Book Review: Stay With Me by Maria Friesen
When I first stumbled upon Stay With Me by Maria Friesen, the premise immediately drew me in. A young girl navigating the sharp edges of grief and guilt against the serene backdrop of rural Kansas? It felt all too familiar, reminiscent of my own teenage struggles. It’s intriguing how a well-crafted story can encourage us to confront our emotions and make us feel less alone. Friesen’s debut is more than just a love story; it’s a graceful exploration of healing, redemption, and the complexities of forgiveness.
At its heart, Stay With Me follows sixteen-year-old Olivia Crandell, whose life takes a heavy turn after the tragic death of her father. Burdened by guilt and feeling the weight of her mother’s unspoken judgment, Olivia finds herself uprooted from the city, thrust into a new life on a farm with a stepfather she doesn’t know how to connect with. The relentless tornado of her emotions—rage, sorrow, and confusion—makes her journey deeply relatable. As readers, we can’t help but empathize with Olivia’s struggles, especially when she meets Josh, a character equally haunted by his own past.
The dynamic between Olivia and Josh is raw and electric. Initially, he seems an unlikely ally—a reckless, troubled boy who challenges Olivia’s outlook and offers a glimpse of understanding. Their relationship serves as a mirror reflecting both the darkness they navigate and the flickering hope of healing. Friesen expertly weaves their narratives together, creating a tapestry of two hearts searching for solace amidst their turmoil.
Friesen’s writing style is both approachable and poignant. She has a knack for capturing the simple, profound moments of life, often bringing tears to my eyes as I read. Her evocative descriptions of Kansas’ landscapes make me feel the swaying fields and the weight of the skies, grounding the story in a tangible reality that contrasts beautifully with the tumult in Olivia’s heart. The pacing felt just right, allowing me to soak in Olivia’s complex emotions while keeping me eager to turn the pages.
One memorable line that struck me was, “Forgiveness is not forgetting; it’s letting go of the hurt.” This encapsulates the heart of Stay With Me—a reminder that acknowledging pain is part of the journey toward healing, not an admission of defeat. It resonated with me personally and struck a chord that lingered long after I closed the book.
I believe this novel is perfect for young adults grappling with feelings of loss, guilt, and the quest for identity. Readers who appreciate Christian fiction grounded in real-life struggles will find solace and inspiration in Friesen’s narrative. For those who have ever felt caught between the scars of their past and the hope of a better tomorrow, Stay With Me offers a powerful message: healing is not only possible but necessary.
Personally, the reading experience felt like a gentle reminder of my own journey through grief and the importance of connection in moving forward. I closed the book filled with hope and gratitude, already eager to revisit Olivia and Josh’s story again. So take a moment, pick up Stay With Me, and allow your heart to embrace its beautiful, transformative message. Your heart will undoubtedly thank you.