Kimberly Duffy has ignited my imagination in her books. Every Word Unsaid is just the latest to bring another place and time to life for me. Augusta Travers, or Gussie, is a main character to love. Her need to find a place in the world, to do something important, is at odds with her family and societal expectations. But as she runs to India to photograph and document its wonders for her magazine’s readers, Gussie grows in her understanding of the world and herself. India was not all she expected, and neither is her renewed relationship with her childhood friends. Every Word Unsaid seems like a coming of age story for Augusta as she discovers the beautiful, the tragic, and the horrific world of early 1900s India. Readers will discover the tenuous place women had in society, the domination of colonial rule in everyday life, and the necessity to see people as they are — unique and valued. There’s adventure, suspense, and romance all wrapped up in a beautifully written story. (I am in awe of Duffy’s facility for creating a wonderfully crafted narrative.) You’ll fall in love with all of the characters, not just Gussie. The audiobook was excellently narrated, and I was immediately swept up in the story.

For those seeking an immersive reading experience, I highly recommend Every Word Unsaid.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

Kimberly Duffy paints beautiful pictures with her words. She is adept at describing the sights and sounds of India and other parts of the world and bringing them alive for the reader. It was wonderful to again visit India and get to know the people, delights, and also the problems confronting India in the late 1890s. The characters in the book are colorful and interesting. Gussie is independent, courageous, strong-willed and wants to leave her mark on the world. Most of the time I admired her spunk and drive, although I felt she sometimes went a little overboard in her actions. Gabriel is an interesting and likeable hero as he helps Gussie see her self-worth. I recommend this book to those who enjoy seeing the world through reading stories. Duffy has written another absorbing tale, and I’m looking forward to what she has in store next.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. ( )

Kimberly Duffy has a true gift for storytelling! Her beautiful prose draws you into the story from the very first page and makes you fall in love with the characters by the end of the first chapter. And her ability to develop characters throughout the novel is truly a remarkable talent. I loved Gussie. She has gumption, courage, and tenacity, and she’s willing to stand up for what she believes is right, almost to a fault. I also love how she changes and grows in the story as she faces new obstacles and fears. Additionally, Kimberly Duffy once again transports us to exotic India, with vivid descriptions that cause you to be lost in the sights, smells, and sounds of both the beauty and tragedy of this beautiful country. I have never traveled to India, but I almost feel like I have a better understanding of its culture just from reading her novels! My favorite part of this story, however, is the expert way the author weaves deep spiritual truths into the novel that have you, as the reader, pausing to reflect on your own spiritual journey as you realize your true worth comes not from others but from our great God. This book is everything that is fantastic and wonderful and I cannot recommend it enough. An absolutely incredible read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from an Austen Prose tour with Laurel Ann Nattress. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ( )

It took me longer than is usual for me to read this book because it is meant to be savored. Mostly set in India, as are Duffy's two previous books, readers are immersed not only in the country's exotic beauty, delicious smells, and savory cuisine, but also in the poverty and disease. During the late 19th century, Gussie Travers travels to India to escape her family's expectations and censure. Driven by the echos of their voices, she sets out to prove her worth, only to discover that she is more valued and has a deeper purpose in life than even she could have imagined.

Duffy is a master of character development. It is unlikely that readers will be unable to find a character in this book within whom they could closely relate. They may even relate to more than one on different levels.

I do usually enjoy epilogues, discovering what happened down the road so to speak. In this case, I wish I had stopped reading with the final chapter and skipped over the epilogue as the writing of it felt out of sync with the body of the story. This however did not keep me from giving this book five stars.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary cop of Every Word Unsaid from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. ( )

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. ( )