What Is Unseen

Texas Porch Stories

Fiction - General
362 Pages
Reviewed on 09/27/2025
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Mary Clarke for Readers' Favorite

What Is Unseen: Texas Porch Stories by J. Andrew Rice tells the story of Kyle Luman, a corporate lawyer who loses his wife, Victoria, to cancer. Lost in depression and alcoholism, he decides to go back to his hometown, Three Oaks, Texas, with his two children as a way of leaving his past and finding healing. There, he starts a relationship with Phylicia Jones, a Black civil rights attorney, and reconnects with his lifelong friends, Ben Mueller, a successful logger, and Adam Lovelady, a truck-fleet owner. Kyle's relationship with Phylicia and his friends starts to bring him deeper spiritual strength and a new sense of purpose, but at the same time gets him involved in fights against corruption and racism in the local government and justice system. What starts as a quiet journey of recovery quickly turns into a battle against injustice in their community, leading to a dramatic political clash and personal struggle with faith and survival.

This deeply engaging novel covers themes of hope, grief, corruption, love, and community. What I loved most was how honest it feels. The author shows in detail the pain, sadness, and brokenness Kyle felt and how he made a big decision that changed his life's direction. The author was very descriptive in his writing, which I appreciate, and the way he developed the characters is really commendable. The title was the first thing that captivated me about it. By the time I finished the book, I understood the message behind the title. Just like Kyle's world, it tells us that the hard times we face are not the end of our story, and there is a lot ahead of us that we have not seen. Kyle's relationship with Phylicia added warmth; it was genuine, respectful, grounded in grief and spiritual values, and was a second chance for both of them. I loved how this book touched on important social and political issues like racism, corruption in the justice system, and the importance of faith during tough times. I recommend What Is Unseen: Texas Porch Stories by J. Andrew Rice to readers who enjoy stories about finding hope after loss, politics, and a touch of romance.

Frank Mutuma

In What Is Unseen by J. Andrew Rice, Victoria's breast cancer had been treated successfully, but after five years, it returned more aggressively. After a long battle, she succumbed, leaving Kyle a widower. Her death devastates him, but with the help of his mother and a therapist, he copes well. Kyle's fortunes change again when his therapist dies in an accident, reopening old wounds. Unable to connect with another therapist, Kyle decides to move back to his hometown at his mother's invitation. Meanwhile, Phylicia, who is also from Three Oaks, is moving back to the town after losing her spouse. Kyle's friends are happy to see their friend back and are eager to help him recover. Kyle and Phylicia meet through these same friends. Kyle also has to deal with unfriendly people from Three Oaks, like the newly elected district judge and his friends. How will things turn out?

What Is Unseen by J. Andrew Rice is a satisfying read that will leave its audience contemplating the complex nature of choices and their consequences. The themes covered, such as party politics, religion, and immigration, will resonate with many readers as we see rising intolerance against immigrants and other minorities. Andrew utilized suspense effectively, which made me look forward to reading subsequent chapters, and I loved how he vividly captured every event and place as the plot unfolded. The pacing was steady, which kept me intrigued, and the reader will appreciate this emotive story of human connections. This was a good story, and I look forward to reading more by this talented author.

Mansoor Ahmed

What Is Unseen by J. Andrew Rice is a poignant and heartfelt novel that revolves around the struggles and resilience of a man named Kyle Luman, a corporate lawyer grappling with the loss of his wife to cancer. After her death, Kyle finds himself lost in a cycle of grief, depression, and self-medication until he seeks help and begins to rebuild his life. The story unfolds in a small East Texas town named Three Oaks, where Kyle returns with his children to live with his mother. The novel provides a close look at the challenges Kyle faces as he adjusts to daily life, including dealing with friends, family dynamics, community events, and personal relationships that slowly rekindle his hope. It captures the complexity of grief and recovery with sensitivity and depth, while also painting a vivid portrait of community life and the importance of connection, faith, and perseverance.

J. Andrew Rice’s writing is clear and evocative, with a focus on character depth and emotional realism that draws readers into Kyle’s internal world and the rhythms of small-town life. The pacing is steady and thoughtful, balancing moments of introspection with action grounded in everyday experiences and interactions. The themes of loss, hope, healing, and community are well-woven throughout the plot, inviting reflection without overwhelming the reader. The ensemble of characters is vividly drawn, each adding nuance and authenticity to the story. The author’s skill in depicting the spiritual and emotional journey of his protagonist adds a heartfelt, genuine quality to the narrative. What makes What Is Unseen desirable is its honest portrayal of human frailty and strength, making it a compelling and inspiring read for anyone who has faced personal loss or sought renewal in difficult times.