Found it difficult to put this one down. ( )

I gave this a 3 out of 5 for various reasons. This is not what I would categorize as Christian fiction. There is no mention of God and no scripture. Second, there is an unpleasant scenario that made me uncomfortable. I do applaud the author for her willingness to write about her past. The writing style overall confused me too. I had to read the 1st page numerous times to understand who was talking and about whom. The main character, Kendra is someone that you will cheer for until the end. I may read other books by this author or not. ( )

Right up front I will say that I loved this book very much. I loved Bartels approach to hard things and I loved the deep dive of emotions and reveals throughout the book. This is a story about a childhood friendship gone awry. It is about two families that were deeply intertwined in ways Kendra never imagined they would be when she began her journey at the age of nine. The members of these families find that they must heal together if they want to move forward. She faced a troubled past and left much hurt to those in her path. In the end Kendra fights for a redeemed future for herself and all those involved.

Bartels has crafted a story that is hard to put down. Some parts of this book were hard to read (some sexual content that could have been hinted at but leave the details out) and very emotional. Her own experiences have brought this story to us as she shares some hard experiences from her own life. She shares at the back of the book how she came to write this story. This book is published by a Christian publishing company but it is not overtly Christian in it’s approach. Much like many Christian authors of the past she has chosen to write this story from a Christian worldview with clean language and a sensitive nature but it is a story that someone who does not know Christ can dive right into without feeling preached at. There is great value in her story for any young woman who might have struggled in ways Bartels shares. It is open and honest yet heart wrenching but, in the end, it is a very hopeful story. ( )

Narrator tells her story through internal conversations with Cami who she hasn’t seen in years.
Kendra is a successful author under pressure to finish her latest book which is being translated into German. She convinces her editor, Lois, that she will be more productive if she goes off the grid. She returns to Hidden Lake, Michigan to the cabin she recently inherited from her grandfather. The return brings mixed feelings and unanswered questions as she revisits memories from her past. Lois sends German interpreter, Andreas Voelker, to assist her with the German translation of her book. The unexpected visitor throws Kendra off guard and uncomfortable since internet connection is so poor she needs to go to town for a reliable connection.
When Kendra arrives she anticipates meeting with her friend Cami's adopted father, Robert Rainier, a famous author and mentor. It's been about 15 years since she has been up to the cabin. Jackie, Kendra's mother, raises her alone, sending her to spend summers with her father. Kendra has conflicting memories from her summers with her grandfather where she met Robert and Beth Rainier and their 2 adopted children, Cami and Tyler. She spent most of her time with the Rainiers and wonders whatever happened to her friend Cami after they lost touch years ago. Kendra seems to be confronted with some disturbing memories of the past and seeks clarification.
About half way through the book, I could predict the plot and the eventual ending. This did not ruin the story but provided the answers to which you hoped Kendra would discover for herself. Many stories accepted as truth as a child prove to be anything but the reality of the situation. The story does address some potentially triggering topics regarding child abuse, drug and alcohol use and resulting tragedies. Ultimately, the book does include a side love story and the truth of Kendra's past.
I received a copy of this book from Library Thing in exchange for an unbiased review. ( )

Narrator tells her story through internal conversations with Cami who she hasn’t seen in years.

Kendra is a successful author under pressure to finish her latest book which is being translated into German. She convinces her editor, Lois, that she will be more productive if she goes off the grid. She returns to Hidden Lake, Michigan to the cabin she recently inherited from her grandfather. The return brings mixed feelings and unanswered questions as she revisits memories from her past. Lois sends German interpreter, Andreas Voelker, to assist her with the German translation of her book. The unexpected visitor throws Kendra off guard and uncomfortable since internet connection is so poor she needs to go to town for a reliable connection.

When Kendra arrives she anticipates meeting with her friend Cami's adopted father, Robert Rainier, a famous author and mentor. It's been about 15 years since she has been up to the cabin. Jackie, Kendra's mother, raises her alone, sending her to spend summers with her father. Kendra has conflicting memories from her summers with her grandfather where she met Robert and Beth Rainier and their 2 adopted children, Cami and Tyler. She spent most of her time with the Rainiers and wonders whatever happened to her friend Cami after they lost touch years ago. Kendra seems to be confronted with some disturbing memories of the past and seeks clarification.

About half way through the book, I could predict the plot and the eventual ending. This did not ruin the story but provided the answers to which you hoped Kendra would discover for herself. Many stories accepted as truth as a child prove to be anything but the reality of the situation. The story does address some potentially triggering topics regarding child abuse, drug and alcohol use and resulting tragedies. Ultimately, the book does include a side love story and the truth of Kendra's past.

I received a copy of this book from Library Thing in exchange for an unbiased review.
( )