Sometimes You Stay

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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