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Say You Will
Everyone has a story. Even the dog.Shadowed by a stray he names Fantasma, five-year-old Mateo Sandoval flees the poverty and crime of his homeland with his mother in search of the American dream. Shortly after arriving at his grandmother’s house in Kentucky, however, his mother unexpectedly abandons them. For years, Mateo struggles to fit in—until he discovers running. When the high school cross country coach dies unexpectedly, Grayson Darling steps in to fill the void. For Mateo, however, the gravelly voice that inspired him is gone and the threat of deportation is all too real. It’s not until Grayson loans him his dog, Sooner, that Mateo’s love of running returns. Meanwhile, Mateo discovers that the bully who taunts him daily is not as tough as he seems. During the day, Sooner accompanies Grayson’s girlfriend, Brandy Anders, to her new job as an assistant to small-town lawyer, Rex Franzen. With Sooner’s help, Brandy finds new purpose. Say You Will is about how we're often more alike than we're different and how our differences can be our strengths.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2021
About the author
N. Gemini Sasson
20 books176 followersFormer teacher and track coach. Runner, gardener, dog lover and sometimes farmer. Author of medieval historical fiction: The Crown in the Heather (The Bruce Trilogy: Book I), Worth Dying For (The Bruce Trilogy: Book II) and Isabeau, A Novel of Queen Isabella and Sir Roger Mortimer.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 12, 2021
I love that I got to hear more about Brandy and Grayson’s story. I fell in love with them in “Say When” and how they overcame so much in their lives. That they found each other and saved each other is a great romantic love story. And of course, Sooner had a lot to do with it. Now Sooner being Sooner will have a lot to do with more than just their lives.
What I really liked about this author is that she attacks social issues in a way that makes you really think about the issue and changes the way you look at it. In this book, you meet Mateo, who is a Dreamer, and you get to see just how unfair they are being treated. But even though she presents this social issue, it doesn’t preach or take away from the story of a young man who experiences so much grief and heartache but is not bitter. Mateo has a grandmother who cares for him and he has his running which will be his ticket out of poverty.
I especially like how you get to see the world through different narrator’s point of view. Sooner has a great perspective of things but her major focus is food, running, frisbee and her family. Brandy has a way of looking at the world from recovering from an accident that left her in a wheelchair and for someone who was pretty active, that is a lot to deal with. I really love Rex, he is quite a character who is both gregarious and humble. But the most interesting part is when you get to see things through Mateo’s point of view. This story is fun to read, a love story or two and a look at a social injustice all at the same time. It is definitely a story well worth reading.
What I really liked about this author is that she attacks social issues in a way that makes you really think about the issue and changes the way you look at it. In this book, you meet Mateo, who is a Dreamer, and you get to see just how unfair they are being treated. But even though she presents this social issue, it doesn’t preach or take away from the story of a young man who experiences so much grief and heartache but is not bitter. Mateo has a grandmother who cares for him and he has his running which will be his ticket out of poverty.
I especially like how you get to see the world through different narrator’s point of view. Sooner has a great perspective of things but her major focus is food, running, frisbee and her family. Brandy has a way of looking at the world from recovering from an accident that left her in a wheelchair and for someone who was pretty active, that is a lot to deal with. I really love Rex, he is quite a character who is both gregarious and humble. But the most interesting part is when you get to see things through Mateo’s point of view. This story is fun to read, a love story or two and a look at a social injustice all at the same time. It is definitely a story well worth reading.
September 5, 2024
SAY YOU WILL, #5 in the Faderville series, is the sequel to SAY WHEN: Grayson, Brandy and Sooner's story. (The first three books in the series are all stand-alones.) I read SAY WHEN earlier this year and loved it, 5 stars worth. But in picking up SAY YOU WILL, my recollection of events in the first book were fuzzy, vague. No worries. Sasson gives enough background to get the reader going without being confused. You could probably read SAY YOU WILL first, but it would ruin SAY WHEN if you tried to read that book later.
In the second book, Brandy is still working on recovery (physical therapy), Grayson has returned to running and Sooner spends lots of time with both of them. A new character, Mateo, is introduced. Mateo is a "Dreamer", a child who entered the US illegally with his mother when he was five. He now lives with his grandmother in Faderville. Undocumented immigrants, the fear of deportation and bullying are strong themes throughout. As Sasson wove the story of Mateo's journey ten years ago, I was reminded several times of AMERICAN DIRT by Jeanine Cummins (published two years later that this book). One can't help but be it awe of the grit and determination of those crossing the Mexican desert in search of a better life.
In the second book, Brandy is still working on recovery (physical therapy), Grayson has returned to running and Sooner spends lots of time with both of them. A new character, Mateo, is introduced. Mateo is a "Dreamer", a child who entered the US illegally with his mother when he was five. He now lives with his grandmother in Faderville. Undocumented immigrants, the fear of deportation and bullying are strong themes throughout. As Sasson wove the story of Mateo's journey ten years ago, I was reminded several times of AMERICAN DIRT by Jeanine Cummins (published two years later that this book). One can't help but be it awe of the grit and determination of those crossing the Mexican desert in search of a better life.
February 7, 2023
A Dreamer's Story
For me, it's the best Faderville story yet, but they just keep getting better! This book continues the story of Sooner and Brandy and Grayson--but adds the story of Mateo, brought to Kentucky from Mexico when he was 5 years old. It also tells the story of his childhood memories of that journey, and his "own" dog, a cur following the humans like a ghost... It was great to read about what happens for Brandy and Grayson, together and apart. It was very moving to read about Mateo's story, both in the past and present, as a senior in high school. And stuck in the middle of it all was Sooner, teaching us the lessons that only a dog can show us.
For me, it's the best Faderville story yet, but they just keep getting better! This book continues the story of Sooner and Brandy and Grayson--but adds the story of Mateo, brought to Kentucky from Mexico when he was 5 years old. It also tells the story of his childhood memories of that journey, and his "own" dog, a cur following the humans like a ghost... It was great to read about what happens for Brandy and Grayson, together and apart. It was very moving to read about Mateo's story, both in the past and present, as a senior in high school. And stuck in the middle of it all was Sooner, teaching us the lessons that only a dog can show us.
October 9, 2025
Slow down…live in the now’
Thank you, Ms. Sassoon for writing this incredible story that will hopefully help people understand better how to relate to people that are different than they are. Everyone has a purpose, and everyone deserves to be loved, there’s no place for hate in this world. Jed learned this lesson and was smart enough to put it into action. Others, like football-player friend, couldn’t come to terms with what they were faced with, and let hate rule their actions. I can’t begin to describe all the life lessons that went into this story, but it’s worth a read for everyone.
Thank you, Ms. Sassoon for writing this incredible story that will hopefully help people understand better how to relate to people that are different than they are. Everyone has a purpose, and everyone deserves to be loved, there’s no place for hate in this world. Jed learned this lesson and was smart enough to put it into action. Others, like football-player friend, couldn’t come to terms with what they were faced with, and let hate rule their actions. I can’t begin to describe all the life lessons that went into this story, but it’s worth a read for everyone.
September 26, 2021
Great reading to dog lovers and everybody else
The author introduces the characters through their own viewpoints, and the viewpoint of a dog is quite illuminating. The book is a dog story, a love story, and a survival story . In short, the book is about life. The book is looking for hope, luck, and happiness to everyone - but the promise is not fulfilled in the end; instead, the author leaves so many loose ends in the storyline that we simply must read the next novel in the series as soon as it'll be published. Hopefully soon!
The author introduces the characters through their own viewpoints, and the viewpoint of a dog is quite illuminating. The book is a dog story, a love story, and a survival story . In short, the book is about life. The book is looking for hope, luck, and happiness to everyone - but the promise is not fulfilled in the end; instead, the author leaves so many loose ends in the storyline that we simply must read the next novel in the series as soon as it'll be published. Hopefully soon!
July 20, 2021
A Dog's Love and Devotion
All of the Faderville books have been wonderful. I love books written from the dog's perspective, and Sooner is a special animal. The characters here were all very likeable, except the many-times married and divorced lady with the yappy little dog! I'm hoping that this is not the last Faderville book.
All of the Faderville books have been wonderful. I love books written from the dog's perspective, and Sooner is a special animal. The characters here were all very likeable, except the many-times married and divorced lady with the yappy little dog! I'm hoping that this is not the last Faderville book.
April 11, 2022
Dogs are Gods gift to Us
All the Faded bills novels are so well written that you fall in love with all her characters, both human and animals! This is Book 5 in the series and try to read them in order! Grab a cup of coffee or tea and get comfortable, you'll get pulled into the books!
All the Faded bills novels are so well written that you fall in love with all her characters, both human and animals! This is Book 5 in the series and try to read them in order! Grab a cup of coffee or tea and get comfortable, you'll get pulled into the books!
July 3, 2022
Loved the Faderville novels
I read all 5 of these books, because they featured Aussies, my favorite breed. Each had a message of meaning and hope. They were also well written by someone who knows dogs and human nature. Great series to read when you want something hopeful and moving.
I read all 5 of these books, because they featured Aussies, my favorite breed. Each had a message of meaning and hope. They were also well written by someone who knows dogs and human nature. Great series to read when you want something hopeful and moving.
November 3, 2022
This book just warmed my heart. It is written with such intense understanding, compassion and love, the characters are so strong and connected. Haven't read a book with such deep meaning in a long, long time. The beginning is a little deterring trying to understand how Mateo fits into the story, but hang in there, the emotions are unbelievable!
January 17, 2023
great series
I love all the Faderville books. We recently lost our dog if 12 years and I have been reading as many books with dogs as I can. There is no love like a dogs love. Brandy makes a similar comment in the book. Sooner’s commitment to his humans is love at its best. Thanks for all the stories. They feel my heart with joy.
I love all the Faderville books. We recently lost our dog if 12 years and I have been reading as many books with dogs as I can. There is no love like a dogs love. Brandy makes a similar comment in the book. Sooner’s commitment to his humans is love at its best. Thanks for all the stories. They feel my heart with joy.
June 27, 2023
Good read with accurate information
This was entertaining but also educational. It was a good example of the problems faced by immigrants.
Ideally they should be here legally, but this book explained why that is not always possible.
Legal or not they face discrimination and exclusion.
This was entertaining but also educational. It was a good example of the problems faced by immigrants.
Ideally they should be here legally, but this book explained why that is not always possible.
Legal or not they face discrimination and exclusion.
July 13, 2021
Wonderful 5 star Christian fiction novel! Read it "Sooner" not later... pun intended.
I loved this real life novel and the strong positive message. You will find it hard to put down! Thank you, N. Gemini Sasson.
I loved this real life novel and the strong positive message. You will find it hard to put down! Thank you, N. Gemini Sasson.
August 8, 2021
If All People Could Love Like Dogs
This book had me crying for Mateo, Brandy, it was so well written. It not only took on the immigration but bullies. It was profound and so good in so many ways!!!
This book had me crying for Mateo, Brandy, it was so well written. It not only took on the immigration but bullies. It was profound and so good in so many ways!!!
August 19, 2021
Love this story!
If you love dogs, appreciate the hard work and sacrifice of dedicated athletes; if you appreciate and value personal growth and expanding understanding and perspective; if you love stories of overcomes - this book has it all!
If you love dogs, appreciate the hard work and sacrifice of dedicated athletes; if you appreciate and value personal growth and expanding understanding and perspective; if you love stories of overcomes - this book has it all!
January 30, 2022
I had a hard time connecting with this book. I finally got to the point of the dog in the young boy's life, and started to enjoy it. It took quite awhile for me to get this read, usually a day or two, and I'm done.
May 1, 2022
One of the best.
Such an unusual way to tell a story! I loved everyone of the books in this series. I would recommend them to anyone who is a fan of Catherine Ryan Hyde. Just great writing that leaves one with plenty to think about.
Such an unusual way to tell a story! I loved everyone of the books in this series. I would recommend them to anyone who is a fan of Catherine Ryan Hyde. Just great writing that leaves one with plenty to think about.
August 30, 2024
Loved this book tremendously! I love dogs and especially the way Sooner had an effect on two complete strangers that they both loved and needed Sooner and Brandy and Grayson needed each other also!❤️
June 21, 2025
What a wonderful series!
There might have a few dishes that didn't get washed but I finished it in two days. You get some good information that might give you a new look at your life.
There might have a few dishes that didn't get washed but I finished it in two days. You get some good information that might give you a new look at your life.
August 29, 2021
Good read!
I have really enjoyed this series; well worth purchasing, and you don’t need to be a dog lover to enjoy it.
I have really enjoyed this series; well worth purchasing, and you don’t need to be a dog lover to enjoy it.
Read
September 4, 2021Truely loved this book
September 18, 2021
Heartfelt
Your characters are what pull me in. I get to feeling what’s in their hearts. What better can an author do than make you live the moment too. Please keep writing.
Your characters are what pull me in. I get to feeling what’s in their hearts. What better can an author do than make you live the moment too. Please keep writing.
October 20, 2021
I've read all five of this series, and each one was better than the preceding volume. My only wish is that I could have stayed seated long enough and been able to read, uninterrupted, the books.
January 9, 2022
A powerful novel
There is redemption in the lives of many characters, from one overcoming a terrible accident, A gentleman in despair. An illegal immigrant And a wonderful dog.
There is redemption in the lives of many characters, from one overcoming a terrible accident, A gentleman in despair. An illegal immigrant And a wonderful dog.
January 11, 2022
Loved all the stories
Superb writing and story telling all put together in a series that truly defined the hearts of dogs and their people. Beautifully done...thank you Ms Sassin!
Superb writing and story telling all put together in a series that truly defined the hearts of dogs and their people. Beautifully done...thank you Ms Sassin!
February 18, 2023
oh my I wish everyone could read this
I wish everyone could read this story. So many things to learn so many things to understand. Read this book.
I wish everyone could read this story. So many things to learn so many things to understand. Read this book.
April 18, 2023
the FAderville novels. All 5 are the greatest!
Loved them all would recommend to anyone n everyone
Thank you
N. Gemini Sasson
Would read them again plus enjoy
Loved them all would recommend to anyone n everyone
Thank you
N. Gemini Sasson
Would read them again plus enjoy
June 3, 2023
Great series.
I really like this series. My favorite were the first two books. Love a good dog story. Well written. Love all the characters.
I really like this series. My favorite were the first two books. Love a good dog story. Well written. Love all the characters.
January 19, 2024
another one
Not quite a three-hankie book, but a solid piece of prose.
The lives of the disparate people drawn together through the spirit of a guardian angel.
Not quite a three-hankie book, but a solid piece of prose.
The lives of the disparate people drawn together through the spirit of a guardian angel.
April 26, 2025
Story of love and acceptance
I enjoyed this story so full of love and compassion.Sooner is a very intelligent dog. Full of trials and tribulations.
I enjoyed this story so full of love and compassion.Sooner is a very intelligent dog. Full of trials and tribulations.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews