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All That We Carried
Estranged sisters embark on a hiking trip on the tenth anniversary of their parents' deaths in an attempt to reconnect. In the wilderness of Michigan's Upper Peninsula 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.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2021
128 people are currently reading
4398 people want to read
About the author
Erin Bartels
22 books926 followersERIN 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 award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water, Everything Is Just Beginning, and The Lady with the Dark Hair. A two-time Christy finalist and winner of two WFWA Star Awards and three Michigan Notable Book Awards, Erin has been a publishing professional for more than twenty years. After eighteen years in Michigan’s capital city, she now lives with her family in a charming small town surrounded by farm fields and pasturelands.
You can find her on Facebook @ErinBartelsAuthor and on Instagram @erinbartelswrites.
Erin is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water, Everything Is Just Beginning, and The Lady with the Dark Hair. A two-time Christy finalist and winner of two WFWA Star Awards and three Michigan Notable Book Awards, Erin has been a publishing professional for more than twenty years. After eighteen years in Michigan’s capital city, she now lives with her family in a charming small town surrounded by farm fields and pasturelands.
You can find her on Facebook @ErinBartelsAuthor and on Instagram @erinbartelswrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews
November 17, 2025
Sisters Olivia and Melanie couldn't be more different if they tried but growing up, they were as close as can be...until they weren't.
Ever since their parents died in a car accident, Olivia and Melanie drifted far apart.
Ten years later, Melanie feels like she's not only mourning the loss of her parents but also her sister.
Olivia drowned herself in work - spending every spare moment on furthering her career. And Melanie just felt like she was drowning - and no matter what she tried, she couldn't save herself.
In a last-ditch effort to reconnect, Melanie convinces Olivia to go on a hiking trip in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan - just like they used to.
But once the two sisters get on the trail, old hurts and angers resurface. Will this trip reconnect them? Or just drive them further apart?
Whew. This was my first Erin Bartels book and I was rather impressed.
I loved the overall concept - two sisters needing each other but not knowing how to reach out. And the things that they carried (grudges, grief, etc) being what they needed to leave behind in order to make things whole between themselves.
I also feel like the author nailed the interactions between the sisters. For example, the way they would constantly try to help the other one but always manage to do the exact worse thing...it definitely gave me vibes of growing up with my sister.
The setting was really well done - I've been to the UP many times (not normally for a hike but often for a drive in public land) and I loved how reading this book made me feel like I was right there.
Now, as a heads up, this is a book with a religious leaning. There are some books that have religion play a very heavy-handed role and some that have more of a subtle undertone (this was the latter).
One of the sisters tries to believe in everything, one of them believes in nothing and by the end of the book they are both leaning towards a more religious outlook.
That being said, it didn't feel too overt and was enjoyable for me to read.
Overall, I rather enjoyed this book!
With thanks to Revell for sending this one my way
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December 26, 2020
“Jeweled trees leaned in toward the water, as though listening to the creek tell its particular story.”
This was a beautifully written book about two estranged sisters who go on a multi-day hike in the Porcupine Mountains of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. As the story unfolds, we see that the title: All That We Carried, is allegorical. “Olivia couldn’t carry both her pack and Melanie’s. Carrying just her own was exhausting enough.” The characters of Olivia and Melanie Greene are not necessarily likable but they are realistic and we see each struggle to find purpose in life. They have heard the same mantra from their parents as they grew up: “ What is done is done and cannot be undone.”
This story was interesting because I have visited Ontonagon and the Porcupines in a day trip while living in Northern Wisconsin.
While the allegory came through, the author brought out a lot of spiritual questions that the characters were struggling with. I wish she would have taken it a step farther and provided clearer answers. Such as pointing the reader to the true compass, Jesus, who wants to carry our burdens for us. Especially lacking was a follow through with Josh, who seemed to be a Christian and had a captive audience. There was just no real resolution for me.
That said, I would recommend this as a good book, especially if you want to hike through the eyes of the characters without leaving your comfy reading spot.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads Book Blog Program. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
This was a beautifully written book about two estranged sisters who go on a multi-day hike in the Porcupine Mountains of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. As the story unfolds, we see that the title: All That We Carried, is allegorical. “Olivia couldn’t carry both her pack and Melanie’s. Carrying just her own was exhausting enough.” The characters of Olivia and Melanie Greene are not necessarily likable but they are realistic and we see each struggle to find purpose in life. They have heard the same mantra from their parents as they grew up: “ What is done is done and cannot be undone.”
This story was interesting because I have visited Ontonagon and the Porcupines in a day trip while living in Northern Wisconsin.
While the allegory came through, the author brought out a lot of spiritual questions that the characters were struggling with. I wish she would have taken it a step farther and provided clearer answers. Such as pointing the reader to the true compass, Jesus, who wants to carry our burdens for us. Especially lacking was a follow through with Josh, who seemed to be a Christian and had a captive audience. There was just no real resolution for me.
That said, I would recommend this as a good book, especially if you want to hike through the eyes of the characters without leaving your comfy reading spot.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads Book Blog Program. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
January 7, 2021
There is a lot to like about this novel...the writing is good and the central story line about two estranged sisters connecting after ten years of silence is engaging.
Olivia and Melanie drew apart when their childhood friend accidentally killed their parents. They each had different reactions to the event and those reactions drew them apart. Younger sister Melanie wants to work through their differences and the two agree to a multi-day hiking trip. Their characters were both well described...Olivia the controlling older sister and Melanie the somewhat irresponsible younger sister.
I enjoyed the connections between them and how the growth that happened. Also, very much enjoyed the hiking and camping details. What fell short for me was the spiritual aspect of the novel. I would have liked more closure to their beliefs. In this space, I very much thought Josh was a wonderful part of the novel.
Overall, a well written and engaging novel. I enjoyed the author's prior novels more and look forward to reading her next one.
Olivia and Melanie drew apart when their childhood friend accidentally killed their parents. They each had different reactions to the event and those reactions drew them apart. Younger sister Melanie wants to work through their differences and the two agree to a multi-day hiking trip. Their characters were both well described...Olivia the controlling older sister and Melanie the somewhat irresponsible younger sister.
I enjoyed the connections between them and how the growth that happened. Also, very much enjoyed the hiking and camping details. What fell short for me was the spiritual aspect of the novel. I would have liked more closure to their beliefs. In this space, I very much thought Josh was a wonderful part of the novel.
Overall, a well written and engaging novel. I enjoyed the author's prior novels more and look forward to reading her next one.
January 12, 2021
This was my first book by Erin Bartels. I’m not sure how I felt about this book. I did finish the book in one day, but at times I struggled with it. Both of the sisters were flawed and that made them seem real. I did struggle with Melissa’s beliefs and Olivia’s criticism. My favorite part of this book was the detail of the hiking and scenery. I really did like the character of Josh. I did feel like there was something missing at the end. There could’ve been a little more to wrap things up. I don't want to give too much away, but I wouldn't read this again if given the choice.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
December 7, 2020
Another winner from this talented author!
From endorsement:
All That We Carried is so much more than just a beautiful novel--it's a literary adventure of both body and spirit, a meaningful parable, a journey of faith. Simply stunning.
From endorsement:
All That We Carried is so much more than just a beautiful novel--it's a literary adventure of both body and spirit, a meaningful parable, a journey of faith. Simply stunning.
December 28, 2020
I loved this story about these two sisters. It was such a touching, heartfelt read.
Bartels, writes with so much heart and her characters are so real and easy to connect with. The forgiveness and grief and healing was so well portrayed.
I am sharing this book with so many people, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this 5 star read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
Bartels, writes with so much heart and her characters are so real and easy to connect with. The forgiveness and grief and healing was so well portrayed.
I am sharing this book with so many people, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this 5 star read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
January 7, 2021
Two sisters that have been estranged since the death of their parents go on a hiking trip to reconnect.
It may not have been the best idea. It was a pretty stressful trip, and both sisters still held grudges.
Melanie and Olivia had some good moments, but most of the trip was bickering.
ALL THAT WE CARRIED wasn't as enjoyable for me as Ms. Bartels' first two books. I actually wasn't anxious to get back to the book.
Those readers who enjoy family drama and hiking will love this book.
The writing is amazing as always, but it was different from her other books and not something for me. 3/5
This book was given to me by the publisher and LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.
It may not have been the best idea. It was a pretty stressful trip, and both sisters still held grudges.
Melanie and Olivia had some good moments, but most of the trip was bickering.
ALL THAT WE CARRIED wasn't as enjoyable for me as Ms. Bartels' first two books. I actually wasn't anxious to get back to the book.
Those readers who enjoy family drama and hiking will love this book.
The writing is amazing as always, but it was different from her other books and not something for me. 3/5
This book was given to me by the publisher and LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2021
Olivia and Melanie Greene are sisters with a few problems. In fact, they haven't seen each other since their parents died in a fatal car accident 10 years ago. Then they meet up to go hiking together for a week after Melanie talks Olivia into the trip. For several days the girls navigate both the wilderness of the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and their relationship with each other.
All That We Carried by Erin Bartels is a book about relationships. I don't have a sister but I found it interesting to see how both handled themselves with each other. I liked when Bartels let us read their thoughts. Both were introspective at times and reflected on their faith or lack of faith and spiritual lives. While they weren't Christians, they were both searching spiritually at times. The searching was further encouraged after meeting another hiker named Joshua who helped them out of a few scrapes. He also helped them gain some insights into each other and God. While the reader isn't given neat and tidy Christian answers, I think the book could make some book club discussions. I thought the plot moved along nicely and I found All That We Carried to be an enjoyable read that was over far too quickly. I enjoyed meeting these sisters and grew to like them both even though they were both very different people.
I received a copy of this book as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. All opinions within this review are my own.
All That We Carried by Erin Bartels is a book about relationships. I don't have a sister but I found it interesting to see how both handled themselves with each other. I liked when Bartels let us read their thoughts. Both were introspective at times and reflected on their faith or lack of faith and spiritual lives. While they weren't Christians, they were both searching spiritually at times. The searching was further encouraged after meeting another hiker named Joshua who helped them out of a few scrapes. He also helped them gain some insights into each other and God. While the reader isn't given neat and tidy Christian answers, I think the book could make some book club discussions. I thought the plot moved along nicely and I found All That We Carried to be an enjoyable read that was over far too quickly. I enjoyed meeting these sisters and grew to like them both even though they were both very different people.
I received a copy of this book as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. All opinions within this review are my own.
January 6, 2021
"How could Melanie ever hope to have a relationship with someone who allowed no room for mistakes, no room for repentance?"
Hoping to bridge a ten year relational gap following the tragic deaths of their parents, Melanie Greene talks her older sister Olivia into an extended wilderness excursion deep within the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Melanie's casual approach to the trip was perfectly counter-balanced by her sister's excessively detailed itinerary, however neither of them could have predicted how heavy their literal and figurative backpacks would become along the way. What would it feel like to be free?
This book is guaranteed to generate widely varied reactions. Some readers will finish with a deep sense of satisfaction; assured of closure, while others will find the ending confusing, wondering how so many deep spiritual questions could be posed with only brushstrokes of possibilities as answers. Regardless, it's a well written book, especially for those who have struggled mightily with life and death issues, knowing there is only One who holds all the assurances that we need, pleading with us to lay down the burdens of our hearts; the ones that we have tried so clumsily to carry.
I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Hoping to bridge a ten year relational gap following the tragic deaths of their parents, Melanie Greene talks her older sister Olivia into an extended wilderness excursion deep within the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Melanie's casual approach to the trip was perfectly counter-balanced by her sister's excessively detailed itinerary, however neither of them could have predicted how heavy their literal and figurative backpacks would become along the way. What would it feel like to be free?
This book is guaranteed to generate widely varied reactions. Some readers will finish with a deep sense of satisfaction; assured of closure, while others will find the ending confusing, wondering how so many deep spiritual questions could be posed with only brushstrokes of possibilities as answers. Regardless, it's a well written book, especially for those who have struggled mightily with life and death issues, knowing there is only One who holds all the assurances that we need, pleading with us to lay down the burdens of our hearts; the ones that we have tried so clumsily to carry.
I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
January 19, 2021
I have to be honest I have been stalling to write this review. I had heard so many wonderful things about this author that when Revell had this book for review I jumped at the chance in hopes that I would get picked and I did! Let me start with the good things because my aim is not to speak negatively about an author or even about a book but I do want to portray my feelings on it. After all this is just my opinion on it and as I have said before in previous posts the beauty of a blogger (especially a book blogger) its the vast differences in opinions out there and the beauty of being able to agree to disagree when needed.
Erin Bartels is definitely a gifted writer. She takes you on journey and definitely paints such a picturesque setting that it's almost like you are there hiking in the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan. She did a great job at touching into the emotional part of the story and makes you feel the anger, hurt and frustration that these characters are going through.
In this story we meet two sisters that have a very fractured relationship. They have not seen each other for ten years, since their parents death. They are extremely different from each other. Olivia has never looked back after leaving her home after her parents death. I found her to be extremely bitter and almost selfish. I know that when you lose a parent in which you think someone is at fault is extremely hard but the author provided some flashbacks about their childhood and her character seemed one of selfishness towards her sister. Olivia definitely carries a lot of burdens and doesn't want help from anyone. On the other hand her sister Melanie is the more empathetic one. She sees the world through rose colored glasses and her belief system is all over the place. She just wants to be happy and make everyone happy and feel good in the process. She is afraid of death which is understandable and feels abandoned by her sister.
This story is full of what some may consider symbolism. Erin Bartels focuses on that theme of carrying your burdens, taking the right/wrong path which was a great way to do so and tied everything pretty much together but I must admit that this story left me completely empty. When I read a Christian Fiction book I want some type of resolution to the story. I want it to be clear that the end result is leading to a clear belief which is God. There were SO many good opportunities throughout the book to lead these two lost souls into a clearer path into salvation but all the leads fell completely flat. Even the person they meet in the hike Josh which I guess could of been a heavenly messenger/angel or even Jesus although I have a hard time believing that, because once again I think the end of result if that would have been the case would of been an amazing encounter with the Almighty.
Now don't get me wrong I know books are also meant to be realistic and not everyone has those "come to Jesus" moments but I think that for this book it didn't even give you a definite resolve. Also the ending (and this may be a spoiler) but Olivia is back at the mountain and at the very end I am left aloof. Is she dead? The way it was written seems like it could be but again it wasn't very clear and I was left to wonder.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Erin Bartels is definitely a gifted writer. She takes you on journey and definitely paints such a picturesque setting that it's almost like you are there hiking in the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan. She did a great job at touching into the emotional part of the story and makes you feel the anger, hurt and frustration that these characters are going through.
In this story we meet two sisters that have a very fractured relationship. They have not seen each other for ten years, since their parents death. They are extremely different from each other. Olivia has never looked back after leaving her home after her parents death. I found her to be extremely bitter and almost selfish. I know that when you lose a parent in which you think someone is at fault is extremely hard but the author provided some flashbacks about their childhood and her character seemed one of selfishness towards her sister. Olivia definitely carries a lot of burdens and doesn't want help from anyone. On the other hand her sister Melanie is the more empathetic one. She sees the world through rose colored glasses and her belief system is all over the place. She just wants to be happy and make everyone happy and feel good in the process. She is afraid of death which is understandable and feels abandoned by her sister.
This story is full of what some may consider symbolism. Erin Bartels focuses on that theme of carrying your burdens, taking the right/wrong path which was a great way to do so and tied everything pretty much together but I must admit that this story left me completely empty. When I read a Christian Fiction book I want some type of resolution to the story. I want it to be clear that the end result is leading to a clear belief which is God. There were SO many good opportunities throughout the book to lead these two lost souls into a clearer path into salvation but all the leads fell completely flat. Even the person they meet in the hike Josh which I guess could of been a heavenly messenger/angel or even Jesus although I have a hard time believing that, because once again I think the end of result if that would have been the case would of been an amazing encounter with the Almighty.
Now don't get me wrong I know books are also meant to be realistic and not everyone has those "come to Jesus" moments but I think that for this book it didn't even give you a definite resolve. Also the ending (and this may be a spoiler) but Olivia is back at the mountain and at the very end I am left aloof. Is she dead? The way it was written seems like it could be but again it wasn't very clear and I was left to wonder.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
September 21, 2021
An interesting book by Erin Bartels. Two sister who haven't seen each other in 10 years come together for a hiking trip. The girls haven't been hiking since their parents died. One sister wants to marry the friend who was responsible for the death of her parents, the other wants nothing to do with that man and her sister who forgave him. On their hike they meet a man that has both girls questioning their belief in God. When they escape a forest fire the man disappears. Who was they and can his advice help heal the sister relationship?? This book was a nice read. When you read it you will want to know who this man really is and will have you following the girls new idea of God. I did enjoy the book and thought it was a nice idea for a story. Recommend it to all!!
January 15, 2021
I can't believe the wide range of emotions I experienced. Who knew that two sisters on a hiking trip could invoke that in me? And I don't even have sisters!
I'll be honest. When I first started the story I was a bit "freaked" out. "Freaked" is probably way too strong of a word, but I was concerned about where the storyline was going to go. And yes, this was in the beginning! *cringe* Melanie, the free spirit sister, is talking about Tarot cards and reincarnation. Full Stop. A fellow book reviewer had LITERALLY just posted a photo of this book and mentioned how much she enjoyed it so I reached out to her about where I was at in the story. She reassured me that it all fleshes out. That was totally a God moment because I was nervous.
Whew... Listen, sometimes a gal has to be reassured. lol
So, I continued on with the story and it all began to make sense. With the accident that claimed their parents lives, Melanie and Olivia coped in their own ways. Melanie began grasping at anything that she thought would be a comfort or positive. Olivia closed ranks on herself and what she was able to control.
Can I just say I related quite a lot to Olivia. In fact, so much so that I cringed when she talked because I could hear myself saying similar things. The need to be right, to be in control. When you go through tragedy you do what you can to make yourself feel safe and that's what these girls did.
One of my favorite aspects of this story is during certain scenes the author then brings you back to a previous time in the girls lives - either when they were little or teens. It would give you a glimpse as to how some things never change. I also appreciated the design of those pages. It was easy to differentiate those past moments with the rest of the story.
You can see God's hand in the story even though the characters are clueless, but in so many ways He's evident. While I started out nervous about the trajectory of the spiritual aspect of this story, I can see how all of that mumbo jumbo fits in. Melanie (and for sure Olivia) is searching. She wants peace. She wants encouragement. She wants to know there's someone greater than her out there. Olivia, unbeknownst to herself, is searching even though she's outright rejected any "god". I just love how He reveals Himself to them as they hike. And THIS quote is why it's so important for parents to do as the Bible says and to train our children up in the way they should go as well as speaking about God all the time.
These sisters have a LOT to work out in their lives needless to say. In their own lives and together. With a decade of separation there is a lot to make up for... if only they can get past their huge chasm between them. And an even bigger chasm possibly in their future if things aren't ironed out on this hiking trip.
If anything can go wrong, it certainly does. But, God! The author's writing makes this hiking trip seem extremely real and you can imagine yourself a fly on their shoulder as they make their way through the Porkies.
And as much as I related to Olivia, how she expected Melanie to react to a bear is how she probably would've expected me to react as well. HA!
*I was sent the book from the publisher. This is my personal opinion.
I'll be honest. When I first started the story I was a bit "freaked" out. "Freaked" is probably way too strong of a word, but I was concerned about where the storyline was going to go. And yes, this was in the beginning! *cringe* Melanie, the free spirit sister, is talking about Tarot cards and reincarnation. Full Stop. A fellow book reviewer had LITERALLY just posted a photo of this book and mentioned how much she enjoyed it so I reached out to her about where I was at in the story. She reassured me that it all fleshes out. That was totally a God moment because I was nervous.
Whew... Listen, sometimes a gal has to be reassured. lol
So, I continued on with the story and it all began to make sense. With the accident that claimed their parents lives, Melanie and Olivia coped in their own ways. Melanie began grasping at anything that she thought would be a comfort or positive. Olivia closed ranks on herself and what she was able to control.
Can I just say I related quite a lot to Olivia. In fact, so much so that I cringed when she talked because I could hear myself saying similar things. The need to be right, to be in control. When you go through tragedy you do what you can to make yourself feel safe and that's what these girls did.
One of my favorite aspects of this story is during certain scenes the author then brings you back to a previous time in the girls lives - either when they were little or teens. It would give you a glimpse as to how some things never change. I also appreciated the design of those pages. It was easy to differentiate those past moments with the rest of the story.
You can see God's hand in the story even though the characters are clueless, but in so many ways He's evident. While I started out nervous about the trajectory of the spiritual aspect of this story, I can see how all of that mumbo jumbo fits in. Melanie (and for sure Olivia) is searching. She wants peace. She wants encouragement. She wants to know there's someone greater than her out there. Olivia, unbeknownst to herself, is searching even though she's outright rejected any "god". I just love how He reveals Himself to them as they hike. And THIS quote is why it's so important for parents to do as the Bible says and to train our children up in the way they should go as well as speaking about God all the time.
These sisters have a LOT to work out in their lives needless to say. In their own lives and together. With a decade of separation there is a lot to make up for... if only they can get past their huge chasm between them. And an even bigger chasm possibly in their future if things aren't ironed out on this hiking trip.
If anything can go wrong, it certainly does. But, God! The author's writing makes this hiking trip seem extremely real and you can imagine yourself a fly on their shoulder as they make their way through the Porkies.
And as much as I related to Olivia, how she expected Melanie to react to a bear is how she probably would've expected me to react as well. HA!
*I was sent the book from the publisher. This is my personal opinion.
November 30, 2020
I have never read anything by this author but I definitely need to check out more of her writing
This book made me want to go hiking up in the Porcupine Mountains despite that many dangers that are often present.
The story is about two sisters, Olivia and Melanie, who have become estranged after the death of their parents. The sisters are like oil and water and it names this week long hike extremely difficult.
I enjoyed how the story is written in the present day but also includes flashbacks, which further develops the characters.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The views expressed are my own.
This book made me want to go hiking up in the Porcupine Mountains despite that many dangers that are often present.
The story is about two sisters, Olivia and Melanie, who have become estranged after the death of their parents. The sisters are like oil and water and it names this week long hike extremely difficult.
I enjoyed how the story is written in the present day but also includes flashbacks, which further develops the characters.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The views expressed are my own.
December 31, 2020
"But there is one thing I do know: life is about more than just being happy or being liked or being self-actualized. It's about more than just me. It's about more than just you."
This is the first book I have read by Erin Bartels (though I do own her two previous books). She has earned much accolade, and rightly so, given her lovely writing, deeply layered characters with raw and intense emotions that roll off the pages, well-constructed plot that brings the reader into the heart of the characters, and poignant and thought-provoking themes. This book allows the reader to follow along two estranged sisters, Olivia and Melanie, through a week-long hike in the Porcupine Mountains in Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The scenery is absolutely breath-taking and I felt like I was actually hiking the trails with them, suffering and triumphing alongside their losses and victories. Their reunion is stilted at best, having been estranged for a decade. Their completely different personalities and outlooks on life adds fuel to the fire that has been growing since their parents' tragic death ten years ago.
Olivia, the older sister, is an atheist control-freak, extremely structured but also self-centered. Melanie, the younger sister, is more of a free spirit and tender-hearted but quite unstructured and somewhat lost in her new age thinking. Unfortunately I couldn't fully connect with either sister and their argumentative dialogue, though probably very realistic between sisters, made me feel at edge, especially because Olivia mostly argued for the sake and love of argument. The sisters' convoluted history and relationship is made more clear with flashbacks, as new and old friends enter into the plot to nudge them along. The epilogue and Olivia and Melanie's spiritual stance are left open without any firm resolution, which disappointed me but also made me think deeper about the sisters' journey. Even though I didn't empathize with the sisters, their fears and heartache were real and tangible, as was their growth during the hike. If you enjoy well-written women's fiction, I am sure you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
I received a copy of the book from Revell via Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
This is the first book I have read by Erin Bartels (though I do own her two previous books). She has earned much accolade, and rightly so, given her lovely writing, deeply layered characters with raw and intense emotions that roll off the pages, well-constructed plot that brings the reader into the heart of the characters, and poignant and thought-provoking themes. This book allows the reader to follow along two estranged sisters, Olivia and Melanie, through a week-long hike in the Porcupine Mountains in Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The scenery is absolutely breath-taking and I felt like I was actually hiking the trails with them, suffering and triumphing alongside their losses and victories. Their reunion is stilted at best, having been estranged for a decade. Their completely different personalities and outlooks on life adds fuel to the fire that has been growing since their parents' tragic death ten years ago.
Olivia, the older sister, is an atheist control-freak, extremely structured but also self-centered. Melanie, the younger sister, is more of a free spirit and tender-hearted but quite unstructured and somewhat lost in her new age thinking. Unfortunately I couldn't fully connect with either sister and their argumentative dialogue, though probably very realistic between sisters, made me feel at edge, especially because Olivia mostly argued for the sake and love of argument. The sisters' convoluted history and relationship is made more clear with flashbacks, as new and old friends enter into the plot to nudge them along. The epilogue and Olivia and Melanie's spiritual stance are left open without any firm resolution, which disappointed me but also made me think deeper about the sisters' journey. Even though I didn't empathize with the sisters, their fears and heartache were real and tangible, as was their growth during the hike. If you enjoy well-written women's fiction, I am sure you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
I received a copy of the book from Revell via Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
December 11, 2020
...it was clear that if God was real, he was after her.~from All That We Carried by Erin Bartels
Is life a series of random accidents, or is there a plan? If there is a god, why does God permit evil? Or does this god punish us? Or, lead us to be better? Are people basically self-centered, and therefor evil, and if so, can they change--be saved? And if people can change, can we forgive them?
Sisters Olivia and Melanie have been estranged since the deaths of their parents in a car accident. They were never similar, and their response to the tragedy sent them reeling in different directions. Melanie dropped out of school to settle the estate while Olivia returned to the University of Michigan. When Melanie forgave the man who caused the accident, Olivia was furious and cut her off.
As a lawyer in Lansing, MI, Olivia knows the evil side of humanity. She is controlled, repressed, and a perfectionist. Failure isn't in her vocabulary. When she isn't good at something, she gave it up.
Melanie's blog and YouTube videos turned into a career as a listener and life coach, helping people. Now its time to help herself and bridge the chasm between her sister and herself. She proposes an October hike in the Porcupine Mountains, a natural park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where bear and cougar still roam, home to the remaining stand of hardwood and hemlock forest between the Rockies and the Appalachians.
Olivia plans the trip in detail; Melanie ignores the advice and is ill prepared. For anything can, and will, happen on the rugged, lonely trails.
Bartels not only references the Michigan landmarks that are the background to the action--she makes them come to life.
In 2019, my brother and his girlfriend hiked in the Porcupines. They spent a year to prepare, every week hiking longer, harder, with backpacks and food. I knew these sisters were in for trouble from the start! Even Olivia, for all her preparedness, since she already was suffering from hip pain.
Melanie has something she need to tell Olivia, but she needs to tear down the wall between them. The hike doesn't bring them closer. Olivia has shouldered responsibility for them both, her bossy big-sister side dominating.
One thing that surprised my brother and his companion was the elevations they had to climb, the rocks and roots. Luckily, they did not suffer any accidents. Unlike Bartel's sisters who end up fleeing a forest fire, resulting in an accident.
All That We Carried has so many wonderful aspects. It's almost a travel guide. It is an adventure story and a family drama. It is a psychological study of the burdens people take upon themselves.
At its heart is the struggle with spiritual matters, the nature of God, the question of evil in the world, the randomness or providential nature of life, universal questions we ask as communities and individuals. It is the rare person who can embrace the mystery of life, avoiding anger, despair, or fear.
I loved the Michigan references throughout the book! On the first page, I recognized "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod", the towers from the old Lansing electric plant whose blinking lights always told me I was almost home during our nine years in Lansing.
There is overt God-talk, and a mysterious character who shows up providentially. Melanie is challenged over her incorporation of all faiths into her belief system. But the changes in the characters arise out of their shared experience and conversations, their journey not over, but they have set foot on the right trail.
I agree that this is Bartel's most mature work so far.
I read and reviewed Bartel's previous novels We Hope for Better Things and The Words Between Us.
I received an ARC from the publisher through LibraryThing and a galley from NetGalley. (I also pre-purchased a copy of the book.) My review is fair and unbiased.
Is life a series of random accidents, or is there a plan? If there is a god, why does God permit evil? Or does this god punish us? Or, lead us to be better? Are people basically self-centered, and therefor evil, and if so, can they change--be saved? And if people can change, can we forgive them?
Sisters Olivia and Melanie have been estranged since the deaths of their parents in a car accident. They were never similar, and their response to the tragedy sent them reeling in different directions. Melanie dropped out of school to settle the estate while Olivia returned to the University of Michigan. When Melanie forgave the man who caused the accident, Olivia was furious and cut her off.
As a lawyer in Lansing, MI, Olivia knows the evil side of humanity. She is controlled, repressed, and a perfectionist. Failure isn't in her vocabulary. When she isn't good at something, she gave it up.
Melanie's blog and YouTube videos turned into a career as a listener and life coach, helping people. Now its time to help herself and bridge the chasm between her sister and herself. She proposes an October hike in the Porcupine Mountains, a natural park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where bear and cougar still roam, home to the remaining stand of hardwood and hemlock forest between the Rockies and the Appalachians.
Olivia plans the trip in detail; Melanie ignores the advice and is ill prepared. For anything can, and will, happen on the rugged, lonely trails.
Bartels not only references the Michigan landmarks that are the background to the action--she makes them come to life.
In 2019, my brother and his girlfriend hiked in the Porcupines. They spent a year to prepare, every week hiking longer, harder, with backpacks and food. I knew these sisters were in for trouble from the start! Even Olivia, for all her preparedness, since she already was suffering from hip pain.
Melanie has something she need to tell Olivia, but she needs to tear down the wall between them. The hike doesn't bring them closer. Olivia has shouldered responsibility for them both, her bossy big-sister side dominating.
One thing that surprised my brother and his companion was the elevations they had to climb, the rocks and roots. Luckily, they did not suffer any accidents. Unlike Bartel's sisters who end up fleeing a forest fire, resulting in an accident.
All That We Carried has so many wonderful aspects. It's almost a travel guide. It is an adventure story and a family drama. It is a psychological study of the burdens people take upon themselves.
At its heart is the struggle with spiritual matters, the nature of God, the question of evil in the world, the randomness or providential nature of life, universal questions we ask as communities and individuals. It is the rare person who can embrace the mystery of life, avoiding anger, despair, or fear.
I loved the Michigan references throughout the book! On the first page, I recognized "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod", the towers from the old Lansing electric plant whose blinking lights always told me I was almost home during our nine years in Lansing.
There is overt God-talk, and a mysterious character who shows up providentially. Melanie is challenged over her incorporation of all faiths into her belief system. But the changes in the characters arise out of their shared experience and conversations, their journey not over, but they have set foot on the right trail.
I agree that this is Bartel's most mature work so far.
I read and reviewed Bartel's previous novels We Hope for Better Things and The Words Between Us.
I received an ARC from the publisher through LibraryThing and a galley from NetGalley. (I also pre-purchased a copy of the book.) My review is fair and unbiased.
March 18, 2021
This is a hard book to review because I'm still on the fence about it in some respects. Was it thought provoking? Yes. Inspired questions that caused me to reflect? Yes -- in fact, I was desperate to find someone who has read the book and have a good chat-fest about it! (I think it would make a really great book club selection because there are lots of talking points.) But...I'm still floundering over how I actually feel about it over all.
I found the wilderness setting fascinating -- definitely the trek Olivia and Melanie take is way out of my city-livin' comfort zone so getting to live through their daring (and scary!) adventures was eye-opening. The author is just as adventurous as this sister duo and her love of nature and God's creation comes through in every descriptive phrase.
And, while the idea of estranged sisters mending their relationship held great appeal...actually living with their sniping and bickering was hard to deal with sometimes. It was a loooonnngggg hiking trip. :-)
Now, here's the funny thing, I really could not connect with Olivia and was far more willing to extend grace to younger sister Melanie. That's funny because I'm the youngest in a sisterly duo so the know-it-all, hyper-vigilant, overly-organized, always-right Olivia just grated on my very last nerve.
Meanwhile I found myself totally sympathetic to Melanie's peace, love, and happiness mediator vibe -- even if she blithely embraces bits and pieces of every world religion and culture according to her whims. She could be just as annoying as Olivia, in her own way, and yet, I found myself excusing her actions while I went all judgmental on her older sister. I'm sure there's some deep psychological reason for that which is entirely not the author's fault. I blame growing up with my sister. :-)
About half way through the book there's a subtle shift where it ventures into allegory territory -- I think, anyway. One of the reasons I'd love to book-talk about it because...well, I can't say without giving anything away but I have ideas about a certain character.
This is the part of the story that shakes Olivia and Melanie out of their hurtful patterns and becomes the catalyst to their reconciliation. I would have liked more closure on this aspect of their story. Bartels leaves it pretty open ended and while I can see why she chose to do that (yet more talking points for a book club!), I tend to like my stories wrapped up in a nice little bow, which is my problem, not the author's.
All in all a captivating and challenging novel that's just a bit different from the norm.
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.
I found the wilderness setting fascinating -- definitely the trek Olivia and Melanie take is way out of my city-livin' comfort zone so getting to live through their daring (and scary!) adventures was eye-opening. The author is just as adventurous as this sister duo and her love of nature and God's creation comes through in every descriptive phrase.
And, while the idea of estranged sisters mending their relationship held great appeal...actually living with their sniping and bickering was hard to deal with sometimes. It was a loooonnngggg hiking trip. :-)
Now, here's the funny thing, I really could not connect with Olivia and was far more willing to extend grace to younger sister Melanie. That's funny because I'm the youngest in a sisterly duo so the know-it-all, hyper-vigilant, overly-organized, always-right Olivia just grated on my very last nerve.
Meanwhile I found myself totally sympathetic to Melanie's peace, love, and happiness mediator vibe -- even if she blithely embraces bits and pieces of every world religion and culture according to her whims. She could be just as annoying as Olivia, in her own way, and yet, I found myself excusing her actions while I went all judgmental on her older sister. I'm sure there's some deep psychological reason for that which is entirely not the author's fault. I blame growing up with my sister. :-)
About half way through the book there's a subtle shift where it ventures into allegory territory -- I think, anyway. One of the reasons I'd love to book-talk about it because...well, I can't say without giving anything away but I have ideas about a certain character.
This is the part of the story that shakes Olivia and Melanie out of their hurtful patterns and becomes the catalyst to their reconciliation. I would have liked more closure on this aspect of their story. Bartels leaves it pretty open ended and while I can see why she chose to do that (yet more talking points for a book club!), I tend to like my stories wrapped up in a nice little bow, which is my problem, not the author's.
All in all a captivating and challenging novel that's just a bit different from the norm.
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.
February 8, 2021
ALL THAT WE CARRIED by Erin Bartels was a slow start for me. It took me a while to get into the story and then before I knew it, I was finished. Once the story started to flow for me I quickly flew through ALL THAT WE CARRIED and when I finished I found myself wanting more. I loved all of the characters and found myself wanting to go on this journey with these two sisters. The tender moments in the story really pull at the readers heart strings.
Erin Bartels takes her time introducing you to each of the characters and their problems and how they are feeling. I immediately felt as if I knew them all and was right there at the picnic table hashing things out. In no time, I was totally sucked in to their lives and the issues they were dealing with. The plot is very interesting and had me turning the pages late into the night. I have never heard or read this author before but after reading ALL THAT WE CARRIED I’m looking forward to reading more by Erin Bartels. Be prepared not to do anything else once you start reading this well written and hopeful tale. I found myself thinking about all of these wonderful characters long after I finished reading.
Overall, ALL THAT WE CARRIED is a book I can say nothing but fantastic things about. There is so much heart in Erin’s writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart, very happy. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. I look forward to reading Ms. Bartel’s previous books that I haven’t gotten to yet as well as her future ones. There is so much going on in this story, but Erin does a wonderful job of weaving all the pieces together. All of the characters will have you feeling sad and then smiling on the same page. Once you finish devouring this story, you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reveal Books. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
Erin Bartels takes her time introducing you to each of the characters and their problems and how they are feeling. I immediately felt as if I knew them all and was right there at the picnic table hashing things out. In no time, I was totally sucked in to their lives and the issues they were dealing with. The plot is very interesting and had me turning the pages late into the night. I have never heard or read this author before but after reading ALL THAT WE CARRIED I’m looking forward to reading more by Erin Bartels. Be prepared not to do anything else once you start reading this well written and hopeful tale. I found myself thinking about all of these wonderful characters long after I finished reading.
Overall, ALL THAT WE CARRIED is a book I can say nothing but fantastic things about. There is so much heart in Erin’s writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart, very happy. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. I look forward to reading Ms. Bartel’s previous books that I haven’t gotten to yet as well as her future ones. There is so much going on in this story, but Erin does a wonderful job of weaving all the pieces together. All of the characters will have you feeling sad and then smiling on the same page. Once you finish devouring this story, you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reveal Books. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
September 13, 2020
I have been a big fan of this author since I read her first book. All That We Carried is her third book and she just keeps getting better and better. This wonderful book made me laugh and cry and pray for a good outcome for the sisters. Plus the setting in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is so well described that I felt like I was there and even got a bit chilly as the sisters were standing on the shore of Lake Superior.
Ten years ago two sisters, Olivia and Melanie, became estranged after the death of their parents. They had always been close but they handled their grief very differently and there was no common ground between them. Olivia went to law school and became independent. She only saw the world in black and white with no middle ground - either something or someone was good or evil. Melanie dropped out of college and started doing life coaching. Unlike her sister, she saw the world in shades of grey and felt that whatever made you happy was the right thing to do. As different as the two sisters have become, when Melanie reaches out to her sister and asks her to go on a camping trip to try to resolve the differences between the two of them, Olivia agrees - reluctantly. They plan a hike in the isolated wilderness of the Porcupine Mountains in the UP of Michigan and are faced with situations that will either make their relationship better or totally destroy it.
I loved this book. The sisters were so well written and I was quickly invested in their lives and prayed that they would be able to put the past behind them and be real sisters again. The book made me laugh and it made me cry, it scared me (BEARS!!) and gave me things to think about more deeply. Erin Bartels continues on her winning streak of writing fantastic novels.
Ten years ago two sisters, Olivia and Melanie, became estranged after the death of their parents. They had always been close but they handled their grief very differently and there was no common ground between them. Olivia went to law school and became independent. She only saw the world in black and white with no middle ground - either something or someone was good or evil. Melanie dropped out of college and started doing life coaching. Unlike her sister, she saw the world in shades of grey and felt that whatever made you happy was the right thing to do. As different as the two sisters have become, when Melanie reaches out to her sister and asks her to go on a camping trip to try to resolve the differences between the two of them, Olivia agrees - reluctantly. They plan a hike in the isolated wilderness of the Porcupine Mountains in the UP of Michigan and are faced with situations that will either make their relationship better or totally destroy it.
I loved this book. The sisters were so well written and I was quickly invested in their lives and prayed that they would be able to put the past behind them and be real sisters again. The book made me laugh and it made me cry, it scared me (BEARS!!) and gave me things to think about more deeply. Erin Bartels continues on her winning streak of writing fantastic novels.
Read
January 1, 2023This had been the only book by this author that I hadn't read yet. I just hadn't gotten around to it. And as it turns out, out of all her books so far, all of which I've loved, this is now my favorite. I loved that the characters really wrestled with a ton of very genuine faith questions and I didn't mind that their questions were not all resolved. I loved their honesty and how the author pushed them to the point where they had to reconsider a lot of the things they were believing and holding on to. This is the kind of women's fiction that I love.
May 13, 2021
All That We Carried is about Melanie and Olivia, two sisters who have not seen or really spoken to each other since their parents were accidentally killed ten years prior. This is a subject that isn't over-written about and so it was refreshing to read something that almost no one writes about! Or at least I haven't read or heard about it. I could really relate to the power challenges that occurred between Melanie and Olivia as a younger sister, I've experienced it! I also related well to the challenges that were presented even though the circumstances are different from what I've experienced with my older sister. It is a hopeful story about two different women but maybe not so different willing to see where they do connect. This was a story about forgiveness, letting go of our stuff, love, and family. Highly recommended.
March 26, 2021
This Contemporary Inspirational Fiction was about a broken relationship between two sisters. They decide to go on a hiking trip after ten years of silence. The book is told past and present so that we see their relationship a little clearer.
I could relate to everything going on between them. How they acted toward each other and the things they fought about. I have 2 sisters. The social media, pantheistic view and overall relationships hit really close to home for me. I loved Josh and want him available when I go on my next hiking trip.
This really worked for me and if you like Christian fiction I highly recommend this for you. I thought this author wrote a very realistic, fun and challenging read.
Thanks to Revell via Netgalley for this. I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review. All opinions are mine.
I could relate to everything going on between them. How they acted toward each other and the things they fought about. I have 2 sisters. The social media, pantheistic view and overall relationships hit really close to home for me. I loved Josh and want him available when I go on my next hiking trip.
This really worked for me and if you like Christian fiction I highly recommend this for you. I thought this author wrote a very realistic, fun and challenging read.
Thanks to Revell via Netgalley for this. I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review. All opinions are mine.
October 3, 2025
This is my reminder to not read books that are "now available" on Libby
January 7, 2021
Really loved how this book started off. The middle kinda dragged for me and I wished some of the hiking stuff was edited down. Not a huge fan of how it ended for Melanie. Just weird. Overall, a different interesting book.
January 7, 2021
I predict that ALL THAT WE CARRIED will be one of the winners of the Michigan Notable Books award in 2022. This book not only tells the story of two sisters on a hiking trip in the wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, it does a great job of describing the beauty and the dangers of that wilderness.
Olivia and Melanie have been estranged for 10 years. They are attempting to reconcile on this hiking/camping trip. Neither is from the UP or familiar with the area they are hiking. So I knew right away that they were asking for trouble.
And trouble they sure do find right from their first night. But they find themselves a guardian angel. At least that’s what I decided he must be.
Olivia and Melanie cautiously befriend a fisherman. He’s mysterious from the get-go; he knows their names before they introduce themselves.
At that point, I thought that ALL THAT WE CARRIED would turn out to be a thriller. But, no, it is not. Still, that fisherman remains mysterious right to the very end.
I hope someone in Hollywood runs across ALL THAT WE CARRIED. It would make a great movie, especially if they film it on location, in the wilderness of the UP. In a movie, I would concentrate less on the reconciliation and more on the mysterious fisherman.
Olivia and Melanie have been estranged for 10 years. They are attempting to reconcile on this hiking/camping trip. Neither is from the UP or familiar with the area they are hiking. So I knew right away that they were asking for trouble.
And trouble they sure do find right from their first night. But they find themselves a guardian angel. At least that’s what I decided he must be.
Olivia and Melanie cautiously befriend a fisherman. He’s mysterious from the get-go; he knows their names before they introduce themselves.
At that point, I thought that ALL THAT WE CARRIED would turn out to be a thriller. But, no, it is not. Still, that fisherman remains mysterious right to the very end.
I hope someone in Hollywood runs across ALL THAT WE CARRIED. It would make a great movie, especially if they film it on location, in the wilderness of the UP. In a movie, I would concentrate less on the reconciliation and more on the mysterious fisherman.
September 5, 2021
I borrowed from the library and did not realise it was Christian fiction from the blurb. I was therefore very confused by the message of this book by the end (is it about dealing with grief?? sister reconnecting?? Unrealistic conversations and dialogue?? Jesus appearing and cooking fish??) and found it to be very average, with mixed pacing, and the ending very drawn out. Disappointing.
March 29, 2021
3.5 stars
Erin Bartel's previous, We Hope for Better Things was a favourite of mine in 2019. This, her latest released in January and was high up there on my anticipated books of 2021 - a hiking trip had me visualising it before I even began.
Two sisters, different as night and day. One bossy with a chip on her shoulder, the other quiet and reserved. The first few chapters had me feeling the tension in the air and as I got to know these women I could feel how grief affected each in totally different ways. Olivia the lawyer goes by facts, who left town rather then deal with the aftermath of their parents death. Where as Melanie was left behind to deal with what was left behind. Needless to say things come to a head in this book as each is forced to make tough decisions.
I loved the visuals, the hiking, the solitude and scenery has me itching to get outdoors again. The emotional journey on both Olivia and Melanie were interspersed with memories that showed their prior relationship. The ending was okay for me, I felt something was missing but can't quite put my finger on what.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
Erin Bartel's previous, We Hope for Better Things was a favourite of mine in 2019. This, her latest released in January and was high up there on my anticipated books of 2021 - a hiking trip had me visualising it before I even began.
Two sisters, different as night and day. One bossy with a chip on her shoulder, the other quiet and reserved. The first few chapters had me feeling the tension in the air and as I got to know these women I could feel how grief affected each in totally different ways. Olivia the lawyer goes by facts, who left town rather then deal with the aftermath of their parents death. Where as Melanie was left behind to deal with what was left behind. Needless to say things come to a head in this book as each is forced to make tough decisions.
I loved the visuals, the hiking, the solitude and scenery has me itching to get outdoors again. The emotional journey on both Olivia and Melanie were interspersed with memories that showed their prior relationship. The ending was okay for me, I felt something was missing but can't quite put my finger on what.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
December 24, 2020
I loved how the author captured the essence of each sister and how they prepared themselves for the hiking trip, in hopes it will reunite them. I adored this surprising, emotionally rich, engaging story, I could not put down. The author explores how sisters (people) can experience the same loss (ten years before) but look at it and dealt with it differently. These sisters learn how to stay alive on this shadowy wooded trail, trying to work together on the difficult terrain. This novel explores trauma, honesty and had a depth of love and understanding that choked me up. I enjoyed these sisters’ courage, as each face their fears, deal with incredible loss and their willingness to get unstuck from the pain of the past.
I was blown away by the compassionate way the author told this story, and brought up difficult topics such as death, religion, forgiveness, what we believe and why we do what we do. It was revealing, as the two search their souls, and hearts for a new comprehension. I liked how the author inserted flash backs to give readers a peek at how the girls' relationship used to be and how they interacted with their parents. Currently, they were treating each other like they did as kids, how did they cross over and treat each other like adults?
This is a well-crafted, gripping narrative start to finish with a surprising conclusion. It is a grand adventure in more ways than one. It is a novel you do not want to miss. Not only that, but It would work well for your next book club pick as there is so much to discuss.
.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
I was blown away by the compassionate way the author told this story, and brought up difficult topics such as death, religion, forgiveness, what we believe and why we do what we do. It was revealing, as the two search their souls, and hearts for a new comprehension. I liked how the author inserted flash backs to give readers a peek at how the girls' relationship used to be and how they interacted with their parents. Currently, they were treating each other like they did as kids, how did they cross over and treat each other like adults?
This is a well-crafted, gripping narrative start to finish with a surprising conclusion. It is a grand adventure in more ways than one. It is a novel you do not want to miss. Not only that, but It would work well for your next book club pick as there is so much to discuss.
.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
April 28, 2021
I found this a very interesting book about sisters who reacted differently to tragedy and loss.
May 7, 2021
The last time sisters Olivia and Melanie camped, they were found by park rangers and discovered their parents died in a car wreck. It has been a decade and the girls have not seen each other. Melanie convinces Olivia to backpack hoping they can resolve their differences. Melanie is the positive one, a life coach supporting those in need. Olivia is a lawyer, used to taking command and leery of humans in general. The book was great. I felt like I was hiking with them through the lovely scenery, trails and wildlife. It was truly an adventure!
December 13, 2020
It’s been ten years since Melanie and Olivia have had any meaningful sisterly interactions. It’s also been ten years since their parents were killed in crash that sent their car over a mountain. These two things are not coincidental. There was just so little to hold them together without their parents. Melanie the super-spiritual life coach/influencer; Olivia the rational, no-nonsense lawyer. But when Melanie suggests that they both go on a hiking trip through the mountains of Michigan to rekindle their relationship, Olivia reluctantly joins in.
All That We Carried is a deeply personal, thoughtful exploration of dealing with pain and grief. Bartels makes this storyline her almost-singular focus. Occasional flashback sequences give insight to the sisters’ childhoods. An enigmatic fisherman named Josh makes an appearance or two, but the vast majority of the book is simply the journey and the conversation along the trail.
It would have been very easy for a book like this to seem formulaic as the characters (and the reader) trudge from plot point to plot point with enough conversational exposition to tie the two together along the way. It’s a tried and true storytelling method and while it’s an easy setup, it’s difficult to make shine. Erin Bartels makes it shine.
At the risk of sharing too much, the novel’s careful imagery is what helps it stand out, (SPOILER WARNING!) from the packs on their back representing the emotional weight of their loss, to the need to abandon those packs in their final, literal, trial by fire. There’s also a Mary and Martha vibe to the two sisters: Melanie as the emotional and intuitive Mary; Olivia as the rational and action-oriented Martha. The enigmatic fisherman Josh is almost instantly telegraphed as the Jesus character. (Why are all the Joshes in fictions always depictions of Jesus and never of me?) And the symbol of journeying toward emotional health and reconciliation looms large throughout the book. (END SPOILERS!)
All That We Carried doesn’t quite have the depth or complexity that I’d seen in Bartels’ other work, but I don’t think it needed to. It was different than what I was expecting, but not necessarily in a bad way. I do wish that some story elements had been expanded and that some reveals would have been a bit stronger for the characters. Just a little more depth—even if that meant fifty more pages—would have really sold this book for me. Still, Bartels’s strength of storytelling carries readers confidently to the end with an enjoyable, poignant, and introspective look on how different people handle grief.
All That We Carried is a deeply personal, thoughtful exploration of dealing with pain and grief. Bartels makes this storyline her almost-singular focus. Occasional flashback sequences give insight to the sisters’ childhoods. An enigmatic fisherman named Josh makes an appearance or two, but the vast majority of the book is simply the journey and the conversation along the trail.
It would have been very easy for a book like this to seem formulaic as the characters (and the reader) trudge from plot point to plot point with enough conversational exposition to tie the two together along the way. It’s a tried and true storytelling method and while it’s an easy setup, it’s difficult to make shine. Erin Bartels makes it shine.
At the risk of sharing too much, the novel’s careful imagery is what helps it stand out, (SPOILER WARNING!) from the packs on their back representing the emotional weight of their loss, to the need to abandon those packs in their final, literal, trial by fire. There’s also a Mary and Martha vibe to the two sisters: Melanie as the emotional and intuitive Mary; Olivia as the rational and action-oriented Martha. The enigmatic fisherman Josh is almost instantly telegraphed as the Jesus character. (Why are all the Joshes in fictions always depictions of Jesus and never of me?) And the symbol of journeying toward emotional health and reconciliation looms large throughout the book. (END SPOILERS!)
All That We Carried doesn’t quite have the depth or complexity that I’d seen in Bartels’ other work, but I don’t think it needed to. It was different than what I was expecting, but not necessarily in a bad way. I do wish that some story elements had been expanded and that some reveals would have been a bit stronger for the characters. Just a little more depth—even if that meant fifty more pages—would have really sold this book for me. Still, Bartels’s strength of storytelling carries readers confidently to the end with an enjoyable, poignant, and introspective look on how different people handle grief.
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