To say I've been in a reading rut lately is the understatement of the century.  I think I maybe went a little too hardcore in January, and as a result, I burned myself out already (AND IT'S ONLY MARCH!).  Needless to say, my list of books I've had  written down to read for March, has really fallen by the waist side (along with my blog posts) and I missed my first deadline for an ARC (UGH!)  However, I just finished said ARC and am kicking myself for not flying through this story sooner.
I received an ARC of The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer through NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review.  And to be honest, I haven't cried this hard reading a book since Me Before You by JoJo Moyes about 4 years ago.  The book is slow to start but reels you in and saws through your heartstrings.
The story splits its time between Present day Florida and 1942 war-torn Poland and follows Alina Dziak, a young girl who is madly in love with the boy next door, Tomasz, in a town that is soon to be taken over by Nazi Germany.  In present day you follow Alice Michaels, a stay at home mom, who has an autistic son and an ailing grandmother.  The story intertwines two very different worlds and actually shows you a different group of people who were also persecuted by the Nazi's during WWII.  I, myself, never knew that the citizens of Poland were being imprisoned and executed simply because they were Polish.  The majority of Holocaust books you read gives the point of view of a Jewish person but Alina and Tomasz are actually Polish Catholics.  I felt that this book was very well written and researched covering various subjects including the Holocaust, the uprising, and also Autism.  Rimmer shows that she put equal amount of time into researching all subjects and not just focusing on the Holocaust and throwing in an Autistic character or vice versa.  I also found myself, late last night, uncontrollably crying because the story, from both worlds, was so heartbreakingly beautiful.  I don't want to give much away because I feel half of the emotions I experience were because I was not completely aware of what the story was about.  When I requested the book, I figured I was just reading another Holocaust story of survival, like Night or The Tattooist of Auschwitz, but I feel like this book was so much more.
It also creates this overwhelming sadness in me that our world is getting to the point where these resilient and strong group of people who survived this horrendous time in our world's history, are close to no longer being with us altogether and the book does bring up a powerful point that when they're gone who carries on their stories?  In a since, we do, but we have to be willing to continue to talk about them and educate our children and our children's children so that no one forgets.
This book was released last Tuesday, (March 19th) and I encourage anyone and everyone to read it.  xoxo
 
-Brit
@callemarie- Litsy
@bookreader_craftbeerlover- Instagram

In The Things I Cannot Say Kelly Rimmer as penned a very powerful dual time line story. In one time space we are taken to Poland in the early times of Nazi occupation during WW2 and to the story of Alina and Tomasz and their families. Those times were horrific and yet the bravery of these people stand out as they dealt with the terror.

In the present we have Alice and Wade and their two children - one very intelligent and one who is on the autism spectrum. The stresses in the family are well depicted and felt very real. When Alice is asked by her grandmother to return to Poland to seek information about what happened back then and who is there now, it is a huge challenge for her.

The dual time lines worked well. While I am not a huge fan of dual time lines, I have to admit the way the details were spread throughout the story was very effective.  I was sucked into both stories - one shocking and so hard to read, one "easier" but with its own difficulties.  And always such love.Its very emotional and tissues were needed! I came to love and admire all the characters and to be in awe of the story telling power of Kelly Rimmer.

Title: The Things We Cannot Say
Author: Kelly Rimmer
Genre: Fiction, historical
Rating: 5 out of 5

Alice never expected to be a stay-at-home mom, but 7-year-old Eddie is on the autism spectrum and nonverbal, and needs all the care Alice can give him, while 10-year-old Callie is smart enough to cause herself problems. So, Alice’s world revolves around her kids and her husband, until her beloved grandmother falls ill, and asks Alice to find those she left behind in Poland during WWII. Her only clues are a faded photo of a young man, a tiny leather shoe, and a letter.

In 1940s Poland, Alina is young and in love, and gets engaged to Tomasz just before he goes away to college. She can’t wait to start their future together. Then the Nazis arrive, and her whole world changes to hunger, fear, and a desperate longing for Tomasz. She knows he’ll keep his promise to return to her, but so many obstacles stand in the way, and the darkness around them may sweep them under if anyone finds out their secrets.

This book. This book. Fantastically well-written, I found myself drawn into both timelines effortlessly, caring about both Alice and Alina and their happiness. The horrors of war are captured in small bits, enough to paint the picture, but not so much that the reader can’t move past it. I cried at the end, but this story is filled with so much hope and love. A wonderful read!

Kelly Rimmer is a USA Today bestselling author. The Things We Cannot Say is her newest book.

(Galley courtesy of Graydon House via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)

Wow! Stunning, beautiful book. So touching and glad I gave this “new to me” author a chance. Loved!!!

I knew this book was about the war and that it might not be the easiest thing to read. However, the story I found captivated me. Yes, it was heart-breaking and not easy to read indeed, but it was also a story full of hope and love.
I was drawn to it from the very first chapters and once I got into the story, I could not stop reading. It was gripping and it was interesting to read about Poland and to put the pieces of Babcia’s story together.
The author did a wonderful job not only with the story but also with the characters; all of them (and there were plenty) were complex and interesting enough. The pace was good and the way the book is written makes it compelling and equally beautiful. My throat had a huge lump in many parts and there were tears in my eyes, but it was worth it for such an amazing story like this.
I especially loved Alina and Tomasz and their strong love and affection; it was just beautiful to read about them.
I will definitely keep an eye for more of the author’s books and I absolutely recommend it.

4.5 stars!!! Loved this fresh (to me) take on this period of history. I loved the story of Alina. I was a tad less interested in Alice’s story but it in no way subtracted from how I feel about this book. I will be thinking of this story and these characters for a while!

In this amazing historical fictional novel, All The Things We Cannot Say, Kelly Rimmer explores not one but two major life changing topics. The first is WWII in Poland, as remembered by a very old and medically frail lady, Alina. The second is parenting an autistic child, a challenge Alina's great-granddaughter, Alice, is living with. As if either of these big ideas wouldn't be enough for a novel, Rimmer has blended the two stories of her female characters into an unforgettable read.
Alina was raised on a small farm in Poland, her fairy tale life included her childhood friend, sweetheart and soul mate, Tomasz, to whom she eventually became engaged. Whispers of the horrors that the invading Nazis would bring with them reached even her small hamlet and soon enough the atrocities that we equate with the Polish invasion became all to real in Alina's life. Rimmer does not sugar coat the facts.
Alternating with Alina's story is that of her great-granddaughter, Alice. Alice is barely coping with all the things motherhood throws at her, not to mention, doing the best she can to help her autistic son enjoy a high quality of life. Alice tries to be all things to all people and is on the verge of a breakdown yet her great-grandmother manages to convince her to go to Poland to search out her ancestral home and closure to the old lady's life story.
Rimmer keeps the stories of the two female heroines unfurling. You will be breathless as each character goes from one crisis to the next. Then Rimmer hits us with a MAJOR plot twist that makes one wonder at the fact that any Polish citizens managed to survive the war at all.
This book is a keeper! The best historical novel I have read this year! Highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin-Graydon House Books for a digital galley in exchange for an honest review.

Well, this was such a great WWII era dual narrative that I am sure that it is going to be nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award later this year. In the contemporary storyline, you have Alice, a stay at home mother of two, who finds herself disconnected from her husband, criticized by her mother, and every day fighting on behalf of her special needs son. When her ailing grandmother, Hanna, pleads with Alice to make a trip to Poland, she soon realizes that neither she nor her family will ever be the same again.

In the 1938-1945 storyline, we have Alina, the youngest of four, who lives on the farm with her twin brothers and their hardworking parents in Poland. The story begins with Alina making a pledge to her childhood love, Tomasz, who is heading to Warsaw to study to be a physician. With the approval of their families, the couple agree to wait until Alina is older and Tomasz has completed his studies. But as time goes by and rumours begin to swirl that Hitler's army plans to cross the border into Poland and anti-semitism grows in the village below, Alina soon realizes that the life she knew no longer exists.

The tears that I cried as I read the climax of this story would probably rival the Niagara. Although Kelly Rimmer is an established author, this was my first experience with her storytelling and now I am hungry to read more. I felt that the author's note was deeply fascinating and the fact that it is inspired by some of Rimmer's own family history makes this book so memorable.

Goodreads review 24/03/19

This is a story of war, of family, of loss, of sacrifice, of the goodness of people trying to save others because they saw each other as human beings, not as Jews or Catholics, and at its heart is a beautiful love story. It’s an important story as all Holocaust stories are because it’s focus is on the importance of remembering the things that happened, the importance of sharing those stories. So many novels these days are comprised of dual narratives, one in the past and one in a more modern time. They don’t always work, but that structure worked here perfectly and when the stories finally converged, even though the connection became apparent to me before that time, I cried. The moment was so emotional for the characters and Kelly Rimmer does a beautiful job of conveying it.

I almost always like the historical part better in these dual time frame narratives, and I did this time in the first half, but towards the end I became equally engaged in the modern story. I was immediately taken by Alina and Tomasz, two young people falling in love just as the Nazis began occupying Poland. Their vow to be together no matter what, is challenged by the horrific deeds of the Nazis that seem to work against them and their families at every turn. Alice in the recent story, which alternates with Alina ‘s, has challenges of her own - a marriage that doesn’t seem to be working, a seven year old son on the autism spectrum, a precocious ten year old daughter, a mother who hasn’t approved of Alice’s life choices and a very sick grandmother whom she loves dearly. Alice’s grandmother after suffering a stroke is asking Alice to go to her birthplace in Poland and find some people from her past. She can’t speak but is able to communicate with a communication tool that Alice’s son Eddie uses, an app on an iPad. I loved the relationship that Eddie has with his great grandmother.

Alina and Tomasz’s story and what is happening with the Nazi occupation and the affect on the town and these families is heartbreaking . Even though the camps and what is happening there is at a distance, the reader is not spared the horrific affects on the family, on the Jews around them. What happened in Alice’s grandmother’s past is something that she has not been able to bring herself to share until she is close to dying. Alice recognizes the importance of knowing the story. “What happens when stories like these are lost? What happens when there’s no one left to pass your experience on to, or you just can’t bring yourself to share it ?” I have often thought about how few Holocaust survivors are left.

This is a heartbreakingly beautiful book and is all the more meaningful when Rimmer tells us in a note that she traveled to Poland to visit her grandmother’s childhood home. She comments briefly on her inspiration for the book here : http://www.betterreading.com.au/news/the-spark-of-inspiration-read-a-qa-with-kelly-rimmer-about-her-new-novel-the-things-we-cannot-say/
At the end of the book there is a list of discussion questions. The last question asks what will you remember most about this book. I will remember how important it is that we don’t forget what happened. I will remember this very beautiful love story, the goodness of people reflected by characters like Tomasz.


This was a group read with the Traveling Sisters.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Harlequin - Graydon House Books through NetGalley.

This is a story told from two points of view, Alina and Alice. Alina is living in Poland during World War 2 and Alice is in modern day America. Alice is the mother of two, and her youngest son is autistic and doesn't speak. Alina is a cherished and protected youngest daughter who is in love with a boy named Tomasz. When Alice's grandmother has a stroke, she loses her ability to speak but is able to communicate using an iPad app that her son uses to communicate. Alice's Babcia (grandmother) begs her to go to Poland to dig up a past she couldn't bring herself to talk about. It's one part mystery, one part family drama, one part historical fiction. It's very well written with interesting, compelling characters and situations. It's also suspenseful and full of plot twists. I thought it was terrific!

Oh my goodness! I have just spent three days immersed in 1940s Poland in the world of 17 year-old Alina and her fiancé Tomasz who is away at college. Alina’s twin brothers have been sent to a labor camp and Alina’s family’s Jewish neighbors are being taken away by the Germans. In this dual time period novel set in present day United States, Alice and her husband, Wade, are raising two children. Eddie is on the autistic spectrum and is non-verbal. His ten-year-old sister is a high achiever. Alice has put aside her journalistic career to devote her time to Eddie and her daughter. Wade appears to be totally immersed in work and ignoring every day problems of raising an autistic child.

Alice’s beloved ninety-five-year-old Polish grandmother has had a stroke and she cannot talk. Alice’s Grandmother asks, no makes a desperate plea, to Alice to travel to Poland to take some pictures. Alice agrees. This book is a true story of courage, love, and resilience. It is one of the best stories that I have read in a long time. It is also my first Kelly Rimmer novel. You owe it to yourself to find out all the hidden meanings in the title “The Things We Cannot Say.” My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Within one chapter this beautiful book had me weepy. ONE chapter. I have to start with that because I want to explain to you guys just how deeply this book affected me. Because that first chapter was not the only time I was moved to tears while reading, it happened more times than I could count and touched a place deep inside me that I don’t often share with the world. That piece inside of me belongs to my own son, Jackson. He’s the baby of our family of five and the only boy. He’s fiercely loved by his sisters, they’re his protectors and biggest champions. This kid can light up a room when he grins and when he laughs? It’s a magical sound. He’s pure and innocent and one of my biggest blessings, who knew that a little four year old guy could teach me some of the greatest life lessons on the planet?! He also has autism just like Alice’s son, Eddie so to say that this was relatable for me is a giant understatement.

This flips back and forth between Alina in 1940’s Poland and Alice in present day America and switches seamlessly between the two timelines. Alina’s story definitely pulls at your heartstrings, the horrors of WW2 will never cease to shock me and Rimmer shared a poignant journey with so much humility, respect and grace. As much as I absolutely adored her character and her amazing story, my heart belongs to Alice and sweet Eddie. From the authors note at the end of the book it doesn’t seem like Rimmer has firsthand experience with ASD but man, I would’ve thought she had a child with autism herself because she nailed life as a special needs parent to a tee. Alice’s daily struggles are my struggles, her feelings of guilt, doubt and insecurity are the exact same feelings that overwhelm me on a daily basis and this beautiful, messy, realistic character made me feel seen. I had no idea how much I needed to be seen until I read this, but it meant SO much to me. I can’t even really put it into words, but I’m so grateful.

I could talk about this one for hours, I seriously have so much to say, but I’ll spare you all and just finish by saying that if there’s only one book out of the hundreds that I’ve recommended that you chose to read, please make it this one. It’s not only a beautiful story of love, history and family, it sheds some light on a topic that is dear to my heart in the most honest and raw way. ASD is not an easy thing for most of us to comprehend (myself included) but this little gem of a book made it that much more relatable. Plus, the author is incredibly talented and the way she weaves the past and present together was brilliant.

The Things We Cannot Say in three words: Powerful, Remarkable and Unforgettable

I received a copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I have become addicted to books involving the unsung heroes of World War II I am amazed by their unselfish brave acts. The Things We Cannot Say definitely ranks as one of the exceptional books in this genre. After living through this time and escaping to America and living a good life, Alice’s grandmother suffers a stroke. No longer able to verbally communicate, her grandmother through the use of an autism communication device asks Alice to go to Poland. Unsure what she is doing Alice agrees. The story is told in two perspectives, today and during World War II. All I can say is the book captivated me throughout and I read the ending through my tears. An excellent book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Harlequin- Graydon House Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Kelly Rimmer's "The Things We Cannot Say" tells the emotional and heartrending story of two women, each narrating their own story that eventually connects the past with the present.
"The Things We Cannot Say" opens as a young women is about to take her vows. Dressed in rags and half starved she speaks words that are meant to be full of love and hope, and words that are supposed to last a lifetime, but they are empty and hollow, and with each word a lie is spoken, a dream is lost and a secret is buried deep within.

Fifteen year old Alina Dziak becomes engaged to her best friend Tomaz just before he leaves to study medicine in Warsaw. When the Nazi's breach the Polish border and march on their small town of Trzebina, life is never the same. All Alina can focus on through the horror and grief is Tomaz, and when she will see her love again. Not for one moment does she doubt that he will return for her. The occupation brings unimaginable horror and tragedy, and each decision brings a consequence that will reverberate through a lifetime. Secrets kept in darkness leave scars so deep that they never really disappear and as a grandmother lay dying her last wish is for these secrets to finally be brought to the light so that peace can be found.

The author weaves a mesmerizing and captivating story of love and resilience, courage and sacrifice, that evokes an emotion so poignant that tears will mark the pages. "The Things We Cannot Say" is profound and breathtaking, heartbreaking at its core and a beautiful piece of literature. Kelly Rimmer's writing is absolutely brilliant. If you read one novel this year, let it be "The Things We Cannot Say"!

My review is posted both on Goodreads and Amazon.com

I’m going to be honest. This book was not on my radar. I mean, I had seen it through social media here and there, but I read so much historical fiction, I didn’t jump for it as I hadn’t been familiar with Kelly Rimmer. Then my book bff reached out and said look, you have to read this. And assured me I would love it. We tend to have similar tastes save for a few oddballs, so trusted her. Let me just say – I am so glad I did.

This book is written from a different point of view than I’ve seen lately in historical fiction. Alina is a Polish Catholic in Poland at the start of the war. Alice is a very stressed out mother, who only gets more stressed when her grandmother suffers a stroke. How these stories are connected is a heartbreaking story of devotion and determination. Every time I thought, “I bet THIS is what happened”, Rimmer proved me wrong and for that alone, I give her bonus points. It’s no secret I read a lot and I thought I had this one pegged, the truth, the ending, and all. I was wrong.

As the stories come together and you find out the truth of their histories, you are completely and emotionally wrapped up in the journey. The book weaves the connections unpredictably and magically, ending it on a note so beautiful, it gave me chills. And tears.

Yes, this book will bring you to tears in many ways and it is 100% worth it. And when the title makes sense to you? A triumphant feeling, as it is incredibly perfect in a million little ways. Rimmer knocked it out of the park with this one. Highly recommend.

I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

In today's political climate, we must be reminded that atrocities can happen when good people elect to do nothing. The Things We Cannot Say is such a reminder. Grappling with life-and-death choices, the non-Jewish protagonist must make harrowing decisions in the face of certain destruction. Her actions and those of the people she loves determine the unexpected fates of their neighbours and friends. Actions that ripple into future generations.

BOOK REVIEW: THE THINGS WE CANNOT SAY BY KELLY RIMMER
I’m not sure I can put into words how much I love Kelly Rimmer’s The Things We Cannot Say. I will do my best.

WHAT’S THAT BOOK I KEEP HEARING ABOUT?
A while back, I remember hearing about a historical fiction book featuring a character diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Someone I love very dearly is diagnosed with ASD. I’m always on the hunt for books that offer an ASD perspective. As soon as I heard about this book, I put it high on my TBR.Luckily, my friends at Harlequin sent a copy of Kelly Rimmer’s The Things We Cannot Say my way. Reading the synopsis, there’s no mention of a character with ASD. Shoot – I’m mistaken. Within the first few pages, I realize I have my hands on THE book.

A MOTHER’S PERSPECTIVE ON AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
Immediately, it’s very clear to me the seven-year-old boy, Eddie is diagnosed with ASD. In the beginning, Kelly Rimmer paints a meltdown with such accuracy the scene brings tears to my eyes. This is where we first meet Eddie’s mother, Alice. Readers also meet the glaring looks from those who do not understand. The store manager who swoops in thinking he can solve the meltdown, but only makes things worse. All the while, Kelly Rimmer makes it clear Eddie is having a hard time. He’s not giving his mom a hard time. To say she nails this scene is the understatement of the year. Alice is dealing with a lot.

Like any mother, she’s doing the best she can for her child. Add in a child with special needs, a daughter who has a mind of her own, a husband busy with work, a demanding mother & an ill Grandmother. Alice is at max capacity. Sharing Alice’s reality of mothering a child with special needs is another place Kelly Rimmer shines. Seamlessly, Rimmer is able to write about Alice’s undying love for Eddie & in conjunction shows the harsh realities day to day life often offers for those of us who love a child with ASD.



THEN & NOW
Expertly, Kelly Rimmer navigates the dual timelines. Lots of authors do this, but Rimmer works this aspect so well. She lets readers live in WW II Poland as well as present day. We get to meet and know Babcia (Grandmother) & we try to get to find the answers to her questions. Rimmer is careful not to jump back & forth too much. She gives readers plenty of time in both worlds.

THE THINGS WE CANNOT SAY – A DEEPER MEANING
Even the title of this book gets me. Throughout the family’s history, there are many things that cannot be said. This is a central theme throughout the narrative. As Babcia ages, she is unable to fully explain what she wishes Alice to do to help her. We already know, Eddie can’t say all the things he wishes to say. Certain things are not said to protect secrets. The more I think about this title, it has a deeper meaning than I can adequately reflect in this review. It’s a perfect choice for this amazing novel.

THE VERDICT
I am Really Into This book! Yes, The Things We Cannot Say is a beautiful historical fiction novel. For me, it’s more than that. Kelly Rimmer writes a deeply meaningful novel about time, acceptance, understanding & the deeper meaning of unconditional love.

Special thanks to Kelly Rimmer & Harlequin for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.

I enjoyed both timelines of this book. Alice's world with the aspect of her son with Autism was well done (the appropriate use of technology, etc.), but seemed realistic. I enjoyed seeing her and her husbands relationship develop and grow. In Alina's story the atrocities of the war were apparent, but supported the story and the struggles of Alina and Tomaz. I enjoyed how they were intertwined. I enjoyed reading this great book and I love the cover. I know it will be a BestSeller when it is released!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Every once in awhile I come across a book that surprises me and makes its way to my all time favorites list. The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer is one of those books. Wow.

I have read many books set in WWII. It’s one of my favorite sub genres and settings. This book has become one of my new favorites in this genre and I might dare say my very favorite.

I’m not always a fan of dual timeline stories. Typically what happens is that you begin to love one story more than the other. But I found myself equally loving both stories and equally wondering what was going to happen next for both Alice and Alina. I loved how Kelly Rimmer wove together past and present to present the reader with such a beautiful and poignant story. I could barely finish the story through my tears and appreciated how both of the storylines were resolved. I was just as immersed in the story of Alice and the struggles in her marriage and with her two children as I was with Alina and her struggles during WWII and her love for Tomasz. And I loved how Rimmer was able to weave this theme of words and speech and secrets. Truly beautifully written.
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I could go on and on about my love for this book. I have been recommending it to everyone I know. I am certain it will find its place among the many classic and powerful WWII books that have went before it. I’d give it more than 5 stars if I could.

If you enjoy historical fiction and dual timelines this might be for you. For me, I like historical fiction but I don't enjoy dual timelines so it was an average read in the end. We have Alice in the present day dealing with her busy home life involving a husband who's busy, a kid on the autism spectrum and another child who's gifted. In the past is Alina living in Nazi occupied Poland and feeling terrified on a regular basis as she longs to marry her great love. The author does a good job of separating the storylines using varying writing styles with each which I appreciated. What is so often the case for me with dual timelines is that I'm more invested/interested in 1 over the other and that was the case her as I found Alina's story much more engrossing.