Olivia and Melanie have been alienated from one another for 10 years, ever since the tragic death of their parents. Melanie suggests they go on a hike, something they did as children. Olivia hesitantly agrees. This was some hike, it was a weeklong! I just thought I had been hiking. I see now it was just long walks in the woods! Melanie had hoped to renew their broken relationship.
The interaction, and communication (or lack of it) between the two sisters was so real! Olivia is controlling, bossy, and OCD planning. Melanie is impulsive and light hearted, totally opposite of her older sister. Their differences were even greater than that and are tested on this trip. The destination was the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan. The trails they would take are remote and rugged. Can you imagine going on a venture like this with a family member you have not seen in a decade!?
The time and the unresolved grief had created many issues in their lives they did not even recognize they had. As you can imagine away from civilization with just the two of them, each was faced with deep introspection of their life, beliefs, values, and things they had buried deep within themselves years ago. I felt the frustration they experienced with each other. The struggle wasn't just physical as it would be with such a grueling journey, it was also emotional. There were unexpected surprises and drama along the way. I enjoyed the description of the scenery, it was fantastic! It made me want to go look for pictures on the internet.
I saw a great lesson in how we cannot run from our painful experiences and not gave them affect our future in ways we never imagined. A beautiful story of unresolved grief, forgiveness, and fresh starts.
I received this book from Revell Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
The interaction, and communication (or lack of it) between the two sisters was so real! Olivia is controlling, bossy, and OCD planning. Melanie is impulsive and light hearted, totally opposite of her older sister. Their differences were even greater than that and are tested on this trip. The destination was the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan. The trails they would take are remote and rugged. Can you imagine going on a venture like this with a family member you have not seen in a decade!?
The time and the unresolved grief had created many issues in their lives they did not even recognize they had. As you can imagine away from civilization with just the two of them, each was faced with deep introspection of their life, beliefs, values, and things they had buried deep within themselves years ago. I felt the frustration they experienced with each other. The struggle wasn't just physical as it would be with such a grueling journey, it was also emotional. There were unexpected surprises and drama along the way. I enjoyed the description of the scenery, it was fantastic! It made me want to go look for pictures on the internet.
I saw a great lesson in how we cannot run from our painful experiences and not gave them affect our future in ways we never imagined. A beautiful story of unresolved grief, forgiveness, and fresh starts.
I received this book from Revell Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
Sisters Olivia and Melanie Greene were on a backcountry hiking trip 10 years ago. They received a message that their parents were in a fatal car accident. The sisters grew apart over their pain and grief. Recently Melanie insisted that they take a hiking trip in the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula as a way to move forward. While in the wilderness they face their deepest fears and question their beliefs.
Bartels has written an interesting story and an adventure of two sisters who have past experiences that need some healing. In the end the sisters do grow closer but not before they go through a lot of forgiving. I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to Bartels next book. Recommended for those who have had sibling rivalry experiences to contend with. I would like to thank Revell Publishing for a free copy for an honest review.
Bartels has written an interesting story and an adventure of two sisters who have past experiences that need some healing. In the end the sisters do grow closer but not before they go through a lot of forgiving. I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to Bartels next book. Recommended for those who have had sibling rivalry experiences to contend with. I would like to thank Revell Publishing for a free copy for an honest review.
