Steffi has anxiety and is selectively mute. She knows basic sign language and is assigned to look after Rhys. He can't hear, but he listens and he and Steffi communicate in their own silent way. They navigate the world with a quiet power and show that a whisper can be louder than a shout. A Quiet Kind of Thunder left a mark on my heart. I can't even explain how much I enjoyed this book! The characters are so memorable and multilayered. Steffi and Rhys are an endearing pair and I love how they communicate with each other. Their relationship isn't perfect. It's messy and full of ups and downs, but that's what makes them real and relatable. There might be a barrier between them, but they work through it. This novel is beautiful, not only because of the love story, but also because of the relationships between the main characters and their families. This book shows that being gentle isn't a weakness and introverts can thrive in this world.