What do you think?
Rate this book
Barely Above Water
A 2017 Reader's Favorite Book Award Winner
An illness comes out of nowhere and strikes Suzie Morris. Her boyfriend dumps her. She has no living family, and her physician can’t diagnose the malady.
Suzie relies on her Christian faith as she faces the uncertainty of the disease, and turns to a renowned alternative doctor in Destin, Florida. She takes a job coaching a county-sponsored summer swim team. She’s determined to turn the fun, sometimes comical, rag-tag bunch into winners.
Her handsome boss renews her belief in love, but learns of her mysterious affliction and abruptly cuts romantic ties. Later he has regrets, but can he overcome his fear of losing a loved one and regain Suzie’s trust?
An illness comes out of nowhere and strikes Suzie Morris. Her boyfriend dumps her. She has no living family, and her physician can’t diagnose the malady.
Suzie relies on her Christian faith as she faces the uncertainty of the disease, and turns to a renowned alternative doctor in Destin, Florida. She takes a job coaching a county-sponsored summer swim team. She’s determined to turn the fun, sometimes comical, rag-tag bunch into winners.
Her handsome boss renews her belief in love, but learns of her mysterious affliction and abruptly cuts romantic ties. Later he has regrets, but can he overcome his fear of losing a loved one and regain Suzie’s trust?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2016
75 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Gail Pallotta
23 books204 followersBest-selling, award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association, she is a 2013 Grace Awards Finalist, a Reader's Favorite 2017 Book Award Winner and a TopShelf 2020 Book Awards Finalist. She received a Top Author Certificate for Hidden Danger, Christian Romantic Suspense (Discipleship Series Book 1), her latest book. Her teen novel, Stopped Cold, stayed on the Amazon Best Seller list for Christian Teen and Young Adult Mysteries and Thrillers for one month. Hair Calamities and Hot Cash has been on the Amazon Best Seller list for Contemporary Christian Fiction (Books) twice. Cooking up a Mystery has been on the Amazon Best Seller list in Christian Suspense, Cozy Culinary Mystery and Christian Mystery and Suspense.
She's a Western North Carolina native whose grandfather planted churches in the far reaches of the mountains. She set Hidden Danger there because she knows the area well and believed the hills and caves would make a good backdrop for mystery and suspense.
Gail loves to connect with readers. Visit her website at https://gailpallotta.com; her blog at gailpallotta.blogspot.com; Facebook at https://www.Facebook.com/AuthorsandMore.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 25, 2016
This book was really, really good. So different than most of the books that I have read lately, so a nice and very interesting read, to say the least. A young woman gives up a job and home to move to another location where she feels God has lead her to help her with the mysterious health issues she has been dealing with. Starting up a new life when health is causing so many problems is difficult at best.
Having had no success with conventional medical help she seeks another route, hoping for better results.
This was a very thought provoking book for me as I have also dealt with health issues that are still unresolved. The story is faith promoting and a good reminder to trust in the Lord in all things.
Great book, and I loved it!
I received an Ebook version from the author for my honest review which I have given.
Having had no success with conventional medical help she seeks another route, hoping for better results.
This was a very thought provoking book for me as I have also dealt with health issues that are still unresolved. The story is faith promoting and a good reminder to trust in the Lord in all things.
Great book, and I loved it!
I received an Ebook version from the author for my honest review which I have given.
May 23, 2016
When conventional medicine has no answer for her illness, Suzie takes the chance that an alternative doctor can help her. She moves to Florida and takes on a part time job coaching a swim team to support herself as she deals with her illness.
I liked that this novel highlights an ailment that's not commonly talked about. The attention to detail and description of the alternative treatments was illuminating. The characters are given time to develop a relationship, which I always approve of.
This is a story for readers who enjoy contemporary romances and appreciate details.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. You can see my entire review at More Than A Review.com where I rate a book's content.
I liked that this novel highlights an ailment that's not commonly talked about. The attention to detail and description of the alternative treatments was illuminating. The characters are given time to develop a relationship, which I always approve of.
This is a story for readers who enjoy contemporary romances and appreciate details.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. You can see my entire review at More Than A Review.com where I rate a book's content.
May 9, 2016
Barely above water
Suzie has a disease that her doctors can't figure out what it is. She finds out about a dr in another state that may be able to help her. She quits her current job and moves where the dr is at. She takes a job coaching a swimming team but finds she has to do a lot more than coach. She also meets Matt where she is working at. He is not sure on how to deal with her illness. It is a mystery for part of the book of what she has. Very interesting book. Enjoyed the kids and the swim team. Will she find out what is wrong with her and will she get better? I did receive the book from the prism book group in exchange for a honest review.
Suzie has a disease that her doctors can't figure out what it is. She finds out about a dr in another state that may be able to help her. She quits her current job and moves where the dr is at. She takes a job coaching a swimming team but finds she has to do a lot more than coach. She also meets Matt where she is working at. He is not sure on how to deal with her illness. It is a mystery for part of the book of what she has. Very interesting book. Enjoyed the kids and the swim team. Will she find out what is wrong with her and will she get better? I did receive the book from the prism book group in exchange for a honest review.
June 2, 2016
Barely Above Water
This book is a blessing to all those who are suffering from any chronic illness. I believe the author did an excellent job of showing Suzie's struggles with her illness and fears of ever being able to have a normal life. I love the fact that Dr. Granger prayed with his patients and I really enjoyed the beach sermon. I would have love to see God play a more significant role in the characters lives.
This book is a blessing to all those who are suffering from any chronic illness. I believe the author did an excellent job of showing Suzie's struggles with her illness and fears of ever being able to have a normal life. I love the fact that Dr. Granger prayed with his patients and I really enjoyed the beach sermon. I would have love to see God play a more significant role in the characters lives.
May 11, 2016
This was a good book. Suze moves to try and find a solution to her medical problems. Cautious about starting a new relationship, will she find out the cause of her illness and find love in the process.
I received a copy for my honest review
I received a copy for my honest review
June 6, 2016
Frankly, not being one who suffers a debilitating illness, I found myself worried for Suzie as I read about the healing process, concerned she was being duped. But learning the author writes from personal experience made it fascinating.
The romance is sweet and the heroine's work teaching swimming to children whose parents work in the hospitality industry was a good touch. For me, though, they weren't the most interesting factors of the book. If you have (or think you have) one of those mysterious and life-changing illnesses---chronic fatigue, chronic lime disease, etc.---I'd suggest reading Barely Above Water. While I can't and won't recommend the treatments talked about, don't miss the information at the back of the book from Ms. Pallotta and her medical experts. Very interesting!
The romance is sweet and the heroine's work teaching swimming to children whose parents work in the hospitality industry was a good touch. For me, though, they weren't the most interesting factors of the book. If you have (or think you have) one of those mysterious and life-changing illnesses---chronic fatigue, chronic lime disease, etc.---I'd suggest reading Barely Above Water. While I can't and won't recommend the treatments talked about, don't miss the information at the back of the book from Ms. Pallotta and her medical experts. Very interesting!
April 22, 2016
I learned so much as I read this book. Suzie's relationship with Matt is adorable. Not only did I enjoy a sweet love story, but I learned about a mysterious illness that I had never heard of before. All the symptoms of the young woman made me want to read on to find out what she had. What could this illness be? Another tidbit about this story is that the author knows firsthand about this illness so she was able to describe it perfectly. That was not all that I learned. I found out how hard young children have to work to be in a swim meet. The children are adorable as they interact with both Suzie and Matt. Loved the story and very well written!
April 27, 2016
This well-crafted novel is layered with several interesting facets. The story of the local swim team, Susie and Matt’s evolving love story, and the deviation of Lyme disease.
Not only is it an interesting concept, there is a great deal of information in this novel of which the general audience is not aware. Susie’s health issues have taken over every aspect of her life, and she’s willing to give up a lucrative career to find a cure.
The alternative route she takes requires faith, enduring emotional pain, and seemingly giving up on everything to find an answer. Well done.
Not only is it an interesting concept, there is a great deal of information in this novel of which the general audience is not aware. Susie’s health issues have taken over every aspect of her life, and she’s willing to give up a lucrative career to find a cure.
The alternative route she takes requires faith, enduring emotional pain, and seemingly giving up on everything to find an answer. Well done.
November 1, 2018
A enjoyable book a story that kept me interested and wanting to know how it would end. This story has a lot of information about Lyme disease. This is a story about learning to trust in God and seeking God’s help to heal you. Having faith is very important and this book highlight this. Suzie’s character is strong but at times of trouble she questions her faith to be healed which is only human. Recommend you to read it if you love Christian romance stories.
October 15, 2020
There are all sorts of antagonists, it's rare for it to be an virus. Barely Above Water's "bad guy" is no less devious than a human.
Gail Pallotta has given readers a peek into the pain and sometimes shame from a chronic disease. She's done a beautiful job of integrating a love story with the protagonist's journey. Love the inclusion of the rag tag group of children she develops into a swim team. All in all a feel good book with good messages.
Gail Pallotta has given readers a peek into the pain and sometimes shame from a chronic disease. She's done a beautiful job of integrating a love story with the protagonist's journey. Love the inclusion of the rag tag group of children she develops into a swim team. All in all a feel good book with good messages.
June 23, 2017
My heat aches for those who deal with a chronic illness. I admired Suzie strength and determination in dealing with her disease. I enjoyed watching as she worked with the children at the Destin Community Club. She poured so much into their lives and was greatly rewarded for her effort. I highly recommend this book.
June 29, 2017
I received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.
What a great book. This book has a great plot and well developed characters. I really felt for the main character with an illness that no one can name. I highly recommend this book.
What a great book. This book has a great plot and well developed characters. I really felt for the main character with an illness that no one can name. I highly recommend this book.
October 7, 2017
Gives you something to think about
I enjoyed this book. It really gives you something to think about. Medicine isn't always the answer to our problems but it helps. And God will always be there, no matter what. Good story.
I enjoyed this book. It really gives you something to think about. Medicine isn't always the answer to our problems but it helps. And God will always be there, no matter what. Good story.
March 9, 2018
Illnesses that we don’t understand hurt the soul.
Suzie’s illness was undiagnosed and left many unanswered questions. Through some unusual treatments some of her symptoms improved. Matt needed to open himself up to a relationship with Suzie but also with the Lord.
Suzie’s illness was undiagnosed and left many unanswered questions. Through some unusual treatments some of her symptoms improved. Matt needed to open himself up to a relationship with Suzie but also with the Lord.
August 21, 2016
This lovely story is great for a weekend...check it out right now
http://gabixlerreviews-bookreadershea...
http://gabixlerreviews-bookreadershea...
September 9, 2016
This is a romance, but it's more; also the story of a woman's search for alternatives when traditional medicine gave up on her. Definitely worth reading.
June 27, 2017
This is a nice story about a woman who is trying to find a cure for a chronic illness while falling in love in the process.
January 22, 2020
Very informative and well researched topic—all tucked within a sweet, enjoyable story.
November 11, 2020
The story of a brave woman trying to get well after doctors can’t figure out what is wrong.
May 6, 2016
This story held a lot of information about a disease I am unfamiliar with. I appreciated the time the author must have spent researching this disease to make the symptoms the character dealt with come to life. My heart went out to Suzie as she dealt with the pain, inability to eat things she wanted to, and lack of sleep. Along with the decision she made to quit her job and move to a new place to get medical treatment. I'm not sure I could have done the same!
I enjoyed the easy friendship that occurred between her and Matt. I knew immediately I liked them as a pair and I enjoyed how the author wove their story of their relationship. Matt had these walls that I hoped would come down before the story ended based on previous experiences, and I liked seeing his progression.
If I had one criticism it would be that Suzie seemed to worry about everything and throughout the book I found myself yelling at her to just try something without so much negativity. However, I believe that everything that had happened in her life up until that point had made her that way, so it wasn't a critique of the authors writing style, but just my personal character preference.
This is a heartwarming story that I would recommend to those who need some hope in their lives, or just want to read a cute story. I received a free copy of this book from Prism Book Group in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
I enjoyed the easy friendship that occurred between her and Matt. I knew immediately I liked them as a pair and I enjoyed how the author wove their story of their relationship. Matt had these walls that I hoped would come down before the story ended based on previous experiences, and I liked seeing his progression.
If I had one criticism it would be that Suzie seemed to worry about everything and throughout the book I found myself yelling at her to just try something without so much negativity. However, I believe that everything that had happened in her life up until that point had made her that way, so it wasn't a critique of the authors writing style, but just my personal character preference.
This is a heartwarming story that I would recommend to those who need some hope in their lives, or just want to read a cute story. I received a free copy of this book from Prism Book Group in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
June 2, 2017
I really enjoyed Gail's novel. I purchased it because a friend of mine suffers from Lyme's Disease. This story gave me a better understanding of the effects of the disease. I liked Suzie and her rag tag bunch of swimmers. Matt wasn't my favorite hero, but that's probably because most men aren't fond of being caregivers and shy away from that role. I give a lot of credit to Gail for creating an unconventional, sympathetic heroine. An easy beach read--with swimming.
April 4, 2018
If this had been totally fictional, I might not have liked it as much. But knowing that it was based on the author's own experiences made it more interesting and fascinating. I enjoyed reading about the alternative treatments more than the rest of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2024
Suzie lost her job as a reporter because of an unidentified illness. Her boyfriend shunned her. She takes a part time job as a swim coach in a small city in Florida so that she can try an alternative medicine doctor.
Her body trembles all over, and she has a very limited diet. Can this doctor help? Can she trust enough to love again? Faith in God and an open mind are all she has to turn to.
It was a good read. Well worth my time.
Her body trembles all over, and she has a very limited diet. Can this doctor help? Can she trust enough to love again? Faith in God and an open mind are all she has to turn to.
It was a good read. Well worth my time.
January 2, 2025
I loved this story of a young woman's determination to overcome the horribly debilitating effects of Chronic Lyme Disease with a beautiful romance sprinkled in! It was not only highly entertaining but really opened my eyes to the disease and I found the alternative approaches to Suzie's healing to be fascinating. And though I am no swimmer, I enjoyed reading about Suzie's swim team's rise to victory. The characters were all so charming! Barely Above Water was a great start to my 2025 reading!
August 18, 2017
Sorry, but most of the alternative medicine espoused in the book is clap-trap. And I felt that the book was really just a vehicle for this hokum. Lyme disease is a real disease and is treatable. I certainly am open to alternative treatments and have used some successfully, but most of what was talked about in this book is bogus.
June 9, 2022
A beautiful story
It was wonderful to see the power of faith and trust in the Lord that affected Suzie’s life. The romance felt a bit like an afterthought, but it was still sweet.
It was wonderful to see the power of faith and trust in the Lord that affected Suzie’s life. The romance felt a bit like an afterthought, but it was still sweet.
April 22, 2017
I appreciated the story but to be honest, I couldn't go on after about 70 pages. This book was a gift- autographed copy- and I tried to like it. Sorry!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews