It's Always Been Me: A Novel

by Megan Walrod

This contemporary novel about a woman navigating love, loss, and the whispering call of her neglected artistic dreams will appeal to fans of Lily King and Jojo Moyes.

After Sabina watches her rock star husband walk out on their marriage, a phone call reveals that her beloved grandmother is in the ICU in Santa Cruz, CA. So Sabina hits the road with a tear-stained face, a duffel bag of clothes, and no plan for her future.

In her grandmother’s seaside world, Sabina reconnects with several old passions: ocean swimming, process painting, and a long-lost summer love named Graham—all of which force her to confront the artistic dream she abandoned to support her husband. Meanwhile, a mysterious voice calls to her. Sabina wonders if it’s a Selkie, one of the mythical shape-shifting seal folk from her grandmother’s stories.

As both her marriage and her grandmother’s health deteriorate, Sabina wrestles with the choices she’s made. Is it too late to reclaim her dream? Must she choose between art and love? And is the voice she’s hearing a sign she’s lost it—or a key to unlocking her true self?

296 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2025

Reviews

[Natalie Keener · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a powerful account of a woman’s journey back to herself! I loved the weaving of the Selkie myth throughout. Sabina’s journey is gradual and gentle; it didn’t feel like I was constantly overwhelmed with spiritual advice and Big Thoughts and Questions. instead, there was a healthy mix of trial and error, huge realizations, and bits of real life that made up this wonderful novel.

I was able to meet Megan Walrod outside of Trident Bookstore and she is such a fabulous woman intent on empowering other women and her creativity ♥️

[Brittany Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an extraordinary debut novel. I truly couldn’t believe this was the first book Megan has written. From the moment I met the main character I was invested and pulled into her story. Megan’s prose and use of imagery is also so engaging and beautiful. Highly recommend!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this in one sitting. Amazing book!

[Jenn Todling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant debut novel that will leave you feeling empowered and inspired. A magical, transformative adventure weaving together travel, romance and the ultimate message that as women we are worthy of pursuing our dreams. Highly recommend for a fun and easy summer beach read or your next book club pick. Bravo!

[Katja Lany · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Megan asked me how the book landed for me, I shared that I was touched mostly by the lines "Rather than living a lesser life for missing him, she said she would live an even fuller life to acknowledge the gift it is". Death sparking a "Grand Reset" - I am feeling the resonance of that. With that being said, the book, to me, echoes what I am passionate about: aliveness, integrity, & joie de vivre, no matter what.

[Tracy Mansolillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling story about the journey of becoming. Through a lens of loss and new beginnings, Megan Walrod shines a light on the power of personal transformation. From heartbreak and grief to self- love and compassion, she reminds the reader to acknowledge and trust their intuition and follow the path as it unfolds before them. A must read for women who have loved, lost and contemplated what comes next.

[Red Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burgundy mayhem, California poppy soft skin… these are a couple of the many flavors that bring scenes a poetic truth and sweetness in ‘It’s always Been Me’. What I love about this book is the support and love that the main character shares with her people. Sabina, Graham, Dora… the characters are so alive. The writing flows easily; this is a quick, fun, nurturing read - I recommend.

[Renee Zukin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of reading an advancement copy last weekend and this girl read the whole darn thing in two days. I couldn’t put it down. I had to know how Sabina would find her way. I was invested in Nana's every breath, and I was entranced by the power of the Selkies.

Megan has created a masterpiece that weaves together the heart and soul of so many women's journeys through their relationships with themselves and others. I found parts of myself mirrored often in these pages and I'm so glad the magic of the ocean and its mystical beings held it all together. I'm so proud of Sabina and I'm affirmed in my own choices I made as a young woman navigating relationships. I found solace in all the ways the main character was able to return to her art, her expression, her learning.

This book is a must read. It’s the story of so many of us and Megan’s work in this world, uplifting and inspiring others, is evident on the page. Head on over to the pre-order here to find the perk(s) that are just the thing for you! https://tinyurl.com/preorderwithperks

[Patricia Grayhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Megan Walrod's enchanting tale, grief becomes the unlikely catalyst for transformation as her protagonist discovers that healing can arrive on ocean waves when Selkies emerge from the misty waters and intergenerational feminist voices whisper through the salt air, a woman's shattered world begins to reshape itself through the alchemy of art and self-discovery.

What makes this story particularly enjoyable for me is Walrod's decision to ground this magical realism in Santa Cruz—those very same stretches of sand that hold countless summer memories. There's something deeply personal about watching a character find herself along a coastline that holds your own footprints, where the crash of familiar waves becomes both soundtrack and salvation for someone learning to breathe again after loss.

[Tara M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delight from beginning to end. I often say that there are story driven authors and writing driven authors and rarely do we find both in an author. Megan proves ahe is both. The story was so compelling that it left me wanting more. I didn’t want to say goodbye to the characters and their story. And it is beautifully written in a way that feels effortless (but I am sure was not). It’s the kind of book that made me want to be a novelist.
I read this in a week and kept making the time to keep reading when other things were wanting my attention. It’s that good!

[Julie Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful read
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2025
It’s Always Been Me is a well crafted story that carries a familiar theme for many women. Walrod handles this theme with care, strength, and honesty. The female characters in the story are so engaging, I wish I’d had them in my life through the ups and downs and ends of relationships. Sabina gets it. She understands her foibles, which in turns helps us to see our own flaws and those or our friends, lovers, and husbands. A beautiful read.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is rich with poetic prose and sensory descriptions that transport you to the beachside town with its protagonist. Heartfelt, and reflective, it's the kind of story that reminds us that change is unavoidable, but we get to choose how we're transformed by it. This story is rooted in reality while inviting in the mystical. I highly recommend it, especially for ocean lovers and creatives who long for soulful fiction that helps fill their artistic cups.

[Jude Berman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Megan Walrod’s debut novel, art provides a language rich in myth and metaphor and a path for self-actualization. Even with the certainty “it’s always been me,” the magic lies in the journey—the mystical surprises and unfolding of women’s wisdom. An inspiring tale for women seeking their empowered selves.

[JoAnne Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title alone had me reflecting. After I dove in, I felt like I was walking beside the characters. The story was new but felt familiar… a shared experience of many women who give up their own paths for someone else’s. A great summer read !