaster, opioid addition, family secrets, betrayal…which all lead to the main theme of transparency. Being transparent in relationships and with God. Not that God doesn’t know all anyway! My favorite quote goes along with this theme. “Time does not heal all wounds. Some things burrow into you like a splinter, and no amount of ignoring the splinter will help.” This is why transparency is so important. By bringing your flaws (splinters) to the surface, they can start to heal. I loved Genevieve and Sam. They were both dealing with some heavy issues in very real ways. And their relationship developed organically because of their past experiences and issues. Genevieve was especially relatable to me as a Christian woman. Her scenes with her sister, Natasha, made me wish I had a sister. Their banter and Natasha living “Austenly” cracked me up at times. 🙂 I also appreciated Sam and his approach to cooking and eating. Being a health-conscience chef means more to me now that I deal with food allergies myself. A completely different story line tying this series together is the story of the Miracle Five of whom Genevieve and Natasha were two. They survived an earthquake as middle-schoolers with three boys and the impact of that can be felt by all five as adults. I really liked the glimpses back in time before each chapter by each of the kids. Especially as we started to learn of them as adults. I can’t wait to read Sebastian’s story next!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
This book has it all! Becky Wade does not shy away from tackling some very difficult topics, but does so in a way that shows care and respect. All the while packing it full of laughter, tears, friendship, family, and enough chemistry to sizzle! It also rips into the need that most Christians have struggled with at one time or another, to maintain a certain façade of perfection. This story is powerful yet easy to read. It’ll leave you feeling satisfied yet anxiously awaiting the next story in the Misty River Romance series. I know I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Stay With Me by Becky Wade is a Christian fiction book. This book is first in the Misty River series starts off with excitement. Becky Wade won the Christy and Carol awards. the reader will be drawn into the trials of Genevieve . very early in the book. The predominant themes are forgiveness, grace, romance. Sam Turner is faithful and supportive . There is also a family mystery for Genevieve to solve. She works with her sister to solve the puzzle. How will it turn out? How will they resolve their questions? The characters, scenes are described well . The book is w ell written. I look forward to the next book in the series. Thank you to the publisher, netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. The opinions are my own. I will post my review on facebook, Amazon, my blog, bookbub, kobo, for our church staff.
(No Spoilers!)
I absolutely love a book that takes me on an emotional rollercoaster ride and ‘Stay with Me’ certainly pummeled my heart, stomped my toes, and quickened my pulse till the very last page!
Australian raised, Sam Turner, is completely bumfuzzled when he discovers the beautiful Genevieve Woodward lying asleep in his cottage on his beautiful farm and wants no part of her. In my opinion Sam is a total stuffed shirt and I’m not talking about muscles here. Although there is that. 😉 He’s taciturn, arrogant, standoffish, and well—a fabulous cook so that accounts for something. However, when I caught a glimpse into his heart, I completely loved what I saw.
In some ways Gen reminds me a bit of myself (no wonder I loved her so much-lol)…always wearing a smile appearing to be fine, is light-hearted and kind, and has a witty sense of humor no matter what she’s going through. And she’s going through alot! Her family is hiding a terrible secret and so is Gen—one that could ruin her reputation as an acclaimed Bible study teacher/author.
Becky Wade’s writing is off the charts and this is beyond a doubt my favorite book of hers. The rather chilling suspense element caught me a bit off-guard…the angsty romance and spiritual theme is something I’ve come to expect with Wade’s books. I’m anxiously awaiting the next novel in the Misty River Romance series!
*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are entirely my own.*
Book one in the Misty River captured my imagination and lightened my heart while intriguing me. Sam is a hero and half, while Gen is inspiring in her determination to stand strong and not fold when trouble hits hard. The romance is a very sweet story wrapped around some major life issues of family, faith and future. I’d highly recommend this book if you love a great romance that transports you, holds you enchanted and then lets you go with a gentle sigh. Becky Wade at her best.
Becky Wade does so much so well in this book. I mean, getting the reader to identify with a hero as taciturn as Sam is tough. (And if he’s not narrated in audiobook format with his Aussie accent, it’s a crime.)
Most of all, I was impressed with how a story that deals with heavy topics (opioid addiction, childhood trauma, and, uh, something I can’t divulge because it would be a spoiler) did not drag me down in the least. Genevieve’s sparkling personality kept things sunny, even when they weren’t.
Great story, tension-building mystery, beautifully developed spiritual themes organic to the story, and a slow-building romance with loads of chemistry. The only thing that pulled me a wee bit out of the story were some lengthy backstory passages I’d rather have seen slipped into scenes bit by bit as necessary.
4.5/5 stars!
Talk about a book that pulls you in and doesn’t let go to the end! This one will have you quickly looking for answers, and will they all unfold?
One story line quickly became another, and then another, and on, more like real life!
When I think of it, we have survivors here, from what? Life, and all that goes with it, and most you really won’t see coming, most you would not imagine, and yet, the secrets started to fall.
Through it all, there is a love of God, that is so strong and yet we are all sinners, but they never loose their faith!
There is a sense of loss with the last page turning, but, there are going to be more, I just don’t know which of the survivors story we will see, so stay tuned!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
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!
“Fine” and “normal” are two heavy words we like to toss around. Mostly because we don’t admit how much weight they carry. The weight of expectations, of perfection, and morale. How those two simple words can cramp our lives and take away our breathing room.
In this fallen world they are not attainable and Becky Wade explores this in her newest release.
Genevieve Woodward is an accomplished Bible teacher. People gather around her wherever she goes because of her wisdom, kindness, and beauty. Though Sam Turner only sees these attributes bringing the end of his peace, especially the last one 😉
But Genevieve has a secret she keeps tight. A secret that can ruin her career and the pedestal she has been put. However, when “fine” and “normal” prove to not be the strongest foundation, she will have to be brave to face her deepest and darkest parts, because some parts of our stories can come again to haunt us no matter how many years have passed. This book is about recognizing the broken but finding steadfastness, honor, and healing through the vulnerability of admitting you are far, so far from being well.
Wow, this book sucked me in and left me with book hangover…I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters and the peek into the next book to come. The depth of this book blew me away, with a look into a life of hiding behind a perfect mask while struggling with so many things. I loved the slow burn romance between Gen and Sam that sizzled toward the end. Becky can sure write a good kiss. 🙂 The mystery with Gen’s parents was interesting and concluded with a twist I didn’t see coming. All in all, this story of transparency and God’s grace is one that will resonate with many and will bless readers for years to come.
Gen awakens in a cottage on Sam’s property, with no recollection of how she arrived there. Sam discovers Gen’s secret and from the get-go convinces himself to remain as he has, isolated and alone.
The two characters must work through their past, and attraction to each other causes sparks to fly. Their experiences have shaped them, but can they trust the Lord to guide their future?
This is a must read! Every year, I mark my calendar for Becky Wade’s newest release. And every year, I am so sad when I’ve finished reading her newest book, because they are SO GOOD! Stay With Me is a beautiful story that has the reader searching their heart and staying up past their bedtime!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A beautiful story full of love , struggles, forgiveness, and grace.
Genevieve Woodward is not stranger to God working miracles. She is a women’s bible study author and inspirational speaker. When she finds herself going through some struggles she is having trouble hearing from God.
Sam Turner is a handsome man of God with many skills. He owns a restaurant and runs a farm. He feels he is meant to be alone.
When Sam and Genevieve cross paths, things are about to change for them both.
I loved this story. It had wonderful characters and a great setting, it’s a quaint southern towns and this makes you want to visit. Sam and Genevieve both have their own struggles to deal with, there is a chemistry between them that you can sense and feel. There are laughs and lots of love and tender moments throughout. Many moments of growth and learning, all the while keeping to captivated with everything that’s going on. I love when books can be related to real life making them that much more than just a good read it helps make them inspirational. I truly enjoyed reading Stay with me and would highly recommend it!!
Stay with Me is the first book in Becky Wade’s Misty River series and it is not to be missed!
The story begins with Gen (who I really didn’t like until later) and the odd but true way she meets Sam. She is a Christian author and speaker whose secret life is spiraling out of control. “she’d misplaced God somehow”. Sam is a man who had experienced great sorrow and is living in self-protect mode. But “Regardless of weakness, in God’s strength he could do the one thing within his ability. He could stay.”
The book is filled with romance, self-examination, realizations, faith and intrigue. Becky did a superb job of intertwining them all. I love how she writes. It is a beautiful lesson in faith and the romantic tension builds wonderfully sprinkled with spine tingling kisses and deep longing.
There are secrets, lies, shame and past history. It is often real and raw. There is wrestling with trying to be perfect, feeling undeserving of God’s gifts and wondering what He expects of us. It is a great beginning to this series which makes me anxious for more! I highly recommend it!
Stay With Me is the first novel in Becky Wade’s new Misty River series. If you have ever read a Becky Wade book, you will certainly love this one. It is filled with all the things that make Wade an award-winning writer: classic banter between the characters, humor, love, and a heart touching spiritual message. If you haven’t read a Becky Wade book, since this is the first book in the series it is a perfect place to start.
I was taken in immediately by the characters in this story. First, Sam and Genevieve have professions that are not the most common ones that we read in a romance novel. Second, they are both encumbered with a load of secrets. What a weight they both are trying to carry on their own! I was engaged in their story from the first entertaining meeting of the two to the very last page.
Becky Wade handles some heavy topics in this book , but she handles them well. I felt respect and hope was given for people who struggle with similar things. I loved the inclusion of characters who forgive and continue to love anyway despite the mistakes committed by others. The story was brought to a satisfying conclusion, one that brought a few tears, but was full of grace.
I highly recommend this latest book by Becky Wade.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.