Member Reviews
Three women, with little in common other than where their children attend school, find themselves with proof of cover-up scheme. But what is the administration of this elite private school hiding? And who is involved?
Caitlin Weaver had me hooked from the beginning of Things We Never Say. I needed to know what was happening, who was involved, and the lengths these privledged people would go to to do what is right, or what they thing is right for them.
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I did not know entirely what to expect from this novel, but I found the premise extremely engaging and intriguing - I was really looking forward to reading it.
I am slightly disappointed to rate this book three stars, as I was expecting quite big things whilst beginning reading it. I liked the whole set up of a group of women knowing each other, and looking at the separate narrative strands throughout and how they became one as the time went on, but I just thought it was a bit too much for me. There were too many points of view, too many different narratives going on and I just found that I couldn't follow it as easily as I wanted to - I was getting confused with who was married to who and I just think it was an overload for me.
I normally do tend to find narratives with multiple strands overwhelming, so this isn't necessarily a critique of the book at all, just more my inability to follow when there's so much going on. This being said, the major narrative was captivating and I was left in shock as to what was revealed throughout the book. I think there was just a bit too much going on for it to be any more than a three star rating in my book.
This author has become another one that I am going to be keeping an eye out for any new books. I loved this book and couldn’t recommend it enough! Please pick up this book, it is brilliant and such a quick read as I just wanted to know what was going to happen next.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. Look for it in your local and online bookstores and libraries on September 27, 2024.
Things We Never Say is a great read. This book touches on some very sensitive subjects that maybe hard for some readers. Please read warning before reading this book. Your mental health matters.
This is a really great read. I really enjoyed the storyline, and the characters are written well. I think the author did a great job on making the story seem realistic. I was hooked from page one, and really didn't want to put this book down. This is the second book I've read from this author and I look forward to reading more!!
Loved this book . I couldnt put it down as I was interested in what was going to happen to the characters. The author has knocked it out of the ball park and I highly recommend.
THE HOOK/APPEAL: Moms. Scandals. Secrets. Friendships.
THE REVIEW: It had twists and a secret nougat center that will keep people's attention overall. It's about the core of needing honesty within relationships and what happens if that gets compromised.
THE RATING: Solid 4
A new to me author Caitlin Weaver has written a powerful novel of domestic suspense. This seems to be a popular genre recently or maybe it is a coincidence that I have read a few books along similar lines recently.
Anna, Maggie and Rhea are all on the fund raising committee of Civitas, a top ranking private school. It seems at first that apart from as committee members that these women have nothing in common. Actually it turns out they do, as they are all hiding secrets within their marriages. As they get to know each other their friendship grows as shared vulnerabilities emerge.
An engaging story about marriage, relationships and how we never really know what goes on behind closed doors. Recommend to fans of the genre.
With thanks to Storm Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review ‘Things We Never Say’
I loved everything about this book. It really delved into these different women's lives. Each woman had a facade that was completely different than the reality they were living. That alone was relatable which made this a great story.
This is a tale that delves deep into the glossy and seemingly perfect facade of your everyday, well-heeled urbanite, the world of PTAs, flat whites, Prosecco, and top-flight schools. It revolves around three women and their immediate families: Anna, Maggie, and Rhea.
Anna has a secret, it's here and now and deeply troubling. Rhea also has a secret, but it's buried deep. You know what they say about past secrets? Yes, they come back to haunt you when you least expect it. Maggie also has a secret, but it's not the same sort of bombshell the other two are sitting on.
I enjoyed all three of these women, especially Rhea and Maggie. Dan is another favourite. There are plenty of highs and lows, and I found myself getting quite involved in the characters' lives. It was a bit harrowing at times, and a bit depressing at others.
It also shines a big, bright spotlight on the trials and tribulations of life, parenting, and marriage, a veritable minefield if you don't keep your wits about you. It is also, in many ways, all about masks and the faces people wear to hide their true selves, sometimes monstrous, sometimes ashamed, and often very, very lonely.
It's not the best or most thrilling book I've ever read, but it gave me pause for thought. And also, I'm a sucker for all's well that ends well.
3 and a half rounded up to 4 very sparkly stars.
We have three women, all mothers of children attending the same school. They are all on the PTA and are put together to plan an event for the school. Each of these women are dealing with things they would like to keep hidden but at the same time really want to share. This book shows the power of women’s friendships and how being vulnerable sometimes can open your hereafter to healing. Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC
"Things We Never Say" by Caitlin Weaver is a poignant exploration of the complexities of communication, relationships, and the unspoken thoughts that shape our lives. The narrative delves into the lives of its characters, revealing their struggles with vulnerability and the impact of unexpressed feelings.
Weaver’s writing is both lyrical and introspective, capturing the nuances of human emotion with sensitivity. The characters are well-developed, each grappling with their own internal conflicts and the weight of things left unsaid. This depth adds a layer of realism to their interactions, making their journeys relatable and compelling.
The story beautifully balances moments of tension and reflection, drawing readers into the characters’ experiences. Themes of regret, longing, and the desire for connection resonate throughout, encouraging readers to reflect on their own relationships and the importance of honest communication.
Overall, "Things We Never Say" is a heartfelt and thought-provoking read that invites contemplation about the words we choose to hold back. It's a powerful reminder of the significance of expression and the bonds that tie us together. This book will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find the right words in their own life.
Things We Never Say? Well, I can think of a few things I’d like to say after reading this...
The premise was promising, but the execution? Not so much. The characters were as flat as a pancake—no butter, no syrup, just... plain. The plot meandered like it was trying to find a GPS signal, but sadly, never did.
If you’re in the mood for a light, easy read, this could work. But if you're looking for something with a bit more complexity or unexpected twists, you might find yourself a bit disappointed. Not bad, just not the page-turner I was hoping for!
A few months ago, I totally inhaled Caitlin Weaver’s debut, SUCH A GOOD FAMILY and now I’m happy to report that her sophomore release, THINGS WE NEVER SAY is just as addictive. It’s a great mix of domestic suspense and rich people behaving badly—think BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and THE GIFTED SCHOOL. Three women are grouped together to fundraise for a gala at their children’s school. Little did they know, their detective skills would be put to good use in uncovering and exposing a major school scandal. Grab the popcorn, and buckle up!
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Neighborhood drama and scandal
- Private school setting
- Teenage angst and behavior
- Female friendship
- Motherhood and marriage
- #momlife and PTA politics
- Family dynamics and secrets
- Multiple POVs
- Mystery and suspense
Weaver’s latest uncovers the dark side of academia centered around power, privilege, and greed, while showcasing the magnitude of female friendship and connection. If you’re looking for a juicy read that you can devour in just a few sittings, this is it. I found it extremely entertaining and very hard to put down. It’s perfect for the fall! 4/5 stars for THINGS WE NEVER SAY! It’s out now and currently available on kindle unlimited! Go download it!
Things We Never Say is a fast, engaging read that pulls you into the intertwined lives of Anna, Rhea, and Maggie through alternating viewpoints. The story tackles themes of friendship, scandal, and hidden struggles, reminding us how appearances can often be deceiving. I enjoyed seeing each character's growth, especially how their reluctant teamwork blossomed into true friendship. This book kept me engaged with just the right amount of twists and revelations. It’s my first read from Caitlin Weaver, but it definitely won’t be my last!
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this eARC.
Beautifully written. A stunning, wonderful book. One of my favourite reads of this year. Very highly recommend this one.
#ThingsWeNeverSay #NetGalley
Read if you like stories of scandal and unlikely friendships.
Anna, Rhea and Maggie are thrown together on a PTA project. What follows is an unexpected friendship that’s tested when they discover a scandal within the prestigious school. They have to decide on how to expose this scandal that will have an impact on all of their seemingly-perfect families, whilst dealing with secrets of their own.
The chapters alternate between the three characters. I found myself quite invested in there three main characters. You can see how the project meetings allow the women to space to break away from trying to maintain the image of a perfect life, and how their friendship grows from that.
As you discovered their secrets early on, I found that the book became less about the different secrets and scandals. Instead, you read more about how the different women try to deal with their secrets and why they’re keeping them hidden. As a result, you’re kept guessing until the end whether they will expose the scandal that they discovered, which makes you want to keep on reading.
Overall, a very good story that had you wanting to continue reading to find out what happens, with likeable main characters that you wanted to support.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
An excellent read. The story of three amazing women. Anna, Rhea and Maggie who on the outside seem to have perfect lives with good families and they are involved in the PTA association in their children’s school. But things are not as they seem and they all have other issues to deal with in their lives especially Anna.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC.
A page-turning thriller with lots going on - told from multiple POV but easy to follow. An engaging storyline with characters I warmed up to as we learned more about them (so much more to them all than meets the eye!) - and watching the characters become friends as the story went on was unexpected and a nice touch. This is a fast, enjoyable read that will keep you on your toes!
You have to love a book about a quiet unassuming mom on the PTA. Talk about relatable. This is just brilliant. It is just a fully fledged story.