Review: Things We Never Said by Samantha Young

Things We Never Said by Samantha Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an advanced copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.  This will be released May 7, 2019.

I've always loved Dahlia's character, and I am really excited that we finally get her story. She is Bailey Hartwell's best friend and a local artist and shop owner on the boardwalk in Hartwell. We've gotten to know her a bit in the previous two books, but only as a side character. Here we get all of the details about why she's closed off and detached. We come to understand why she is estranged from her family and what really happened to her. Her story is an emotional one, I really felt for her throughout the book.

Dahlia comes from a big Irish family in Boston. In her early 20's she met the man of her dreams, Michael, but things never seemed to fall into place for them to get together. When they finally decide to take a chance on their relationship, tragedy strikes leaving Dahlia feeling guilty and unable to cope. In order to deal with her demons, Dahlia runs away to Hartwell to start over without her family or Michael. No one but her father knows where she is for 9 years as she rebuilds a life for herself and deals with some of the things that have happened to her. Fast forward 9 years to the present, and Michael runs into Dahlia in Hartwell and our story unfolds. Dahlia must return to Boston to help support her father in his time of need, she also must face her siblings and tell them the whole truth about why she left and never came back. She also decides she needs to face Michael and tell him atleast part of the truth because she's never gotten over him. Unfortunately, she has so many fears keeping her away from truly letting him into her heart and her life.

Michael has never gotten over Dahlia. He doesn't deal well with their first several encounters saying some pretty hateful things to her. I could have done without that part. Dahlia eventually sticks up for herself and their explosive connection reignites. As they begin to reconnect and Michael learns the truth of why Dahlia left him, it becomes clear that she is holding back from a more permanent connection. He is determined to win her for good.

I really loved this, it took me about 24 hours to finish. I just couldn't put it down. I loved the characters. There was some dialogue that I could have done without, but it wasn't a deal breaker for me. It fit well with the series and the setting. I hope there are more books to the series to come in the future, there are a few more characters we need to get to know. If you like heartbreaking stories, with a romance that was just meant to be, I highly recommend this one. I really enjoy this series. I feel like a member of the community and like I know everyone when I'm reading this series. It is like a warm hug coming back to Hart's Boardwalk.

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