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
Content Rating: PG + M: Mild profanity with some mature themes (self harm, suicide attempt)
“Exquisitely crafted . . . [an] emotive tour-de-force.”
— Publishers Weekly BookLife (Editor’s Pick)
— Publishers Weekly BookLife (Editor’s Pick)
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.
Women's Fiction is a genre that always interest me. The Things They Didn't See by Angela Shaeffer is the latest in this genre that I have read.
I will say this storyline was heartwrenching and eye opening at the same time. Jill and Matt Miller are parents to 3 Boys and the family enjoys time at Lake Koda. Jill has been coming to Lake Koda since she was a little girl and now her Boys Jake, Connor and Henry enjoy the Lake time also. They family suffers a major tragedy when Connor is killed when a storm rolls in suddenly and their boat is capsized. The family is grief stricken, Jill and Jake, 15yrs old, are the 2 who are really struggling with the loss of 11yr old Connor. Jill and Jake are at constant battles as they go through the grief process. Dad, Matt, tries to be the mediatior and bring comfort and stablity to the family, even through his own grief.
The author has created more then a fictional book, she has created a book that touches on the process of grieving. A family should not have to endure the loss of child and it is something that is difficult for all to get through. I LOVE how the author has created a book that teaches how to come together rather then tearing apart through a life changing family event. My heart broke for the family and it also was warmed by how the family was finally able to realize that even though Connor had gained his wings, they still needed to live and be there for each other. I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Women Fiction and needs some encouragement for life happenings. Great BOOK!
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
1 comments:
Thank you for reading and reviewing my book! I'm glad you resonated with the theme of finding connection even after heartbreak.
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