Riley quietly left church a year ago when she realized there was no place for a bi girl in her congregation. But it wasn’t until the pastor shunned her older sister for getting an abortion that she really wanted to burn it all down. It’s just her luck, then, that she’s sent to the principal’s office for slapping a girl talking smack about her sister—and in order to avoid suspension, she has to spend spring break at church camp. Instead of spending the week embracing the seven heavenly virtues, she decides to commit all seven deadly sins. If she can show the other campers that sometimes being a little bad is for the greater good, she could start a righteous revolution!

Say a Little Prayer was a fun read, and it will likely strike a cord for anyone who’s been hurt by the church. I do wish that Riley’s character was developed a bit better, but overall I’d still recommend this one who wants a messy queer coming of age story. I look forward to more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

I think above all else that can be said about this book, is I love the authenticity of it. There’s not really any sugar coating of the reality. Balancing religion when you don’t connect to it entirely is difficult. If it’s something you had and lost, you aren’t always sure how to get back. I found that aspect very refreshing and not based on shaming people for their beliefs but trying to make sense of it all.

It’s two sides of a coin. Faith can be very important and for the people who believe, it fuels them, guides them but not all people are built the same way. Riley is a great character and her internal monologue is exactly what I expected from someone who went through everything she did. It wasn’t perfect, it didn’t end perfectly and that was okay. It was good to see. I did want a more sold ending for her and Julia though I know why that couldn’t be. Kudos to the author for their viewpoint.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't grow up in a particularly religious household, but I think a lot of people who did will be able to relate very much to this book. I feel like this would be such a powerful book for queer teens, in particular, and is one of those books that we need to save from being banned in today's political climate.

Overall, I thought this was a cute read. While it appears to be marketed as a YA romance, I would say that the romance is only a small part of it that we don't even really get an inking of until halfway through. So yeah, if you're going in expecting some big romance, I'd say to tamper you expectatations. Still though, this was a good coming-of-age story that I'd recommend.

Oh, where do I begin with how much I love this book! The writing style is so engaging that it's entrancing. It's funny and heartfelt, it's conflicted and destructive, it's complicated and messy. "Say a Little Prayer" had me in tears nearly as much as it had me laughing out loud. Shout out to the divine chapter titles! Through a magnetic Riley, we explore the complexities of her relationship with religion and worship whilst easily empathizing with her intricate situation. There's strong commentary about those who wield their influence over congregations having the ability to skew mindsets about religion in toxic, suffocating ways. The narrative delves into heavy topics in a manner that's approachable and grounded in reality. It never feels like too much. Riley's such a nuanced main character, so well fleshed out, that I'd never get tired of being in her mind. No matter your own relationship, or lack thereof, with religion, this book feels so realistic and lived in. It's going to be so important to so many people who can relate to Riley's life firsthand. It's comforting to be reminded that it's normal for progress to happen slowly. One step at a time, in this case in Riley's Birkenstocks, the world becomes more empathetic and considerate while you become stronger and more affirmed in yourself. We all need a Riley in our lives.

This book is a witty and charming novel that handles sensitive topics deftly and with care, while accurately portraying the emotions associated with adolescence. Riley is stuck attending church camp and decides to use it as an opportunity to prove that the church’s teachings aren’t true and can actually be harmful.

This novel is funny and witty on multiple levels. There were so many great, smart one-liners and humorous plot points. I adored the chapter titles, too! Some of my favorites were: “My Lord and Savior Daddy Christ,” “It’s Not Gossip If It’s in a Prayer Request,” and “Through Christ, All Sins Are Possible.”

The humorous aspects perfectly balanced the more sensitive topics to keep the book fun and readable. The book is a smart exploration of the harms perpetrated by evangelical churches. Those harms are illustrated by the treatment of Hannah (Riley’s sister), who had an abortion, and Riley’s experience coming out as bisexual. Riley and Hannah’s parents are supportive, and they are an important counterbalance to the harm caused by other adults.

The book had a happy ending that still felt realistic. Riley and Julia (the love interest and the pastor’s lesbian daughter) don’t resolve everything in their lives, but the ending felt hopeful.

I highly recommend this book! I am so impressed by the author’s ability to write something so heartfelt, sweet, and honest.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“I don’t like imagining my enemies complexly. It really ruins the whole “revenge at all costs” thing I'm doing this week.”


Say a Little Prayer surprised me. I'm not one to dive into books where characters are super religious. But, honestly, I really enjoyed this one. Maybe it's because Riley is so relatable and unapologetically herself. Plus, her little revenge tour of the seven deadly sins sounded way more fun than being suspended for a week. So, let's go to church camp.

Riley has an interesting relationship with God. Well, okay, it's more with the pastor. She honestly thinks he's full of shit and doesn't like how he turns on people who don't fit his narrative. The only downside is that he's the father of her two best friends. They are also neighbors. So, when her principal says she can go to church camp, learn, and then write an essay instead of being suspended... well, she doesn't really leap up with joy.

There's an upside to this, I'm sure, because she gets to spend a week with Ben and Julia. Now I've never been to church camp, like ever. Couldn't even tell you if that's something my church even did. So, the things they went through were a little shocking. It just feels like the only time they had fun was when they were going against the lesson... or playing that game of capture the flag. I also enjoyed when Riley questioned these lessons because, my god... are they just supposed to be robots this week?

Of course we get our fair share of drama throughout this book. Whether it's at camp, school, or even in church. If anything, I think the pastor should not be a pastor anymore. He definitely crossed way too many lines and should be replaced. I'm happy some people were standing up against him towards the end of the book but honestly, I wanted way more.

In the end, I'm glad that Riley and Julia have one another. I'm also glad that Julia has Ben for a brother because their dad surely sucks.

this book was so fun but also emotional. i especially loved the ending and how they all were there to support each other

I've nestled this book gently on my shelf of "YA Titles I Wish Existed When I Was a Teen" and I've recommended it to anyone who will listen. This examination of what it feels like to be a queer teen in a religious space, and how to survive having a crush on your best friend who you're pretty sure is straight holds so true. I really loved watching Riley as she moved through shifting her hate of the institution and everyone in it to a dislike of the fear and power that men in power hold in churches. Definitely a book for anyone struggling with finding their footing after being cast from a religious community.

A bi girl and a pastor's daughter had me hooked but unfortunately, Say a Little Prayer was a bit of a disappointment for me. I appreciate that it tried to tackle an important topic—queer identity within a church setting—but the execution wasn't what I was expecting.

I’ve read a lot of YA, so I understand teenage characters can be immature but the characters in this book seemed a bit underdeveloped. The main character seemed to struggle with seeing beyond her own perspective and that made it hard to connect with her. The story line tries to explore themes such as church hurt, exclusion, and identity , but it feels almost stereotypical and repetitive. The story line felt forced, the characters growth seemed to plateau mid storyline, and the what should've been BIG moments were kinda shrugged off.

The church seen (iykyk) seemed a bit cliche but I did like the overall storyline of the book and was glad to see that some of the 'mean girls' ended up standing up for each other.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I used to think that my religious trauma was not a big enough deal because other people had it worse. Is that not THE most religiously traumatized way to think? Reading books like this one heal something in my bi, recovering Catholic heart. This book is light and heavy at the same time, but the balance is crafted so beautifully. So many people will be able to relate to this story in some way, big or small. I was lucky enough to get the ARC from NetGalley and the Educator ALC from Libro.fm, so I was able to enjoy both versions. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and Libro.fm for the ALC!

This was a really good story. If it the premise itself hadn't hooked me the funny chapter titles would have. I don't think I've laughed this hard at chapter titles since I was in middle school reading the ones Riordan was writing for Percy Jackson. These ones were all funny and relevant and some even had a few layers of nuance that you wouldn't get unless you knew what Voris was parodying. Irregardless, the book itself was also very funny and I enjoyed the characters in it immensely! They all felt very flushed out with complicated backstories and feelings. Even though the scene in the church was a bit cliche I still really liked it. I was glad to see all these girls standing up with one another and presenting a united front. The ending was really sweet too.

This was fun! I liked the "gay the pray away" angle and thoroughly enjoyed the rebellious spirt throughout.

If you grew up fundamentalist, you probably want to stay far away from Say a Little Prayer. While I did grow up Southern Baptist, it was not a fundamentalist upbringing and so I have less baggage than some of my friends.

Main character Riley is a high-school junior, and she is given two options: school suspension and miss out on her big role in the school musical, or attend a church camp over her Spring break. (This coming from a public school principal seems pretty sketchy, but ... I digress.)

Riley has left the church and made some enemies there, too: the former friends of her sister, Hannah. After Hannah had an abortion, she was called out by the pastor in front of the whole church and her friends stopped coming around.

Some of the youth camp activities felt a little too cliche ... but also like things that could happen. As Riley explores her thoughts on the faith she's left behind, she rekindles her friendship with her next-door neighbor, the pastor's daughter Julia. And maybe there's more there.

This YA novel has its ups and downs, but overall it felt like something that could easily happen. I enjoyed Jenna Voris's third novel and might have to check out her earlier ones!

Why Did I Listen To Say A Little Prayer by Jenna Voris?
Say A Little Prayer by Jenna Voris immediately appealed to me. I love YA books that have a camp setting. Also, books about LGBTQ characters! And deconstruction! That is a recipe for a book to rise pretty high up on my TBR list. There’s just something a well-narrated YA contemporary book — especially one I can relate to, as someone who went to church camp as a young adult and also is no longer religious.

What’s The Story Here?
Say A Little Prayer is about Riley who is being punished for shoving a girl by being forced to attend church camp during spring break — so that she can perform in the school play once she’s served her time. Only, the issue is that Riley has given up on church after a bad experiencing involving something her sister went through as well as feeling that the church would judge Riley for her sexuality. Complicating matters is that Riley’s best friend, Julia, her father is the preacher for the church that Riley left. And so, Julia has a vested interested in the church.

And Riley is starting to feel feelings for Julia. But, they’ll never be anything more, because Julia couldn’t like Riley given how religious she is. Riley, chafing against having to go to this camp that is antithetical to everything she stands for, decides to spend the week committing the seven deadly sins instead of engaging in the seven virtues that is the focus of the camp. Riley may just be leading a little camp revolution.

How Did I Like Say A Little Prayer?
Say A Little Prayer by Jenna Voris was EXCELLENT. I mean, I felt like I could really relate to this book. If you are someone who has deconstructed or maybe questioned the religion you grew up with, this is the perfect book to pick up. Riley is not straight, I think from what I remember she is bisexual. And what happens with her sister and the church is the BS you would expect. I loved Riley and how tenacious she is. She is headstrong and I like that she doesn’t cower about certain things. She undergoes so much growth and in turn, inspires that growth in others – particuarly when it comes to questioning. But, I also felt the portrayal of Julia who is still religious adds interesting dimension too – she isn’t very one note. I appreciated the depth that each of the girls in this book had.

How’s The Narration?
The audiobook of Jenna Voris’ Say A Little Prayer is narrated to perfection by Caitlin Kinnunen. I really felt like the narrator nailed the emotions of the different scenes. It was so easy to feel what Riley was feeling because Kinnunen put so much into the audiobook. It is 9 hours and 19 minutes and honestly, was such a superb listen. This was a standout book for me.

A lighthearted but poignant journey for a young woman figuring out who she is while navigating her way through religious intolerance. I liked the creative look at religious trauma and female friendship and love. An important reminder that the human spirit is separate from dogma.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy. These opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed reading Say A Little Prayer. Riley is a fun main character that I rooted for even when she was kind of being an asshole, and Voris’ characterization through details and dialogue really shines through. I particularly loved the amount of thinking and forgiveness included in this book, because it’s easy to want revenge and to be angry, but it takes more to see people as full, rounded humans (which Riley admits she doesn’t always want to do) and to work to fix things instead of give up on them.

I will likely continue to read Voris’ sapphic books, because I flew through this and laughed several times. Voris has a great character voice. However, I will likely not post about this on Instagram (even though this would be such a fun cover to play with with scrapbook paper) because I don’t like to promote white authors who stay silent on certain important issues, like police brutality and genocide. Of course, no one is obligated to do anything on social media, just as I am not obligated to post about people who are silent.

Say A Little Prayer is out now! Thank you Viking and Netgalley for an advanced ecopy for review consideration. Opinions are my own.

This compelling novel is tailor-made for readers who are drawn to Young Adult fiction that is both poignant and thought-provoking. It will resonate with those who appreciate stories that explore the complexities of queer identity and the challenges of navigating faith and relationships, all while maintaining a sharp wit and rebellious humor. The narrative delves into the emotional landscape of its characters, offering a raw and honest portrayal of their experiences. With its blend of emotional depth, social commentary, and relatable characters, this book is sure to captivate and leave a lasting impression on readers who crave stories that are both entertaining and impactful.

This book was heart wrenching, sweet, and incredibly readable. Riley's anger and frustration over her community's treatment of her sister was understandable and so hard to see. As someone who went to Christian summer camp and who worked at non-Christian summer camp, I have seen the big emotions that teens go through at these programs, especially when the adults who should be caring for them are actually doing the exact opposite.

I loved Riley's character development throughout the book and was so happy to see her gain a community of people who love and respect her for who she is. And to also make amends with people who she had hurt in her rage against the church. It was heartwarming to see all the girls band together in the end, and I thought the book ended about as happy as could be while still being realistic. All in all, this was a cute, fast read that took a heavy topic and gave it hope.

This book was so wonderful. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical at the beginning as it was reading VERY young adult - but as I kept going it got much better. The social/religious commentary about Evangelical churches and shame-based faiths was very well done and as a former Evangelical kid who was raised in a church like Riley's where perfection was very much expected, if not demanded, and being LGBTQ+ or having an abortion was the gravest sin, this book felt like a warm hug. I'm so grateful I got to read and review this and am just so thankful for Jenna Voris's courage to write about what it means to survive as a queer teen in the Midwest who is constantly told the life you're living is a sin. Thank you Jenna!!!

A hilarious and moving look at the perils of church camp as a queer teen. Voris does a great job of showing readers that you can engage in religion in whatever manner makes you comfortable and that sometimes, the organizational aspect is really the issue. The sibling relationships in the book were strong and quite sweet, while the various friendship conflicts felt very real and not contrived to move the plot forward. The main romance did feel a bit lacking, but overall the messaging was solid and it's definitely a first rec for teens who are grappling with queerness and religion.