"I did nothing, you did everything. I believed nothing, you believed everything. But maybe we are both wrong. Maybe there's just one thing. One real thing...Now we just have to figure out what it is" Olivia to Melanie

All That We Carried by Erin Bartels has me feeling a bit perplexed about how to write this review. I will just dive into my thoughts. Two sisters who have been estranged for ten years decide to meet and go on a hiking/backpacking trip for a week in the UP of Michigan. I will say right here, trying to reconnect on a wilderness trip is not going to go well! Each one seems to be carrying hearts filled with resentment as they meet and attempt to be civil to each other. It is not long before all the best-laid plans go awry. The bickering between the sisters caused me to feel unsettled. During parts of the journey, there are overtones of 'The Shack' regarding mystery-man Josh trying to guide the girls to a clearer truth. There was not a defining acceptance of any one religious belief and the ending is disappointing. The book left a key issue unresolved for this to be designated as a 'Christian' fiction. Also, the ending seemed a bit confusing. I kept wondering the fate of Olivia.
Olivia and Melanie's parents had died in an automobile accident ten years earlier. A close friend of Olivia's was driving the vehicle that collided with theirs. Justin survived and Olivia has been angry with him for causing the accident. She has not spoken to him since her parent's deaths. Olivia, the oldest, goes back to university and later became a successful prosecuting attorney. She wants to make sure the guilty who appear before her will not escape punishment.
Melanie dropped out of university after the death of her parents so she could stay at the family home and prepare it for an estate sale and later the sale of the property. Melanie goes to live with her aunt for a while and renews her friendship with Justin. Now, the relationship has become much more serious. Melanie wants to tell her sister face to face, but Olivia has avoided coming back or associating with Mellanie since the funeral.
I don't want to post spoilers about all the interactions of the sisters. There is a lot of hiking detail. There are also descriptions of beautiful waterfalls, majestic forests, and peaceful lakes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Erin is seriously one of the best authors I have ever read. Her books touch such a deep part of the heart.

First, I LOVED the setting of this book. My favorite places in the world, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I loved reading about this part of my great state and the ending was in a place I have visited many times.

There isn’t a super nice and neat ending which makes the book even more real to me. It is still a satisfying ending, none-the-less.

Erin addresses a lot of issues many people struggle with, forgiveness, what to believe, the fairness of God, God’s plan above ours. All tough topics.

If you haven’t read Erin’s book yet, what are you waiting for?

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you, NetGalley, for allowing me to preview this book for my honest opinion.
This book is a story of two sisters who go on a hiking trip for bonding. Ten years prior, their parents died in a tragic accident while the sisters were hiking. The sisters had grown apart during the 10 years after their parent’s death. Olivia went to college and be came a lawyer. Melanie became and online “influencer/counselor.” Across the three -four day journey, they are met with the truth of their relationship, good and bad, as memories flood them and arguing takes them apart. You will surly see a lot more recovery taking place than just the sister’s relationship. This was a extraordinarily great book with the story thy will suck you right in. Fabulous read.

4.25 stars / This review will be posted at BookwormishMe.com today.


On a whim, two estranged sisters make a plan to do a backpacking trip through the Porcupine Mountains near Lake Superior. Olivia believes she was swayed by a beautiful March day. Melanie requested that they make the trip, because she wants to reconnect with her sister. Not to mention she has some pretty serious stuff to tell Olivia.

Olivia is a control freak. She’s a prosecutor. She believes in justice. Melanie is a life coach. She’s all about sunshine and rainbows. Olivia is the big sister, Melanie the baby. For this trip, Olivia is not leaving anything to chance. She has mapped it all out. She has packed the packs. She feels that she is 100% in control of everything ahead of her.

Melanie is more loose and free-spirited. Even though Olivia gave her a list of things to pack and bring with her, Melanie has taken it upon herself to do it her way. She’s sure she will be fine. After all, she usually is. She’s done okay for herself, and she’s not going to let Olivia make her feel like the baby anymore.

Fall in the Porcupine Mountains means unexpected weather and conditions. It means perhaps not knowing what’s ahead. Melanie isn’t really prepared. Olivia is over-prepared. But neither expects what is ahead of them. Meeting a stranger who will change things for them. Weather, bears, cougars and other surprises. But the biggest surprise will be what Melanie has to reveal to Olivia.

Erin Bartels is a master storyteller. Life isn’t perfect, and neither is the journey that Olivia and Melanie are on. I was gripped by the tale of the two sisters, how they became estranged and what led to each of them ending up how they did. She skillfully navigated the expected conflicts and left a lot of them unresolved. It wasn’t a pretty “tied up in a bow” story.

When I started this novel, I had no idea that it was a Christian novel. Honestly, other than a bit of wisdom sprinkled here and there, it didn’t read like an evangelical novel. I loved the two characters, and how the chapters alternated between their views. Olivia the non-believer, cause what God would bring so much tragedy into the world? Melanie the one who believes in everything and anything, but only the good stuff. There were hints of religion here and there, but it’s done in a perfect way. Enough to make you think, but not enough to overwhelm you.

Excellent writing. Enjoyable read. Thought provoking.

All That We Carried is the first book that I have read by Erin Bartels. The author’s descriptive writing allows the reader to visualize the scenes especially the Porcupine Mountains and the beautiful waterfalls. The author created realistic characters. Melanie and Olivia Greene are as different as two sisters can be. Olivia is a prosecutor who is detail oriented and a planner while Melanie is a life coach and blogger. Melanie embraces a variety of spiritual and religious concepts and practices which baffles Olivia. The sisters bickering was realistic (speaking as someone who has bickered with her own sister). The trip was stressful with both sisters holding grudges (which leads to squabbling). The story is well-written, but it is slow paced (courtesy of the detail-oriented writing). We get to see things from each sister’s perspective (it alternates point-of-view between Melanie and Olivia). Melanie and Olivia get a chance to discuss their religious beliefs and if they believe in God. Their hike through the mountains is a metaphorical representation of the obstacles in their relationship. You wonder if they can resolve their conflicts before they finish their journey. I thought the ending was anticlimactic. There could have been a better wrap-up. Forgiveness is one of the main themes in the book. Olivia has yet to forgive the man who killed their parents. Her bitterness is holding her back. The story has a parable quality to it with Josh who I believe is meant to be Jesus. The get a little guidance during their journey from a kind man. All That We Carried was not what I expected. My journey through All That We Carried was not enjoyable. I found myself bored, frustrated, and annoyed. I have heard good things about Erin Bartels previous novels, though, I will check them out. While All That We Carried did not work for me, I suggest you obtain a sample to check it out for yourself.

I just couldn't get into this book. I loved Bartels' last book, but this one just didn't do it for me. I felt the dialogue was a bit forced, and the story just didn't draw me in as I hoped it would!

I admit that I am still not sure how to rate this book.

While I enjoyed parts of it, the entire first half of the book felt like being privy to an argument I shouldn't have been, that no one was winning. I felt uncomfortable, like a third wheel. Though it was true-to-life, it was not enjoyable to read. Both of the sisters got on my nerves for different reasons.

Olivia is an overbearing perfectionist who thinks she has to control everything. Melanie is a free spirit who secretly has no faith in her touted beliefs, even though she is coaching others through life. They are both estranged from God and each other. They have discussions on a variety of topics related to faith and belief systems, but neither has a solid foundation, so nothing comes of it.

They obviously have no clue how to relate to one another. They haven't spoken to or seen each other in years. Melanie is keeping a secret that Olivia will be devastated to find out, though she longs to tell her. When they are confronted with a person of faith along their hike (who comes to their rescue multiple times) they are each challenged to examine their belief systems. But I didn't feel a satisfactory conclusion at the end of the book. Neither sister ends up walking in truth for sure. We aren't told what they decide.

I don't need everything wrapped up in a tidy bow at the end of a difficult story, but more firm writing about their chosen paths would have felt like a good ending. As it stood, when I finished, I didn't feel inspired, or encouraged. I honestly felt like I had wasted my time getting through the book. I would definitely not read a sequel, and may not pick up another book by this author.

I enjoyed this story of family reconnection after tragedy and searching for our true selves and what we believe in.

Olivia and Melanie are sisters who lost their parents while in college. They are very different people and have dealt with the tragedy aftermath differently as well. Having not seen each other in a decade, Melanie calls to invite Olivia on a hiking trip in the UP of Michigan, and she reluctantly agrees. The trip reinforces their differences...Olivia (a prosecuting attorney), as the older sister, is controlling, take-charge and protective while Melanie is a free spirit who is a "happiness" counselor through her social media and accepts and embraces all forms of spirituality. Through a series of mishaps they meet Josh, a fisherman who helps them both physically and spiritually as they struggle to get past themselves and their grief to forge a new path together.

While in my opinion, this book was overly long and the bickering at times was frustrating and childish, I particularly enjoyed the second half as they began to seriously question themselves and their beliefs. The ending was a bit abrupt and ambiguous as to the future, but overall I liked this story and would be happy to read more from this author.

My thanks to #NetGalley and #Revell for providing me the free ARC for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

In the latest release by Ms. Bartels, I would give her six stars not just five! In All That We Carried, readers will learn about the story of two sisters and how a traumatic event has shaped their lives. Then, one sister reaches out to the other to try to bridge the gap by asking her to go on a trip many years later. There are so many facets to this story. The book begins with the trip, but readers get glimpses into the past throughout the story. Forgiveness is a key theme of the book. Each sister has their view of what happens after people die, but their trip in the wilderness provides them with another viewpoint. I have read Ms. Bartels other books and enjoyed them immensely. This is another favorite of mine written by her. Her books take the readers on a thought-provoking experience about everyday life. When you examine the title of this book, the words “all that we carried” is so poignant to any person anywhere. We all carry things with us everyday that others may not realize (or even ourselves), but these “things” have shaped us in ways we can’t imagine. Maybe like Olivia and Melanie we all can learn something from this story. I highly, highly recommend this story and know you will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

I requested to read and review this book for free from Baker Publishing Company. This is the first book I have read by Erin Bartell. What first drew me to this book was that it was based in Michigan. This story is about love, friendship, forgiveness and acceptance. Life can change in a blink of an eye good and bad. A decision that can change the course of your life. And yes things really do happen for a reason. You will meet characters Olivia and Melanie and the journey that they go on. They both go into this journey for different reasons. And its interesting to see what happens along the path. And can a bond be unbroken or does it become strong. This is a great read for anyone. For any type of reader.

All That We Carried

This was a really good family drama. I enjoyed the author's writing style, and the story flowed well. I like stories of siblings reconciling, so this was right up my alley. Both of these characters were likable and flawed. They both experienced a lot of growth through out the story. Also, the setting was gorgeous.

I was disappointed in the faith themes on this story. They were extremely vague. If this book wasn't by a Christian publisher, I wouldn't have known it was supposed to be Christian fiction. It just seemed "spiritual". Neither of the characters were Christians and there wasn't really any religious foundation to draw from. There were a couple of characters that kept trying to give them good directions but some of that was just chalked up to fate. It was somewhat confusing. The story was engaging though. If you like family drama or adventure stories, I would recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

If ever there was a fractured relationship between two sisters, it is the one between Melanie and Olivia. Ten years ago their parents died in an automobile accident. The sisters grieved differently and apart. After years of Melanie trying to arrange a trip with Olivia, her sister finally agrees even though it is against her better judgement. They are to hike on mountain trails. Melanie has hopes and expectations. She also has something important to tell Olivia. Olivia just wants to get through this trip safely. There are problems from the start and then they get worse. Much worse.

In this perfectly paced and well told story, readers learn just how far apart the sisters have grown. At the beginning of the trip, their beliefs are totally different. The longer they are together and after pivotal events occur each begins to question their convictions. Can it be that they are both right? The trip only lasts only a few days, but its impact will last forever. The narrative presents how tragedy impacts humans and how they think, act or simply live.

I found this to be a heartfelt story about forgiveness and starting over. The characters portray the complexity of human relationships. They are people who look inward. The sensory rich descriptions bring the setting to life. Deep and absorbing, this book is well worth reading. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

All That We Carried By Erin Bartels is the timeless story of sisters lost to each other over the tragic of their parents for 10 years.
Where the oldest leaves the young sister, her best friend (who caused the death of her parents) and the rest of her family to escape the pain, but never quite out running it.
The young sister trying to make everyone else happy, but realizing she can’t be happy without her sister.
They both carry the baggage of their pain and sorrow, but decide to deal with it on a weekend hike.
What they discover about themselves is more than they ever imagined.

Two sisters, Olivia and Melanie head out on a hike that will change their lives. Ten years have passed since their parents were killed in a fatal car accident, and since then Olivia and Melanie have hardly spoke. Olivia poured her heart and soul into law school and distanced herself from her family. Melanie dropped out of college and became a life coach as she struggled to sort through her parent’s belongings. Each girl has harboured regrets since that day, and hopefully this hike will begin to repair the distance between them, even as secrets long carried are revealed.

I really enjoyed Erin Bartels writing style as she draws the reader not only into the story of Olivia and Melanie, but into the beauty of the wilderness as the girls begin their journey. The description of the hills, valleys and rivers becomes so crystal clear, you feel you are walking along with them. The two main characters were so diverse, it added much interest to the story as they discuss religion, life choices and forgiveness. I really enjoyed the novel and would love to thank the author Erin Bartels, Revell Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.

2 sisters deal with past differently.
Now, 10 years later they will deal with it together.
They travel to the Upper Peninsula, the Porcupine Mountains to go hiking.

You will travel with them.
You will hear from each sister and feel for them both.

I truly enjoyed this book.

When I saw that Erin Bartels newest book would be about a hike in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I knew it would go to top of my TBR list. I grew up in Michigan and I always enjoy visiting "home" through Bartels' books. All That We Carried didn't disappoint!
Olivia and Melanie Greene's parents died a decade earlier in a crash while the sisters were hiking in the U.P. They each loss themselves in grief and haven't seen each other since then. They agree to meet up to go on another hiking trip Up North. Olivia has become a lawyer and Melanie a social media influencer who believes everyone's beliefs are true. Through the hike they encounter many challenges due to nature and themselves. Along the trail, the sisters meet a fellow adventurer, Josh, who helps them survive physically and learn to reconcile their relationship.
I enjoyed All That We Carried and the stories of Michigan wilderness and sister reconciliation. While the story had an epilogue to give us a glimpse into the sisters' lives after the hike, I do wish I knew where both sisters were spiritually.
I received a complimentary copy of All That We Carried through Net Galley, but all opinions are my own.

Okay. Wow.
I don't think there is any way possible for me to write a review that could come close to covering the beauty depicted in this book.
Relationships are hard. As sisters, Melanie and Olivia have a non-existent relationship after a tragic accident. They've gone their separate ways, each to the extreme side of the religious spectrum. Seeing them struggle, feeling their emotions through the pages, it hit hard.
I loved this book. I've long been a fan of The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien and I saw much of that same symbolism here, along with a few parables sneaking in at just the right time. I could not stop reading. From page one, All That We Carried pulled me in and I know I'll be thinking about it for a long time.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy.

I did not realize this book was Christian Fiction when I requested it. This is not my normal genre. I did enjoy reading about the sisters, and the atmospheric feel of this book, however. I am sure there are readers out there who will enjoy this one more than I did, but I almost did not finish it.

This is a story of two sisters, so very different from each other, and they’ve gone their separate ways. Now, after ten years, Melanie wants to rekindle her relationship with Olivia. But Olivia still isn’t ready to forgive Melanie.
They take a hiking trip in the UP of Michigan.
This is a beautiful yet haunting tale.
Pieces come together. Things are revealed.
The sisters continue having disagreements, can they ever reach a point of mutual understanding?
So many deep things here. Pain. Loss. Bitterness. Forgiveness.
A messy story with no easy answers. Yet, in spite of all my unanswered questions, I found it to be heartwarming and thought provoking.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The beautiful cover of this book drew me in, and the descriptions of nature contained within it are equally gorgeous. I struggled with the rest of the book, however.

I found the pacing a little off, and reading the middle a bit of a slog. The characterisation of the two sisters felt a bit flat to me as well, there seemed little to them beside the tropes of bitter atheist and hippy dippy cherry picker. I haven’t read much Christian fiction before (my faith doesn’t quite align with mainstream Christianity), and was intrigued to see how it would be handled. I thought the faith elements presented were basic and predictable.

Some of the reasonings given for Melanie’s beliefs were bizarre as well, I’ve never met anyone who avoids gluten in solidarity with the gluten free! It seems evident that the author has based her character on assumptions about those who are ‘spiritual but not religious’ rather than on experience or research.

I felt hit over the head with the message of this book, and wouldn’t widely recommend it. I can see how some may enjoy the continued allegory of faith, but it’s just not for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.