This was a slow read for me, but I found myself still reading to find out what happened in the past. It was so sad that Cooper had to go to that extreme to get his baby back. That should have never happened! I was so nervous at the end, but Scotland saved the day. It was sad, but beautiful because he wanted their family to stay together since his couldn’t. I was really happy with the ending! It was a good “happily ever after” feeling. Also loved how the last chapter was in Finch’s point of view.

These Silent Woods by Kim Cunningham Grant
I loved this book, yes it is a little slow but the story, the characters touched me and just kept me interested the whole way through. I thought it was very well written and descriptive. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this and leave my opinion, thank you too for the author for writing this.

Loved this book. Location so beautifully drawn, reader feels as if walking through the woods. A survival book of the finest. Highly recommended

THESE SILENT WOODS, by Kimi Cunningham Grant, is a slow-placed narrative that centers around a father, Cooper, and his eight-year-old daughter, Finch, living in a remote cabin in the Appalachian woods.

As the story unfolds, you learn by way of parcel pieces of the past told from Cooper's perspective the reason behind their need for seclusion; the only two people who know of Cooper and Fitch’s existence are a local hermit named Scotland, and an old friend and owner of the cabin, Jake.

When a young girl goes missing in the woods, Cooper must face life-changing decisions.

The one question that continued to rise to the surface in my mind as I pondered how the story would play out is, as a mother, what I would do if I found myself in similar situations as Cooper.

Would I make the same decisions?

Would you?

I won’t delve into spoilerville territory, but I will say I did not—in all honesty—expect that ending.

Thank you, NetGalley and Minotaur Books, for providing me with an eBook of THESE SILENT WOODS at the request of an honest review.

I read this in one sitting while it was too cold to go outside. So good! This was a unique story about a father's love for his daughter. He did the unthinkable to keep her safe. For eight years they've lived in the woods, alone. They only two who know about them are an old army buddy who brings supplies once a year and a neighbor, who suspiciously knows who they are.

When someone else enters the land they call home, things change. Their supplies run low when Jake doesn't show up. Suspicion grows and things may becer be the same.

Can these two stay safe in the woods. What will dad do next to keep his daughter from danger? And are those close to him really who he thinks.

This is one of those books that will stick with you. My only complaint is a few lose ends at the end. I feel like some events wouldn't have closed so easily.

I ended up DNFing this book. I wanted so badly to get into it, but I just couldn't. Maybe someday I'll come back to it but for now it's a no-go for me.

These Silent Woods is a phenomenal thriller from start to finish. Filled to the brim with twists and a captivating plot, this one is sure to keep readers hooked. The characters are well-developed. The story is incredibly fast-paced. This is one not to be missed! Highly recommended! Be sure to check out These Silent Woods today.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc I received*

I got this from NetGalley before it came out but just now read it but wish I’d read it sooner! Excellent story with fully fleshed out characters. Touching, sad, and thrilling story about a Dad doing what he thinks is right to raise his little girl. I enjoyed it. I listened to it partially and Bronson Pinchot’s narration is excellent.

I will be looking for Ms Grant’s next book.

While I suspected These Silent Woods to be a pulse-pounding thriller, I didn't expect this novel to be so quietly compelling. I appreciated the nuance surrounding fatherhood and the depths one father will go to in order to secure his family's safety.

Summary:
A father and daughter living in the remote Appalachian mountains must reckon with the ghosts of their past in Kimi Cunningham Grant's These Silent Woods, a mesmerizing novel of suspense.

No electricity, no family, no connection to the outside world.

For eight years, Cooper and his young daughter, Finch, have lived in isolation in a remote cabin in the northern Appalachian woods. And that's exactly the way Cooper wants it, because he's got a lot to hide. Finch has been raised on the books filling the cabin’s shelves and the beautiful but brutal code of life in the wilderness. But she’s starting to push back against the sheltered life Cooper has created for her—and he’s still haunted by the painful truth of what it took to get them there.

The only people who know they exist are a mysterious local hermit named Scotland, and Cooper's old friend, Jake, who visits each winter to bring them food and supplies. But this year, Jake doesn't show up, setting off an irreversible chain of events that reveals just how precarious their situation really is. Suddenly, the boundaries of their safe haven have blurred—and when a stranger wanders into their woods, Finch’s growing obsession with her could put them all in danger. After a shocking disappearance threatens to upend the only life Finch has ever known, Cooper is forced to decide whether to keep hiding—or finally face the sins of his past.

Vividly atmospheric and masterfully tense, These Silent Woods is a poignant story of survival, sacrifice, and how far a father will go when faced with losing it all.

Review published on Goodreads, 13 September 2022:

I enjoyed this quietly compelling book about a father's love for his child. It's atmospheric, well-structured, engaging, and touching. Even though there are some believability issues with a few things here and there, I loved the story. The ending is especially beautiful even if it's far-fetched. I also appreciate that this is a clean book (PG rating for very mild language and some violence) that's uplifting despite difficult subject matter. This is the first book I've read by Grant. It won't be the last.

I'm not sure what exactly I expected going into this book, other than that I was bracing myself for more of a thriller vibe. What I got was something completely unexpected and that in the best possible way. Wow, wow, wow. These Silent Woods is beautifully written and what I would classify as a literary masterpiece.

This is a deeply emotional, powerful story of fatherhood and a father's unsurprising love. Cooper, our main character, suffers from PTSD who makes a home with his now 8 year old daughter, off the grid in the Appalachian woods. There are many layers to this story and a lot we don't know right off the bat that is unpacked and explored throughout the pages, all to conclude in an unexpected way. The tension was tangible through the pages amidst it all and kept me reading well past my bedtime. I think it is worth mentioning that this is very much a character driven story and a bit of a slow burn.

Besides churning over the themes of loyalty, grief, the sacrifices we make in the name of love, and redemption upon closing the book, making this book the memorable read it was, the setting is what stood out to me the most. I was truly transported to and surrounded by the atmospheric beauty and confinement of the Appalachian woods. and I couldn't have enjoyed that aspect more. It was as if the setting became another wonderful character itself.

This would be the perfect book to tuck into by a cozy, crackling fire and get lost in. What an experience. By far a favorite book of all time for me!

Many thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the gifted e-copy!

I'm grateful for the change to read this ARC of a father's devotion to his daughter and keeping their family together despite the world trying to tear them apart.

I'm afraid that this book was not for me and I had to DNF at 52%. The story just developed very slowly and did not built at a pace that kept me engaged. I think the characters needed a little more to really draw me in. However, I've seen really brilliant reviews of this book, so I know others have connected with it and loved it! So I am pleased that others have felt differently than me.

A suspenseful family drama centered around a US veteran, Cooper/Kenny, living off the grid with his eight year-old daughter. Their relationship forms the core of the novel, as their contact is limited to a neighbor and fellow recluse, Scotland, and Cooper/Kenny's Army friend (at whose family cabin they've been living for years). When their routine of annual supply drops by his friend stops, their lives are upended. And so begins a tense unraveling of the small family's quiet life. Great characterizations and pacing, along with an unreliable narrator, make for a poignant and memorable novel.

Loved this! A tense story but not your typical thriller. There was a sense for foreboding over the whole story that kept me flipping the pages. Surprisingly heart wrenching at times and ultimately a beautiful story on parenthood.

Decided to take the plunge and read this hyped up book but it fell flat for me. I was expecting a little more from the story but it was a slow burn.

DNF. Unfortunately, this was a book I started multiple times but could just not get into. I appreciate having the opportunity to read this book, it was just not a good fit for me as a reader. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted review copy.

"The thing about grace is that you don't deserve it. You can't earn it. You can only accept it. Or not."

This will definitely be one of my favorite reads of the year. I started on e-book, then switched over to audio and I would recommend both. This is the story of Cooper and his 8 year old daughter, Finch, who have been living off grid in a cabin since Finch was a baby. Until one day, their friend Jake doesn't show up for their yearly supply drop.

I was invested in Cooper's story right away and had to find out why he was hiding. The writing is atmospheric and compelling, but also simple in a way that makes this book hard to put down. It is more of a slow burn mystery versus a thriller, so be aware of that before going in, however I'm glad it was different and loved the ominous feeling throughout the book.

I was intrigued by Scotland (Cooper and Finch's neighbor) and could not figure out if Cooper's distrust of him was warranted. And lastly, the ending was shocking and emotional. This was a story about family and grace that is bound to touch your heart. I also really enjoyed Finch's POV at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley & Minotaur Books for the #arc in exchange for an honest review!

This book was amazing! I laughed. I cried. I want to live secluded on a mountaintop! The love between a father and daughter is a special bond. Cooper and Finch are no exception. Cooper's life has been full of sadness and grief, but his love and dedication to Finch is unwavering. To find out all that happened in Scotland's life was a shock, and it truly changed Cooper's heart. This was my first book by this author, but it will certainly not be my last. I loved this book and will definitely be recommending it to others. In fact, I already have!

oof, this was a let down after seeing so many phenomenal reviews. I don't know, this just didn't work for me. there's all this buildup/mystery about why they're hiding in the woods and once you find out the reason it's like, really? that's it? downhill from there. not for me.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant in exchange for an honest review. I'm sorry it took me so long to get to it, but I think I read it when it would impact me these most. I LOVED this book. I loved the relationship between Finch and Cooper. I loved the feeling of the woods that Grant was able to convey. I loved the way we get to know Cooper, what he went through, in the war, with Cindy, and to keep his daughter. By the end of the book I was crying about the sacrifices made (and I won't write what they were), and my dad was laughing at me for getting so attached. I highly recommend this book.