While "What the Silent Say" is a powerful, loving, heartbreaking account of war, it is also based on a true story that the author uncovered as a teenager. She learned about her father, his actions in WWII, about the men with whom he served, and the story of those who stayed behind, the wives and families of the men.

Using this foundation, Ford created a story that rings true and honest. It's about what you plan to do with your life, and how you deal with what life gives you. It's about the horrors of war, the absolute bond formed by those men who have served, and how you don't always fight for the larger purpose - you fight for the men who serve by your side.

I cannot recommend this book enough. 5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book was inspired by a true story and I loved it. It was heartbreaking. I did read this book in one day. I would definitely recommend this book.

Beautiful and poignant story!

With the country plunged into the chaos of war, Lieutenant Raymond Sellers bids farewell to his pregnant wife Evelyn as he prepares to lead his men into combat. He has spent his life protecting others, first his younger brother Jimmy, then the woman he fell in love with, and now he must protect the men who trust him to lead them safely through the terror of the battlefield. But Raymond may be forced to choose who he will protect and who he will leave behind.

What you'll love about it:
based on a true story
WWII era
multiple pov
close brothers
sweet romance
suspenseful battle scenes
loyal friendship
emotional and poignant

This book!! (insert all the crying emojis here). Such a beautiful and powerful story. It was beautifully crafted and well-written but perhaps the part I love the best is the personal connection the author has to the story.

This is a story about love and loss, about dreams and destinies. About sacrifice and the kind of brotherhood that can only be forged by those who face unspeakable things together. A story of those on the front lines and those on the home front. An emotional journey of faith and love and trust.

These characters captured a piece of my heart and I am not sure I will ever get it back but I don't mind. Their story of courage and sacrifice will live on as an inspiration to those who come after. I was completely caught up in the story and could not put it down until I discovered the fate of my favorite characters.

If you gripping historical stories that will take you through all the feels, this book is for you. Grab a box of tissues. Maybe two. These stories deserve to be told, and those who lived them deserve to be remembered. This is most assuredly one story I will not soon forget.

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

Emerson Ford’s What the Silent Say is a masterful blend of historical fiction and emotional drama, an evocative novel that spans generations while exploring the deep, unbreakable bonds of family. Set against the backdrop of World War II and its long-reaching consequences, this novel is as much about war as it is about the choices that define us—and the silence that lingers after those choices have been made.

At its heart is Lieutenant Raymond Sellers, a man torn between duty and devotion, between the battlefield and the family he has left behind. The novel opens in 1944, a moment of bittersweet farewell: Raymond embraces his pregnant wife, Evelyn, while parting ways with his brother, Jimmie—his closest confidant and the fiery, risk-taking counterpart to Raymond’s steady, protective nature. The war will test them both, but neither can foresee how profoundly it will shape the course of their lives.

Ford’s depiction of combat is raw, visceral, and unflinchingly honest. The brutality of war is not merely a backdrop—it is an unrelenting force that molds these characters, forcing them to confront what it means to be a soldier, a brother, a husband, and, ultimately, a survivor. While Jimmie takes to the skies as a fighter pilot, Raymond commands men on the ground, making impossible choices that will forever alter the course of his life. In one pivotal moment—one agonizing decision—Raymond is forced to choose between the brother he swore to protect and the soldiers who depend on him for survival. It is this decision that casts a long shadow over the rest of the novel, leaving questions of guilt, sacrifice, and honor lingering long after the guns fall silent.

But What the Silent Say is not just a war novel. It is also a story of legacy, of the past refusing to remain buried, of the unspoken wounds passed from one generation to the next. Eighteen years later, Raymond’s daughter stumbles upon a collection of letters hidden in her father’s desk, letters that reveal a story she never knew—a version of her father she never imagined. This discovery introduces an entirely new layer to the narrative, shifting the reader’s perspective and deepening the emotional weight of the novel.

Ford masterfully intertwines these two timelines, showing how war does not end when the last battle is fought—it reverberates across generations, shaping those who lived through it and those who inherit its silence. As Raymond’s daughter pieces together the truth, she is forced to reconcile the father she thought she knew with the man whose past is written in those letters. It is in these quiet, introspective moments—where the weight of history collides with the present—that Ford’s storytelling shines the brightest.

The prose is elegant yet deeply immersive, bringing to life both the horrors of the battlefield and the quiet struggles of those left behind. Ford’s ability to craft complex, deeply human characters makes this novel an emotional powerhouse. Raymond’s internal conflict is particularly poignant—his love for his family, his sense of duty, and the unbearable cost of war are painted with aching realism. Likewise, Evelyn is more than just the waiting wife—she is a woman forced to build a life in the absence of certainty, to raise a child while the world teeters on the edge of destruction.

By the time the novel reaches its deeply moving conclusion, the reader is left reflecting on what war takes, what it leaves behind, and the things that are never spoken but always felt. The title, What the Silent Say, could not be more fitting—this is a book about the power of what is left unsaid, about the ghosts carried in the hearts of those who survive, and about the stories hidden in the margins of history.

A beautifully written, emotionally powerful novel that explores the cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit. With richly drawn characters and a narrative that spans both devastation and hope, What the Silent Say is a must-read for fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See. A haunting and unforgettable story that lingers long after the final page.

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.