Words Left Unsaid by Missy Johnson

At 8:28 I was the girl who had everything.
At 8:29 my whole world fell apart.
A split second can change your life. I learned this the hard way. I wasn't ready to let him go. Even when the terms "vegetative state" and "will never recover" were thrown around I held onto hope. I mean, miracles happen, right?
We deserved our happy ending.
Three years later and I'm still hoping. In my heart I know I have to let him go but how can I? He's the only man I've ever loved. He"s my soul mate. My life.
Then I meet Max. He's everything Aiden isn't and as much as I'm trying to fight my feelings, I'm losing. I don't want to fight anymore.

I need to live my life.
I need to move on.
But in order to move forward I need to let go of the past.

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Review by Ashley

I've read a few Missy Johnson books in the past and always enjoyed her ability to take me on an emotional roller coaster. So when I read the synopsis for this book I knew it was something I wanted to try. I'm a sucker for anything that is unique and this book fit the bill. I was hooked right from the prologue. It pulled me in and had me rooting for this strong yet obviously in pain woman.

Words Left Unsaid is told in dual POV, which when done correctly, as it is here, can make a great impact on the story. I liked that it allowed me really get into each of their minds and connect to them more. I really like Kiara. She was a good balance of strong and vulnerable. She found a way to put aside her fear, sadness, anger and grief for the sake of her daughter, Tilly. Of course, Kiara didn't go at it alone. She had her sister, Ellie, and her brother-in-law Grant to help her out when she needs it. Of course, in their infinite wisdom, they set her up on a blind date with one of Grant's friends who just moved back to town, Max. Their first interaction was comical to say the least. But it didn't deter Max. I liked his calm persistence. He gave her space but still pushed her to see the possibility of a different future for herself and Tilly. Tilly was such a joy to read. Her character was full of the innocence, joy and charm that only a child can have. She constantly put a smile on my face even when she was sad. The scenes with her provided the book with some much needed lightness.

I enjoyed the progression of Max and Kiara's relationship. It wasn't always smooth sailing because there was so much at stake. There was actually a lot of back forth that made me want to knock some since into Kiara from time to time. However, their connection was too strong for either of them to keep denying it. Max's surprise for Kiara was perfect and it only brought them closer. Of course, it couldn't be all sunshine and smiles. The past keeps sneaking its way into the present to toy with Kiara and her emotions. Which in turn caused her relationship with Max to suffer. It also showed just how strong and selfless of a character Kiara truly was. She was still able to put on a brave front to protect Tilly and her feelings. Thankfully, Ellie, Grant, Max and Tilly are there to help her stay grounded. And Max has one more surprise up his sleeve to prove to Kiara just how much she means to him.

Words Left Unsaid is so much more than a love story. It is about letting go of the things that hold us back from what we really want. It is about letting go of the pain and anger of the past to find the happiness that we want and deserve. It is about how being a better version of yourself uplifts everyone around you. This book packs quite the emotional punch. I laughed, cried, got upset, laughed some more and finished with a big cheesy grin on my face. Missy Johnson gave me a book that not only made me think but made me feel deeply.

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About the Author

Missy lives in a small town in Central Victoria with her husband, and her confused pets (a dog who think she's a cat, a cat who thinks he's a dog...you get the picture).

When she's not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.

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