Reviews

Say You Mean It by Megan Reinking

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!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

---

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.

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.  

jfreadsbooks's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I beta read this book for Megan last year and now reading it, in its finished form, I love it even more. 

Graham and Blair are such real life characters, with real life struggles that make them relatable and lovable. The friendship that forms between them first is so good and I love the way their slow burn relationship grows in such a natural way. 

I love the location and the setting, the periphery characters, the conflicts. They are all woven in so well for a perfectly crafted story that will make you laugh and cry. 

I can hardly wait for this book to be in more hands come release day! 

lucyana's review

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

sarabracz's review against another edition

4.0

Say You Mean It by Megan Reinking is a heartwarming read that wraps you up like a familiar blanket. The story's cozy charm lies in its relatable characters and heartfelt narrative. With every turn of the page, you feel like you're settling into a comfortable nook, eager to delve deeper into the lives of the characters and discover where their journeys will take them. It's the literary equivalent of a warm cup of tea on a rainy day—a comforting and delightful experience from start to finish.

fisherslittlelibrary's review

4.5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5

Say You Mean It is a sweet and atmospheric story set at the Ruby Lodge in Minnesota 🌲🎣 It follows the connection between city girl Blair and Graham, the lodge owner. I felt their romance was heartwarming and realistic. The writing style was cozy (such a comfort read!) and perfectly paced through the book. I thought the mental health representation was well done. This was my second book by this author and it won’t be the last! 

The Vibes 🌲🎣🛶🪵

Hiking

Fire pits

Lodge library

Picturesque views

Rustic remote island 

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!