Into the Fire

Turn to Me by Becky Wade is the final story in A Misty River Romance Series. 

Luke Dempsey made a promise to a dying man in prison, the one friend he had while he served his 7-year sentence for car crimes. When Luke's released, he dreads making good on that promise, but he's a man of his word even if he figures his word isn't worth much to anyone – nor should it be in his opinion. As the date approaches one month after his release from prison, he finds Finley Sutherland's animal rescue with the stupid name and reports for work not expecting Finley to look like she does in two specific ways: first, she's beautiful and second, she dresses like a hippie. 

Luke's personal history is the albatross he wears like a shield from feeling anything of value about himself and uses his horrid guilt to assuage most contact and conversation, denying himself old friendships and relationships of any kind. The last thing he wants to do is work in this shelter since animals have never been his thing. But that promise he made to protect the dying man's daughter as she takes part in their traditional birthday treasure hunt struck him as an obstacle to be overcome quickly so he could reach his goal of moving to Montana to build the house he'd designed in his mind for the past seven years while his significant IT skills provided a good job and an income. But, no, he's stuck building a new website for Finley's rescue business and assisting her in a silly treasure hunt. 

There are some hilarious moments in Turn to Me knotted together with some that can elicit tears. One of the funny ones is when Finley keeps to her rules for new employees fostering a dog. When Luke staunchly refuses to take home a crazy-looking puppy named Agatha, Finley insists it's "policy". The weekend that ensues is laugh out loud funny later accompanied by the business's faithful employee Trish using her voice to sing Christmas carols to calm the raucous puppy. When Luke threatens to turn Agatha loose on the freeway before Finley can find a "forever family" to adopt her, he's only partially grateful when that family takes her home – but he doesn't plan on revealing that to anyone – especially himself. 

You want good romance? Here are a few great lines from the story.

     Chase [Finley's former fiancé who was killed in a car accident] had taken part in peace demonstrations.

     Luke could probably kill someone with his bare hands.

     Surely this . . . consciousness of him . . . was a passing whim. He had the appeal of a destination like Morocco. You'd see pictures of Morocco, and it was so different from anywhere you'd ever been or planned to go that you'd feel a tug of fascination. But then reality would set in and you'd realize, no, no. 

And later in the story: 

     ". . . And you'll only have Agatha to yourself in the evenings. Others will take over when you're here."

     "Fine." He moved to the door, eager to be free of the closeness of the small office and the scent of her perfume. That scent made him think of spending the day in bed with her, surrounded by twisted sheets that smelled like an orange grove in spring. 

Needless to say, the treasure hunt proves challenging and dangerous. When that danger hits hard, Luke comes face-to-face with the fact God will use whatever He must to get those He loves back to Him. 

This is a love story with multiple layers both human and spiritual, a romance with vivid writing and lovely imagery, a story that will fill you up with the facets of redemption often overlooked. Might be my favorite next to My Stubborn Heart. Highly recommend Turn to Me. 

Father, you know exactly what Becky needs and when she needs it most. I pray you would provide it in ways she will recognize as your special gifts to her. Bless her in every way. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.