When Kendra
Brennan moves into her grandfather's old cabin on Hidden Lake, she has a
problem and a plan. The problem? An inflammatory letter from A Very
Disappointed Reader that's keeping her from writing her next novel as long as
its claims go unanswered. The plan? To confront Tyler, her childhood best
friend's brother--and the man who inspired the antagonist in her first book--in
order to prove to herself that she told the truth as all good novelists should.
What she discovers as she delves into the murky
past is not what she expected. Facing Tyler isn't easy, but facing the truth of
her failed friendship with his sister, Cami, may be the hardest thing she's
ever had to do.
Award-winning novelist Erin Bartels searches the
heart with this lyrical exploration of how a friendship dies, how we can face
the unforgiveable, and how even those who have been hurt can learn to love with
abandon.
_________________________________________________________________________
My Review 4 STARS
“Did
you ever consider that antagonists have stories of their own? Or that in
someone else’s story you’re the antagonist?”
This is the first book by this author that I have
read. While this book addresses some pretty gritty subject matter, it is
written in such a manner that I had a hard time putting it down. I found myself
waking up in the middle of the night, thinking about the story, compelled to
read more until I was bleary eyed.
The style the book is written in is quite
interesting. I did not find it to be a fast read in spite of the fact I did not
want to put it down. It is more slow and steady, taking the reader into past
and present, showing the development of friendships, betrayal, abuse, and so
much more.
The author did a good job of heightening the
tension in the story between Kendra and Tyler, and Kendra and Andreas. There
are a couple of extremely well-done twists too! I cannot say that I have ever
read a book quite like this one. I was impressed with the writing and fully
engaged with the storyline and characters from beginning to end.
If you are looking for an engrossing read that is
not your typical cookie cutter story, this is the book. It is not wrapped up in
a neat little bow but then most times life is not that way either. I would classify
The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water
as more Women’s fiction than Christian fiction. There could definitely be
triggers in this story for someone who is a victim of sexual assault or
physical abuse but there is also hope for healing. I highly recommend reading
the authors note at the end!
I was provided a digital copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley for review purposes. This is my honest opinion of the story. No compensation received.
