About this book

A gorgeous, unputdownable story of love, hope, and redemption.

When Ruth Ann (Roo) McCabe responds to a text message while she’s driving, her life as she knows it ends. The car flips, and Roo winds up in a hospital bed, paralyzed. Silent. Everyone thinks she’s in a coma, but Roo has locked-in syndrome — she can see and hear and understand everything around her, but no one knows it. She’s trapped inside her own body, screaming to be heard.

Mathilda (Tilly) is Roo’s sister and best friend. She was the one who texted Roo and inadvertently caused the accident. Now, Tilly must grapple with her overwhelming guilt and her growing feelings for Roo’s boyfriend, Newton — the only other person who seems to get what Tilly is going through.

But Tilly might be the only person who can solve the mystery of her sister’s condition — who can see through Roo’s silence to the truth underneath.

Somehow, through medicine or miracles, will both sisters find a way to heal?

Reviews

Praise for The Secret Language of Sisters:

"Riveting and heartbreaking... a glorious affirmation." -- Lauren Myracle, bestselling author of Shine

"Luanne Rice brings her trademark grace and lyricism to a suspenseful story about sisters and life-changing chances." -- Huntley Fitzpatrick, author of My Life Next Door

"A moving story, beautiful told, about art, hope, and all kinds of love. Welcome to the YA world, Luanne Rice!" -- Natalie Standiford, author of How to Say Goodbye in Robot

"Raw and emotional. A novel you'll want to discuss, and one that will stick with you long after you've turned the last page." -- Tamara Ireland Stone, bestselling author of Every Last Word

"Rice skillfully examines the way one mistake can shatter the lives of many." -- Publishers Weekly

"Genuine and heartfelt. . . fans of Gayle Forman's If I Stay. . . will find another favorite in this." -- School Library Journal.

"Rice, a bestselling adult author, employs alternating chapters in the sisters' voices with clarity and honesty in her YA debut." -- Booklist

Praise for Internationally Bestselling Author Luanne Rice

"Luanne Rice has enticed millions of readers." -- USA Today

"Rice has an elegant style, a sharp eye, and a real warmth." -- San Francisco Chronicle

"Rice's trademarks are fine writing, a good eye for small detail, and an uncanny way of conveying the mysterious glue that holds families together." -- Kirkus Reviews