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stlkatiek's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I enjoyed the setting and the mental health representation, but in general most of the conflict was resolved in a really convenient way that generally felt unearned (one of my biggest bookish pet peeves). Maybe not the right book for me. 2.5 stars
Read it because:
First read of my ku free trial
Read it because:
First read of my ku free trial
cynsfictionaddiction's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ: A depressed city lawyer (Blair) begins to find her worth and heal after a corporate retreat takes her to a remote lake in Minnesota.
ᴍʏ ᴛᴡᴏ ᴄᴇɴᴛs: As sad as I was to say goodbye to the Hawaiian Getaway series (look this up from this author!), this was such a wonderful next book from Megan Reinking. I love her cozy, feel-good romances and this one did not disappoint.
I loved Blair and the mental health representation throughout this entire novel. It felt so realistic and relatable, and I especially adored that this book felt more centered on the main character’s love for herself than on the relationship developing.
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮:
💗love a feel-good romance
💗want a relatable MC struggling with anxiety and depression
💗need your next retreat to be in the lakes of Minnesota
ᴍʏ ᴛᴡᴏ ᴄᴇɴᴛs: As sad as I was to say goodbye to the Hawaiian Getaway series (look this up from this author!), this was such a wonderful next book from Megan Reinking. I love her cozy, feel-good romances and this one did not disappoint.
I loved Blair and the mental health representation throughout this entire novel. It felt so realistic and relatable, and I especially adored that this book felt more centered on the main character’s love for herself than on the relationship developing.
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮:
💗love a feel-good romance
💗want a relatable MC struggling with anxiety and depression
💗need your next retreat to be in the lakes of Minnesota
turnthepages_nl's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A beautiful story about depression, finding what makes you happy, choosing yourself and going after what makes you a better and more fulfilled version of yourself! Entwined with a lovely friends to lovers storyline.
Set on a small remote island in the stunning Lake of the Woods.
In some books love gets thrown around like a cure for depression. And I hate that. Luckily this book does not take that route!
Whilest it is good for her selfesteem to be treated with kindness, her depression doesn't get cured because of it. She puts in the work. (And a cure is not the goal!!) She wants to feel more like herself again. So she goes to therapy, listens to her body, slows down and recharges. She goes on a search to see what she wants to do in life, what makes her happy. What is true to herself.
There were beautiful conversations about selfworth, relationships, health and family. About pressure and people pleasing. That really elevated the story.
But most of all this was a super cosy read and I really recommend it!
Thank you Netgalley and the author for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Set on a small remote island in the stunning Lake of the Woods.
In some books love gets thrown around like a cure for depression. And I hate that. Luckily this book does not take that route!
Whilest it is good for her selfesteem to be treated with kindness, her depression doesn't get cured because of it. She puts in the work. (And a cure is not the goal!!) She wants to feel more like herself again. So she goes to therapy, listens to her body, slows down and recharges. She goes on a search to see what she wants to do in life, what makes her happy. What is true to herself.
There were beautiful conversations about selfworth, relationships, health and family. About pressure and people pleasing. That really elevated the story.
But most of all this was a super cosy read and I really recommend it!
Thank you Netgalley and the author for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Mental illness
Moderate: Dementia
katelynnreads's review
5.0
City girl x country guy
He falls first
Mental health rep
Closed door
New beginnings & Self discovery
Dual pov
🎣🌲⛺️🫎🛻🪵☕️
Thank you so much for this arc, Megan! I absolutely loved this book. Ruby Lodge, here I come!!! How Graham supports & loves Blair is what every woman deserves. To be loved is to be supported & exist freely. 🦋🥹 This was one of my favorite reads of 2024!!
Having a camping lodge sounds like a dream & running it with your partner?? Add to life goals ✔️
“The world is your oyster. Just tell me what I can do for you.”
“I secretly love the fact that she's making a life for herself here and doing things that don't always include me. I want her to be happy here-and not just with me.”
“I relish the daily reminder that my body is fully capable of doing hard things. Things that once seemed impossible and out of reach”
“Meet me at the dock at 9? G.
A new rush of butterflies comes to life as I run my thumb slowly over his words, pausing at the way he curled the G. Even his handwriting is somehow comforting. Inside the bag is a cinnamon-streusel muffin…”
“I deserve more. I'm safe here.”
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy! Say You Mean It is available May 14, 2024 and will be available on Kindle Unlimited
niffler_for_words's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
“To me life is about grasping onto the high moments and hoping like hell that they’ll carry you through the low ones.”
Say You Mean It was a fantastic ride. Like Blair in the plane in the opening scene, I felt shaken at first, when I realized the book was about depression (I knew that when I chose it, I had just forgotten about it when I began to read).
The mental health’s representation was delightful –truly– and a perfect opportunity to heal.
I adored how Blair’s thoughts were pictured as voices, how their content and “interlocutors” changed, until Blair found her own voice again. It was really moving, believable, and a great character’s arc. The role of Nature was a delight too, Blair’s evolution regarding her interactions on the island, but mostly the physicality of it –supported by a magnificent writing, the sensorial descriptions were a marvel– and how it helped her to anchor herself in her body and life.
I loved Graham, how unjudging and supportive he was, helping Blair in her journey. The fact that he had his own challenges, very different from hers (and outside the relationship) was also great and added a plot to the romance.
Through the characters (main and side), the story, and the immersive and soothing writing, this novel was a sweet and soft bubble that came to me right when I needed it. I was on this Island –but I wish I were really there– and like Blair I began to heal.
Thank you NetGalley and Megan Reinking for this ARC in exchange for my free and honest review. My opinions are my own.
readingtomyplants's review
lighthearted
4.0
A sweet romance story with relatable characters and relatable conflicts. An easy read that I’d call a comfort book. The writing was great and the plot was simple.
I appreciate the focus on mental health and the realness of the relationship between these characters. It’s a cozy read that makes you want to run to the nearest cabin for a romantic getaway.
We’re taught to cover up the things we feel and respond by saying, “I’m fine”, even when we aren’t. This book shifts the narrative to talking about it. It’s okay to not be okay.
•
Thank you so much to Megan for this ARC!
gammys_reads's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
AHH-MAZING!!! Thank you NetGalley, Megan Reinking, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a splendidly beautiful and genuinely heartwarming contemporary romance, brimming with sweet and tender moments, guaranteed to leave you feeling wonderfully warm and cozy!! So immerse yourself in a charming tale of a strangers-friends-lovers trope, featuring a slow burn romance set on a small remote island in Northern Minnesota!! "Say You Mean It" deeply resonates with me on a personal level, evoking a whirlwind of emotions from laughter to tears and everything in between. What truly enthralls me is Megan Reinking's expert handling of emotional, relatable, and heavy topics, masterfully balanced with lighter moments. The author's infusion of love, care, heart, and hope into her narratives is deeply evocative and immersive. I absolutely loved this adorable book, and it will linger in my thoughts for a long time!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
The last thing on city girl Blair Williams' mind is traveling to a remote island on a lake near the Minnesotan/Canadian border for her law firm's company-wide retreat. Battling high-functioning depression and low self-esteem, she attempts to navigate the weekend while grappling with persistent melancholy and negative internal thoughts. Amidst the serene setting, she finds solace and forms a bond with Graham, the struggling owner of Ruby Lodge, whose mother battles Alzheimer's in a nursing home while his father manages her care and the lodge's mounting bills. Following a successful retreat with team building activities, Blair experiences a subtle shift within herself. When Graham seeks legal advice weeks later, she readily returns to the island to assist. As the work concludes, Blair faces a pivotal decision: return to her lackluster life or succumb to the allure of the tranquil island and the feelings it, and Graham, evoke within her?!
I adored Blair and Graham's story. Graham was incredibly sweet and attentive, providing Blair with the love and security she deserves. He listens to her without pressuring her and consistently ensures her well-being, What's remarkable is how they both bring out the best in each other even when apart. Their undeniable chemistry adds depth to their closed-door romance.
Please note that the story addresses a character's struggle with depression and low self-esteem, as well as the challenges associated with caring for a parent with Alzheimer's. Despite this, the author's commendable efforts and adept portrayal of these relatable medical conditions through her storytelling deserve recognition.
In summary, this heartwarming tale is sure to leave you with a smile and a cozy feeling. I wholeheartedly recommend it and believe it deserves all the stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a splendidly beautiful and genuinely heartwarming contemporary romance, brimming with sweet and tender moments, guaranteed to leave you feeling wonderfully warm and cozy!! So immerse yourself in a charming tale of a strangers-friends-lovers trope, featuring a slow burn romance set on a small remote island in Northern Minnesota!! "Say You Mean It" deeply resonates with me on a personal level, evoking a whirlwind of emotions from laughter to tears and everything in between. What truly enthralls me is Megan Reinking's expert handling of emotional, relatable, and heavy topics, masterfully balanced with lighter moments. The author's infusion of love, care, heart, and hope into her narratives is deeply evocative and immersive. I absolutely loved this adorable book, and it will linger in my thoughts for a long time!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
The last thing on city girl Blair Williams' mind is traveling to a remote island on a lake near the Minnesotan/Canadian border for her law firm's company-wide retreat. Battling high-functioning depression and low self-esteem, she attempts to navigate the weekend while grappling with persistent melancholy and negative internal thoughts. Amidst the serene setting, she finds solace and forms a bond with Graham, the struggling owner of Ruby Lodge, whose mother battles Alzheimer's in a nursing home while his father manages her care and the lodge's mounting bills. Following a successful retreat with team building activities, Blair experiences a subtle shift within herself. When Graham seeks legal advice weeks later, she readily returns to the island to assist. As the work concludes, Blair faces a pivotal decision: return to her lackluster life or succumb to the allure of the tranquil island and the feelings it, and Graham, evoke within her?!
I adored Blair and Graham's story. Graham was incredibly sweet and attentive, providing Blair with the love and security she deserves. He listens to her without pressuring her and consistently ensures her well-being, What's remarkable is how they both bring out the best in each other even when apart. Their undeniable chemistry adds depth to their closed-door romance.
Please note that the story addresses a character's struggle with depression and low self-esteem, as well as the challenges associated with caring for a parent with Alzheimer's. Despite this, the author's commendable efforts and adept portrayal of these relatable medical conditions through her storytelling deserve recognition.
In summary, this heartwarming tale is sure to leave you with a smile and a cozy feeling. I wholeheartedly recommend it and believe it deserves all the stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
teeclecticreads's review
adventurous
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Thank you to Megan Reinking for sending me an ARC of this book. All these opinions expressed are my own.
I think this book was pretty good and I really appreciated how depression was portrayed, because most people believe that to be depressed you have to be stuck in bed all day and unable to do anything. While this is true for a lot of people, others experience high functioning depression where on the outside they may seem like they are okay and active, but on the inside they really are wrestling with negative thoughts and emotions.
The romance between Blair and Graham developed beautifully and I think it was really important that Graham emphasised how much of the work Blair did herself and that he was not the reason why Blair was able to fight through her depression. It’s important that people remember that as much as someone on the side may be able to help, a lot of the work comes from within.
My only critique is that there didn’t seem to be as much of a buildup in relation to the climax of the story. The conflict didn’t really feel like much of a conflict because of how easily things were resolved, and it felt like there were subplots that got thrown away at the end like Sydney not wanting to visit their mom and Graham and his dad dealing with her Alzheimer’s . Regardless, it’s still a good read.
I think this book was pretty good and I really appreciated how depression was portrayed, because most people believe that to be depressed you have to be stuck in bed all day and unable to do anything. While this is true for a lot of people, others experience high functioning depression where on the outside they may seem like they are okay and active, but on the inside they really are wrestling with negative thoughts and emotions.
The romance between Blair and Graham developed beautifully and I think it was really important that Graham emphasised how much of the work Blair did herself and that he was not the reason why Blair was able to fight through her depression. It’s important that people remember that as much as someone on the side may be able to help, a lot of the work comes from within.
My only critique is that there didn’t seem to be as much of a buildup in relation to the climax of the story. The conflict didn’t really feel like much of a conflict because of how easily things were resolved, and it felt like there were subplots that got thrown away at the end
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
harmour's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ARC from the Author.
If I’m being honest, this book starts very slow. However, I think it needed to in order to convey the idea of loving yourself before you can love others.
Blair is very relatable in her struggle to find her way through her depression. Graham is so kind and caring to the people around him.
Overall, great love story. Would recommend.
If I’m being honest, this book starts very slow. However, I think it needed to in order to convey the idea of loving yourself before you can love others.
Blair is very relatable in her struggle to find her way through her depression. Graham is so kind and caring to the people around him.
Overall, great love story. Would recommend.
bookishkir's review
slow-paced
4.0
- Work Retreat
- City Girl/Country Boy
- Lawyer FMC
- Depression Rep
- Fade to Black
This is such a heartwarming romance. I absolutely loved Graham and Blair. Graham has major golden retriever energy and Blair, boy oh boy, my heart just broke for her reading the negative thoughts she had about herself. I really enjoyed and appreciating her journey to finding her peace. Say You Mean It also has some lovable side characters which is always a plus as well.