Stay With Me - Becky Wade

Christy Awards 2021 Winner: 

Contemporary Romance

Genevieve Woodward is very well known as an author of Bible studies. What is less known is that she’s on the edge of burnout and struggling with an addiction to prescription painkillers. When she receives a threatening letter she sets off to visit her parents and get to the truth of the past. But she doesn’t make it. Or at least, not before she’s found asleep in the holiday cabin belonging to Sam Turner – a man who has his own secrets and isn’t impressed AT ALL with Gen. Despite this, he agrees to help her, a decision which will change both their lives.

Becky Wade is a polished author of contemporary romance novels, and her skill in storytelling is well demonstrated here.  The story is intriguing from the first sentence and maintains its pace throughout.  The romance is gently built, and the mystery is enjoyable.  I do like romances to be about more than just the romance! 

 

Although an easy read, this isn’t a ‘fluffy’ book. It deals with tough issues including the impact of secrets kept, the problems around addiction and the very tough process of fighting it, the world and pressures of Christian celebrities, and above all redemption and grace.  This is a Christian novel which is full of faith elements, but never awkward or preachy. Highly recommended for anyone who’s looking for a compelling read, superb storytelling, and characters you may not immediately warm to, but find you connect with deeply as the story unfolds.

9780764235603, Bethany House, out now

Note: for transparency, I was sent an advance copy of this book, but I was not required to write any specific or favourable review. All views herein are my own.