
Member Reviews

Give a romance reader a romance book about an editor writing a romance book and you will have one incredibly happy reader. It’s just facts. And this is true in this case as well! From the cute plot, to the hectic look at publishing life, to the heartfelt connections of the characters this book was easy to pick up and delightful to read! And thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the eARC of this novel.
Loves:
-Savannah was a main character that you easily could root for and sympathize with. Her family of overachievers and being someone who wasn’t living up to those expectations set her up for someone you could cheer on. I enjoyed her enthusiasm for her work and friends. I wish there had been a bit more of a character arc for her as I didn’t see a ton of shift in her, but I liked her. Also her relationship with Lyla was amazing and I love Lyla.
-The plot! Ok, I just really like these types of plots with the characters communicating back and forth and one not knowing who the other is. Call me a simpleton, I do not care. I loved how this one was involved with writing a romance and the letters were edits. Then the post-its, be still my heart. It’s just so freaking cute. The addition of Savannah’s family added some more depth to the story too, although I felt like at times that her family overtook the romance line of the story. And kudos for setting it in Nashville! I loved it!
-William and Savannah’s relationship throughout the novel was adorable. I loved how they interacted in the office and his actions with her outside of the office. I appreciated how everything developed, but I do wish there had been a bit more to their relationship. It felt very surface level for the ending and I wanted some more communication between them.
Meh:
-Honestly this should probably be in the women’s fiction category more than a romance category. Don’t get me wrong, there’s romance in it! It’s just not the main focus of the story, I felt. It’s a decent part, but the story of Savannah growing and standing up for herself in her family, was what I felt the plot to be more of. If there had been less about her sister (who honestly I wanted to be taken down a couple more notches) and more about Savannah’s relationship with the mystery editor and William I would have loved it more.
-I wanted more development from Savannah as well. She did change, but I wanted some more change from her. She was sooooo close to standing up for herself and demanding the attention she deserved in her family and at work, but just fell flat when others were around to do it for her.
Long Story Short:
I definitely recommend reading this book! It’s adorable, sweet, and has just enough chaos to make it one that you’ll remember. If you want a sweet, clean romance that borders the line of women’s fic then this should be for you!

This was okay, but just not what I had hoped for. I have been on a rom-com kick lately and have read some really great ones. This one unfortunately fell flat for me. The main character, Savannah, just did not have any real substance to her. I could not get invested in caring about what happened to her. I may have just read too many outstanding books lately, but this one just didn't do it for me.

↳ I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Meet Me in the Margins is a lovely story about Savannah Cade, an editor aspiring to publish her own romance novel. After sending her manuscript to the chief editor of a renowned publisher, Claire Donovan, she receives a feedback a bit bittersweet. Even though the editor sees potential in her story, she thinks that the manuscript needs a big polishing.
After leaving said manuscript in her secret nook in the publishing house she works, Savannah returns and discovers that not only someone entered her nook, but they also read her manuscript and wrote notes in the margins with editions for her story.
At first, Savannah doesn't take the notes well. But after some exchange of notes with her mysterious editor, she realizes that they can truly help her.
This book left me intrigued since I first read the synopsis. I loved the writing and pretty much devoured the book. The story was really refreshing in some ways and it wasn't hard to like the main characters.
Even though I didn't quite connect with the book, I enjoyed the reading. I think we could have seen more scenes of Savannah and William (her love interest) together. I missed some development in their relationship.
Another aspect of the story that bothered me was the whole situation with her ex-boyfriend and her sister. I don't think that was necessary at all. I get that her sister was awful and conquered her own redemption arc, which I also think was kind of weak, but things most definitely could have been different.
Overall, the story was funny but predictable. The plot twist was kind of cute but I felt as if something was missing. Meet Me in the Margins is an enjoyable reading and if you're looking for a quick, humorous, and intimate story, you should definitely read this one.

Melissa Ferguson's "Meet Me in the Margins" is a cute and funny romance centering around book editor Savannah Cade and her new boss, Will Pennington. While trying to maintain her professionalism around Will, she also spends her time writing her book and dealing with her sister's engagement to her Savannah's ex-boyfriend. Will is trying to prove himself worthy of his new position, which many see as nepotism since his mom owns Pennington Publishing. Together (and without the other knowing it), they are working on Savannah's manuscript. I really enjoyed this book, and the big reveal at the end. I thought Savannah and Will had good chemistry and I enjoyed seeing the sparks fly!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book was very sweet and enjoyable. The main characters were very easy to love.
I enjoyed the Savannah’s journey of growth and self-exploration and truly enjoyed Will being a big part of it (even without her knowing it)
I would have loved to see more of their relationship throughout the book. It left me wanting a bit more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book was just so darn enjoyable to read. Savannah Cade was born to a family with overly high expectations of its members. Savannah herself, though, seems to be okay with 'fine' while her sister/roomie tries to check all of the boxes of perfection at once. This definitely leads to some guilt and lower self esteem- but just enough to be relatable without feeling overwhelming as the reader. Savannah works for a high-brow (yet struggling financially) publisher in Nashville, but is secretly working on a *gasp* romance novel! The main thrust of the story comes when she stashes it in what she believes to be her secret hideout in the Victorian mansion-turned-office, but someone else knows about it... and leaves quite critical (yet spot on) notes in the margins of her manuscript.
At one point Savannah's manuscript is referred to as an amalgam of Hallmark movies... and honestly, the book gave me those exact feelings. Yes, you know what's going to happen. There might be a couple of things that surprise you, but you essentially know the ending from the get go. You'd think that would make it less of a page-turner... but somehow it doesn't? I was hooked. I wish I got to know Will (leading man) a little better, but the witty banter was on point and I just love when the main character is bookish (don't we all?).
Overall, I'd say probably 3.75 stars. It wasn't quite deep enough for me to get to 4, but it was a delightful read.

Meet Me In the Margins is a very sweet book. I might deem it relationship fiction before romance, but there's a solid off-page romance. It's cute, sweet, and there's some minor character growth. Lots of tropes playing out, as well.
The book was rather meta, in that someone who works in publishing is trying to get published. And I wasn't too thrilled with the constant maligning of romance as a genre, especially from a character who was writing a romance novel. I was completely unsurprised with the ending (the identity of the mysterious editor was obvious from day one), but the novel played to its tropes very well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the free eARC!

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC digital copy of Meet in the Margins in exchange for an honest review of the book. Well - this book just was not for me. I wanted to like so much. I loved the idea of secret room in an old home that serves as a southern publishing company. I just could see it all so clear. There was not anything that surprised me and frankly I found most of the characters as kinda flat. I would skip the purchase and borrow from the library. You might enjoy as.a light fluffy beach read but this one was not my cup of tea.

This is a delightful romantic comedy in a lighter vein. The main characters, Savannah and Will are appealing, as is the setting in a small boutique publishing house that is struggling financially. Savannah, an assistant editor, is secretly writing her own novel, which she leaves in a hidden room full of ARCs in the attic of the publisher's building. After she finds her manuscript marked with notes and suggestions in the margins, she embarks on a relationship via post-it notes with her mysterious editor. Her friend Lyla, an administrative assistant and aspiring country singer, provides a good foil for the serious Savannah with her kookiness. When Savannah catches Sam, another co-worker, exiting the hidden room, she believes she must have found her mystery friend,--but has she? Then there's her forbidding new boss, William, who happens to be the son of the owner of Pennington Publications. The story sparkles with humor and warmth, and while there is little emotional depth to the story, readers looking for a light, effervescent romance should enjoy this one.

This was really cute but would have been better without Olivia and Ferris. That storyline made the main character seem like a weak wet noodle. And boy was her family terrible to her! How dare they treat a daughter like that and what kind of parents would be ok with what happened between Savannah, Olivia, and Ferris? Terrible ones that’s who.
The rest of the story was lovely though so I would still recommend it.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
I absolutely loved this book. A book about books with that story! Amazing! The writing is amazing too!
Savannah is an editor who wants to become a writer too. She leaves her manuscript in the ARC room and finds it with notes. At first she wasn't happy about the comments, but soon she realizes she needs the help of her mystery editor. I liked how she started having feelings for her mystery editor and slowly falling in love with him. The way they "talked" through the notes was romantic. Savannah is a great character and I like the way she actually got her dream. Also, the way she was falling in love with Will I was too. He is charming and mysterious.
I really loved each character and the whole plot.
I would definietly recommend this book. I enjoyed every second of it.
Thank you again NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC!

Savannah Cade is a junior editor at Pennington Publishing, a publisher that prides itself on printing only the best works. What they never, ever publish are romance novels! Savannah, however, is secretly writing just that and when her manuscript is rejected, drops the pages all over her secret reading room in a fit of pique. To her surprise, when she returns the next morning, she finds her manuscript neatly arranged with edits scribbled in between the lines. Despite herself, Savannah begins a dialogue back and forth with her mystery editor a unique bond is formed. It's in the margins that Savannah both finds her voice and the love of her life in this wickedly funny novel by veteran author Melissa Ferguson.

Book received for free through NetGalley
Such an adorably cute book that I binged and read in only two days. The characters were awesome. Would love to follow along with them a bit longer but happy for the window into their lives.

I received a complimentary copy of this book (thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction)! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am an absolute sucker for any book that has an author/aspiring writer/editor main character, especially one that takes place in the publishing industry. This book has all of that, and it’s a romance! So I was sold.
Things I loved: “You’ve Got Mail” but in a publishing house, taking place in the margins of a romance instead of through dial up email. I loved Savannah’s best friend, the atmosphere of this Victorian home meets publishing office, and the moments between Savannah and William were really sweet. Some of their “dates” are such good places of chemistry, and I appreciated how protective/kind William is to Savannah.
Something I wish we got more of was William himself. We can tell he’s got some stuff happening under the surface (leaving New York, a breakup of some sort, interest in Savannah, etc) but we only get him at an arms length. His interest in “airport/grocery” fiction is intriguing because it goes against his mother’s interest and he sees something in Savannah that even she doesn’t recognize, but we don’t really get *him*. We get him in little bits and pieces through Savannah’s perspective and I would’ve loved to know him more.
There was a bit of drama in Savannah’s family life which was drama indeed! I would’ve loved a little more tension/confusion/flat out yelling in that moment. It was such a good build up that deserves such a fiery close!
Overall, this book has sweet chemistry and an even sweeter atmosphere, I just would’ve loved to get to know the characters a bit more. :)
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for this review copy!

Such a fun read! Thoroughly enjoyed it! It starts out a lil slow but picks up the pace after about 35%. The main characters are very loveable. My only issues with the book were the overwhelming number of side characters and lack of time with Wil. Maybe if the book was a bit long with more scenes with both the main characters together it would've been a 5 star for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the e-ARC!❤️

The book is described as You’ve Got Mail meets the Proposal which I didn’t know before reviewing, but the whole time all I could think about was You’ve Got mail a favorite romcom movie of mine.
This book was cute, sweet, charming, and I really enjoyed reading it. Was it highly predictable? Absolutely. But isn’t that almost the point of these romcoms?? I saw reviews saying they didn’t buy the relationship between these characters, but I did!! Savannah was naive at times, but it was endearing and made sense. Also reading a book that sounds like a book the main character is writing is very mind trippy to a point. I enjoyed it. Will was not my favorite love interest but I also forgive him.
Thank you netgalley for providing this arc for an honest review. I’m actually excited to read more books by this author.

Meet Me in the Margins is a sweet story but without any real spark. Savannah is an aspiring romance writer (without any romantic experience) and is working on her first manuscript. When she accidentally leaves it in a secret room at the office. she realizes the room isn't so secret after all. And neither is her manuscript. Someone has not only read it, but they've begun to edit it and leave feedback (and not the praiseworthy kind). She's rightfully offended at first, but then understands that this mystery editor is actually spot on in his edits. They begin a correspondence back in forth in the margins of her manuscript as he helps her to finish her greatest projects to date... writing her book and finding true love.
The relationship between Will and Savannah was sweet and lighthearted, but I never felt the spark between them. Will spoke in a very formal and old fashioned way which was almost distracting to a point. Savannah seemed like a smart woman, but appeared to be very naive in worldly situations (her relationship with Ferris, her lack of experience, her relationship with her parents/sister) and I would have liked to see her have a bit more of a backbone. Overall, a sweet and heartwarming story, but not one that left me swooning.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson--FICTION for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

“Meet Me in the Margins” is a warm-hearted story with a likable protagonist who you cannot help but root for.
Savannah is an editor for a small publishing company who also hopes to publish a romance (which is not what her high-brow publishing company considers as worthwhile literature. Because of that, she hides her novel in a secret compartment of the ARC room (why can’t I have an ARC room to go into to read all of the galleys out there?) so no one at work can discover. Yet, to her surprise, not only does a mysterious reader find the book, but also provides critical feedback.
I figured out where this novel was going by the first chapter, but didn’t mind. While this novel has plenty of predictability, you don’t mind because you don’t expect to eat a slice of warmed-up apple pie for its health benefits. Ironically, this novel reads like the type of story its main character has written. How is that for meta?
This is the first book I have read by Melissa Ferguson, but definitely not the last.
Thank you the Melissa Ferguson, NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel.

I loved this! This was the sort of predictable you want in a romance book - I couldn't wait for them to finally come together. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

3.5. ⭐️ I’m such a sucker for books about books and this one did not disappoint. Meet Me in the Margins is about an assistant editor named Savannah that is secretly working on a romance manuscript. She tried selling it to another publishing company but was shot down when she was told that it needed work but if she could get it done quickly, they will consider it again. She has 45 days to rewrite her entire manuscript when she notices someone has written feedback in the margins and decides to try and get them to help her edit her book before the deadline. They secretly write back and forth to each other through her manuscript but who is this mystery man that Savannah is sort of liking?
Will is the new VP of editing at her publishing house. Savannah has been spending more time with him and starting to enjoy his company. All while trying to rewrite her manuscript, figure out who the mystery editor is and be there for her sisters engagement.
I did quite enjoy this book but it was missing the spark between the main love interests. I really liked Will. I think he had a good personality and he was snarky. He and Savannah just didn’t spend that much time together and I feel like we missed out on more of a love buildup.. Maybe the book was just a bit too short but I would have loved more. It felt like a Kdrama where there’s just build up the entire season then they just kiss the last two minutes of the final episode.
If you’re looking for a cute find yourself romance novel about an author, then this one is for you. This book was given as an ARC by NetGalley for an honest review.