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Dreams of India #3
Every Word Unsaid
Augusta Travers has spent the last three years avoiding the stifling expectations of New York society and her family's constant disappointment. As the nation's most fearless--and reviled--columnist, Gussie travels the country with her Kodak camera and spins stories for women unable to leave hearth and home. But when her adventurous nature lands her in the middle of a scandal at the worst possible moment, she's forced to leave America entirely.
Arriving in India, she expects only a nice visit with childhood friends, siblings Catherine and Gabriel, and adventures that will further her career. Instead, she finds herself facing a plague epidemic, confusion over Gabriel's sudden appeal, and the realization that what she wants from life is changing.
As she grows closer to friends, old and new, and allows their words of truth to heal parched places, she pictures a new future. But when the fallout of her past decisions finds her in India, will it ruin her chance to finally stop running?
Arriving in India, she expects only a nice visit with childhood friends, siblings Catherine and Gabriel, and adventures that will further her career. Instead, she finds herself facing a plague epidemic, confusion over Gabriel's sudden appeal, and the realization that what she wants from life is changing.
As she grows closer to friends, old and new, and allows their words of truth to heal parched places, she pictures a new future. But when the fallout of her past decisions finds her in India, will it ruin her chance to finally stop running?
352 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2021
30 people are currently reading
3060 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Duffy
5 books444 followersKim Duffy writes low-spice, swoony contemporary romance and historical fiction from her home in Southern Ohio. She loves whisking readers away—whether that’s through time or just to another place. When she’s not writing, she’s usually hanging out with her husband of twenty-five years and four kids, traveling, or cooking. She collects shoes and historical cookbooks.
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September 27, 2021I have a hard time reviewing books that I generally like, where the author writes her characters consistently, there are no complaints with the prose, the scene setting is done well, in short, where the author did her job, but I disagreed with the message and the main character on a philosophical level. I'm torn.
For a bit of background, I had the same trouble with this author's first book, but loved the second, because she was very solid and clear with the truth and theology she presented, and it gave me hope for the author's trajectory, but unfortunately, this book was more like the first in that the main female character was profoundly self-centered and her resolution was in an external change of circumstances, which in my opinion, is not the deeper answer her heart needed.
As a result, I felt "okaaaaayyy, I don't reeeeaaaally DISAGREE with the message," but it was not accompanied with the power of the gospel like in A Tapestry of Light, which would have taken this book from "meh" to powerful. Am I splitting hairs? I ask myself this, but I really don't think so, because I believe the readers need a more powerful message and I know this author is capable of delivering it.
So like I said, the character (Gussie) is self centered, which I think is a lot of my problem with fictional feminist historical characters, and I really liked the background and explanation of her family life that made you empathize and gave depth to her reasons for being so. Better yet, her goal in life wasn't the stereotypical "have a man's job," which was unique; she just wanted freedom from the expectations of a society that was not her native culture. The male MC appears to suffer from anxiety, which was another novel thing for a Christian fiction book and gave the book nuance. So, there were definitely things I liked!
The entire message of the book was about finding your identity, not in what people say you should be, but "who you are," which included "the One who made you" in the list but wasn't really FOUNDED on Him. This message felt very 21st century to me and very out of place for 1899. (The main couple was also very handsy, which I also thought was out of place for the era). Gussie is searching, wandering, running in her search for her identity, and when she arrives in this exotic location and falls in love with an old friend, her heart comes home. Oh, yikes. My dear, dear friend- Jesus is the answer to your searching, wandering and running, not a man or an exotic place or in "being you." There are references to the characters praying, but little else about their character arcs displayed the heart of a true Christian- no surrender, no dependence on God.
Here are some quotes from the book:
"You are whole, entirely enough." (Then why did Jesus have to come and die? He's the one who makes you whole.)
"The library offered Gussie her only solace." (I'm wondering if she's been in the Word today?)
"Perhaps she could find meaning and purpose in Hampi." (Oh cringe. Don't you have anyone to speak truth to you and counter this thinking?)
"Now, having discovered there is, after all, a place I wish to rest, I have learned it isn't where I wander that gives my life purpose, but the people I love. The things I fight for. Who and what I believe in." (Um... What DO you believe in and why is it last on your list?)
I would encourage readers who do struggle with their identity and find freedom in the idea from this book that your identity is not in others' expectations of you, to take it one step further and ground your identity in Jesus Christ, in His sacrifice and life-altering love for you. Please don't stop where Gussie stopped, because I believe it is not enough for true peace. This book is a good first step in the right direction, but the real richness can be found in a deeper place.
The publisher provided me with a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own.
For a bit of background, I had the same trouble with this author's first book, but loved the second, because she was very solid and clear with the truth and theology she presented, and it gave me hope for the author's trajectory, but unfortunately, this book was more like the first in that the main female character was profoundly self-centered and her resolution was in an external change of circumstances, which in my opinion, is not the deeper answer her heart needed.
As a result, I felt "okaaaaayyy, I don't reeeeaaaally DISAGREE with the message," but it was not accompanied with the power of the gospel like in A Tapestry of Light, which would have taken this book from "meh" to powerful. Am I splitting hairs? I ask myself this, but I really don't think so, because I believe the readers need a more powerful message and I know this author is capable of delivering it.
So like I said, the character (Gussie) is self centered, which I think is a lot of my problem with fictional feminist historical characters, and I really liked the background and explanation of her family life that made you empathize and gave depth to her reasons for being so. Better yet, her goal in life wasn't the stereotypical "have a man's job," which was unique; she just wanted freedom from the expectations of a society that was not her native culture. The male MC appears to suffer from anxiety, which was another novel thing for a Christian fiction book and gave the book nuance. So, there were definitely things I liked!
The entire message of the book was about finding your identity, not in what people say you should be, but "who you are," which included "the One who made you" in the list but wasn't really FOUNDED on Him. This message felt very 21st century to me and very out of place for 1899. (The main couple was also very handsy, which I also thought was out of place for the era). Gussie is searching, wandering, running in her search for her identity, and when she arrives in this exotic location and falls in love with an old friend, her heart comes home. Oh, yikes. My dear, dear friend- Jesus is the answer to your searching, wandering and running, not a man or an exotic place or in "being you." There are references to the characters praying, but little else about their character arcs displayed the heart of a true Christian- no surrender, no dependence on God.
Here are some quotes from the book:
"You are whole, entirely enough." (Then why did Jesus have to come and die? He's the one who makes you whole.)
"The library offered Gussie her only solace." (I'm wondering if she's been in the Word today?)
"Perhaps she could find meaning and purpose in Hampi." (Oh cringe. Don't you have anyone to speak truth to you and counter this thinking?)
"Now, having discovered there is, after all, a place I wish to rest, I have learned it isn't where I wander that gives my life purpose, but the people I love. The things I fight for. Who and what I believe in." (Um... What DO you believe in and why is it last on your list?)
I would encourage readers who do struggle with their identity and find freedom in the idea from this book that your identity is not in others' expectations of you, to take it one step further and ground your identity in Jesus Christ, in His sacrifice and life-altering love for you. Please don't stop where Gussie stopped, because I believe it is not enough for true peace. This book is a good first step in the right direction, but the real richness can be found in a deeper place.
The publisher provided me with a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own.
December 3, 2021
This book was absolutely fabulous. Gussie was so much fun. I simply adored her sense of adventure and her desire to have a meaningful life, even if that meant risking her reputation with society's rules and her family's rules. Gussie's ability to see people deeply was inspiring. I loved that she wanted to write something that mattered. I think she might be an Enneagram 1, like me. ❤️
Gussie's uncle James, who had the main task of chasing Gussie all over the world and bringing her back to her parents--he made me smile. I also loved how he spoke truth to Gussie about who she was--compared to the nagging lies the rest of the family spoke over her all her life. He told her she was talented and courageous and adaptable and creative. That she was "so many good things" and "Don't let what people say define you." I'm so glad Gussie had him in her life all these years to contrast all the negativity.
And Gabriel/Specs, who is Gussie’s childhood friend/romantic interest--he was a delightful character. I love a guy who suffers from fear and anxiety yet becomes a doctor and moves to India. No, that's not dangerous at all! I also enjoyed how he continually encouraged Gussie to be brave yet struggled to do the same for himself. It felt very authentic. This book was filled with people doing their best to live lives that make a difference. I found it thoroughly entertaining and inspiring. This was my first time reading Kimberly Duffy's work, but she is already a new favorite! If you enjoy historical fiction with a lot of adventure and a little romance, I highly recommend this story.
Gussie's uncle James, who had the main task of chasing Gussie all over the world and bringing her back to her parents--he made me smile. I also loved how he spoke truth to Gussie about who she was--compared to the nagging lies the rest of the family spoke over her all her life. He told her she was talented and courageous and adaptable and creative. That she was "so many good things" and "Don't let what people say define you." I'm so glad Gussie had him in her life all these years to contrast all the negativity.
And Gabriel/Specs, who is Gussie’s childhood friend/romantic interest--he was a delightful character. I love a guy who suffers from fear and anxiety yet becomes a doctor and moves to India. No, that's not dangerous at all! I also enjoyed how he continually encouraged Gussie to be brave yet struggled to do the same for himself. It felt very authentic. This book was filled with people doing their best to live lives that make a difference. I found it thoroughly entertaining and inspiring. This was my first time reading Kimberly Duffy's work, but she is already a new favorite! If you enjoy historical fiction with a lot of adventure and a little romance, I highly recommend this story.
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January 23, 2022This is one of these books that's hard to rate, partly because there are so many good things about it, but also so many things I wasn't a huge fan of.
First off—I really loved how Duffy crafted such an independent female character of the times without resorting to the traditional "I can do everything a man can do and better" "strong" female character I see way too much in fiction nowadays. Gussie has her flaws, but her ambitions were realistic considering her childhood and the strong influence of her parents. In other words, I really enjoyed how the author crafted a character whose past explains who she had become. It made her more sympathetic overall.
However, I still found her unsympathetic and selfish at times — that could be because I didn't understand her sense of adventure — and I feel like throughout the entire story, her arc is something we already know and have to wait and wait for her to figure it out. But maybe that's just me.
I'm also not sure I'd categorize this book as Christian fiction. While it certainly mentions God and the main character, Gussie, has awareness of God (a relationship is not mentioned), God was absent in the majority of the story. And that's something I don't quite understand, to be honest. There are multiple scenes where Gussie talks about God to her uncle, when she's caring for the sick or in turmoil about her future does she kneel and talk to Him, causing her to make the wrong decisions a lot, and to me at least, increase her unsympatheticness. :P
My favorite part of this book was the writing style. The author's word choice, and the way she strung them together into sentences was pure gold, and it flowed so well with the overall aesthetic of the story. From describing emotions to the surroundings of Africa, everything felt so vivid and colorful. So, if you decide to read this book for one reason only, read it for the writing style. It's that good, guys.
Overall, though, I'm not quite sure how to rate this book. I feel that there were major issues with it, but at the same time, the themes were beautiful and the author's heart behind them is clearly genuine. So, I suppose I won't rate this one at the moment. ;)
Would I recommend it? Perhaps, if you're looking for a clean read that takes place during some key times in India. Otherwise, I'm not sure. XD
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
First off—I really loved how Duffy crafted such an independent female character of the times without resorting to the traditional "I can do everything a man can do and better" "strong" female character I see way too much in fiction nowadays. Gussie has her flaws, but her ambitions were realistic considering her childhood and the strong influence of her parents. In other words, I really enjoyed how the author crafted a character whose past explains who she had become. It made her more sympathetic overall.
However, I still found her unsympathetic and selfish at times — that could be because I didn't understand her sense of adventure — and I feel like throughout the entire story, her arc is something we already know and have to wait and wait for her to figure it out. But maybe that's just me.
I'm also not sure I'd categorize this book as Christian fiction. While it certainly mentions God and the main character, Gussie, has awareness of God (a relationship is not mentioned), God was absent in the majority of the story. And that's something I don't quite understand, to be honest. There are multiple scenes where Gussie talks about God to her uncle, when she's caring for the sick or in turmoil about her future does she kneel and talk to Him, causing her to make the wrong decisions a lot, and to me at least, increase her unsympatheticness. :P
My favorite part of this book was the writing style. The author's word choice, and the way she strung them together into sentences was pure gold, and it flowed so well with the overall aesthetic of the story. From describing emotions to the surroundings of Africa, everything felt so vivid and colorful. So, if you decide to read this book for one reason only, read it for the writing style. It's that good, guys.
Overall, though, I'm not quite sure how to rate this book. I feel that there were major issues with it, but at the same time, the themes were beautiful and the author's heart behind them is clearly genuine. So, I suppose I won't rate this one at the moment. ;)
Would I recommend it? Perhaps, if you're looking for a clean read that takes place during some key times in India. Otherwise, I'm not sure. XD
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 20, 2021
Kimberly Duffy has the artful ability to pair words and sentences and made them dance across the page. She sweeps the reader up with her lyrical prose and introduces us to new people and places. I love that I know I’m going to be transported to India within her pages as well as take a closer look at aspects of humanity.
January 16, 2022
You don’t have to read very far into Every Word Unsaid to realize that this is, in many ways, a love letter from the author to India. The richness of her descriptions elevates the country to another main character, a heroine in her own right, in this spellbinding story. We are not treated to simply the tourist highlights, but to the vibrant beauty of the less common pathways and the people from every walk of life. From abject poverty to affluent wealth, and everything in between, the faces of India are engraved on the reader’s heart even as they are on Gussie’s.
I liked Gussie right away, though other reviewers found her to be too self-centered. And, okay, I’ll give them that. But that doesn’t make her unlikable – rather, it makes her even more relatable. Most of us won’t have the privilege of traveling the world, going from one adventure to the other, but we’ve all struggled with being self-centered. Whether it was for a moment, a season, or something we battle every day, seeing the world through only our own lens is something we have all done. Fortunately, for most of us, there comes a moment of awareness where our view is expanded to include the people around us – and we are more often than not the better for it. It makes us human. And it’s this growing awareness in Gussie that makes Every Word Unsaid exquisite.
And while the romance between Gussie and “Specs” wasn’t the focus of this story, their friendship-to-more tension and swoonilicious kisses made my KissingBooks-reader heart happy. For his own part, Gabriel (Specs) is an intriguing character – a young doctor yearning to make a difference, a protective brother, a loyal friend. He has loved Gussie for years, and he longs for her to stop searching for the next adventure and finally see him. When he’s free to put some action to his feelings, watch out – much swooning and fanning will commence!
I know this review is getting long, but I can’t quit without mentioning Gussie’s Uncle James and how much I loved him as a character. He sees her as she is, perhaps better than anyone; he knows her flaws and her strengths, and he loves her no matter what. He also has the unenviable task of chasing down Gussie in her impulsive escapades and attempting to convince her to come back home where her parents would expect her to be a sedate, “good” daughter to avoid society’s disdain. Yet he also speaks great truth into her life, reminding her of her worth before the God who created her & that it’s what should define her, not the hurtful things her family have said to her for so long. He made me smile every time he showed up on the page.
Bottom Line: Every word in Every Word Unsaid is pitch perfect, evoking a wide range of emotions from readers and taking us on an unforgettable journey. The nineteenth century comes alive under the author’s masterful pen, from the familiar to the exotic and particularly Gussie’s adventures in India. The sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of that country are so vivid that I nearly forgot I wasn’t right there with her. And while Gussie may take a bit of warming up to for some, her external & internal quest to find where she belongs, to discover her worth apart from what others say, is one that many of us can understand. Another exquisite offering from Kimberly Duffy, with much that is timely & relevant to us in today’s world as well as the past.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
I liked Gussie right away, though other reviewers found her to be too self-centered. And, okay, I’ll give them that. But that doesn’t make her unlikable – rather, it makes her even more relatable. Most of us won’t have the privilege of traveling the world, going from one adventure to the other, but we’ve all struggled with being self-centered. Whether it was for a moment, a season, or something we battle every day, seeing the world through only our own lens is something we have all done. Fortunately, for most of us, there comes a moment of awareness where our view is expanded to include the people around us – and we are more often than not the better for it. It makes us human. And it’s this growing awareness in Gussie that makes Every Word Unsaid exquisite.
And while the romance between Gussie and “Specs” wasn’t the focus of this story, their friendship-to-more tension and swoonilicious kisses made my KissingBooks-reader heart happy. For his own part, Gabriel (Specs) is an intriguing character – a young doctor yearning to make a difference, a protective brother, a loyal friend. He has loved Gussie for years, and he longs for her to stop searching for the next adventure and finally see him. When he’s free to put some action to his feelings, watch out – much swooning and fanning will commence!
I know this review is getting long, but I can’t quit without mentioning Gussie’s Uncle James and how much I loved him as a character. He sees her as she is, perhaps better than anyone; he knows her flaws and her strengths, and he loves her no matter what. He also has the unenviable task of chasing down Gussie in her impulsive escapades and attempting to convince her to come back home where her parents would expect her to be a sedate, “good” daughter to avoid society’s disdain. Yet he also speaks great truth into her life, reminding her of her worth before the God who created her & that it’s what should define her, not the hurtful things her family have said to her for so long. He made me smile every time he showed up on the page.
Bottom Line: Every word in Every Word Unsaid is pitch perfect, evoking a wide range of emotions from readers and taking us on an unforgettable journey. The nineteenth century comes alive under the author’s masterful pen, from the familiar to the exotic and particularly Gussie’s adventures in India. The sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of that country are so vivid that I nearly forgot I wasn’t right there with her. And while Gussie may take a bit of warming up to for some, her external & internal quest to find where she belongs, to discover her worth apart from what others say, is one that many of us can understand. Another exquisite offering from Kimberly Duffy, with much that is timely & relevant to us in today’s world as well as the past.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 20, 2021
This was my first taste of Kimberly Duffy’s writing, and I was not disappointed! The amount of depth she was able to weave in without sacrificing the pacing was remarkable—the mark of a truly great writer!
Gussie Travers was fascinating and multi-dimensional in every way. Her character voice was especially fun to read. As someone who has lived overseas myself, I could relate to her love for travel and how India was like a homecoming to her—I feel the same way about my overseas home! I would heartily agree with Gussie that traveling overseas is a most magical journey that changes you in a million wonderful ways.
Specs reminded me very much of Mr. Knightley—gently acting as the voice of reason to Gussie’s spontaneity—and my Jane Austen-loving self adored that! I loved watching their friendship flourish into something more. The only thing I didn’t like so much was that the physical side of the romance advanced a little too quickly and there were a few scenes that were too descriptive for my taste. But other than that, I thought it was well done.
Duffy’s prose was delightful to read! Her rich, evocative writing pulled me in from the first chapter and brought India to life before my eyes. I could almost taste India through her descriptions! And yet, somehow, they didn’t distract from the story or drag the pacing.
Although full of vivid descriptions, Every Word Unsaid has a surprisingly serious quality to it you don’t often find in historical romance. It holds that delicious bit of depth, the layer upon layer kind that makes you want to read more! Duffy did a fantastic job pulling off Gussie’s internal journey to discovering what her true purpose in life was. As a writer myself, I connected deeply with the theme of words and how they have the power of life and death. And as Gussie discovered, “How lovely people could be—more than the highest mountain peak or deepest ocean. And how much more interesting. There were stories to tell about places, but they were in people.”
This is a book that will captivate you from the moment you pick it up. It’s a delightful journey you won’t regret taking as you find yourself whisked away to the colorful world of late 19th century India with Miss Adventuress herself!
Gussie Travers was fascinating and multi-dimensional in every way. Her character voice was especially fun to read. As someone who has lived overseas myself, I could relate to her love for travel and how India was like a homecoming to her—I feel the same way about my overseas home! I would heartily agree with Gussie that traveling overseas is a most magical journey that changes you in a million wonderful ways.
Specs reminded me very much of Mr. Knightley—gently acting as the voice of reason to Gussie’s spontaneity—and my Jane Austen-loving self adored that! I loved watching their friendship flourish into something more. The only thing I didn’t like so much was that the physical side of the romance advanced a little too quickly and there were a few scenes that were too descriptive for my taste. But other than that, I thought it was well done.
Duffy’s prose was delightful to read! Her rich, evocative writing pulled me in from the first chapter and brought India to life before my eyes. I could almost taste India through her descriptions! And yet, somehow, they didn’t distract from the story or drag the pacing.
Although full of vivid descriptions, Every Word Unsaid has a surprisingly serious quality to it you don’t often find in historical romance. It holds that delicious bit of depth, the layer upon layer kind that makes you want to read more! Duffy did a fantastic job pulling off Gussie’s internal journey to discovering what her true purpose in life was. As a writer myself, I connected deeply with the theme of words and how they have the power of life and death. And as Gussie discovered, “How lovely people could be—more than the highest mountain peak or deepest ocean. And how much more interesting. There were stories to tell about places, but they were in people.”
This is a book that will captivate you from the moment you pick it up. It’s a delightful journey you won’t regret taking as you find yourself whisked away to the colorful world of late 19th century India with Miss Adventuress herself!
December 1, 2022
Every Word Unsaid it the final book in the Dreams of India series, set in the very late 19th century and involving pioneering or unconventional women travelling to India. I really enjoyed the last one, Tapestry of Light, which was about a mixed-race woman. Augusta is a young lady whose strict family want to keep her restricted in New York society, but she dreams of being a journalist and a travel writer like her idol, Cornelia Fox.
Every Word Unsaid had delicious and evocative descriptions of the landscapes, peoples, and cultures of India (like the last book) as well as a cast of compelling characters. I think you can always tell a great writer when even the minor characters are well written and compelling. Katherine, Dr Paul, Bimla and Ramabai (based on a real person) were all excellent.
I also like that this isn’t primarily a romance: there is romance in it, and some kissing, but that’s not always the main focus.
I am developing a preference for Historical Fiction instead of romances, and this story starts to become more about Augusta and Gabriel try to help their local community in a time of terrible suffering both for themselves, and the people of the region. During an outbreak of the Plague, no less. The story is beautifully detailed, with history woven in seamlessly so that I felt transported without being jerked out of the setting.
Also, Uncle James: everyone needs an Uncle James. Augusta is a young woman who has never felt good enough and rejected most of her life, but Uncle James is like a surrogate father, offering all the love, support, and wisdom her parents can. He’s like Gandalf in the guise of kindly Victorian uncle.
I think I read this book at the right time, when the message of acceptance and forgiving yourself really hit home. Needless to say, Augusta’s faith journey was well written and touching.
Highly recommended for all. As usual thanks to Bethany House for approving my request for this title on Netgalley. This did not influence my opinions, all of which are my own.
Every Word Unsaid had delicious and evocative descriptions of the landscapes, peoples, and cultures of India (like the last book) as well as a cast of compelling characters. I think you can always tell a great writer when even the minor characters are well written and compelling. Katherine, Dr Paul, Bimla and Ramabai (based on a real person) were all excellent.
I also like that this isn’t primarily a romance: there is romance in it, and some kissing, but that’s not always the main focus.
I am developing a preference for Historical Fiction instead of romances, and this story starts to become more about Augusta and Gabriel try to help their local community in a time of terrible suffering both for themselves, and the people of the region. During an outbreak of the Plague, no less. The story is beautifully detailed, with history woven in seamlessly so that I felt transported without being jerked out of the setting.
Also, Uncle James: everyone needs an Uncle James. Augusta is a young woman who has never felt good enough and rejected most of her life, but Uncle James is like a surrogate father, offering all the love, support, and wisdom her parents can. He’s like Gandalf in the guise of kindly Victorian uncle.
I think I read this book at the right time, when the message of acceptance and forgiving yourself really hit home. Needless to say, Augusta’s faith journey was well written and touching.
Highly recommended for all. As usual thanks to Bethany House for approving my request for this title on Netgalley. This did not influence my opinions, all of which are my own.
March 14, 2022
"In the chasing of something significant, you might very well miss the fact that you already are."
Trotting around the country using her camera as a shield, Augusta Travers takes eye-catching photos from places that every woman might long to travel, but cannot, due to the restraints of hearth and home. Under the name "Miss Adventurous", she contributes her work to "Lady's Weekly", making the circular wildly popular. . .. . until word leaks out among society elites about who the photographer really is, causing quite the scandal and sending Augusta packing once again. This time her editor's assignment sends Augusta far across the globe to India, ensuring a comfortable distance between her constantly disapproving family, and drawing her closer towards two of her dearest childhood friends. Dare she surprise them with her arrival?
"Gentle reader, I am about to step out on my own rope - one that stretches from America's golden shores across the wild waters. I cannot tell you now where I am going, but I promise I will be brave. And my adventures will be anything but ordinary."
Ironically, it is Augusta who is surprised. Arriving in Poona, she finds Catherine(now the widowed Mrs. John Archer) and "Specs", (now the esteemed Dr. Gabriel MacLean) much changed, and displaying mixed emotions about her sudden appearance; Catherine is thrilled while Gabriel displays panic, for the city is barely recovering from the bubonic plague and he fears for Augusta's health and well being. However, her physical safety might be the least of her worries, for it is her heart that began turning somersaults the minute she laid eyes upon the very grown-up version of Gabriel MacLean.
Had Augusta finally discovered a place where she could find rest for her soul? Could she acknowledge that her true worth would never be determined by affirmation of others, but was, and always had been, deeply rooted in the fact that she was fearfully and wonderfully made by One who would call her beloved for all of eternity; "adopted by a perfect Father." Or would she always be "prone to wander" in spite of dear, dear Specs declaring, "I do not think I will give up on you just yet . . "
In the beginning this lovely story meandered around, much like its main character, before comfortably settling in to its true purpose; finding purpose. " . . . I set off for India. And I discovered that everything I had thought important . . . isn't."
Trotting around the country using her camera as a shield, Augusta Travers takes eye-catching photos from places that every woman might long to travel, but cannot, due to the restraints of hearth and home. Under the name "Miss Adventurous", she contributes her work to "Lady's Weekly", making the circular wildly popular. . .. . until word leaks out among society elites about who the photographer really is, causing quite the scandal and sending Augusta packing once again. This time her editor's assignment sends Augusta far across the globe to India, ensuring a comfortable distance between her constantly disapproving family, and drawing her closer towards two of her dearest childhood friends. Dare she surprise them with her arrival?
"Gentle reader, I am about to step out on my own rope - one that stretches from America's golden shores across the wild waters. I cannot tell you now where I am going, but I promise I will be brave. And my adventures will be anything but ordinary."
Ironically, it is Augusta who is surprised. Arriving in Poona, she finds Catherine(now the widowed Mrs. John Archer) and "Specs", (now the esteemed Dr. Gabriel MacLean) much changed, and displaying mixed emotions about her sudden appearance; Catherine is thrilled while Gabriel displays panic, for the city is barely recovering from the bubonic plague and he fears for Augusta's health and well being. However, her physical safety might be the least of her worries, for it is her heart that began turning somersaults the minute she laid eyes upon the very grown-up version of Gabriel MacLean.
Had Augusta finally discovered a place where she could find rest for her soul? Could she acknowledge that her true worth would never be determined by affirmation of others, but was, and always had been, deeply rooted in the fact that she was fearfully and wonderfully made by One who would call her beloved for all of eternity; "adopted by a perfect Father." Or would she always be "prone to wander" in spite of dear, dear Specs declaring, "I do not think I will give up on you just yet . . "
In the beginning this lovely story meandered around, much like its main character, before comfortably settling in to its true purpose; finding purpose. " . . . I set off for India. And I discovered that everything I had thought important . . . isn't."
June 22, 2022
I liked this book to an extent. There wasn’t anything overly wrong with it, it was just boring to me about halfway through. I loved the writing and I also really liked seeing Gussies character growth. There was some points even after this character growth which made me lower my rating where she keeps keeping secrets from Gabe and there’s a blowup about it closer to the end than I would like, thus leading to it being quickly resolved. I also found some of it sad and depressing, which while I do love sad, hard hitting books, I’d rather them not be set in India because if I’m going to read a book set in India, I want an adventure story with lots of fun rather than death and illness. But still a good book.
TRIGGER WARNINGS🚨
Hints of sexual assault
Plague epidemic and things that go along with that such as vomit and blood and sores. Death and dying, going to the plague hospital and seeing beds and beds of people dying. Grief. Death of sick children.
Injury of a pregnant woman that leads to miscarriage later on in the book.
Mentions of suicide.
TRIGGER WARNINGS🚨
Hints of sexual assault
Plague epidemic and things that go along with that such as vomit and blood and sores. Death and dying, going to the plague hospital and seeing beds and beds of people dying. Grief. Death of sick children.
Injury of a pregnant woman that leads to miscarriage later on in the book.
Mentions of suicide.
November 2, 2021
I identified with Gussie, though I didn’t agree with her every choice. She can come off a bit selfish at times, but Duffy gives this character a depth that pulled me in and made me root for her.
With Gussie, Duffy explores a lot of things, but what struck me the most was the idea that words have the power to hurt or heal. The juxtaposition of Gussie’s parents with Uncle James and Gabriel was not lost on me, nor were they lost on her. These relationships drew out the complexity of relationships, especially valuing someone’s opinion so much that their disapproval hurts you even more. And Duffy does a great job of pointing it all back to our relationship with God and considering how He views us with a love we don’t deserve.
In her past novels (A Mosaic of Wings and A Tapestry of Light) I have found myself wishing we could have the romantic interest’s point of view. But with Every Word Unsaid, I wished it even more. I wanted to explore more of Gabriel’s journey, the way anxiety affects his life. But perhaps all we needed to see was Gussie’s acceptance of him, the way she acknowledges his fears but reminds him that he cannot control everything.
Overall, Every Word Unsaid is a compelling historical novel that romance and women’s fiction fans alike will devour.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
With Gussie, Duffy explores a lot of things, but what struck me the most was the idea that words have the power to hurt or heal. The juxtaposition of Gussie’s parents with Uncle James and Gabriel was not lost on me, nor were they lost on her. These relationships drew out the complexity of relationships, especially valuing someone’s opinion so much that their disapproval hurts you even more. And Duffy does a great job of pointing it all back to our relationship with God and considering how He views us with a love we don’t deserve.
In her past novels (A Mosaic of Wings and A Tapestry of Light) I have found myself wishing we could have the romantic interest’s point of view. But with Every Word Unsaid, I wished it even more. I wanted to explore more of Gabriel’s journey, the way anxiety affects his life. But perhaps all we needed to see was Gussie’s acceptance of him, the way she acknowledges his fears but reminds him that he cannot control everything.
Overall, Every Word Unsaid is a compelling historical novel that romance and women’s fiction fans alike will devour.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
November 21, 2021
Every Word Unsaid delves into the matters of the heart that we run from until life forces us to examine them. Gussie is an adventurer but one who secretly longs to feel fulfilled. She finds herself and purpose in India, and what a tale we're taken on.
Kimberly Duffy carefully crafts a tale with beautiful words, gorgeous imagery, and a friends to more romance that will keep readers turning the pages.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
Kimberly Duffy carefully crafts a tale with beautiful words, gorgeous imagery, and a friends to more romance that will keep readers turning the pages.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
October 28, 2021
Kimberly Duffy’s admiration for India shines in Every Word Unsaid. Although Gussie’s journey starts in America, circumstances bring her to India, an exotic setting brought to life by Duffy’s stunning descriptions. An example: “America, with its youthful zeal and brazen thirst, whispered a sonnet to Gussie’s heart. But India sang, her voice a thunderous roar, to the percussion of drums. It reached inside her and wrestled with the accusations that had chased her across the ocean.” Beautiful prose.
Every Word Unsaid follows Gussie’s path to maturity. A life of monetary privilege coupled with youthful ignorance and family dysfunction leads Gussie to reckless decisions. Some readers may not appreciate the duration of her immaturity, but as the story progresses, Gussie comes into her own. Her time in India begets insight into her passions and gifts, an awareness of injustice, and a true understanding of the power of words. The latter stands as my favorite theme in this novel. Gussie’s wrestling with words spoken over her is a relatable struggle for many, including myself. I loved seeing her overcome the disparaging words by choosing to believe the truth.
While Every Word Unsaid briefly mentions Nora and Owen from A Mosaic of Wings, this novel is a stand-alone and might be my favorite story by Kimberly Duffy. Every Word Unsaid will appeal to readers who enjoy inspirational historical fiction with character development, serious themes, and a friends-to-lovers romance. 4.5 Stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Every Word Unsaid follows Gussie’s path to maturity. A life of monetary privilege coupled with youthful ignorance and family dysfunction leads Gussie to reckless decisions. Some readers may not appreciate the duration of her immaturity, but as the story progresses, Gussie comes into her own. Her time in India begets insight into her passions and gifts, an awareness of injustice, and a true understanding of the power of words. The latter stands as my favorite theme in this novel. Gussie’s wrestling with words spoken over her is a relatable struggle for many, including myself. I loved seeing her overcome the disparaging words by choosing to believe the truth.
While Every Word Unsaid briefly mentions Nora and Owen from A Mosaic of Wings, this novel is a stand-alone and might be my favorite story by Kimberly Duffy. Every Word Unsaid will appeal to readers who enjoy inspirational historical fiction with character development, serious themes, and a friends-to-lovers romance. 4.5 Stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
June 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, though it broke my heart in several places as well. I think the first bit set in South Dakota and then in New York City gave us a good understanding of Gussie's personality and her situation, especially her relationship with her family.
However, I feel the novel really 'started' with Gussie's arrival in India, and what that ultimately meant for how she viewed life, and herself. I loved the cast of 'supporting characters' and the lessons they had to teach Gussie, and also to learn for themselves. I loved Amma's reminder that 'perfect love casts out all fear' and Uncle James' assertations that Gussie was fearfully and wonderfully made and that God had a purpose for her.
4.5 stars
However, I feel the novel really 'started' with Gussie's arrival in India, and what that ultimately meant for how she viewed life, and herself. I loved the cast of 'supporting characters' and the lessons they had to teach Gussie, and also to learn for themselves. I loved Amma's reminder that 'perfect love casts out all fear' and Uncle James' assertations that Gussie was fearfully and wonderfully made and that God had a purpose for her.
4.5 stars
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October 1, 2021After giving it some thought, I'm going to post a warning about this book. It's in no way meant to disrespect the author or her work, but I thought maybe someone who has gone through something similar might want a warning. I'm going to post this review to discuss the way miscarriage was represented in this book, which you can find at the bottom of the review. I'd like you to know that it might *spoil* a bit of the book, so read at your own risk.
This book had a lots of really powerful one-liners and I particularly felt the message of "finding self-worth" was important.
However, the story was a bit chaotic at times. The heroine and hero's romantic relationship was very hot/cold. When things were resolved between them at the end, it was done very brusquely. There seemed to be very little trust or understanding between them up until the very last chapter. The heroine was also hard to love. I enjoyed her streak of independence and adventure, but overall she came across as difficult to root for because of her occasional disregard for others while she was trying to be adventurous.
Potential *SPOILER*
TW: miscarriage
I had an issue with the way miscarriage was represented in this book. The heroine told her best friend (who was expecting a child, who had fallen down the stairs while carrying the child, and who couldn't feel her baby move anymore) that she thought the baby was still alive inside her. This felt like extremely false hope/a tactless thing to say to the friend, who was later upset with the heroine for telling her that her unborn baby was alive when she clearly had no medical authority to make that call. Then in the epilogue, about twenty pages after the baby is lost, the best friend is heavily pregnant and married all over again without ever introducing us to the new spouse. It made the grief the friend had just felt about losing her first child and previous husband hard for the reader to process, because she was so angry and upset just moments before... and then the next time we see her in the book she is pregnant again and happily married to someone we'd never met before. It wasn't explained well and didn't feel like that part of the storyline was given much of a thoughtful conclusion.
This is inspirational/Christian fiction, but it did not feel preachy.
I was given an e-book ARC from Netgalley/the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This book had a lots of really powerful one-liners and I particularly felt the message of "finding self-worth" was important.
However, the story was a bit chaotic at times. The heroine and hero's romantic relationship was very hot/cold. When things were resolved between them at the end, it was done very brusquely. There seemed to be very little trust or understanding between them up until the very last chapter. The heroine was also hard to love. I enjoyed her streak of independence and adventure, but overall she came across as difficult to root for because of her occasional disregard for others while she was trying to be adventurous.
Potential *SPOILER*
TW: miscarriage
I had an issue with the way miscarriage was represented in this book. The heroine told her best friend (who was expecting a child, who had fallen down the stairs while carrying the child, and who couldn't feel her baby move anymore) that she thought the baby was still alive inside her. This felt like extremely false hope/a tactless thing to say to the friend, who was later upset with the heroine for telling her that her unborn baby was alive when she clearly had no medical authority to make that call. Then in the epilogue, about twenty pages after the baby is lost, the best friend is heavily pregnant and married all over again without ever introducing us to the new spouse. It made the grief the friend had just felt about losing her first child and previous husband hard for the reader to process, because she was so angry and upset just moments before... and then the next time we see her in the book she is pregnant again and happily married to someone we'd never met before. It wasn't explained well and didn't feel like that part of the storyline was given much of a thoughtful conclusion.
This is inspirational/Christian fiction, but it did not feel preachy.
I was given an e-book ARC from Netgalley/the publisher. All opinions are my own.
November 22, 2021
Kimberly Duffy has a gift of transporting your heart and mind to India! Her characters immediately work their way into your heart and only grow fonder as you turn the page. The story is as rich and deep in the telling as is the India the author describes.
We meet Gussie as she's on an adventure, which is NOT approved by her family. Nothing she does is looked favorably upon by them, and that is the crux of Gussie's running. Never accepted. Never meeting expectations. How can anyone bear up under that? India is where she ends up after her identity is revealed, and it appeals to her adventurous nature. It's also where her dearest friends, Specs and Catherine, live.
We're also introduced to her Uncle James early in the story, and honestly, I come to love him right away. He's always just one step behind her as he chases her everywhere she goes. As opposed to her immediate family, he sees the gem she is and speaks love & truth into her life. I adored him and his love of Gussie.
As Gussie lands in Poona, India, through the author you can imagine what she is seeing and experiencing. This is where we meet the most wonderful characters who are living in the midst of the plague! Catherine's sisterly love for Gussie is exactly what she needs. Specs, let's just say, he's changed since they were all separated as children. I was enthralled with how Specs, Gabriel, saw Gussie. Of course, nothing is as simple as just realizing how you see someone, especially if you've spent your life running, trying to find yourself, and searching for adventure.
The people who come into her life to help Gussie realize how God truly sees her. That her worth isn't limited to the hurtful things spoken to her. The things meant to bring her in line with expectations - which are completely unrealistic for her. Honestly, Gussie's hurt spoke deeply to me, and I was able to understand her in ways others may not.
I am so thankful for authors such as Kimberly Duffy who pour themselves into a story like this and touch the reader so deeply. She uses her characters to speak Truth to the readers, for which I'm incredibly grateful!
*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.
We meet Gussie as she's on an adventure, which is NOT approved by her family. Nothing she does is looked favorably upon by them, and that is the crux of Gussie's running. Never accepted. Never meeting expectations. How can anyone bear up under that? India is where she ends up after her identity is revealed, and it appeals to her adventurous nature. It's also where her dearest friends, Specs and Catherine, live.
We're also introduced to her Uncle James early in the story, and honestly, I come to love him right away. He's always just one step behind her as he chases her everywhere she goes. As opposed to her immediate family, he sees the gem she is and speaks love & truth into her life. I adored him and his love of Gussie.
As Gussie lands in Poona, India, through the author you can imagine what she is seeing and experiencing. This is where we meet the most wonderful characters who are living in the midst of the plague! Catherine's sisterly love for Gussie is exactly what she needs. Specs, let's just say, he's changed since they were all separated as children. I was enthralled with how Specs, Gabriel, saw Gussie. Of course, nothing is as simple as just realizing how you see someone, especially if you've spent your life running, trying to find yourself, and searching for adventure.
The people who come into her life to help Gussie realize how God truly sees her. That her worth isn't limited to the hurtful things spoken to her. The things meant to bring her in line with expectations - which are completely unrealistic for her. Honestly, Gussie's hurt spoke deeply to me, and I was able to understand her in ways others may not.
I am so thankful for authors such as Kimberly Duffy who pour themselves into a story like this and touch the reader so deeply. She uses her characters to speak Truth to the readers, for which I'm incredibly grateful!
*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.
August 29, 2022
“You’ll be the ruin of us.”
“Who will ever want you?”
Augusta Travers(Gussie) has caused one too many scandals( and grief) for her family with her adventurous ways. She doesn’t want to settle down just yet, she wants to experience life, and though her Uncle James is kind and sympathetic to her cause he can’t stop or change what happens to her.
Gussie travels to India where she expects to join her two childhood friends Spec(Gabriel) and Catherine. At first, she is told to leave due to the bubonic plague that is raging in the area, but Gussie is having none of it. Catherine is pregnant but she is also in mourning over her husband who has died a few months past, and Gussie will not leave her friend in need.
Gussie learns what is to be unconditionally loved because while growing up she was loved conditionally by her family, and it was the nannies that took care of her not her parents. She wanted to be seen and her family did not see her for who she was. The people she meets while in India enable her to transform into how she truly wants to be seen.
“Remember who you are.”
She also begins seeing her childhood friend Spec in a startingly new way, and she isn’t sure that she likes it, she would like him to change back into the lanky, awkward boy she remembers - when he seems safe to her.
Reading books by Kimberly Duffy is always a pleasurable journey of words and experiences. Recommended.
“Who will ever want you?”
Augusta Travers(Gussie) has caused one too many scandals( and grief) for her family with her adventurous ways. She doesn’t want to settle down just yet, she wants to experience life, and though her Uncle James is kind and sympathetic to her cause he can’t stop or change what happens to her.
Gussie travels to India where she expects to join her two childhood friends Spec(Gabriel) and Catherine. At first, she is told to leave due to the bubonic plague that is raging in the area, but Gussie is having none of it. Catherine is pregnant but she is also in mourning over her husband who has died a few months past, and Gussie will not leave her friend in need.
Gussie learns what is to be unconditionally loved because while growing up she was loved conditionally by her family, and it was the nannies that took care of her not her parents. She wanted to be seen and her family did not see her for who she was. The people she meets while in India enable her to transform into how she truly wants to be seen.
“Remember who you are.”
She also begins seeing her childhood friend Spec in a startingly new way, and she isn’t sure that she likes it, she would like him to change back into the lanky, awkward boy she remembers - when he seems safe to her.
Reading books by Kimberly Duffy is always a pleasurable journey of words and experiences. Recommended.
February 16, 2022
Such a great read!! Kimberly Duffy has done a great job in researching the history behind this novel!! I love the main characters. The heroine is strong and independent. She grows in maturity and Spiritually. I definitely will be reading more by Kimberly. I recommend if you like a good historical fiction with some adventure and romance.
February 10, 2022
I thought Kimberly Duffy’s first two novels (A Mosaic of Wings and A Tapestry of Light) were excellent. Every Word Unsaid is outstanding.
Augusta Constance Travers, better known as Gussie, is the odd one out in her upwardly mobile family. Her family want her to return to New York and become a respectable member of society. But Gussie revels in her secret role as writer and photographer Miss Adventuress, the most popular columnist for the Lady’s Weekly. Yes, she’s the leading travel blogger of 1896, living the “perfect life”.
But her identity is exposed, so her parents plan to send her to her aunt in Chicago until the fuss blows over. Instead, her editor sends her to India for six months a country she’s always wanted to visit. It’s also the home of her childhood friends, twins Catherine and Gabriel MacLean. The story truly takes off once Gussie reaches India. She stays with her childhood friends in Poona, where she sees a different side of India – the wealth and the poverty, the beauty and the ugliness.
One of the signs of outstanding historical fiction is when the author manages to make the plot and characters compelling in their own timeline at the same time as making the plot relevant to readers in the present. Kimberly Duffy has done this brilliantly, particularly in terms of Gussie’s spiritual journey. There are also more than a few nods to lockdowns and quarantine in the plague scenes. While Every Word Unsaid is definitely the story of Gussie’s personal and spiritual journey, there is also a lovely romance (and a few kissing scenes).
Kimberly Duffy has done a huge amount of research, and it’s woven beautifully throughout the story in both the language and the description. It leaves me wanting to visit India. I hope to see more books set in India, as it’s obvious Duffy has a passion for the country and the people.
The novel is entirely written from Gussie’s point of view—something I didn’t realise until I’d finished reading. While she’s a little annoying (and possibly immature, even at the age of twenty-five), her voice was compelling and it kept me turning the pages. That’s largely because of the writing, which was excellent. There were wonderful descriptions, unique turns of phrase, intertwined with deep spiritual truths that show our modern problems are actually age-old problems.
Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy is an outstanding novel, with brilliant writing, and an encouraging Christian message. I highly recommend Every Word Unsaid, especially for the wonderful locations, and the encouraging Christian message.
Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Augusta Constance Travers, better known as Gussie, is the odd one out in her upwardly mobile family. Her family want her to return to New York and become a respectable member of society. But Gussie revels in her secret role as writer and photographer Miss Adventuress, the most popular columnist for the Lady’s Weekly. Yes, she’s the leading travel blogger of 1896, living the “perfect life”.
But her identity is exposed, so her parents plan to send her to her aunt in Chicago until the fuss blows over. Instead, her editor sends her to India for six months a country she’s always wanted to visit. It’s also the home of her childhood friends, twins Catherine and Gabriel MacLean. The story truly takes off once Gussie reaches India. She stays with her childhood friends in Poona, where she sees a different side of India – the wealth and the poverty, the beauty and the ugliness.
One of the signs of outstanding historical fiction is when the author manages to make the plot and characters compelling in their own timeline at the same time as making the plot relevant to readers in the present. Kimberly Duffy has done this brilliantly, particularly in terms of Gussie’s spiritual journey. There are also more than a few nods to lockdowns and quarantine in the plague scenes. While Every Word Unsaid is definitely the story of Gussie’s personal and spiritual journey, there is also a lovely romance (and a few kissing scenes).
Kimberly Duffy has done a huge amount of research, and it’s woven beautifully throughout the story in both the language and the description. It leaves me wanting to visit India. I hope to see more books set in India, as it’s obvious Duffy has a passion for the country and the people.
The novel is entirely written from Gussie’s point of view—something I didn’t realise until I’d finished reading. While she’s a little annoying (and possibly immature, even at the age of twenty-five), her voice was compelling and it kept me turning the pages. That’s largely because of the writing, which was excellent. There were wonderful descriptions, unique turns of phrase, intertwined with deep spiritual truths that show our modern problems are actually age-old problems.
Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy is an outstanding novel, with brilliant writing, and an encouraging Christian message. I highly recommend Every Word Unsaid, especially for the wonderful locations, and the encouraging Christian message.
Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
November 17, 2021
Every Word Unsaid is another excellent novel by Kimberly Duffy. The story gripped me from the opening scene with vivid descriptions and luxurious prose and never let me go. Skeptical? Try this snippet and tell me that doesn't make you want to read this book. “America, with its youthful zeal and brazen thirst, whispered a sonnet to Gussie’s heart. But India sang, her voice a thunderous roar, to the percussion of drums. It reached inside her and wrestled with the accusations that had chased her across the ocean.” Page after page, Duffy brings the setting to life from dusty Deadwood, South Dakota, to the plague-ridden streets of Pune, India.
The heroine, Augusta (Gussie) Travers, wants to shrug off the restraints of New York society and be a travel photographer. Her family indulges her temporarily, hoping the urge will pass, if she keeps her identity secret. When she is outed to New York Society on her sister's wedding day, the ensuing scandal sends her to India, far away from the gossip but not from the unkind and often cruel words that her family have spoken over her which plague her memory. In India, she reconnects with her childhood friends, Catherine and Gabriel. I loved Gabriel. I loved that their romance was a slow, steady burn built on a solid foundation of friendship. The romance is there but not as integral to the story as this romance lover would have preferred. If I must find fault with Every Word Unsaid, it would be that I would have enjoyed scenes from Gabriel's point of view. His unconditional love and acceptance are integral to Gussie's journey of self-acceptance.
I admired Gussie's spunk and determination to follow her dreams. She is a strong yet complicated heroine who is not only independent but also shackled to the discouraging words spoken over her by her family who wish her to conform to their expectations. These words cause her to doubt her talent and Gussie struggles to believe she can use the gift God has given her to its fullest potential. When Gussie arrives in India, she has the opportunity not only to show the beauty of an exotic land through her Kodak lens, but her images can show simplicity, pain, sorrow, compassion, strength, poverty, disease, suffering, and resilience. It can transport people to another time and place where they can learn to think about the world beyond themselves not simply admire its beautiful landscapes. Through it all, Gussie learns God has given her a unique talent and an audience whereby she can make a difference by sharing the honesty of the human experience—both good and bad.
Some of the reviews I read for Every Word Unsaid seemed to think the heroine too selfish, and her catharsis too minimal. I would have to politely disagree. First, I like flawed characters. They seem realistic and relatable and look whole lot more like myself and those around me. These are the characters and stories that bid me to look deeper inside myself, to examine my own heart. and in the end, strengthen my faith. Second, while the heroine undoubtedly made some selfish decisions throughout the story, Gussie grew and changed emotionally and spiritually. God used the people she met and the experiences she had in India to widen her perspective, to soften her heart. She learns compassion and understanding. Isn't that all we can ask of others, of ourselves—that we learn, grow, and change for the better by the end of our own stories?
Duffy brings a strong cast of secondary characters to the page. From the endearing Uncle James, who I kept hoping would choose to stay with Gussie in India, to her mentors Bimla and Ramabai, they brought life and depth to the story. They seemed to innately understand her emotional wounds while gently challenging Gussie to step from the shadows into the woman God had created her to be.
Spiritual Takeaway: Gussie is a deeply wounded character. She takes with her the scars and brokenness of "never being enough" for the people in her life, especially her family (with the sole exception of Uncle James). I could relate to Gussie who struggled to get unkind words spoken to her out of her head. Words have the power to lift us up or tear us down, and the most dangerous ones are the ones we repeat in our own mind every day. As the story unfolds, Gussie learns to cast off her emotional wounds and not allow the hurtful words from her past define her. As her friend and mentor, Bimla, tells her, "Nothing anyone else says or believes of me can diminish my value—that my worth is found in Christ and He is meant for everyone, even those who mistreated me." Every Word Unsaid brings a powerful reminder that we have eternal value not because of what we do or say, or because other's have a favorable opinion of us, but because Christ purchased us with His shed blood on the cross. That is what completes us, what makes us 'enough.'
The heroine, Augusta (Gussie) Travers, wants to shrug off the restraints of New York society and be a travel photographer. Her family indulges her temporarily, hoping the urge will pass, if she keeps her identity secret. When she is outed to New York Society on her sister's wedding day, the ensuing scandal sends her to India, far away from the gossip but not from the unkind and often cruel words that her family have spoken over her which plague her memory. In India, she reconnects with her childhood friends, Catherine and Gabriel. I loved Gabriel. I loved that their romance was a slow, steady burn built on a solid foundation of friendship. The romance is there but not as integral to the story as this romance lover would have preferred. If I must find fault with Every Word Unsaid, it would be that I would have enjoyed scenes from Gabriel's point of view. His unconditional love and acceptance are integral to Gussie's journey of self-acceptance.
I admired Gussie's spunk and determination to follow her dreams. She is a strong yet complicated heroine who is not only independent but also shackled to the discouraging words spoken over her by her family who wish her to conform to their expectations. These words cause her to doubt her talent and Gussie struggles to believe she can use the gift God has given her to its fullest potential. When Gussie arrives in India, she has the opportunity not only to show the beauty of an exotic land through her Kodak lens, but her images can show simplicity, pain, sorrow, compassion, strength, poverty, disease, suffering, and resilience. It can transport people to another time and place where they can learn to think about the world beyond themselves not simply admire its beautiful landscapes. Through it all, Gussie learns God has given her a unique talent and an audience whereby she can make a difference by sharing the honesty of the human experience—both good and bad.
Some of the reviews I read for Every Word Unsaid seemed to think the heroine too selfish, and her catharsis too minimal. I would have to politely disagree. First, I like flawed characters. They seem realistic and relatable and look whole lot more like myself and those around me. These are the characters and stories that bid me to look deeper inside myself, to examine my own heart. and in the end, strengthen my faith. Second, while the heroine undoubtedly made some selfish decisions throughout the story, Gussie grew and changed emotionally and spiritually. God used the people she met and the experiences she had in India to widen her perspective, to soften her heart. She learns compassion and understanding. Isn't that all we can ask of others, of ourselves—that we learn, grow, and change for the better by the end of our own stories?
Duffy brings a strong cast of secondary characters to the page. From the endearing Uncle James, who I kept hoping would choose to stay with Gussie in India, to her mentors Bimla and Ramabai, they brought life and depth to the story. They seemed to innately understand her emotional wounds while gently challenging Gussie to step from the shadows into the woman God had created her to be.
Spiritual Takeaway: Gussie is a deeply wounded character. She takes with her the scars and brokenness of "never being enough" for the people in her life, especially her family (with the sole exception of Uncle James). I could relate to Gussie who struggled to get unkind words spoken to her out of her head. Words have the power to lift us up or tear us down, and the most dangerous ones are the ones we repeat in our own mind every day. As the story unfolds, Gussie learns to cast off her emotional wounds and not allow the hurtful words from her past define her. As her friend and mentor, Bimla, tells her, "Nothing anyone else says or believes of me can diminish my value—that my worth is found in Christ and He is meant for everyone, even those who mistreated me." Every Word Unsaid brings a powerful reminder that we have eternal value not because of what we do or say, or because other's have a favorable opinion of us, but because Christ purchased us with His shed blood on the cross. That is what completes us, what makes us 'enough.'
October 12, 2022
A book review: Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy
Topic or themes I saw: The pain and struggle of stepping outside what you are expected to be. Following your heart without support of those who should support you most. Rejection and fear. Stepping outside a mold.
Who it may interest: Historical fiction fans who love stories with a strong theme.
Story: It’s a gift to be understood and to not feel alone. That was what this story did for me. Everything about this story was absolutely beautiful. Gussie is ambitious and not afraid to forge ahead no matter what. Her family doesn’t support her and their harsh words follow her as she goes. She comes face to face with something that seems to confirm everything her family has said. It’s a story of opposition and a doubt of a calling. It’s a story of overcoming the confusion and stepping into a healthy way to follow the passions God places in your heart. While the circumstances of Gussies story are different than mine, it perfectly encapsulated the same feelings I’ve had with rejection, and fear of exposing my heart. Cultural words and amazing descriptions really sweep you away to India. And goodness, there were so many fun words in this book. Your vocabulary will be expanded :). I loved the way Duffy skillfully wove together Bimla and Gussie’s story. Two different women with completely different walks of life, but in each other they saw and understood the pain from their individual wounds.
Main takeaway: Staying in expectations can feel safe. But it’s really bondage when Gods calling you to step in the life He’s made you for. I loved this quote: “There would be no failure in writing what was expected of her.” Why do we stay in expectations? Out of fear of failure and rejection. It feels safe. Another quote I loved: “We’ve been defined by what we’re not…rather than who we are.”
Extra thoughts: A side note, I noticed some reviews talked about finding our fulfillment and identity in Christ and that wasn’t portrayed in this book so they didn’t like it. I’d say, as a Christian I know my identity is in Christ but I struggle to understand it because I can be blinded by self worth struggles. As I read this book, I took everything in the story as being built upon the knowledge that our worth is in Christ, but pain and trauma can blind us from it. The journey Duffy wrote, in my opinion, was meant to show how to apply the knowledge that our identity is in Christ, not replace it.
How I rate books:
I largely rate books on how they make me feel which is incredibly subjective 🥰.
5⭐️–Absolutely adored and loved the book, a favorite.
4⭐️-Really enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
3⭐️-Liked the book, it was engaging and interesting and I am glad I read it, but I wasn’t drawn in emotionally as much as others.
2⭐️- There was a strong theme that I did not agree with or overall the book just left me with a bad feeling.
Topic or themes I saw: The pain and struggle of stepping outside what you are expected to be. Following your heart without support of those who should support you most. Rejection and fear. Stepping outside a mold.
Who it may interest: Historical fiction fans who love stories with a strong theme.
Story: It’s a gift to be understood and to not feel alone. That was what this story did for me. Everything about this story was absolutely beautiful. Gussie is ambitious and not afraid to forge ahead no matter what. Her family doesn’t support her and their harsh words follow her as she goes. She comes face to face with something that seems to confirm everything her family has said. It’s a story of opposition and a doubt of a calling. It’s a story of overcoming the confusion and stepping into a healthy way to follow the passions God places in your heart. While the circumstances of Gussies story are different than mine, it perfectly encapsulated the same feelings I’ve had with rejection, and fear of exposing my heart. Cultural words and amazing descriptions really sweep you away to India. And goodness, there were so many fun words in this book. Your vocabulary will be expanded :). I loved the way Duffy skillfully wove together Bimla and Gussie’s story. Two different women with completely different walks of life, but in each other they saw and understood the pain from their individual wounds.
Main takeaway: Staying in expectations can feel safe. But it’s really bondage when Gods calling you to step in the life He’s made you for. I loved this quote: “There would be no failure in writing what was expected of her.” Why do we stay in expectations? Out of fear of failure and rejection. It feels safe. Another quote I loved: “We’ve been defined by what we’re not…rather than who we are.”
Extra thoughts: A side note, I noticed some reviews talked about finding our fulfillment and identity in Christ and that wasn’t portrayed in this book so they didn’t like it. I’d say, as a Christian I know my identity is in Christ but I struggle to understand it because I can be blinded by self worth struggles. As I read this book, I took everything in the story as being built upon the knowledge that our worth is in Christ, but pain and trauma can blind us from it. The journey Duffy wrote, in my opinion, was meant to show how to apply the knowledge that our identity is in Christ, not replace it.
How I rate books:
I largely rate books on how they make me feel which is incredibly subjective 🥰.
5⭐️–Absolutely adored and loved the book, a favorite.
4⭐️-Really enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
3⭐️-Liked the book, it was engaging and interesting and I am glad I read it, but I wasn’t drawn in emotionally as much as others.
2⭐️- There was a strong theme that I did not agree with or overall the book just left me with a bad feeling.
April 4, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I wasn’t sure this story would be for me. Several chapters in, I almost dnfed… but I decided to wait it out. And I’m so glad I did!
Duffy has a wonderful style & story development that draws you into the pages, making history come to life.
Part One Gussie got on my nerves a little bit. I totally understood her feelings of feeling trapped and needing to do things beyond what was simply expected of her. However, her actions and outlook did come across as self centered. BUT! Part Two Gussie learned. She had a lot of growing to do & missed placed priorities to correct. By the end of the book: she gets there, but she needed to make those mistakes along the way to learn. Like we all do.
The childhood friends to lovers romance was sweet. Rocky, but sweet, haha. And Specs is a true sweetheart of the highest calibre, which I don’t say lightly!
The female friendships & support are second to none—something I adore so much in literature! And Uncle James deserves all the recognition for being the father figure Gussie needed so desperately; he’s a legend.
Lastly, Duffy paints a story with a beautiful message about not letting the words and perceptions of others define us and our identity. About how we need to stop running from the things we’re afraid of, embrace love over fear, and do the work God’s called us to. 💛
I wasn’t sure this story would be for me. Several chapters in, I almost dnfed… but I decided to wait it out. And I’m so glad I did!
Duffy has a wonderful style & story development that draws you into the pages, making history come to life.
Part One Gussie got on my nerves a little bit. I totally understood her feelings of feeling trapped and needing to do things beyond what was simply expected of her. However, her actions and outlook did come across as self centered. BUT! Part Two Gussie learned. She had a lot of growing to do & missed placed priorities to correct. By the end of the book: she gets there, but she needed to make those mistakes along the way to learn. Like we all do.
The childhood friends to lovers romance was sweet. Rocky, but sweet, haha. And Specs is a true sweetheart of the highest calibre, which I don’t say lightly!
The female friendships & support are second to none—something I adore so much in literature! And Uncle James deserves all the recognition for being the father figure Gussie needed so desperately; he’s a legend.
Lastly, Duffy paints a story with a beautiful message about not letting the words and perceptions of others define us and our identity. About how we need to stop running from the things we’re afraid of, embrace love over fear, and do the work God’s called us to. 💛
May 9, 2024
Gorgeous! Every Word Unsaid has the fierce tenderness I’ve come to expect from Kimberly Duffy’s work, populated with characters I sometimes wanted to shake but always rooted for. Gussie’s photographic passion is deeply authentic - so much so that I sorely wish I could see her photos. And Gabriel’s work is so heartbreaking, I just wanted to step through the pages to meet them both, help him, and adventure with her. And don’t even get me started on the setting! I never had much interest in India before reading Duffy’s books, but they’re SO vivid and alluringly immersive. I now long to visit and see for myself the places she describes. I heartily recommend this compelling, deeply satisfying feast of a novel.
Note on the audiobook: Pilar Witherspoon is great with a variety of accents, but she uses odd, unnatural inflections in her overall reading that change the meaning of the dialogue and narrative, which is really distracting.
Note on the audiobook: Pilar Witherspoon is great with a variety of accents, but she uses odd, unnatural inflections in her overall reading that change the meaning of the dialogue and narrative, which is really distracting.
November 24, 2025
In "Every Word Unsaid," Kimberly Duffy pens a harrowing tale of heartache and healing that captivates the senses!
From New York's glittering high society to the technicolor villages of India, this evocative period drama features immersive prose, complex family dynamics, poignant themes, and a swoony friends-to-more romance.
Fans of Nellie Bly's "Around the World in Seventy-Two Days" will love this story of an intrepid female reporter, globe-trotting during the late Victorian Era.
If you're in the mood for a daring historical romance, lean in and listen to Every Word Unsaid!
TW: Bubonic Plague. Death and grief. Violence against women, off page.
From New York's glittering high society to the technicolor villages of India, this evocative period drama features immersive prose, complex family dynamics, poignant themes, and a swoony friends-to-more romance.
Fans of Nellie Bly's "Around the World in Seventy-Two Days" will love this story of an intrepid female reporter, globe-trotting during the late Victorian Era.
If you're in the mood for a daring historical romance, lean in and listen to Every Word Unsaid!
TW: Bubonic Plague. Death and grief. Violence against women, off page.
February 17, 2022
Beautiful imagery, lots of thoughtful introspection, and a sweet love story, all taking place in India during turmoil and plague. MC goes through changes as she matures into an independent woman. Great read.
March 6, 2022
This month I had the incredible privilege of listening to Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy. She'd long been an author on my TBR pile and I was determined to use this reading challenge as an excuse to force me to pick it up. Oh my goodness! I ADORE Gussie and the whole cast of characters. Gussie is a free-spirited woman who struggles with the confines of her parents' and society's expectations of what a woman should be and do. She runs from place to place, taking photographs and travel articles for Ladies Weekly as means of trying to satisfy this deep longing for something more.
When scandal forces her out of the country, she escapes to India for experiences, photographs, and articles. What she finds, is a personal growth experience that transforms her into the fullness of her herself and God's plan for her. She is forced to confront the pain of rejection for others and finds acceptance in a people in place that speaks to her soul. It is an incredibly beautiful story with a swoony hero who is atypical, but rock steady and exactly what Gussie needs in her life. While necessarily a romance story, there is plenty of romance to knock your socks off. But at the core of this story is a woman discovering who she is and accepting the fact that she is enough despite what others say about her.
I highly recommend this story to those seeking to experience other lands, real characters who also seem larger than life, love heroines and heroes who don't quite fit the mold of expectation and are looking for stories that go beyond entertaining to speak to your soul.
What I loved: Gussie's whole story just pulled me along on an adventure and eye-opening experience of a world not my own. Her personality, struggles, and experiences just left me desperate to not put the book down. Or in my case, get out of the car.
Favorite Character and Why: This book has a full cast of characters that I love, but Gussie remains firm as my favorite. She is unapologetically who she is on the outside, but inside she struggles and hurts like so many of us in unseen ways. She is beautiful soul, and I loved walking her story with her.
Who would like this? I highly recommend this story to those seeking to experience other lands, real characters who also seem larger than life, love heroines and heroes who don't quite fit the mold of expectation, and are looking for stories that go beyond entertaining to speak to your soul.
When scandal forces her out of the country, she escapes to India for experiences, photographs, and articles. What she finds, is a personal growth experience that transforms her into the fullness of her herself and God's plan for her. She is forced to confront the pain of rejection for others and finds acceptance in a people in place that speaks to her soul. It is an incredibly beautiful story with a swoony hero who is atypical, but rock steady and exactly what Gussie needs in her life. While necessarily a romance story, there is plenty of romance to knock your socks off. But at the core of this story is a woman discovering who she is and accepting the fact that she is enough despite what others say about her.
I highly recommend this story to those seeking to experience other lands, real characters who also seem larger than life, love heroines and heroes who don't quite fit the mold of expectation and are looking for stories that go beyond entertaining to speak to your soul.
What I loved: Gussie's whole story just pulled me along on an adventure and eye-opening experience of a world not my own. Her personality, struggles, and experiences just left me desperate to not put the book down. Or in my case, get out of the car.
Favorite Character and Why: This book has a full cast of characters that I love, but Gussie remains firm as my favorite. She is unapologetically who she is on the outside, but inside she struggles and hurts like so many of us in unseen ways. She is beautiful soul, and I loved walking her story with her.
Who would like this? I highly recommend this story to those seeking to experience other lands, real characters who also seem larger than life, love heroines and heroes who don't quite fit the mold of expectation, and are looking for stories that go beyond entertaining to speak to your soul.
January 4, 2022
Every Word Unsaid was beautifully written. I loved the heroine's adventurous spirit and the vivid setting! Looking forward to more from this talented author.
October 14, 2021
There is something familiar in Kimberly Duffy's writings that take the readers to exotic places without ever leaving their homes. With the protagonist's travels, Kimberly once again takes her readers to India in the late 1800s to a time under British rule, unspeakable poverty, desperate conditions, and astounding beauty.
Augusta "Gussie" Travers escapes her family's climb into social status by writing for Ladies Weekly magazine as "Miss Adventuress." She travels throughout the United States, taking photographs and writing articles that allow her readers to escape the drudgery of daily life. Her writing is light-hearted and witty, and her photographs are breath-taking illustrations of her travels. When her identity is leaked on the morning of her sister's wedding, she is denigrated and renounced by her family. Her parents decide to exile her to her aunt's in Chicago, where she might learn some of the finer societal manners, and where she won't be able to harm their social status by her outrageous behavior. Her boss at Ladies Weekly offers to send her to India for a more exotic trip than she's been on before.
As Gussie is leaving for Chicago in the company of her uncle--once a Pinkerton agent--she ditches the train she's on and heads to Boston to catch a ship to England and then India. While in India she meets up with her childhood friends Specs and Catherine. And while in India, she finds that she has come home. She has found the place where she is accepted for who she is, where she is valued for her thoughts and ideas, where she is treated with respect and honor--all things that have been missing from her family's treatment and opinions of her. She also finds love. It's a topsy-turvy road to romance for Gussie (and dare I say it, a rather formulaic road to romance).
I am not sure where Kimberly came up with the title for Every Word Unsaid, because there were not many words left unsaid by the time the book is finished. Gussie and Specs hashed, rehashed, and sometimes over-hashed their words with each other. But this book is one that was surprisingly compelling. There are events that bring out anger, compassion, excitement, betrayal, understanding, and several other emotions. It will cause readers like me to lose sleep because they just can't put it down, but it's worth every minute. I looked back to see that I have read all of Kimberly's books and they are all just as enjoyable as this one.
Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a ride on an elephant to fulfill a bucket list item.
Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Augusta "Gussie" Travers escapes her family's climb into social status by writing for Ladies Weekly magazine as "Miss Adventuress." She travels throughout the United States, taking photographs and writing articles that allow her readers to escape the drudgery of daily life. Her writing is light-hearted and witty, and her photographs are breath-taking illustrations of her travels. When her identity is leaked on the morning of her sister's wedding, she is denigrated and renounced by her family. Her parents decide to exile her to her aunt's in Chicago, where she might learn some of the finer societal manners, and where she won't be able to harm their social status by her outrageous behavior. Her boss at Ladies Weekly offers to send her to India for a more exotic trip than she's been on before.
As Gussie is leaving for Chicago in the company of her uncle--once a Pinkerton agent--she ditches the train she's on and heads to Boston to catch a ship to England and then India. While in India she meets up with her childhood friends Specs and Catherine. And while in India, she finds that she has come home. She has found the place where she is accepted for who she is, where she is valued for her thoughts and ideas, where she is treated with respect and honor--all things that have been missing from her family's treatment and opinions of her. She also finds love. It's a topsy-turvy road to romance for Gussie (and dare I say it, a rather formulaic road to romance).
I am not sure where Kimberly came up with the title for Every Word Unsaid, because there were not many words left unsaid by the time the book is finished. Gussie and Specs hashed, rehashed, and sometimes over-hashed their words with each other. But this book is one that was surprisingly compelling. There are events that bring out anger, compassion, excitement, betrayal, understanding, and several other emotions. It will cause readers like me to lose sleep because they just can't put it down, but it's worth every minute. I looked back to see that I have read all of Kimberly's books and they are all just as enjoyable as this one.
Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a ride on an elephant to fulfill a bucket list item.
Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
October 21, 2021
I was expecting Gussie to be more of a hardened journalist, but instead she is a delightful, fun-loving, soft-hearted adventurer. She could stand to be less impulsive and thoughtless, but I loved her right from the start. I loved that "proving herself in a man's world" wasn't even on the table. She is great at her job and doesn't doubt it (though, to be fair, her family hates it). Now, when it comes to pushing herself to write where she is feeling led to write (as opposed to what she was hired write), there the doubts assail her, and every word that people have spoken against her come back to haunt her.
Words . . . they can build us up or tear us down, both the words spoken and the words withheld. Gussie has grown up with constant iterations of what she does wrong and rarely an affirmation for what she does right, or even affirmations she deserves simply for being a beloved daughter and sister. It's no wonder she is constantly running away to see the world when she feels so unloved at home.
No one in the book is perfect (except maybe her uncle--I loved him and the way he's constantly following and keeping an eye on Gussie while still allowing her her freedom); her friends are fighting fear, feelings of worthlessness, the desire to control. Sure, sometimes they feed off each other, but most of the time they are able to encourage each other, uphold each other, and speak truth into each other's lives.
Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.
Words . . . they can build us up or tear us down, both the words spoken and the words withheld. Gussie has grown up with constant iterations of what she does wrong and rarely an affirmation for what she does right, or even affirmations she deserves simply for being a beloved daughter and sister. It's no wonder she is constantly running away to see the world when she feels so unloved at home.
No one in the book is perfect (except maybe her uncle--I loved him and the way he's constantly following and keeping an eye on Gussie while still allowing her her freedom); her friends are fighting fear, feelings of worthlessness, the desire to control. Sure, sometimes they feed off each other, but most of the time they are able to encourage each other, uphold each other, and speak truth into each other's lives.
Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.
November 5, 2021
This book not only has a gorgeous cover, it has a story contained within its pages that is just as lovely, if not more, than the outside.
I love Kimberly Duffy's words throughout this book. Her writing style is just perfect.
Gussie is a fabulous heroine, I really loved her. She does not like her family's expectations they've placed on her. Behaving as a respectable young lady, and doing what she can to make a good match. Her job of choice is traveling the country as Miss Adventuress. Then, when she finds herself in the midst of a scandal, she sails across the world to India, where two of her childhood best friends reside.
Gussie loves India, it's cultures and it's rich colors. I loved seeing the country through her eyes, and India really came alive for me as never before.
It also is about the bubonic plague. Sadly, some of this felt all too relatable. It's quite intriguing to me to read about plagues we've had in the past, and see similarities and differences to what our world is experiencing today.
Overall, I found this to be an intriguing historical fiction. I loved it, and look forward to reading more books by this author.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I love Kimberly Duffy's words throughout this book. Her writing style is just perfect.
Gussie is a fabulous heroine, I really loved her. She does not like her family's expectations they've placed on her. Behaving as a respectable young lady, and doing what she can to make a good match. Her job of choice is traveling the country as Miss Adventuress. Then, when she finds herself in the midst of a scandal, she sails across the world to India, where two of her childhood best friends reside.
Gussie loves India, it's cultures and it's rich colors. I loved seeing the country through her eyes, and India really came alive for me as never before.
It also is about the bubonic plague. Sadly, some of this felt all too relatable. It's quite intriguing to me to read about plagues we've had in the past, and see similarities and differences to what our world is experiencing today.
Overall, I found this to be an intriguing historical fiction. I loved it, and look forward to reading more books by this author.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
November 3, 2021
"Every Word Unsaid" is a Christian romance set in 1897 mostly in India. When Augusta's family became rich, she longed for the life they had before, when she was valued rather than a failure at the required social graces. She rebelled by periodically running off to see the world and writing about her adventures for a lady's magazine. Yet her family's hurtful words still follow her, making her feel worthless and like she'll never belong. When she visits her childhood friends in India, though, she realizes that some people do value her. Still, she struggled to believe their healing words over the hurtful ones.
Her childhood best friend, Gabriel, is now a handsome man. He still supports her and builds her up. He loves her even though he struggles with the fear of losing his loved ones like he did his parents. He knows Augusta's impulsiveness and love of adventure, though, so he doesn't let himself hope she'll stay.
This is a story about how past hurts shape our futures if we listen to the lies and hurtful words. How we find our worth in God, not in how others view us. The main characters were complex, reacted realistically to events, and I cared about what happened to them. There were no sex scenes or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting and enjoyable historical.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Her childhood best friend, Gabriel, is now a handsome man. He still supports her and builds her up. He loves her even though he struggles with the fear of losing his loved ones like he did his parents. He knows Augusta's impulsiveness and love of adventure, though, so he doesn't let himself hope she'll stay.
This is a story about how past hurts shape our futures if we listen to the lies and hurtful words. How we find our worth in God, not in how others view us. The main characters were complex, reacted realistically to events, and I cared about what happened to them. There were no sex scenes or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting and enjoyable historical.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
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