I love books that not only entertain but also teach. Books that are filled with wisdom in such a way that you don’t always realize the depth of the lessons being taught at first. Books that bring healing you didn’t know you needed.

The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water drew me in from the first page. Erin Bartels has a way of writing that transports the reader directly into the story, strongly connecting the reader to the characters, and helping the reader envision the scenery so vividly. I continued to think about the book long after I finished it, and the powerful ideas have remained in my mind.

From the back of the book:

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.

This is a book that I believe has something for everyone. It will certainly leave you pondering forgiveness and grace. I know I still am.