Stay With Me

GIVEAWAY

WADE, BECKY

STAY WITH ME

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 with her when Sam Turner, owner of a historic farm, uncovers the sources 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 min. 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?

My Review:

Wry humour paired with brutal honesty and amazing grace. I was riveted from the time I hit play. (Yes, this is another book I listened to, enticed by the lure of Amy Rubinate's excellent narration style.)

Wade knows how to speak truth into her readers' lives through her characters' struggles. So much meat and grit and need-to-talk-about-it moments here. This would make a fabulous book club selection for all the thought-provoking content.

Ironically, I was in the midst of watching an IF: Gathering conference featuring a number of 'celebrity status' women at the same time I read Stay With Me and it really opened my eyes to the personal demands Christian fame status can bring. Because that's something Gen struggles with -- becoming a personality instead of a just a person. 

But that's not Gen's only issue. She's in crisis mode for a number of reasons and her life only gets more complicated when she meets up with Sam. Be. Still. My. Heart. Do you hear my 'brooding hero' squeals echoing throughout this review? Tight-lipped. Taciturn. Major introvert. And nursing a wounded heart. He is not prepared for Gen's unexpected entrance into his very mundanely predictable life.

Because Gen's an extrovert. And a talker. Energetic and bubbly. Wicked wit. Wears her heart on her sleeve. Snort -- poor Sam doesn't stand a chance and it comes to the point where he doesn't care. Clever banter -- Gen tries so hard to make him laugh! Her sass paired with his increasing failure to hide his oh-so-reluctant amusement!!! Priceless. And toe-curling. Have multiple fans and a sturdy fainting couch handy. 

Then there's the family mystery to be sorted out which adds a whole other dimension to an already enthralling read.

A redemptive story that covers a lot of social issues with grace and humour. It's heavy in places, light in others and Christ-centered throughout. 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is a paperback or ebook copy of the title you choose

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Stay With Me, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 10 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!