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The Things They Didn't See: A Novel
“Exquisitely crafted . . . [an] emotive tour-de-force.” — 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.
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.
- GenresFiction
358 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2025
About the author
Angela Shaeffer
1 book49 followersAngela 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.
After eighteen years as a stay-at-home mom and a full-time volunteer at her kids' schools, church and within her community, Shaeffer stopped to take a breath and remembered her longtime dream to write a book. She retired (somewhat) from volunteering and enrolled in creative writing classes through UCLA Extension. It only took a decade to finish raising her kids, write The Things They Didn't See, and earn her Certificate of Fiction Writing.
Before settling in Utah, Shaeffer and her husband and children lived in: Dallas, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Buenos Aires, Argentina; New York, New York; Summit, New Jersey; and Los Angeles, California.
After eighteen years as a stay-at-home mom and a full-time volunteer at her kids' schools, church and within her community, Shaeffer stopped to take a breath and remembered her longtime dream to write a book. She retired (somewhat) from volunteering and enrolled in creative writing classes through UCLA Extension. It only took a decade to finish raising her kids, write The Things They Didn't See, and earn her Certificate of Fiction Writing.
Before settling in Utah, Shaeffer and her husband and children lived in: Dallas, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Buenos Aires, Argentina; New York, New York; Summit, New Jersey; and Los Angeles, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 11, 2025
I couldn't wait to read this book written by my good friend Angela Schaffer! She is so talented and this is a great book about family tradgedy and losing someone you love. The subject matter is sad, real and relatable. I could put myself in the mother's shoes many times. Great characters! I loved reading the acknowledgements as much as the book because I've known Angela for more than 30 years!
June 17, 2025
This book tore at my heartstrings. The characters and their reactions to tragedy were heartbreaking realistic. Schaffer did a great job capturing the uncertainty and grief when dealing with unexpected death. The book has a beautiful message of hope and love.
November 3, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads for sending me the ARC of this novel. Wow, this was emotionally tough, covering a child's death and then how that impacts the entire family. So much guilt. So much finger-pointing. As if dealing with a teenager wasn't bad enough! I liked it, but I can't say I really liked it because of the emotions (but that means the author did a good job!)
June 23, 2025
A tissue grabbing story of a family's tragedy and dealing with grief and moving forward. Beautifully told from the different family members sharing their perspective and healing.
Thank you to Book Sirens for an ARC, and I voluntarily am giving this honest review.
Thank you to Book Sirens for an ARC, and I voluntarily am giving this honest review.
June 15, 2025
Echt mooi en rauw
May 23, 2025
The Miller family—Jill, mother; Matt, father; and sons Jake, 15, Connor, 11, and Henry, 6 are enjoying a beautiful summer day in their boat on Lake Koda, along with Jill’s father, Roger, and stepmother, Gina. A sudden, violent squall blows up and is more than skipper Roger can handle; the boat flips and Connor is drowned.
The novel charts the rocky path through grief of each of the survivors. Its main focus is on Jill and teenage son Jake. Jill is an admitted type-A, controlling personality, and fear of more loss makes her tighten the reins on Jake at just the time when he craves independence. He takes refuge in secret trips to his grandfather Roger’s woodshop, to be alone and process his own grief, but Jill fears he is doing drugs or engaging in other risky teenage behavior. Their fights are frequent and bitter, and upset his younger brother Henry’s shaky stability.
Matt tries to be the moderator, all the while reflecting that his own sorrow goes unacknowledged and unconsoled. “No one ever said, ‘How are you, Matt?’ No one cared that he was the father of the boy who died.’” Everyone’s sympathies are poured out for Jill, the bereaved mother, and Matt is expected to be the strong pillar of the family.
The book has been compared to the bestseller Ordinary People by Judith Guest. I was the editor of Ordinary People, and saw similarities in this story: the anguish of the teenage boy, a survivor of the boating accident that killed his brother; the mother who desperately needs control; the healing through therapy.
But The Things They Didn’t See is its own unique accomplishment. Shaeffer creates distinctive characters and lets the reader share their innermost emotions and thoughts as each of them struggles in the isolation of grief. Several times while reading, I thought, this feels so real. When, in the end, the Millers find their way back to one another, I rejoiced with them.
I received a copy of the novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The novel charts the rocky path through grief of each of the survivors. Its main focus is on Jill and teenage son Jake. Jill is an admitted type-A, controlling personality, and fear of more loss makes her tighten the reins on Jake at just the time when he craves independence. He takes refuge in secret trips to his grandfather Roger’s woodshop, to be alone and process his own grief, but Jill fears he is doing drugs or engaging in other risky teenage behavior. Their fights are frequent and bitter, and upset his younger brother Henry’s shaky stability.
Matt tries to be the moderator, all the while reflecting that his own sorrow goes unacknowledged and unconsoled. “No one ever said, ‘How are you, Matt?’ No one cared that he was the father of the boy who died.’” Everyone’s sympathies are poured out for Jill, the bereaved mother, and Matt is expected to be the strong pillar of the family.
The book has been compared to the bestseller Ordinary People by Judith Guest. I was the editor of Ordinary People, and saw similarities in this story: the anguish of the teenage boy, a survivor of the boating accident that killed his brother; the mother who desperately needs control; the healing through therapy.
But The Things They Didn’t See is its own unique accomplishment. Shaeffer creates distinctive characters and lets the reader share their innermost emotions and thoughts as each of them struggles in the isolation of grief. Several times while reading, I thought, this feels so real. When, in the end, the Millers find their way back to one another, I rejoiced with them.
I received a copy of the novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2025
Angela Shaeffer delivers an emotionally layered, heartbreakingly authentic family drama that left me teary-eyed, introspective, and quietly hopeful.
This isn’t a book of big twists or high drama, it’s more intimate than that. It’s a raw and nuanced portrait of how a single moment can fracture a family, and how love and loss live uncomfortably side by side.
Jill was the kind of mom who thrived in the lake life, speedboats, sunshine, and her beloved boys. But when a tragic boating accident shifts the tide of their world, she’s left steering a family that’s emotionally capsizing.
Now, her teenage son Jake can barely look at her without anger. Her husband Matt, perhaps unintentionally, takes their son’s side. Even her youngest, usually her soft place to land, seems to have lost faith in her judgment. In a house now too quiet, too heavy, they all struggle with the silence between their grief.
Angela Shaeffer doesn’t offer quick fixes. Instead, she gives us something better: emotional truth. Her writing is thoughtful without being sentimental, and her characters feel like real people you might pass at the grocery store, carrying unseen pain, trying not to shatter.
What impressed me most was how she let silence be a character of its own. The pauses in conversations. The moments someone almost says what they need to, but can’t. The gaps in eye contact. It’s beautifully restrained storytelling, where so much is said in what isn’t said.
I cried quietly while reading the last third of this book, one of those “pull the blanket tighter and clutch the book like a security object” kinds of reads. Shaeffer doesn't just tell us what grief does to a family, she lets us live it with them. And yet, through it all, she offers just enough hope to keep us reaching for healing.
If you’re someone who’s ever lost a loved one, or struggled with the weight of things left unsaid, The Things They Didn’t See will speak to you.
This isn’t a book of big twists or high drama, it’s more intimate than that. It’s a raw and nuanced portrait of how a single moment can fracture a family, and how love and loss live uncomfortably side by side.
Jill was the kind of mom who thrived in the lake life, speedboats, sunshine, and her beloved boys. But when a tragic boating accident shifts the tide of their world, she’s left steering a family that’s emotionally capsizing.
Now, her teenage son Jake can barely look at her without anger. Her husband Matt, perhaps unintentionally, takes their son’s side. Even her youngest, usually her soft place to land, seems to have lost faith in her judgment. In a house now too quiet, too heavy, they all struggle with the silence between their grief.
Angela Shaeffer doesn’t offer quick fixes. Instead, she gives us something better: emotional truth. Her writing is thoughtful without being sentimental, and her characters feel like real people you might pass at the grocery store, carrying unseen pain, trying not to shatter.
What impressed me most was how she let silence be a character of its own. The pauses in conversations. The moments someone almost says what they need to, but can’t. The gaps in eye contact. It’s beautifully restrained storytelling, where so much is said in what isn’t said.
I cried quietly while reading the last third of this book, one of those “pull the blanket tighter and clutch the book like a security object” kinds of reads. Shaeffer doesn't just tell us what grief does to a family, she lets us live it with them. And yet, through it all, she offers just enough hope to keep us reaching for healing.
If you’re someone who’s ever lost a loved one, or struggled with the weight of things left unsaid, The Things They Didn’t See will speak to you.
July 10, 2025
Expect a Very Well-Done Emotional Journey. I often shy away from women's fiction since it can be a little sappy or include insta-emotions that feel more eye-roll worthy than engaging. This book, however, is one of the best family sagas/ women's fiction books I've read this year. The author navigates family dynamics and the many emotions faced during the grieving process in a remarkably authentic manner, taking readers on an emotional journey from start to finish. As a woman (and a mother), I could certainly relate to Jill, but I found the thought-provoking journey through the entire family's healing process, from blame to pain to hope, to be both realistic and emotional. There were no scenes in the book that felt misplaced or unnecessary, as the author created a well-organized and well-balanced novel in illustrating this family's story.
Grief is a very Individualized Experience. The author did an excellent job guiding readers through the family's experiences with grief. The shattering of the family as each person struggles in their own way to overcome the loss is both honest and heartbreaking. Yet, it also pulls the reader's heart in many directions as the storyline unfolds. You will find yourself hoping for peace and comfort for everyone involved as some tough topics are addressed.
Would I Recommend The Things They Didn't See by Angel Shaeffer? If you enjoy realistic women's fiction that is both heartbreaking and hopeful, this is a wonderful book. The novel's characters face some very real-world emotions and situations, and these are approached in a way that pulls readers wholly into the scenes. If you enjoy family sagas with well-drawn characters, realistically complicated relationships and heartstring-tugging, relatable scenes, this is a must-read for your reading list.
I received a copy of this novel from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
Grief is a very Individualized Experience. The author did an excellent job guiding readers through the family's experiences with grief. The shattering of the family as each person struggles in their own way to overcome the loss is both honest and heartbreaking. Yet, it also pulls the reader's heart in many directions as the storyline unfolds. You will find yourself hoping for peace and comfort for everyone involved as some tough topics are addressed.
Would I Recommend The Things They Didn't See by Angel Shaeffer? If you enjoy realistic women's fiction that is both heartbreaking and hopeful, this is a wonderful book. The novel's characters face some very real-world emotions and situations, and these are approached in a way that pulls readers wholly into the scenes. If you enjoy family sagas with well-drawn characters, realistically complicated relationships and heartstring-tugging, relatable scenes, this is a must-read for your reading list.
I received a copy of this novel from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
July 15, 2025
🌊 The Things They Didn’t See by Angela Shaeffer – A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Love, Loss & Family
In The Things They Didn’t See, author Angela Shaeffer delivers a raw and tender exploration of family resilience in the face of unimaginable grief. When the Monroe family loses their teenage son, Connor, in a tragic boating accident, life at Lake Koda is forever changed. What unfolds is not just a story of sorrow—but a powerful portrait of how family bonds bend, break, and heal under emotional weight.
Told from alternating perspectives, Shaeffer masterfully captures the emotional silence between loved ones—the things unsaid, the truths buried deep, and the quiet strength that emerges when everything else falls apart. Jill’s struggle to stay emotionally afloat, Matt’s conflict between responsibility and regret, and Jake’s silent rebellion all paint a vivid picture of a family battling stormy waters—alone yet together.
What makes this novel stand out is its authentic portrayal of how family love doesn't always look perfect—but it's enduring. Despite the isolation each character feels, the undercurrent of care and longing for connection remains. The book reminds us that in the aftermath of loss, it is often our shared history and unspoken devotion that hold us together.
Whether you're a fan of emotional fiction or stories that reflect the quiet heroism of everyday families, this book is a must-read. The Things They Didn’t See doesn’t just tug at your heart—it asks you to look deeper at the people closest to you and to cherish every unspoken moment.
⭐ A deeply human novel about grief, family, and the strength of love.
June 19, 2025
Jill and her family shared love of boating. But when a sudden storm leads to a heartbreaking accident, their once-close bond begins to unravel. Jill finds herself isolated in her own home, misunderstood by her husband Matt and at odds with her teenage son Jake, whose grief shows up as anger and silence. With every effort to reach her children seeming to fall flat, Jill begins to question her place in a family that now feels unfamiliar. As each of them tries, in their own way, to make sense of the loss, the gaps between them grow wider, until they’re all forced to reckon with what’s truly pulling them apart.
The book is not just about the tragedy, but how gently Angela Shaeffer has traced the quiet ways in which grief changes people. The story doesn’t lean on dramatic turns. Instead, it focuses on small moments that feel achingly real, like Jill second-guessing her instincts as a mother, or Jake lashing out because he doesn't know what else to do with the ache inside him. There’s frustration, silence, guilt, and still, a sense of love trying to reach the surface.
I found myself wanting to step into the pages, not to fix things, but just to sit with this family as they fumble their way forward. The book cover and title are exciting and compelling. The writing is melancholic and kept me rooting for the family. The author writes with empathy, showing how loss doesn't break people cleanly. It bends them, reshapes them, and sometimes, if they’re lucky, teaches them how to come back together.
The book is not just about the tragedy, but how gently Angela Shaeffer has traced the quiet ways in which grief changes people. The story doesn’t lean on dramatic turns. Instead, it focuses on small moments that feel achingly real, like Jill second-guessing her instincts as a mother, or Jake lashing out because he doesn't know what else to do with the ache inside him. There’s frustration, silence, guilt, and still, a sense of love trying to reach the surface.
I found myself wanting to step into the pages, not to fix things, but just to sit with this family as they fumble their way forward. The book cover and title are exciting and compelling. The writing is melancholic and kept me rooting for the family. The author writes with empathy, showing how loss doesn't break people cleanly. It bends them, reshapes them, and sometimes, if they’re lucky, teaches them how to come back together.
July 1, 2025
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!
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!
July 16, 2025
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
😭 are looking for an emotional read
🪦 have ever lost someone unexpectedly
🚤 enjoy visiting the lake
👩🏼 are a mom
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
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.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such a heart wrenching read that is told through the eyes of a family experiencing the sudden and debilitating effect of unexpected loss. As a mom, this was a really tough read. I can’t even imagine losing one of my children, and the guilt I would feel over it would leave me paralyzed. The author explores grief in a succinct way, leaving us to feel everything this family is going through. I definitely teared up a few times, which sometimes takes a lot for me, but overall, I recommend this one to anyone looking for an emotional read.
😭 are looking for an emotional read
🪦 have ever lost someone unexpectedly
🚤 enjoy visiting the lake
👩🏼 are a mom
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
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.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such a heart wrenching read that is told through the eyes of a family experiencing the sudden and debilitating effect of unexpected loss. As a mom, this was a really tough read. I can’t even imagine losing one of my children, and the guilt I would feel over it would leave me paralyzed. The author explores grief in a succinct way, leaving us to feel everything this family is going through. I definitely teared up a few times, which sometimes takes a lot for me, but overall, I recommend this one to anyone looking for an emotional read.
July 18, 2025
The Things They Didn’t See" is a heart-wrenching novel that explores the complexities of family relationships in the aftermath of a tragic accident. Jill, a devoted mother and wife, struggles to connect with her family as they drift apart in their grief.
*A Family's Journey Through Grief*
- 💔 *Emotional authenticity*: The novel's portrayal of grief and family dynamics is raw and honest, making it easy to become invested in the characters' stories.
- 👪 *Complex family relationships*: The author skillfully captures the complexities and nuances of family relationships, making the characters' struggles and conflicts feel authentic and relatable.
- 🌈 *Hopeful and uplifting*: Despite the novel's heavy themes, it offers a hopeful and ultimately uplifting message about the power of love and connection to heal and overcome adversity.
*A Powerful Exploration*
The novel masterfully explores the tensions and misunderstandings that arise between Jill, her husband Matt, and their teenage son Jake. As they navigate their emotions and try to find their way again, the family's relationships are put to the test.
*A Must-Read*
"The Things They Didn’t See" is a compelling and relatable read that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or struggled with family relationships. With its nuanced characterization and emotional depth, this novel is a powerful exploration of the human experience.
*A Family's Journey Through Grief*
- 💔 *Emotional authenticity*: The novel's portrayal of grief and family dynamics is raw and honest, making it easy to become invested in the characters' stories.
- 👪 *Complex family relationships*: The author skillfully captures the complexities and nuances of family relationships, making the characters' struggles and conflicts feel authentic and relatable.
- 🌈 *Hopeful and uplifting*: Despite the novel's heavy themes, it offers a hopeful and ultimately uplifting message about the power of love and connection to heal and overcome adversity.
*A Powerful Exploration*
The novel masterfully explores the tensions and misunderstandings that arise between Jill, her husband Matt, and their teenage son Jake. As they navigate their emotions and try to find their way again, the family's relationships are put to the test.
*A Must-Read*
"The Things They Didn’t See" is a compelling and relatable read that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or struggled with family relationships. With its nuanced characterization and emotional depth, this novel is a powerful exploration of the human experience.
June 15, 2025
There’s too much extra space for a family of four living in a home built for five.
The unimaginable happens in The Things They Didn't See. This stunning novel reveals the innermost fears of losing a child, the grief that comes when you do, and the possible dismantling of the idea of what family is.
This story is compelling and feels oh-so-real. I could put myself in each perspective and connected with each character in different ways, wondering if I would’ve reacted or felt the same way they did. I was captured from the beginning and am ultimately satisfied with the way things wrap up.
I love how this story doesn’t cloud the many emotions loss brings, but still illuminates hope, love, and healing along the journey. This is an emotional and inspiring read I won’t soon forget.
First Line: When Jill was twelve and her mom moved out, her dad bought a boat to make everything better.
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Author: Angela Shaeffer
Page Count: 358
Content: loss, death, grief
#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.
The unimaginable happens in The Things They Didn't See. This stunning novel reveals the innermost fears of losing a child, the grief that comes when you do, and the possible dismantling of the idea of what family is.
This story is compelling and feels oh-so-real. I could put myself in each perspective and connected with each character in different ways, wondering if I would’ve reacted or felt the same way they did. I was captured from the beginning and am ultimately satisfied with the way things wrap up.
I love how this story doesn’t cloud the many emotions loss brings, but still illuminates hope, love, and healing along the journey. This is an emotional and inspiring read I won’t soon forget.
First Line: When Jill was twelve and her mom moved out, her dad bought a boat to make everything better.
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Author: Angela Shaeffer
Page Count: 358
Content: loss, death, grief
#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.
June 25, 2025
A family in turmoil
An unimaginable tragedy threatens to tear a solidly established family apart as each member deals with their residual grief in differing, solitary ways, avoiding any natural discussion, and only sharing memories during carefully planned, but usually unsuccessful, events.
Mom Jill appears to be the previously undisputed decision-maker with husband Matt’s full support. Her underlying, and perhaps subconscious, feelings of guilt and blame result in the disintegration of family unity, with the focus being on teenager Jake’s defiant attitude, especially towards his mother, who struggles to maintain her control of all areas of life.
This book encapsulates every parent’s worst nightmare and highlights the importance of seeking professional support when dealing with overwhelming adversity.
This debut novel demonstrates Ms Shaeffer's exceptional talent as an author. She ‘lives’ her narrative in her empathetic and authentic approach which captures the reader’s emotional reaction, making this a book that will not be easily forgotten.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
An unimaginable tragedy threatens to tear a solidly established family apart as each member deals with their residual grief in differing, solitary ways, avoiding any natural discussion, and only sharing memories during carefully planned, but usually unsuccessful, events.
Mom Jill appears to be the previously undisputed decision-maker with husband Matt’s full support. Her underlying, and perhaps subconscious, feelings of guilt and blame result in the disintegration of family unity, with the focus being on teenager Jake’s defiant attitude, especially towards his mother, who struggles to maintain her control of all areas of life.
This book encapsulates every parent’s worst nightmare and highlights the importance of seeking professional support when dealing with overwhelming adversity.
This debut novel demonstrates Ms Shaeffer's exceptional talent as an author. She ‘lives’ her narrative in her empathetic and authentic approach which captures the reader’s emotional reaction, making this a book that will not be easily forgotten.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 30, 2025
This might be the perfect book who love books with profound character development and emotional depth. The writing sensitively captures the multilayered nature of grief, how it influences relationships, how it brings buried feelings to the surface, and how it makes each character to confront their emotions. Jill's journey resonates particularly well as she goes between guilt and the desire for normalcy, painting the struggle of those who have lost a loved one.
The book is filled with sadness - The premise of the story revolves around loss.
The book is filled with empathy - as you read, you find yourself connecting with the characters' experiences, and you feel a sense of understanding and compassion for their individual struggles.
The book is filled with hope - despite the sadness, the book carries a lot of hope, particularly as characters work through their pain and strive towards healing and connection.
The book is filled with guilt - as characters look back on their decisions and their roles in the events leading to Connor's death.
And also, the book is filled with love - the enduring love that persists even in the face of tragedy.
The book is filled with sadness - The premise of the story revolves around loss.
The book is filled with empathy - as you read, you find yourself connecting with the characters' experiences, and you feel a sense of understanding and compassion for their individual struggles.
The book is filled with hope - despite the sadness, the book carries a lot of hope, particularly as characters work through their pain and strive towards healing and connection.
The book is filled with guilt - as characters look back on their decisions and their roles in the events leading to Connor's death.
And also, the book is filled with love - the enduring love that persists even in the face of tragedy.
June 25, 2025
I found that The Things They Didn’t See to be a great introduction to the works of author Angela Shaeffer. I really enjoyed this story of love, hope, healing, loss, grief, and peace. It is one that played with my emotions at times and I had to keep those tissues handy at all times. The family went through so much and had to learn how to come together again before it was too late. I know from first hand how tragedies can change a person and families. The author did a great job in perfectly showing the turmoil and struggles during the difficult times in life. I personally felt a connection to the characters and found them to be relatable. For me, it was an important reminder that there is hope and peace when choosing to heal and moving forward to keep living. I thought this was a beautiful novel.
I would have given The Things They Didn’t See one hundred stars if I could. I have no doubt that lovers of Women’s Fiction and Family Sagas that are portray true to life events will love it as much as me. I would love to read more from the talented Angela Shaeffer in the near future. I believe this one is worth reading and not to be missed.
I received a paperback copy of Angela Shaeffer’s The Things They Didn’t See from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I would have given The Things They Didn’t See one hundred stars if I could. I have no doubt that lovers of Women’s Fiction and Family Sagas that are portray true to life events will love it as much as me. I would love to read more from the talented Angela Shaeffer in the near future. I believe this one is worth reading and not to be missed.
I received a paperback copy of Angela Shaeffer’s The Things They Didn’t See from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
May 22, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was a really good book that kept my attention the entire way through. It explores the way a tragic loss affects an entire family, specifically how family member is affected by grief and how they navigate the future. It really shows how complex grief can be and how individual of an experience it is. But it also shows how life moves on and we have no choice but to keep going through the motions and trying to make the best of the life we were given. Rather than feeling sad, this book made me feel hopeful. I really liked that it gave a realistic glimpse into how grief can affect us, and it’s not just the simple sadness we see in movies. This book did a great job of showing how grief can include sadness, anger, guilt, loneliness, and even happy moments. Definitely a worthy read!
July 6, 2025
This is a story about what people miss—not because they weren’t paying attention, but because sometimes the truth hides best in plain sight. Through layered characters and an unflinching lens on grief, memory, and quiet resilience, Shaeffer explores the weight of silence and the cost of looking away.
The prose is sharp yet poetic, and the pacing deliberately tense. There were moments I had to pause—not out of boredom, but because the emotional truth hit a little too hard. And that, to me, is the mark of something special. A character’s offhand comment, a flashback that lands like a gut punch—everything feels deliberate, even the quietest beats.
If you’re a fan of character-driven stories with emotional gravity and subtle twists that unravel like secrets, Things They Didn’t See will stay with you long after the final page.
The prose is sharp yet poetic, and the pacing deliberately tense. There were moments I had to pause—not out of boredom, but because the emotional truth hit a little too hard. And that, to me, is the mark of something special. A character’s offhand comment, a flashback that lands like a gut punch—everything feels deliberate, even the quietest beats.
If you’re a fan of character-driven stories with emotional gravity and subtle twists that unravel like secrets, Things They Didn’t See will stay with you long after the final page.
July 6, 2025
This book captured the raw, complicated layers of grief in a way that felt incredibly real. I found myself aching for Jill as she tried to hold her family together while navigating her own heartbreak. I related to her frustration, her isolation, and the way even her best intentions seemed to backfire. I felt especially connected to the tension between Jill and Jake. I understood how grief can twist communication and make even the closest relationships feel like battlegrounds. I appreciated how the story gave space to each family member’s perspective—it helped me see how everyone was hurting in their own way, even when they couldn’t say it out loud.
I recommend this book to anyone who’s experienced loss, struggled to reconnect with the people they love.
I recommend this book to anyone who’s experienced loss, struggled to reconnect with the people they love.
December 11, 2025
The Things They Didn't See is the heartbreaking story of a family dealing with an unimaginable loss--that of a son, a brother, a grandson. Each character in this family is uniquely affected by the loss of young Connor who was tragically killed during a family trip. Each person's grief pushes them in different directions as they each face life without Connor in their own way.
Angela Shaeffer does a fantastic job delving into the emotions of each character while exploring why others "deal" with the loss in different ways. This is a novel that is heavy on emotion and the feeling was so heavy while I was reading it. It's a fully immersive reading experience and definitely worth the emotional journey.
Angela Shaeffer does a fantastic job delving into the emotions of each character while exploring why others "deal" with the loss in different ways. This is a novel that is heavy on emotion and the feeling was so heavy while I was reading it. It's a fully immersive reading experience and definitely worth the emotional journey.
June 26, 2025
This is the most exquisite story that took me on quite a emotional and bumpy journey. It captures the essence of profound grief and how deeply and differently it effects people. The family in this story are in the middle of overpowering grief and it is tearing their relationships apart. The book feels so realistic because of the emotions it brings to the surface. I went through a box of tissues reading but I also felt nostalgic and smiled a little bit too. It's the unexpected that always gets me and I felt a lot of it in the book. A truly beautiful read of what can happen when you least expect.
June 30, 2025
Jill and her family are enjoying another day at the lake when the unthinkable happens and suddenly they are a family of 4 rather than 5. This book was interesting but the dialogue was very stiff. There needed to be more in the dialogue, it just seemed very stilted and stiff. The book could have been titled The Things They Didn't Say. Everyone in this book is thinking things about the others but none of them are talking. Very good story about families and loss and how everyone deals with loss differently. How we cant ever be perfect but do only our best and give our selves grace for what we miss.
July 5, 2025
Talk about a book that makes you cry...this was a difficult read and I'm not really complaining, know what you're signing up for. I could feel the tension in the silences, in the things left unsaid, and that honestly hurt more than any dramatic outburst ever could. It felt painfully real. There were no villains, just broken people trying to do their best, and that’s what made it hit harder. The mother-son dynamic especially got to me. It was slow, raw, and so emotionally tangled, made me feel everything they couldn’t say.
Genre: women's fiction, family saga
Genre: women's fiction, family saga
July 12, 2025
Grief. It’s a hard emotion to have especially when someone you love more than anything is taken from you. Jill, Matt, Jake, and Henry are grieving both individually and as a family after a traumatic event that changes their lives. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel. The characters are complex and the way the author writes about grief is so real. If you like contemporary fiction family books with complex relationships and learning to heal, this book is one you will enjoy. I have not read such a raw, emotional book in a long time and I mean that in a good way.
July 18, 2025
The story follows the Miller family as a fun family day turns into tragedy. We are left to deal with unexpected loss of a family member. The story gives us multiple pov on how they handle the loss and the effect it has on them and how they see themselves in the family. A mother holding on maybe to tight to a son who needs to feel alive while shaking the balance of the whole family. I was not expecting this story I felt for each character in their own way. Great read as a mom this was hard at times to read but overall great story telling.
July 7, 2025
Extremely well written. Honest, heartfelt, vulnerable, engaging and relatable characters. Loved sharing their journey through the painful process of examining their grief after family tragedy. I felt for every single one of them. Shaeffer describes so accurately the situation and process of evolving through life's most unfair hardship. I was completely locked in. Beautiful experience. Gives me greater empathy.
July 19, 2025
This was a tragic story with an uplifting ending. After losing one of their sons in a boating accident, everyone in the family had to figure out how to grieve together. For most of the book I didn’t think the family would ever recover. The story also dealt with teenage rebellion and self harm. It was a heavy read, but it had a positive ending.
The Things They Didn’t See is a tragic family story.
The Things They Didn’t See is a tragic family story.
May 11, 2026
This was a giveaway winner from quite a while ago. I am playing catch up on my reading and reviews.
4.5 stars ⭐️
This book was not an easy read but it’s an amazing one. It tugged at my heart strings and made me cry but it was so good. The reality of sudden tragedy and loss and grief is addressed in a raw and real manner that is relatable. I lost my sister suddenly four years ago and I am still struggling and grieving. This book is so accurate in describing the journey.
4.5 stars ⭐️
This book was not an easy read but it’s an amazing one. It tugged at my heart strings and made me cry but it was so good. The reality of sudden tragedy and loss and grief is addressed in a raw and real manner that is relatable. I lost my sister suddenly four years ago and I am still struggling and grieving. This book is so accurate in describing the journey.
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