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hdavis0975's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
turquoiseavenue's review
4.0
Having read, and thoroughly enjoyed, Melissa Ferguson's previous titles, I was eagerly looking forward to the release of Meet Me in the Margins.
This delightfully imaginative storyline was creative and offers book lovers of all kinds an insightful, often humorous, taste of the publishing world and what happens behind the scenes at a publishing house. My book-loving heart found the setting of a small publisher and the unique exchange of secret notes in the margins of a manuscript to build a love story both brilliant and clever.
However, this novel isn't your typical romance or romantic comedy (which I expected)... Instead, Ferguson offers a very slow, but comical, dance with a prominent back story and significant events happening around main character, Savannah Cade, an assistant acquisitions editor for a locally owned publishing house in Nashville. As she seeks to publish her first manuscript, her personal life and work life become increasingly surprising when changes happen all around her, causing her to find a bit of herself in her story’s own main character. Little bits of romance, several amusing predicaments and a bit of mystery is sprinkled throughout, enough to keep me just barely enticed. While always a fan of Ferguson's writing style, it wasn't until about 3/4 of the way through that I really began to enjoy this novel. It suddenly came alive, with more hilarity and romantic spark, which caused me to want to devour the remaining pages, much as I had when reading Ferguson's other books, The Dating Charade and The Cul-De-Sac War, two of my favorite must-read recommendations.
Overall, a good read, though in my opinion not as memorable or heartwarming as Ferguson's previous titles. With that said, this novel deserves all it's own merit for setting, clever premise and laughable scenes with relatable main characters and two smile-inducing secondary characters (shout-out to Oswald and Lyla!). I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy clean, wholesome romances.
Content Note: I did not find this novel to be faith-based or inspirational. There is a bar scene and the characters consume alcohol.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts below are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
This delightfully imaginative storyline was creative and offers book lovers of all kinds an insightful, often humorous, taste of the publishing world and what happens behind the scenes at a publishing house. My book-loving heart found the setting of a small publisher and the unique exchange of secret notes in the margins of a manuscript to build a love story both brilliant and clever.
However, this novel isn't your typical romance or romantic comedy (which I expected)... Instead, Ferguson offers a very slow, but comical, dance with a prominent back story and significant events happening around main character, Savannah Cade, an assistant acquisitions editor for a locally owned publishing house in Nashville. As she seeks to publish her first manuscript, her personal life and work life become increasingly surprising when changes happen all around her, causing her to find a bit of herself in her story’s own main character. Little bits of romance, several amusing predicaments and a bit of mystery is sprinkled throughout, enough to keep me just barely enticed. While always a fan of Ferguson's writing style, it wasn't until about 3/4 of the way through that I really began to enjoy this novel. It suddenly came alive, with more hilarity and romantic spark, which caused me to want to devour the remaining pages, much as I had when reading Ferguson's other books, The Dating Charade and The Cul-De-Sac War, two of my favorite must-read recommendations.
Overall, a good read, though in my opinion not as memorable or heartwarming as Ferguson's previous titles. With that said, this novel deserves all it's own merit for setting, clever premise and laughable scenes with relatable main characters and two smile-inducing secondary characters (shout-out to Oswald and Lyla!). I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy clean, wholesome romances.
Content Note: I did not find this novel to be faith-based or inspirational. There is a bar scene and the characters consume alcohol.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts below are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
lanie2024's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
Sweet but a little superficial. Really liked the MCs.
yarn_chicken's review
2.0
Ugh. I did not like this. It was pretty ironic that the character is struggling with an insane manuscript when the novel itself had all the same flaws.
jprice94's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
ndarlucio's review
3.0
I was really convinced that this book will be a new favorite, a new addition to my beloved romance books (The Love Hypothesis and The Spanish Love Deception). But, turns out, it just doesn’t hit the spot. I must admit, it was almost a five star if only the book offered more. It’s missing the connection between the protagonist and her love interest and I can’t help but feel very very sad about the lack of romance this book has (considering that this is a romance book).
I liked savannah, I also liked will, but the story around them is just not enough to reel me in. I mean, the idea was great! Going back and forth with a manuscript, not knowing who was on the other end but the build up didn’t make up for the missed opportunities. This book is a mixture of Book Lovers and The Flatshare and although I’ve read both of those books, seeing them being combined made me realize it’s not as phenomenal.
Anyways, the tone of the book is similar to how Sophie Kinsella tells her stories so I think that’s a good thing. I would be trying out the different books the author has written just to see if there’s more than what was written in this book.
I liked savannah, I also liked will, but the story around them is just not enough to reel me in. I mean, the idea was great! Going back and forth with a manuscript, not knowing who was on the other end but the build up didn’t make up for the missed opportunities. This book is a mixture of Book Lovers and The Flatshare and although I’ve read both of those books, seeing them being combined made me realize it’s not as phenomenal.
Anyways, the tone of the book is similar to how Sophie Kinsella tells her stories so I think that’s a good thing. I would be trying out the different books the author has written just to see if there’s more than what was written in this book.
lmcarr0314's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I liked this book. I enjoyed the plot and it gives hallmark movie vibes ( I love Hallmark Movies periodically). I also enjoyed bits and pieces about how nothing but literary masterpieces were published by Pennington Publishing. A solid four star in my opinion, it did it’s job i enjoyed it and it makes me want to read more of the author
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Body shaming, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Infidelity and Eating disorder
Minor: Death of parent
bycindyxt's review
2.0
“I’m boring, average, underachieving Savannah. And he’s already chosen Olivia. Perfect, shiny, gorgeous, super successful Olivia” lol