Review of All That We Carried by Erin Bartels

Olivia and Melanie are each carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders, but in different ways. Not having really connected in 10 years, they decide to go on a week long backpacking trip to reconnect as sisters. What they don't expect is to find so much more about each other and even more about themselves. 

Erin Bartels knocks it out of the part with this emotional book that carries you along on the journey of these two sisters. With so much heartache and soul searching on the main two characters' hearts, you grieve with them and also celebrate with them. Written with some backstory that ties to current conversations, you get a sneak peek in to their lives and relationship growing up. I loved how God was portrayed in this book as being someone who comes along and helps, who listens, who offers guidance and wisdom in a loving way. With depth and layers throughout, the story weaves grace, forgiveness, sister-hood, introspectiveness and deep heart searching that starts both of the characters a new journey. Bartels did a great job of making this feel real life with real emotions and real situations that could happen to anyone. 

Revell Reads sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.