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Bradford Sisters #2.5
Because of You
Chocolate shop manager Maddie Winslow has been harboring a secret crush. The object of her long-time infatuation? Widowed history professor Leo Donnelly.
Single dad Leo is brainy, handsome, and kind. But for the past few years since his wife's death, he's been solely focused on his young son, their shared grief, and work. Lonely and overwhelmed, he hasn't once considered dating.
Maddie knows that Leo views her as nothing more than his former wife's friend. However, when their church asks the two of them to provide Christmas gifts to a family in need, and they work together toward that goal, Leo's feelings for Maddie begin to deepen. New hope blossoms between them.
After Maddie discovers a family heirloom brooch rumored to bring romance to its owner, she begins to wonder. Might it finally be her turn for true love?
Visit the quaint small town of Merryweather, Washington at Christmastime through the pages of this charming, faith-filled romance!
Single dad Leo is brainy, handsome, and kind. But for the past few years since his wife's death, he's been solely focused on his young son, their shared grief, and work. Lonely and overwhelmed, he hasn't once considered dating.
Maddie knows that Leo views her as nothing more than his former wife's friend. However, when their church asks the two of them to provide Christmas gifts to a family in need, and they work together toward that goal, Leo's feelings for Maddie begin to deepen. New hope blossoms between them.
After Maddie discovers a family heirloom brooch rumored to bring romance to its owner, she begins to wonder. Might it finally be her turn for true love?
Visit the quaint small town of Merryweather, Washington at Christmastime through the pages of this charming, faith-filled romance!
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2019
174 people are currently reading
736 people want to read
About the author
Becky Wade
25 books4,033 followersBecky’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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
December 19, 2021
I enjoyed this Christmas novella so much! I loved Leo and Maddie. They’re adorable together, and Charlie was so cute. This is definitely my favorite of the series so far. I love that cover. It’s so pretty!
August 28, 2019
Because of You by Becky Wade | Book Review
THE STORY | Working with her best friend and living in a small town is enough for Maddie Winslow. Or it was. Then her best friend’s widowed husband, Leo Donnelly moved back, and something in Maddie shifts. She comes to adore the young son her friend leaves behind, and his father never ceases to cause Maddie’s heart to flutter.
Before Maddie or Leo can sort through these feelings, the memory of the woman they both love reappears…
REVIEW | Anytime Becky Wade puts a new book in the world, I am there for it. The same goes for this novella. Part of the Christmas Heirloom collection (released through Bethany House), the book contains four novellas, all by popular BH authors. The stories take us from the Regency era to today, and all share a thread of connection through an ancestral broach.
With its story of unrequited love, Becky weaves a romance that captures the reader’s interest. Inside these few pages is a story that feels full, and if not totally settled, hopeful (as it should) in the future of these character’s lives. Leo is a wonderful leading man who I’m sorry not to know better. There's a genuine depth to his dilemma, and an emotional quandary that we understand. Of course, in addition to the other characters, there's also great joy to have cameos from the Bradford sisters!
If you want a short and sweet read that’s also a good seasonal pick-me-up, look no further than Because of You. It has a lovely love story that ends on a kind of promise, and I love this. In short, like its page count, this novella is a sweet slip of a story to one of our favorite fictional worlds, and it’s fiction bliss.
I received this product from the author, and publisher (thank you!) for review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
THE STORY | Working with her best friend and living in a small town is enough for Maddie Winslow. Or it was. Then her best friend’s widowed husband, Leo Donnelly moved back, and something in Maddie shifts. She comes to adore the young son her friend leaves behind, and his father never ceases to cause Maddie’s heart to flutter.
Before Maddie or Leo can sort through these feelings, the memory of the woman they both love reappears…
REVIEW | Anytime Becky Wade puts a new book in the world, I am there for it. The same goes for this novella. Part of the Christmas Heirloom collection (released through Bethany House), the book contains four novellas, all by popular BH authors. The stories take us from the Regency era to today, and all share a thread of connection through an ancestral broach.
With its story of unrequited love, Becky weaves a romance that captures the reader’s interest. Inside these few pages is a story that feels full, and if not totally settled, hopeful (as it should) in the future of these character’s lives. Leo is a wonderful leading man who I’m sorry not to know better. There's a genuine depth to his dilemma, and an emotional quandary that we understand. Of course, in addition to the other characters, there's also great joy to have cameos from the Bradford sisters!
If you want a short and sweet read that’s also a good seasonal pick-me-up, look no further than Because of You. It has a lovely love story that ends on a kind of promise, and I love this. In short, like its page count, this novella is a sweet slip of a story to one of our favorite fictional worlds, and it’s fiction bliss.
I received this product from the author, and publisher (thank you!) for review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
March 21, 2023
3.5🌟 I really like Leo & Maddie💗(love an intelligent & introverted hero). I wish there was more time to develop their romantic connection on page but that’s purely the nature of the beast with novellas. 🙂 I can’t help but wish Maddie was not friends with Leo’s deceased wife; it was more bitter than sweet to me.
September 11, 2019
This is a heartwarming story of how two people find each other after a tragedy. Listed as 2.5 in the Bradford Sisters series, this novella can be enjoyed without reading the rest of the series. I love the characters of Maddie who works at Britt's Sweet Arts chocolate shop and Leo, a professor at the local Abbott College and a single father to three year old Charlie. Although they have known each other for a while, the story of how they come together is beautiful. As in all of the books I have read by this author, Becky Wade's faith comes through in an inspiring way. She shows the struggle Christians face in their everyday lives as they try to follow God. I really love this novella and only wished it was longer. I want more of Maddie and Leo and also little Charlie!
November 15, 2019
SERIOUSLY loved this!
December 17, 2020
in order to receive God’s provision, you first had to be humble enough to ask for help.
We briefly met Maddie in the Bradford sister books as she works in Britt's cholate shop. This was a sweet novella and I loved how the author carried over the true meaning about Christmas.
Leo was a great match for Maddie and his little boy too cute! I also feel the struggles Leo and Maddie had with moving on with a relationship after Olivia's death was realistic and well handled.
God had a plan and He was sovereign
This was a quick sweet read for those who is looking for something short to read.
We briefly met Maddie in the Bradford sister books as she works in Britt's cholate shop. This was a sweet novella and I loved how the author carried over the true meaning about Christmas.
Leo was a great match for Maddie and his little boy too cute! I also feel the struggles Leo and Maddie had with moving on with a relationship after Olivia's death was realistic and well handled.
God had a plan and He was sovereign
This was a quick sweet read for those who is looking for something short to read.
January 2, 2020
A cute Christmas novella. Really enjoyed it and appreciated it was a quick read.
October 14, 2019
Because of You, by Becky Wade
Last novella in The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love through the Generations
Present Day, Merryweather, WA
In true Becky Wade style our story has drama mixed with good hearted fun, and (yay) characters from her Bradford Sisters Romances are back.
A sweet story about a church’s “giving-ministry” that Leo and Maddie are heading up this year. Maddie was best friends with Leo’s late wife. They are chosen to be a team to see that a needy family is blessed abundantly with Christmas presents and the Love of God. As they work together, a fondness for each other grows to deep feelings.
A brooch Maddie found, while foraging through her old things for garage sale items, had been placed in a box and forgotten by her mother. It turned out to be a wonderful surprise .
Very clean with warm fuzzies.
Last novella in The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love through the Generations
Present Day, Merryweather, WA
In true Becky Wade style our story has drama mixed with good hearted fun, and (yay) characters from her Bradford Sisters Romances are back.
A sweet story about a church’s “giving-ministry” that Leo and Maddie are heading up this year. Maddie was best friends with Leo’s late wife. They are chosen to be a team to see that a needy family is blessed abundantly with Christmas presents and the Love of God. As they work together, a fondness for each other grows to deep feelings.
A brooch Maddie found, while foraging through her old things for garage sale items, had been placed in a box and forgotten by her mother. It turned out to be a wonderful surprise .
Very clean with warm fuzzies.
December 17, 2019
This novella ties in to Becky’s “Bradford Sisters Romance” series in setting. Besides the fun cameos of familiar characters, this story wonderfully concluded the collection with a friendship-to-romance plot that touched on the nostalgia of the season but focused more on the joy in serving. It also handled themes of grief in a very real and tangible way, having both Leo and Maddie come to terms with honoring the past and choosing joy and good things for the future. It ended with great possibility, not with everything worked out. and I liked that.
Thanks to Netgalley for the review copy. This is my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley for the review copy. This is my honest review.
October 20, 2019
4+ Stars
A sweet, short story, that will leave you with a warm heart and a smile!
A sweet, short story, that will leave you with a warm heart and a smile!
December 18, 2025
Because of You, by Becky Wade- 2.5 stars.
This contemporary romance was average. Nice and easy.
I read this in an anthology of 4 interconnected novellas called The Christmas Heirloom. This novella was the 4th in the anthology. (I liked the 2nd novella a lot but the other 3 weren’t good.)
Content- clean
Format- audiobook via Audible ($5)
Narration- fine
This contemporary romance was average. Nice and easy.
I read this in an anthology of 4 interconnected novellas called The Christmas Heirloom. This novella was the 4th in the anthology. (I liked the 2nd novella a lot but the other 3 weren’t good.)
Content- clean
Format- audiobook via Audible ($5)
Narration- fine
June 13, 2024
It was a cute novella. I haven’t read the series yet but this novella definitely whet my appetite for the other three full length books about the Bradford sisters. Maddie and Leo were awkwardly sweet and tender together. I loved Leo’s son and his adorable cuteness. Overall an enjoyably quick read.
September 5, 2020
Maddie and Leo were so sweet together. I love that they had that connection through Olivia and were able to grow their relationship from there. Such a sweet story.
December 7, 2025
3.5 stars. I liked it but didn’t love it. For such a short book it felt repetitive. The situation was a little awkward but I loved the characters and trusting in the Lord
December 21, 2025
This could have been devastatingly good if it wasn’t so short. I needed more angst people !!!
October 20, 2019
This book was just like every other book of Becky Wade's that I've read - fabulous! I could barely put it down from the first page. I really felt for Maddie when I learned of her long-harboured feelings for Leo. I thought her feelings through the entire story were very realistic. And Leo...oh my. What a hero! I loved how he stood up to his mother-in-law! My favorite scene in the book is when Leo and Maddie are having lunch to plan their Mission:Christmas project and Maddie starts taking pictures of her meal for her Instagram account. Leo seems befuddled, yet fascinated by this. I thought it was very cute. If you like contemporary Christian fiction, I HIGHLY recommend this book!
November 30, 2021
In short…I dislike novellas. It wasn’t the story’s fault. Really, it was a cute idea. Kind of strange but cute. The whole book I was thinking “if I had a crush on my besties husband and then she died and I married him that would make me more uncomfortable than probably anything else. I’m pretty sure she would haunt me😂I also know that if I had a crush on a guy and she started dating him than we would have a serious discussion. And if it came down to it, we’d both drop him like a hot potato if it would make or break our friendship. Anyway whatever. It’s was fine I guess😂
December 8, 2020
Enjoyed this a lot more after reading the series and in the context of the Christmas Heirloom collection. Maddie is a spunky character. Fun, yet touching story. 4.5 stars
May 2, 2020
Sweet Christmas love story.
My only complaint was that it was too short.
(which is why novellas are not my fav....)
But...this was an awesome story.
My only complaint was that it was too short.
(which is why novellas are not my fav....)
But...this was an awesome story.
May 12, 2020
This is pretty much a sweet, clean story with bare minimum conflict. The brooch didn't have much to add, though I'm wondering if it'll be used in other stories of the series.
December 22, 2020
The first book written by Becky Wade that I ever read was My Stubborn Heart. I loved that book. Loved it so much that I re-read it a couple of times. When I started reading Because Of You, I felt the same draw that took me to the magical place that fiction is supposed to. Because Of You was a heartwarming novella, rich with memories and romance that was shy and pure. I loved how Becky took me on this journey with Maddie and Leo.
Leo lost his wife two years ago, leaving behind little Charlie. Maddie was Olivia's best friend. Although Maddie had a crush on Leo years ago, as Olivia's best friend, she knew that it was hands off to pursue a relationship with Leo. But working together with Leo on Mission:Christmas drew them together. Maddie feels guilt for liking Leo, and Leo is surprised by his growing feelings for Maddie.
The one part that I really embraced was when Maddie comes to a crossroad. Maddies loyalty to Olivia takes over her emotions. Would Olivia want Leo to remain faithful to Olivia until his death? As Maddie stands on the precipice, she breathes in God's answer. Such a beautiful prayer. One I can almost relate to.
This is absolutely a 5+ story.
Leo lost his wife two years ago, leaving behind little Charlie. Maddie was Olivia's best friend. Although Maddie had a crush on Leo years ago, as Olivia's best friend, she knew that it was hands off to pursue a relationship with Leo. But working together with Leo on Mission:Christmas drew them together. Maddie feels guilt for liking Leo, and Leo is surprised by his growing feelings for Maddie.
The one part that I really embraced was when Maddie comes to a crossroad. Maddies loyalty to Olivia takes over her emotions. Would Olivia want Leo to remain faithful to Olivia until his death? As Maddie stands on the precipice, she breathes in God's answer. Such a beautiful prayer. One I can almost relate to.
This is absolutely a 5+ story.
December 14, 2020
A beautiful, sweet Christmas love story! It is the perfect story to remind us of what the true meaning of Christmas is all about, celebrating the birth of Christ and serving others. I loved Mission: Christmas! What a great idea for all of us to follow.
We get to catch up with our beloved Bradford sisters and get to know their sweet friend, Maddie. Maddie is a generous, sweet soul who must learn to give herself grace. We also are introduced to Leo who is the widow of Maddie & Britt’s best friend, Olivia. Leo is trying to find his way in life after the loss of his wife and being thrust into single parenthood by raising their son, Charlie. Together, Maddie & Leo work to accomplish Mission: Christmas for a family in need and just might discover things about themselves.
We get to catch up with our beloved Bradford sisters and get to know their sweet friend, Maddie. Maddie is a generous, sweet soul who must learn to give herself grace. We also are introduced to Leo who is the widow of Maddie & Britt’s best friend, Olivia. Leo is trying to find his way in life after the loss of his wife and being thrust into single parenthood by raising their son, Charlie. Together, Maddie & Leo work to accomplish Mission: Christmas for a family in need and just might discover things about themselves.
March 24, 2024
Maddie Winslow manages Sweet Art, Britt Bradford's chocolate shop. Leo Donnelly is a college history professor. Maddie has had a crush on Leo for six years, the first three and a half while married to her friend Olivia. Since Olivia's death, they have been grieving. When Leo and Maddie are assigned to work on a Christmas project at church together, their attraction becomes mutual.
Because of You is part of Becky Wade's A Bradford Sisters Romance series. This contemporary novella contains Maddie and Leo's story and keeps the sisters' storylines moving forward in preparation for the final book. I liked it.
I purchased a paperback copy of The Christmas Heirloom, of which this novella is a part.
Because of You is part of Becky Wade's A Bradford Sisters Romance series. This contemporary novella contains Maddie and Leo's story and keeps the sisters' storylines moving forward in preparation for the final book. I liked it.
I purchased a paperback copy of The Christmas Heirloom, of which this novella is a part.
December 27, 2022
**cue the heart eyes!**
I absolutely loved Maddie & Leo! This sweet Christmas story was perfect in its simplicity and I loved the second chance at love aspect too! Moving on after losing someone you love is never easy and I love that Leo & Maddie both knew and loved Olivia and will be able to carry on her memory together, even as they begin this new relationship. The fact that they fell in love while helping another family at Christmas time just made the story even better!
I also love that I got to visit Merryweather and the Bradford sisters one more time! I loved this series so much and this novella was just the icing on the cake!
I absolutely loved Maddie & Leo! This sweet Christmas story was perfect in its simplicity and I loved the second chance at love aspect too! Moving on after losing someone you love is never easy and I love that Leo & Maddie both knew and loved Olivia and will be able to carry on her memory together, even as they begin this new relationship. The fact that they fell in love while helping another family at Christmas time just made the story even better!
I also love that I got to visit Merryweather and the Bradford sisters one more time! I loved this series so much and this novella was just the icing on the cake!
December 27, 2025
Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re looking for a sweet, holiday romance to help you finish your reading goal, this is the one! This novella is just around 100 pages but felt well rounded in its short length. There is a bit of info dumping to catch you up though.
It’s a holiday book focused on charity. The story brings Leo and Maddie together as teammates bringing Christmas cheer to a needy family.
Maddie has long been interested in Leo but we see Leo slowly view Maddie in a new way. The complication is that Leo is the widow of Maddie’s good friend, Olivia. They’re managing grief and how to approach new romance while respecting Olivia. I do think we could’ve had a few more romantic moments between Maddie and Leo to build their relationship on page. Instead, we get more cameo style moments as they work together with a few longer scenes.
It was short, sweet, and full of heart. And, as all good romances do, ends with a kiss 💋
Read if you like:
✝️ faith-based books
👉🏻 single dads
✨ clean romance
🎄 giving back at the holidays
🕐 KU novellas
If you’re looking for a sweet, holiday romance to help you finish your reading goal, this is the one! This novella is just around 100 pages but felt well rounded in its short length. There is a bit of info dumping to catch you up though.
It’s a holiday book focused on charity. The story brings Leo and Maddie together as teammates bringing Christmas cheer to a needy family.
Maddie has long been interested in Leo but we see Leo slowly view Maddie in a new way. The complication is that Leo is the widow of Maddie’s good friend, Olivia. They’re managing grief and how to approach new romance while respecting Olivia. I do think we could’ve had a few more romantic moments between Maddie and Leo to build their relationship on page. Instead, we get more cameo style moments as they work together with a few longer scenes.
It was short, sweet, and full of heart. And, as all good romances do, ends with a kiss 💋
Read if you like:
✝️ faith-based books
👉🏻 single dads
✨ clean romance
🎄 giving back at the holidays
🕐 KU novellas
April 27, 2020
SPOILER ALERT
I’m not sure how I did it again. I picked a novella instead of a novel. And I read them out of order. How did I miss this one? It’s before Britt and Zander get together. Were Maddie and Leo in that book and I didn’t know who they were because I didn’t read this one? This again gets right up to the good part and just ENDS! I need more of this couple! Thank goodness Becky Wade has a new actual novel coming out at the beginning of May. This should help with me not getting mad about stories only being novellas!
I’m not sure how I did it again. I picked a novella instead of a novel. And I read them out of order. How did I miss this one? It’s before Britt and Zander get together. Were Maddie and Leo in that book and I didn’t know who they were because I didn’t read this one? This again gets right up to the good part and just ENDS! I need more of this couple! Thank goodness Becky Wade has a new actual novel coming out at the beginning of May. This should help with me not getting mad about stories only being novellas!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2020
What do you do if you meet the man you want to marry the same day your best friend introduces you to her new love. Well if you are Maddie Winslow you don't do anything. Becky has given us a sweet novella to go along with the other stories in her Bradford Sisters Romance Series. This has been a wonderful collection of love, loss, second chances, faith and family. I loved this short story and did not put it down until the last page.
April 1, 2020
This was a cute little novella that takes place between books 2 and 3 in the Bradford Sisters series.
The romance happened way too quick, but I guess that’s to be expected when there’s only 95 pages. Still, it was a sweet little story and I liked Maddie a lot.
I wish I would have read this at Christmas time instead, though!
The romance happened way too quick, but I guess that’s to be expected when there’s only 95 pages. Still, it was a sweet little story and I liked Maddie a lot.
I wish I would have read this at Christmas time instead, though!
December 5, 2020
Such a super cute, quick little read. I really like Becky Wade and read the series this novella goes with, but I think you could just read it as a standalone Christmas novella. I adored Leo! If I wasn't happily married, I'd ask where I could get one nerdy professor like Leo. Also, Maddie radiated such genuine joy and compassion. They had great chemistry together.
February 17, 2021
A Taste of Chocolate
I'm not a fan of the novella because I like my characters fleshed out, and I like to see the turns and twists of the plot. This, however, appealed to me, and I felt compelled to read it. I liked how Leo felt compelled to get things straight with Deb and did it in such a godly way. It's a story about beginnings.
I'm not a fan of the novella because I like my characters fleshed out, and I like to see the turns and twists of the plot. This, however, appealed to me, and I felt compelled to read it. I liked how Leo felt compelled to get things straight with Deb and did it in such a godly way. It's a story about beginnings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews