In The Things They Didn’t See, Angela Shaeffer delivers a poignant, thought-provoking novel about memory, trauma, and the threads that connect us across time. I’m honored to be part of the official book tour for this moving release. Whether you’re drawn to literary fiction with emotional depth or stories that challenge how we interpret the past, this book offers an unforgettable reading experience.
📖 The Things They Didn't See: A Novel Book Description
Raised on sunny days at Lake Koda, Jill piloted a speedboat long before driving a car. Her husband and three boys share her love for boating—until a surprise storm and tragic accident change everything.
As grief settles in, Jill and her family are drifting apart. Her relationship with teenage Jake grows strained when everything she says or does seems to be wrong. Her husband, Matt, takes Jake’s side, and even her sweet youngest child doesn’t trust her judgment.
Jake is trying to be a good kid but doesn’t know where to turn when his head and heart are constantly racing, and Matt just wants peace between his wife and son. Tensions build as they bump and bang into one another. There’s too much extra space for a family of four living in a home built for five.
Emotional and ultimately hopeful, The Things They Didn’t See is the story of a family’s love for each other clouded by misunderstandings, guilt and blame as they struggle to overcome unprecedented loss and find connection again.
Book Details:
Book Title: THE THINGS THEY DIDN'T SEE by Angela Shaeffer
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 358 pages
Genre: Women's Fiction, Family Saga
Publisher: Wander Lane Press
Release date: June 2025
Format available for review: softback-paperback (USA only), and ebook (GIFTED KINDLE, EPUB, PDF, MOBI (for Kindle)) internationally.
Content Rating: PG + M: Mild profanity with some mature themes (self harm, suicide attempt)
About The Author Shaeffer
Angela Shaeffer is a mother to four grown children, two children-in-law, and Grammy to two adorable granddaughters. She lives in Utah with her husband when they’re not escaping to Colorado’s San Juan Mountains or exploring New York City. She loves to hike, road bike and travel but also cherishes solitary hours to read and write. The Things They Didn’t See is her debut novel.
Connect with the author: website ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
📝 My Review: The Things They Didn't See Book
As I read this book, I couldn't help but think about a friend of mine's family. They lost one of their teenagers due to a drunk driver. It forever shaped their lives. Honestly speaking, I have no clue where to start to help them. However, this book did provide me with a bit more insight into some of the battles they may have faced over the years.
This book offers a unique perspective from each family member's viewpoint on losing their loved one. It helps you to see an overall view of how losing a family member can impact each individual differently.
My heart bled for this family. It also provided a lot of hope and inspiration.
Overall Thoughts:
This captivating book is exceptionally well-written, showcasing richly developed characters that come to life on the page. The emotional journey unfolds with such depth and authenticity that you find yourself fully immersed, feeling as if you are right there beside the characters, experiencing their triumphs and heartaches firsthand.
🔗 Where to Get It
- Buy on Amazon
- Buy on B&N ~ BAM
- Buy on Bookshop.org
- add to Goodreads
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Enter to Win an Author-signed copy of THE THINGS THEY DIDN’T SEE: A NOVEL: (one winner) (USA only) (ends July 25)
IRead Book Tours and the author sponsor this giveaway. Sharing Life's Moments is not the one selecting or contacting the winner.
THE THINGS THEY DIDN'T SEE Book Tour Giveaway💬 Let’s Chat!
Have you read The Things They Didn't See? What did you think?
Share your thoughts below — I love connecting with fellow readers!
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This novel sounds so well written. I can only imagine the pain of losing a loved one in that way, especially so young. I hate that for your friend’s family, that would be terribly heartbreaking and I’m sure a pain that never truly goes away.
Make Life Marvelous
I’m sure it does not either. However, Angela did a great job of portraying the whole family’s perspectives in this book. While it was an emotional read, it was worth reading.
Thank you for reading, reviewing, and sharing my book! I’m glad you liked it!
It is a remarkable book! You are an amazing writer for sure. Thank you for letting me have the opportunity to take part in helping you promote it and the advance reading opportunity.
That sounds like such a gripping story!
Yes, it is one that will stay with you. It felt like I was walking along each of the family members as they went through this journey.
This sounds like an interesting and moving read, although not one I can currently read in the UK!
Popping over from Book Worms Monthly.
I’m so sorry to hear that you cannot get access to this book in the UK. I hope that changes for you soon. I did send you an email. 😉
Thank you for your continued support and hosting such an awesome linky party.
Hopefully we will have access to this book in the Uk soon, it does sound really interesting.
For your sake, I hope it is too. It is a great book.
You’ve piqued my interest on this one Crystal.
This one is one I highly recommend. I can’t recommend it enough!