All That We Carried

Title: All That We Carried

Author: Erin Bartels

Publisher: Revell

Publication Date: January 5, 2021

Genre: Christian Fiction

Synopsis:

Ten years ago, sisters Olivia and Melanie Greene were on a backcountry hiking trip when their parents were in a fatal car accident. Over the years, they grew apart, each coping with the loss in her own way. Olivia plunged herself into law school, work, and a materialist view of the world--what you see is what you get, and that's all you get. Melanie dropped out of college and developed an online life-coaching business around her cafeteria-style spirituality--a little of this, a little of that, whatever makes you happy.

Now, at Melanie's insistence (and against Olivia's better judgment), they are embarking on a hike in the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. In this remote wilderness they'll face their deepest fears, question their most dearly held beliefs, and begin to see that perhaps the best way to move forward is the one way they had never considered.

Michigan Notable Book Award winner Erin Bartels draws from personal experience hiking backcountry trails with her sister to bring you a story about the complexities of grief, faith, and sisterhood. 

My Review:

    Olivia and Melanie have been estranged for ten years, ever since their parents died and Olivia left town. Olivia has contributed to the estrangement by not being willing to get together and work things out, until a moment of weakness when she agrees to go hiking with Melanie.

     Olivia thrives on being in control of everything, so she plans the entire trip. Melanie seems to have a more relaxed approach and tensions fly between the two sisters when things start spiraling out of control.

      This book has the drama of sister arguments, encounters with wildlife, unexpected twists and turns, and the angst of trying to determine what to believe in. It also has beautiful descriptions of the wildlife and thought-provoking conversations. The hike ends up being a life-changing experience, but not in a way they could have imagined or planned for.  A story of redemption, dealing with grief, forgiveness, loss and acceptance, it will pull you in and make you want more.

       I really enjoyed this book, but felt like the ending was a little rushed, and it did literally leave me wanting more. I have read one other book from this author, and will read more from her in the future, she is a gifted writer.

      Thank you to Revell for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a positive review but was happy to do so. All thoughts and opinions are my own.