This was such a unique story. I loved it! The way Leah went about discovery her and her family's past was so interesting. You never quite knew what was going to pop up next.

Though I wasn't too big a fan of Sebastian's instant love of Leah, I did like Sebastian. I loved seeing him sort though his troubled past and feelings and with Leah's help, come out better. They both worked so well together, making the other a better person, bringing out the best in each other. As I mentioned before Sebastian's instant feelings for Leah was a little strange. He didn't even know her, yet fancied himself in love with her which gave it all a fake feel.

The conflict with Ben liking Leah was a different twist, one you don't see too often, but it was handled very well. Becky Wade has a talent for drawing you into a story and not letting go till the very end, bringing the families on the page to life till you feel like you are there with them. I'm so excited to see where Ben's story goes!

All in all it was a delightful read, with plenty of twists to keep the story moving and a romance that makes you give a happy sigh at the end.

Definitely recommend this series.

I received this book for my honest review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Becky Wade has been a favorite of mine for a while now. While her contemporary romances often feature characters my children’s ages, I never feel like I cannot connect with them. Their stories always touch my heart. Let It Be Me returns to the north Georgia town of Misty River. I have a vacation home in north Georgia, so I especially love this setting. The story features Sebastian, a pediatric cardiac surgeon and Leah, a math prodigy turned high school teacher. They are first brought together when Sebastian is in a car accident, but neither knows the other one’s name. A second meeting reignites the sparks Sebastian felt, but Leah is a bit slow to agree to a relationship. See, she has plans. (We know what God sometimes thinks of our plans 😉 .)

Let It Be Me is a romance, but the themes of true identity and family connections are strong. The search for Leah’s birth parents takes both characters on an emotional and spiritual journey. I love the mystery that Wade develops for them to work on together. And the ultimate reveal, well I gasped out loud. LOL! I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator was perfect, capturing Leah’s voice beautifully. The humor Wade injects translated well into that format.

Let It Be Me can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend you begin with book 1, Stay with Me. It provides crucial backstory for many of the characters in the series. So now you have 2 wonderful books to read. You are welcome!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I purchased the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

Those who have read Stay with Me I (book one in Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series), met Sebastian Grant. But we were only acquainted with him. In book two of the series, Let It Be Me, we get to know Sebastian—his intelligence, his stubborn determination, his admirable occupation, and all of the hurts he’s carried for years.

A chance meeting brought Leah Montgomery into his life, but when he discovers she is the same woman his best friend has been pursuing (at a turtle’s pace), he steps back. For those of you who are averse to love triangles, just know this one is handled impeccably and does not last long.

Wade writes two cerebral characters so well, even those who don’t have the IQ of Sebastian or Leah will connect with them in some way. Maybe in the witty banter. Or Leah’s solid faith. Or Sebastian’s care with infant heart patients. Maybe the mystery or the faith element. Believe me, there’s something in Let It Be Me that will hook you into this story.

This contemporary romance is a prime example of how heat, sparks, magnetism, and desire can be relayed without any touch (but when that first kiss comes, phew, be sure to pull out your fan because its powerful).

But best of all is the growth of the characters throughout the story because despite their intelligence and drive, they are both humanly flawed. It takes friends, faith, and challenges to grow them beyond the place they arrived on the pages at the beginning of the book. And oh, what a marvelous journey it is to take with them.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Author Becky Wade hits it out of the park with book two in the Misty River Romance series. I am always amazed at the depth of characterization and the subject matters she talks about in her books. All of this makes for a captivating read. This novel focuses on Sebastian Grant (one of the Miracle Five) and how his world starts to change after he meets Leah, math prodigy, and high school teacher. She is an amazingly smart, logical gal who has done remarkable things despite her life situation. He is afraid to get too close to her for those reasons. Leah is afraid of how she feels around him too. It’s new territory for them both.

This was a fascinating story on many levels. I enjoyed every second of my time hanging out with these witty, heart-warming characters. At times, I felt like praying for them as they faced really difficult situations. This is a wonderful novel to read for fun and one that would work well for your next book club meeting. The story and characters are compelling. There is so much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org ( )

When I pick up a Becky Wade book, I know I’m in for a great read. Let It Be Me carries on her fantastic book tradition with realistic, engaging, and multi-layered characters and a compelling storyline. With witty dialogue, an intriguing mystery, and plenty of romance, Leah and Sebastian’s story kept me turning pages to the end. A solid faith element permeates the tale with messages of forgiveness, grace, and God’s love for each of us. I’m looking forward to more books in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. ( )