"Stay With Me" by Becky Wade - Misty River Romance, book 1

When acclaimed Bible study author Genevieve Woodward receives an anonymous letter referencing her parents' past, she returns to her hometown in the Blue Ridge Mountains to chase down her family's secret. However, it's Genevieve's own secret that catches up to her when Sam Turner, owner of a historic farm, uncovers the source of shame she's worked so hard to hide. Sam has embraced his sorrow, his isolation, and his identity as an outsider. He's spent years carving out both career success and peace of mind. The last thing he wants is to rent the cottage on his property to a woman whose struggles stir his worst failure back to life. Yet can he bear to turn her away right when she needs him most?

Wow. I can always count on Becky Wade for a spectacular read, both fun and poignant, but this one tackles some serious things: addiction. Secrets. The weight of trauma. Grief. It was full of grace and hope, but overcoming was not easy, not for either Genevieve or Sam. Even if I've never experienced anything close to what Genevieve has, I could understand all too well that desire to hide the things that don't align with perfect Christianity, the fear of admitting those things to myself let alone to others.

Besides being convicting, emotional read, it also has Wade's trademark humor. And romance. Even a bit of mystery. Both the main characters and the supporting characters were characters worth rooting for (I loved Gen's sister especially), and I can't wait for the next book in the series! All in all a most satisfying read!

Winner of the 2021 Christ Award for Contemporary Romance.

Thank you, Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Misty River Romance
0.5: Take a Chance on Me (prequel novella)
1. Stay With Me
2. Let It Be Me

2.5: You and Me (novella)

3. Turn to Me