Suffice it to say that any book that brings me to tears several times is likely to obtain a five-star rating from me.
I went into this book with no expectations. The cover attracted me and, I admit, whomever wrote the blurb for the book did a good job; it sounded like the kind of historical fiction that I might like. However, quite honestly, I was a bit concerned that there were be gory battle scenes which I do not have the stomach for, since it was written by a man. Despite my reservations, I decided to submit my request to NetGalley and I am glad I did. I am sure that this will be on my top ten for the year.
The author creates very likeable characters, with flaws. However, the main protagonists are the kind of people that I would want to meet and he really gets inside their head. The author also has a story to tell. While I love character driven novels, sometimes I want a strong story to go along with it.
We meet Evelyn, who falls in love with Raymond despite her best efforts. She does not want to start a life with a man who is about to go off to war and there are many reasons for that which I will not spoil here. Nonetheless, she does and the author manages to create a wonderful romance between the two that does not become maudlin. Raymond goes off to war, leaving his new bride and his little brother behind. This story is so rich, not only with compelling characters, but with relationships and events, bringing in vivid, but not gory details of being at war in a foreign country.
I fell in love with these characters and so, when sad things happened, I was brought to tears. That is all I will say here, except that you should read this. Everybody should read this, whether you are young or old, male or female. There is something here for everyone. In fact, there is so much to unpack in this novel that I may need to reread it.
I am also upset that this is the author's only novel although I do look forward to future ones which will become must-reads for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance copy of this wonderful book in exchange for my unbiased review.

I really enjoyed this one! I found the story very engaging and loved the characters’ journeys. It was an emotionally impactful story that felt very true to the history background. I particularly appreciated the author’s note at the end, which explained that she was writing this story based on actual stories and letters from her family.

On the negative side, there were some points that felt a bit saccharine and the writing style was not always the most sophisticated. But this was still a great story that was very accessible!

All I can truly say is, WOW! This book captivated me from the very beginning. The story of Raymond, Evelyn, and Jimmie has a special place in my heart, especially Raymond. By the end of the book, I was in tears. Not the ending I had anticipated, but an ending that was truly worth reading. This book will stay with me for a while.

What a wonderful tribute to the author's relatives. A depictive account of fighting in WW2 and the horrors the soldiers endured. A sterling piece of writing, from which I learned so much.

I am emotionally exhausted. What the Silent Say centers around Raymond Sellers. The reader gets to experience life as he does, dealing with his father, going to military school, falling in love and going to war. I am so grateful for books like this one that help me to gain understanding of a dark past.

The reader witnesses the decisions made about futures. It pulled at my heartstrings. How brave they were to marry before going to war, not knowing if they would return. I was touched by the correspondence between Raymond, his wife, his brother and his mom. Witnessing their struggles, their faith and determination had me falling deeper into the story.

I didn't have to use my imagination to picture details of WW2. The author does an amazing job using words to paint settings, many of them I would never want to go to. Total respect to all those brave soldiers that served, fighting the Japanese.

I had to grab tissues. I couldn't stop crying. The deaths weren't real. They sure felt like it. To see how those left behind would deal was heartbreaking. Their strength had me continuing. I could only happen that the characters would find.

I highly recommend this story. It was a story that grabbed me and I don't see it letting me go any time soon.

Loss. Love. Legacy.

Those three words stood out as I began and finished this book.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Raymond Sellers always looked out for everyone, especially his mother and little brother, Jimmie, after his dad left them. Wanting to be different than his harsh and stubborn father, Raymond makes sure Jimmie stays out of trouble and dreams of being a husband and father one day. That wish comes true when he falls in love with Evelyn, who has a wary outlook on fathers and military men. When 1944 comes around, Lieutenant Sellers has to leave his pregnant wife for the battlefield, later facing the painful decision of either returning to his wife and baby or being there for the men and brothers-in-arms that he swore to fight with and protect.

Ugh! My heart! My soul! 😭😭

When I tell you that this story wrecked me, I’m not exaggerating. I laughed like a dummy. I smiled like a fool. I cried like a baby. Heck, I couldn’t even fall asleep because the ending was just berating my mind. 😅 What makes it worse is that it is based on a true story. That’s when you know it will rip your heart out and break it in two. I don’t think a book has ever made me feel this way.

I have no complaints, other than the fact that I can’t stop thinking about it and want to cry. 😅 (As a side note, this story has several points of view, so if you’re not into that, there’s your heads-up.) ☺️👍

For some reason, three movies came to mind while I read this book. Raymond reminded me of George Bailey from “It’s a Wonderful Life” (one of the greatest movies out there, by the way) due to his selflessness and eagerness to help others, and Desmond Dos from “Hacksaw Ridge” because of his faith, loyalty, and bravery. Some of the story/plot reminded me of “We Were Soldiers,” a film based on a true story during the Vietnam War. This book doesn’t try to sugarcoat the realities of war and the sacrifices of both the men fighting and the ones they leave behind.

Raymond was an awesome character: kind, trustworthy, loyal, virtuous, and funny. I rooted for him the whole way through. (Is it possible to fall in love with a fictional character?) Jimmie was everything you expect in a mischievous little brother and I enjoyed his point of view and their relationship a lot. I resonated with Evelyn a lot and, at first, you think it might not work out between her and Raymond, but faith and trust had to be a huge shoulder for them to lean on. The camaraderie between Raymond and his men (Mitt is the best!) was so fun to read and their loyalty to one another touched my heart. ❤️‍🩹

And the ending! Oh👏 My 👏 Gosh 👏 I cannot express how much I tried not to sob so I wouldn’t wake my family up. Emerson Ford is an incredible writer if she got that many tears out of me, lol! 😂

Brilliant descriptions, fun dialogue, and wonderful writing. This story moved me and I am so glad I had the privilege to read such a powerful and amazing story. It shows how many unknown heroes and stories there are from, not just WW2, but from every war that’s been fought. May their deaths never be in vain. May we show gratitude to those who came back and were scarred physically, mentally, or emotionally forever. May we always remember what they were fighting for and for who. 🫡

I received an advanced reader copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and statements are my own.

WHAT THE SILENT SAY by EMERSON FORD is a WW11 story with a dfference. The author has done a great deal of research into the history of the 77th Division’s exploits in the Philippines and their incredible bravery especially at Okinawa. It is based on a true story with some fictional additions which keep the narratve flowing. I could not put the book down and highly recommend this inspirational read. The characters and their emotions are brought to life as we see them responding, not only to the horrors of war, but also to the fear and loneliness of those who are left behind to cope with life.
Raymond’s selflessness really struck me, together with his strong faith in God. It is good to see a man who lives his Christianity. His love for his younger brother Jimmie, his mother, his wife Evelyn and baby daughter, comes through strongly as does his commitment to his men. I like the way he takes the tough boy from the Bronx, Mitt, under his wing and makes a soldier out of him……..
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling this lovely read for you.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Storm Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Thank you so much to Storm Publishing, Emerson Ford, and NetGalley for this ARC!

Fragile hope and self sacrifice mark the themes of this heartbreakingly beautiful book. The bittersweet tears that I bawled during the last part of this book were no joke.

Right from the beginning we are introduced to the brothers’ relationship and Raymond’s character that set the emotional foundation for the rest of the book. Raymond and Evelyn’s courtship was one of the sweetest, moving, and wholesome one that I have ever read.

I went in thinking this was a war story about brotherly love but it was so very much more. It is one of my favorite reads of 2025 so far!

This tugs at the heartstrings. Based on a true story, ‘What the silent say’ is a wartime novel focusing on the fate of two brothers who were in the pacific conflict. The older, protective brother has excellent personal qualities and falls in love with a girl while training as a cadet. For a long time, she refused him on the grounds that warfare would affect him so severely that their relationship would suffer. However his love is so constant she takes a chance on him and they marry and have a child. 18 years later, his daughter finds out fully about her father and wha5 happened to him. She has reason to be proud of his self effacing, sacrificial nature.

I never thought that historical fiction would be a genre that I would enjoy, but after reading this book, I think my mind has definitely been changed. I love that this book is inspired by a true story and touches on the many challenges the men at war faced as well as the challenges faced by their wives and families back home. As a military spouse, I loved that this story highlighted the pain and terror spouses and families face when their loved ones are at war. The lack of communication and the constant fear when a telegram is delivered or someone unexpectedly knocks on the door. This book had the perfect mix of bringing the war to life for the reader as well as exploring what life at home was like before, during, and after the war. And as someone who typically reads romances, I loved that this book explored some relationships and their complications without making it the main focus of the book. Would definitely recommend reading!

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Exceptional historical fiction, made all the more remarkable by being based on fact. This is a memorable story which will, I’m sure, linger in my heart long after reading. I adored the main characters and rooted for them all the way. The author created them with great depth and humanity, making it easy to understand their choices and actions. Each was strong in their own way, and each fighting an inner battle as well as the war that plunged them into situations no one should have to face. We need more Raymonds in this world.
I will look forward to reading more of this author’s work.

What an amazing and powerful story!

I prefer going into a book blind, so I didn’t read any blurbs or reviews. I happened across an instagram post singing this book’s praise. Of course I had to immediately find it on NetGalley to sate my curiosity.

Emerson takes the reader on a journey of love and loss, sacrifice and selflessness. Where strangers become brothers, foreign lands become final resting places, and promises and prayers are the only comforts afforded.

As with any WW2 novel, there are accounts of battles and strategies. Death is a constant companion and home is dream just out of reach. Boys become men on distant shores. But what makes this story stand apart is the author’s connection to the inspiration for the book. Her resolve to give this story life, to preserve the tale of heroism and courage, while sharing it with the world.

This story will live on now although the characters are long gone. A testament to their resilience and dogged determination to make the world a safer place, knowing that theirs may be the ultimate sacrifice.

Bravo, Emerson! I was caught in the snare of this story from the beginning and found myself unable to savor the last quarter because of the intense desire to quickly discover the fate of our beloved characters. This book should be sold with a box of tissues attached.

Thank you Emerson Ford, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own and freely given.

Leaving home and go to war, not knowing what you can expect. The people you leave behind who are unsure if the ever see their loved ones. This was an emotional and interesting read following all the characters during this very difficult time. It was heartbreaking but at the end, love wins.

Parts of this book were interesting and others weren’t.
I think I’ve just read too many of this type of book and they all start to feel the same. I’m certain historical fiction fans will enjoy it

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I absolutely loved this book, it was a complete departure from the books I usually read and I am so glad I was able to read it. I will be recommending it to everyone I know.

I’d first like to thank NetGalley and Emerson Ford for this ARC of “What the Silent Say.” I absolutely LOVE this book. It’s a different perspective than what I’m used to with other WWII novels I’ve read.

This is a heartwarming story of love, family, and navigation trials and tribulations through war in the POV of American soldiers. I also love the juxtaposition between the two father figures - Raymon’s father who forced his children to become soldiers while also abandoning them; while Evelyn has been forced to deal with abandonment from her father BECAUSE of what the army did to him.

This book is very well written, and I am looking forward to reading more from Emerson Ford!

I wanna start off by saying I'm grateful to have had the chance to read this historical masterpiece. This read will stay with me forever, I've read several war related stories but this one hit different, books like this remind me why I love the historical non fiction and women's fiction genre so much and the fact that it's inspired by/ based on a true story I knew I'd fall in love with this read. Raymond, Evelyn and Jimmie's story will live in my mind rent free literally -- I knew this from the first few pages -- this is the type of book that will hit right in the heart. Selflessness, struggle, courage, sacrifice, heartbreak -- four things that when put together create a LEGACY -- especially when read from Mary's perspective (the letters broke my heart especially the last one ) I loved absolutely everything about this book. Readers who love Kristin Hannah's books will definitely fall in love with this one

This was a great story, and true too! I loved the characters, and I loved the love story, the war not so much, but in all a great tear-jerker of a story.
Highly recommend and keep the tissues close by!

Emerson Ford’s What the Silent Say is based on a true story about Raymond, Jimmie (Jim), and Evelyn during World War II. Raymond meets and is taken by a shy, bespectacled Evelyn when she is a mere 14 at a dance held near the Clemson campus where the local young girls can practice their dancing skills and manners. Evelyn is scarred by her father abruptly abandoning her mother and self, so she is hesitant years later to commit to a relationship with the military bound Raymond. Meanwhile, Raymond is also trying to be a father to his younger brother, Jimmie, after their father left their mother for another woman. The story follows the brothers as they train and eventually end up on the frontlines of the Pacific Theater of the war.

Positives: The development of the character of Mitt is phenomenal. This rough around the edges (and let’s admit it, deep beneath the surface too) makes you see the light that Raymond noticed in the early part of their time together as the story develops. Raymond is a diamond of a man. Always putting others ahead of himself and not willing to give up on his men or family, he’s the type of person you want more of in the world. The descriptions of training and battles puts you in the thick of it.

Struggles: For someone whose intelligence was an early beacon, Evelyn’s lack of confidence in becoming a teacher and taking her exams was frustrating as it kept coming up. So many around her saw the raw potential in her and her strength of passing her knowledge on to others. She redeems herself and is in no way an unlikeable character.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on January 28, 2025. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #stormpublishing #WhattheSilentSay #EmersonFord

This is an amazing, immersive book based on real people during World War II. The author did a fabulous job bringing it all to life based on the actual letters she discovered, interviews and visits to the National Archives. I applaud her efforts which resulted in this very moving book. I'm really glad I read it, but I don't think I ever want to read a book like this again. The courage of all those soldiers and the terrible situations they were in protecting our freedoms was gut-wrenching. I think I'll stick to cozy mysteries.

I highly recommend the book to anyone who is interested in a true story of love and sacrifice during the war.