When We Believed in Mermaids: A Novel

Not my usual genre of book but I’m glad I bought it. Very enjoyable read, the text flows well. Would love a follow up book. Would be a great holiday read.

Story well written & unfolds bit by bit so it keeps you gripped

This is a beautifully written book. Subjects written about with knowledge and empathy. I loved this book and it made me order more of the authors titles.

T HTHTHI cannot explain how good this book is. OtherHI cannot begin to explain just how this book made me feel. Elated one moment and then brought down to earth the next.It certainly had me in tears at the end, both of joy and sorrow!IsIs

Loved this book. I was a bit sceptical about the initial premise of the story, could someone really drop off grid and stay 'dead' for so long but decided to suspend my scepticism and give it a go. Good decision for a holiday read! Loved the way the story unfolded from the perspective of the two sisters; loved the description of the sibling rivalries only to find each envied the other; loved the way the 'idyllic' childhood was explored and then slowly disintegrated. The end of every chapter encouraged me to read more to find out who, how, what and, while some incidents were fully explained, others were left for the reader to surmise the outcome. I know some readers would find this somewhat annoying, I quite liked it - a bit like finding out some things about a new acquaintance without having their full history. I do agree with the reviewer who felt the end was a little rushed and convenient, but I personally preferred this to no resolution. All in all a good story, well written and with characters I wanted to get to know better.

Don't normally write reviews, but feeling the need. I didn't realise before I bought it that it would read like a romance novel which isn't my preferred choice. Persevered with it given I had bought it as a holiday read - but couldn't abide the dreadfully cliched characterisation of Javier.

How is it possible that I've only just "discovered" Barabara0'Neal... I can't wait to read more of her books

This book has me exhausted. The things that happen and people’s reactions are beautifully scripted and told as if real. Carefully crafted with care and attention. One not to miss. Thank you Barbara O’Neal.

I loved this. It was such a good book for summer. The dual POV is was done so well. The Easter eggs and near misses between the sisters added the perfect layer of intrigue. Slowly finding out all the details of the sisters’ lives was a phenomenal reveal. It helped allow me to get to know and understand Kit and Mari. I loved all the characters. I loved the setting. I could picture it clearly. This book made me grateful for my sister. Believing in mermaids is the perfect analogy to demonstrate reflecting on childhood and who it makes you.

This book is character driven. However the descriptions of the locals, New Zealand and California are beautifully done. Two sisters on opposite sides of the world. Will they find each other and mend their fractured relationship? Tragedy and humor liberally dispersed throughout. All in all a great read.

“When we believed in mermaids” by Barbara O’NealEsta es una novela romántica, típica de una "revista para el corazón".Kit, una doctora, ve en un noticiario de TV el rostro de su hermana Josie, muerta 15 años antes. Viaja de California a Nueva Zealandia para indagar si aún vive, y "milagrosamente" se la encuentra caminando por la calle. Contrario a sus expectativas, Josie vive con su esposo e hijos. El drama estalla entre las hermanas: ¿por qué ocultó Josie su nueva vida a su madre y hermana?En el hotel Kit vive un tórrido romance con Javier, un huésped español, típico héroe de novela romántica: Hermoso, gentil, rico, y el mejor de los amantes. Demasiado cierto para ser verdad, pero así resulta.Josie termina confesando que su vida era tal desastre que tuvo que matar a Josie para renacer en la nueva Mari, borrando su vida pasada.Como es usual en las novelas románticas, hay un final feliz, con Josie reconciliada con su hermana y su madre, con su esposo por el engaño de su previa vida, y con un gran amor entre Javier y Kit.Son abundantes los relatos de los personajes durante su infancia.

Barbara in her unique poetic style reaches into our heart and soul with this extraordinary story of hurt, loss, love and redemption. Great !

Lovely charming easy read. Good story and character development and looking forward to reading more from this author. Would recommend