Everything She Didn't Say

by Jane Kirkpatrick

In 1911, Carrie Strahorn wrote a memoir entitled Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage, which shared some of the most exciting events of 25 years of traveling and shaping the American West with her husband, Robert Strahorn, a railroad promoter, investor, and writer. That is all fact. Everything She Didn't Say imagines Carrie nearly ten years later as she decides to write down what was really on her mind during those adventurous nomadic years.

Certain that her husband will not read it, and in fact that it will only be found after her death, Carrie is finally willing to explore the lessons she learned along the way, including the danger a woman faces of losing herself within a relationship with a strong-willed man and the courage it takes to accept her own God-given worth apart from him. Carrie discovers that wealth doesn't insulate a soul from pain and disappointment, family is essential, pioneering is a challenge, and western landscapes are both demanding and nourishing. Most of all, she discovers that home can be found, even in a rootless life.

With a deft hand, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick draws out the emotions of living--the laughter and pain, the love and loss--to give readers a window not only into the past, but into their own conflicted hearts. Based on a true story.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Christian, Historical Romance, Westerns

343 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2018

About the author

Kirkpatrick brings us a story of one woman's restoration from personal grief to the meaning of community."

Reviews

[Jessica (Odd and Bookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from the publisher (Revell Books) in exchange for an honest review.

This book provided a fascinating glimpse into the real life of Carrie Strahorn, a famous pioneer woman. Prior to reading this book, I had never even heard of her.

I loved how the book focused on the things Carrie didn’t say in her memoir. It gave a nuanced portrayal of the actuality and hardships of being a pioneer, as well as just being a woman during her time. I also liked how it explored her complicated relationship with her husband. It showed both the ups and downs of their marriage.

The author did a tremendous amount of research and it really showed throughout the book. The book is rich in details and in facts. There is even an author’s note at the end, explaining what was fact and what was fiction.



This book is published by a Christian publisher so there is a Christian element to it, but it’s very subtle and well done.

My one critique is that the story dragged a bit in the middle since it was just Carrie and her husband constantly traveling. I got a little lost in it. Once they got settled down in a town the book picked up again.

Overall, I really enjoyed learning about Carrie and the author did an amazing job portraying her life.

For more book reviews, be sure to check out my blog: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author always does such meticulous research while writing her books. Jane's newest book, Everything She Didn't say is based upon the life of Carrie Strahorn, a woman who travels around with her husband as he writes articles in hope of bringing people out west to the towns he builds up by way of the Union Pacific Railroad. You'll read about the things, Carrie can never share with her husband, her inner most thoughts,her hopes,dreams,the highs and lows. It's not easy to not have a permanent home always moving around with her husband's work but she did it, just like she gave up her dreams to make him happy. Kirkpatrick is one of my favorite historical authors, I've read many of her books and love all the research she has gathered for her historical book journeys.
Pub Date 04 Sep 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[Loraine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is based upon the real life story of Carrie "Dell" Strahorn and her husband Robert. Robert is a a railroad promoter, investor, and writer. His main task is to develop towns so that the Union Pacific Railroad can continue to lay track. Robert is a very strong-willed man and is constantly on the move as he writes about the west trying to entice newcomers to build new towns. Carrie is an independent woman who ends up traveling beside Robert; but, in turn, she gives up some of her dreams and aspirations in order to be together.

This story incorporates the use of Carrie's memoirs written during the 25 years of accompanying her husband. Kirkpatrick includes bits and pieces of the memoir throughout the chapters, so the reader can get a glimpse into the feelings of Carrie during the specific events Kirkpatrick is writing about. I have read several of Kirkpatrick's earlier books and enjoyed her rich historical detail immensely, but feel that this book would have been better written as a novel rather than somewhat of a memoir. I could never emotionally connect with either Carrie or Robert and found the book rather dry overall.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author made me feel like I was sitting in the same room with Carrie/Dell, and I was traveling and experiencing amazing new frontiers, traveling by stage and being in Indian War country.
Carrie became a friend and loved that the whole book is mainly fact, wow, makes everything so very real, and I felt the pain that she was never really given her heart’s desire.
While Carrie stayed by choice in her husband’s shadow, she sure accomplished a lot on her own, and helping build her church seemed to be one of her cherished achievements.
A really compelling read, filled with history and strong pioneers who helped build the western part of this country. The author did a great job of telling Carrie Strahorn’s story!

I received this book through Revell Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Maddy]

DNF at page 124

Everything She Didn’t Say is a historical novel that follow the lives of Carrie and Robert Strahorn. Robert is a writer, and he travels all over the west seeing sights and recording his thoughts. His wife, Carrie, isn’t up to traveling like Robert, but sometimes comes along for an adventure or two.

This book is pretty different than anything I’ve read with the way it was formatted / written. Each chapter starts with a journal entry by Carrie about what she’s currently going through and ends with a small paragraph about her current situation from a memoir she is writing. While it was neat to see her side of the story from so many different ways, for the most part it felt pretty dry to me. Historical fiction isn’t my favorite genre, and this just wasn’t capturing my interest.

With that being said, I would like to go back sometime and finish it.

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the third book I have read from this author. My track record is not that good. I think I will not be reading another book from this author. Which is a shame as I keep finding myself drawn to this author's books due to the time periods and the premises. The author has no problems with transporting me to the specific time periods that she writes about. What I struggle with are the characters. No matter how much I try and hope, I can't seem to find that emotional connection to them.

Additionally, with this book, it moved slowly. Also, the way it was laid out did not work for me. There was the story and than there was Robert's memoir. Passages from his book were featured without this book. It did not flow. For me, it was stop and go; which made reading this book clunky. Overall, this book was not me cup of tea.

[Christine Roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting book that made me want to know more about Robert and Carrie Strahorn. However, it felt very disjointed...like I was reading bits of a memoir, but not. I can't describe the way this book was written. It was interesting as I had never heard of the Strahorns and they did indeed live a very interesting life traveling throughout the West and raising funds and towns in order to build up the booming railroad expansion of the 1880s-90s. I think I might have like this book better if it were written as a novel, rather than a the way it was formatted. Their lives would make a great historical fiction series! They had a lot of great adventures and misadventures! Just the format of the book was tough for me to get into.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: This is more musings from my blog than an actual review, so if you don't want to bear with me, continue to someone else's review of the book.

When I started working at the library waaaay back in 1974, despite its re-bound plain blue cover, Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage by Carrie Strahorn (the subtitle "A Woman's Unique Experience during Thirty Years of Path Finding and Pioneering from the Missouri to the Pacific and from Alaska to Mexico," pretty much covers the topic), caught my eye every time I passed the travel shelf (it was later re-cataloged into the history category).  I loved the idea of this woman traveling all over the west in the late 1800s by stagecoach and was fascinated with the photos and drawings by C. M. Russell. I never read the book cover to cover but would periodically check it out and read parts of it (probably one reason it’s never been weeded from the collection!). What I got from the book is that Carrie Strahorn’s travels alongside her husband, Robert, as they scouted our various locations for railroads and founded a few towns along the way (such as Caldwell, Idaho, and Ontario, Oregon), was an amazing adventure and a story of resilience to not only travel under challenging conditions, but to also keep her marriage intact. So I was thrilled to see the new novel by Jane Kirkpatrick, Everything She Didn’t Say, a novel based on Carrie Strahorn’s life.

A little background on Jane Kirkpatrick, a writer from eastern and central Oregon.  I've been recommending her historical novels for 23 years (especially Gathering of Finches, set at Shore Acres near Coos Bay) as her novels based on real women of the west are "clean" and well received by readers. The novels have always been described as “faith-based” or “inspirational” but I found that while they were based on Christian beliefs, the messages weren’t at all heavy-handed. You can find a complete list of her books here.

When I started reading Everything She Didn’t Say, I was a little turned off by the clunky title and the fact that Carrie’s story seemed a little remote. It wasn't long, though, before I couldn’t put this down and having her memoir alongside to check certain passages greatly enhanced the experience.  And the reason for the title is that Kirkpatrick did a lot of in-depth research and reading-between-the-lines to expand Carrie’s story of what wasn’t said in the memoir and what could have happened in her personal life. Especially enjoyable was the epilogue where Kirkpatrick explains how she came to write the book and gives information about her research.

One of my favorite parts of the novel is when Carrie is talking about working with C. M. Russell about the drawings and she said about one sketch: "...he made me look as lithe as my niece instead of the 'fluffy woman" I always was."

Bottom line is I loved Kirkpatrick’s book and believe anyone interested in Oregon and northwest history, along with true travel adventures during a tumultuous historical period, will enjoy both books.

For my complete entry, visit my blog - https://robinsbooks.blog/2018/10/25/r...

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blending together actual pieces of history with a strong and admirable female character who often bucked the expectations of others to live out a life of adventure, "Everything She Didn't Say" is an intriguing tale indeed! Carrie is the kind of character that both male and female readers will enjoy reading about, showing deep courage and perseverance in the face of trials and hardships as she follows her husband into the wild west where true danger abounded. It is fascinating to view society through Carrie's eyes, especially looking at the position woman in general held in society, as modern day woman would likely respond very differently than Carrie did as the story unfolds! And yet I loved watching Carrie stand up for herself in her own way, and find a unique path forward in terms of the relationship that she had with her husband. The lessons she learns along the way are invaluable, especially learning to be content in all circumstances, as this is such a hard lesson for any of us to come to grips with. Although I appreciated what I learned about the settling of the West, it is the way Kirkpatrick explores marriage and what it means to love and experience grief and loss and still love is what really moved me. I closed this book with a fresh appreciation for the author's skill at exploring unique individuals from the pages of history and mining out truths from their lives that are still every bit applicable to our current situation today.

Kirkpatrick has once again used her research skills to bring history to life with characters that will long linger on your mind. Readers who have never had the chance to try one of her novels should absolutely consider doing so right away, and "Everything She Didn't Say" is a great place to start. Kirkpatrick's writing is beautiful and, though her novels don't move at a breakneck pace, they leave much for you to savour. I award this book a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything She Didn’t Say is my second foray into Jane Kirkpatrick’s fiction (following All She Left Behind). This novel continues Kirkpatrick’s theme of exploring the lives of real-life women and piecing together their stories from memoirs and other historical research. While the premise of this novel has promise, following Carrie and Robert Strahorn’s unconventional life traveling and cataloging the American west at the end of the 19th century, I struggled through this story when compared to Kirkpatrick’s previous effort. In my review of All She Left Behind, I noted that one thing I appreciated most about Jennie, that novel’s heroine, is that she “did not let the choices of others define her.” And while I realize and deeply, deeply appreciate that every woman’s experience is different – and autonomy at any level was hard-fought and hard-won in the 19th century – Carrie’s relationship with her husband was incredibly frustrating. Any wish or preference she dared to possess went largely unmet or disregarded wholesale in Robert’s headlong (and often unethical) drive to make a name for himself. This is a two-edged sword, as I fully recognize the limitations society placed upon a woman in Carrie’s position, but the fact that she was a “partner” only when it suited her husband broke my heart. As such, this novel read more like a recitation of events than an immersive dive into Carrie’s unconventional marriage and nomadic lifestyle. While that disconnect constantly hammered home my frustration with Carrie’s struggles and lack of fulfillment, it made me incredibly aware of and grateful for the opportunities I have today. Opportunities hard-won in no small part by women such as Carrie who “stayed in the happy lane of life,” leaving much unsaid and, if we are lucky, the sacrifice of their lives somehow documented. While this novel did not leave me eager to immediately pursue more of Kirkpatrick’s backlist, I deeply appreciate her work in giving voice to women whose lives would otherwise be lost to the passage of time. There’s material for remarkable stories locked in the most seeming mundane existence, and I love the fact that Kirkpatrick gives those quiet warrior women a voice once more.

[Karen Levay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a long time to get into this book. The pace seemed to drag and be somewhat repetitive. Even though the book was based on the lives of real people I just had a hard time relating to them. The extensive historic research and its incorporation was the best part of the book. Some insights into how women handled some day to day activities and concerns was very interesting.

[Kriste · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, interesting life, but at the core, I didn't really like the main people featured.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cool bit of fictionalized biography. It centers around a real person, Carrie "Dell" Strahorn, who wrote a memoir called Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage in the early 1900s that detailed her life travelling the country with her railroad-promoter husband. That book is now on my TBR list, as the excerpts included at the end of every chapter in this book were really intriguing.

What Jane Kirkpatrick does in this book is imagine all the things Strahorn DIDN'T put in her memoir. She fills in the gaps, as it were, with the not-so-shiny, not-so-happy parts of life. She takes clues from both Carrie Strahorn's memoir and that of her husband, plus from several biographies, and weaves them together to build a plausible, if fictionalized, portrait of a woman travelling all over North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s. What her emotions might be, what her spiritual life might be like, what her marriage might have been like inside, and so on.

Now, you know that I love both nonfiction and fiction about pioneers and the Old West. So I'm basically the exact audience this book is aimed for. And I definitely enjoyed it. But I must admit I didn't love it. Partly that's because Carrie Strahorn was... not exactly someone I could be friends with in real life, I think. Maybe because she's a lot like me? Secretive, often putting a bright face on over a bad feeling, and generally taking a very long time to let people in.

Also, I felt like Strahorn's faith was sort of... an afterthought? Like, kind of injected here and there when there was a moment, but not an integral part of her life? So... I didn't love it because of that, too.

But you know what? I don't have to love every book. Totally okay to just like some. Right? Right. So we'll say this was a sold "liked it" and go with that. I did enjoy Kirkpatrick's writing style overall, and I'd like to read something else by her sometime.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

I love that Jane Kirkpatrick highlights the lives of historical women and the stories they could tell. In Everything She Didn’t Say, she features pioneer woman Carrie Strahorn, and the depiction of her life proves eye-opening.

Carrie spends years traveling with her husband Robert, a writer working with the railroad to encourage people to move to the West, and it is no easy, leisurely life. She faces a number of challenges, including simply being a woman in the West and dealing with unfulfilled desires. Her story fluctuates between joys, woes, and the lessons she learns amidst them and comes alive with Kirkpatrick’s skilled writing.

Everything She Didn’t Say is a well-researched, intriguing peek into life in the West. It held me fascinated from beginning to end, and I enjoyed it—and I’m sure that other fans of historical fiction will, too.

This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.

Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a complimentary copy of Everything She Didn’t Say and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Everything She Didn’t Say by Jane Kirkpatrick is a fascinating book. It imagines the life of Carrie Strahorn and what she didn’t include (say) in her memoir “Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage”.

I had to keep reminding myself I was reading historical fiction. I kept wanting Dell to stand up for herself as most women would do now. However, considering this book is set in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s, her reactions to her husband were perfectly reasonable while thoroughly frustrating.

I was sucked into the life of Dell and her “pard” from page one. Jane Kirkpatrick deftly expanded on her memoir in such a way that it was hard to forget this was a fictionalized tale of a true story.

I highly recommend this book to all women, as it shows what life was like for a woman over 100 years ago. I identified with and deeply felt for Dell and the other pioneering women in this book; for they broke a great many barriers for women and paid a very heavy price for it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Everythingshedidn’tsay #NetGalley

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything She Didn’t Say was a story about a pioneer woman, who really did not want to be a pioneer woman. This was a different and intriguing story, based on a true life woman, Carrie Adelle Strahorn, a woman who travelled with her husband, Robert Strahorn a man who was an adventurer. Robert was a writer who worked for the railroad and produced pamphlets to bring folks out west. Carrie also wrote her memoirs concerning her travels with her husband. Author Kirkpatrick does a good job of bringing Carrie’s character to life, and we as a reader get a front row seat as she reveals her deepest thoughts and feelings, some of which she does not even share with her husband.

I really liked Carrie and felt she could be any modern day woman- with hopes and dreams of a life she would like to live. But then, we fall in love with a man who has his own dreams and a different idea of the life he would like to live. Carrie wanted a home, which Robert was very willing to provide for her, but she was not willing to live with him gone most of the time for his work. So she trail blazed right along with him, hoping that she could be the helpmate and true partner that he always needed.

Like all of us, Carrie had insecurities. One of them was that she was the second choice of wife for Robert. His first love, also named Carrie (and Carrie or “Dell” (as Robert called her from the beginning of their marriage) - was her best friend) died. So he married Carrie, choosing to call her Dell from her middle name. Carrie was somewhat uncomfortable with this, but decided to make the best of it and called Robert a nickname as well.

There were many sayings in the book that just really stood out and inspired me. If I was a person who wrote in my books, it would be heavily underlined. All in all, this was an interesting read on a true woman pioneer who decided to take what life had offered, her marriage and her work, and make the best of it and make it an adventure it truly was.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Trixi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is lovingly dedicated to my dear husband Robert E. Strahorn whose constant chum and companion it has been my greatest joy to be for more than thirty years in the conquering of the wilderness. ~ Carrie Adell Strahorn (dedication page from Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage, volume 1.)

A memoir is no place to whine but rather give us wisdom we can all share without having to go through the pain ourselves.

While this is a true account of Robert and Carrie “Dell” Strahorns' life, it is also written with the literary license to bring these two people to life. Following along their many years of traveling to birth towns and rail lines from 1877 to 1925. Kirkpatrick has the wondrous ability to spotlight figures in history that you would not otherwise read about. From various research sources she gleans fact and turns it into fiction. It's mostly from Dell's point of view and her inner musings as she travels along with her husband. There are things she would never speak aloud to him and the title of the book is a perfect fit. You'll glimpse her disappointment, heartache, broken dreams, and most inner desires of her heart. But you'll also see her courageous and adventurous spirit and the unconditional support of her husband. Their love is strong and can cushion anything life throws at them. I loved following along with them and learning how their vast influence formed the various railroads around the country. Making history in our own modern world! I also loved how the author incorporated snippets from Dell's memoir before each chapter. You got a feel for what she was like and how she felt. This makes me want to search it out to read myself! In short, Kirkpatrick is one of my top favorite historical writers and I've never read a book I didn't like by her. She always breathes life into dusty books, diaries or memoirs for me!

*I received a copy of this book from Revell and Netgalley and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything She Didn't Say is the newest release by Jane Kirkpatrick. I love historicals and love them more when they were based on real people. However, the style this story was written was not one I enjoy as much as others I have read in the past. I did not feel connected to Carrie as I would have liked. I enjoyed reading about the travelling her and Robert did and what they experienced. I like reading the author's note and learn more about them.
Everything She Didn't Say is worth the read, but unfortunately not my favorite read by this author. I give it three stars.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review of the audio book, read by Christina Moore.

Another reviewer said, “I fully recognize the limitations society placed upon a woman in Carrie’s position, but the fact that she was a ‘partner’ only when it suited her husband broke my heart.”

I honestly can’t add anymore to that statement other than this book made me want to scream in frustration so many times.

[Lydia Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is the story of Carrie Adell Strahorn and is about how she traveled the west with her husband Robert Strahorn. It was fascinating from start to finish.

[Charissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adventure story with a lot of heart and wisdom. I enjoyed this one very much.

[Melanie Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 rounded up. I struggled to get through this one, I found it to be very slow and I didn’t care for the writing style.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of this author - I was thrilled to get the opportunity to read this book. The author is very talented and her stories bring history to life. In this story, you meet Carrie. She details her journey west along with her husband. Her husband works for the Union Pacific railroad. He starts the beginning of towns that were popping up along the railroad. We see that she was not happy in her marriage, it was nothing like she had expected. This wasthe way of the Pioneer woman. The author has done careful research to create this story.

I receive a copy of this book through the Revell Reads blogging program. All thoughts are my own.

[Becca Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 stars
Ever read a story that leaves you both infuriated and heartbroken at the same time? That was me with this book. In the beginning of the story I was sympathetic towards Carrie and her dreams, but also believed that Robert was trying to make the means to support them and their future family financially. Their situation appeared temporary. As the story continued, my dislike for Robert grew rapidly.

It's been a long time since I've loathed a character as much as Robert. Initially I didn't question his love for his wife, but as time went by his selfishness and love of money took on a life of its own. His wife had only two life desires, which she had placed on hold in order to support her husband, but never in their lives did he appear to consider her. Anything he appeared to do for her, was merely a flaunting of his temporary financial successes. He did what he wanted without consideration of his wife.

Yet as much as I hated Robert's character, my heart went out to Carrie. She did all she could in life to maintain a positive outlook and support her husband despite his selfishness. She's certainly a stronger woman than I could be! I can't even imagine being in her shoes. Without explaining, I resonate with Carrie's feelings towards her dislike of a nickname being forced on her (however my feelings are more extreme). Her husband nicknamed her "Dell" because he didn't want to be reminded of another love who shared her name. Her middle name was "Adell" but for some reason he refused to use that full name either. It felt like Carrie's life was compromise after compromise for a man who ate it all up and refused to give anything of himself. The longest time he appeared to spend with his wife was his many illnesses where she nursed him from the brink of death. This wasn't merely a story of hardships in pioneering, it was an old-school tale of a woman being used and abused.

I always say that I appreciate a book that can make me feel something. Well, this book certainly made me feel a whole lot! Jane Kirkpatrick has done an amazing job of capturing history in it's raw, factual state. As mentioned in the book description, the real Carrie Adell Strahorn wrote and published her own memoir in 1911 and this is a work of Jane's imagination to "read between the lines" of what the original memoir shared. It appears she has captured Carrie's history masterfully. I recommend this book to fans of both historical fiction and non-fiction.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Eva-Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything She Didn’t Say details the travels and thoughts of Carrie Adell Strahorn, a real historical figure who is perhaps best known for her memoir 15,000 Miles by Stage. Her memoir – and this novel – details how she and her husband, Robert, traveled the West while working for the railroad. I really enjoyed the ‘real life’ feel of Everything She Didn’t Say, especially the excerpts from Dell’s memoir that were interspersed with fictional conversations and characterizations. It’s definitely an intriguing concept that was done right.

The characters were a good blend of likable and realistic (read: ‘annoying’). I liked seeing how Dell and Robert worked through the rough patches in their marriage. Too often couples in Christian novels blow up over the smallest thing but the Strahorns were more realistic. Of course, it helps that they were a real, historical couple who never got a divorce.

Everything She Didn’t Say was an excellent, well-written inspirational read but it did bore me at times. But overall, this book is a great read for people who enjoy memoirs and well-written historical fiction.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

[Rebekah Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and intriguing book. Had me laughing and at times had my heart breaking.
My heart ached for a woman who died nearly 100 years ago.
A beautiful woman who lived an extraordinary life. One of the most selfless, caring woman I have ever known through the pages of a book.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Kirkpatrick has committed her writing career to revealing the true stories of real pioneer women, who played pivotal roles in settling the west coast, despite remaining unknown to most Americans. Many of the women she has written about helped establish towns, made non-traditional career choices, and found ways to help those in need. Weather and the land itself often stood in their way. Sometimes they faced danger from warring natives, but they also faced barriers from their spouses, neighbors and society's mores. I have learned so much about the settling of Oregon and Washington from the special women she written about (and personally believe that every US History student should be required to read one of her books). In her latest book, EVERYTHING SHE DIDN'T SAY, Kirkpatrick tells about Carrie Adell Green Strahorn and her husband Robert Strahorn. In the 1870's, as the railroads began to expand across the country, Robert Strahorn was hired by the Union Pacific Railroad to travel the west and then write about what he saw. His sole purpose - to encourage settlement of the west, especially in those areas that the railroad had land for sale. At the time Robert, 25, had just married the intelligent, college educated Carrie Green, whom he nicknamed Dell. While Dell longed to settle into a newlywed home, she agreed to travel the rails for a few months with Robert. Instead of a first home, the couple moved from hotel room to hotel room and traveled thousands of miles by stage and rail. To meet his writing deadlines, Robert relied on Dell's shape editing eye, sometimes even using her descriptive language as his own. The promise of accompanying him for a few months grew into years on the road. As they traveled from unknown town to another possible railroad hub, Dell kept a diary, thinking someday she would write a memoir. She also wrote long descriptive letters to her mother back in Illinois. Eventually she began to write articles for newspapers back east under a pseudonym. At one point, Dell accompanied her husband into Yellowstone, possibly being the first non-native woman to see its beauty. As the years went on, it appeared that the Strahorns were accumulating wealth, but none of that mattered to Dell. As the title states (EVERYTHING SHE DIDN'T SAY), Dell held back her real desires of a home and family and true friends. Although she tried, she could not voice the great void she felt each time Robert left her for a railroad need. When she learns the true state of their finances, she again stands silent by Robert, but would have gladly given up any desire for wealth in exchange for stability and a child to hold. Eventually Carrie Adell Green Strahorn does write her memoir FIFTEEN THOUSAND MILES BY STAGE 1887-1890 and becomes known as the Mother of the West. While others eagerly read her words to learn the truth of the west, Dell alone knew that what she told was the truth told "slant." Readers of Emily Dickinson's poetry will understand this meaning.

This novel covers decades of time and obviously thousands of miles. Still, it is really the story of a marriage and the need to be valued and loved. As always, I learned something new about the Manifest Destiny of our country. In this novel, it was how the railroad used the media of the day (books and newspapers) for their gain. I am a fast reader, but when I read a Kirkpatrick novel, I slow down to grasp the authentic historical setting. Whether it's Dell planting trees in the arid Utah land or a stage coach ride so bumpy that the youngest riders become "seasick," it's the details that make the story worth reading. The only downfall in reading the latest Kirkpatrick novel is that I will now need to wait probably a whole year before I can read another. However, if she is a new author to you, you are in for a treat. She has written 24 novels that you can enjoy, along with several novellas and nonfiction books.

I received a copy of this book from Revell. All opinions are mine.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it. This is based on the true story of Carrie Adell Green Strahorn, a writer, and Robert E Strahorn, a writer, railroad investor, and her husband. It was similar to the Sarah Agnes Prine series: These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner, or a little bit like The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate, but much better and clean! I highly recommend it.

I love Carrie/Dell's personality and voice, and her husband even though he drives me crazy. I wish he was more concerned about her feelings and happiness and not just his own while taking her for granted.

The author says this is what to expect in a Jane Kirkpatrick novel: no profanity, passion but no sex, four threads - landscapes, relationships, spirituality and work, wants to leave readers feeling hopeful.

“The best way to brush aside longing is to step into something wholeheartedly.” Ch 19

“We women ought to read some books together. We could write to each other about them, how they affected us or what we thought was missing, maybe how the story spoke to our hearts in some way. Or didn’t.” Ch 21

“Sometimes, while exploring for gold, one finds diamonds instead.” Ch 26

Rose Bunting hands her 3 mo old twins Kate (blue eyes) and Kambree (brown eyes) to Dell at the fair. She has 11 older children, these are 12 and 13, she’s pregnant again too. Can’t care for them all. “What she asked was of great sacrifice to save her children.” Ch 26
Robert won’t let her have the babies even though being a mother is what she wants more than anything. She didn’t take them to avoid straining her marriage. He makes me crazy because he is so selfish.

“Women have a way of knowing what another needs. Some of us struggle with receiving kindness.” Ch 27

“That’s what I’m known for, being cheery in times of trial.” Ch 29

“My confidant, my correspondent, my letter-listener, was gone. That bond of mother and child, severed from this earth.” Ch 30

“Perhaps I was being nostalgic spending so much time in my childhood home where I’d felt loved, safe, and had a platform of hopefulness that never wavered.” Ch 30

“We are responsible for who we are and what we become. We must know what matters and have the courage to act on that. Oh, I understand circumstances intervene, but it is how we respond to those circumstances that marks our character, that decides if we will pursue a desire or let it drift out to sea.” Ch 32

Hester tells her to write her memoirs/life story.
“Find the diamonds inside and let them shine. Let the irritating souls you’ve come across be nameless. And be kind to yourself. A memoir is no place to whine but rather give us wisdom we can all share without having to go through the pain ourselves.” Ch 32

“It occurred to me that Robert might never be able to do for me what I needed when I needed it. And in fact, neither he nor any husband should be required to. Or any other person for that matter, a mother for her children...What happiness I’d find inside my marriage, or even with myself, required not relying on Robert or my sisters or the sweet friends I’d made to fill me up.” Ch 32

“What I’d leave in and what I’d leave out of my memoir became a happy occasion of self-consulting. I’d discover who I really was inside those stories.” Ch 33

“I realized how much proximity meant to the establishment and sustenance of relationships with friends.” Ch 33

“Sometimes out of flames the new has a chance to flourish.” Ch 33

“I had to live the best chapters for my autobiography.” Ch 34

“I held my sister’s hand, deciding that when people are grieving it’s best to say nothing but sit and listen. Let their sorrow find the words it needs to without any help from well-meaning chattering family or friends.” Ch 35

“Early in the morning, I began writing again while Robert slept... I loved that alone time in the dark hours.” Ch 35

“I was pleased with myself that I hadn’t wasted worry on something God had already managed.” Ch 35

She hired a new chauffeur with 5 and 1 yr old boys who lived with them.
“Hospitality was my gift and sharing The Pines was my serving platter.” Ch 36

“We have the same ups and downs as any couple anywhere who writes a symphony of their lives, with crescendos and adagios repeating the themes.” Ch 36

“That was Robert and always would be. A wife comes to accept that or spend her life suffering.” Ch 36

After Mary’s funeral - “The map of our older sister was gone. I was the elder sister now.” Ch 36

“I should let old silver tarnish in private. Still, I’ve grown fond of telling the whole story. For it isn’t the trouble or the riches we have in life but how we respond to them that gives life meaning.” Ch 36

“Have a grand life and as much exhilaration as comes from riding out front in a steam engine’s cow catcher...the importance of staying in the happy lane. We have a splendid view - when the fog lifts - as I’m sure it will. It always does.” (Epilogue)

The silver edition of her memoir with 174 engraved signatures of friends is in The Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, which was built where her home used to be.
Her eulogy commented on her ability to have “good cheer in unfavorable circumstances” and of “her power to recover from defeat.” (Author’s notes)

“I wanted always to be authentic but also didn’t want to harm others in my writing of them.” (Author Interview)

[Shari Ring Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely story from Jane Kirkpatrick.

As usual, Jane Kirkpatrick has written a down to earth, historically accurate book, from the perspective of a forward thinking female in the late 1800's. This woman, Carrie or Delia "Del" is the wife of an author who travels extensively. Since Del is childless, she travels with him. They follow the newly laid railroad or rather, they stay ahead of where the next railroad depot is likely to be. With more than his wife's assistance, husband Robert writes books, articles, and brochures encouraging Americans to settle the West. They are instrumental in starting many of the cities we are familiar with today. Wife.Del also raises necessities to build churches and schools. Their lives as nomads are fascinating. So, too, is her perspective on marriage, womanhood, suffrage, and family relationships. Her father and trailblazing sister are physicians, so the story is rich in some medical history as well. All my checking for historical accuracy came up as true. I realize that the main female character was ahead of her time on most issues. But the author cleverly speaks out for other women characters in the story, giving the reader the perspective more common to women of that era. What an exciting time of change it was, after the Civil War, Manifest Destiny, and the railroad. I read a lot of historical fiction from this era. I would have to say this is the book that brought home to me just how instrumental the railroad was in building the West. I have long been interested in the Oregon Trail and the migration west. This story tells what happened next to settle these areas and make them what they are today.

By far, my favorite thread in the overall story was the study on Del's marriage in this era where one married only once in life. I.don't wish to create spoilers so I will write no more on the topic. It was very insightful and well written.

My only complaint about the book is the pacing. It all started out well paced. Around the midpoint it started to drag; I felt like more attention was being paid to minute detail, which I personally found interesting, but I think many would say made the story drag. Then to make up for it, the book wrapped up with warp speed, naming highlights like ticking off items on a list to be done with it. That seems to happen a lot with books that span a long distance in time. I was rather amused when our heroine pointed out her advancing years by mentioning her swollen ankles and creaky joints.

Epic. Historically correct and true to the timelessness of human nature.

Narration was above average.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

My experience with Jane Kirkpatrick has been similar for each book I’ve read of hers: appreciation for the historical research, but boredom with the overall storyline. As I mentioned in my review of The Road We Traveled, “there were parts of the book where I went “Hmm, this is interesting,” and then there were more parts where I wondered when the book would be over.” I really don’t understand how a book could be so carefully researched, yet falter in terms of pace and holding the reader’s attention entirely. Or perhaps I simply really don’t like books that just meander through someone’s life (as I’ve also mentioned in my previous Kirkpatrick reviews).

The format of the book was very confusing to me. Obviously, the excerpts at the end of each chapter are from Carrie Strahorn’s actual memoir, Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage. Yet, there are also journal entries at the beginning of each chapter—are these Carrie’s actual journals, or things made up by Kirkpatrick so the reader knows what year it is? I also had issues with what I must assume are severe creative liberties on the part of Kirkpatrick—she is filling in the gaps only with what she thinks is true, based off of the few things we have about Carrie. And I get that this is historical fiction, not biography, but the picture built of Carrie, of this strong woman who managed to hold her own and carve her own path despite her husband’s domineering nature, is a fictionalized picture. Were any of the thoughts and feelings in this book part of the real Carrie Strahorn? I guess I wouldn’t mind so much if I didn’t think so highly of context and accuracy.

Everything We Didn’t Say is a good look at a woman I knew nothing about, who helped pave the way in the West along with her husband, Robert Strahorn. This Carrie is a good model, and there are many points in this book ripe for discussion, but I left the book without a solid idea of what the true Carrie was really like. In true Kirkpatrick style, the research was great, the actual grip and hook of the book…not so much. I would enjoy her so much more if she was just a little more exciting as a writer, though I suppose that’s the draw—she documents more aspects of someone’s life than simply the “exciting” parts. I just wish, in this case, there was more of a clear idea that she was actually crafting a true representation.

Disclaimer: Book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.