At a glance
The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water
Christian fiction
The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water
Novelist Kendra Brennan retreats to her grandfather's cabin on Hidden Lake after an angry reader challenges the truth behind her successful debut. Determined to defend her version of childhood summers there, she plans to confront Tyler, the brother of her former best friend and the model for her book's antagonist. The presence of her German translator and the resurfacing of suppressed memories force Kendra to distinguish artful narrative from what actually happened. Dark and introspective, this novel suits readers prepared for sexual-abuse themes who appreciate lake settings, writers as protagonists, fractured friendships, unreliable memory, and stories that insist understanding an abuser's past does not excuse harm.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Mint Lemonade + Orange-Kissed Brown Ale
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Childhood trauma and abuse; sexual abuse/assault themes; damaged friendship and betrayal; memory uncertainty; shame and emotional distress; romantic content.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Mint Lemonade
A bright, refreshing sip suits an unhurried afternoon between the pages.
What you'll need
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice ↗
- 1/2 oz simple syrup ↗
- 6 mint leaves ↗
- 4 oz cold water
- Ice
How to mix it
- Combine the noncarbonated ingredients in a glass or shaker and stir or shake until mixed. Pour over ice, top with any carbonated ingredient, and stir gently.
- Garnish: Use a matching citrus wheel, berry, or herb from the recipe when available.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Highball glass ↗Cocktail shaker ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Orange-Kissed Brown Ale
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
A twist of orange wakes up the toasty warmth of English brown ale.
What you'll need
- 12 oz English brown ale
- 1 wide strip orange peel ↗
Shop the spirits 21+Search Total Wine for English brown ale · 21+ ↗
How to mix it
- Pour the beer into a pint glass and express the orange peel over the surface; add the peel if desired.
- Garnish: Orange peel.
- Glassware: Pint glass.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Pint glass ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.