Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson

Rating: ★★★★☆

Dates Read: 5/23/23 - 5/23/23

    Savannah Cade's dreams are on the verge of coming true when Claire Donovan, the renowned editor-in-chief of a successful romance imprint, expresses interest in reading Savannah's secret manuscript. However, working at a publishing house that looks down on commercial fiction, Savannah accidentally exposes her manuscript during a meeting, risking her career. In a rush to protect her work, she hides it in the hidden turret room of the old Victorian office.

    Upon her return, Savannah discovers that someone has not only discovered her secret nook but also left critical notes in the margins. To her surprise, Claire's reaction aligns closely with the anonymous editor's comments. To make matters more challenging, Claire set a tight deadline for Savannah to resubmit her manuscript before retiring. With no other option, Savannah reluctantly turns to the mysterious editor for assistance. As their written exchanges fill the pages, Savannah finds herself not only relying on the shadowy editor for professional guidance but also developing strong feelings for him. The only catch is that she has no idea who he truly is.

    "Waiting impatiently for something that will inevitably happen either way is a waste of time. Enjoy the journey, not just the destination."

    Meet Me in the Margins was a delightfully sweet novel. The story maintained a squeaky clean, G-rated vibe, with only two kisses throughout the entire novel and an absence of profanity. Despite its simplicity, there were moments of charm and humor, particularly in the country bar and courthouse scenes. What stood out was the parallel between the actual novel and the fictional novel within, both striving to portray a lasting, lifelong love rather than a fleeting instant romance. Additionally, the story beautifully captured a deep appreciation for the world of publishing, writing, and reading.

    The revelation of the mystery person's identity and the eventual romantic pairing of Savannah may not come as a surprise to readers. Among the various subplots, the one involving Savannah's sister Olivia and her fiancé Ferris stood out as the strongest. However, certain aspects of the story could have been further developed to provide greater depth. It would have been interesting to delve deeper into Will's experiences in New York and explore the reasons behind his return to Nashville.

    I absolutely loved this book. It had me hooked from start to finish. Don't believe anyone who says you can't fall in love through words because I definitely did, just like Savannah fell for her mystery editor. It's not a groundbreaking story, but it's exactly what I wanted—a cute, funny, and completely engrossing love story. While it may be predictable, the buildup and tension made the ending feel truly magical. It's a perfect read for hopeless romantics like me, providing a simple pleasure that leaves you feeling warm and happy.

    I also want to applaud the narrators for the audiobook, they really made everything feel more real. I absolutely can't wait to read more from this author!