So, I’m just going to come right out and say When We Believed In Mermaids wrecked me. I was a ball of tears by the end of the book. They were those sad, happy tears that made my husband ask me on multiple occasions if I was okay. Barbara O’Neal wove a touching narrative about two sisters, their difficult childhood, forgiveness, loyalty, love, and self-discovery.

The romance between Kit and Javier was so swoony. I fell for Javier way before Kit did. I loved his calm passion and encouraging support all the while giving Kit her independence. When We Believed In Mermaids explores some very deep and emotionally sensitive issues. If you are triggered by physical abuse, sexual abuse, drug abuse, alcohol addiction or neglect this may not be the book for you. As children Kit and Josie lived with their restaurant owning parents. Their parents were more interested in becoming well known then taking care of their children. Josie takes the brunt of the trauma, protecting her younger sister. While, I know this all sounds intense, and it was, you won’t be disappointed in how the book concludes.