Book Review: Stay with Me by Carolyn Astfalk

 Stay with Me by Carolyn Astfalk
4.5 Stars  (4 Stars on Goodreads)

This was a pleasant surprise read for me! Recommended by my friend, Tammy, I am so glad to have read this one. This is a Catholic Fiction Contemporary Romance story, and while I am not Catholic, my friend is, and I really enjoyed learning more about Catholicism, their traditions and faith. This couple was a very raw and real one to read about in their relationship and I really enjoyed the writing style too!

We start with Rebecca, who has a "meet cute" with the guy working at the grocery store - Chris. Chris is Catholic and Rebecca is Protestant (Non-Denominational) in their faith. They both get to know one another and their affection for one another grows into a beautiful relationship. Rebecca has had a hard life with her father though, who is very overbearing and domineering. He doesn't want Rebecca to date Chris because he is catholic, yet her sister Abby's encouragement allows Rebecca to move on with her life and Chris as they figure out their relationship together. 

The writing style of this book was very engaging, it was quick and I found the chemistry Chris and Rebecca had to be very well done. The faith elements blended in this book were very natural and realistic as they work through their beliefs together and grew in their faith.

Rebecca's sister Abby was hilarious too - seeing her encouragement for Rebecca to live her life was nice to see since their mother had passed away and Rebecca really needed that.

The depth this book had - let me explain! So, there is a sexual scene in this book where its not explicit but they do have sex. To be clear, this is not glorified - this is acknowledged as sin and the characters lean in to their faith for repentance and grow through their relationship and faith. You see these characters struggling through temptation throughout the book and it goes to show humans are not perfect, but we have the Lord who is and can forgive us. This showed more of  Catholic repentance in their faith together and I respect the book for sharing a raw, real moment between these characters. There was a lot of discussion about the importance of waiting before marriage to have sex and I think that is important to recognize here.

Rebecca grew so much in this book as her father was quite the piece of work - I would rather say some other choice words for his character, but that's what I will say. He was abusive and controlling and to see Rebecca get out of that situation was amazing. 

Rebecca also had been almost sexually assaulted in the past, so she struggles in her relationship with Chris from the past trauma she has from that experience. Chris is patient and kind throughout the entire experience. 

Also, Father John was a great side character who gave good advice that I loved.
Overall, I am glad I read this as my friend's recommendation!

Some Favorite Quotes:

"If you're dating because you're looking to get married, then you've got to think about her in the context of marriage and children, not just how she looks when she's seated across the table from you or how much fun you have together." (Good quote regarding dating someone from the same faith)

"You make me feel free. I know now what it is to really be alive. So, when I say 'I want to live with you,' I mean it in the best way. I want to experience everything with you." Chris to Rebecca 

"God's voice. Who has spoken to you in love and truth? Whose words make you free to love and whose words hold you back?" To Rebecca about whose words/voice is she listening too. Her friends, family or God?

"She said that marriage isn't the happily ever after. It's the rocky brush-covered path that'll get you there. You're going to trip and fall. You might even take a side trail that gets you lost and confused and you'll have to fight your way back. Every last vice, fault and rough edge will be explored, but you'll never have to travel alone, and if you hang in there, it'll be perfect like a refiner's fire." - Abby to Rebecca

Content: 1 scene where the characters have sex, mild language (situational), mentions of previous sexual assault and casual social drinking.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7140310503
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gt4lWC

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.