This book is inspired by a true story, with lots of research and family references. It was very detailed and descriptive and a worthy five star read.
It tells the story of America’s involvement in the Second World War, with myself being from the UK I had no knowledge of, or very little to say the least. It was so well written that I felt I knew the characters myself.
This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I look forward to reading more.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.

A beautifully written story about WWII and its effects not only on those who went to war but also those left behind.
The book is inspired by true events of the authors family.
We are taken on an emotional read of the Stellars family - brothers Raymond and Jimmie and their time during WWII.
It is a story of love, heartache, forgiveness and sacrifice.
A must read for historical fiction fans as it is one of those books that stay with you well after you have finished it.

What the Silent Say is a poignant story about war, and the effects it has, not only on those called to serve in combat but those called to serve at home, to wait, to fear, to grieve, and about one family in particular that is tragically affected.

We all admire and are in awe of those brave enough to sacrifice their lives for their fellow warriors. We wonder if we would have their courage. We feel sorrow and sadness for their families but often tell them how proud they should be of their loved ones’ unselfish actions. But what about those left behind who must wonder at times why their father or brother or whoever it was who will never return wasn’t more selfish and rather than think of those with them in combat make the choice to return home, to not put themselves in the ultimate danger? Children especially must feel this way at time, robbed of a parent, few or no memories, having to rely on all they know about that person coming from others’ remembrances of them. And what about the others at home, those that couldn’t or didn’t serve but rather were left to take care of things at home? Do they feel guilty? Remorse? Wish it had been them instead?

Author Emerson Ford tells the story of the Sellers family and those close to them with great care and tenderness. Nothing about war is easy, nothing is fair. Everyone suffers and everyone loses. What the Silent Say is a book that will nearly pull your heart apart. You will be so touched and affected by the suffering everyone endures and inspired by the strength they display in moving forward. Well written and carefully plotted, the story moves smoothy through the years and from home to the battlefield. I was moved by it and won’t forget it any time soon. Thanks to Storm Publishing for providing an advance copy of What the Silent Say. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

What The Silent Say is all inspiring story of one who was part of the time now called the Greatest Generation. Emerson Ford has brought heart and life to this story that is based on a true one. Lieutenant Raymond Sellers even at a young age put the great in “Greatest”. The entire cast of this story except for Jimmie’s and Raymond’s father were exceptional complex characters.

I enjoyed the way this story began in 1961, then told from 1937 on until it circled back to 1961. A remarkable, well done, emotionally rich World War II story of sacrifices made at home and those in service, and the courage it takes to stand through it and live with grace and substance. Highly recommend.

4⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of What The Silent Say.

Raymond has always looked out for his younger brother Jimmie no matter what. He follows his father’s wishes of going to school and working for him to save his brother from that fate. Raymond meets Evelyn and they eventually marry and she becomes pregnant and then he is shipped out to fight in the war. Will he be able to make it back to them?

This book was inspired by true events which makes it an even better read. I enjoyed the book, characters, and storyline. The only part I did not like was that it was really heavy on combat talk but other than that I really enjoyed it!

I don't usually gravitate towards books on war, but after reading the blurb to What The Silent Say, I figured I'd give it a shot, and I am so glad I did. This is a 5 star read! It is not solely about war and battle during WWII. It is multi-layered and gives us just enough of everything that can make a book perfect. Yes, it's a book of two brothers and their experience while at war, but it heavily focuses on love. It also focuses on the importance of finding said love, taking risks, forgiveness, the internal battle to do what is right, morality, redefining oneself, finding oneself again, dealing with heartache and grief, and more. It's such a well-developed book with well-crafted writing and a beautiful plot that only thickens and weaves together so nicely by the end. "Mip", my goodness! Absolutely loved! His development was beautiful to read. I loved Evelyn as well, and I thought her character was 100% relatable. As a mother, we've all been there. She's trying, even with her husband being at war and the distance between them. And then to have that love ripped away from her.. my heart cried for that woman. This story is full of ups and downs, with Raymond being that beacon of sunlight through it all, even after his death. Please read this book. Even if it's not your typical genre, I promise you you'll feel something by the end of it. Absolutely wonderful! 5+ stars!
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Emerson Ford for this remarkable ARC!

Raymond, Jimmy and Evelyn did not have an easy start in life. All of them were abandoned by their fathers and each one of them used that lack of parental guidance in a different way. Raymond was the good one, always following the rules, being kind and trying to do his best for all, Jimmy was the one looking for trouble, funny, full of life, and relying on Raymond for guidance, Evelyn was a shy girl who met Raymond at a dance and would never forget him. WWII is raging in Europe and in Asia and both brothers are sent to fight, only one of them will return. What the Silent Say is based on true facts, it's heartbreaking to learn the decisions that Raymond made and the impact they'll have on Evelyn's and their daughter's life and at the same time is heartwarming to learn how he tried to put their loved ones in a place of trust, friendship, and love. Beautifully written and easy to read!
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

This powerful debut touches every emotion and enchants the reader. The feeling reminds me of watching the Titanic, anticipating the looming disaster yet rapt by undying hope and love. This WWII historical novel has all the ingredients that make a story great: unforgettable characters, captivating story with rising hope pitted against rising tension, and exceptional writing. I hope this book is only the beginning for Emerson Ford. I want to read more.

I have read so many books about WW2 but this one, felt so real and personal and I was very close to tears. Written so well and very powerful . I won’t forget this book in a hurry.

Men who didn’t return
Men who returned that never spoke

It was so sad and heart ripping story not what I expected but really enjoyed it

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC of “What the Silent Say.” This remarkable story, based on true events, captures WWII from the perspective of American war heroes fighting in Japan. Although an emotional rollercoaster… this story is also filled with love, resilience, strength, determination, and courage. Two of the main characters are brothers at war, with a wife and baby left home. But what’s more important? Family, or the men you’re fighting with in war? Or can both parties equally be importantly at once, an ocean apart. Emerson Ford brilliantly brings the reader into the forefront of what the characters were thinking and feeling… questioning and understanding… all the sacrifices that were made and at what cost; to do what’s right in that moment of time leaving us wanting more and seeing where their story unfolds until the very end.

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.