I loved this book so much. In the beginning the main character Riley is made to go to church camp after punching another girl in the face. This was the same church that shunned her sister after she had an abortion. Her best friends are the pastor kids. The week at camp is about the 7 deadly sins and she sets out to prove the pastor wrong. I couldn't put this book down. I really liked how she mends bridges with the other girls.

Say a Little Prayer is a witty, thoughtful, and deeply emotive take on growing up in a high control religion, and all the delicious, devastating complications that come from leaving it (mostly) behind. Written with a voice equal parts snarky and soft, Riley is messy, sharp-edged, spectacularly messy, and also beautifully sincere. Her story is told with compassion and understanding, reading at times more like a bittersweet memory than a work of fiction, and as a former-Saved who left but sometimes gets that pang of missing what was promised, I felt so seen. Thank you, Jenna, for writing this book!

⭐ Rating: 5/5 stars
🗓 Publish date: March 4, 2025
🏷️ Tags: religious trauma, summer camp, laugh out loud, bisexual MC, friends to lovers


Sometimes books come along that just feel like they were written for me. This is certainly one of them and I am so glad I was able to read an early copy (thank you Viking Books and NetGalley).

Say a Little Prayer has three things I absolutely adore in books: religious trauma, bisexual rep, and the friends to lovers trope. But of course that doesn't automatically make a good book. Thankfully, Jenna Voris approached these topics with both care and humour (seriously, even the chapter titles had me cracking up).

I loved both Riley and Julia, and related to different aspects of each character. Their relationship was beautiful, even if it wasn't the focus of the story. All the secondary characters were awesome, too, with a lot of complexity to even the “mean girls.”

If you're looking for a young adult book with heart and wit, definitely pick up Say a Little Prayer!

This book is both hilarious and highly nuanced. This is the perfect book to look at the nuances and possible hypocrisies in religion.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, to NetGalley and the publisher, Penguin Young Readers Group for the opportunity to read this book.

Blurb from Goodreads: A wry, heartfelt tale of a teen who's taking her church camp by storm—one deadly sin at a time.

I rated this book a 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. This book was a great representation of what I love in a YA book. It had a lot of laughs, a lot of emotion, a lot of learning and the writing style was just so fun.

Riley has left her church home after she and her sister were bullied by its members because her sister got an abortion and she is part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Pastor Young has made it clear that he is judging and punishing them based on what he deems are “sins” against God and his church congregation. Riley has kept to herself as much as she can until the fateful day that she lands herself in the principal's office at school for slapping another student for something the student said about her sister, Hannah. This altercation leads to the principal of the school forcing Riley to attend a week-long church camp with her former church home and pastor and write a paper about what she learned during the week.

Riley does not think she believes in God anymore, but has no choice, so she is off to summer camp with many of her former church friends who have bullied her family. The camp is learning about the seven deadly sins and she has decided that she will commit all of them and keep documentation of what happens to write in her paper, rather than be “sinless” and utilize the heavenly virtues instead.

This whole week was fun to read about. There were lots of hijinks, lots of deep conversations and lots of deconstruction of the Christian religion. I enjoyed reading this book and am so grateful to have read it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Julia has one hand braced against the doorframe, head casually tipped to one side. Sunlight dapples across her feet, painting her hair with fiery strands of gold, and for a second, a word echoes through the back of my mind. It's tentative and soft, almost dusty from misuse.
Holy.”

First, I want to thank NetGalley and Penguin for allowing me to read this novel ahead of release!

This was such a cute and bingeable book, I read it within 24 hours. The pace of this book was so quick that I never got bored and there was never a point where I wanted to put it down.

The main characters, Riley and Julia, both felt so rounded and well thought out, that I still can’t believe they aren’t real. The entire book is written from Riley’s perspective, but I would have loved to see Julia’s as well! I think because we only saw Riley’s perspective this seemed a lot cuter and more fun than it actually felt to Julia. Her perspective would have added a lot of angst, which I am usually not a fan of, but I think would have served this well.

I loved that the first 50% of this book are more focused on the plot of the book than the romance, because I think the subjects this novel covers are extremely important. Riley and her sister haven’t been to church for a long time, because the pastor, Julia’s father, was horrible to them and is constantly telling them they’ll go to hell and installing fear in his community. I think the subject of power misuse in the church was handled really well while still respecting Christians and their religion. The book is more about criticising the “black and white” understanding of the bible and some members of the church than Christianity itself, which I think is really important. As a Christian-turned-atheist myself, I felt extremely validated by this book and Riley’s emotions.

Another thing I liked was that the novel was not only focused on Riley and Julia’s relationship, but also Hannah’s (Riley’s sister) relationship with her friends-turned-bullies. I felt like the characters were all written with such attention to detail and nuance, that all their actions, while horrible, were understandable at the end of the novel.

The only thing I would have wished for is another ending. I feel like the bad guys deserved more hate, but I get why the ending was written the way it was. It is very realistic, showing that you can’t force a whole community to recognise their wrongdoings and do better, but you can save yourself.

This is my first read by Jenna Voris, and it did not disappoint! As someone who’s also queer with religious trauma, Say A Little Prayer was EVERYTHINGGG. From the hilarious chapter titles to the raw, heartfelt exploration of what it means to be LGBT in a church community, this book really had it all while

Riley’s journey felt so real!! The guilt, the questioning, the push-and-pull between faith and identity. The way humor was weaved into the heavier moments made it all the more impactful. I’m so glad books like this exist in YA now because I wish I had something like Say A Little Prayer when I was younger. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

A book to heal the trauma of all queer kids who grow up in conservative Christian communities! I had such a fun time experiencing Say a Little Prayer and really found myself relating so much to Riley. This book was delightful in its irreverent and humorous tone, yet also so tender and thoughtful in its message and the relationships between these high school girls learning to navigate restrictive faith and heavy family expectations. I loved it and flew through it in one sitting!

When I say Say a Little Prayer is on Casey McQuiston’s level, I mean it. This book hit me. It was visceral, raw, and so real. I haven’t felt this much in response to a book in so long. Say a Little Prayer isn’t just a sapphic love story, it’s a raw, deeply personal exploration of faith, hypocrisy, and resilience.

Riley Ackerman isn’t afraid of what she’s lost by standing up for her sister or herself, but she is furious at the hypocrisy that no one else seems to question. If loving who you love or buying a new dress can send you to hell, what does that say about the people preaching it?

Coerced to attend church camp, Riley is stuck in the very environment that rejected Hannah. Shockingly, it’s not all bad, she experiences real friendship, plays a sport (capture the flag) for the first time in years, and finds herself torn between the bonds she builds and the blind faith so many still have in a pastor who spews nothing but hateful rhetoric. Through it all, Julia Young challenges everything Riley thought she knew, and their slow-burn romantic connection, built from years of a gloriously authentic friendship, is just so perfectly done.

Riley’s journey-her rage, her moments of unexpected joy, her complicated relationship with faith—hit so close to home. I may not believe in organized religion anymore, but I do believe in what Julia and Hannah assert: faith should be about kindness, community, and seeing the best in people. This book made me wish more kids were encouraged to question, to explore, and to grow into the best versions of themselves.

Jenna Voris, this book is a gift. It’s the kind of story I wish I had as a teenager, and I know it’s going to mean the world to so many readers. Thank you. 💜

In "Say a Little Prayer," Jenna Voris has crafted a witty and poignant YA novel that shakes up traditional narratives surrounding religion and sexuality. Centered on 17-year-old Riley—a queer theater kid who winds up at a Baptist camp—Voris uses humor and heart to explore heavy themes, making it a compelling read no matter what your age.
The plot starts off with Riley's rebellious decision to commit all seven deadly sins in seven days as a way to confront the Asshole Pastor who publicly humiliated her sister, Hannah. This absurd and hilarious premise serves as a backdrop for much deeper explorations of hypocrisy within religious institutions. As Riley grapples with her identity and trauma, her longing for connection, particularly with the charming and endearing Julia, shines through in the most heartfelt ways.
Voris captures the essence of being 17, with all its awkwardness and impulsiveness. Riley's antics are hilariously foolish, yet they resonate with anyone who has felt that teenage blend of invincibility and vulnerability. The “wrath” scene, in particular, stands out as a cathartic and emotionally intense moment that showcases Voris’s talent for blending heartfelt drama with humor.
While some characters can appear thinly sketched, the emotional depth and raw truths in Riley's journey are incredibly compelling. The contrast between Riley's supportive family environment and Julia’s oppressive experiences under Pastor Young’s rule poignantly highlights how religious communities can differ dramatically in their acceptance—or lack thereof—of queer identities. This exploration is authentic and necessary, providing a voice to countless queer teens navigating similar struggles.
Voris balances her narrative with sharp wit and candid reflections on the burdens of religion, raising questions about fear, love, and acceptance. The book's ending, though not neatly wrapped, rings true to the complexities of real life, leaving readers with an emotional resonance long after the final page.
"Say a Little Prayer" is fun, relatable, and challenging in the best way possible. Voris has solidified her place on my must-read list, and for those who haven't yet discovered her work, "Every Time You Hear That Song" is a perfect starting point. This novel invites readers to reflect on the meaning of acceptance and friendship and underscores the beauty in holding hands—both literally and figuratively. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, this book is a must-read that will leave you cheering for Riley, Julia, and all the other teens daring to challenge the status quo.

This is the book I will hand to kids who love God, but question how the church has often treated their queer selves or their friends. Riley used to find her church comforting, but after her sister is publicly outed and thrown out for getting an abortion, she knows her bisexual self will no longer be supported. It doesn't help that she has secret, complicated feelings about her best friend Julia, who also just happens to be the pastor's daughter. Riley has been reeling from her family's excommunication, angry at all the so-called friends who didn't stand by her sister's side, and so when a school incident threatens her role in the Spring Musical, she finds herself at spending Spring Break at a church camp in Kentucky with her old church crew on a "volunteer" basis to appease her church-loving principal. (Cue me also suspending my disbelief that this would fly at a public school as actual punishment, but hey, I'm here for the plot device). All she has to do is survive, and write an essay afterwards about all she has learned and repent. BUT then all the Seven Deadly Sins talk gets to her and she instead decides to engage in all of them as a way to stick to it the church establishment and her nemesis, Julia's dad. What she doesn't bargain for is understanding the girls who shunned her, a tortuous kiss/fight with her bestie, and everyone finding out her plan to expose them. As she reckons with her spirituality and her place in her community, Riley has to learn, like her sister implies late in the narrative, that their old church is not the standard for what's out there--that many people are good and willing to stand for love and inclusion instead of fire and brimstone. So often the church gets it wrong, and this book shows every part of this in its blasphemous, un-accountable doings. Would I have loved more comeuppance for the awful pastor? Sure...but as I'm living in times where accountability for judgy slime balls doesn't come easily, I can't say this one doesn't reek of parallelisms of our current times. I loved seeing the solidarity of all the girls standing up for one another in the end, and even if I wanted Julia to be "out" to her parents, I also realize that it's not safe for her to do so at this point in her life--a reality for so many teen readers.

This book is hilarious (the chapter titles are gold...may I present "POV: You're Watching Me Have a Proper, Full Gay Panic Attack" and "Some Light Property Destruction as a Treat"), the banter is solid, and even with some plotting for plot's sake, I'll sing this one's praises for years to come.

Thank you to Viking Books & Netgalley for the e-ARC. This one is out today, March 4, 2025.

This one is for every queer person who had to go to church camp (ie me) and lived to tell the tale. I loved Jenna Voris' debut, but Say a Little Prayer takes the cake. I truly felt this was written for my younger self. I loved Riley, and I know her story will help so many kids going through similar experiences, as well as some queer adults like me who might need a book like this for some healing.

I needed to take my time to write this review. This book is everything. I say this from a place of someone who knows what type of representation this book will mean to a lot of people. I think that it is raw, honest, and in some cases eye opening. Religion and those who hold the power of the community in their hands can truly cause a lot of damage to their congregation. Dealing with the pain from that fallout and then trying to navigate where you fit in once you lose that community can be extremely difficult. I think this book is beautiful and am so glad that it will be available for anyone who is possibly struggling because the church that was once home maybe is saying that it can’t be any more. It is a sad reality for many churches, and I truly hope that this can be a view that is changed were EVERYONE starts to feel welcome.
Thank you so much to PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

4.25 stars

Say a Little Prayer holds a special place in my heart. From my inner teenager who could empathize with the pressures of being raised in a high-demand religion, to my adult self who is now choosing to parent differently, I am so very grateful that this book exists.

Queer teens need more stories where they see themselves, and this book does a great job of not only exploring queerness, but also religious trauma and bodily autonomy. Author Jenna Voris does an incredible job of balancing these heavy themes with wit, humor, and so much heart. I cannot wait to hand this over to my teen.

Say A Little Prayer is an unflinching, heartfelt, and hilarious queer coming-of-age story that I absolutely devoured. Riley has long felt like an outsider in her church, but when her sister is publicly shunned for having an abortion, her frustration turns into something more—anger and a need for rebellion. After getting in trouble at school for defending her sister, she’s forced to spend spring break at church camp instead of facing suspension. But rather than using the week to repent, Riley sets out on a mission to break as many rules as possible, hoping to prove that sometimes defiance is more righteous than blind faith. However, things get complicated when she starts falling for Julia—the pastor’s daughter—forcing Riley to confront not only her beliefs about religion but also about love, forgiveness, and the complexities of faith.

Jenna Voris has crafted a protagonist who is equal parts sharp-witted, passionate, and deeply relatable. Riley’s voice is so engaging that it’s impossible not to root for her, even when her plans spiral into chaos. The side characters are just as complex, with their own struggles and histories that make them feel like real people rather than just background figures. Julia, in particular, is a standout, providing both romantic tension and a counterpoint to Riley’s cynical view of faith.

What I loved most about this book is how it tackles heavy themes—religion, queerness, bodily autonomy, and standing up for what’s right—without ever feeling preachy or one-dimensional. Instead, it allows for nuance, showing the ways faith can both harm and heal, and how questioning something doesn’t mean you have to abandon it entirely. It reminded me a lot of Saved! in the way it balances biting humor with genuine emotional depth.

With its rebellious spirit, heartfelt exploration of identity, and unforgettable characters, Say A Little Prayer is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t quite belong and fought to carve out a space for themselves anyway.

When I picked up Say a Little Prayer on a whim, I had no idea that much of the book takes place in my home state of Ohio and our neighbor Kentucky. Oh, the number of times I’ve driven by the referenced “Hell is Real” billboard, and I can personally attest that the mindset that can be so prevalent in small Ohio towns is no joke.

The story here focuses on Riley, who is angry and feels out of place. She’s left her church after coming out as bi, her sister has been ostracized for having an abortion, and her schoolmates won’t stop putting her sister down. In order to avoid suspension for slapping one such schoolmate—which would prevent her from performing in the school musical—Riley agrees to attend church camp over spring break.

Riley’s best friend Julia, the pastor’s daughter, is the “good girl,” expected to set an example for others and not stray from the path her father demands, but there are cracks in the veneer. Together, along with Julia's twin Ben and their cabinmates, they navigate some pretty heavy topics, all while Riley attempts to subvert the pastor’s teachings by committing the 7 deadly sins over the course of the camp in an attempt to “prove” that he’s wrong.

Although I wasn’t raised in the church and have a liberal family, I really empathized with a lot of the characters and their experiences. It can be so hard to navigate through high school, with all the pressures, fears, and insecurity that can affect actions and decisions, and the growth for all of them was so realistic. I really appreciated how Voris handled all of that, and the redemption that came for some of the side characters was lovely. The story fell apart a bit at the end for me, which is why I’m going with the 4-star rating here, but it really is a great book overall.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.

This book was exactly what I didn't know I needed right now. Religious trauma mixed with a beautiful friends to lovers romance with a sprinkling of found family/unexpected friendships. I was so immediately invested that I don't think I could have physically put the book down if I tried.

I really enjoyed my time with this book and loved levity it brought to the experience of being queer in a close-minded religious community. Jenna does a good job of balancing relatively serious topics with humor, fun, and, well, being 17. I think this may have been a little too young of a YA read for me to absolutely adore, but I had a good time and some good laughs. Definitely recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

5⭐️

"People who are this moved by worship music clearly didn't drive four hours to see the Eras Tour last year. Talk about a spiritual experience."

I loved this! A queer theater kid having to attend church camp after her family was kicked out of the church is such a fascinating premise. The story telling was tense as well as silly and campy and that really pulled me into the story. Watching Riley try to figure out how to take down Pastor Young and the congregation that turned against her sister so quickly while also trying to get her best friend (who happens to be preacher's daughter) to fall in love with her was such a wild time and I loved the way it addressed religious trauma. I appreciated the way that even though Riley left the church on her own terms, which was something that her sister didn't get the privilege of, she still missed the since of belonging that she felt while attending the church. Misinterpreting the lesson regarding the seven deadly sins in an attempt to prove that Pastor Young was in the wrong was a beautiful calculated plan, but the execution by a 17 was flawed and that made it feel more real.

I really appreciated the growth from a lot of the side characters. Most of the conflicts stemmed from the fear that the love and acceptance they received from the church was conditional and could easily be revoked if they didn't meet the right conditions. Between Hannah's friends who still loved her dearly but were afraid at how fast Pastor Young ran her off after her abortion to the Pastor's own kid who was afraid to be her true self incase her father turned against her as well. This story really showed how true the phrase 'there's no hate like Christian love' can be. The girls coming together to stand against the church at the end of the book was beautiful and it felt like that followed Jesus' words much more than the way people use their religion to excuse their hate against certain groups.

I'm not religious, but grew up in the Baptist church. It felt refreshing to see a character have the same questions that I did as a teenager. I always felt so crazy watching the blind faith that people had that I didn't feel. Riley's journey through leaving the church, figuring out her sexuality and working through the indoctrination of the church was so well done and I would have loved a book like this as a teen!

Thank you Netgalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for Providing this ARC to me!

Say A Little Prayer is a cute little YA novel about a girl who has a fight in school and in order not to be expelled, decides to attend a religious summer camp. Her seventeen year old self is unwilling to participate and instead, chooses that she is going to commit all seven deadly sins to prove that she won’t be smited down by God’s wrath. The chapter titles are cute. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it even if our little main character can be… well, seventeen (if you know you know) …at times. I would definitely recommend for readers looking for a little something to escape their reading slump.