The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Photo from GoodReads.com


About:

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.

Description from GoodReads.com


Review:

 I have mixed feelings about this book. Erin Bartels never fails to dive deep into tricky subjects that many books avoid, and she does so with finesse. I admire her for this, as I think we need more books that authentically explore the hard topics. However, I wasn't a big fan of this story in particular. 

While the story has an intriguing start, I began to lose interest as things went on. Things began to pick up a little towards the middle, but I still had a hard time keeping focused on what was going on in the story. The content also went a little farther than I was used to -a sex scene, unwanted by the MC, and not described in detail, but startling in a book on the Christian market. It was also a little surprising since the book's back cover copy was vague, and for a long time I had no idea what the book was really about. 

 I understand that the author went through a similar situation so I don't want to be unfeeling as to how the story played out, however I wish there had been more hope in the story. I understand that life doesn't always work that way, but I left it feeling a bit depressed.

The writing and cover? A+. The story itself is one that I'm more conflicted about. 

I voluntarily received this book from the publisher in order to write an honest review. All opinions are truly my own.

  • Share:

You Might Also Like

0 lovely thoughts

I love comments- they make my day! However, please be nice and leave no spam or comments with offensive language. Thanks!