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Scandal & lots of hidden secrets within a private school community. Anna, Rhea & Maggie are all three middle aged women with secrets from their past (& current life). When all three of them are put on the same committee for their kids’ school gala, they find out some scandalous information about the private school their children attend...and have to decide what to do with this information. I loved this book! I enjoyed how the characters and their story lines weaved in and out with each other.

Thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for this ARC. Definitely will check out more from this author. #booksbyashleynicole

5 Stars!!

Another completely absorbing and well written domestic suspense novel from Caitlin Weaver.

This was my second book by Caitlin Weaver. I also enjoyed her previous novel, "Such a Good Family". I read it just a month or so before reading this. I was excited to see she had another book coming out this year. Both books dealt with significant and relevant issues . I thought she handled these issues in an honest, realistic, and respectful way.

Anna, Maggie, and Rhea were all incredible, well developed characters. I was interested in their individual stories and loved how they interacted with each other.

I was thrilled to have both the audiobook and ebook for "Things We Never Say". When my eyes were tired I was able to listen which was great because I was riveted and needed to see how it all came together in the end.

An emotional and insightful story that held my interest from start to finish.

I hope a third book from Caitlin Weaver is coming soon!!

I thought I had already left my review for this book but I was apparently mistaken lol. I absolutely LOVED this book. The characters were relatable, the plot was JUICY and the ending was the one everyone deserved! Definitely a book I will purchase for my bookshelf!

Caitlin Weaver's "Things We Never Say" is a gripping exploration of secrets, lies, and the complex bonds of female friendship. The story unfolds within the seemingly perfect facade of a small town, where three women find themselves entangled in a web of deception.
The novel is masterfully crafted, with Weaver's insightful character development drawing readers into the lives of Anna, Sarah, and Charlotte. Each woman carries her own burden of unspoken truths, and as their secrets begin to unravel, the tension builds to a crescendo.
Weaver's writing is both sensitive and unflinching, delving into the depths of human emotion with raw honesty. The novel's exploration of themes like motherhood, marriage, and the pressure to maintain appearances is both timely and thought-provoking.
"Things We Never Say" is a must-read for fans of domestic thrillers and character-driven narratives. It's a captivating story that will keep you guessing until the very end.

In short, I didnt expect to be so captivated by this book but I loved it.

I loved this book! An emotional story of three mothers, all with their own battles and secrets they're dealing with. All appear to have the "perfect" life. As these PTA moms spend time together planning an event they get to know each other and open up little by little all the while they're friendships are developing. You never know what goes on behind closed doors. I had the ARC audiobook as well as the book and switched between reading and listening. Both were fabulous!

This was a winner in my eyes! The story was gripping, I loved the writing style and it was fast paced throughout. Secrets and lies are some of the best ingredients for a thriller and this one had just that and then some

I think this was a strong book showing how things are not exactly as they appear. All three of these women were portrayed by each other as one thing and ended up being something totally different. I love how none of their situation s applied to me, but i still related to these characters and instantly was rooting for them. I love the found friendship and girl power.

Note: Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Caitlin Weaver for the advanced reader copy of this book. What follows is my unbiased review of the book.

Just about all of us have been there at one time or another. Whether it's friends or family, people put on airs trying to project the perfect life to everyone they encounter. No one has the perfect life. Whether we see it or not, just about every family has issues of some kind that they keep a secret. The problem is, by doing so, they also put distance between themselves and others.

Things We Never Say is set in Atlanta, but in a sub-community of parents surrounding an exclusive private school, Civitas Academy. All of the parents are expected to volunteer some time. With the upcoming 100-year anniversary gala, three unlikely women find themselves thrown together. Anna is the Headmaster's Wife. He asks her to join the committee to keep an eye on things. Rhea is the quintessential PTA president, who seems to have her hands in everything and a life that's totally together. Maggie is a couples therapist married to a dentist.

Throughout the book, all three women come to terms with the fact that they really have no close friends. They are also each harboring a life-altering secret. Normally, these women would not interact, but through the work on the committee, they begin to bond and let their guard down. They also stumble upon a scandal at the school that may have far-reaching implications.

I really enjoyed reading Things We Never Say. It really speaks to the times we live in where people are all about projecting an illusion. All three women are afraid to open up about what's really going on in their lives. When they finally do, they find support from each other instead of judgment. It takes a while for this to happen, though, as everyone is afraid of letting people see the reality behind the facade.

The characters were great and very believable. I could relate especially to Rhea, who was a teen mother when she gave her baby up for adoption. She's kept that secret from everyone, even her husband, and finds herself torn between being a mother to the son she walked away from and possibly losing everything. Throughout the book, she thinks this secret is a bigger problem than it actually is once she is forced to come clean. Sure, at first there's a lot of feelings of betrayal, but her family rallies around her, including a husband who has made his own missteps but adores her. Maggie also has a very loving husband, but there are problems in their relationship that she doesn't acknowledge.

Anna is the only one who is definitely in a toxic relationship but must keep up appearances. Her revelation takes the longest, and it really shouldn't. It's still very believable, though, that she is so frightened of no one believing her that she keeps quiet, afraid of telling the truth.

Things We Never Say demonstrates how we should be able to open up to each other and reach out for support, instead of staying closed up in our own little worlds afraid of anyone getting in. It's something we need to relearn, along with compassion and empathy. If instead of judging each other, we approach people with those qualities, we can support each other and make the world a better place. This is especially true for women. Harkening back to the Barbie Movie, we seem to be damned by our choices no matter what they are, and it's refreshing to see women supporting each other instead.

I didn't think I would like Things We Never Say as much as I did. It's well-written with relatable characters. The story is compelling and made me question why the world is the way it is.

Civitas is one of the best private schools & headmaster Jerry is intent on keeping that way! As an important anniversary approaches, he decides that the PTA need to set up a special committee to organise it. His wife Anna will of course be part of it. Relationship councillor Maggie is amongst the 'poorer' parents so feels she'd better step up & stay at home mom Rhea form the somewhat unwilling committee! However as time goes on the three form a strong bond & attempt to uncover some very nasty goings on & providing vital support to each other.

I have never read any of Caitlin Weaver's books, but this book would suit fans of Liane Moriarty. I loved getting to know the different characters who are well drawn & kept me rooting for them. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book. I really enjoyed it.

You never know what’s really happening behind closed doors.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Caitlin Weave for this ARC.

Caitlin Weaver’s The Things We Never Say is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of family dynamics, the unspoken words that shape our relationships, and the delicate dance between love and loss. In this heartfelt exploration, Weaver paints a poignant portrait of two sisters, one struggling with grief and the other yearning for connection, as they navigate the tangled web of their shared history and hidden secrets.

Plot Overview:
The story centers around Emma and Ivy, two sisters who are forced to confront their past when their mother, Evelyn, is diagnosed with a terminal illness. The novel alternates between Emma’s and Ivy’s perspectives, offering readers a nuanced view of each character’s inner world. As the sisters return home to care for their mother, they find themselves confronting unresolved emotions, old wounds, and the deep-seated tensions that have been simmering beneath the surface for years.

At its core, The Things We Never Say is about the way we hold back parts of ourselves from the people we love. Emma and Ivy’s relationship is a poignant reflection of this, as they struggle with miscommunication, the weight of unspoken words, and the different ways they cope with grief and responsibility.

Writing Style:
Weaver’s writing is evocative and immersive, with an ability to capture the complexity of human emotions with authenticity and grace. The prose is lyrical without being overdone, and her keen understanding of familial bonds shines through in the small, intimate moments that she crafts between the characters. The alternating viewpoints of Emma and Ivy provide a multifaceted view of their relationship, offering a layered exploration of their internal conflicts and differing perceptions of their shared past.

Themes:
One of the novel’s most poignant themes is the idea of unspoken truths—the things we leave unsaid for fear of rejection, disappointment, or the inability to find the right words. Weaver examines how silence can be just as powerful as speech, how it can create distance or foster deeper understanding, depending on how it is handled. The story also touches on the themes of grief, forgiveness, and self-discovery, as both sisters work through their personal challenges while grappling with their mother’s impending death.

Another compelling aspect of the book is the examination of family roles. Emma and Ivy’s roles within their family have shifted over time—Emma is the caretaker, the responsible one, while Ivy has distanced herself emotionally. These dynamics form the backbone of their emotional growth throughout the novel, as they are forced to confront their past and redefine their relationship with each other and their mother.

Characters:
The characters in The Things We Never Say are richly developed, with complexities that feel both relatable and real. Emma, the elder sister, carries the weight of responsibility and often struggles with her role as the “adult” in the family. Her internal conflict is raw and relatable, as she navigates the difficulties of being the one to take charge while also dealing with her own sense of loss and guilt.

Ivy, the younger sister, offers a more emotionally distant perspective, struggling with her own fears of abandonment and inadequacy. She often feels overshadowed by Emma’s selflessness, and this creates a distance between them that is both heartbreaking and believable.

Their mother, Evelyn, is a character whose presence is felt throughout the novel, even though she is often physically absent. Her illness forces the family to reckon with the things that have been left unsaid for years, and her character is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of communication before it’s too late.

Final Thoughts:
The Things We Never Say is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. Caitlin Weaver has crafted a story that is both tender and heartbreaking, capturing the nuances of family relationships with honesty and depth. The themes of grief, forgiveness, and the weight of unspoken words are universal, and the book offers a touching meditation on the importance of saying the things we often keep inside. For fans of literary fiction that explores family, love, and loss, this is a must-read.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

This book had me in a chokehold! Absolutely loved it can see it being a really popular book! Thoroughly enjoyed reading it, loved the way the story unfolded and was not at all predictable. Very satisfying ending too. Loved it and highly recommend.

Things We Never Say by Caitlin Weaver is a gripping novel that unravels through the perspectives of several women, each entwined in a web of secrets that surround their children’s school and the small community they share. Weaver skillfully layers these viewpoints, creating a rich tapestry of motives, fears, and hidden pasts, which keep the reader guessing about each woman’s true intentions and secrets.

The strength of the novel lies in Weaver’s ability to make each character’s perspective distinct and nuanced, allowing readers to become deeply invested in their individual journeys and the complex relationships they share. As the story progresses, the suspense intensifies, with buried secrets coming to light and tensions bubbling over in unexpected and sometimes dangerous ways. The twists and turns lead to a climactic ending that satisfies both emotionally and narratively.

Things We Never Say is a testament to how secrets can bind people together yet also drive them apart. Weaver’s deft storytelling, combined with her sharp exploration of female relationships and social dynamics, makes this book an engrossing read. It’s a novel that balances suspense with heartfelt exploration, making it a must-read for fans of character-driven thrillers and domestic dramas alike.

This was so good. Every family has secrets and they're all coming to light. So well written. Loved the characters!

As a mom of two, I'm a fan of PTA whodunnit stories, so I jumped on Things We Never Say after reading the book's description. And let me tell you, Caitlin Weaver did not disappoint! From the rag-tag group of protagonists to the clever plot, Things We Never Say is one of my favorites for 2024 -- a must read!

BIG LITTLE LIES but make it 1000x more spectacular! I loved this so much and found myself thinking about this story whenever I wasn’t reading it. It’s told in alternating POVs which I loved!

I loved this story; I read like a movie or shows where you are on the edge of your seat. Three women who have more in common then they think, they all have secrets. But when they come together, they are stronger, it isn't until there is a scandal. As they try to figure out what the scandal is, secrets come out that can't be put back in a box. They have to come together for each other to save one, that will change their lives forever. This is a most read, you will not be disappointed, and it will make you believe in the power of women and what they can do.


Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for a copy of this story for my honest review.

this book was soooooo good and totally had me on edge the entire book. highly recommend work from caitlin weaver!!!!!

Brilliant. I loved it! Was gripped immediately! Highly recommend. It's really about women coming together to support each other through some terrible things. I found it inspiring and exhilarating. I adored this book. Read it in 2 days!

Three very different women are thrown together to work on an event committee for the private school that all of their children attend. Throughout working on this committee, they grow closer and start building a tentative friendship. Each woman is dealing with personal issues in their own lives, and they keep secrets from each other and from their families. Their secrets seem to pale in comparison, however, when they discover a scandal that could send shock waves throughout the community of their small private school. Will their own secrets overwhelm them, or will they band together to out the scandal, potentially ruining all of their lives?

Thank you to Caitlin Weaver, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for the early release copy of this book!

This book was phenomenal! This book is perfect for anyone looking for scandal, complicated family dynamics, and fully fleshed-out female characters. Caitlin Weaver is so good at creating compelling characters (especially with her female characters), and hits the nail on the head when writing about female friendships. I was so impressed with the unique story lines in this book, and how she wrote about sensitive, potentially triggering topics with nuance and respect for people who may have been affected by those topics. I had to speed-read the last 20% of this book because I had to know how it ended. Caitlin Weaver has quickly become an auto-read author for me, and I can't wait to read what she writes next!