The Stories We Cannot Tell

by Leslie A. Rasmussen

"THE STORIES WE CANNOT TELL is a fast-paced, beautifully written tribute to what we can and can't control and who we love in the process. A true delight. This book is GOOD!"--- Zibby Owens, author of A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature, and host of Moms Don't Have Time to Read BooksThere may come a time when you will always remember what came before and what came after.The Stories We Cannot Tell is a contemporary novel about the emotional journey of two women. Rachel is a thirty-year-old married, Jewish woman who’s wanted a baby for a long time. Katie’s a thirty-two-year-old single, Catholic woman who has been trying to find a man who’ll stick around. We follow the women individually as they find themselves pregnant, Rachel happily, Katie, not. As they enter their second trimester, they’re shocked to hear that there’s something wrong with the babies they’re carrying. The women meet in a support group and help each other through not only the excruciating decision they need to make, but through the issues that come with making that decision. These strong women become fast friends as they gain strength from each other and form a tight bond. and uncover surprising connections. The Stories We Cannot Tell is an inspirational, and heartwarming saga that explores pregnancy, love, hope, and family.

Genres: Fiction, Family

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2023

About the author

Leslie A. Rasmussen was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from UCLA. She went on to write television comedies for Gerald McRaney, Burt Reynolds, Roseanne Barr, Norm McDonald, Drew Carey, The Wild Thornberrys, and Sweet Valley High. After leaving the business to raise her boys, Leslie obtained a master's degree in nutrition and ran her own business for ten years. Leslie has been published in the Huffington Post over twenty times and speaks on panels discussing female empowerment. She’s a member of The Writers Guild of America, Women in Film, and The UCLA Alumni Association. After Happily Ever After is Leslie’s debut novel and has won over fifteen awards, and her second novel, The Stories We Cannot Tell, has won eleven awards, and she’s been interviewed about it on NPR and XM radio. Leslie’s newest novel, When People Leave, came out in May 2025. When Leslie isn’t writing, she loves reading, exercising, and spending time with friends. Leslie lives in Southern California with her husband and two sons.

Please follow Leslie on Bookbub at:https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lesli...

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poignant and thought-provoking! I love me a book about strong women, and this book had two very strong women in it. Rachel and Katie, two different women living very different lives, but facing the same hard choice. An incredibly hard choice. A choice they agonize over. A choice that they and ONLY they should make for themselves. this was such a hard book to read at times, it is a hard subject matter. But there was so much beauty in the support and friendship between these women. A well told story about motherhood, pregnancy, female friendship, hard choices, and ultimately hope.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
Wowza, this was such a well-written book with so much respect towards a difficult topic. I loved the characters, the two stories it followed, and the sheer vulnerability and emotion it showed. I absolutely recommend this book and think it not only tells a great story, but also is thought-provoking in the way it makes you consider your own values and what you would do in such a difficult situation. I will be checking out this author’s other books after loving this one. Amazing book! 💜

Thank you to the author, the publishers, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ahead of its publication date.

[Nicole Bibliolau19 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly did a number on my heart. Powerful, vulnerable, and heart-wrenching, it transported me back to both of my pregnancies, making the excitement, joy, and fear I felt nearly 10 and 7 years ago palpable once again.

The Stories We Cannot Tell centers around Rachel and Katie, two women in their early 30s who connect and bond in a support group for pregnant women whose babies may be facing lifelong or even fatal physical, neurological, or genetic conditions.

While Rachel and Katie come from very different backgrounds, their hopes, fears, and love for their babies bonds them as they face heartbreakingly difficult choices. Full of love, grief, fear, infertility, unplanned pregnancy, miscarriages, female friendship, found family, and the difficult realities women as a whole face, The Stories We Cannot Tell gripped me from page 1 and never let go.

While this book tackles heavy topics and was not always easy to read, I was blown away by the incredible love, hope, and resilience that shone through even in the darkest moments Rachel and Katie face. The power and support of female friendships and family touched my heart, and the beautiful, unbreakable bond forged between these two strong, incredible women as they weather some of the toughest storms, brought me to tears several times.

Thank you, Leslie, for this powerful and vulnerable book that will stay with me for a very long time.

[Tammy Pasterick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie Rasmussen’s poignant and timely novel reminds us that women’s choices are never easy, especially as they relate to pregnancy and motherhood. With compassion and an unexpected dose of humor, she expertly weaves a tale about two women forced to make excruciating decisions. No one would ever envy the unthinkable situations these characters find themselves in, but people too often rush to judge and preach about what they would do. Rasmussen shows us that each situation—and each woman—is unique, and that we, as a society, must approach these complex issues with tenderness and love. A thought-provoking novel with streaks of humor that lighten the weighty subject matter. Brilliant!

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⁣𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐄: 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝗪𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋⁣
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐀 𝐑𝐚𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧 ⁣
𝐏𝐔𝐁 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝟎𝟕.𝟏𝟏.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞⁣
⁣
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝗪𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋 by Leslie Rasmussen was a heartfelt and poignant read - I was full of emotions and was gutted by the choices both women found themselves in. Set in my hometown Los Angeles, I loved reading about the restaurants and iconic locales Rasmussen mentions in the book.⁣
⁣
This books is centered on the stories of two women. Rachel, a kindergarten teacher raised in a Jewish household, happily married, but remains childless despite many attempts. Katie is a medical assistant, a Catholic, single, who lived a rough life with a father who abandoned her and her mother, a drunk when she was a young girl. ⁣
⁣
They both become pregnant and this brings them closer together in many ways. I loves the unexpected turn of events, a surprising twist, the thought provoking scenarios that would make for the best book club discussion, and the relatable stories that I am so happy author Leslie Rasmussen had the courage to write, and write well she sure did! ⁣
⁣
I devoured this book so fast and in one sitting that literally had me with bated breath to what happens and the what choices would be made. ⁣
⁣
Fantastic Novel! ⁣
⁣

[jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

i didn’t know what to expect with this book but wow i enjoyed it!
a book filled with friendships, family sadness and warmth
it’s also shows the strength to f a woman and how important it is not to shut out the people you love.
covers some heartbreaking subjects but with such warmth and empathy
a great read

[Saloni Porwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I always find it upsetting how there is scarce media representation on pregnancy, birth, and fertility issues. This book genuinely felt like an authentic and realistic depiction of everything revolving wanting a baby, and unexpected pregnancy.

As someone who is pro choice and not very religious, I found Katie's outlook to be reasonable. I do think that the execution could have been done better, but kudos to Leslie for the initiative. I found the characters quite conflicted and easy to sympathize with.

Whatever you do, stay put thill the end, coz the little (or maybe not so little) surprise is totally worth it. Many thanks to NetGalley and Leslie for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I hope to see more such books soon!

[Caramie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really gave me all the feels. It’s about two women from different lifestyles, who are in difficult pregnancies. As a mom who’s lost two babies along the way- I connected so much to this book. It made me wish I had someone to lean on while I was going through all the appointments.

There can come a point in life where you'll always remember what came before and what came after.

Rachel is a thirty-year-old married Jewish woman who's wanted a baby for a long time. Katie's a thirty-two-year-old single, catholic woman who has been trying to find a man who'll stick around. We follow the women individually as they find themselves pregnant-Rachel happily, Katie, not. As they enter their second trimester, they're shocked to hear that there's something very wrong with the babies they're carrying. Rachel and Katie meet in a support group and bond as they help each other through not only the excruciating decision they need to make but through the issues that come with making that decision. The Stories We Cannot Tell explores friendship, loss, love, hope, and family.
Thank you to @letstalkbookspromo, @leslierauthor , and @touchpointpress for the copay of this book. I recommend it to anyone who has gone through a rough pregnancy, and anyone else who might be that shoulder for someone who’s going through it all.

[2manybooks2littletime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to my partner, Suzy Approved Book Tours, and the author. I appreciate the gifted and signed paperback, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!

1. 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 - Rasmussen has a unique ability to interject humor into some of life’s most heartbreaking situations. My emotions were all over the place in this one, but it was well worth it!

2. 𝐈𝐬 𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫? - In my opinion, it is different but not greater. I felt that Rachel was very unfair many times with Brett and my heart hurt for him just a little more in those moments.

3. 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 - What a tribute to the importance of people in our lives when faced with difficult situations. Both Rachel and Katie have those people in there and are so fortunate to stumble upon a couple of others that truly transform them.

4. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 - You can never truly know what people are dealing with in their lives. Have empathy at all times! Rachel and Katie have to circumvent people many times which makes their situations even harder.

5. 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 - It does seem like everyone feels it is their business to ask when someone is going to have kids or to gush over a pregnant woman (even though most are well-meaning). Referring to the previous point, we should all lay off just a bit because we don’t know all of the details.

[Laura Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a rich story about the impossible decisions women make in becoming mothers or trying to prevent motherhood. The author shows tremendous compassion for women enduring extremely hard circumstances, forced to make choices that people will judge no matter what. She also highlights the terror and anxiety that comes with maternity scans. I got so much anxiety before each of my scans during both pregnancies, and more often than not, the staff scared me over nothing. I felt very understood when one of the author’s characters tells the ultrasound machine that she hates it. It’s very complicated to be a mom these days, and so many of us hold things in for our own protection. The author has so much gravitas, and I loved her sense of humor that she must have picked up from writing for a series of cool nineties TV shows. Thank you Leslie for telling this very sad but relatable story.

[Leah T · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing and emotional read that just tugged at my heart strings. A book that explores the extremely and unfathomable choices mothers are faced to make in terms of their child. While the serious nature of this novel hits hard the ribbons of humor are weaves in it makes for an epic read and nothing short of 5 stars! The support and genuine love that is formed between these two women is unbreakable and truly shows how going through life altering situations bonds people in a way like no other. Truly a fantastic read. Highly recommend!

[Kim Loves Reading! · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a choice no woman ever wants to make. This story is about two women who are both pregnant but are told there is something wrong with the fetus and must make a choice. It powerful and inspiring read that kept my attention to the end. It is a about motherhood, power of friendship and finding love.

Every mother should read this story, a topic so taboo and heart wrenching. This author did a beautiful job with incredibly hard subject matter so much in the political view.

Read this story, you will be hooked and there is a surprise ending I did not expect.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for copy of this book for my honest review.

[Kelly Pramberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy books about women and their desire to have babies. The struggles are close to my heart. I liked the way that this author crafted a book around this subject matter and dedicated it to all women that have faced difficult scenarios. The writing was good and it was easy to get through the story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Five stars.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like books about strong women, and this book offers us two main characters, Rachel and Katie, who fit the bill perfectly.

If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:

https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...

[D. B. Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written but extremely hard to read for me. I have also suffered fertility issues and 2 miscarriages. The topic was very close to home and i was emotional from the very beginning. Its a beautiful book and i know many others will love it regardless of how they connect with the 2 women. Thank you to netgalley for giving me an arc copy of this. I appreciate the opportunity.

[Jamie Kuhlman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stories We Cannot Tell follows two women as they try to make difficult decisions regarding their pregnancy. While one struggled with infertility and one got pregnant accidentally, both are in similar situations concerning the future of their pregnancy. As a psychologist specializing in infertility and maternal mental health, I appreciated the perspectives of the characters and the emotional journey they went through. The author did not try to encompass all thoughts and emotions that people in these situations might experience but rather stayed true to the characters and told their story. While I felt the ending was a bit forced, I thought it was a fairly accurate portrayal of infertility, grief, and pregnancy.

[Anuradha Mohankumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. I picked it up thinking it would be sad, morose read. But though the book deals with a very sensitive and difficult topic, the author has written it so beautifully peppering it with funny anecdotes that it becomes a breezy read. Of course there are points in the story where my heart went out to Rachel and Katie, the two female protagonists of the book. I could feel the pain they might have endured while also feeling bad for all the women in the world who have gone through this pain or are going through it now. Leslie A Rasmussen has through her story given us a peek into the world of couples dealing with infertility and mothers who find out there is something wrong with their baby in utero. I don't think anything can prepare us for the real pain but this is as close as it can get. Thanks to @netgalley for giving me an opportunity to read this ARC

[Debi Pomerantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful stories that every woman will relate to.
The book looks at issues from various angles and the stories are told with humor and sensitivity. A great second book for leslie and I would whatever she writes next!

[Mary Camarillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story of two women making impossible decisions told with heart and humor. The story moves quickly, and the dialogue is crisp. Leslie Rasmussen is a skilled storyteller and the characters in her second novel “Stories We Cannot Tell” are complex and very relatable.

[Marcia Crabtree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read THE STORIES WE CANNOT TELL so quickly and with such interest I was shocked to learn that I had read 326 pages in one day. I thought perhaps the book was only a couple of hundred pages long, since I had finished it so quickly. This is a testament to the easy writing style of author Leslie A. Rasmussen and the interesting and realistic characters and happenings she portrays in this gem of a novel. At a certain point I thought the book was going to be nothing but sad and depressing, but ultimately it became an uplifting, positive experience. It demonstrates the enormous importance and power of friendship, family, and love.

The main characters are believable and three dimensional. I related to many of their emotions and actions; I could see myself doing and saying many of the same things as the protagonists’ if ever I found myself in similar situations. Now I look forward to reading Ms. Rasmussen’s first novel, the multiple award winning AFTER HAPPILY EVER AFTER. I want to thank Ms. Rasmussen and her publisher, Touchpoint Press, as well as BookSirens for providing me an advanced copy of THE STORIES WE CANNOT TELL for my voluntary review.

[Jill Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie A. Rasmussen is an extremely talented writer. She creates multi-dimensional characters that you look forward to coming back to visit in the same way you would a good friend. While not every woman has to deal with the decisions the two main characters in this book face, we all deal with life’s complexities and struggles and ultimately, we all gain strength and courage from one another. For women who currently are or have experienced the hardships that her protagonists are dealing with, I think this book will help them to feel that they are not alone and have a voice. Leslie has been able to create a timely story that reminds us we can get through the most unimaginable situations when we have the love, support and understanding of a true friend. While the subject matter is weighty, Leslie manages to bring her wonderful wit to work, and this book is no exception. You will laugh, you will cry, and your heart will break open just a little bit more than it was before.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much NetGalley and BooksGoSocial.

Rachel is a 30 year old married Jewish woman. She wants a baby. Katie is. 32, single, and Catholic. She does not want a baby. Both women find themselves pregnant. They both learn that something is wrong and attend the same group.

I wish I could describe just how talented Rasmussen is to craft a story about grief, loss, heartbreak, and hope. The characters are so wonderfully written and you really hold them in your heart as their journeys unfold with difficult and impossible choices ahead.

[Staci Greason · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a light touch and a steady hand, Leslie Rasmussen guides readers through a difficult subject offering us an opportunity to deepen our humanity. It’s a beautiful story about the power of friendship and connection to carry us through our hardest days.

[Shelly Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally written with some of the best dialogue I’ve read! A story that is both timely and compelling!

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

After enduring the emotional toll of several miscarriages, thirty-year-old Rachel and her husband are cautiously optimistic when she becomes pregnant. When she reaches the second trimester, they breathe a sigh of relief—they will finally get their rainbow baby. Meanwhile, on the heels of a romance gone wrong, thirty-two-year-old Katie is coming to terms with her pregnancy. As a perpetually single woman, this may be her only opportunity to have a baby, so she embraces the opportunity (and her burgeoning belly).

When ultrasound scans reveal heartbreaking revelations about the fate of their unborn babies, Rachel and Katie are forced to make impossible decisions that will undoubtedly change their lives forever. They connect through a motherhood support group, quickly becoming friends, and when the grief becomes too much, they lean on one another for support.

At first glance, “The Stories We Cannot Tell,” by Leslie A. Rasmussen, is about grief. But as readers immerse themselves in the pages, they will quickly discover the book is about so much more—second chances and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Sprinkled with themes of love, redemption, and perseverance, the author has crafted an emotionally charged story that is equal parts heartbreaking and joyful. Readers should have tissues on hand because this one is a tear-jerker!

Things don’t always go as planned, and motherhood is no exception. I commend the author for illustrating the messy parts often swept under the rug because reality can feel too heavy. Infertility, miscarriage, and fetal abnormalities are pretty common. Still, women are often left with little to no resources to work through the turmoil. While the story is fictional, the author has brought to light real experiences happening to women every day. I could wholeheartedly resonate with Katie’s plight. Carrying a child with a high chance of having Down’s is excruciating. The guilt (did I cause this?) and fear (what if they are born with challenges?) can be all-encompassing. I certainly felt like I was down in the trenches with Katie as I was reminded of my own experience.

In addition to the praiseworthy aspects mentioned above, the author regaled me with a diverse cast of secondary characters, including an overbearing mother, a supportive best friend, a grieving husband, and a charming gentleman with a weakness for pregnant women (well, one pregnant woman in particular.) Even more, I was floored by a surprising twist in the story that aptly pulled everything together. But you’ll have to read it to find out!

“The Stories We Cannot Tell” by Leslie A. Rasmussen is a poignant book that will resonate with a broad audience of female readers. Sadly, many of us have been or know someone affected by pregnancy trauma, such as loss and infertility. Still, the author has shown us there is solidarity in sharing experiences. Moreover, the characters are well-developed, and the burgeoning relationship between Rachel and Katie is worth sticking around for—5 stars!

[Sylvia Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stories We Cannot Tell
By Leslie Rasmussen
Women’s Fiction
Memoir


Book Review by Sylvia Jacobs.


Rachel is a kindergarten teacher. Today, it happens to be raining and she has to keep her students inside for recess and lunch. Rachel works in an upscale school, which is a private school. The students would sometimes bring sushi for lunch. She loved all her students. She wanted to have children like her friends did. She kept checking every month to see if she was pregnant. She wanted to be pregnant very badly.
This was all she could think about for the longest time. She couldn’t wait to watch Brett hold his child if she got pregnant. Will one of the pregnancy tests that she takes come out positive? If the answer is yes, will something be wrong with her baby?

In the last few years Rachel, unfortunately had three miscarriages. Was the age of 30, too late to start a family? Her mom didn’t have any difficulties getting pregnant with Rachel. Rachel wants at least two children. Rachel was an only child and always wanted a sister to keep her company when her parents went out of town. Would Rachel blame herself for not being able to get pregnant? Would Brett blame her too? All these negative thoughts came to her mind. She couldn’t control these thoughts.


We now meet a girl named Katie. She finds out that she
is pregnant. It is from someone named Dylan.
He wasn’t happy and was quite surprised as to how it had happened. He now tells her he is married and has 2 kids. Therefore, he can’t have a baby with her. Katie tells Dylan that he never said he was married when he asked her to go on a date with him.
He wasn’t even wearing a wedding band. If she would have known the truth she wouldn’t be pregnant right now. What will happen now? Will the baby have some problems?

Did Katie actually go to high school together with Dylan, years ago? Is that why she trusted him before? She barely knew him. She is in her thirties now when all this is happening. Dylan is in his thirties too. Will she decide to keep the baby and raise it on her own?

Will Rachel and Katie meet at a support group?
Did they both have careers that help people?
Will they bond? They both liked to read and shared a favorite author.
Will one of the babies be Rachel's? Will something bad happen to it?
Will Katie’s baby be born with a problem?
Were these two ladies put together for a reason?

The positive about this book is that the ending will be quite surprising. One will not see that coming. This book is quite the page Turner.


A negative about this book is that a mom kept a secret from her child.

This book deserves the rating of five out of five stars for it being a page turner, for its happy ending and being totally unpredictable. The authors style of writing is pure genius and quite likable.

Is recommended for all that want a well written and likable book.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stories We Cannot Tell by Leslie Rasmussen is a profound exploration of the intricate decisions surrounding pregnancy, delving into the lives of two women who stand on opposing ends of a deeply personal spectrum.

Rachel, a content school teacher with a fulfilling marriage, eagerly awaits motherhood, a stark contrast to Kate, who is unmarried and has no immediate plans for children. Kate's professional life in a fertility clinic interestingly intertwines with Rachel's quest to become a mother—a connection that initially goes unnoticed by both. As they each continue to live their separate lives, fate conspires to unite them in an unexpected and everlasting bond.

Rasmussen navigates the complex terrain of wanted and unwanted pregnancies with remarkable skill, providing a much-needed perspective on the subject. Through the eyes of Rachel and Kate, the author offers an honest portrayal of the choices and dilemmas that women face in various situations. The narrative gracefully illustrates how each woman must grapple with and ultimately reconcile their decisions, reflecting a reality that resonates with many readers.

The characters are meticulously crafted, making readers feel deeply empathetic toward them. Rasmussen's masterful storytelling invites us to see ourselves in the characters, regardless of our personal experiences or beliefs. It prompts us to reflect on the universal truths about human choice, connection, and resilience.

One of the notable aspects of the story is the unveiling of a life-changing secret towards the end. While this revelation adds a dramatic twist, some readers may find that the resolution happens rather quickly, potentially overshadowing the complex emotions that would naturally arise in a real-life situation. However, this choice also adds a sense of urgency and excitement to the conclusion, keeping the reader engaged and offering a thought-provoking perspective on how individuals might react to profound changes in their lives. It's a testament to the author's creativity and willingness to explore uncharted emotional territory.

In The Stories We Cannot Tell, Leslie Rasmussen has woven a thoughtful and engaging tale, offering a valuable contribution to contemporary literature. This book is not merely a story; it is an invitation to a broader conversation—one that deserves attention and contemplation.

[Markie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Stories We Cannot Tell" by Leslie A. Rasmussen is a poignant and emotionally charged novel that follows the journeys of two women, Rachel and Katie, as they navigate the complexities of pregnancy and the difficult decisions that come with it. Rachel, a married Jewish woman, has longed for a baby, while Katie, a single Catholic woman, has been searching for a stable relationship.

The story unfolds as both women become pregnant, with Rachel feeling joyous about her pregnancy while Katie finds herself facing unexpected challenges. As they enter their second trimester, they receive devastating news that there are serious issues with the babies they are carrying. This news rocks their worlds and forces them to make heart-wrenching decisions.

As they grapple with their choices, Rachel and Katie meet in a support group and form a deep bond. They support each other through the painful process of making these difficult decisions and navigate the emotional aftermath. The novel explores themes of friendship, loss, love, hope, and the complexities of family dynamics.

"The Stories We Cannot Tell" delves into the intricacies of human emotions and the strength that can be found in connecting with others during times of crisis. It examines the profound impact of life-altering decisions and the ways in which they shape the characters' lives and relationships.

Leslie A. Rasmussen's writing is poignant and compassionate, immersing readers in the raw emotions of the characters as they face life's challenges. The novel presents a powerful portrayal of the complexity of human experiences and the bonds that can form in times of adversity.

Overall, "The Stories We Cannot Tell" is a beautifully written and emotionally gripping novel that delves into the depths of human emotions, offering a compelling and heartfelt exploration of friendship, love, loss, and the choices we make in life. Readers who appreciate emotionally resonant stories about the complexities of life and relationships will find this book to be a moving and memorable read.

[Diana Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stories We Cannot Tell is a family saga, a tale of sisterhood, both figuratively and literally. Told through multiple perspectives, Leslie Rasmussen’s novel focuses on two protagonists, Katie and Rachel, who are charming and relatable. Katie has become involved with a married man who already has two children he did not reveal to her. Rachel, happily married to a caring and supportive husband, desperately wants a baby but has suffered multiple miscarriages

In this romantic, sometimes comic, novel difficult questions about identity as a woman, a partner, and as a potential mother are raised. Both a humorous and psychologically astute examination of what most women will have to face as adults (excluding male intervention)-- whether to become a mother or not– are presented unflinchingly. In The Stories We Cannot Tell, each female character pursues her own personal dreams, not others’ expectations and projections, but with hesitation, guilt, defiance and frequently, self-doubt. And the role of the mother and her unrelenting anxiety over pregnancy are eviscerated, witnessed, and commemorated in equal portions.

Katie tells a patient who was complaining about the pressures and hectic schedule of being a mother: “Don't you know how lucky you are? You have people who love you and keep you company at night, and I go to bed with a book and a piece of dark chocolate.”

Rachel and Kati’s friendship continues through challenge after challenge, secret upon secret, as they think they know each other and think they know themselves.

Nonjudgmental in tone about the pros and cons of becoming a mother, The Stories We Cannot Tell will provoke and redefine notions of family, women’s friendship, and sisterhood: what creates, sustains, and tears apart relationships.

An original portrait of forgiveness, self-discovery, transparency, and communication, The Stories We Cannot Tell is highly recommended.

[Denise Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stories We Cannot Tell
by author, Leslie A. Rasmussen

One of the hardest decisions we face in life is choosing... For some, the choice is made with ease. For others, it is a long and difficult struggle~ both painful and discouraging.

The Stories We Cannot Tell takes the reader on an emotionally driven journey of the heart as two women find themselves facing very different situations which ultimately lead them to walking the same path.

Meet Rachel and Katie. Their hopes and dreams for the future could not be more different.
For one, a desperation for the sound of children's laughter by fulfilling her and her husband's longing to bring new life into the world. For another, there's the need of independence yet hoping to one day find love~ an honest and true love, and nothing more...

As the lives of these women unfolded, I was pulled into a world of heartbreak and healing, the fight in holding onto hope, and the humorous, which made for a most unique and inspiring storyline that was nothing short of meaningful, delightful, and one of importance.

Ms. Rasmussen has taken great care in presenting this story to her readers through her imagination, and creativity, by bringing to us the honest, and at times harsh reality of infertility and unwanted pregnancy~ and has done so flawlessly!

The Stories We Cannot Tell is a fast-paced, captivating and compelling story, filled with sensitivity, tenderness, and warmth, in all the right places and should not be missed!

I thank the author for the opportunity to review The Stories We Cannot Tell, as an early-reader, and for allowing me an experience which touched my heart in many ways.

5 Stars

#TheStoriesWeCannotTell
#LeslieARasmussen
#TouchPointPress

ARC
Wild Sage Book Blog