Book Review: Stay With Me

Stay With Me by Carolyn Astfalk is a poignant and believable
love story about two young adults from very different backgrounds.

Rebecca has lived a sheltered life under her domineering father in an alcohol-free home where dancing is frowned upon and religion is oppressive, not inspiring. Weighed down by her past, Rebecca is hesitant to live life fully. Chris, a Harley-rider and a new convert to Catholicism, opens up a beautiful new world to her. Still, life isn’t without dangers and trials as the new couple navigate their blossoming romance. Kind hearts and good intentions aren’t always enough, especially when faced with heart-rending challenges and temptations. When tested to the limit, will their love survive?

The characters are richly depicted and memorable, including the secondary characters. I particularly enjoyed Rebecca’s brash sister Abby, with her unrestrained opinions and off-beat ways. Also, I appreciated how Father John, despite being a priest, came across as a very real person with his owns trials and tribulations.

The story is sprinkled with humor and contains the perfect balance of reality and sweetness—and sometimes bittersweetness. The author deftly avoids sappy clichés, and her writing entertains while radiating substance and depth.

Stay With Me is a journey of discovery, forgiveness, and redemption—a beautiful journey of two hearts that long to beat as one.

Stay With Me is available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.