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Just Say It
Turning forty, Lisa Grant is broke, alone and living in rural Gloucestershire, hurtling towards an inevitable midlife crisis.
Romantically, she pushes people away. She cannot say the words, "I love you." Jack, the only love of her life, put the Atlantic Ocean between them after they fell out the last time and now lives in New York.
Fearing for her sanity, she addresses the problem she has carried with her for the past forty years - her narcissistic mother, Elizabeth.
When Lisa was six years old, her father disappeared, and her mother kept the truth about why he left the family home hidden. When starting her journalistic career, Lisa reconnects with her father and discovers grim truths about her controlling mother.
After four decades of sparring with her impossible mother, Lisa cultivates a more rational and sympathetic approach to discovering why her mother lacks empathy. Believing childhood trauma may be responsible, Lisa harnesses her journalistic skills to investigate her mother's past and is shocked by what she finds.
Romantically, she pushes people away. She cannot say the words, "I love you." Jack, the only love of her life, put the Atlantic Ocean between them after they fell out the last time and now lives in New York.
Fearing for her sanity, she addresses the problem she has carried with her for the past forty years - her narcissistic mother, Elizabeth.
When Lisa was six years old, her father disappeared, and her mother kept the truth about why he left the family home hidden. When starting her journalistic career, Lisa reconnects with her father and discovers grim truths about her controlling mother.
After four decades of sparring with her impossible mother, Lisa cultivates a more rational and sympathetic approach to discovering why her mother lacks empathy. Believing childhood trauma may be responsible, Lisa harnesses her journalistic skills to investigate her mother's past and is shocked by what she finds.
418 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2021
26 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Barrie
2 books42 followersYorkshire-born, one-quarter Greek writer growing old disgracefully in Jersey, Channel Islands, UK, who believes that however dark a story gets, a subtle sprinkling of humour is essential.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 10, 2022
I wanted to love it. It's a quick and easy read however I couldn't get beyond the awkward editing. There's nothing really deep or existential about it just good fun, perhaps a stepchild to The Bridget Jones books. I'd recommend it for a quick rainy day read. I'd read another Tessa Barrie book.
August 22, 2021
Just Say It manages to interweave a modern and relatable tale with episodes of upper-class family secrets that feel like a classic novel. This is a character-based story spanning decades, exploring traditional - and non-traditional - family set ups and challenges. In the beginning we meet Lisa, 40 years old and questioning her life choices, and this rollicking story takes us through the seventies, eighties, and even back to the forties - with realistic dialogue but a sprinkle of diversity and grit. A great debut from Tessa Barrie.
October 11, 2021
Funny and heartwarming….
I thoroughly enjoyed Tessa Barrie’s debut novel. Just Say It is very funny, closely structured, well written and hard to put down. The humour shines through, I frequently found myself laughing out loud! It is an easy read with the storyline flowing seamlessly throughout. Perfect escapist material.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed Tessa Barrie’s debut novel. Just Say It is very funny, closely structured, well written and hard to put down. The humour shines through, I frequently found myself laughing out loud! It is an easy read with the storyline flowing seamlessly throughout. Perfect escapist material.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
November 4, 2021
A great story about self-discovery, family secrets and everything in-between. Written in a flawless style, it draws the reader in from the first page, building up one layer after the other. From the main character, who is honest and unapologetic, to the way the past is revealed, I would say that this is one of the best books I have ever read.
Meet Lisa, a woman who used to work as a columnist for a leading magazine in the United Kingdom. She has just turned forty and it seems that a midlife crisis is just about the knock on her door. Fearful of what this new age milestone might bring, she makes an important decision – it’s time to discover why she suffers from “emotional impotence” and what happened with her father. In her journey, however, she will end up discovering more about her mother, who is equally narcissistic and controlling.
I absolutely loved this book! The author did a brilliant job in crafting a story around topics that will be forever relevant, such as getting old, narcissism, and rocky family relationships. I followed Lisa’s journey of self-discovery with interest, but I also liked the whole dynamic of the story. I am sure many people can relate to how the narcissistic mother behaves, especially upon seeing how involved she is in her own journey. Lisa is a wonderful character, and you will definitely want to follow her quest until the end.
This was an enjoyable book, far from predictable. I kept turning one page after the other, wondering what would happen next. From a different perspective, it was lovely to read the descriptions accompanying the story. Not only does the author takes the reader to various locations, such as Gloucestershire, London, and Portugal, but one will also travel to different time periods.
If you are looking for a new read, you’ve found it! I highly recommend this book, as it has a little of everything. Readers will fall in love with Lisa and her journey, being drawn to the clever combination of family secrets, narcissism and emotional upturns. The book has enough funny bits to balance the rest of the story, and the storyline flows seamlessly. A perfect escape!
Meet Lisa, a woman who used to work as a columnist for a leading magazine in the United Kingdom. She has just turned forty and it seems that a midlife crisis is just about the knock on her door. Fearful of what this new age milestone might bring, she makes an important decision – it’s time to discover why she suffers from “emotional impotence” and what happened with her father. In her journey, however, she will end up discovering more about her mother, who is equally narcissistic and controlling.
I absolutely loved this book! The author did a brilliant job in crafting a story around topics that will be forever relevant, such as getting old, narcissism, and rocky family relationships. I followed Lisa’s journey of self-discovery with interest, but I also liked the whole dynamic of the story. I am sure many people can relate to how the narcissistic mother behaves, especially upon seeing how involved she is in her own journey. Lisa is a wonderful character, and you will definitely want to follow her quest until the end.
This was an enjoyable book, far from predictable. I kept turning one page after the other, wondering what would happen next. From a different perspective, it was lovely to read the descriptions accompanying the story. Not only does the author takes the reader to various locations, such as Gloucestershire, London, and Portugal, but one will also travel to different time periods.
If you are looking for a new read, you’ve found it! I highly recommend this book, as it has a little of everything. Readers will fall in love with Lisa and her journey, being drawn to the clever combination of family secrets, narcissism and emotional upturns. The book has enough funny bits to balance the rest of the story, and the storyline flows seamlessly. A perfect escape!
March 20, 2024
I gave this book 4.5 stars.
I must say that I love the author’s sense of humor. Here is a good example: She talks about an actor…Harrison Cruise in the movie…Louisiana Jones…… I laughed out loud, that is just one of many humorous things she included in this book.
The mother in this book is just terrible. You will feel all kinds of compassion for Lisa, that is when you aren’t ready to choke her for her quick decisions and thoughtless words! But it won’t stop you from reading the book, I had a hard time putting this book down.
If you like a little humor mixed in with lots of drama, and dysfunctional mother-daughter relationships, and lots of forgiveness, you will enjoy this one.
Thank you to Tessa Barrie and Voracious Readers Only for the digital copy of this book for my honest opinion.
I must say that I love the author’s sense of humor. Here is a good example: She talks about an actor…Harrison Cruise in the movie…Louisiana Jones…… I laughed out loud, that is just one of many humorous things she included in this book.
The mother in this book is just terrible. You will feel all kinds of compassion for Lisa, that is when you aren’t ready to choke her for her quick decisions and thoughtless words! But it won’t stop you from reading the book, I had a hard time putting this book down.
If you like a little humor mixed in with lots of drama, and dysfunctional mother-daughter relationships, and lots of forgiveness, you will enjoy this one.
Thank you to Tessa Barrie and Voracious Readers Only for the digital copy of this book for my honest opinion.
March 21, 2022
The reader goes with the speaker in this fictional first-person biographical trip, and what a wonderful trip it is. Moments of concern and anticipation, enhanced by flashbacks, sometimes a change in narrator, back to the problem, then, finally, a very non-traditional HEA. I thoroughly enjoyed taking the ride along with all of them, and am happy with the ending.
The characters are believable, the situations are modern and realistic, the plot has heartbreaking and moving twists. The writing is clear and excellent, descriptive and evocative, and overall enjoyable.
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are believable, the situations are modern and realistic, the plot has heartbreaking and moving twists. The writing is clear and excellent, descriptive and evocative, and overall enjoyable.
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2022
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only for an honest review. This ended up being a very heartwarming and thought-provoking story about finding happiness: discover who you are, let go of toxicity, and choose who you keep in your circle. The explosive interactions between Lisa and her narcissistic mother painted a vivid picture of their toxic relationship and provided a stark contrast when compared to Lisa’s relationships with Arthur and Will. I loved seeing how much Lisa grew throughout the book as she discovered more about herself: who she was and what she wanted and needed. An excellent read! Highly recommended!
March 25, 2024
Even though this book could do with another round of edits, that barely detracted from the story. I had a harder time following along as the timeline jumped back and forth, and between multiple characters' stories. This realistically captures a heartwrenching, yet heartfelt story of a family ripped apart by a mother's greed and selfishness. This is all accomplished with a sense of self-deprecating and cheeky humor, allowing the reader to know that the main character has come to terms with the anguish and found her peace with it. It was almost like healing some of my own past hurts through living Lisa's life.
February 2, 2024
After receiving a copy of this book via Voracious Readers, I was excited to get stuck into this book!
Reading the blurb, it sounded like a book I’d typically grab as an ‘easy read’. It took me the first chapter or so before I got hooked, but it was mainly due to understanding the authors writing style! After that, I found it easy to understand and flew through it!
I grew to enjoy the character development through the book too.
It was a nice, easy read - would be great to take away on holiday!
Reading the blurb, it sounded like a book I’d typically grab as an ‘easy read’. It took me the first chapter or so before I got hooked, but it was mainly due to understanding the authors writing style! After that, I found it easy to understand and flew through it!
I grew to enjoy the character development through the book too.
It was a nice, easy read - would be great to take away on holiday!
March 20, 2024
Just Sat It is a book you find yourself trying to sneak every moment you can to read.
Written in such a way it is an extremely easy read without being flooded with multiple characters to lose track of.
A young girl 's father just disappears without a goodbye and her mother is so self centred, she denies the child any love, or nurturing, which she luckily finds with the housekeeper.
Lisa becomes an adult who cannot seem to keep love alive, so endeavors to uncover why her mother is like she is.
A very enjoyable read which just flows easily.
Written in such a way it is an extremely easy read without being flooded with multiple characters to lose track of.
A young girl 's father just disappears without a goodbye and her mother is so self centred, she denies the child any love, or nurturing, which she luckily finds with the housekeeper.
Lisa becomes an adult who cannot seem to keep love alive, so endeavors to uncover why her mother is like she is.
A very enjoyable read which just flows easily.
January 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this. Came across as an entertaining memoir of sorts. You really become attached to the main character Lisa. We’ve all felt that moment when we think our life is stuck and we need to make a drastic change and have regrets about things from our past. I enjoyed how she made you feel towards the characters the way she did. Just enough dislike without absolutely hating certain characters and thoroughly enjoying others. Never a dull moment while reading.
January 14, 2022
This book is a definite page turner. It holds your interest throughout. The story takes place in London and the author makes you feel as if you are right there. The main character, Lisa, was a columnist in the UK. She is undergoing a mid-life crisis as the big "40" hits her. It is very relevant and definitely engrossing, I would highly recommend this book.
September 4, 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable book that follows the story of a somewhat mixed up Lisa Grant as she turns forty and re-examines where she’s at and how she got there. The beginning was slightly confusing but it all quickly falls into place and the storyline kept me highly engaged throughout. Great debut novel! I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers.
January 26, 2022
In spite of the occasional typo I have rated this five stars. Untangling the lies and hurts of the past brings heartwarming highs and heartbreaking lows in this well written easy to read novel. Received as a complimentary copy from the author in return for an honest review.
March 15, 2022
Upon receiving my complimentary copy of Just Say it by Tessa Barrie via Voracious Reader Only, I found the book well written with the characters having strong personalities which helped express their individualism. The story line was very interesting with a few twists which helped to keep you reading and not wanting to put down. I would definitely recommend this book.
September 14, 2022
Great read, hard to put down. Well written, full of surprises. Great ending!!
January 13, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. Intertwined family personalities thru the years. Very well written, light hearted and kept me interested to read more. Looking forward to reading more from Tessa Barrie
August 25, 2023
Entertaining read
January 17, 2024
I loved this book
I was sent a complimentary copy from the author. Enjoyed reading and getting to know the characters well worth a read. Hard to put down once you start reading it
Awsome work
I was sent a complimentary copy from the author. Enjoyed reading and getting to know the characters well worth a read. Hard to put down once you start reading it
Awsome work
March 16, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. I couldn’t put it down it was a real page turner. It is filled with drama.
March 24, 2022
Just Say It was an enjoyable read from start to finish. It doesn’t take long to become completely immersed in the story and characters. Many surprises and family secrets are revealed throughout the story. My only complaint would be that the story ended very quickly once all was revealed. It would have been nice to experience a little more of the bridge-building and happiness that finally came at the end.
October 7, 2022
Amazing journey, full of emotion from start to finish. Loved it and would love to read more from this author ❤️
May 19, 2024
Enjoyed this read, light hearted and humorous.
Lovely ending with all the loose threads bound together nicely.
Story flicks between past and present, allowing for greater understanding of the characters.
Thank you to voracious readers for a complimentary copy in return for an honest review.
Lovely ending with all the loose threads bound together nicely.
Story flicks between past and present, allowing for greater understanding of the characters.
Thank you to voracious readers for a complimentary copy in return for an honest review.
November 24, 2022
I loved it!! I couldn’t put it down. I just kept wanting to find out what happened next. Definitely recommend.
July 31, 2021
Journalist Lisa Grant struggles with her narcissistic and controlling mother to make her way in life without her father who deserted her as a child. She eventually discovers the scandalous truth, for the period, about her father, but her quest to find why, in relationships, she just can't say I love you, leads her to uncover the heart-breaking reality of her mother's childhood. Just Say It is a well written emotional tale with a generous helping of giggles along the way culminating in a satisfying HEA.
May 22, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this gripping, gorgeous book from beginning to end! I loved all the characters, they were richly developed and totally engaging. Reliving the time period was fun, provoking lots of memories. The book was totally absorbing, fun, emotional and heartbreaking in turns. Highly recommend it and can’t wait to read the author’s next book.
September 9, 2021
Fun read
A fun read that took me back to my youth in London. A great start for her first book, I look forward to future writing from this author!
A fun read that took me back to my youth in London. A great start for her first book, I look forward to future writing from this author!
May 27, 2023
Just Say It By Tessa Barrie
#voraciousreadersonly
#ebook
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romance/Family
Lisa 👱♀️ had never felt any love or affection from her Foghorn-Leghorn shrill voiced society driven mother. Her father however, lavished lots of attention on her, taking her on woodland walks, playing Pooh sticks & catching trout 🐟 for her tea.🍽
That morning though, as he said goodbye at the school gates, to his 6 year old daughter who he affectionately called Piglet 🐖 - to her, he was Pooh 🧸- he knew that the trout that he had promised her for that evening's meal was a lie. Her beloved father 👨 wasn't there when she returned home that afternoon, her only explanation from her mother being that of 'irreconcilable differences', whatever that meant. Her mother 👩 continued as she had, all of Lisa's young life, as the absentee parent, palming her off on other people. Firstly the au pair who was dismissed when she dared to suggest that Mrs Grant didn't know when her daughter's birthday was....& the brief home schooling episode when Mrs Lavaty (nicknamed Lavatory) smacked Lisa on the hand sharply with a ruler 📏 for not paying attention. Naturally, Mrs Grant saw this a perfectly reasonable way to teach a child. Then, her mother arrived home one day accompanied by an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair, 🧑🦽 declaring him to be her step father, 👨🦳& that Lisa is off to boarding school! 🏤
As the years pass, Lisa wonders why she has never heard from her father. It is the beginning of a long held belief that loving someone equals abandonment which her mother's style of parenting only serves to fuel. Whilst Elizabeth is away on one of her London jaunts, with the help of Nellie, Lisa discovers a cupboard within her mother's walk-in wardrobe. She prizes the lock, 🔐 a trick learned in her younger years, & finds a wall of letters ✉ & parcels🎁 addressed to her, leading her to uncover the biggest betrayal of her life, & after an earlier discovery in the vast attic, the secret to her mother's past that explains her mother's maternal aloofness & sense of entitlement.
This book 📖 was sent to me via Voracious Readers Only, as a courtesy copy directly from the author. This is Tessa's debut novel. ✍There are an extensive number of chapters of differing lengths, which may seem daunting, but it is extremely readable with the casual vernacular that the author gives the character. For me, Elizabeth, Lisa's mother was immediately 'Keeping Up Appearances' Hyacinth Bouquet (Bucket) whilst Lisa's first boss Penny, embodied Patsy Stone (Ab Fab) which made them such humorous characters, if a little grating too. The descriptions of people & places were so well executed it was easy to imagine them as I was reading. The relationship between Lisa & her mother was both heartbreaking 💔 & humorous.🤣 I found it extremely sad that a mother could treat her daughter with the contempt in which she appeared to hold Lisa. As they both got older & Lisa rallied against Elizabeth's debutant lifestyle as the only way to go. Their opposing outlooks on life injected some hilarious scenarios. One of my favourite passages is Elizabeth bursting into Lisa's bedroom without knocking....Lisa shouts something like 'Mother, I could have been stark bollock naked'! Elizabeth appalled at her daughter's foul mouthed unlady like demeanour, simply says 'What a ghastly expression'. I laughed out loud!
A very well put together clever plot with very relatable, loveable characters. Very hard to put down & definitely a book I want to own a hard copy of. Available at Amazon.
#voraciousreadersonly
#ebook
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romance/Family
Lisa 👱♀️ had never felt any love or affection from her Foghorn-Leghorn shrill voiced society driven mother. Her father however, lavished lots of attention on her, taking her on woodland walks, playing Pooh sticks & catching trout 🐟 for her tea.🍽
That morning though, as he said goodbye at the school gates, to his 6 year old daughter who he affectionately called Piglet 🐖 - to her, he was Pooh 🧸- he knew that the trout that he had promised her for that evening's meal was a lie. Her beloved father 👨 wasn't there when she returned home that afternoon, her only explanation from her mother being that of 'irreconcilable differences', whatever that meant. Her mother 👩 continued as she had, all of Lisa's young life, as the absentee parent, palming her off on other people. Firstly the au pair who was dismissed when she dared to suggest that Mrs Grant didn't know when her daughter's birthday was....& the brief home schooling episode when Mrs Lavaty (nicknamed Lavatory) smacked Lisa on the hand sharply with a ruler 📏 for not paying attention. Naturally, Mrs Grant saw this a perfectly reasonable way to teach a child. Then, her mother arrived home one day accompanied by an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair, 🧑🦽 declaring him to be her step father, 👨🦳& that Lisa is off to boarding school! 🏤
As the years pass, Lisa wonders why she has never heard from her father. It is the beginning of a long held belief that loving someone equals abandonment which her mother's style of parenting only serves to fuel. Whilst Elizabeth is away on one of her London jaunts, with the help of Nellie, Lisa discovers a cupboard within her mother's walk-in wardrobe. She prizes the lock, 🔐 a trick learned in her younger years, & finds a wall of letters ✉ & parcels🎁 addressed to her, leading her to uncover the biggest betrayal of her life, & after an earlier discovery in the vast attic, the secret to her mother's past that explains her mother's maternal aloofness & sense of entitlement.
This book 📖 was sent to me via Voracious Readers Only, as a courtesy copy directly from the author. This is Tessa's debut novel. ✍There are an extensive number of chapters of differing lengths, which may seem daunting, but it is extremely readable with the casual vernacular that the author gives the character. For me, Elizabeth, Lisa's mother was immediately 'Keeping Up Appearances' Hyacinth Bouquet (Bucket) whilst Lisa's first boss Penny, embodied Patsy Stone (Ab Fab) which made them such humorous characters, if a little grating too. The descriptions of people & places were so well executed it was easy to imagine them as I was reading. The relationship between Lisa & her mother was both heartbreaking 💔 & humorous.🤣 I found it extremely sad that a mother could treat her daughter with the contempt in which she appeared to hold Lisa. As they both got older & Lisa rallied against Elizabeth's debutant lifestyle as the only way to go. Their opposing outlooks on life injected some hilarious scenarios. One of my favourite passages is Elizabeth bursting into Lisa's bedroom without knocking....Lisa shouts something like 'Mother, I could have been stark bollock naked'! Elizabeth appalled at her daughter's foul mouthed unlady like demeanour, simply says 'What a ghastly expression'. I laughed out loud!
A very well put together clever plot with very relatable, loveable characters. Very hard to put down & definitely a book I want to own a hard copy of. Available at Amazon.
October 20, 2023
"Just Say It" written by the author Tessa Barrie is a bittersweet family saga. The story features a forty-years-old Lisa Grant. She is still unmarried. Recently, her oldest friend Adele threw her a birthday party. Lisa was quite surprised to receive a £400 cheque from her narcissist mother Elizabeth. Since Lisa reached puberty, her mom likes to give seductive lingerie as a birthday gift to her. Only this time, she has given a cheque to her.
Elizabeth wanted Lisa to graduate and get married. She wanted her to dress like women instead of wearing the Levi dungarees, and the Doc Marten boots. Lisa didn't have any interest in man. She likes to be independent and wants to become a journalist. After graduation, Lisa fulfilled her dream and is a journalist now. She is a workaholic. Read this story to know how her mother's lie would get her fired from a job one day. Who is Penny and why does she hate Lisa? What's the secret of her father?
The story is interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat. There are many turning points in the story and that made the story more interesting till the last page. The title of the book is suitable with an attractive cover photo. If you are looking for a book for light reading then go ahead with this family saga.
Elizabeth wanted Lisa to graduate and get married. She wanted her to dress like women instead of wearing the Levi dungarees, and the Doc Marten boots. Lisa didn't have any interest in man. She likes to be independent and wants to become a journalist. After graduation, Lisa fulfilled her dream and is a journalist now. She is a workaholic. Read this story to know how her mother's lie would get her fired from a job one day. Who is Penny and why does she hate Lisa? What's the secret of her father?
The story is interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat. There are many turning points in the story and that made the story more interesting till the last page. The title of the book is suitable with an attractive cover photo. If you are looking for a book for light reading then go ahead with this family saga.
May 27, 2024
Just Say It by Tessa Barrie follows Lisa Grant, a woman on the brink of a midlife crisis as she navigates love, family, and personal growth. Turning forty and living in rural Gloucestershire, Lisa finds herself financially strained and emotionally distant, unable to express her feelings, especially the words "I love you." Her one true love, Jack, resides in New York, separated by the vast Atlantic.
Central to Lisa's struggles is her tumultuous relationship with her narcissistic mother, Elizabeth, and the mysteries surrounding her father's disappearance from her life at a young age. As Lisa delves into her family's past, she uncovers dark secrets and confronts her mother's lack of empathy, seeking to understand the roots of her behavior. With a blend of personal reflection and investigative journalism, Lisa embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with her past to find peace and understanding in the present. Just Say It is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of familial bonds.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews