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auryslife's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Another wonderful book by Abby Jimenez. Her characters feel like they are your friends. She uses things that happen in people's very day lives but gives them a wonderful spin. As someone who experienced two close family members experience dementia, this touched me deeply, such an accurate portrayal of the struggle for the family, friends, and person with dementia. My heart ached for the main characters as they struggled with the reality of a long-distance relationship that you just can't walk away from because you know the other is your for always person. As always, I laughed, I cried, I hated to have the book end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
katiedalbert's review against another edition
5.0
What a beautiful story. I’m not going to lie, the overall story is challenging so check the trigger warnings, but the challenges make for a stunning and deeply real story about family, sacrifices, and love.
I’ve read almost all of Abby’s books, but this one felt so different than the others- in a great way.Of course there was an HEA, how could there not be!! But the story overall was tinged with sadness and longing. Which made the book all the more beautiful.
I received an advanced readers e-book copy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing). Thank you for the ARC!!
I’ve read almost all of Abby’s books, but this one felt so different than the others- in a great way.
I received an advanced readers e-book copy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing). Thank you for the ARC!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Moderate: Death
Minor: Animal cruelty
beate251's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group for this ARC.
Samantha works in marketing for a mustard brand in Minnesota and tall and frowny Xavier is a vet with his own practice. They meet over an impossibly cute stray cat that has an unusual and costly medical problem. They have one perfect date that mainly takes place in a locked escape room and then Sam is forced to move miles away. Their relationship has no future - and yet they both can't forget each other.
The story is told in alternating dual POV, so both Samantha and Xavier get their say. Both have baggage due to their parents. Xavier's parents are abusers, emotionally as well as physically, and Samantha has to move back home to California due to her mother's deteriorating health condition.
This book nearly broke me. There are two big topics that I have personal experience with: dementia and long-distance relationships. Both are described incredibly realistically and both suck. Especially caring for someone with dementia is exhausting and heartbreaking and you can only really appreciate it once you've done it yourself and you realise it's not just about memory loss. For some people, just reading about it will be too much, as well as learning about those caricature villains that are Xavier's parents. The relationships within Samantha's family are a bit more complex and revolve around how to best care for her mother.
Abby Jimenez' books seem to have many similarities to each other. They all deal with difficult topics, there is always a cute pet or two with a ridiculous name, a bearded man, the desire to have children, big feelings that border on obsession, and a couple of mentions of Nadia Cakes, the author's own business. There is always one apparent reason why two people who are incredibly perfect for each other can't be together. This time it is "we live too far from each other and we can't move, at all, ever". I get it, long distance is frustrating, tiring and expensive, but it usually has an end date.
The book is eminently readable and the big feelings will have many readers swoon, although everyone's problems seem to get solved a little too neatly and quickly at the end, but I adored lovely Dr Hank and his selflessness. Abby Jimenez means quality, and even though I would have liked a little less dementia drama I thoroughly enjoyed this and read it in one sitting. Also, the cover is utterly gorgeous.
"Love is the brightest color in a gray world."
Samantha works in marketing for a mustard brand in Minnesota and tall and frowny Xavier is a vet with his own practice. They meet over an impossibly cute stray cat that has an unusual and costly medical problem. They have one perfect date that mainly takes place in a locked escape room and then Sam is forced to move miles away. Their relationship has no future - and yet they both can't forget each other.
The story is told in alternating dual POV, so both Samantha and Xavier get their say. Both have baggage due to their parents. Xavier's parents are abusers, emotionally as well as physically, and Samantha has to move back home to California due to her mother's deteriorating health condition.
This book nearly broke me. There are two big topics that I have personal experience with: dementia and long-distance relationships. Both are described incredibly realistically and both suck. Especially caring for someone with dementia is exhausting and heartbreaking and you can only really appreciate it once you've done it yourself and you realise it's not just about memory loss. For some people, just reading about it will be too much, as well as learning about those caricature villains that are Xavier's parents. The relationships within Samantha's family are a bit more complex and revolve around how to best care for her mother.
Abby Jimenez' books seem to have many similarities to each other. They all deal with difficult topics, there is always a cute pet or two with a ridiculous name, a bearded man, the desire to have children, big feelings that border on obsession, and a couple of mentions of Nadia Cakes, the author's own business. There is always one apparent reason why two people who are incredibly perfect for each other can't be together. This time it is "we live too far from each other and we can't move, at all, ever". I get it, long distance is frustrating, tiring and expensive, but it usually has an end date.
The book is eminently readable and the big feelings will have many readers swoon, although everyone's problems seem to get solved a little too neatly and quickly at the end, but I adored lovely Dr Hank and his selflessness. Abby Jimenez means quality, and even though I would have liked a little less dementia drama I thoroughly enjoyed this and read it in one sitting. Also, the cover is utterly gorgeous.
"Love is the brightest color in a gray world."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Dementia
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, Death, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Medical content, Grief, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
rachelshubin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Say You’ll Remember Me is a difficult book to rate. It is being marketed as a romance book but it should be sold as women’s fiction. There’s not a lot of romance compared to the actually “family member with dementia dynamic.” Dementia + a romance story ≠ a romance book. Romance was a subplot at best, and as some other reviewers have mentioned - it’s heavy on the trauma and too light on the romance. I would’ve judged this story less harshly if I knew it was more of women’s literature than a romance, hence a 3 star rating.
If I was to rate this story…the chemistry between the characters, the humor, and the banter was all a 5/5! Really no notes, it was addictive and fun and enjoyable! Unfortunately the actual plot and the progression of the story was a total downer and gave me anxiety as I waited for the other shoe to drop. It’s fine if you want to put your characters through trauma, but as the reader, it was too much trauma. I genuinely couldn’t conceive of a way they could be together. Yes, life is messy, but is it this messy? I felt exhausted as everything that could go wrong, went wrong.
On the topic of dementia, my grandfather had it so the idea of this story was already close to home. I wish Abby had focused a little on how shitty the system is for the families who want to care for their sick family member, but how cost inhibitive that can be. She focused a lot on the problems families go through with caring for their loved ones and also how hard it is to have them not recognize you.
Pros: there were many funny moments, some good friends (except Sam basically had no friends so that kinda made her one dimensional) and there were so many ACOTAR/Rhysand references which was super fun! The writing style is Abby’s classic addictive detailing.
Cons: well, I’ve already listed a ton but honestly…a social media manager for mustard? That was a choice. There was also sooo much working against the MCs that their Happily Ever After was really unrealistic at the end.
It’s not my least favorite Abby Jimenez read, but it’s definitely down there
Fave order (I still have one of hers to read)
- Just For the Summer
- Part of Your World
- Yours Truly
- The Friend Zone
- Happily Ever After Playlist
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy! Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Terminal illness, Dementia, Grief, and Abandonment
emmakell919's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Moderate: Animal cruelty
gretamitg's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
"Sometimes the challenges we face either break us or make us stronger. And sonetimes they do both."
My opinion on this book changed a few times throughout. Firstly, it was a lot heavier than I expected from something mainly marketed as a romance. However, the themes of dementia and having to become a caregiver to someone close to you, as well as the topic of childhood abuse were handled very well, in my opinion.
I really liked the writingstyle and I really appreciated, that Samantha being witty and good at her marketing job was convayed in a show not tell kind of way.
The middle part did get a little repetitive, but that might be a personal impression.
The characters felt real and I liked their complicated dynamics.
My opinion on this book changed a few times throughout. Firstly, it was a lot heavier than I expected from something mainly marketed as a romance. However, the themes of dementia and having to become a caregiver to someone close to you, as well as the topic of childhood abuse were handled very well, in my opinion.
I really liked the writingstyle and I really appreciated, that Samantha being witty and good at her marketing job was convayed in a show not tell kind of way.
The middle part did get a little repetitive, but that might be a personal impression.
The characters felt real and I liked their complicated dynamics.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
mluksan's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Laughter. Awwwwhs. Tears. The best roller coaster of emotions I’ve ever had the privilege to ride. Abby is my favorite author and this book reminded me of why that is. I didn’t just read this book I experienced it. I felt like I was part of Samantha and Xavier’s lives. I felt emotions with them and for them. I am sad it’s over, but it’s a promise when I say I will always remember this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Dementia
evavstheworld's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
3.75 stars, rounded up
I just love Abby Jimenez. She wrote one of my favourite books of all time (Just For The Summer), so I was super excited to get the chance to read this one early!
Say You’ll Remember Me is an emotional story, from many angles. Sadly, I felt it lacked a certain depth throughout the middle of the story. Certain parts felt quite dry and like they were only piling on the trauma and depression and stress onto the characters. Samantha and Xavier’s relationship was literally wrung out like a rag, and everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. And horribly so. While I know that real people do go through similar experiences, it felt like it was just blow after blow after yet another blow, to the point where you didn’t think anything else could go wrong. Well, just you wait…
I felt the pair’s relationship started off a bit insta-love’y, and progressed quite quickly, but then once they were together, they couldn’t even see each other. I feel for this couple (despite them being very fictional) cause they had to go through some real sh*t to stay together. I did end up believing in the strength of their relationship towards the end of the book and I feel they did everything they could to stay together, despite all the trials and tribulations they had to endure.
This story deals heavily with dementia and childhood trauma from narcissistic and emotionally abusive parents. Both have been handled with the utmost respect by the author, and felt extremely well researched.
Overall, the ending has redeemed the book for me, especially Hank’s character, and the efforts to bring the family together. I was just a little disappointed by some of the parts in the middle which felt rushed, with loads of telling not showing, but overall this story did tug at my heart just like every Abby book does.
I just love Abby Jimenez. She wrote one of my favourite books of all time (Just For The Summer), so I was super excited to get the chance to read this one early!
Say You’ll Remember Me is an emotional story, from many angles. Sadly, I felt it lacked a certain depth throughout the middle of the story. Certain parts felt quite dry and like they were only piling on the trauma and depression and stress onto the characters. Samantha and Xavier’s relationship was literally wrung out like a rag, and everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. And horribly so. While I know that real people do go through similar experiences, it felt like it was just blow after blow after yet another blow, to the point where you didn’t think anything else could go wrong. Well, just you wait…
I felt the pair’s relationship started off a bit insta-love’y, and progressed quite quickly, but then once they were together, they couldn’t even see each other. I feel for this couple (despite them being very fictional) cause they had to go through some real sh*t to stay together. I did end up believing in the strength of their relationship towards the end of the book and I feel they did everything they could to stay together, despite all the trials and tribulations they had to endure.
This story deals heavily with dementia and childhood trauma from narcissistic and emotionally abusive parents. Both have been handled with the utmost respect by the author, and felt extremely well researched.
Overall, the ending has redeemed the book for me, especially Hank’s character, and the efforts to bring the family together. I was just a little disappointed by some of the parts in the middle which felt rushed, with loads of telling not showing, but overall this story did tug at my heart just like every Abby book does.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
readwithcass's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I cannot begin to describe the joy that I felt when I got my hands on a copy of this book. I love Abby Jimenez’s work from her complex characters, hilarious dialogue and banter, and a-ha or ‘big reveal’ moments. I have yet to make it through one book without going on an entire rollercoaster ride of emotions from tearing up to full on sobbing as well as cackling and snorting.
I think you should read this book for several reasons, but the top 3 (I might be slightly biased in my ranking) are:
1. The portrayal of dementia and caregiving.
2. The portrayal of long distance relationships.
3. The characters!
- The Characters:
Samantha: Her sense of humor had me cracking up or cackling and snorting myself. I loved her dry, quick wit. I would sell a kidney for the opportunity for nothing more than to read more of her posts and comments.
Xavier: Perfection. No notes. Ultimate book boyfriend. I don’t think he will ever be topped. I’m a sucker for eyes and men who are apparently ‘Airport Dads’. His backstory and journey was so compelling as well and I thought this was another aspect that was done so well.
*Side note: The references to ACOTAR quite litterally had be kicking my feet and giggling. I hope they have the same effect on you.
Honorable Mentions:
Xavier’s Inner Circle - I loved the glimpses of their relationships that we got to see and I loved their honesty and audacity to show how important Xavier was to them. It was clear the bond that they had with Xavier.
Grandma, Tristan, and of course, Maggie and Tina — Absolutely hilarious. I would read a whole book just based on Tristan’s past escapades.
- The Portrayal of Long Distance Relationships:
I found this so interesting how well this type of love worked with the ideas presented on dementia. How longing to create memories with someone and missing someone can compare to longing for someone to remember you and the memories you’ve created. I thought the use of ‘gray’ representing longing and ‘color’ representing love and happiness throughout the text to weave together both of these aspects of the plot.
- The Portrayal of Dementia and Cargiving:
When I found out that Jimenez was writing about a protagonist who was a caretaker for their mother who had dementia. I couldn’t not wait to read it. My grandfather had Alzheimer’s and I have a niche interest in books that discuss characters with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other degenerative diseases as well as the effects on their loved ones.
I had every bit of faith that Jimenez would do this with such grace, compassion, love, and kindness. She surpassed all expectations illuminating several complex and nuanced situations that sparks discussion about topics such as: the emotional, physical, and mental toll of caretaking, the impossibility of decision making when torn between a loved one’s wishes and what’s best for their well being, and how to help someone retain their dignity while suffering from a degenerative disease/illness.
I don’t think I’ve ever read such a well done portrayal of the experience of an individual whose dementia is progressing as well their families experience caring for them.
Lastly, thank you Abby for writing this story.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Dementia, and Grief
justsmileandread's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
I devoured this book so quickly. I read the whole thing in two days. I hadn’t actually read anything by Abby Jimenez until this book and boy, have I been missing out. I really appreciated how Jimenez treats the potentially triggering content with sensitivity. I also appreciated that the couple had to struggle in the grey area for a bit because life isn’t always black and white. They were torn because they both had responsibilities they needed to tend to which made their relationship extremely difficult. It was refreshing to read something that felt very realistic because love isn’t always the problem. I enjoyed every minute of it and was very happy with the ending because it was perfect for Samantha and Xavier’s lives. It’s also been a while since I read a book that almost brought me to full out tears which is such a compliment to Jimenez’s writing. I am so grateful that I got to read an early copy from NetGalley and ReadForeverPub. Thank you!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Dementia
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse