This was a first for me from this author, and I will definitely check out this author’s other novels. The writing was very well done and executed and the switching back in forth in time really held my interest. It’s an entertaining historical novel that tells a well plotted story with quite a few bits of surprise and mystery interspersed throughout the novel. All in all a very worthwhile read for any readers who love a good historical mystery that is easy to follow and has depth and character, highly recommend!

Laura Taylor's career hinges upon a portrait of her grandmother, Emma Temple. The portrait named, The Things We Don't Say, and painted by renowned artist, Patrick Adams, was used as collateral for a loan to finance Laura's musical education.

As the portrait is readied for an art exhibition, an appraiser deems the portrait a fake. Thus descimating Laura's chances for finishing school and starting a career playing the violin in an orchestra.

Determined. Both Laura and her grandmother begin to piece together the puzzle of the painting's origin and rich history.

The novel, The Things We Don't Say is a complex story of how secrets and lies can destroy families, loved ones, and relationships. And only when the truth is revealed can the healing begin.

The Things We Don't Say is a slow read primarily because of the author's atmospheric prose. Rich with fine details, the novel jockeys the reader from past to present, thereby unfolding the story. It is a lovely novel suited for historical fiction readers that enjoy a leisurely pace.

While I do enjoy historical fiction novels, The Things We Don't Say read a little too slow for my tastes. Plot execution and character development were average in my opinion. I've rated it three stars. I liked it.

I received a digital copy of the book from Bookouture through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

My review will post to my Blog, Goodreads and social media accounts on my scheduled blog tour date of January 27, 2021.

I really enjoyed this book.

Emma is now 90 years old and her granddaughter Laura is trying to shield her from devastating news about a much loved painting. This story flits between Laura and Emma in the 80s and Emma growing up in the early part of the century.

I really loved the relationship between these two. They loved each other so much and were each desperate to make the other happy. For me, this was the real love story.

The writing is nicely paced, but it seems to flounder a bit in the middle- not a lot really happens there. It is a good story and while parts of it are predictable, there was still an element of surprise at the end!

All in all, this is a solid book with an interesting story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.