What do you think?
Rate this book
All We Left Unsaid
In this captivating novel of love, family and betrayal, two sisters mean everything to each other—until one secret shatters it all.
Sisters Jess and Ivy have always shared everything—childhood memories, a flat, a love of romcoms. As different as they are, together they’re the perfect balance, with Jess’s calm elegance complementing Ivy’s spirit and thirst for adventure.
But there is one thing—one person—they can’t share: Ivy’s friend, Finn. And when Jess falls for him, the betrayal cuts deep, forming a chasm between the two sisters that widens with every passing day…
Years after that fateful falling-out, Jess receives a call that changes everything and throws her on a journey following in her wilder sister’s footsteps, to discover what happened to Ivy. But is it ever too late to say you’re sorry?
Sisters Jess and Ivy have always shared everything—childhood memories, a flat, a love of romcoms. As different as they are, together they’re the perfect balance, with Jess’s calm elegance complementing Ivy’s spirit and thirst for adventure.
But there is one thing—one person—they can’t share: Ivy’s friend, Finn. And when Jess falls for him, the betrayal cuts deep, forming a chasm between the two sisters that widens with every passing day…
Years after that fateful falling-out, Jess receives a call that changes everything and throws her on a journey following in her wilder sister’s footsteps, to discover what happened to Ivy. But is it ever too late to say you’re sorry?
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2021
907 people are currently reading
2998 people want to read
About the author
Natalie K. Martin
7 books141 followersNatalie K Martin was born in Sheffield, England, and grew up with a fascination for human relationships. After leaving her corporate career to travel and write, her novels became Amazon bestsellers on release.
Writing emotionally led contemporary fiction about life, love and the tricky parts in-between, Natalie's books are relevant and relatable to the everyday woman and have been featured in the Daily Mail, Woman's Own and Pride Magazine.
A dedicated advocate for women's empowerment, Natalie is also a Menstrual Cycle Coach and yoga teacher. She lives in Bavaria, Germany, with her boyfriend and their rescue dog.
Writing emotionally led contemporary fiction about life, love and the tricky parts in-between, Natalie's books are relevant and relatable to the everyday woman and have been featured in the Daily Mail, Woman's Own and Pride Magazine.
A dedicated advocate for women's empowerment, Natalie is also a Menstrual Cycle Coach and yoga teacher. She lives in Bavaria, Germany, with her boyfriend and their rescue dog.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
January 8, 2022
4 stars
It was one of those books I saw on Amazon First Reads for free, read some sample chapters, and couldn't stop. A bomb drops immediately in the prologue, one you cannot discern from the back cover summary. I love the unexpected and just had to see how it would play out.
So I devoured it in less than 24 hours.
The story is about two sisters with wildly different but complementary personalities. Jess and Ivy are best friends and have always been there for each other - two halves to a whole. Until a series of conflicts and events tear them apart for 7 years (legit, didn't see each other or talk - minus two-line birthday emails). It involves self-discovery, romance, loss, grief, trauma...and tugs at your heartstrings for sure. It's told dual perspective (in the third person) kept you wanting what was coming next. I thought it was a beautiful journey- tragic but also heartwarming. I was invested in the characters: it was Jess's chapters that drew me in at the beginning but Ivy's made the book. May have helped that I've been to a lot of places discussed in the books! I could relate to different aspects of each sister at different parts (I'd say, overall, I'm an Ivy).
The sisters discovered their lives in their late twenties to mid-thirties - I loved the sense of empowerment and strength. It was a bumpy road but each choice, good or bad, was unabashedly theirs. The book mentioned race a couple of times, in physical descriptions, settings, and on their Jamaican heritage, but that wasn't the focal point of the story.
What I wasn't as keen on: 7 years?? I was skeptical as to how this would play out. I think Martin filled in the gaps well - it was not just pride, but fear, guilt, and the wildly different paths their lives took. But their rationalizations for the distance started to get repetitive and flimsy. How is it possible two sisters as thick as thieves wouldn't see, let alone talk to each other in that long? Not even sending a one-line email response to a wedding invite? For two sisters who've spent over 20 years of their life joined at the hip and who have struggled through loss together already... it seemed unrealistic that their absence lasted so long. And while Ivy was the "wild child", it seemed she took most of the blame even if Jess is the "responsible" one. Ivy was grappling with a lot of dark stuff and, while she definitely shared in the blame, she couldn't catch a break. Maybe this was due to how much screen time each sister got (and the POVs) but that frustrated me. I do like that Martin keeps it real by inserting these complexities and avoiding the rose-colored glasses. Still, it was hard to believe this separated them for 7 full years, considering their relationship history.
The latter half of the book was a little slower (I wasn't completely sold on Finn as much as I was pre-Cornwall) but it was a strong conclusion to the story. Overall, All We Left Unsaid was a gripping, thought-provoking read and I enjoyed it.
It was one of those books I saw on Amazon First Reads for free, read some sample chapters, and couldn't stop. A bomb drops immediately in the prologue, one you cannot discern from the back cover summary. I love the unexpected and just had to see how it would play out.
So I devoured it in less than 24 hours.
The story is about two sisters with wildly different but complementary personalities. Jess and Ivy are best friends and have always been there for each other - two halves to a whole. Until a series of conflicts and events tear them apart for 7 years (legit, didn't see each other or talk - minus two-line birthday emails). It involves self-discovery, romance, loss, grief, trauma...and tugs at your heartstrings for sure. It's told dual perspective (in the third person) kept you wanting what was coming next. I thought it was a beautiful journey- tragic but also heartwarming. I was invested in the characters: it was Jess's chapters that drew me in at the beginning but Ivy's made the book. May have helped that I've been to a lot of places discussed in the books! I could relate to different aspects of each sister at different parts (I'd say, overall, I'm an Ivy).
The sisters discovered their lives in their late twenties to mid-thirties - I loved the sense of empowerment and strength. It was a bumpy road but each choice, good or bad, was unabashedly theirs. The book mentioned race a couple of times, in physical descriptions, settings, and on their Jamaican heritage, but that wasn't the focal point of the story.
What I wasn't as keen on: 7 years?? I was skeptical as to how this would play out. I think Martin filled in the gaps well - it was not just pride, but fear, guilt, and the wildly different paths their lives took. But their rationalizations for the distance started to get repetitive and flimsy. How is it possible two sisters as thick as thieves wouldn't see, let alone talk to each other in that long? Not even sending a one-line email response to a wedding invite? For two sisters who've spent over 20 years of their life joined at the hip and who have struggled through loss together already... it seemed unrealistic that their absence lasted so long. And while Ivy was the "wild child", it seemed she took most of the blame even if Jess is the "responsible" one. Ivy was grappling with a lot of dark stuff and, while she definitely shared in the blame, she couldn't catch a break. Maybe this was due to how much screen time each sister got (and the POVs) but that frustrated me. I do like that Martin keeps it real by inserting these complexities and avoiding the rose-colored glasses. Still, it was hard to believe this separated them for 7 full years, considering their relationship history.
The latter half of the book was a little slower (I wasn't completely sold on Finn as much as I was pre-Cornwall) but it was a strong conclusion to the story. Overall, All We Left Unsaid was a gripping, thought-provoking read and I enjoyed it.
December 16, 2022
DNF at 50%.. the first half of the book sucked me in but it lost steam and I just can’t bring myself to finish it.
October 8, 2021
A very relatable story of two sisters whose relationship breaks down, but their pride prevents them from making amends. The characters were very well written and made me think how fragile all relationships are and how easily they can be broken.
A thought provoking but rewarding read, thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
A thought provoking but rewarding read, thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
October 6, 2021
SWEET . HONEST . THOUGHFUL . TRUTHFUL . HARSH
The first part of this book sucked me RIGHT in!!! I absolutely loved the paced that it moved at as well as the dual-perspective narration.
The relationships are easy and the writing is familiar with a relaxed tone , however, somewhere shortly after the first quarter, the story got a little ridiculous to me. Not because the story was far-fetched but because of the childish manner in which these two sisters (who had always been sooo close), decided to deal with situations and allowed things to spiral.
The opening scene of the book made me say out loud "wait...huh?" and I went back to read the synopsis because it did NOT allude to the way the story began which was quite a shock. We are then taken back through time and shown the events that lead to that moment. Events that are all so normal but just pissed me off - maybe that was the point? I didn't really like Jess but I absolutely felt she was within her rights to feel and act the way she did (yes, mistakes were also made), and I ADORED Ivy who just kept letting me down so it was a rollercoaster of emotions and eye rolls on my part.
The second half of the book wasn't really for me- it became quite draggy and boring, I found myself skim reading it to pass over the unnecessary details so I could just get to the end.
The end was also an issue for me but I think because it's true to actual life. No matter what, life DOES carry on going and everyone is within their rights to live it and ENJOY it.
Oddly - I would recommend this as I know most people would actually enjoy the drama and the dynamic between all the characters. But it's not one I would read again.
The first part of this book sucked me RIGHT in!!! I absolutely loved the paced that it moved at as well as the dual-perspective narration.
The relationships are easy and the writing is familiar with a relaxed tone , however, somewhere shortly after the first quarter, the story got a little ridiculous to me. Not because the story was far-fetched but because of the childish manner in which these two sisters (who had always been sooo close), decided to deal with situations and allowed things to spiral.
The opening scene of the book made me say out loud "wait...huh?" and I went back to read the synopsis because it did NOT allude to the way the story began which was quite a shock. We are then taken back through time and shown the events that lead to that moment. Events that are all so normal but just pissed me off - maybe that was the point? I didn't really like Jess but I absolutely felt she was within her rights to feel and act the way she did (yes, mistakes were also made), and I ADORED Ivy who just kept letting me down so it was a rollercoaster of emotions and eye rolls on my part.
The second half of the book wasn't really for me- it became quite draggy and boring, I found myself skim reading it to pass over the unnecessary details so I could just get to the end.
The end was also an issue for me but I think because it's true to actual life. No matter what, life DOES carry on going and everyone is within their rights to live it and ENJOY it.
Oddly - I would recommend this as I know most people would actually enjoy the drama and the dynamic between all the characters. But it's not one I would read again.
November 16, 2024
Say something nice ? I have NOTHING
January 15, 2024
Beautifully Written
The characters are so fleshed out they seem real; I wouldn’t mind meeting them. The title is fitting because all that takes place. Witnessing the transformation of the characters was the best. The author knits words together wonderfully. Although I don’t regret reading it, there were many boring parts, drowned in mundane details that didn’t move the story forward. If not for wondering what happened in the end, I would’ve stopped reading. However, I recommend it to anyone who loves a slow, detailed story with some drama, and flawed characters.
The characters are so fleshed out they seem real; I wouldn’t mind meeting them. The title is fitting because all that takes place. Witnessing the transformation of the characters was the best. The author knits words together wonderfully. Although I don’t regret reading it, there were many boring parts, drowned in mundane details that didn’t move the story forward. If not for wondering what happened in the end, I would’ve stopped reading. However, I recommend it to anyone who loves a slow, detailed story with some drama, and flawed characters.
May 22, 2023
Wow, this book really made me feel some type of way. I’m so glad that Jess found out the truth eventually but wish it could have been before it was to late. The title definitely lives up to the book. This was a great read for me & made me sit back and really think if I am being stubborn just bc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2023
I love, love, loved this book!
I enjoyed the differences in the sisters personalities and their approaches to life.
The safe, settled and consistent lifestyle of home, job and routine compared to the colourful, chaotic and carefree lifestyle of travel, cultural experiences and freedom.
They were written in way that made them both so relatable and I definitely identified at points with both of them.
I loved that even though they were so polar opposite of each other, that they eventually discover, through very different journeys, that it doesn’t have to be one life or the other. There’s a world where a good balance of both lifestyles exists.
It also highlights that life is too short and no issue or problem is worth losing important relationships over!
I enjoyed the differences in the sisters personalities and their approaches to life.
The safe, settled and consistent lifestyle of home, job and routine compared to the colourful, chaotic and carefree lifestyle of travel, cultural experiences and freedom.
They were written in way that made them both so relatable and I definitely identified at points with both of them.
I loved that even though they were so polar opposite of each other, that they eventually discover, through very different journeys, that it doesn’t have to be one life or the other. There’s a world where a good balance of both lifestyles exists.
It also highlights that life is too short and no issue or problem is worth losing important relationships over!
March 31, 2022
TW: character death
I have a lot of feelings about this book. You know those movies that are so emotionally charged that you can only watch it once and never again? This is the book version for me.
Two sisters, Jess and Ivy were close but yet had different personalities. Jess is more structure and reserved while Ivy is more wild and spontaneous. A series of events led to their falling out and All We Left Unsaid follows the journey of these two sisters in finding themselves but yet still yearning to reconnect with each other.
This story is very much emotionally driven and we really get into the depths of these two women discovering who they want to be and what they want in life. The path is not always easy and at times it was heartbreaking. The most interesting part of the novel is that by the time we get to the present, their journeys show that they yearned for what the other sister had.
All We Left Unsaid really hits you in the heart about waiting too long to make amends and reconnect with someone. The author does a great job with the ending about attempting to find closure for both women. It was also very real in the fact that grief is a process and sometimes it can be two steps forward and one step back.
I have a lot of feelings about this book. You know those movies that are so emotionally charged that you can only watch it once and never again? This is the book version for me.
Two sisters, Jess and Ivy were close but yet had different personalities. Jess is more structure and reserved while Ivy is more wild and spontaneous. A series of events led to their falling out and All We Left Unsaid follows the journey of these two sisters in finding themselves but yet still yearning to reconnect with each other.
This story is very much emotionally driven and we really get into the depths of these two women discovering who they want to be and what they want in life. The path is not always easy and at times it was heartbreaking. The most interesting part of the novel is that by the time we get to the present, their journeys show that they yearned for what the other sister had.
All We Left Unsaid really hits you in the heart about waiting too long to make amends and reconnect with someone. The author does a great job with the ending about attempting to find closure for both women. It was also very real in the fact that grief is a process and sometimes it can be two steps forward and one step back.
April 30, 2023
3.0
Had me in the first half, ngl. The beginning was really good, well-paced and thoughtful, it had good representation of complicated family dynamics and the fragility of a loving relationship, but as the second half progresses, it drags and becomes monotonous and repetitive.
I liked the first half, it introduced characters, motivations, and the plot really well. It had good foundations and it was believable.
The second half becomes chaotic and too much like a soap opera. I understand that yes, some families can drift apart, but it's hard to believe that two sisters who are orphans would spend the rest of their lives apart, never communicating or forgiving each other. The dysfunction wasn't even that believable as well, siblings fight over stupid things and can go for a while without talking, but not seven whole years. Especially if their whole lives, they were close and never had disagreements, it's just hard to believe that Jess and Ivy would do that to each other in their adult lives.
It was fine, I guess. No real commentary on anything, so no vibes, no plot, it just stagnates.
Had me in the first half, ngl. The beginning was really good, well-paced and thoughtful, it had good representation of complicated family dynamics and the fragility of a loving relationship, but as the second half progresses, it drags and becomes monotonous and repetitive.
I liked the first half, it introduced characters, motivations, and the plot really well. It had good foundations and it was believable.
The second half becomes chaotic and too much like a soap opera. I understand that yes, some families can drift apart, but it's hard to believe that two sisters who are orphans would spend the rest of their lives apart, never communicating or forgiving each other. The dysfunction wasn't even that believable as well, siblings fight over stupid things and can go for a while without talking, but not seven whole years. Especially if their whole lives, they were close and never had disagreements, it's just hard to believe that Jess and Ivy would do that to each other in their adult lives.
It was fine, I guess. No real commentary on anything, so no vibes, no plot, it just stagnates.
October 29, 2021
This is a stunning story of love, family and how making assumptions and not doing the things that make us feel uncomfortable can really leave you with serious regrets. In this day and age when being open and talking face to face is ever harder and social media lives seem all too wonderful, this story is an incredible portrayal of how things can change and how family dynamics evolve when people stop communicating properly.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried more than once when I was reading this. Jess and Ivys relationship, their lives entwined in ways they never knew and the ultimate example of all the things we never say to each other. Gripping and beautifully written, none of the characters disappoint, they’re deep, complex and when combined with some of the locations described in this book evoke feelings of longing and warmth, chills and a need to connect with my loved ones. This book had an effect on me I was never expecting and it’s one that will stay with me for a long time.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried more than once when I was reading this. Jess and Ivys relationship, their lives entwined in ways they never knew and the ultimate example of all the things we never say to each other. Gripping and beautifully written, none of the characters disappoint, they’re deep, complex and when combined with some of the locations described in this book evoke feelings of longing and warmth, chills and a need to connect with my loved ones. This book had an effect on me I was never expecting and it’s one that will stay with me for a long time.
December 5, 2022
well written but slow paced
This was my first read by this author and I thought it the story was well written but the pace of the book was slow and I kept waiting for some action but it never happened. I thought the ending was good though.
This was my first read by this author and I thought it the story was well written but the pace of the book was slow and I kept waiting for some action but it never happened. I thought the ending was good though.
October 9, 2023
I really wanted to enjoy this, and while I was invested in the beginning of the story, it fell flat.
I wish the story included more interaction between the sisters. Also, adding a "romance" storyline was unnecessary, and it took away from delving into the sister relationship more.
I wish the story included more interaction between the sisters. Also, adding a "romance" storyline was unnecessary, and it took away from delving into the sister relationship more.
February 26, 2023
I read sixty percent of this book and couldn’t finish it.
November 4, 2022
This was a truly beautiful yet tragic book told from the perspective of two sisters across 9 years. Jess and Ivy really were the polar opposites of each other but they had such a lovely relationship in their younger years which was fractured as they started to out grow each other. Even though the initial argument stemmed from them liking the same guy it was more that they loved each other too much to see the other get hurt. It was really emotional to see how the two lives played out in parallel with each thinking of the other especially in important occasions and to see the women Ivy became even if her new happy life was tragically cut so short. It really puts everything into perspective and how in a blink of an eye everything can change. We always think we will solve the problem in a day or two but it could stem for months then to years and suddenly it's too late. Even though this book had romance and the one who got away trope the true power is the relationship between the two sisters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2023
Really emotional story which looks at the relationship between two sisters alongside betrayal, love, grief, life and death.
I really loved this story and thought both Jess and Ivy were characterised so well and I loved watching them develop throughout the book.
Definitely is a happy-sad book. I was in tears by the end of it, just really makes you think about appreciating people and relationships around you while you can and why that’s so important.
Esp for me the loss of a sister (not a spoiler it’s in chapter 1 haha) is such a tender point I really could relate to the feeling of having so much left unsaid and not enough time with someone.
Also the ending for me was so emotion packed and a perfect way to finish the story.
I really loved this story and thought both Jess and Ivy were characterised so well and I loved watching them develop throughout the book.
Definitely is a happy-sad book. I was in tears by the end of it, just really makes you think about appreciating people and relationships around you while you can and why that’s so important.
Esp for me the loss of a sister (not a spoiler it’s in chapter 1 haha) is such a tender point I really could relate to the feeling of having so much left unsaid and not enough time with someone.
Also the ending for me was so emotion packed and a perfect way to finish the story.
September 5, 2023
2.5- a petty feud (over a man) between sisters that lasts for practically a decade until one passes away. Overall, the story was depressing and unremarkable. I enjoyed the timeline-jumping, flashback writing style but I spent the weeks it took to finish the book just waiting for something interesting to happen.
October 8, 2021
This is a book that will stay with me for a long time. I loved the depth of the characters and the differences between the siblings which really resonated for me. This was definitely a “just one more chapter” book and when I wasn’t reading I was thinking about it. Thinking what I wanted the characters to do, how I hoped the story would develop. I loved it. I rarely re-read books, but this I happily would and will. Excellent
November 5, 2021
Although it took a minute to get into it, the story was enjoyable and realistic, in how it depicted the relationship between the two sisters. Told from the perspectives of Jess and Ivy, the book starts off with a big revelation and then goes 9 years to their life beforehand. I found the first half interesting but the second half felt dragged and didn't interest me as much. This book was different to ones I've read before and it was easy to read once you got familiar with the characters,
December 18, 2022
This was actually so sad omg 😭
September 30, 2025
3.5 stars!
November 12, 2022
All the Feels from Top
I would have never imagined part way from the beginning of this book, I would hear Ivy’s voice. I at least thought it would be all about Jess. But as time went on, and going back and forth between the two narratives and their journeys, Ivy’s just got so much more emotional and I was left just as heartbroken for Jess and all who loved Ivy. I enjoyed the unique take on lost time; broken family and miscommunication. This story makes you really think about how important family and the ones you love are and the need to keep them close, because you’ll never know when or if you’ll have time to make it right.
I would have never imagined part way from the beginning of this book, I would hear Ivy’s voice. I at least thought it would be all about Jess. But as time went on, and going back and forth between the two narratives and their journeys, Ivy’s just got so much more emotional and I was left just as heartbroken for Jess and all who loved Ivy. I enjoyed the unique take on lost time; broken family and miscommunication. This story makes you really think about how important family and the ones you love are and the need to keep them close, because you’ll never know when or if you’ll have time to make it right.
April 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It had some nice twists and turns and characters were well developed. I actually feel this would be a nice film.
November 12, 2021
A pretty good read, but one of the major plot points just didn’t sit right with me.
March 7, 2022
The relationship between sisters is a complex one and I felt this book was very relatable in its portrayal of very different sisters, Jess the sensible, practical one and Ivy the impulsive, carefree one. It was a really emotional read with them not being able to resolve their issues, so many missed chances. It hurt my heart that they both needed one another and they both wanted to reach out but felt that they would be rebuffed, in the end maybe they were more alike than they believed. A reminder that time isn't always on your side and connecting with people whilst they are still here is so important.
January 13, 2022
A thought, provoking book about 2 sisters ,family and betrayal
I enjoyed the story. Its one that will stay with me for a long time
I enjoyed the story. Its one that will stay with me for a long time
October 11, 2021
This was my second Kindle First Reads offering I selected this month as I've read this author before and enjoyed her storytelling a great deal. This one started with a big old bang and I shot through the first quarter of it but then found I wasn't as eager to pick it up again after that blistering beginning. It seemed to drift off for me a bit. Can't really say why or put my finger on it. I did prefer Together Apart to this one (as well as its beautiful cover-I wasn't as keen on this one). I liked the image of the field she offered us with the quotation at the beginning here....
The author asks us at the end if we identified more with Jess or Ivy and I struggled to decide with that, really....I've have to be a fence-sitter on this, I'm afraid, which I'm never guilty of.....I'm usually very black or white, straight down the line !! I think I liked Jess more as a personality, as I found Ivy to be pretty self-centred and spoilt.
It was pretty sad they didn't resolve things between the pair of them. My brother died suddenly as well and we'd also had "words" before it happened and, like these two we just left things for a couple of years, probably thinking we had years to get over it ! Annoyingly, however, people seek to sanctify the dead, so there were remarks made at his funeral about how I should be feeling awful, etc.....I pointed out that he'd been wrong before he died and just BECAUSE he died it didn't mean it hadn't happened and he was immediately absolved. I think many seek to rewrite history in the wake of death at times.....and however sad I was and however much I miss him, I wasn't going to do that !!
I found it odd when Jess met Nick and he made them both a smoothie that he took a big slug from her glass......not quite sure why this was.....I kept waiting for an explanation but none were forthcoming.
It wasn't error-free, either. She wrote back and it should be aback, buy not but, laughter not laugher, we lost words from sentences a couple of times like a/to and hyphens were needed in intention setting and mosaic painted and we dropped a couple of commas, too.
I'll still be reading more by her, however.
The author asks us at the end if we identified more with Jess or Ivy and I struggled to decide with that, really....I've have to be a fence-sitter on this, I'm afraid, which I'm never guilty of.....I'm usually very black or white, straight down the line !! I think I liked Jess more as a personality, as I found Ivy to be pretty self-centred and spoilt.
It was pretty sad they didn't resolve things between the pair of them. My brother died suddenly as well and we'd also had "words" before it happened and, like these two we just left things for a couple of years, probably thinking we had years to get over it ! Annoyingly, however, people seek to sanctify the dead, so there were remarks made at his funeral about how I should be feeling awful, etc.....I pointed out that he'd been wrong before he died and just BECAUSE he died it didn't mean it hadn't happened and he was immediately absolved. I think many seek to rewrite history in the wake of death at times.....and however sad I was and however much I miss him, I wasn't going to do that !!
I found it odd when Jess met Nick and he made them both a smoothie that he took a big slug from her glass......not quite sure why this was.....I kept waiting for an explanation but none were forthcoming.
It wasn't error-free, either. She wrote back and it should be aback, buy not but, laughter not laugher, we lost words from sentences a couple of times like a/to and hyphens were needed in intention setting and mosaic painted and we dropped a couple of commas, too.
I'll still be reading more by her, however.
November 9, 2021
All We Left Unsaid is the story of Jess and Ivy: sisters who are very different but very close; but who fall apart from each other suddenly and intensely.
Told from both their perspectives, we hear about their relationship and their lives. We hear how their lives go as the sisters part ways and go off down their paths. We see their relationships, adventures – either around the world or in achieving goals.
The story was well told and well-paced. It was very relatable in many ways – the sibling relationship felt real, and the characters felt real.
Natalie K. Martin captured the spirits of both girls, and indeed, all of the other characters, too.
The author asks us at the end if we identified more with Jess or Ivy, and I struggled to decide with that. I have to be a fence-sitter on this. I'm usually very black or white, straight down the line !! I liked Jess more as a personality, as I found Ivy to be pretty self-centered and spoilt.
For me, this book is 3.5 -stars.
Told from both their perspectives, we hear about their relationship and their lives. We hear how their lives go as the sisters part ways and go off down their paths. We see their relationships, adventures – either around the world or in achieving goals.
The story was well told and well-paced. It was very relatable in many ways – the sibling relationship felt real, and the characters felt real.
Natalie K. Martin captured the spirits of both girls, and indeed, all of the other characters, too.
The author asks us at the end if we identified more with Jess or Ivy, and I struggled to decide with that. I have to be a fence-sitter on this. I'm usually very black or white, straight down the line !! I liked Jess more as a personality, as I found Ivy to be pretty self-centered and spoilt.
For me, this book is 3.5 -stars.
March 8, 2023
I had such a difficult time with this book. I just could not make myself believe that these sisters would not talk to each other for 7 years. I know people who don’t speak to their family members, but they are full of resentment, hurt, or complete indifference. Both of these sisters longed to reconnect- and their excuses for not doing so were flimsy. Was it written as a cautionary tale? Make amends before it’s too late? It was a good story and I liked the characters- but couldn’t get past that unbelievable detail.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2021
Everything was heard
Not my usual type of read but exactly what I needed . This book took me on an emotional journey of sisterhood. One was free and they other reserved but yet they both craved what the other had . Talking about fixing things from beyond the grave . This author has the gift of clarity, it was my first read by her but definitely not my last.
Not my usual type of read but exactly what I needed . This book took me on an emotional journey of sisterhood. One was free and they other reserved but yet they both craved what the other had . Talking about fixing things from beyond the grave . This author has the gift of clarity, it was my first read by her but definitely not my last.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews