What do you think?
Rate this book
Stay #1
Stay
Grace Walker doesn't do relationships. She spent her childhood in and out of foster homes, she and her siblings looking after each other when their drug-addicted mother couldn't. With such a dysfunctional family, Grace just doesn't think she's relationship material. She'd rather play the field and otherwise keep to herself. But then she runs into someone from her childhood: Eva Carrington, an orphaned heiress who did a brief stint in a children's home alongside Grace. The two felt a strong connection as children, and now that they're adults, it's even stronger. But Grace sticks to her guns: she doesn't do relationships, and she's certain kind, intelligent Eva deserves better than her anyway. But then someone else from the past hurts Eva badly to get revenge on Grace for some perceived slight, and Eva ends up pregnant. When she makes the difficult decision to have the baby, Grace promises to be there for mother and child no matter what. But with this makeshift family on her hands, can Grace keep pretending she doesn't love Eva?
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2019
94 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Arnold
14 books59 followersI grew up in Illinois, two blocks from my local library. I read pretty much whatever I could get my hands on, and when the story I wanted wasn't there, I made it up. I don't remember a time when I wasn't making up stories, but I believe I was 6 when I began writing them down. I still have the unicorn notebook that I wrote my first stories in! By the time I was 8, the stories became a regular escape. When school was boring or unpleasant, I retreated into my head and dealt with the situation by either narrating it or inventing a better one. Each doll I owned had an elaborate backstory in my mind.
In seventh grade, I won first place in a school contest for the best scary story, the prize being a gift certificate for the fall book fair. I was pretty thrilled about that, but I didn't really become disciplined about writing my stories down until towards the end of high school. In my first year of college, I began writing my first novel, though I never quite finished it. That didn't matter though; I was finally in the habit of writing on a daily basis, and this habit enabled me to start and finish multiple novels in the following years.
In 2004, I graduated from the University of Illinois with an education degree. I have spent the years since working in a day care, being a substitute teacher, and working as a special education TA. I never stopped finding the time to write though, and eventually I decided it was time to share those stories with the public!
Currently I am focused on writing, but may teach again in the future. I have an old house with lots of books, a spoiled cat named Lily Belle, and an obsessive interest in Doctor Who, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.
Visit me here: facebook.com.MichelleArnoldbooks
https://www.amazon.com/Michelle-Arnol...
In seventh grade, I won first place in a school contest for the best scary story, the prize being a gift certificate for the fall book fair. I was pretty thrilled about that, but I didn't really become disciplined about writing my stories down until towards the end of high school. In my first year of college, I began writing my first novel, though I never quite finished it. That didn't matter though; I was finally in the habit of writing on a daily basis, and this habit enabled me to start and finish multiple novels in the following years.
In 2004, I graduated from the University of Illinois with an education degree. I have spent the years since working in a day care, being a substitute teacher, and working as a special education TA. I never stopped finding the time to write though, and eventually I decided it was time to share those stories with the public!
Currently I am focused on writing, but may teach again in the future. I have an old house with lots of books, a spoiled cat named Lily Belle, and an obsessive interest in Doctor Who, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.
Visit me here: facebook.com.MichelleArnoldbooks
https://www.amazon.com/Michelle-Arnol...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 7, 2019
Wow!
What an emotional rollercoaster! The first part was hard to read but the second part was an amazingly beautiful love story with an adorable little gummy bear. I was deeply touched by the strength of their love. How they gave each other the courage to do what they did and to move forward emotionally. A must read that will bring you to tears of heartbreak, anger, frustration and also of happiness. Well done!
What an emotional rollercoaster! The first part was hard to read but the second part was an amazingly beautiful love story with an adorable little gummy bear. I was deeply touched by the strength of their love. How they gave each other the courage to do what they did and to move forward emotionally. A must read that will bring you to tears of heartbreak, anger, frustration and also of happiness. Well done!
December 16, 2022
Amazing Book But Hard To Read
I know a confusing tag line but it really is an amazing book and hard to read at the same time.The two MC’S. meet at the beginning in children’s home get separated and finally meet years later and begin a friendship again .Thing take a turn for the worse when a psychotic stalkers appears and kidnaps and rapes one of the mc’s.The rest of the book then deals with the after effects of the rape and kidnapping on the mc’s it pulls no punches but it does so in an emotional and very well written way it’s well worth a read but be prepared for a rollercoaster of mixed emotions
I know a confusing tag line but it really is an amazing book and hard to read at the same time.The two MC’S. meet at the beginning in children’s home get separated and finally meet years later and begin a friendship again .Thing take a turn for the worse when a psychotic stalkers appears and kidnaps and rapes one of the mc’s.The rest of the book then deals with the after effects of the rape and kidnapping on the mc’s it pulls no punches but it does so in an emotional and very well written way it’s well worth a read but be prepared for a rollercoaster of mixed emotions
February 18, 2020
Didn't really work for me - sold on the premise and brought the prologue, but the writing didn't grab me - I found myself skipping chapters and missing nothing.
May 25, 2019
This was part thriller and part romance. I liked reading it despite the hard to read scenes in the book. The romance was better done than the scary thriller part that was too contrived for my taste. You could feel the bond and trust between Eva and Grace and the love the felt for each other. 4 stars
May 17, 2019
Loved this book. Somewhat different to Michelle's Detective series. A perfect friends to lovers rance with a touch of angst thrown in.. But mainly, it's a lovely tale of two people finding each other when they needed each other most.
June 13, 2019
Very good story
This story was well written. Being a retired child welfare administrator I’m comfortable saying that the storyline was written tastefully and with dignity. Eva and Grace were very sweet characters that went through horrible ordeals but ultimately had their HEA. Tory was adorable. Little gummy bear was the ray of sunshine and love for Eva and Grace. Well done!
This story was well written. Being a retired child welfare administrator I’m comfortable saying that the storyline was written tastefully and with dignity. Eva and Grace were very sweet characters that went through horrible ordeals but ultimately had their HEA. Tory was adorable. Little gummy bear was the ray of sunshine and love for Eva and Grace. Well done!
May 24, 2019
Fantastic read
Fantastic. This author has got another winner to her name. This is as good, if not better, than her Detective Sadler series. I loved the story line. The characters of Eva and Grace are just superb. They are both sweethearts. This one tugs at the heart strings. Would definitely recommend reading this book.
Fantastic. This author has got another winner to her name. This is as good, if not better, than her Detective Sadler series. I loved the story line. The characters of Eva and Grace are just superb. They are both sweethearts. This one tugs at the heart strings. Would definitely recommend reading this book.
January 14, 2026
4.5⭐
The second half was so extremely sweet, I love it.
I didn't love the first part of the book, it all felt a little bit rushed, that's why I'm not giving it 5 stars.
Despite really enjoying this one I'm not going to pick up the second book.
I'm content with how this one ended and after reading what the sequel is about, I'm really not interested.
The second half was so extremely sweet, I love it.
I didn't love the first part of the book, it all felt a little bit rushed, that's why I'm not giving it 5 stars.
Despite really enjoying this one I'm not going to pick up the second book.
I'm content with how this one ended and after reading what the sequel is about, I'm really not interested.
January 9, 2020
Out of an act of violence came joy and happiness. These two characters were always meant to be together. They have so much love and an amazing outlook for the future. I found the narrator a little fast but she reflected the emotions of the characters wonderfully. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook.
October 25, 2019
This is a wonderful story about 2 people struck by some kind of unfortunate incident that got them together at last.
May 29, 2019
This was a fantastic new story from Michelle Arnold.
Grace and Eva’s emotional tale will take you on a ride as they fight for the happiness that they both deserve. After a difficult start in life for both characters, with very different experiences of life, it was amazing to see that no matter where you come from your past won’t define you or your life. Grace and Eva share similar vulnerabilities that as a reader we are lucky enough to see in this beautiful romance.
I was gripped by the whole story and the delicate balance between drama and romance. Laced with cute moments, and a little humour just made the whole reading experience realistic. As with any romance there has to be drama and Michelle has given us her own unique spin on this in Stay, which I absolutely love. I also adored the background story interwoven into the plot that explained Grace and Eva’s past, how they knew each other, and how their relationship formed.
They overcome so much in this story that I am a little in awe of Grace and Eva’s strength and determination. The characters really convey this strongly making them easy to connect with, and from the very beginning I was completely invested in them. Grace is cute and a little rough around the edges, a contrast to Eva completely and that is what really makes their dynamic work so well.
I highly recommend this story for any romance lover, it really was very sweet and filled with excitement that made it very difficult to put down. As much as I love Michelle Arnold’s Amy Sadler Detective Mysteries, and love that there are a few traits of those stories in Stay, I really think this is Michelle’s best story yet!
Grace and Eva’s emotional tale will take you on a ride as they fight for the happiness that they both deserve. After a difficult start in life for both characters, with very different experiences of life, it was amazing to see that no matter where you come from your past won’t define you or your life. Grace and Eva share similar vulnerabilities that as a reader we are lucky enough to see in this beautiful romance.
I was gripped by the whole story and the delicate balance between drama and romance. Laced with cute moments, and a little humour just made the whole reading experience realistic. As with any romance there has to be drama and Michelle has given us her own unique spin on this in Stay, which I absolutely love. I also adored the background story interwoven into the plot that explained Grace and Eva’s past, how they knew each other, and how their relationship formed.
They overcome so much in this story that I am a little in awe of Grace and Eva’s strength and determination. The characters really convey this strongly making them easy to connect with, and from the very beginning I was completely invested in them. Grace is cute and a little rough around the edges, a contrast to Eva completely and that is what really makes their dynamic work so well.
I highly recommend this story for any romance lover, it really was very sweet and filled with excitement that made it very difficult to put down. As much as I love Michelle Arnold’s Amy Sadler Detective Mysteries, and love that there are a few traits of those stories in Stay, I really think this is Michelle’s best story yet!
May 26, 2019
Stay by Michelle Arnold is an excellent novel about two women in love who face several harrowing experiences together. The main characters choose to embrace their love for each other and refuse to be broken by the worst challenges that life has to offer. The book manages to capture a troubling storyline and creates a moving love story that doesn't stop when the couple fall in love. The cover art adds a wonderful expression of the natural balance of light and darkness as a woman stretches up to tiny crescent moon. Stay packs a heavyweight punch, but love comes to the rescue with a womanly velvet touch.
May 28, 2019
I'm tossing between thinking this book was just okay and liking it more than okay. Eva's a great character and what happened to her was just totally messed up, and that conflict she was going through was believable. I liked Grace's fierce determination to protect Eva and the baby.
May 13, 2021
DNF. Everything was happening so fast, i didn’t have time to feel them as characters and their love
March 29, 2024
Hard read. Emotions for the reader
May 16, 2020
Beautiful love story
Beautiful story about two women who bound as children, are separated, reunite years later & immediately reconnect but both are afraid to admit they’re in love with each other. The story takes a dark turn but great things can come from tragedy, as this story proves. Wonderful book.
Beautiful story about two women who bound as children, are separated, reunite years later & immediately reconnect but both are afraid to admit they’re in love with each other. The story takes a dark turn but great things can come from tragedy, as this story proves. Wonderful book.
dnf
October 20, 2023DNF @ 57%
June 1, 2019
Lovey
I could not get enough of this book
I love the characters and the story line,which was also sad but the story turned into something special.
I could not get enough of this book
I love the characters and the story line,which was also sad but the story turned into something special.
June 17, 2019
Excellent book looking forward to reading other books by this author
April 9, 2020
Silver linings love story
“You can’t enjoy life if you’re trying to find something that’s purely good, that isn’t tainted in any way. You just have to enjoy the good things you do have, regardless of how they came about.”
+ • + • + • +
An intriguing book about two women, shaped & scarred by life's unfairness mercilessly since birth, who both are working on building a romantic relationship together, finding, nurturing & sustaining love in/for each other that bestows peace, joy & safety to heal the wounds & override the damages & darkness in their pasts.
“You can’t enjoy life if you’re trying to find something that’s purely good, that isn’t tainted in any way. You just have to enjoy the good things you do have, regardless of how they came about.”
+ • + • + • +
An intriguing book about two women, shaped & scarred by life's unfairness mercilessly since birth, who both are working on building a romantic relationship together, finding, nurturing & sustaining love in/for each other that bestows peace, joy & safety to heal the wounds & override the damages & darkness in their pasts.
October 24, 2020
Despite the serious subject matter and interesting premise, and even the clear connection with the MCs I found I couldn't connect to the story or characters.
I very much felt like I was being told not shown all that was happening. I never felt it. The narrative seemed very basic in the way it was written as well as their dialogue. It is also very predictable, which is fine but add it all up and you get a very flat feeling.
I very much felt like I was being told not shown all that was happening. I never felt it. The narrative seemed very basic in the way it was written as well as their dialogue. It is also very predictable, which is fine but add it all up and you get a very flat feeling.
March 1, 2024
A Perfect nerdy geeky platform to explain a horrid journey. The conversations between the main characters who were in a children's home together before fostered out, is calm and exploratory when they meet again. Horrendous things happen to good people . Michelle Arnold is experienced in writing leading to kindness and romance in her characters. Couldn't put this down
February 9, 2021
Fee Fire Trucks
Two books in one you don’t have everyday. Book one centered on a tragedy with a bad ending. Book two turns the bad into good and created a happy family. Off to my next Adventure.
Two books in one you don’t have everyday. Book one centered on a tragedy with a bad ending. Book two turns the bad into good and created a happy family. Off to my next Adventure.
May 4, 2025
I must be one of the few who had a hard time with this book, as many reviews are very positive. I almost DNF'd it, but I always try to finish what I start, so I gave it a chance. Unfortunately, it was extremely difficult to get through. The main plot, which was interesting, wrapped up about 40% of the way in, leaving the rest feeling like filler that could have been much shorter.
Everything felt rushed, and I didn't feel any connection or chemistry between the characters. Some of the things the characters said during certain events were shocking; I found myself thinking, "You do not say that to someone who has been through this," or "This is such an inappropriate time to bring that up."
The "spicy" scenes missed the mark for me as well—there was no real description, and they were over in the blink of an eye. I really hoped the book would improve as I read. I've enjoyed other works by this author, so I was disappointed that this one didn't meet my expectations. I will still read the sequel, as I'm committed, and I hope it will have a more consistent plot that carries through the entire book and not just the first part.
Everything felt rushed, and I didn't feel any connection or chemistry between the characters. Some of the things the characters said during certain events were shocking; I found myself thinking, "You do not say that to someone who has been through this," or "This is such an inappropriate time to bring that up."
The "spicy" scenes missed the mark for me as well—there was no real description, and they were over in the blink of an eye. I really hoped the book would improve as I read. I've enjoyed other works by this author, so I was disappointed that this one didn't meet my expectations. I will still read the sequel, as I'm committed, and I hope it will have a more consistent plot that carries through the entire book and not just the first part.
August 15, 2019
Hard to put down
While the synopsis of the book doesn’t have a clear trigger warning, it is easy enough to realize something horrible happens in the book.
I like how the main characters work around the problems that event (and others) made. As much as they danced around their feelings for each other, it seems they wouldn’t be able to do that, but when it happened, it happened quite naturally. And a number of the conversations they had after that were quite funny and refreshing.
While the synopsis of the book doesn’t have a clear trigger warning, it is easy enough to realize something horrible happens in the book.
I like how the main characters work around the problems that event (and others) made. As much as they danced around their feelings for each other, it seems they wouldn’t be able to do that, but when it happened, it happened quite naturally. And a number of the conversations they had after that were quite funny and refreshing.
August 18, 2019
Upsettingly Good!
I was captured from the beginning words of this story. The chemistry between Eve and Grace kept this story from getting stale. The subject matter and tragedy that they had to deal with lend to this engrossing the reader. The mystery itself made for good and exciting reading. I found that after the excitement of the torment was solved that the rest of the story started to lag a little. We definitely felt how their love grew. With everything going on it still gets the five star rating.
I was captured from the beginning words of this story. The chemistry between Eve and Grace kept this story from getting stale. The subject matter and tragedy that they had to deal with lend to this engrossing the reader. The mystery itself made for good and exciting reading. I found that after the excitement of the torment was solved that the rest of the story started to lag a little. We definitely felt how their love grew. With everything going on it still gets the five star rating.
September 9, 2021
Excellent
This was a very interesting book. Very well written. Dealt with very difficult situation with a hand that was just rite. Not to heavy but still stir your emotions not easy to do.Both main characters were very easy to love engaging warm with a lot of depth Also laughter as well as tears.First time read this author will look for more Highly recommend
This was a very interesting book. Very well written. Dealt with very difficult situation with a hand that was just rite. Not to heavy but still stir your emotions not easy to do.Both main characters were very easy to love engaging warm with a lot of depth Also laughter as well as tears.First time read this author will look for more Highly recommend
May 7, 2023
First off I really love the main characters in this book. They come from very different backgrounds, yet find ( then re-find) each other and bond amidst tragic circumstances.
Their relationship is really loving and stable despite a terrible event and complicated aftermath.
Great book, unique storyline, so hard to put down!
Their relationship is really loving and stable despite a terrible event and complicated aftermath.
Great book, unique storyline, so hard to put down!
May 28, 2020
Fabulous book
I loved this book. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking and funny at times. I like when they met they had an instant connection. Then they were there for each other thru everything. Then they ended up with the family both wanted.
I loved this book. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking and funny at times. I like when they met they had an instant connection. Then they were there for each other thru everything. Then they ended up with the family both wanted.
June 5, 2021
I couldn't really relate to the MC's. A lot of heavy stuff happened that was not easy to read. Heavy stuff in a book is not a problem for me as long as it's handled with the emotions it should come with. And that felt lacking for me. Well written but the plot was over the top.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews