Grief, Guilt, and Grace on Lake Koda: A Heartfelt Review of "The Things They Didn’t See"

When tragedy strikes, it often does so without warning—leaving us to piece together the fragments of what once was. Angela Shaeffer’s powerful novel, The Things They Didn’t See, released by Wander Lane Press in June 2025, plunges readers into the deep emotional currents of a family shaken to its core. This exquisitely written family saga is a testament to the strength of love, even when clouded by misunderstanding, grief, and guilt.

Thank you to the author for the book and my honest review. This book tour is sponsored by iRead Book Tours, which helps authors get their books into the hands of readers. Be sure to read my full review and enter the giveaway for a signed copy of "The Things They Didn't See".

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My Review of "The Things They Didn't See" by Angela Shaeffer

At the heart of the novel is Jill, a woman who once thrived on the water, piloting a speedboat at Lake Koda long before she could drive a car. Her happy place becomes the site of unimaginable loss when a sudden storm changes everything. What follows is an emotionally rich exploration of how one tragedy can reshape a family’s dynamics and challenge their bonds.

Jill is a compelling protagonist—grappling with not just grief but the sharp, silent pain of blame and isolation. Her relationship with her teenage son Jake fractures as every attempt to connect is met with resistance. Her husband Matt’s alignment with Jake leaves Jill emotionally adrift, and even her youngest child begins to question her. This portrayal of a family trying to navigate their sorrow—each in their own way—feels raw, authentic, and deeply resonant.

Shaeffer’s prose is both gentle and powerful, guiding readers through heavy themes like self-harm and suicide attempts with care and realism. There’s a strong emotional current in every chapter, making the book both difficult to read and impossible to put down. If you’ve ever loved deeply or lost someone dear, Jill’s pain will feel achingly familiar.

But this story isn’t just about loss—it’s also about hope. As the characters stumble through their grief, they begin to find glimmers of connection. It’s these moments—tentative, fragile, and beautifully written—that offer a sense of healing. The title, The Things They Didn’t See, takes on layered meaning as the family slowly begins to see one another again, truly and honestly, in all their pain and love.

Reading this book felt personal and emotionally intense. I couldn’t help but imagine the weight Jill must carry every day, and how hard it would be to keep going with a family that’s pulling apart at the seams. It’s one of those stories that stays with you, that you’ll think about long after the final page.

I’d recommend The Things They Didn’t See to readers who appreciate emotionally driven stories, complex family dynamics, and a raw yet hopeful tone. Just be sure to bring a box of tissues—and maybe give yourself a quiet afternoon to absorb the depth of it all.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)

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