The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water: A Novel

Written by Erin Bartels

Narrated by Mia Barron

The best fiction simply tells the truth. But the truth is never simple.

When novelist 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. The plan? To confront Tyler, her childhood best
friend’s brother—and the man who inspired the antagonist in her first book. If she can prove that she told the truth about what happened during those long-ago summers, perhaps she can put the letter’s claims to rest and meet the swiftly approaching deadline for her next book.

But what she discovers as she delves into the murky past is not what she expected. While facing Tyler isn’t easy, facing the consequences of her failed friendship with his sister, Cami, may be the hardest thing she’s ever had to do.
Plumb the depths of the human heart with this emotional exploration of how a friendship dies, how we can face the unforgivable, and how even those who have been hurt can learn to love with abandon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705050200

Erin Bartels

Erin Bartels writes character-driven fiction for curious people. Her readers know to expect that each of her novels will tell a unique story about fallible characters so tangible that it's hard to believe they are not real people. Whether urban, rural, or somewhere in between, her settings come alive with carefully crafted details that engage all the senses and transport the reader to a singular time and place. And her themes of reckoning with the past, improving the present, and looking with hope to the future leave her readers with a sense of peace and possibility. Erin is the author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water, and Everything Is Just Beginning. A two-time Christy finalist and winner of two 2020 WFWA Star Awards and two Michigan Notable Book Awards, Erin has been a publishing professional for more than twenty years. After eighteen years in Lansing, Michigan, Erin and her family are busy enjoying the simple blessings of a less urban life in a small town outside the capital city. You can find her online at ErinBartels.com, on Facebook @ErinBartelsAuthor, and on Instagram @erinbartelswrites.

Reviews for The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water

[Jenn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best books I've read. So well written I felt like I was there. Sensitive topics handled well. Led me to reframe some of my own trauma and recover a little more peace. Highly recommend.

[nancynova · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I received this copy from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.The story jumped around too much for me. After I read the author's note, I understood what she was trying to convey, but I didn't read the book again to see if it made more sense

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I just finished this book and am not sure how I want to write the review. Do I talk about the different characters, or do I mention the many emotions that spilled across the pages? The story is very intricate in details with layers that have been hidden for years. To do justice to this story I have to go with my feelings and just write what I have on my heart. The book deals with subjects that may trigger some so be cautious if you have trouble reading about suicide, sexual assault, drug abuse or child prostitution. Yes all these are in the book and I did have a hard time reading it. But I continued because I so desperately wanted to see how Kendra would deal with her own personal journey. For victims of abuse there are many ways to hide the truth. You can forget about it and hope you never have to think about it again. For some they find talking about it helps. Kendra writes a book to try to heal from her abuse. Did it help her? I’m not sure that she found everything she hoped for but she did unravel so much more than she realized. Her emotions are raw and exposes the pain of losing her innocence while feeling ashamed for what happened. I have zero sympathy for Tyler. Yes I know what happened to him as a child, but that should make him not want to do it to others. I have always disliked when someone says, “if you have been abused, you will probably abuse someone yourself.” That is such a horrible statement and I resent when people use that as a defense. We are not defined by our past. The person who really grabbed my attention was Cami. She was Kendra’s best friend, yet she felt like she was invisible. Cami needed a friend who she could count on and share her secrets with. Kendra was so wrapped up in being the victim, she never realized that Cami was hurting as well. I wonder how many of us have made everything about ourselves yet forget that our story affects others? To all the Cami’s of the world, I hope you find peace, forgiveness and love. I received a copy of this book from The Librarything Early Reader Program. The review is my own opinion.

[julyso · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A complicated story about author Kendra who is struggling to write her second book after a successful first book. She is struggling because she received a letter from a critical reader who knows too much and it has knocked her off her game. She returns to her home town hoping this will kick start her writing. But, she has issues she needs to come to terms with before that will happen. This a good story with lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed it, thanks Library Thing!

[nancyadair-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

How does one move on from trauma?

Do we forget or forgive? Do we talk about it, or keep it secret and bury it?

Novelists and memoirists write about it. They tell their story because it is their truth.

And that is what Kendra did; her first novel drew from her childhood summers at her grandfather’s cabin Up North in Michigan, the lake community where she found both friendship and a mentor. And where she became estranged from her best friend and was sexually abused.

Kendra returns to the cabin to write her second novel, hoping the solitude will end her writer’s block. She must face again, after many years, the writer Robert who was her childhood mentor, and his adopted son Tyler who was the model for the abuser in her novel. Her once best friend Cami, Robert’s adopted daughter, has been missing for a long time.

A man appears at her door, the translator for the German edition of her novel. He moves into the cabin, and as Kenda learns more about him she is both wary and attracted.

The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water is written in Kendra’s voice, spoken to her missing best friend, telling what happened that summer when she returned to the cabin. Her life was changed, again, over a summer of discoveries, this summer also a time of healing. As people share their stories, understanding is forged, forgiveness made possible.

Author Erin Bartels tells readers in the Author’s Note that the novel was inspired by her own story of molestation as a child. I am sure this is a deeply personal novel.

For all the horror of the backstories, the story also has its happiness.

I won an ARC from the publisher Revell Books through LibraryThing. My review is fair and unbiased.

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novel is well-written with great character depth and development. There are no doubts as to the author’s talent with writing gritty women’s fiction. I will admit it took me a bit to get into it, but once I did, the story flowed well. Some of the topics that the author tackles are definitely edgy for Christian fiction, but I do appreciate the author attempting to write about a personal experience. That being said, I think it should come with a warning that it may stir unhappy memories for those readers that have faced bad sexual experiences. The story takes you on an emotional journey and is not a light read by any means. I closed the book with a heavy feeling in my chest and wished there was a bit more light or hope near the end of the novel. I did like it overall, I just think you have to be in the right head space to really appreciate it. Real life is messy and I appreciate authors who attempt to create fiction that reflects that!I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a very emotional story. Some people may find it hard to read. This will bring tears to your eyes for a lot of this story. Kendra comes back to her home and learns many truths about what happened to her many years ago. I could not put this book down. Kendra meets new people and must learn to live again. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[lauigl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Kendra Brennan’s debut novel is a great success. Subsequently, she decides to spend time at her grandfather’s secluded, quiet cabin in Hidden Lake, Michigan to complete her second book. She’s got writer’s block stemming from a Disappointed Reader who disapproved of Kendra’s first book, so she’s returned to her childhood summer home at the cabin to retrace events involving her best friend Cami’s brother that happened many years ago and that she chronicled in her novel. Kendra hasn’t spoken to Cami since they had a falling out years ago, so she’s surprised when Cami’s mother, Beth, who’s always been rather cool towards Kendra, writes to her asking if she’s heard from her. Although Kendra has never been close to Beth, she regards Cami’s father, an accomplished author, as a mentor. While they all spend time at Hidden Lake for the summer, secrets will be revealed. And while searching for answers about others, Kendra will discover many things she also didn’t know about herself. I enjoyed The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water. It took me a moment to realize that the narrator, Kendra, was telling the story to her missing friend. Once I figured that out I began to really take in the many elements that kept me engaged. This book possesses an atmospheric tone with its lake, cabins and fishing boats. Each time I picked it up the general outdoor theme immersed my imagination in the stimulating setting. The characters came to life and I could easily envision each one. I particularly liked how the author portrayed Kendra’s German translator, Andreas. He brought an element of calm, reasonableness and trustworthiness to a cast of characters that had secrets and questionable motives. Ike Fenton, the WW2 vet, was a creative character that I found entertaining. Even the antagonist’s story was told in such a way that I vacillated between revulsion and pity. The story itself was one that could be a trigger for some. In the Author’s Note at the conclusion of the book, Erin Bartels discloses her personal experience which is reflected in this novel. The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water was a way for her to tell her own story. Overall, I thought this book was well written. I wanted a little more detail in the end, but aside from that I really enjoyed it. Thank you, Revell Reads, for a complimentary copy of The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water. In exchange I have provided my honest review.

[beautyinthebinding · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels in short sittings. From beginning to end, this emotional story brims with sorrow, regret, and questions. The beautifully written prose and first-person point-of-view (POV) drew me deeply into Kendra’s perspective and search for truth, but the heaviness of the story’s issues kept me from reading the novel quickly.The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water captured the murkiness of life, a place where things are gray and broken. The novel takes a hard look at many issues without offering standard “Christian-ese” solutions. The story weighs the cost of the telling the truth, examines broken relationships, asks what constitutes consent for sex, and probes the darkness of sexual assault. The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water rates as an edgy story within the Christian Fiction market, not only because of the issues it tackles, but also because of graphic scenes (molestation and rape) presented on page with enough detail to make any reader uncomfortable. The heartbreaking experiences of Kendra’s teen years mirror the reality of this broken world filled with survivors of sexual assault. I appreciated the compassionate author’s note in which Erin Bartels shares a bit of her own experience and gently encourages those who have experienced sexual assault.I recommend The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels to brave readers who desire a complex story. As hard as this novel may be to read, it brings awareness to the effects of sexual assault and the need for healing. Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[simmmba · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was initially drawn to this book because it is about an author who is having trouble writing her next book after the success of her first. I enjoyed that aspect of the story....one cause of writer's block, the author's attempts to move past it, and how she eventually found her voice again. However, there is SO MUCH more to the story.I loved the way the author deftly interwove Kendra's present-day story (writer's block, revisiting her childhood retreat, working with her German translator) with the story of her childhood past in a lakefront cabin in Michigan. Both stories are beautifully told, and I awaited new developments in both timelines with equal anticipation.There is so much attention to detail, both in plot and description, that I felt like I could actually see the world through Kendra's eyes. Kendra herself is a likeable main character, and I appreciated the way the worked through her past with honesty and an open mind. I found myself truly invested in the outcome of her stories, and was pleased with the endings of both timelines.One note: This story deals with sexual abuse. Nothing is graphic or gratuitous, and I felt that the topic was handled with sensitivity and integrity. However, if this is a trigger subject for you, please be advised that it is part of the story.Definitely five out of five slices of perfect Provolone!

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Girl Who Could Breathe Under WaterAuthor: Erin BartelsPages: 352Year: 2022Publisher: RevellMy rating: 5 out of 5 stars.This novel caught my attention as I was perusing various book seller sights to see what was coming in 2022. Some authors I am quite familiar with their work and know when their books are being released. However, Erin Bartels is a new author to me, and this work of fiction brings her now to the forefront of watching for future releases.At the beginning of the story, I was struck by the tale being told from the point of view of the main character, Kendra Brennan. Kendra is a new novelist and is now attempting to write her second novel while living at her grandfather’s cabin for the summer. The place holds childhood memories for Kendra, that range from good to bad, but she is not sure if she is remembering the situation correctly.Kendra’s first novel was a hit for many while some disapproved of what she wrote. When Kendra receives a typed letter sent to her home from a person who read her book, she spirals into memories that prevent her from writing. Try as she might to ignore the memories that haunt her, she realizes she must face them and get to the truth of the matter before resuming her writing career.Kendra is helped by other folks who live around the lake where her cabin sits, people she has seen and known for many years. One visitor seems to come along at the time when Kendra desperately needs him. His name is Andreas, and he is tasked with translating her first work into German. As time and work progress, Andreas and Kendra begin having a friendship and the future for a time looks full of promise.As I read the novel, I must say I was captivated at times and other times not sure where the author was taking me. As layers in the character of Kendra begin to be revealed, the heart of the reader is pulled into the story so much more. The novel is one that explores what happens to a soul because of choices made, not just by the one making the choice but how it impacts other people. Erin Bartel’s novel is one that I think took courage for her to write and share. Audiences will understand that when the read not only the fictional work but the “Author’s Note” in the back of the book.Read, share and consider discussing this work of fiction with family and friends!Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I was intrigued by the premise of this book. Yet, I am sad to report that it did not engage me like I had hoped. The beginning was fine, but then it the story felt too drawn out. Thus the appeal of the mystery of what the truth was that Kendra could not remember was not that important to me anymore. In addition, it did not help that I did not find any of the characters that interesting. Everyone kind of came off as monotone to me. In fact, I found after reading about two thirds of the book< i could not remember any details about what I had read. I picked up the book after a week and started at the beginning again. I found that the second time around was not much better but at least I was remembering a bit better the story. Although, at times I did skim the book as well to make the story progress faster. It is a sad one but it also lends a nice voice to an important topic.

[mizroady · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

While I applaud Ms. Bartel’s talent as a writer, I cannot give this book the review I was hoping. It was a bit of a surprise. The situations portrayed in the book were not what would be expected from a Christian publisher. I hate giving bad reviews but it was not something I feel comfortable reading or encouraging others to.There is frequent alcohol use, drunkenness, and descriptions of sexual molestation. The latter, due to the very nature of it, while not as explicit as it could have been, cannot be made clean. The main character even has a man she has never met before stay in her cabin with her. He is there to help her translate her book into another language. That is innocent enough, and nothing happens between them, but not in keeping with godly conduct. There are several references and descriptions of the woman’s scantily clad attire, and her molester looking her over. This made me uncomfortable just reading it. In fact there is not Christian aspect or even God mentioned in the story. I would not have agreed to review this book had there been any indication of these things. This book was definitely not for me. I received this book from Revell publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

[miss.mesmerized · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Novelist Kendra Bennan’s first book That Summer, which was based on her childhood experiences at her grandfather’s cabin on Hidden Lake, was a great success. Yet, the writing for the second does not really advance. The reason is an anonymous letter she got accusing her of not having told the truth in her first novel. Yet, she did write what and how she remembered it all. She returns to the cabin in order to find the necessary calm. However, her plan does not really work, her thoughts centre around the anonymous writer and of course around her childhood friend Cami who has been missing for some time. Only Cami’s brother and their parents are there and Andreas, her German translator, who unexpectedly turned up and moves in with her. Weeks full of tension, of things unsaid that now come to the surface and change Kendra’s view on much more than just that summer.It is the first book that I read by Erin Bartels, an award winning novelist whom, regrettably, I haven’t noticed before. “The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water” is a kind of coming-of-age story, it is a mystery and it is a reflection on the connection between fact and fiction, on how much of a writer’s experiences can be found in his writing and to what extent they are allowed to exploit their real life for their work – and the people around them who might recognise themselves or be recognised by others. “I was lying to myself about why I decided to finally return to Hidden Lake. Which makes perfect sense in hindsight. After all, novelists are liars.”After the disturbing letter which she simply cannot ignore, Kendra returns to the cabin where she spent her summers, the only time she was carefree. Finishing the novel that is due plays a role but much more importantly for her is finding out what happened that summer of which she has disturbing memories she hasn’t ever been able to overcome. By confronting Cami’s brother, she hopes to elucidate the events. Soon, she has to comprehend that reality is a lot more complex and people have much more complicated and contradictory feelings than she had anticipated. That a lot of secrets are also connected to that place does not make it easier to untangle it all.“ ’Writing is about making sense of the human condition,’ he said. ‘It’s about communicating truth, which is useful and helpful to people on a far more elemental level than a lot of stuff we think of as necessary to life.’ ”Apart from the questions of what happened that summer, of how different characters remember the events and of what has brought this strange character of the translator - of whose intentions I was suspicious all the time - to that place, the novel is strongest when it comes to the relationship between fact and fiction. I think it is quite natural that creativity avails itself of experiences, yet, to what extent should a writer actively make use of his or her real life? Changing names and places does not always alter people beyond recognition, so don’t they have the right of their own story? Slowly, this issue becomes more and more crucial to the plot. Wonderfully written, suspenseful not to the extent of a mystery novel but surely to keep you reading, a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed, first and foremost because it made me ponder a lot even after closing it.

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Kendra is a novelist trying to write her second book and also trying to come to terms with childhood abuse and an estranged friendship. The interesting thing about this story is how Kendra is able to move beyond the childhood white/black thinking to recognize how her experience intersects with those she loves the most.

[grammy57 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have read and enjoyed books by Erin Bartels before and I did enjoy this book also. The characters were quite well developed. The story flowed quite well.To begin, the story was a slow start and quite confused. It took a while before I realized the main character, Kendra, was having thoughts/talks in her head with her friend who was not with her. The story jumps between these thoughts and what is actually going on.Another area that bothers me, and this is just my personal thoughts, but the book is in no way Christian. It is a clean book but not Christian even though published by Revell, a Christian book publisher. There was a random reference to church attendance long ago and a prayer over a meal but that was the extent. On the negative side, there was some drinking and getting drunk. Overall, if you want to read an interesting, clean book this is for you. If you are expecting a typical Christian novel you will be disappointed. I give this book a solid 3 out of 5 stars.

[khal_khaleesi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I will admit that I've been in a reading slump for awhile. However, when I read the synopsis for The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels, it sounded just like the book I need to get me out of my slump. Luckily I was right!I thoroughly enjoyed the plot of The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels. It was definitely interesting to see how and why writers put a little bit of truth in their books. I was very interested in trying to find out what was truth and what was fiction in Kendra's life. I wanted to know if the bad thing was really as Kendra remembered it or if it was just something she had stretched the truth about. This book does have a few plot twists, and while I did predict one, I found myself guessing incorrectly at the other twists. The author does a fantastic job at typing up any and all loose ends by the end of the book. I must say that I also very much enjoyed the writing and language Erin Bartels used. Her descriptive prose put me right into the heart of the story. I was drawn in with every word, and once I started reading, it was hard for me to stop. Even though this book does deal with some heavy subjects, Bartels did an excellent job at writing about them with much care and sensitivity. (Be sure to read the author's note at the end of the book for a bit more insight into the novel. You won't regret it.)The characters in The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water were written very well. I found myself really loving the character of Kendra. She seemed like the type of girl I could relate to and that I'd love to be friends with. I enjoyed getting to see a glimpse into her memories (even the horrible ones). Her back story was interesting with what she had been through. I wish we could have read more about Andreas' back story. He was a strong character, don't get me wrong, but I felt like I didn't really know him all too well. He was always shrouded in a bit of mystery. Tyler's back story was the most interesting (and a little heartbreaking). Even though I never really cared for Tyler as a person, he was still a very well written character. I wish he would have gotten in trouble for what he did, but just as in real life, not everything happens as it should. I also loved the character of Cami. Although she seems a bit selfish, what she had been through makes it a bit easier to see why she was the way she was. I'm not excusing her actions by no means, but I can see the reasoning behind it. I also loved Robert as Kendra's mentor. He was such a laid back and loving character.Trigger warnings for The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water include some slight bullying, sexual harassment, molestation, rape (though not graphic), child prostitution, alcohol, mentions of drug use, death, and suicide.All in all, The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water is a beautifully written book showing that even in the fact of tragedy and trauma, we can still rise above our circumstances. I would definitely recommend The Girl Who Could Breath Under Water by Erin Bartels to those ages 16+ who are after a book with great emotional depth.--(A special thank you to Revell for providing me with a paperback of The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

[khenkins-687878 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Erin Bartels demonstrates an extremely perceptive sense of what happens when we hold secrets. Many, perhaps all, of the characters in The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water have secrets that range from mildly to devastatingly self-destructive. Kendra speaks in first person to a second-person "you" throughout the narrative; she tells that person her reasons for returning to a lakeside cabin after ten years of refusing to visit, even though her beloved grandfather lived there. The inviting beauty of the Michigan lake and forest surroundings is skillfully described in many passages, often almost intrusive since the sensuous, dreamy set pieces are not fully integrated into the narrative.

As the story progresses, Kendra describes events that the "you" and she were involved in when they we younger, and we realize she is speaking/writing to her first and only best friend from her Hidden Lake summers. Cami has been missing for several months, and although Kendra has not had contact with Cami in eight years, Cami's adoptive parents' fear and confusion, added to Kendra's own feelings for her estranged friend, reveal the first reason for her return to Hidden Lake.

A more emphatic reason is the sexual abuse that occurred over several summers when Kendra was young. Her well-received semi-autobiographical novel about those years results in a scathing letter that forces Kendra's return to the site of strong, conflicting emotions and psychological distress. She confronts the sexual predator, ironically Cami's brother by adoption, beseeching Tyler to explain his intimidation and continued abuse. She must be certain the actions and motivations she ascribed to the novel's thinly disguised Tyler were true.

Bartels has courageously rendered her own sexual abuse in this novel, just as her fictional protagonist does. This crime generally creates a profound and extremely complicated dynamic, but victims of sexual abuse are never at fault. To the confusion of the reader, Bartels gives Kendra thoughts about her complicity when deliberately putting herself in harm's way each summer. Yes, many victims believe they are somehow at fault and have complicated feelings for their abusers, but any good friend, teacher, therapist, etc. will work doggedly to unpack those misconceptions.

Yet Bartel never introduces this necessary part of the psychological healing process; she presents a new love interest in what seems like an antidote to Kendra's problems. In addition, Tyler, the aggressor, is allowed to get off with a verbal admission to Kendra of his wrongdoing, and his adoptive father does nothing except say in a heartfelt way that what Tyler did was "wrong.." There is nothing in the novel about Tyler's mother or father even discussing the abuse with him when it is revealed to them, let alone do something more significant (though they had provided therapy for a younger Tyler due to the horrifying sexual trauma her experienced before he was adopted). Granted, Tyler is probably 30 in the present time of the story, but his parents' reactions are still hard to accept.

Child prostitution, sexual predation, and possible suicide are some of the dark, weighty ideas around which Kendra's story unfolds. To my mind, the unfolding hits some significantly wrong notes along the way, and the novel contains more sexual encounters and relationships beyond Kendra's. So to be fair, all that is a lot to illuminate in one regular-length novel.

I received an advance copy of this novel from Revell Publishers via NetGalley. This is an honest review.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

We follow Kendra as she begins her stay at her newly inherited cabin on a lake in Michigan. This young woman has recently gained fame for her first novel, and she is hurting from a letter she received from an unhappy fan.As she goes about trying to find the letter writer, she talks in her mind to her estranged childhood friend Cami, who is also missing.This book quickly became a page turner looking for answers, and finding out what Kendra and her neighbor's books are about. There are some surprises, some very dark happenings, and then there are answers of long unanswered questions.The author also gifts us with a possible love interest, and I loved the character of "Andy"!Come and journey for a summer of rememberance, and a road to forgiveness and peace.I received this book through LibraryThing and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

[mzonderm · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Kendra has written a very popular semi-autobiographical novel. Unfortunately, it's not nearly "semi" enough for at least two people: Tyler, the antogonist of the story behind the novel, and a Very Disappointed Reader who writes Kendra a letter calling her out for not being fair in her retelling of the past. The letter sends Kendra back to her grandfather's house on the lake, the scene of the crime, to see if she can overcome the writer's block the letter had engendered.This is a book that can't decide what it's about. Is it about Kendra's attempt to find out who wrote the letter, and why? Is it about her attempt to come to terms with Tyler? Or is it about what happens between her and the her German translator who unexpectedly (and implausibly) shows up at her cabin to complete the translation work? Or about what happened to Cami, Tyler's sister and Kendra's childhood best friend, after their last summer on the lake together? Or about what happened to the families on the lake before Kendra was born?The book tries to be about all of these things, and Bartels does manage to answer all the questions and tie up all the loose threads by the end. The result is more than readable, if not terribly satisfying, and, one hopes, cathartic for Bartels.FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.

[mm_jones · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

New author for me and the second ARC from the publisher Revell Books. The overt premise is an anonymous letter from "A Very Disappointed Reader" derailing an author's attempt to write a second book. But, according to the author, the book is actually a result of being sexually molested as a pre-teen. She wants to convey the importance of able to tell your story and being believed as an avenue to healing. Very readable story of two girls who become best friends over summers at the lake and what happens to destroy that friendship.

[milibrarian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When Kendra faces writer's block in her attempt at a second novel, she returnes to her grandfather's cabin in Michigan. As she deals with her memories of Hidden Lake, her childhood, and her friends, she realizes that she is not the only person hiding their pasts. As Kenda learns mor about her family's and her friends' lives, she also learns that her percepton of the the truth does not always acknowledge all of the facts. This book explores themes of love and forgiveness for family, friends, and oneself.

[pamelabarrett · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love Erin Bartels books and this was hardest story to read. It was too close to home for me, after writing my own memoir while knowing that some family and friends experienced things from their own perspective or experience and some would be upset. I liked how she revealed different aspects of the plot as she (the writer) uncovered the truth herself. Everyone has a story.

[2lz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thank you Librarything for the advanced copy of The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water: A Novel by Erin Bartels in return for my honest review. I have never read anything by this author previously, but after reading this book, I intend to read her earlier titles. Erin Bartels knows how to tell a story. She draws the reader in and doesn’t let go until the very end; her writing feels authentic, honest and true. It took me a few chapters to fully engage in the novel, but once I did, I couldn’t stop reading.The story begins with a writer who has writer’s block due to a disappointed reader’s letter. This letter prompts her to revisit her past to verify or uncover the truth. Memory is tricky. The same event can be viewed differently by different people. Sometimes memory is a protective device, allowing us to save only as much as we can manage; other times, memory can set us free. This is a thought-provoking book and a recommended read.

[khoyt-43756 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have read all of Erin Bartels' previous books. I am grateful to Revell Books for sending me this Advance Reader's Copy of "The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water". From the very first sentence, I was hooked. The "you" gives one an eerie feeling which transforms itself into an invisible presence looking over the shoulder of the writer. It reminded me of the old black and white movies of the fifties, the film noir style. Throughout the twists and turns of the storyline, the invisible presence seems to be lingering, trying to push the writer on to discover the truth about the past.This is not a ghost story. It is a story of real life. A story that is too common in this day and time. The heroine has to deal with people and circumstances from her past. The characters are written with compassion and affection. You see flaws in all of them but you also see how each one deals with those flaws for the good or bad. I enjoy books because the thoughts of the characters are all put "out there." We don't let others inside us often. This book encourages honesty before it is too late.Erin delivers insights into human interaction that we can all use to help in relationship building.I am not a writer so I am unable to fully describe what I am feeling right now. But I would recommend this book highly to all. Especially to those who have been hurt in the past by someone they thought they could trust. And for those who help those who have been hurt. Take these hurts to the One who loves you most. I did not read the chapter added at the end. I know I will read it. Erin is such a good writer. I will read the next novel no matter what.

[mckait · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water: A Novel by Erin Bartels was a slow starter for me. It took me a few pages to figure out Who the main character was addressing. Even afterward the story wasn't drawing me in. To be honest, it stayed slow for me throughout. This isn't to say that it's not a good story, it is.And right in the middle is a stunner and the story picks up a bit from there. All in all a good read.This is a story of friendship, betrayal, love, lies, and loss.

[susan0316 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I started reading Erin Bartels books when I found out that they take place in Michigan - the state that I grew up in. Soon after I started reading her books, I realized that she was a fantastic author and now she's on my list of authors that I'll buy before I even know their book is about!Kendra is an author. Her first book was a huge success and she has a contract for her second book. The only problem is that she hasn't written a word and her deadline is getting close. Her problem is an inflammatory note that she received from someone who only identified themselves as A Very Disappointed reader. She decides to go to her grandfather's cabin on Hidden Lake hoping that she'll be able to forget the note and get her second book started. She spent her childhood spending summers with her grandfather at his cabin. Even though he is deceased, there are memories of him all over the cabin. Because she spent summers there, she knows most of the people living at the lake. Her best friend growing up lived across the lake and she spent a lot of time with Cami, Taylor and their parents. Now Cami has disappeared and Kendra has decided that she needs to confront Tyler - the person that her first book was based on. Will she be able to face him and will she lose her friendship with their parents.This book has a bit of lots of things -- friendship and the loss of friendship, family love and forgiveness, romance, mystery and suspense and it all melds together to create one of the best books that I've read this year. If you haven't read Erin Bartle's books, it's time to start -- she is a fantastic author who creates unforgettable storiesThanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review.