“With tenderness and skill, Beth Vogt examines the price of secrets, the weight of tragic loss, and the soul-deep poison of things left unsaid.” —Lisa Wingate, NYT bestselling author of Before We Were YoursIt’s been ten years since Payton Thatcher’s twin sister died in an accident, leaving the entire family to cope in whatever ways they could. No longer half of a pair, Payton reinvents herself as … Payton reinvents herself as a partner in a successful party-planning business and is doing just fine—as long as she manages to hold her memories and her family at arm’s length.
But with her middle sister Jillian’s engagement, Payton’s party-planning skills are called into action. Which means working alongside her opinionated oldest sister, Johanna, who always seems ready for a fight. They can only hope that a wedding might be just the occasion to heal the resentment and jealousy that divides them . . . until a frightening diagnosis threatens Jillian’s plans and her future. As old wounds are reopened and the family faces the possibility of another tragedy, the Thatchers must decide if they will pull together or be driven further apart.
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Beth Vogt’s books have long been some of my favorites with their heart-touching stories, and Things I Never Told You is no exception. She captured the fractured dynamics of three sisters unable to move forward after the death of their sister, Pepper. I hurt for Payton, the twin left behind dealing with survivor’s guilt, but also for Jillian and Johanna. I especially identified with Johanna and her need to control everything. This is a story that will stay with you long after you finish it. You won’t be able to put it down once you start it.
I enjoyed getting absorbed into the lives of the Thatcher sisters, during a time when life isn’t that good for any of them. I guess life is like that, isn’t it, especially when we’re dealing with the worst life throws at us. I enjoyed the author’s storytelling and getting to know Payton, Jillian and Johanna. I’ll definitely look for more of this author!
In Things I Never Told You, Beth K. Vogt deftly explores family dynamics, the push and pull between sisters, the pain of loss, the journey of grief, the beauty of forgiveness, and so much more. I rejoiced and wept with these characters and was sorry to let them go when I reached the end. Highly recommended!
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Beth Vogt’s latest novel explores all the intricate complications of family dynamics. Rich with spiritual truths, emotionally compelling and endearing characters, Things I Never Told You peels back layers of the soul, exposing the dangers of secrets kept, and the freedom found when light shines through the darkness as the truth is told. A beautiful reading experience not to be missed.
As one of four sisters, I know how siblings can push our buttons, cut us down, lift us up, extend forgiveness, sacrifice for us, give more than we could ever expect, and know us the way no one else ever could. I found all this and more in Beth Vogt’s latest book, a story of sisters dealing with life and the self-doubt, competition, guilt, bitterness, disappointment, and pain that tend to accompany “adulting.”
Beth spills out onto the page the secrets and heartaches these sisters are hiding and lets us see how those feelings affect their relationships and life choices. Then events push them to crossroads where they must decide if reconciliation, peace, joy, and love are worth fighting for.
It’s a beautiful thing when the healing begins and the sisters start to learn what being a family really is. Though there is more of this family’s story to play out, the ending of this first book in the series is uplifting and hopeful. An uplifting, satisfying read!
Beth Vogt’s debut women’s fiction novel is story about the power of family and forgiveness. Evocative of Little Women, this story about 3 sisters grappling with life in the wake of their youngest sister’s death will make you want to hug your own people.
A beautifully crafted story of three sisters, each finding their own way to love each other despite tragedy, resentment, and personal struggles. I never had a sister myself, but I have often agonized over the ups and downs between my daughters even into their adulthood. No matter their differences, though, love always wins, which is what Vogt portrays in this moving novel about the Thatcher sisters. I hope to read the next books in the series.
Beth Vogt seems to up her game in every book she writes. Things I Never Told You explores the complicated relationships between sisters and within family, as well as secrets and the sometimes devastating aftermath that comes from them.
Payton Thatcher is the surviving twin and youngest sister in the Thatcher family. For ten years, she’s carried a secret about her twin sister’s death. For ten years, she’s struggled to figure out how to live as a lone twin. For ten years, she’s believed certain things about life as she now knows it.
As the story opens, Payton helps one of her closest friends run a party planning business. When Payton is asked to do something that revives the memory of her dead sister, her past begins to slip into her present. She must come to terms with things that happened the night her twin sister, Pepper, died.
Things I Never Told You delves deep into the three sisters’ lives and relationships. Each sister seems very different from the other. But maybe not as much as they think. Unresolved issues and another possible tragedy add tension to already stressed family relationships.
Vogt does a masterful job of addressing the issues between the sisters, and adds twists and surprises throughout the story. The poignancy and real emotion woven through the words had me crying, and laughing, out loud. These women were so real, I found myself thinking about them when I wasn’t reading.
The themes of secrets and new beginnings nuance the story and take readers on an unforgettable journey. These characters will stay with them long after they read the final page. This will be a book I re-read.
**I received an advance complimentary copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I’m not sure why I’ve waited so long to read this book. However, now has been the best time for me since so many of the issues happening in this book I can relate to.
The words “Cancer” and “Death” are two very difficult words to not only say, but to experience. Currently, too many people either know someone or are someone, who has been touched by the struggles of cancer. Grieving and death are also another excruciating stages in peoples’ lives. I have dealt with both in my family and without the support of God, family, and friends, I know I couldn’t have survived those hard times.
In this story, the main characters face these overwhelming issues, and more. We are introduced to the three sisters in this series.
Payton, the youngest, is dealing with the loss of her twin sister and a secret she’s held so deep, that it’s affecting her health and relationships with her family and friends.
Jillian, the middle sister, who has always felt like, the “middle” sister, doubts her worth and the affections of her fiancé. Then finds out she has cancer and her life goes into a tale-spin out of control. All her hopes and dreams start to crumble.
Johanna, the oldest sister, is always trying to control things and other people’s actions, but is she just trying to cover up deep hurt and emotions she’s not willing to face?
Beth Vogt has written a deeply touching story which centers on these sisters’ lives. She writes in a way which brings to light the struggles many people face and also the hope and healing which can come from true communication and strength from God.
This book is the first in the series and I know I will be reading more. In fact, I’ve already purchased the next book and started reading it.
I’ve always loved reading books which draw out emotions and feelings and give me a life lesson to walk away with. This book does that, and I highly recommend you pick it up.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The truth will set you free
Payton and her identical twin Pepper had excelled on the volleyball court in high school. Both adored the sport and had plans to continue playing and coaching as adults. Until the tragic accident whichended Pepper’s life at the tender age of sixteen. . .
Things I Never Told You is a powerful story that chronicles Payton’s life a decade after the death of her twin. It deals with weighty matters such as guilt, grief, fear, and forgiveness.
My favorite character was Jillian’s fiancé, Geof. His intense love for Jillian was amazing. The fact that he also had a corny sense of humor and a way of easing heavy situations didn’t hurt at all. The way he handled Jillian’s news and fears was so admirable and incredibly sweet!
I always love stories that share spiritual truths clearly and in a relatable fashion. Things I Never Told You does exactly that, as Payton is slowly drawn to a place where she questions what she knows about life and God.
Read my review of Things I Never Told You by Beth Vogt at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
What a beautifully written and poignant story that leaves you a puddle on the floor. Have a box of tissues and time to engross yourself in this story of sisters that doesn’t let go. It deals with sensitive and deep issues in such a thought provoking way and has you digging deeper to look at your relationships. I love the twists that keep you guessing. Definitely will be on my best read list.:I can’t wait to read more in this series.
I won a complimentary copy. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Families can be complicated. They are the ones who know you best – mistakes, weaknesses and all.
And as much as many things are shared, families are about individuals, each one with their own perks and personalities, sharing the same. No need to say how tough that can be.
Things I Never Told You is about these messy family dynamics. More so, it is about sisters.
That complicated, comforting and challenging relationship that can be a sibling.
The Thatcher family has its share of heartbreaks and tragedies, and they’ve been coping the best they can for the past ten years. But this unwanted anniversary will haunt Payton as no other.
The question is will she take the step? Will she face her fears? Will she find the courage to embrace her dreams and not live in guilt anymore? Most importantly, will she be willing to learn to share her life again? Facing the chance of heartache heads on…
Something I thought very interesting was that the Thatchers are relatively normal. They still get together for breakfast, to watch football games, for Christmas and the likes… but still, there’s a distance between them, especially the sisters. This brought to mind that though our stories might be different, some labeled less tragic than others, there’s still common ground because perfection can’t be obtained this side of eternity. However, redemption and reconciliation can. And what a joy!
To be truly known, truly seen is scary. There’s no hiding, but that also means there aren’t any shadows, there’s hope for light. And truth, no matter how ugly, brought out in light can most certainly be met by grace, hope, and healing. I’m very much looking forward to the installment.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it highly!
This wan’t as difficult of a book to read as I had imagined. It deals with sisters, loss, and grief, but it focuses more on the process of healing that they go through- not only with their grief but also their fractured relationships. There was an underlying sense of change and turning towards something new, even when some of the characters felt helpless or hopeless. Payton had an authentic voice, and her part of the story is told in first person, so I would consider her the main character. We also see some third person point of view from Jillian, the sister diagnosed with cancer, and Zach, the acquaintance from high school that is seeking to make things right with Pepper’s death. The journey is heartfelt but never corny or cliche. The dynamics of the sisters’ relationship is forefront in the plot as they are brought together and undergo a little pressure cooking from wedding planning, the cancer, memories of Pepper, and the holidays. I appreciated that part of the change in the end involved forgiveness and choices to try harder and allow a new dynamic to form. One of my favorite quotes from the book came from Jillian’s thoughts:
“Could things be changing between her and Johanna and Payton? Shifting so they could have better- more respectful- communication? Learn to accept one another as adults, not just continue to react to each other the way they had growing up?”
Also this from Pepper: “Sometimes you just have to forget all the other stuff and remember we’re sisters.”
I’m glad that I read this book as it prompted me to examine the relationships I have with my own sisters and think of ways I can be a better sister and friend. And that’s what really good books do 😉
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)
Oh dear mercy that ending!!!!!!! Beth Vogt is going to kill me! How long until the next book because I neeeeeeeed to know what happens next!!!
Ok now actual review: So this book is a modern take on Little Women that takes place after the loss of one Thatcher sister. This book is told mostly from the perspective of the youngest sister, Payton, with generous potions from Jillian, sister number 2. As the three adult Thatcher sisters face a series of challenges, they arrive at the 10th anniversary of Pepper’s (daughter #3) death. Watching their struggle to find a way back to each other pulled the reader into this family with the same sense of longing I remember feeling when I read Little Women for the first time. I really want to quote Teddy Lawrence, and declare that I want to be a part of the Thatcher family! Now I seriously need the next book!!!!!!!
I enjoyed this book. I cannot wait to read more on these 3 sisters!!
A great book about sisters relationships. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
I had the pleasure of endorsing this book, so you know I loved it! I called it “engaging, sympathetic, and almost painfully honest.” Watch the full #2MinBookReview at http://www.carlalaureano.com/2minbookreview-things-i-never-told-you-by-beth-k-vogt/
“Healing relationships take time—and it’s not just up to you to make it happen. Believe me, I know.”
Vogt is well known for her works of fiction in the Contemporary/Romance genre but has now crossed into Women’s fiction with a confident step forward. Things I Never Told You wrapped around my heart like a ribbon on a package. I honestly did not think I would be as enraptured with it as I was but I had a hard time not thinking about the characters when I had to put it down to do normal things like laundry and cooking and basic mom stuff. I was anxious to pick it back up and continue on in the lives of Johanna, Jillian and Payton, the Thatcher sisters. Their relationships are complex, strained, emotional, and in desperate need of healing. As is often in real life, relationships have problems going on under the surface and a tragedy is what brings them to light. Grief is prominent in the story and the driving force behind much of what happens but it is not the be-all and end-all. I enjoyed the complexity of the characters. They seemed so real.
The focus of this book is Payton, the youngest sister but with ample time given to Johanna and Jillian, along with their boyfriends, makes me look forward to reading the next two books in the Thatcher Sisters Series. This book would be a great choice for a book club. It is a gem, for sure!
I highly recommend Things I Never Told You to all fans of Women’s fiction. And if you are like me, one who does not usually read that genre, I encourage you to give this story a try. I am sure glad I did!
I was gifted a copy of the book from the author and was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.
Some families are close, they share everything with each other. Siblings are best friends and talk every day. And then there are families like the Thatchers.
Things I Never Told you is a deep exploration of the lengthy shadow cast over this family’s relationships by tragedy. Payton once confided in her twin sister but shame at her part in the death of Pepper has caused her to avoid her family more often than not. Instead, she buries herself in work while keeping her other two sisters at a distance, point at faults as reasons to stay away.
As the middle sister, Jillian has become the peacemaker between her bossy and controlling older sister and Payton. When she’s confronted with a challenge that saps her of all her strength and energy, she no longer desires to step into that role. Why can’t, for once, her sisters care about what’s going on with her?
Beth K. Vogt’s foray into women’s fiction is poignant and powerful. This story is from first person POV for one character and third person from two of the others, but, in this case, it works well. There is growth in all three of these characters but also acceptance of some of the things they cannot change. And emotions run high throughout the pages. Yet, fans of Vogt’s romances won’t be disappointed, though, as there is both a thread of romance and a hint of a beginning of another in this one.
Johanna, Jillian, and Payton are complicated and real. I want to find out what’s up with Johanna. What’s made her the way she is—controlling, organized, type-A. I want to hang out with Payton some more and see how the decisions she made at the end of Things I Never Told You are working out of her. And I want to hang out with Jillian and her BFF some more. So I’m more than pleased to know this is just the first book in the Thatcher Sisters series!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.