“And then I realized that to be more alive I had to be less afraid so I did it…I lost my fear and gained my whole life.”  – Author unknown

This is about the cover reveal for UNSPOKEN Words. The journey to get to this point has been a labyrinth. This book has had many many many iterations. I’ve written, deleted, written, rewritten, and edited, edited, edited. And I did it with a lot of fear. Would readers like it? Hate it? Care nothing about it?

One of the very first Beta Readers of the story was a retired librarian from Ohio. She’d been a fan since my first book was published. (I think I was on book three by that time.) She told me there were two things she hated about it and that if she’d known about the trigger—she would’ve refused to read it.

However, in the most recent feedback from ARC readers (Advance Reader Copy readers), the comments have been—“Can’t put it down,” and “Freaking PHENOMENAL!!” and “Best Women’s Fiction book I’ve ever read.”

Now, I’m no longer naïve enough to think that everyone will love this book. However, I do hope the prose will delight you and the story will keep you captivated—until the very last word.

The inspiration for the story sprouted as a homework assignment when I attended West Texas A&M’s Writers Academy where the wonderful and esteemed Jodi Thomas was my teacher. It was there, under the garish light of a college dorm room, I met Jane, Suzanne, and Maggie.

The story started as The Boatshed Bells. I had the opportunity to present the first five chapters to a published author. She said the tone and vibe reminded her of Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood. THAT was so encouraging! However, as these three women whispered their stories to me, the working title changed to The Secrets of the Boatshed Bells, which became too Nancy Drew (yes, I  know I’m dating myself, but EVERY good reader has read at least one Nancy Drew book.)

After the first round of edits, the working title became Secrets, which gave the story a mysterious vibe, but it isn’t a mystery, though the conflicts all are rooted in secrets. It wasn’t until my editor finished her first round of edits did the title change to UNSPOKEN Words.

I have many stories about the journey of this book. I’ll be sharing more about the journey through the labyrinth in more posts to come, so please stay tuned.

Want to know about UNSPOKEN Words? Here’s my introduction:

What happens when the truth you’ve hidden becomes the key to your greatest fear—and your greatest hope?

For years, Jane Landry has carried a secret that could break hearts and heal them all at once. Her son, Christopher Marcus, is the light of her life—but he’s also the boy no one knows about. Not his father, her ex-husband Mark, nor his wife Maggie, or his sister Suzanne, Jane’s best friends from childhood. Now, with a cancer diagnosis threatening her future, Jane must summon the courage to confess her secret. She prays they’ll embrace Christopher as family before time runs out.

But just as Jane takes the first step, tragedy strikes—Mark is killed in an accident after learning he has a son. The devastating loss leaves Jane grappling with how to face Maggie and Suzanne, the two women she’s avoided for years but now desperately needs. Her truth risks alienating them, yet the stakes are higher than ever. Christopher needs a home. Jane needs to know her boy will be loved when she’s no longer there to protect him.

As Jane uncovers the secrets Maggie and Suzanne have been hiding, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying the weight of the past. Old wounds, unexpected betrayals, and the search for forgiveness weave together in a story about love, loss, and the lengths we’ll go to for family.

Set against the vivid backdrop of New Orleans, Unspoken Words explores the messy, beautiful journey of redemption and the bonds that hold us together—even when  stretched to their breaking point.

 Preorder your copy today and discover a story that will break your heart, heal your soul, and stay with you long after the final page.

 Psst. Wait. Psst. Yes, I’m talking to you. Want to know more about UNSPOKEN Words? Below is a little sample, however, if you sign up for my newsletter, you’ll receive the first two chapters! FREE! As we say in Louisiana, it’s a little lagniappe for you.  

(In case you don’t know, lagniappe is a little something extra for free.)

 Preorder links:

 Amazon eBook: https://a.co/d/9vggOYs

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/b6XMkA

 AND below is your SNEAK PEAK at UNSPOKEN Words by Linda Joyce

 “The apple never falls far from the stem.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chapter 1

Another night of little sleep. Karmic payback, I’m certain.

I shuffled to the kitchen, eyes half-open, and slowly poured coffee into a mug. Thoughts had churned in my head all night. How could I have believed escaping to Boston could break the far-reaching cords of family and friends? During my college years, I thought I possessed the power to forge a new future—one different from my mother’s.

But I was wrong.

“Crap.”

Coffee overflowed, ran to the edge of the countertop, staining my white sweater. I grabbed a dish towel and blotted and recalled the days when the same sweater smelled of baby sweetness, but also puke and pee and occasionally poop. Much had happened since then. Days of my greatest joy…my greatest fears.

My mind strayed to my Louisiana family, my old friends, and all the suffering and sorrow and secrets, my gut hopped on a roller coaster like the Zephyr that used to be at Pontchartrain Beach. Wooden. Shaky. With five stomach-plunging drops.

I tried to shove away my thoughts, but my brain played tug-of-war with my memories. My heart hemorrhaged.

I always caved to fear.

The truth I denied in my waking hours refused to be silenced. It shattered my nighttime dreams. Guilt plowed a field in my brain, permanently changing my landscape. I tried yoga. I tried meditation. I even tried Xanax. If I weren’t afraid of becoming an alcoholic like my father, I would drink.

A lot.

“Momma.” Sonny Boy entered the kitchen skating in socks on the wooden floor. I ignored his whine.

“Good job with the jeans and sweatshirt.” My smile was genuine for the love of my heart.

“When can I meet Grandpops?” My gregarious boy sat, plopped his elbows on the table opposite me, lifted his chin, and stared at me down his nose, that same frowning, impatient expression tired professors had given me in college. I squelched a laugh at his seriousness.

“Soon.” I leaned across the table and ruffled his dark hair. “Very soon, you’ll meet your southern family.”

H fiddled with the napkin holder. Thankfully, it was something he couldn’t dismantle.

“Will they be like Pops and Beth?”

“Sort of.” Love for my adopted northern family resided alongside my long-standing ache. I still needed my southern family the way a bread pudding needs bourbon sauce. Fifteen years. Snowy winters. No grits with eggs. Fifteen years of denying and trying to trick fate. Fate tricked me.

The apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

And when the doctor had said, “Cancer. Again.” I collapsed.

Want to know what happens to Jane Landry? Her son, Sonny Boy, Grandpops? Jane’s southern family?

First sign up for my newsletter and get the first two chapters FREE.

And then pre-order the book. It releases on April 22^nd.

Amazon eBook: https://a.co/d/9vggOYs

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/b6XMkA

Happy Reading!

Linda Joyce