I loved everything about this book. It really delved into these different women's lives. Each woman had a facade that was completely different than the reality they were living. That alone was relatable which made this a great story.

This is a tale that delves deep into the glossy and seemingly perfect facade of your everyday, well-heeled urbanite, the world of PTAs, flat whites, Prosecco, and top-flight schools. It revolves around three women and their immediate families: Anna, Maggie, and Rhea.

Anna has a secret, it's here and now and deeply troubling. Rhea also has a secret, but it's buried deep. You know what they say about past secrets? Yes, they come back to haunt you when you least expect it. Maggie also has a secret, but it's not the same sort of bombshell the other two are sitting on.

I enjoyed all three of these women, especially Rhea and Maggie. Dan is another favourite. There are plenty of highs and lows, and I found myself getting quite involved in the characters' lives. It was a bit harrowing at times, and a bit depressing at others.

It also shines a big, bright spotlight on the trials and tribulations of life, parenting, and marriage, a veritable minefield if you don't keep your wits about you. It is also, in many ways, all about masks and the faces people wear to hide their true selves, sometimes monstrous, sometimes ashamed, and often very, very lonely.

It's not the best or most thrilling book I've ever read, but it gave me pause for thought. And also, I'm a sucker for all's well that ends well.

3 and a half rounded up to 4 very sparkly stars.

We have three women, all mothers of children attending the same school. They are all on the PTA and are put together to plan an event for the school. Each of these women are dealing with things they would like to keep hidden but at the same time really want to share. This book shows the power of women’s friendships and how being vulnerable sometimes can open your hereafter to healing. Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC

"Things We Never Say" by Caitlin Weaver is a poignant exploration of the complexities of communication, relationships, and the unspoken thoughts that shape our lives. The narrative delves into the lives of its characters, revealing their struggles with vulnerability and the impact of unexpressed feelings.

Weaver’s writing is both lyrical and introspective, capturing the nuances of human emotion with sensitivity. The characters are well-developed, each grappling with their own internal conflicts and the weight of things left unsaid. This depth adds a layer of realism to their interactions, making their journeys relatable and compelling.

The story beautifully balances moments of tension and reflection, drawing readers into the characters’ experiences. Themes of regret, longing, and the desire for connection resonate throughout, encouraging readers to reflect on their own relationships and the importance of honest communication.

Overall, "Things We Never Say" is a heartfelt and thought-provoking read that invites contemplation about the words we choose to hold back. It's a powerful reminder of the significance of expression and the bonds that tie us together. This book will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find the right words in their own life.

Things We Never Say? Well, I can think of a few things I’d like to say after reading this...

The premise was promising, but the execution? Not so much. The characters were as flat as a pancake—no butter, no syrup, just... plain. The plot meandered like it was trying to find a GPS signal, but sadly, never did.

If you’re in the mood for a light, easy read, this could work. But if you're looking for something with a bit more complexity or unexpected twists, you might find yourself a bit disappointed. Not bad, just not the page-turner I was hoping for!

A few months ago, I totally inhaled Caitlin Weaver’s debut, SUCH A GOOD FAMILY and now I’m happy to report that her sophomore release, THINGS WE NEVER SAY is just as addictive. It’s a great mix of domestic suspense and rich people behaving badly—think BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and THE GIFTED SCHOOL. Three women are grouped together to fundraise for a gala at their children’s school. Little did they know, their detective skills would be put to good use in uncovering and exposing a major school scandal. Grab the popcorn, and buckle up!

READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:

- Neighborhood drama and scandal
- Private school setting
- Teenage angst and behavior
- Female friendship
- Motherhood and marriage
- #momlife and PTA politics
- Family dynamics and secrets
- Multiple POVs
- Mystery and suspense

Weaver’s latest uncovers the dark side of academia centered around power, privilege, and greed, while showcasing the magnitude of female friendship and connection. If you’re looking for a juicy read that you can devour in just a few sittings, this is it. I found it extremely entertaining and very hard to put down. It’s perfect for the fall! 4/5 stars for THINGS WE NEVER SAY! It’s out now and currently available on kindle unlimited! Go download it!

Things We Never Say is a fast, engaging read that pulls you into the intertwined lives of Anna, Rhea, and Maggie through alternating viewpoints. The story tackles themes of friendship, scandal, and hidden struggles, reminding us how appearances can often be deceiving. I enjoyed seeing each character's growth, especially how their reluctant teamwork blossomed into true friendship. This book kept me engaged with just the right amount of twists and revelations. It’s my first read from Caitlin Weaver, but it definitely won’t be my last!
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this eARC.

Beautifully written. A stunning, wonderful book. One of my favourite reads of this year. Very highly recommend this one.

#ThingsWeNeverSay #NetGalley

Read if you like stories of scandal and unlikely friendships.

Anna, Rhea and Maggie are thrown together on a PTA project. What follows is an unexpected friendship that’s tested when they discover a scandal within the prestigious school. They have to decide on how to expose this scandal that will have an impact on all of their seemingly-perfect families, whilst dealing with secrets of their own.

The chapters alternate between the three characters. I found myself quite invested in there three main characters. You can see how the project meetings allow the women to space to break away from trying to maintain the image of a perfect life, and how their friendship grows from that.

As you discovered their secrets early on, I found that the book became less about the different secrets and scandals. Instead, you read more about how the different women try to deal with their secrets and why they’re keeping them hidden. As a result, you’re kept guessing until the end whether they will expose the scandal that they discovered, which makes you want to keep on reading.

Overall, a very good story that had you wanting to continue reading to find out what happens, with likeable main characters that you wanted to support.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

An excellent read. The story of three amazing women. Anna, Rhea and Maggie who on the outside seem to have perfect lives with good families and they are involved in the PTA association in their children’s school. But things are not as they seem and they all have other issues to deal with in their lives especially Anna.

Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC.

A page-turning thriller with lots going on - told from multiple POV but easy to follow. An engaging storyline with characters I warmed up to as we learned more about them (so much more to them all than meets the eye!) - and watching the characters become friends as the story went on was unexpected and a nice touch. This is a fast, enjoyable read that will keep you on your toes!

You have to love a book about a quiet unassuming mom on the PTA. Talk about relatable. This is just brilliant. It is just a fully fledged story.

OBSESSED with this story. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this story for all mystery and scandal fans. Caitlin Weaver did it again!!! This story discusses relationship drama, friendship drama, greed, scandal, and prestige in an incredible way. Three women Anna, Rhea, and Maggie get paired up to organize a gala at their children’s elite private school. These women on the surface seem to have not much in common with one another but as friendships grow deeper they begin to uncover hidden lies and demand to keep digging to expose the truth, regardless of the consequences. Absolutely loved every single page, and definitely give it 5 out of 5 stars!!
Huge thank you to Caitlin Weaver for this incredible story, as well as NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for this advanced copy that I will never forget.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“Things We Never Say” by Caitlin Weaver is a masterfully crafted tale that delves deep into the complexities of human relationships, the weight of secrets, and the devastating impact of lies. This novel, set in a seemingly tranquil suburban community, unravels the intricate lives of three women whose paths cross in unexpected and life-altering ways.

The story revolves around Anna Armstrong, Maggie Reed, and Rhea Connolly, three mothers brought together by a PTA project for their children’s school centennial celebration. Each woman harbors her own secrets and personal struggles. Anna, the quiet and reserved one, is grappling with a past she cannot escape. Maggie, the seemingly perfect mother, hides a crumbling marriage behind her flawless facade. 

As the project progresses, the women’s lives become increasingly intertwined, and long-buried secrets begin to surface. The narrative builds to a crescendo, revealing the devastating consequences of the lies they have told themselves and each other. Weaver’s storytelling is both poignant and gripping, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the truth slowly unravels.

Weaver excels in creating deeply flawed yet relatable characters. Anna, Maggie, and Rhea are portrayed with such nuance and depth that readers will find themselves empathizing with their struggles and rooting for their redemption. The dynamics between the women are complex and realistic, reflecting the multifaceted nature of friendships and rivalries. Each character’s journey is meticulously crafted, revealing their vulnerabilities and strengths in equal measure.

Weaver’s prose is elegant and evocative, capturing the emotional intensity of the characters’ experiences. Her ability to weave multiple perspectives into a cohesive narrative is impressive, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of quiet introspection interspersed with high-stakes drama. Weaver’s attention to detail and her keen observations of human behavior add depth and authenticity to the narrative.

"Things We Never Say” explores several profound themes, including the corrosive nature of secrets, the fragility of trust, and the quest for self-acceptance. Weaver delves into the psychological impact of guilt and shame, examining how these emotions shape the characters’ actions and relationships. The novel also highlights the societal pressures faced by women, particularly in the context of motherhood and marriage, and the lengths they will go to protect their loved ones.

"Things We Never Say” is an unforgettable and emotionally charged novel that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. Caitlin Weaver has crafted a story that is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, exploring the depths of human emotion and the consequences of our actions. This book is a must-read for fans of literary fiction and psychological thrillers, offering a powerful and compelling narrative that will leave a lasting impression.

Public life and personal life behind closed doors are two entirely different things. Three women quickly learn this fact when they are thrown together to work on a gala for a private school. They each believe the others have perfect lives. As they work together and become friends, the shields come down and they own up to their imperfect lives. When they stumble upon a scandal involving the school, the intensity is amped up a little.

This was an interesting book with characters that I was not really sure about to start with, but I changed my mind as I learned more. Sometimes what you see is not what you really get, and these ladies learn you need to be careful about assumptions.

We all have secrets we hope no one finds out. There are always at least one skeleton in the closet, which is why I felt extremely in tune with the main characters of this book. Three women from different social circles, all having certain expectations of them. After being thrown together on a school committee, the three begin to cultivate tight bonds they didn't know they were searching for. Each woman has her secrets, and each one equally devastating to those hiding them. This is a book of friendship, triumph, and resiliency. It was impossible to not feel attached to the characters myself, and I was rooting them one through the whole book. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are a person that feels like you are on the outside looking in. It gives hope of finding the "tribe" so many of us feel we are missing.

Caitlin Weaver is a force to be reckoned with! I have read both of her novels, and thoroughly enjoyed and savored each of them. She has such a talent for creating characters with depth, flaws, likeability, and rawness. Huge praise fror 'Things We Never Say'. Centred around 3 women whose children all attend the same school; these women are brought together to plan a school function. The story is told through the lens of each woman, all holding onto shameful secrets that they cannot bring themselves to share. It is raw and draws parallels to real life experiences that make it relatable for all women. Throw in a scandal or 2, and you have yourself a making of a contemporary thriller. Keep an eye out for Weaver; her writing style is top notch for this genre. Will certainly be reading all of her novels in the future. Thank you to #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for the ARC of this novel.

A page turner from the start! 3 women, 3 fates, 3 lives intertwined. The only thing these three women have in common is their children all attend the same prestigious school in Atlanta, the Civitas Academy.

Anna is the headmaster's wife who wants to get back into a law career now that her daughter is older but she must hide her new ventures because her husband is controlling.

Maggie is a relationship therapist who is overworked and married to a dentist but their relationship recently has been struggling and awkward.

Rhea came from nothing and now is the PTA president at the school but she is hiding a secret from her past that might come back and find her in her new life.

When these three women are thrown together to work on organizing the centennial gala for the Civitas Academy, they put aside past prejudices and become confidants but when scandal threatens to become exposed, how will they be able to handle it when all their crafted lives hang in the balance and could be destroyed by the truth?

I was absorbed in this book from the start. Each chapter is from a different women's perspective and you are turning pages as fast as you can to get more information to see what happens next. It was cleverly crafted to give you the maximum sucker punch at just the exact time to make you continue reading on.

A very enjoyable thriller that was suspenseful and engaging!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Storm publishing for sharing this book’s digital advanced review copy with me in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book through a digital ARC from NetGalley
Author: Caitlin Weaver
Genre: Thriller

Things We Never Say is the story of 3 mothers thrown together to work on a PTA project, with the main aim of just getting through it. However, as the story develops and we learn of the challenges each woman faces, we discover Rhea, Maggie and Anna are also each victims to their own husbands.

Anna is the principal's wife, respectful of his position and authority but now empowered to step out in to her own light. Maggie, a sex therapist, is not practicing what she preaches. And Rhea, the outwardly wealthy, well put together soccer-mom whos past, and present, comes back to haunt her.

As each one lets their facade drop ever so slightly, we get to watch and be swept away with the friendship they develop.

Weaver did a great job of exploring 3 different marriage dynamics, and 3 different ways of parenting, and I found myself cheering on each female character.

Reading this story for the first time, I noticed a few, what I would call plot holes *SPOILER ALERTS*
- Why would Anna's husband leave the papers in the room she's in?
- There was never any remorse/repercussions to Pen's actions.
- Rhea's first son seemed to be somewhat of a red herring, not fully explored or developed.

In addition to these niggles, by biggest bugbear was that the story ended exactly where it should have begun. I closed the book and said, "WHAT?" (and not in a good way). I'm going to need to know exactly what happened after the book ended.

Rounded down to 3 stars and with thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a book about relationships, secrets and scandal, and is a real page turner! What can I say? Such a fantastic read!

Anna, Rhea and Maggie ane three women who are thrown together to arrange a school gala. Three women with little in common, and each with their own secrets to keep.
I particularly enjoyed Anna's backstory which I thought was really well written.

I loved it so much that I have just purchased another of Caitlin Weavers books!