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Misty River #0.5

Take a Chance on Me

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When baker Penelope Quinn steps in to help her brother’s family through a medical crisis, she’s forced into close proximity with charming Air Force fighter pilot Eli Price.

Penelope has one iron-clad dating rule—she does not date airmen. Months ago, she relaxed her rule with Eli and immediately lived to regret it. After a long deployment, he’s now back in Misty River and, to her dismay, she finds him just as tempting as always.

Eli’s spent months thinking about funny, feisty, creative Penelope. He once leveraged his focus and drive to become a pilot, his childhood dream. Now he's set on leveraging that same focus and drive in order to convince Penelope to give him one more chance.

This romantic prequel novella introduces readers to the quaint mountain town of Misty River and a brand-new series from Christy-winning author Becky Wade!

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2020

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About the author

Becky Wade

24 books3,656 followers
Becky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas with their three children and one Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She loves penning sweet contemporary romances laced with sizzling chemistry, mystery, faith, banter, and humor. Her novels have been recognized with Carol Awards, INSPY awards, and a spot in the Christy Award Hall of Fame.

When she’s not at her computer, you’ll find her power-walking her neighborhood, driving carpool, eating chocolate, doing yoga, or admiring her dog.

Connect with Becky via her website at BeckyWade.com, on Facebook as Author Becky Wade and on Instagram as BeckyWadeWriter.

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5 stars
1,078 (42%)
4 stars
867 (34%)
3 stars
431 (17%)
2 stars
102 (4%)
1 star
43 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
Profile Image for Beth.
797 reviews354 followers
March 8, 2020
I thought this novella was cute! Despite it's brevity, it worked for me. The fact that Penelope and Eli have a history, and it's laid out well for the reader, takes away that moving too fast feeling that a lot of novellas give me.

Penelope's free-spirited nature won me over, and I like how she and Eli are foils for one another, but still have a deep connection point. Also, how cute is the idea of a camper for Penelope to sell her pies out of? I just loved that. I also appreciated Eli's character. I'm not sure when straight-forward male leads fell out of favor, but Wade brought one back with Eli. He wants to win Penelope back, and this time, he's not afraid to be honest and do what needs to be done to achieve that goal. He's unflappable but not pushy or into games, and that's just really attractive to me. Move over, brooding, hard-to-decipher heroes - give me the gentlemanly ones that make their intentions known. Unless he's walking on the moors with his shirttails flapping all Darcy-esque. But that's another story.

This novella has me pumped for book one in this series. I look forward to seeing these characters again and getting to know more about Misty River.
Profile Image for Tamara.
838 reviews12 followers
February 29, 2020
I loved Eli and Penelope, and I am looking forward to reading more about Sam!
Profile Image for Cara Putman.
Author 65 books1,845 followers
May 1, 2020
A sweet, quick read from one of my favorite authors for contemporary romance. Also a great introduction to her new series. Very much enjoyed diving into Misty River.
Profile Image for Becky.
752 reviews45 followers
May 27, 2020
This novella is so good! It has a sweet second chance romance, humor, a lovable kids' basketball team, and lots of pies that I would love to taste :-) It's a delightful preview to Wade's new series.
Profile Image for Emilee.
540 reviews110 followers
April 20, 2021
This is a fun novella. I love Becky Wade's story telling. This one really makes me excited for Book 1 in A Misty River Romance!
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,180 reviews589 followers
March 22, 2020
Take a Chance on Me was an awesome intro to Wade's new series! I enjoyed getting to know the characters and can't wait to read Stay with Me when it releases! I liked how Eli challenged the heroine to not think all airmen are the same and maybe her no-dating-airmen rule shouldn't apply to Eli. A great novella!

Purchased FREE on Amazon Kindle. Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/2xU8jYM
Profile Image for Natalie Walters.
Author 15 books1,160 followers
March 19, 2020
Loved this sweet novella so much!! This introduction to author, Becky Wade's newest series is the best kind of tease for what's coming. The romantic tension between Penelope and Eli was swoony and heartfelt and I couldn't resist rooting for them from page 1. As a military wife, I found the plot authentic and genuine, delivering a message of hope and promise in the unknown--something us military spouses know a thing about.

This is the perfect introduction to the next promising series by Ms. Wade and while she left me wanting more of Eli and Penelope, I truly cannot wait for what's to come!!
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,304 reviews302 followers
May 26, 2020
Great intro to a new series

Rules are made to be broken--right? Penelope refuses to date any of the airmen who come through the base near town...until Eli. There's something about him that makes her want to toss her rule aside.

I loved the way Wade develops this charming town into a place that makes the reader feels welcome and like an honorary citizen of, and this first installment allows the reader to get a grasp on the vibe. I'm excited to get a front row seat to this new series and look forward to meeting many more intriguing characters and their stories.

Content: mild romance; mild+ religion
Profile Image for Aimee (Getting Your Read On).
3,051 reviews282 followers
March 6, 2020
Short But Sweet

What a great prelude to this new series by Becky Wade. I'm so excited to read Stay With Me. This book was sweet and over way too soon. I enjoyed the characters and the story. And now I want to eat pie and hold a baby. 💚
Profile Image for MJSH.
1,214 reviews65 followers
June 12, 2020
I can’t believe this is the first Becky Wade book that I have read! Such great contemporary romance books that I’ve missed out on. You can be sure that I’ll be going to her backlist to gobble up all the books and be on the look out for her future releases. With smoothly flowing plot, deeply layered characters who are easy to empathize with, wonderful banter and clever writing, this novella will captivate you. The small tourist town of Misty River is absolutely enchanting and I can’t wait to go back there in Stay With Me.

Penelope is a creative, passionate, loyal baker set on not dating any men from the Air Force and Eli is a rule-following, loyal, tender, persistent, and goal-oriented fighter pilot determined to pursue Penelope. Penelope’s family (older brother Theo, his wife and baby) plays a big role in this story with medical and babysitting emergencies.

Anyone who enjoys contemporary romance will love this start to Misty River series. Becky Wade has found herself another gushing fan in this reader.
3,558 reviews1,752 followers
August 30, 2020
So, should we just get the cover love out of the way right off the top? I mean, seriously, in real life those eyes follow you everywhere. Paired with that hint of a smile...smelling salts may be required every time you reach for this book. Just sayin'.

This short and zippy novella is the perfect introduction to Misty River and don't be fooled by the shorter word count (131 p.) because Wade delivers the same type of detail in plot and characterization that she does with her full-length novels. And her word choice! Sheer magic!

Penelope with her reservations paired with Eli's single-minded pursuit make for plenty of delightful dialogue, flirty dances and bonding over newborn babysitting. Consider this your toe-curl alert.

You can bet I'll be hunting down the first book in the Misty River Romance series, Stay With Me, ASAP! But then we have to wait until the new year before book two releases. :-(
Profile Image for Rebekah Morris.
Author 113 books247 followers
March 22, 2021
This was an okay story. Some of it I liked. The relationship between Penelope and her brother was sweet. Eli was a great guy. I didn’t like Penelope’s “rule” and wondered if she had ever prayed about things or just made those sorts of life changing decisions on her own.
There were some kisses, some mentions of how someone looked. (Why do these authors think that all guys wear tight fitting shirts when they are in the military or work out?)
Overall it wasn’t really a book I’d read again. I might try another book by this author, but we’ll see.
Profile Image for Kailey.
757 reviews87 followers
March 19, 2020
I loved this one! I can’t wait to read this series!
Profile Image for Gloria.
995 reviews135 followers
March 2, 2020
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 NLT

This is a great introduction to a new series that takes place in small town Misty River in the north Georgia mountains where there is an Air Force base. Penelope Quinn bakes pies and sells them out of her old vintage trailer/food truck. She has a rule to never date a military man. She has mopped so many tears of her friends who had a bad experience with an Airman. Her brother Theo has a good friend, Eli Price, that he met through his adventure business when Eli hired Theo for a fishing expedition. Eli likes Penelope. A lot. But she has this rule. No matter how attractive and great Eli is. Eli is an F-22 pilot and has just returned to town after a trip to Syria and wants to get Penelope to go out with him. Can his charms win Penelope over?
I thoroughly enjoyed this quick and fun story. I found myself smiling and pulling for Eli, especially when he tries to fulfill all of Penelope's list for the perfect guy. I am looking forward to Eli's friend, Sam's story next.
This was a free prequel to the new Misty River Romance series.
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews255 followers
March 1, 2020
'Sometimes, in order to grab hold of something good, you had to empty your hands.'

I adore Becky Wade's books. I never miss a one. This is a prequel to her brand new series, Misty River Romance, and it is just precious. It sets the stage for the sweet little town featured in the series and we get to meet some of the folks who will be featured in the upcoming novels. Recommended.
Profile Image for Nicole.
381 reviews
March 8, 2020
Originally posted on Inkwell Inspirations

“She only wished that relationships were as simple as pie.”

Take a Chance on Me, the prequel to Becky Wade’s Misty River romance series, is the perfect novella for fans of contemporary romance. Award-winning author Becky Wade’s ability to create wonderful characters that her readers will fall in love with and her trademark humor shines through in this beautifully written novella. Becky Wade has been a long-time favorite author of mine, and I am guaranteed to love everything she writes.

Air Force fighter pilot Eli Price is back in town and determined to win back Penelope Quinn, owner of Polka-Dot Apron Pies. Penelope does not date airmen, but should she break her own rule (again) and give the handsome and charming Eli a second chance?

There were so many memorable moments in this novella, including a karaoke performance toward the end that completely stole my heart. Readers are also introduced to Eli’s friend Sam, who will play a starring role in Stay with Me, book one in the Misty River romance series, which releases in May 2020.

Take a Chance on Me is highly recommended for readers of contemporary romance, especially readers who enjoy books by Denise Hunter and Courtney Walsh. The sneak peek for Stay with Me at the end of the novella has me eagerly anticipating the release of Sam and Genevieve’s story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions expressed are mine.

“What could be a greater honor than loving and supporting someone who’s given their oath to protect their country and their countrymen, even at the cost of their own life?”
Profile Image for Amy.
684 reviews40 followers
March 2, 2020
Just enough to dangle the good stuff in front of your eyes and get you ready for this upcoming series! I love how Becky gives us both perspectives and in this case is adds to the tension and build up for both Penelope and Eli.

The way Becky writes her locations are spectacular. So vivid. More than just what’s happening to the characters, but all the extra sights and sounds going on around them. I love this about the way this author tells a story.

This is a novella - the prequel to her next series, and I can’t wait.

This story is free right now on Kindle.
Profile Image for Emily.
435 reviews59 followers
July 17, 2021
Ahhhhhhhhh

I want moooore!!! I LOVED this novella SO MUCH. First thing I’ve read straight through in...a loooong time. These characters were just. so. 👌🏼. And the story! I had a soft spot for the basketball subplot.
Profile Image for Dana Michael.
1,322 reviews131 followers
March 20, 2020
Y'all! Oh my goodness! This was such a fun and sweet read with laugh-out-loud moments. Just be ready for the baby sitting scenes. The H and H had me rolling on the floor laughing. I really loved this story. I just wished it was longer. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews73 followers
Want to read
March 10, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (3/10/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,381 reviews121 followers
March 5, 2020
This is a really cute novella to set up the Misty River series. We meet Penelope, her brother and his family and his best friend Eli.
Who else but Becky Wade could put together a romantic story that includes a brand new baby, a feisty cat, a hot fighter pilot, a pie baker and a Dr. Seuss book and make it fun! This is a great novella that gives us a taste of the quaint hometown with solid values and faith filled people.
I loved how Penelope gave Eli a challenge and the things he came up with to fulfill that challenge. Penelope learned that with wisdom from a friend and God’s help, her written-in-stone rules for herself could be modified.
Bring on the rest if the crowd! Sam’s story is next. I can’t wait!
*I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
January 27, 2022
Awwee! My heart. Such a sweet story and I loved the message that God directs our paths. He’s sees our plans and laughs at us. He is in control of it all!

Eli & Penelope were an adorable couple and I really enjoyed their story! I’m really excited about the next book in the series.

I loved the close family ties too! Theo & Aubrey we’re adorable too. It was just a cute, little read!

4/5 stars
Profile Image for Malia Saldaña.
292 reviews18 followers
April 5, 2020
This was such a cute book! I loved it! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Courtney Clark.
662 reviews107 followers
April 28, 2020
Becky Wade always writes perfect novellas. This one encapsulates a sweet love story, PIE, one adorable newborn, a heroine with a sense of humor (and a cat!) and fighter pilot with determination.
Profile Image for Rebekah Millet.
Author 3 books153 followers
March 9, 2020
Good gracious! Get ready to swoon over Eli! I devoured this novella and wished it didn’t have to end. I’m hoping to get a glimpse of my new favorite fighter pilot and Penelope as the Misty River Romance series continues. I don’t know of any other authors who write novellas like this for free as a gift to readers. Becky Wade is something else!
Profile Image for Christine Indorf.
1,114 reviews145 followers
March 29, 2020
What a fun read!! I just really loved the story. Eli loves Penelope and Penelope has a stick rule she will not date a military man which Eli is. When he 1st met her he didn't tell her he was going off to war. So when he came back he wanted her back. To do so he had to do 3 things to prove that he loved her. To be honest to her. write a poem, and make a fool of himself. Can he do all these things to win Penelope heart? Will she break her most important rule and date Eli. Such a fun read and I completely enjoy it. I am so glad to be reading Christian Fiction during this time. It makes me feel that God has got this!! Highly recommend!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews

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