okay so....where do i begin. there were many things i loved and many things I didn't and some I was even confused about.

what I loved
- sister's aspect
- the hiking
- that's about it

what I didn't love
- the way it was written(like a thriller??)
- the weird dynamic between them and the side character that gets introduced
- the ending was the worst thing ever

confused?
- the ending again...
- melissa's beliefs....
- oh and the ending...

Anyone who has a sibling knows that it is a relationship that at times can be rather complicated. That is certainly the case for the main characters in Erin Bartel's All That We Carried. In this book, we meet estranged sisters Olivia and Melanie as they are about to embark on a hike in Porcupine Mountains. With 10 years of distance between them, the trip was set to be difficult and dramatic before they even began. The journey itself only added to it, with things going wrong at every turn. What follows is a fantastic parable-type story about sisterhood, forgiveness and the burdens we carry with us.

When we first meet the sisters, they aren't what we would typically expect to see in lead characters in a Christian novel... after all, neither were Christians. Olivia believes in nothing, while Melanie believes in everything... in fact there are talks of tarot cards and reincarnation that one might not expect in the genre. Throughout their difficult journey we are able to see this grow and change. The character of Josh added a great balance to the sisters, and really made the story. I only wish we'd have seen more of him.

Oftentimes in books we expect it all to be wrapped up in the end, and I personally felt that this one didn't really do so. While part of me definitely missed that happily ever after and wanted to have some of the loose ends tied up, particularly in regards to Josh's character... I also like that it was left open to interpretation a bit too. While I cannot say much more without giving too much away, it certainly was something that made you think and set the story apart.

Overall, this was a beautifully written story that I truly enjoyed...and one that I'm certain will stick with me with it's beautiful messages of God's presence, forgiveness and the burdens we carry. It is definitely one worth checking out.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Erin Bartels did not disappoint! I was drawn in by the two sisters and their completely opposite views of the world. They wonder which one of them is wrong, but never consider that they might both be wrong. One believes in everything, the other in nothing, or so she says. Plus, the author's obvious experience as a hiker led to vivid and believable hiking experiences. Not going to lie, I had low-key anxiety the whole time haha! Josh and Justin were great characters and I loved how the relationships played out.

I want to thank NetGallery for giving me the opportunity to review this book. This author is new to me and i have to say this book was wonderful and i plan to read more by this Author.

It's a great sister book, soul searching, inspirational and bonding.
This book is about two sisters Olivia and Melanie Greene. Ten years ago the sisters when on a hiking trip when both their parents died in a fatal car accident. The sisters grew apart after the loss of their parents, grieving in their own way. Melanie, who is more free spirited has asked Olivia who is materialistic to go on a hike through the Porcupine Mountains In Michigan's upper Peninsula.
During this hike not only did the sisters get to know each other again, but learn new things about themselves. The description of the hike was very well written. I felt like I was right there with them. This book will keep your interest .

All That We Carried, a contemporary fiction novel by Erin Bartels, tells the story of two sisters who’ve been estranged for a decade.

Melanie, the younger Greene sister, convinced older sister Olivia to go on a hiking trip in order to reconnect. After the deaths of their parents in a tragic accident, the sisters had grown apart, and it was important to Melanie that she patch things up with her hard-headed sister. Olivia, the one more focused on having control over everything in her life, threw herself into planning the hiking trip—to the point of giving Melanie a list of exactly what and how to pack. When they came together for the trip and Melanie hadn’t stuck to the list that Olivia had given her, Olivia was alarmed, annoyed, and wanted to back out. Melanie won her over, however, and on they went.

The journey was filled with heavy topics. Their emotions ran the gamut, their spiritual struggles splayed bare, and one obstacle followed the other during the hike. A kind soul named Joshua happened along their path and saved the day more than once. Joshua happened to know their names and had all the right advice for their problems. The only thing he couldn’t [wouldn’t?] do was make them work out their problems.

The storytelling in All That We Carried was nice. The story’s pacing was really good overall. The ending felt a little rushed and disjointed to me. The resolution was open-ended and left me asking questions and feeling a little troubled for the characters. That’s my personal opinion on that matter—another reader may come away with different feelings.

Erin Bartels’ well-defined characters in All That We Carried were stunning, and their problems felt authentic and unique to them.

I look forward to reading more of Erin’s books.

This is a story of two estranged sisters that are traveling through life after a horrible accident that killed their parents and left them both adrift spiritually and emotionally. After not seeing each other for ten years, Melanie (the younger sister) plans a hiking trip with Olivia. Hoping to reconnect and have a better relationship.

The sisters are as different as night and day, not unusual and the differences between them are normal. Olivia as the oldest is the planner, the detail oriented. Melanie tries to see the good and is more forgiving and a little more freer. Neither one of them are strong spiritually, though. Olivia believes in nothing, no after life, that once their parents died that was it. Melanie wants to make sure she has all the bases covered. She believes in a little bit of everything.

As they journey on their hike I found it almost ironic that they are surrounded with God's beauty in the natural world. Surrounding them and awing them if they would just look up and open their hearts. They have a lot to work through. Forgiveness is the big one.

I have never been on a hike that takes days but the author's excellent descriptions made me picture the beauty and the danger very well. I would have liked a little bit more closure in the end. But as with life, Olivia and Melanie have more to live and their journey to the truth has only begun.

I received a copy of the novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Sisters Olivia and Melanie have been estranged for ten years. Ten years following the tragic deaths of their parents. Melanie wants a close relationship with her sister, and gets her to agree to a week long hiking trip. Olivia is meticulous and has every detail of their trip planned and is determined they stay on schedule. Melanie is more free-spirited, and would love to take time to enjoy the scenery.
The sisters argued quite a bit, and Olivia is just down right hateful and demeaning to Melanie. Bad behavior for two adults. They also didn't seem to mind behaving this way in front of others.
They see waterfalls, a bear, and a cougar on their backpacking trip. When lost, a stranger shows up to help. He also has insight about the women. Maybe this stranger represented Jesus, not sure. If so, he did not share the gospel with the young women. While this book is supposed to be Christian fiction, there was just a smidgen of Christianity sprinkled in. Also, the man who has asked Melanie to marry him is supposedly a Christian, but it doesn't seem to bother him that the woman he wishes to marry doesn't share his beliefs. This bothered me a lot. The Bible clearly warns against this.
I found the ending of the story to be very odd. I'm not sure what the ending represented. It leaves the reader hanging.
I was given an advanced copy by the publisher, Revell and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

I liked the book somewhat but it seemed to drag in some areas. I wanted to like the characters but I began to realize they weren’t well developed. The book isn’t all bad. There are some really good moments with the sisters hiking. I enjoyed reading about their journey but was hoping for more in depth all out sharing .

Both sisters are having a difficult time with the loss of their parents and think going on a hiking trip will help them communicate. The few times I have gone hiking all I could do was concentrate on not falling and trying to have enough energy to get to a resting spot.

The story does have some faith elements in the story which are good but not clear. While the story has sone emotional moments, I wanted more than surface feelings. I’ve read other books by the author that have been a hit, but for me this one lacked the impact of a clear message.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Blogging Program. The review is my own opinion.

The cover drew me in Ama the story kept my attention. I enjoy reading about siblings and how life can be so different for each one.
My first book by this author and I enjoyed the story line very much.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy

Grew on me

If I had written this review yesterday after finishing All That We Carried, I would have given it 3 stars. Good premise, a bit too many boring flashbacks, interesting characters, nice setting, good ending, but a bit ho hum. Well, this book has stayed in my mind and heart and I can't get the characters and a real sense of wonder and purpose out of my head. Give this book time!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time limited e-arc via netgalley with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion.

In “All That We Carried” by Erin Bartels, two estranged sisters, Olivia and Melanie discover that the heavy emotional loads of grief they carried for ten years were too much for them to bear. In this soul-searching journey of the human heart, the two sisters confront their deepest fears and question their most dearly held beliefs. As they learn to deal with grief and pain, they learn that the only way forward in life is to love and forgive. The only way forward for us is through God, in His strength, for we have none of our own. Ultimately, in the final analysis, everyone learns that only God can carry our emotional burdens for us. “All That We Carried” is a spiritual and literary adventure of body, soul and spirit, an extraordinary journey of faith through the difficult terrain of life, as Olivia and Melanie struggle to come to terms with their terrible loss. Eventually they find the peace their hearts so desperately long for.

As a title, All That We Carried serves a double purpose in my opinion. It literally describes the heavy backpacks the sisters struggled with during their hike and the emotional burdens that also weighed them down.It was especially appropriate that Olivia carried the heaviest pack for most of the hike since she was the sister who wrestled an enormous amount of guilt and forgiveness. I was happy to see that the sisters did mostly resolve many of their issues by the end but would have loved to read some more constructive dialogue between them rather than their constant bickering when they did talk.

While mildly interesting in places, it was a struggle for me to wade through this book. After losing my own mother just less than a year ago, it is difficult for me to imagine going for years with next to no communication with my sisters. We help each other get through the hard times and celebrate the good times together when we can.I am also not a hiker and found the minute details of the sisters’ hike to be somewhat boring. It is possible that in the midst of a simply terrible, horrible, depressing year that I just need to read something a bit more entertaining.

And just who was the Josh guy who kept showing up just when the sisters needed him and dispensed quite a bit of spiritual wisdom before disappearing again? Was he a real person or was he an angel or Jesus type supernatural being sent to help? I was never quite sure of that.

There were definitely some heavy themes that would leave most readers something to ponder afterwards.This might even be a good choice for book clubs because I can imagine quite a few good discussions that might be inspired by it.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC for an honest review.
This is a story of two sisters who handle the accidental death of their parents 10 years in the past. They were on a hiking trip with friends in the UP of Michigan when a ranger found them and gave them the news. If you're not a "wilderness hiker", this book is very informative on what is needed to conduct a week-long hike out in the great wilderness. There were some aspects that I had trouble believing. The older sister was the planner of the two, sending her sister a list of things she should pack. But when they met up to start the hike, the older sister didn't check to make sure her sister had followed her instructions. This oversight caused many problems along the way. It was just too much to believe even in a fictional story. The author gives some background into how the sister coped the last ten years. But no indication is given how they trained for such a hike. You just don't start out with a 50 pound pack in the wilderness without training for it.

The style of writing was interesting. The author gave flashbacks to give the reader a history of the girls relationship. But reading on the Kindle, you had no indication it was a flashback. It was quite confusing for a sentence or two.

All in all, the story is sound with a strong theme of forgiveness. Josh is a mysterious man who seemed to be at the right place at the right time to help the girls when they needed it. Is he for real? The author leaves that up to you to decide.

Melanie and Olivia were hiking when the got the news their parents had died. Olivia handled it by running away and pursuing a dream to be a trial lawyer. Melanie was left behind to pick up the pieces and found her way as a life coach.

After being basically estranged for the last 10 years, younger sister Melanie decides she will be the impetus to rekindle this relationship. The two sisters head out on a multiple-day hiking trip. Olivia is opinionated and thrives on back-and-forth banter. Melanie is a peacemaker who does not like confrontation. The trip feels doomed from the beginning. As many things as can go wrong seem to happen, but over the course of a couple days there are (possibly) heavenly interventions that change the way both girls view their lives and the relationships they have either built or broken.

What a great look at faith, redemption, forgiveness, fear, and coming out on the other side of the "hard" in life. Well written with a great message. I enjoyed this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Revell for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Revell for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.
I have loved Bartels last two books, however this one was not for me. This book is about two sisters on a week long hike. I enjoyed the descriptions of the nature and scenery found in this story. I could easily picture the landscape and enjoyed this imagery. What I struggled with, and why I ultimately did not finish this book was because I felt the characters to be flat and so heavily cliched. The faith elements felt surface level, and the quirks of the other character felt way off – never heard of someone being gluten free to be in solidarity with those that can’t eat gluten – these elements were just odd. I do look forward to her future works and will continue to be a reader of hers.

Remind me—which book am I reading?
Throughout the week or so that I was reading Erin Bartels latest novel, I kept mistakenly referring to it in my head as “The Things They Carried,” the Vietnam classic by Tim O’Brien. Despite a similar title, this story follows two very different sisters on a backpacking trip in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Having just finished Louise Miller’s “The Late Bloomer’s Club”--also about a sisterly clash—I sometimes thought I was still in the previous story. Both books involve orphaned sisters where the older sibling is sensible and practical, while the younger is a free-spirited vegan.

In the case of Bartel’s novel, the sisters have not spoken in 10 years, basically since their parents were killed in a car accident. The disagreement stems from (the younger) Melanie’s willingness to forgive the driver of the other car. Olivia (the older and a prosecutor) does not believe in letting people off the hook. The weeklong hike is Melanie’s attempt to reconnect with Olivia. But of course, it all goes wrong: with unsavory characters, with the natural elements, and so forth. These tense scenes were reminiscent of Peter Heller’s “The River.”

Along the way, Olivia and Melanie are assisted by an experienced woodsman/naturalist named Josh. At this point, I felt as though I’d stumbled into “The Shack” by William Paul Young, when it soon became clear that the plot also doubled as an allegory. To the author’s credit, the book does not flatten into a two-dimensional morality play, but remains an engaging tale of messy family relationships. Some readers will spot the innuendos to Christian themes, while for others, the book will satisfy simply as a well-told story of healing fractured relationships.

As I was reading this book, I kept thinking to myself of the passage from Hebrews which states “ Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” Hebrews 13:2. All That We Carried by Erin Bartels starts with a hiking and camping trip planned by two sisters who are opposites in character, lifestyles, and beliefs. They commence this hiking adventure on the 10th anniversary of the loss of their parents in a tragic car accident. One sister is better prepared than the other but both sisters are nursing heavy burdens that they carry through life. They’ve been estranged & have not had an easy time recovering from their great loss. In the course of their wilderness journey, they become disoriented and lose their way in their hiking adventure at which point they meet Josh, a fellow traveler, who helps them and gives them a compass, food, shelter, warmth, and good advice before he ambles onward. In the end, the sisters are forced to face fear, fire, and tragic circumstances that make them examine their lives and where they want to be in the future. This book has many good examples of the facts that we can get lost in our own earthly wilderness and it’s only through faith and the assurance that we are not alone which helps us to get through this trials of this world. A sweet story and a great reminder that we all need a little bit of faith and a lot of God to stay on the straight and narrow path home. 3.5 stars

Estranged sisters Melanie and Olivia have barely spoken in the 10 years since the car accident that caused their parent's death. As they were on a hike at the time, Olivia can't understand why Melanie chose a weeklong hike as the point of reconnection, but when she is caught in a weak moment, she agrees.

The sisters have gone down very different paths in the last decade; Olivia is type A, very organized, an attorney, incredibly tied to her lists and rules and plans - especially her agenda for this hike. Melanie has gone the more free-spirit route with her life, ascribing to numerous religions and philosophies, Mel is a life coach with a YouTube channel and many followers, her "Mellies". Well intentioned and determined to reconnect with her sister, Melanie also has a secret to confess - and she isn't sure that Olivia will ever forgive her.

I have read all three titles from Erin Bartels (all I can find) and this is by far my favorite. The story develops at an appropriate pace, the character's trauma and reasoning is realistic and compelling, and the unexpected surprises along with way completely make sense without being TOO incredible or far fetched. A touching and thought provoking story, very well written. I happily recommend this book!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was excited to read this as it takes place in my home state of MI. The story follows estranged sisters Olivia and Melanie, 10 years after their parent's death. They attempt reconciliation by taking a trip hiking.

Woven from the same womb, they couldn't be more different. One is spiritual, the other a realist. One sister is dating....and may be marrying, the man that accidently killed their parents, and the other is not exactly thrilled with this, even though he was her very best friend growing up.

Along the way they confront fears and truth. I think this was a beautiful story of love and redemption.

All That we Carried, by Erin Bartels, is a powerful story of two sisters who have not kept in touch since their parents' tragic deaths ten years ago. Now they are hiking along the Upper Peninsula and Melanie hopes to restore their relationship. Olivia continues to treat Melanie as a younger sister that she feels need to be taken care of. Yet, it was Olivia who went back to her life following her parents' death while Melanie stayed to clean out their home and deal with things that needed to be dealt with. Melanie was able to forgive while Olivia hung on tight to her bitterness.
This is a powerful story about dealing with death, grief and thoughts on religious beliefs. This story also shows the tension and feelings that sisters often feel towards each other. I really enjoyed reading this story and seeing how the sisters worked together. I especially enjoyed the guest appearance of the fisherman who was there to help the sisters out whenever they found them selves in danger, whether it be from getting lost or hurt. For me, this character was there for the sister just like Jesus is there for all of us.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this ebook which I received from Revell Publishing through NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.