Unspoken Secrets

by Katie Winters

Buried secrets about a dubious medical experiment. A grieving family, forced to face the truth. It's another Katie Winters' series about the resilience of the human spirit, the complex nature of family relationships, and the power of truth and love -- The Salt Sisters.

Robby Rutner is a government translator, which means it's her job to make sense of things and solve puzzles. But when her beloved husband, Carter, is involved in a horrific car accident, nothing makes sense to her anymore. She's lost.

After a year on life support, Robby and her children make the difficult decision to let Carter go.

Now, as Robby and her children wade through the many dimensions of grief, a mysterious man arrives on Nantucket Island, asking questions about a "botched medical experiment" from more than twenty years ago. He says Dr. Carter Rutner was involved. But Robby knew Carter only as a passionate and risk-averse doctor. She refuses to believe the rumors.

But as Robby and her daughter dig deeper into the past, they uncover buried secrets and lies that force them to reckon with their often-told version of reality. Perhaps Carter wasn't who he seemed to be, not completely. And perhaps their loving and beautiful reality on Nantucket Island was only a part of the story.

How much do we really know the people we love the most?

Dive into this brand-new women's fiction series from Katie Winters. With Nantucket as a scenic backdrop, this heartwarming women’s fiction captures the tumultuous journey of a family learning to navigate life in the face of profound change.

Genres: Womens Fiction, Romance, Fiction

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2024

About the author

Katie writes women's fiction and clean, wholesome contemporary romance. She looks to everyday, real-life family issues to weave stories of heartfelt emotions, love and loss, and everything in between.

Come transport yourself to Martha's Vineyard: an island of vivid blue ocean, white sand, and a lively community of locals, who celebrate everything from the bright New England summers to the cold, yet cozy, snowcapped winters.

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Reviews

[K.J. Lyons · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this book had promise. First, it has a long prologue that spanned a year. There were no scene breaks in the prologue. I didn't get past the 2nd chapter. It had been 2 years since the father/husband died and they are still grieving and taking therapy. If you're in therapy two years later, you would be getting through some of your grief. They are still "life stopping" moments and that's not realistic for every single member of the family. Also, there is no mention of SISTERS at this moment. The last thing that sent me over the edge were all the WAS words. Don't recommend.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the start of The Salt Sisters series. The Salt Sisters consists of women who have lost their spouse or significant other and need additional counseling or help adjusting to being alone. They get together to have fun as well as to talk problems out. Robby Rutner never dreamed she would ever need to visit one of these clubs. She and her husband, Carter, led a wonderful life in Nantucket. He was a well liked and well-known doctor and she was a world-class translator. Their daughter was in medical school at Harvard and their son was a tax accountant. They lived within blocks of their grandchildren.
Their idealic life was torn apart when Carter was hit by a drunk driver and was in a coma for a year. Finally, they had to stop life support. Their daughter, Lorna, took his death very hard and took a year off from Harvard to help her mother. However, she was so grief-stricken that she wasn't much help. She is still home another year after he was buried, Lorna, was still having a really rough time.
Just as it seems they are beginning to start living again, a man comes to town looking for Carter. Jack was looking to right a malpractice wrong that was committed 20 years ago. Does Jack have the right man? Robby and Lorna begin going through Carter's books and papers to prove there was no malpractice. Once more their lives go on hold until the truth comes out .

[Judith Levis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Winters' latest series, The Salt Sisters, is a serious look at marriage and loss. Do we ever really completely know the person we love and marry? After Robbie loses her husband, Dr. Carl Rutner, she is in a depression that has stolen everyone and everything she loved in life. Her daughter Lorna is equally destroyed and doesn't go back to medical school. This was a very unusual and important story. The Salt Sisters, a group of women who have faced trauma and loss, step in to help Robbie find her way back to living. This book is remarkable in its view of problems one faces and the ability to return to "the land of the living". It is also significant for how ethical people can help others cope.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robby and her children Lorna and Chase are devastated when her husband and well like doctor Carter is involved in a tragic accident. They struggle to pick up the pieces and move forward in their lives. Meanwhile a stranger , Jack arrives in Nantucket Island and it seems he is on a mission to extract revenge.

What secrets did Carter and other medical students have? What really happened to Eve? Can the family overcome the secrets? Will Lorna return to medical school?

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very touching story about a topic I have never read about. A family struggling with loss and letting go, only to have to confront a devastating past. A stranger, Jack, who brought things to the forefront as he struggled with an unforgivable act and loss of his sister. As Robby deals with this new truth she find support with the Salt Sisters who provide emotional support at this difficult time. Beautifully written with introduction of good characters.

[Martha A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read. It kept my interest. It was a good reminder of what bitterness and desiring revenge can do to a person. Also it is rare that you would see this amount of integrity, honesty, and accountability it was very thought provoking. I kept trying to determine where carter did wrong and of course I could see it but at the same time it was a lot parts to this messy situation.

[Marilyn Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Couldn't put it down.

I liked the development of the story. The characters were involving and felt like real people. I like that Robby and family were strong enough to tell a terrible truth without knowing how their family would sustain any fallout. That is strong character. I liked Jack and Randy characters and the way they stuck with Eve and how their love for her kept them close. I like that Jack was finally able to begin move forward.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unspoken Secrets is book 1 in the Salt Sisters series by Katie Winters and what an emotional read! 4.5 stars

When this family makes a painful decision to let go, the past comes barreling down the pike with so much force…turns, twists, tears, secrets, loss, family, and so much more. Sometimes things aren’t as they seem…

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kathleen A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Katie Winters draws you into a turn-paging novel while introducing you to the Rutner Family and the Salt Sisters! Everyone will wish they had Salt Sisters. Her strong and resolved female characters plow through disaster and “unspoken secrets” to triumph and open their hearts once again to love! A great story!

[Mary Sanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unspoken Secrets

This book had me pulled from the beginning. Of what the whole family went through after Carter died and Lorna quiting school to help her mom. When the information about what Carter had done to cause Eve to die. Finding the Salt Sisters was a blessing for Robby. I am looking forward to reading the next book by Katie.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable story by Katie Winters.

A story of love by a brother and husband . Who want justice for a injustice that left a much loved sister and wife dead. When this became known to the wife of the one Doctor by reading his ledgers she decided to bring what happened to light. Heartbreaking for some and enlightening for others.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Another Katie Winter series. This one is set with the group Salt Sisters they are all going thru dome sort of grief. Robby reluctantly joins them but with their strength she discovers s truth about her husband.

[Marilyn F Radermacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprises Galore!

This story has many surprises throughout the story. The theme of the story was one of forgiveness and new beginnings. It was fast moving and I was excited to see what would happen on the next chapter .

[Nancy Waits · Rating 5 out of 5]

good series

This book was more complex than I expected. What does it mean to be a widow? What if you find out your husband had secrets? Women need other women to support them. Always. That’s what the Salt Sisters are.

[sue becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book it had every kind of emotion imaginable.

What a story behind this beautiful book! While reading I felt every emotion possible. It was really hard to put down. I definitely recommend it.

[Susan Huelsing · Rating 2 out of 5]

It felt rushed and incomplete

I was disappointed, the story felt rushed, the character development was incomplete. I want to feel emotionally attached to the characters and their journeys, all I felt was confusion.

[Happier987 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard read for me

It took a while to get into this book. As I got into it I felt extreme sadness. Especially at the end. I'm happy she did the right thing, however, I'm not so sure why it had to be done this way.

[Neda Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family

No mater what, family has to be in harmony.
Not all the time , but most of the time.
People make mistakes , some really bad. Forgiveness is in order. This book kept me hanging on.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series from Katie Winters is simply incredible. I don’t know how she does it, but every new book literally steals your heart away. You WILL need tissues; you will cry like there is no tomorrow; and you’ll be in awe of the happenings unfolding as you read.

The storyline is amazing; the characters are incredibly real; the plot twists and turns are unbelievable; and the ending really does leave you with hope for a beautiful HEA. Well done, Ms. Winters! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was totally blown away by it!) ❤️❤️

[Donna Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great author, great new series!

[Veronica Valencia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I have read over160 books in 12 months, this is definitely in the top 5. Interesting from the first word to the last.

[Kay Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

good reading

I fully enjoyed the story and characters. Disliked moving from 1 aspect to another and back. Story could have been told without being choppy.

[cathy denison · Rating 3 out of 5]

to much self pity

I got tired of Robby boohooing all the time. Her constant feeling sorry for herself. Life will go on don’t get left behind

[Jan Schmidt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not enjoy this book at all. So depressing, boring, seemed to take forever to end. Not inclined to finish this series.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

A difficult story talk about let alone right about, but well done with emotion and feeling, with a good ending.

[Deborah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doing the right thing can be hard

I will recommend to all my friends. Great chatacters. A good story in times
Where honestly and decency are going by the wayside.

[Alona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novel!

I really enjoyed family drama story line albeit a bit sad and heartbreaking. The Runners went through a lot but loved the ending!!!! Its a must read novel!!

[Veronie Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book ! It had moments of sadness but a great ending.

[Patsy Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story. Good start to a series.

[Debra Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

quick, light read

This was an entertaining light read. Perfect for summer vacation. Seems to drag a little at the end. I will read the next in the series.