If you shop through my Amazon link for anything, I'll earn a small percentage. Thank you so much. :) Christian Books and Bibles

Monday, January 24, 2022

Review: The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels

About the book:
The best fiction simply tells the truth.
But the truth is never simple.

When novelist 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. The plan? To confront Tyler, her childhood best friend's brother--and the man who inspired the antagonist in her first book. If she can prove that she told the truth about what happened during those long-ago summers, perhaps she can put the letter's claims to rest and meet the swiftly approaching deadline for her next book.

But what she discovers as she delves into the murky past is not what she expected. While facing Tyler isn't easy, facing the consequences of her failed friendship with his sister, Cami, may be the hardest thing she's ever had to do.

Plumb the depths of the human heart with this emotional exploration of how a friendship dies, how we can face the unforgivable, and how even those who have been hurt can learn to love with abandon.


My rating:
1.5 stars
(View my rating system)
My thoughts:

The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water is the first book I've read by Erin Bartels and it was not at all what I was expecting. The story was such a complex story and had me so confused at times as to what was really going on. 

The story was intriguing at first, but I struggled with the way it was written (it seemed to fluctuate between first person [Kendra] and then times where Kendra is mentally telling stories/explaining things to Cami [who isn't there, this is all in Kendra's mind]). I hope I explained that well enough.

I had a difficult time finishing this book - partly because of the POV struggles and partly because I felt like some of the content went too far. I understand that the storyline needed to include certain things, but it wasn't something that I wanted to read. I also felt like there needed to be more about God's grace and redemption. I don't remember that being a part of the story. 

So while I don't have many positive things to say about this book, I did think it was intriguing at times and it did keep me wondering what was going on. I don't recommend the book, but that is mainly because of a lot of content issues I had and just personal preference. Mature readers only.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment - I love reading them! Comments are moderated and I reserve the right to not publish any comment that I find to be offensive (i.e. foul language, inappropriate content, etc.) or spam.

Thanks for stopping by and for commenting! =)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ~ Philippians 4:8

Some of the links in my blog posts, tweets, social media posts, etc. contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.
Powered by Blogger.