This book was a great wrap up to this series. I thought the grumpy/sunshine trope was done really well. I loved how Luke and Finley complemented each other and helped one another to grow and become better. I loved that the Miracle 5 were all more present in this one as a group, not just two or three together here and there. I really liked the epilogue and only wanted more of Ben & Akira.
Finley is kind of adorable. I loved her sunshiney, optimistic attitude and unflinching devotion to what she knew was right. Luke was the perfect mix of broody grump and devoted friend. I really loved his redemption arc and what he learned about himself, family, trusting people, and God’s grace. Sometimes the grumpy/sunshine is a little overblown, with the grump being so grumpy no one could possibly want anything to do with them, or the sunshine being so cheerful they’re annoying. But that didn’t happen here. I loved the progression of their relationship and how well they brought out the best in each other.
As with the others, this is a Christian fiction romance. There is a lot of talking about God, His grace, love, and forgiveness. I loved those themes and how each character—even the one “preaching” them—has to learn more about how God’s forgiveness and one can transform a person.
The little side romance with Ben and Akira was absolutely adorable and I loved it so much! Every single “this is not romantic at all” made me smile. I loved how they tried to be honest with each other right up front and they were just so dang cute.
Bridgett, Meadow, Trish, Cat, and Blaire were all such good side characters and brought a fullness to the story that was so good. And I personally think we need more stories for Bridgett and Blaire. Oh, CeCe is also hilarious and I totally could have enjoyed her getting more page time. I know she wasn’t a main character, but gosh she is funny! Her fiery personality is hilarious!

**Many thanks to the author & publisher for an advanced copy of the book, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions belong to me.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Read by Barbara McCulloh—I liked her reading. Basic, but not annoying. Though her voice does sound older than the characters, so not entirely fitting for the characters.

Quotes I loved:

Her employee was a pirate prince! -Finley

He seemed to have turned dissatisfaction into an art form. -Finley

Of the two of them, he was the sensible one. The one who didn’t meditate, or wear felt hats indoors, or ride bikes attached with big dogs. -Luke

Fear should never be what holds any of the three of us back from something. -Meadow

For the thousandth time, he wondered why she couldn’t have been a woman in her fifties, like what he’d been expecting, based on Ed’s age. Or why couldn’t she have been plain? It have a personality as unlikable as cats? Why? -Luke

Then I think you are good enough for my son. And I don’t mind telling you that my opinion carries more weight than yours. -CeCe

Your faithlessness doesn’t affect God’s faithfulness. None of the love He has for you is conditional. -Finley

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 ( )

I love a book by Becky Wade! While contemporary romance is not my go-to genre, her books are. Turn to Me, the final book in the Misty River series, was a delight. Its setting is my happy place — the North Georgia mountains. While that might be inducement enough to fall into the book, the engaging and relatable characters are the star of this novel. Luke, one of the Miracle 5 from previous books, has been a bad boy since the event that took his younger brother and changed his life. He has lots of baggage, but is determined to live on the straight and narrow. Finley, whose father was a friend to Luke in prison, is a flower child with all the charm and quirks that entails. The two come together to embark on a treasure hunt set up by Finley’s now deceased father. It is certainly a puzzler that keeps Luke and Finley on their toes while requiring they spend more and more time together. There is definite chemistry there! Fans of romance will love their relationship. If you don’t mind a mystery, it’s a great one. It kept this reader guessing until the end. For those who have been following the returning characters, you will love how Wade finishes their stories.

Turn to Me was such a fun book — some lighthearted moments, some soul-searching, a mystery to keep the pages turning. I’m a bit sad that my time in Misty River is at an end — it’s such a fabulous series. If you haven’t read it, you are in for a big treat. make sure you get all the books. You’ll want your stay to continue.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults. ( )

Turn to Me by Becky Wade is a 2022 Bethany House Publication.

Just before his release from prison, Luke’s friend, and fellow inmate, died of a heart attack. His dying words to Luke were to help his daughter, Finley, with her annual birthday treasure hunt, alluding to the possibility that this time the hunt could put Finley at risk.

Finley works at a non-profit dog rescue and is a devout Christian. When Luke arrives, announcing his intentions help Finley with her treasure hunt, she accepts his help, working hard to ignore her attraction to him, as well the idea that the birthday hunt might be dangerous...

This is my first novel by Becky Wade, and I really liked it. The story involves two people who have both lived through gut wrenching tragedy, and still carry the pain and scars with them.

Luke is out on parole, but still riddled with guilt, while Finley lost her fiance, and believes she is destined to be single for life. But, Luke and Finely must rethink their presumptions about what plans God may have for them, while they work through the mystery of the birthday treasure.

There is a side romance, and a thread involving Luke's troubled teenage sister who is out sowing some wild oats.

That's a lot going on in one book, and it kept the pacing from ever picking up steam- causing the mystery to unfold at a snail's pace. Things do pick up in the last few chapters, though, with a few intense, 'hold your breath' moments.

The author note at the end explains where she came up with the inspiration for the mystery thread, but for me some of the details were still stretched the realm of plausibility- at least for me- yet, the human nature parts of criminal elements were spot-on.

That said, I loved Finley’s unconventionality, Luke’s transformation, the character development, the great message about mistakes, guilt, and worthiness, the sweet and often funny romance…. And of course, all those rescue dogs.

Overall, this is a lovely story and a nice introduction to Becky Wade’s work. I’ll definitely consider reading more of her books in the future.

3.5 stars

*Librarything giveaway ( )

This is by far my favorite book in this series. I have been curious about Luke since the beginning of the series. I'm glad I read these books in order, even though they can each be read as a standalone. There is something about following the story of each character and then arriving here in this book where a lot happens with them. Some secondary characters get their storylines wrapped up nice and neat.

The plot of the story really appealed to me. I loved that the main characters are complete opposites, the story was far more interesting because of it. They somehow worked together from the very beginning of the book. Seeing their story unfold along with the scavenger hunt was adorable; I enjoyed every moment. There was a lot going on that is able to keep your attention.

The writing flowed so smoothly. It really is a joy to read. There was enough humor mixed in with more serious tones. The main characters had a lot they had to work through, but they came out so much stronger.

I don't quite know what else I can say about this book. I highly recommend it, and the rest of the series. I absolutely love these characters. This is one of the most enjoyable books I have read this year.

I received an ARC of this book for free, and I voluntarily left this review. ( )

When I received my copy of Turn to Me, I devoured it! Turn to Me is the final book in the Misty River Romance series by Becky Wade. I’m sad the series is now over! One thing I loved about this whole series is the setting, the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Of this novel in particular, I enjoyed Luke’s character growth; his is a story of redemption and second chances, in more ways than one. His personal challenges seemed authentic to his situation. I love how Finley slowly worked her way into his heart and broke down his barriers. I also enjoyed Finley’s own struggle and growth in this story, they also seemed realistic, including her relationship with God. I wasn’t quite expecting this struggle from her character; it worked perfectly paired with Luke’s struggles. I also enjoyed the mystery aspect, which was a treasure hunt left for Finley by her dad in his will. I love how there’s some sort of mystery in almost all of Becky’s novels. That and the romance make intriguing, hard-to-put-down stories! Turn to Me is a novel of second chances and found family, mystery and romance, and it is not to be missed! I am a little sad now that this is the end of the Misty River Romance Trilogy. It’s definitely one of my top favorite Christian, contemporary romance series! That being said, you won’t be confused if you read these out of order. This is a book (and series) you don’t want to miss!
I received a complimentary copy of the book for review. All thoughts and opinions of this book are my own; I was not required to write a positive review. ( )