There are many reasons we don't say what we should to the people we love— fear, uncertainty, embarrassment, hopelessness, shame, or simply not knowing that there is something that should be said. All of these factors and more have kept the family in THINGS WE DIDN'T SAY silent for much too long.

The father, Michael, is still shell-shocked from having been married to Mallory (a woman with definite psychological issues), overwhelmed trying to raise three children, and facing the unpromising future of a print journalist. Casey, his fiancé, moved in a year ago and is struggling with a lack of acceptance from the children, the loss of passion in her relationship with Michael, and the pull of a personal history she hasn't had the courage to share. Oldest daughter Angel is angry, bitter, and happy to take it out on Casey who she perceives to be an unwelcome intruder. Youngest daughter Jewel needs love and stability and is prone to stress-induced stomachaches. Things seem to be OK with saxophone playing Dylan, until he doesn't show up at school one day. The search for Dylan will force the family to break the silence and face many truths that will change their future, one way or another.

With THINGS WE DIDN'T SAY, Kristina Riggle has crafted the compelling story of a family splintering under the pressure of all they can't or won't say. Since the story is told in first person from multiple perspectives, we are able to understand the motives behind the actions long before the other characters. These insights add dimension to the characters and foster compassion even when we may not agree with their choices. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down; I had to find out what happened to each member of the family. I suspect you will react the same way.