 Author: Liz Johnson Genre: Contemporary Romance Pages: 304 Release Date: May 20, 2025 Publisher: Revell He was never going to leave the island, and she wasn't going to stay. But if she walked away, she would always wonder . . . For digital content creator Cretia Martin, home is wherever her carry-on suitcase lands. And it's constantly landing in new places as she travels the world. She's never been interested in settling in one spot--after all, houses are just places that collect junk and tie you down. But when she literally bumps into local dog breeder Finn Chaffey on Prince Edward Island and all the tools of her trade end up in the harbor, she can't exactly leave until she gets things sorted out. Finn is horrified by the part he played in the accident and offers to help, arranging for Cretia to stay with a friend at the beautiful Red Door Inn. The longer Cretia is forced to remain in one place, the more she discovers what she's been missing with life on the road--and the more she wants to see Finn and his business succeed. But helping him means staying put, the one thing she always swore she wouldn't do, and risking the only thing she's never put on the line--her heart.
 Reviewer: Amy Smelser This was a sweet and heartwarming visit back to Prince Edward Island, where the true meaning of home comes shining through. Here we have two characters who are complete opposites when it comes to their view of home. Cretia Marin lives out of her suitcase and Finn Chaffey’s business is out of his home. However, these two could not be more perfect together, they just need to see that. Their meeting was one of the most spectacular ones I have ever read. Cretia, thinking she would just breeze right through town getting the digital content she needed and just keep going, did not realize the dunking she would get. And it was pretty much Finn’s fault. But could that have been the best thing that happened to her? Well, you will need to read it to find out. This was an enjoyable read with a hero that just had those hero vibes and muscles that certainly brought those swoony moments to his lady. Especially when she did not think of herself as special and had to try really hard to block out the voices of the trolls on her social media accounts. This also took a look at a mental illness that, brought on by loss, had Cretia running for the hills in the first place. I’ll be thinking about this story and its lessons for a while. I was provided a copy of this novel from Revell Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.  Reviewer: Mindy Houng “The heart of love is always sacrifice.” I really enjoyed coming back to Prince Edward Island. The beauty of the island is always stunning, no matter how many times I visit through the author’s books set on the island. One day, I will go experience it in-person. It was a pleasure to reconnect with Marie and Seth, as well as Natalie and Justin. Finn and Cretia were a fun couple. Finn was an amazing hero with his tender, compassionate heart and deep sense of loyalty. Cretia had spunk, grit, and creativity in spades as well as a bruised heart that needed some tending. These two were perfect for each other as they cared for Finn’s dogs and rescue animals. They both matured throughout the book to be able to shed their fears and reach for their dreams. Though Finn and Cretia were lovable, they felt a bit one-dimensional and not as fully fleshed out as the author’s previous Prince Edward Island characters. Still, fans of contemporary romance will enjoy getting to know Finn and Cretia on this beautiful island. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Billi Varela I love a Liz Johnson book, and this one was no different. Her writing style and her storytelling make me want to read more from her. Cretia and Finn both have their problems, and it is only together that they are able to face their fears. Their love story may have happened fast, but it did not feel like love at first sight. It felt genuine and real. Sometimes, it needs to happen by their timetable, and in this case, it needed to. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt trapped or stuck and turn to running as an escape. Sometimes you need to run, but other times sometimes you stay. This is such a beautiful book of a woman finding her place when it felt like she had nowhere to fit in. There is a place for everyone, so sometimes we just need to stay. Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Rebel through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Raechel Helwig I loved this one. Liz Johnson has such a knack for writing truly charming, heartfelt, and sweetly romantic stories! As soon as I began the first page, I knew I was about to settle in for a wonderful time. Cretia Martine is a travel influencer, always moving on to the next destination, never sticking around one spot. Until she’s forced to after an accidental dip in the harbor of North Rustico, Prince Edward Island. And Finn Chaffey can’t imagine leaving the Island, his home. These two characters were delightful, especially together! Complete opposites in many ways, but so very good together. I loved how they encouraged each other and offered the support the other one needed at various times. And while I’m not normally a huge fan of dogs, I loved Joe Jr. (caught his name reference right away), and the other Newfoundlands that Finn raised so lovingly. Not to mention the other animal strays Finn took in. So sweet! Oh, and doesn’t the book cover really pop? I love it! Represents the story well, and I’m pleased to have it on my shelves. The only thing I would have liked seeing more of was faith content. It wasn’t hugely incorporated. But other than that, I think Sometimes You Stay was a delightful story! I received a copy of the book from Revell Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts expressed are my own. Reviewer: Rebecca Maney "Trust him? She barely knew his name. And that he had kids. And that he had a dog the size of a boat." Cretia Martin's life as a digital content creator was going just fine, thank you very much. She was traveling the world, convincing others to follow her lead, and getting paid to do it. . . . until one little trip and fall landed her (and all of her electronics) in the waters of North Rustico Harbour along the shores of Prince Edward Island. Cold, dripping wet and sporting a mildly sprained ankle (remember the "trip" in the fall?) it seemed that Cretia was at the mercy of an islander and his dog (who had literally fished her out of the water). Fortunately the handsome native, who introduced himself as Finn Chaffey, knew people with extra rooms, and before she knew it, Cretia was cozily ensconced around the kitchen table in the Red Door Inn. As it turned out, Finn was practically the only person within walking distance who owned a computer trustworthy enough for Cretia to use . . . . (cue big sigh), she had to replace every single one of her devices. And the wait time? She could not even think about it . . . . (ugh) . . . . possibly weeks. For the first time in a long time Cretia might be forced to stay in one place for more than three or four days. Plus, (or it could be a minus, depending on . . ) it meant spending time with the handsome dog breeder and his menagerie of rescue animals. With all the sweet enchantment of a romantic holiday movie, this story opens with a character who cannot wait to leave and closes with a character who desperately longs to stay . . . . as we all know, life is rarely as simple as that. . . . . especially when it comes to traveling home. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. Reviewer: Monica Huyser Sometimes You Stay by Liz Johnson is set on Prince Edward Island with a few previous characters from her Red Door Inn books. Johnson also references Anne of Green Gables, a famous fictional character from Prince Edward Island, and it is fun to see those references as an Anne fan. Cretia Martin is a travel influencer visiting Prince Edward Island when things go awry. She, along with her suitcase and travel gear, end up in the harbor after an accidental run-in with a large dog name Joe Junior. Finn Chaffey is that large goofy dog's owner. Sometimes You Stay offered a glimpse into the life of a travel writer and a young man who raises dogs and other animals on his small farm. I liked how this couple learned to communicate with one another. I also liked how Cretia fit in at the Inn and made some female friends among the locals. My favorite part of this book was near the end when Cretia and Marie were talking about growing up in their dysfunctional families. I could relate to some of those things and I imagine many readers can relate to what they shared in some way. Until near the end, Cretia doesn't talk about God or church much and neither does Finn. However, there are themes of forgiveness and redemption throughout the book. Marie also has a gift of hospitality and she is quite welcoming to Cretia. I also really liked how Finn was inspired to do some better communication with his family after talking to Cretia. Finn and Cretia brought out the best in each other and encouraged each other to be better people. I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Ewurabena Wilson
The greatest demonstration of love is giving. Liz Johnson, your novel has brought light to readers like me. Reading Liz Johnson’s novels makes me want to grab a suitcase and travel to all the beautiful settlements in Prince Edward Island (PEI) province in Canada. The vivid description of the towns in PEI can create a longing to travel in a reader’s mind. Maybe readers can change their career and become like Lucretia Martin, the female protagonist in Liz Johnson’s book. Lucretia ‘Cretia’ Martin a is popular travel vlogger who experiences a mishap while on a ‘workcation’ at North Rustico, PEI. The mishap involves the destruction of her working gears after falling into the sea. Cretia is rescued by Joe Jr., a Newfoundland dog who has a mind of its own. What is meant to be a quick stay for this woman who can never settle in one place from childhood experience becomes a long stay. Liz Johnson’s novel is a testament to how God can make us question the stance we take in life, especially when He has something better for us. Cretia initially struggles with Finnegan ‘Finn’ Chaffrey, a special farmer whose dog rescued her and resists the tugs of finally settling down. Staying at the Red Door Inn does not help, neither does Maria, the inn owner and her three adorable children. What further makes things difficult for Cretia is the developing feelings between her and Finn. In the end will Cretia love enough to give what she values most away? Liz Johnson’s book delivers a poignant message worth thinking about for readers. I enjoyed reading this story. Finn’s farm animals’ antics and names made me laugh, and I liked how relatable the characters were, especially Finn. Readers of Liz Johnson’s books will, as always, love the new novel by this author. For any new reader who wants to experience a novel that will shed light into your heart and make you laugh, this novel is worth considering. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Leave a Reply. |
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