All That We Carried, (Paperback)

The title of this book tells so much about the story, whether we are talking about grief or the gear we are going to use and take as we do a long hike. Olivia the older sister, has dealt with her grief by cutting off her remaining family, but for ten years? In that time she has focused her life on her career as a lawyer. Younger sister Melanie, appears to be an accomplished blogger, and has a big heart, she doesn't want to hurt anyone or anything, to the point of her diet. She is a vegan because, well she may end up eating family or friend, she also believes in reincarnation! Watch for the twist that happen here, and you will be scratching your head and wonder if it is a God thing or that person is really real. I loved all of the twist and turns, and even the sister bickering, and surprises abound, and gifts, even if they don't look like a real present they are gifts! I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

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 wasnt 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.