this was a strong historical romance novel, it had that element that I was hoping for and enjoyed the overall feel of this. I was hooked from the first page and enjoyed the overall time-period used, I thought the characters had that feel that I was looking for and thought it used the true story overall. Emerson Ford has a strong writing style and enjoyed the way this was written.

I loved that this story was based on a real person and real events. Although a story about war, it is really more a story about love, duty, courage, and friendship. The character of Raymond shines through as he makes his way through life and makes difficult decisions. I enjoyed Evelyn's story as it was not easy for those left at home either. This is a profoundly moving book that will stay with you, and is a testament to the power of the written word. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for a chance to read and review this book.

Wow. This book is just wow! I cried more during this story than I ever have while reading any other story. Yes, it’s full of sad and tense moments that wrecked me emotionally, but it also has plenty of joyful moments that had me cheering for the characters. Knowing this historical fiction tale is inspired by the author’s own family hit me differently. Real life may not have unfolded exactly as it does on these pages, but the core of the story rings true, and that knowledge stole my breath at moments.

The narrative alternates between war-torn battlefields and life "back home" in South Carolina. Readers are drawn deeply into the lives of the main characters, experiencing their emotions, hopes, and dreams firsthand. Be sure to have tissues close by, this story will move you.

Emerson Ford’s storytelling is pure magic. What the Silent Say is an outstanding debut, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

I received an e-ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review. These thoughts are my own.

Content Warnings
Moderate: War

Minor: Bullying, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail

There are a lot of descriptions of the battles the main characters face during WW2, however, there is not a lot of gruesome detail. The author writes beautifully where you realize the tragedy, but do not experience the trauma.

When you have family stories passed through generations, thoroughly researched facts gathered from the Library of Congress to military unit histories, and individual personalities of a WWII unit bound together, you have a beautiful not-to-be missed novel.
A story of love, fear, patriotism, resilience, heartbreak and loss. I laughed, cried, felt joy, pride and heartbreak. Knowing it’s based on a true story makes it important to know What the Silent Say.
I will read more from Ford.

I loved this book, What the Silent Say, by Emerson Ford. This is a moving historical fiction book based on an amazing true story set during World War II. You will need the tissue for this story.

It all began in Florence, SC when Raymond Sellers and Evelyn (Evie) fall in love and marry. Raymond decides to join the military and Evie is hesitant to marry Raymond because her own father deserted her family as a child because he was so affected by his time at war. Evie's mother warns her that she will get hurt if she marries him. Raymond is not like that. In 1944, the time has come for Lieutenant Raymond Sellers to say goodbye to his pregnant wife and his brother, Jimmie. Evie moves in with Raymond's mother, Sarah, while Raymond is gone to war. He is sent to the Pacific Theater to lead a charge of men.

I was drawn in to the lives of Raymond, Evie, Jimmie, and some of the men that Raymond led in combat. The combat scenes were so real, raw, and emotional. We are told the story from the point of view of Evie and Raymond. Evie shares her fears, sacrifices, and love for her soldier as she awaits for any news of the war. She delivers her baby, Mary, while Raymond is gone. Raymond leads his men well in ground combat in the trenches in Okinawa while Jimmie is a gunner fighting in the skies. During his time, he contracts a severe case of malaria and pneumonia. He is taken to a field hospital to recover. Not yet well enough to return to combat, he is assigned a desk job. Raymond feels like he has abandoned his men yet he desires to return home safely to his wife and daughter. He has to make a haunting decision that will affect the lives of those he loves.

Towards the end of the book, Mary, Raymond's daughter, finds a stack of letters in her father's desk drawer which help connect the past to the present.

What an incredible story of love and sacrifice, family bonds, determination, loss, and raw emotion! I can see this story made into a movie. So captivating and I highly recommend this read! The author wrote an incredible story.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Emerson Ford's What the Silent Say is a beautifully crafted story. Inspired by a true story, this novel weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience, offering an intimate look at the enduring strength of family bonds. This story will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the courage found in even the most ordinary lives.

3/5 stars - I volunteered to read this ARC because the synopsis sounded like something I'd find interesting. Three stars for me still means I enjoyed the book and that I would likely recommend it to someone who I felt would be interested in the topic(s). The main characters, including the majority of the other soldiers, are all very likable and you can't help but hope they all make it out alive. The book was more battle-heavy than I usually care to read about the Pacific theater in WWII and I thought it would be more spouse-focused as that was how I perceived the synopsis. While it does flit between Evelyn, the spouse, and Raymond, the husband, amongst other characters - I feel like her side wasn't told as heavily as I thought it would be, especially once she became a Gold Star Spouse. It took me until the very end of the book to catch on that the bulk of the book itself was Mary reading the letters she found in a drawer.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a historical fiction set in the Pacific and home front during WWII. This novel had a very good theme of redemption and family and love. The plot was a bit transparent but I still enjoyed it. The author dud a lot of research to make you feel like you were right with the soldiers fighting. I will read more by this author.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. The book is based upon true life, with some creative additions. I initially found it slow to get into, however I persevered and found myself fully immersed in it. The story is largely set in the 2nd World War, and written from an American perspective. The soldiers are trained and sent to Japan where fighting is relentless and often without back up. Particularly after the victory in Europe. These men witness and experience trauma, that becomes something they don't want to talk about.
The characters are very well written, I including their strengths and weaknesses. A story that should be read.

“What the Silent Say” is the best book I read this year hands down. Ford has a an incredible gift for storytelling in a way that is captivating, detailed, and completely enamoring. This is a truly captivating novel of men during WWII and their stories of heroism in the darkest days of their lives and the family the left at home. I laughed, I cried, I loved, and everything in between. This is the kind of book that sits with you for some time after. Some works of historical fiction are clearly just that- but this one left me researching these men and their stories until 3 am. This may be her debut novel but I cannot wait to read everything Ford writes to come. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.

Emerson Ford’s What the Silent Say is an unforgettable journey through love, loss, and resilience, set against the harrowing backdrop of World War II. This emotionally charged novel begins in Florence, South Carolina, in 1944, where brothers Raymond and Jimmie Sellers are about to be separated for the first time in their lives. Raymond, the dependable older brother, heads off to fight in the Pacific, leaving behind his pregnant wife, Evelyn, while Jimmie, the adventurous dreamer, later joins the war as a pilot.

Ford's characters are deeply relatable, painted with striking authenticity. From Evelyn’s quiet strength as she navigates life on the home front to the brothers’ harrowing experiences in battle, each perspective is rendered with care. Evelyn’s story adds a powerful dimension, reflecting the fears, hopes, and sacrifices of those left waiting for news during the war.

The narrative is heart-wrenching and poignant, weaving together threads of love and sacrifice with the brutal realities of war. Ford masterfully captures the emotional toll of choices made in the shadow of conflict, particularly as Raymond faces an impossible decision that will haunt him for years to come. The novel’s dual timeline—moving between the war years and the discoveries made by Raymond’s daughter nearly two decades later—adds depth and resonance, linking the past to the present in surprising and moving ways.

Ford's writing is vivid and evocative, whether depicting the camaraderie and fear in the trenches, the tense skies of aerial combat, or the quiet struggles of a wife and mother back home. Each chapter is imbued with raw emotion and life, making the story a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and heal.

What the Silent Say is more than a historical fiction novel; it’s a story that explores the enduring bonds of family, the sacrifices made for love, and the legacy of courage that spans generations. It’s the kind of book that lingers long after the last page is turned, leaving readers with a profound appreciation for the resilience of the human heart.

This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and family sagas. With its balance of intimate moments and sweeping historical context, What the Silent Say offers an emotional experience that will resonate with readers everywhere.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What the Silent Say, is an epic tale of love, loss and resilience, this book by Emerson Ford is set against the backdrop of World War II. The story begins in Florence, South Carolina, in 1944, as Lieutenant Raymond Sellers bids farewell to his brother Jimmie and his pregnant wife, Evelyn. Raymond, the dependable protector, and Jimmie, the daring dreamer, find themselves drawn into the chaos of war. as a tale of love, loss, and resilience.
With great emotional depth Ford explores the impact of the war not just on the brothers, but on their family and those they love. I would highly recommend this book and would be a great discussion among book club members. This book is Truly a fantastic novel, and i found every single chapter was full of emotion and life. It is a breathtaking and inspiring book, which i highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Based on a real story. Two brothers head off to WWII, one brother leaves his pregnant behind. Years later their letters are found. A heartbreaking and wonderful story.

There are some books you pick up, decide to read on one of those 'lull' days, and then they sit with you, in your brain, in your heart, for a long time afterwards. This is one of those books!

This is the first historical fiction book I have read that felt real, more personable. It brought to light the actual human experiences of WW2, not only on the front line but to those left behind. Waiting for news, waiting and hoping for their return.

Brothers Raymond and Jimmie are about to be separated for the first time in their lives. Raymond, to spare his brother from his father's plans, is off to war, leaving behind his new bride and unborn child.

Whilst Raymond is fighting the war from the ground, it's not long before Jimmie has signed up and is fighting in the skies.

This was a tale that was full of raw emotion. As a wife and mother, the realisation that it actually wasn't that long ago that my family could have been torn apart was real. This book brought those feelings to the forefront.

A heart wrenching tale that showcases those who fought, those who never returned, those who returned but were never the same and those who tried to carry on whilst silently praying their loved ones would one day walk through the door.

Get comfy, grab the tissues, and settle in.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

A story that stays with you. Emerson Ford’s "What The Silent Say" is a deeply moving novel that shines a light on the often overlooked human experiences of World War II. With themes of love and sacrifice, the book portrays the emotional weight of choices made in the shadow of war, offering a poignant reflection on what people are willing to give up for those they care about.

Ford’s characters are drawn with remarkable authenticity, and their love stories are filled with complexity and realism. The sacrifices they make are felt deeply, reminding us of the personal toll war takes on the heart and soul.

What sets "What The Silent Say" apart is its focus on a lesser-known part of WWII history. Ford uncovers the quiet, untold stories that are just as essential as the major battles and leaders often highlighted in history books. Based on real events, the novel carries an emotional weight that fiction alone cannot convey, grounding its themes in reality.

In the end, "What The Silent Say" is an unforgettable exploration of love, sacrifice, and resilience. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page and offers readers a powerful, human perspective on World War II.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read What the Silent Say. It was a very emotional read about both soldiers during WWII and the people they left behind at home in the US.

I read this fairly quickly amidst preparations for Christmas with 5 grandchildren at my house. It was a beautiful story of love and commitment both to country and spouse. It also portrayed the hardships felt on the Homefront while men were over the seas fighting.

I highly recommend this book!

What the Silent Say by Emerson Ford is a profoundly moving tale of love, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds of family, set against the harrowing backdrop of World War II.

The story begins in Florence, South Carolina, in 1944, as Lieutenant Raymond Sellers bids farewell to his brother Jimmie and his pregnant wife, Evelyn. Raymond, the dependable protector, and Jimmie, the daring dreamer, find themselves drawn into the chaos of war—Raymond leading troops in brutal combat across the Pacific, and Jimmie taking to the skies. As Evelyn gives birth during a fierce summer storm, the war forces Raymond into an impossible choice between family and duty.

Eighteen years later, Raymond’s daughter uncovers a trove of letters that reveal the untold stories of courage and sacrifice, linking the past to the present in unexpected and poignant ways.

Ford’s storytelling is gut-wrenching and heartfelt, balancing vivid depictions of wartime with intimate glimpses of family life. The characters are richly drawn, their struggles and triumphs deeply affecting. This is the kind of book that demands your full attention, its emotional weight lingering long after you’ve turned the final page.

What the Silent Say is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and family sagas, offering a riveting exploration of how acts of courage ripple across generations.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I was provided a copy of the book in advance in exchange for a review. The book was initially slow to get into because of developing the characters, but they became so real. I enjoyed seeing the story through different viewpoints. Raymond and Jimmie brought the battles of WWII to life and Evelyn showcased the home front for readers.
I would highly recommend this book to others and look forward to discussing it with my work book club! I suggest you get tissues ready when reading this.

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. This book is based off of a true story, set during World War II. Brothers Raymond and Jimmie are about to be separated due to heading off to war; Raymond leaves behind his wife and unborn child. During the war, Raymond fights on the ground while Jimmie fights in the sky; then, Raymond is forced to choose between his family at home and his brothers in combat.

I thought the writing in this book was raw, in that it captured the emotions and feelings of people taken from their families and lifestyle, and put into a terrible situation of war. Also, the scenes depicting the war environment were very well written, as well. I also enjoyed how this book focused on the brothers and wife, giving multiple viewpoints from not only environmental and situational, but gender, too.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Devastating. This was a real punch of a historical fiction. From the very first chapter I was hooked and wanted to know more. Jimmie and Raymond were complex and brave men and reading about them brought me to tears several times. I loved the slow pace of the novel, it really allowed us as readers to understand and connect with Raymond & Evelyn and Jimmie. The battle scenes were equally as compelling and felt like the transcript to an epic war movie.

The scenes between Raymond and his men felt incredibly raw, their fears were lively and their determination was admirable. I usually read historical fictions that focus on women’s stories, and while this did focus on Evelyn, I surprisingly enjoyed the focus on the brothers too. Truly a fantastic novel, every single chapter was full of emotion and life. Breathtaking and inspiring, Ford did a fantastic job turning this true story into a novel.