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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
This week I read The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury. It is a Christian novel with a Christmas theme. It is our book selection for our book club this month, and The Hallmark Channel has made it into a movie.
I want to preface my review with the fact that I rarely read Christian fiction. I do read quite a bit of Christian nonfiction on a daily basis through Bible studies and devotionals, and I tend to be hyper-critical of Christian fiction.
I like The Bridge, both the novel and the bookstore. I would love to have an Indie bookstore close to our home like this fictitious one located in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. I love Franklin. We lived in nearby Brentwood when we were newly married, and I went to graduate school at Belmont, so I enjoyed reading about Molly and Ryan's time at Belmont. The flood in 2010 was devastating and so sad, but Franklin has bounced back. One of the few problems I have with the book is the lack of responsibility shown by Charlie and Donna. They had little savings, and even less insurance. I also believe that if The Bridge was as special as it was depicted in the novel, then sales shouldn't have been that low. In spite of the amazing deals and free shipping offered by Amazon Prime and the convenience of eReaders, people still like to buy local, and there will always be those of us who need the feel of a book in our hands (not to mention the smell of ink). For these reasons, I have a harder time sympathizing with and relating to Charlie and Donna's plight.
I love Molly and Ryan's story. They share a love for music and nineteenth century British literature, especially Jane Eyre. Both quote the novel often which I find ironic because Jane is outspoken and speaks her mind. Molly and Ryan are silent and do not speak up when they should, and this causes them both heartache.
Told from multiple points of view (Molly, Ryan, Donna, and Charlie), Kingsbury gives us insight into what motivates these characters into making (sometimes) drastic decisions. I was especially intrigued by Charlie's point of view. Overall, this book's story is excellent and its Christmas message is sweet. I also think it's a great read for anyone who appreciates special Indie bookstores, too.
I must say that I am VERY DISAPPOINTED with The Hallmark Channel. I couldn't wait to watch The Bridge, but it was only Part 1 will be aired this season. We have to wait until Christmas 2016 for Part 2. STUPID HALLMARK CHANNEL YOU ARE NOT MY FRIEND!
I want to preface my review with the fact that I rarely read Christian fiction. I do read quite a bit of Christian nonfiction on a daily basis through Bible studies and devotionals, and I tend to be hyper-critical of Christian fiction.
I like The Bridge, both the novel and the bookstore. I would love to have an Indie bookstore close to our home like this fictitious one located in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. I love Franklin. We lived in nearby Brentwood when we were newly married, and I went to graduate school at Belmont, so I enjoyed reading about Molly and Ryan's time at Belmont. The flood in 2010 was devastating and so sad, but Franklin has bounced back. One of the few problems I have with the book is the lack of responsibility shown by Charlie and Donna. They had little savings, and even less insurance. I also believe that if The Bridge was as special as it was depicted in the novel, then sales shouldn't have been that low. In spite of the amazing deals and free shipping offered by Amazon Prime and the convenience of eReaders, people still like to buy local, and there will always be those of us who need the feel of a book in our hands (not to mention the smell of ink). For these reasons, I have a harder time sympathizing with and relating to Charlie and Donna's plight.
I love Molly and Ryan's story. They share a love for music and nineteenth century British literature, especially Jane Eyre. Both quote the novel often which I find ironic because Jane is outspoken and speaks her mind. Molly and Ryan are silent and do not speak up when they should, and this causes them both heartache.
Told from multiple points of view (Molly, Ryan, Donna, and Charlie), Kingsbury gives us insight into what motivates these characters into making (sometimes) drastic decisions. I was especially intrigued by Charlie's point of view. Overall, this book's story is excellent and its Christmas message is sweet. I also think it's a great read for anyone who appreciates special Indie bookstores, too.
I must say that I am VERY DISAPPOINTED with The Hallmark Channel. I couldn't wait to watch The Bridge, but it was only Part 1 will be aired this season. We have to wait until Christmas 2016 for Part 2. STUPID HALLMARK CHANNEL YOU ARE NOT MY FRIEND!
Sweet, short story.
Two college students fall in love at a bookstore called The Bridge but neither admits their feelings to the other. They both think the other is in love with someone back home. After a misunderstanding tears them apart, years pass before they meet again.
The owners of The Bridge are facing a dark time. After a flood, nearly all of their books are destroyed. They can't afford to replace them and the owner of the building has decided he wants to sell.
The town and former customers decided to join together to help save the bookstore and the college friends Molly and Ryan are brought back together for the first time in 7 years.
Very sweet and it should definitely make for a cute TV movie.
Two college students fall in love at a bookstore called The Bridge but neither admits their feelings to the other. They both think the other is in love with someone back home. After a misunderstanding tears them apart, years pass before they meet again.
The owners of The Bridge are facing a dark time. After a flood, nearly all of their books are destroyed. They can't afford to replace them and the owner of the building has decided he wants to sell.
The town and former customers decided to join together to help save the bookstore and the college friends Molly and Ryan are brought back together for the first time in 7 years.
Very sweet and it should definitely make for a cute TV movie.
I'm not one to usually one to watch a movie before I read a book, but in this case, I did. After seeing the movie on Hallmark and absolutely loving the movie, I wanted to read the book. I also have not read many Karen Kingsbury books. I was pleasantly surprised as to how close the movie was to the book!!
I just love this story!! I've already watched the movie twice too! Two bookstore owners take their personal pain and turn it into something so beautiful!! Being able to put their pain aside to help others in their times of needs is so very unselfish. Charlie and Donna stole my heart from the very beginning!! The fact that they named the bookstore "The Bridge" is also such an inspiration! Leaving your troubles at the door to overcome a world of impossibles seems to be their underlying theme. I was heartbroken by Molly's story, as I felt she had the most to lose in the whole process. Her ending was the most beautiful though, in my opinion.
I would encourage those who love a good romance to read on a rainy day to check this book out!
I just love this story!! I've already watched the movie twice too! Two bookstore owners take their personal pain and turn it into something so beautiful!! Being able to put their pain aside to help others in their times of needs is so very unselfish. Charlie and Donna stole my heart from the very beginning!! The fact that they named the bookstore "The Bridge" is also such an inspiration! Leaving your troubles at the door to overcome a world of impossibles seems to be their underlying theme. I was heartbroken by Molly's story, as I felt she had the most to lose in the whole process. Her ending was the most beautiful though, in my opinion.
I would encourage those who love a good romance to read on a rainy day to check this book out!
Closer to 3.5 stars. This reminds me of the Christmas Classic "It's A Wonderful Life."A hard working good guy finally sees that his kindness pays off. The romance element between the college kids was meh. Now to watch the Hallmark movie.
Cute premise in theory, but poorly and hastily executed.
Heart-warming story. A great pass the time kind of book.
Summary:
"The Bridge" is a typical Karen Kingsbury book. A heart warming story about the challenges, hope and second changes that comes with true love. The story tells of the forbidden love of two college students, as they still pine for one another seven years after they are separated. But this novel is also about "The Bridge", a small bookstore, and its owners. The owners, a husband and wife, unable to pay the rent, are on the brink of losing their store.
Review
The novel takes place between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The narrative switches between the point of view of each of the four main characters. Almost every scene is told from the view of at least two characters, which makes the story very slow moving and repetitive. Because of this and the briefness of the book, I found the character to be very underdeveloped, even for Karen Kingsbury. Also the ending, as well as the choices the characters made throughout the novel, was so "tidy" and predictable and cliche. Perhaps it is simple that Karen Kingsbury has written so many books it is impossible for her to write anything new. In this book so parts of this book are simple re-re-recycled plot devices: In how many of Karen's books have we had a hospital/coma vigil? Parents interfering with true love?
Another note is that there was so little spiritual depth in this book that I can't imagine it being what Karen is always referring to "life changing fiction".
Recommend??
Unfortunately, This is not a book I will be recommending. If you are looking for a quick read that is also uplifting, there are so many other Karen Kingsbury to read. Or try:
Knit the Season: A Friday Night Knitting Club Novel By Kate Jacobs
The Christmas Box By: Richard Paul Evans
The Christmas Pony By: Melody Carlson
Remember (Redemption Series)By Karen Kingsbury
"The Bridge" is a typical Karen Kingsbury book. A heart warming story about the challenges, hope and second changes that comes with true love. The story tells of the forbidden love of two college students, as they still pine for one another seven years after they are separated. But this novel is also about "The Bridge", a small bookstore, and its owners. The owners, a husband and wife, unable to pay the rent, are on the brink of losing their store.
Review
The novel takes place between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The narrative switches between the point of view of each of the four main characters. Almost every scene is told from the view of at least two characters, which makes the story very slow moving and repetitive. Because of this and the briefness of the book, I found the character to be very underdeveloped, even for Karen Kingsbury. Also the ending, as well as the choices the characters made throughout the novel, was so "tidy" and predictable and cliche. Perhaps it is simple that Karen Kingsbury has written so many books it is impossible for her to write anything new. In this book so parts of this book are simple re-re-recycled plot devices: In how many of Karen's books have we had a hospital/coma vigil? Parents interfering with true love?
Another note is that there was so little spiritual depth in this book that I can't imagine it being what Karen is always referring to "life changing fiction".
Recommend??
Unfortunately, This is not a book I will be recommending. If you are looking for a quick read that is also uplifting, there are so many other Karen Kingsbury to read. Or try:
Knit the Season: A Friday Night Knitting Club Novel By Kate Jacobs
The Christmas Box By: Richard Paul Evans
The Christmas Pony By: Melody Carlson
Remember (Redemption Series)By Karen Kingsbury
No surprise this made it to Hallmark movie status. You know the end before it starts. But it was still a cute feel-good quick listen as an audiobook.
Really nice Christmas read. Had me crying at the end. :)
I read this book because I recently watched the Hallmark movie of the same name. It is actually only the story of college Molly and Ryan whereas this book is more about their lives as adults.
Quite a good book. My favorite parts were about the bookstore itself. I felt more connected to the characters on the movie than the books just because the book is so short!
But if you liked the book, you will definitely like the movie!!
Quite a good book. My favorite parts were about the bookstore itself. I felt more connected to the characters on the movie than the books just because the book is so short!
But if you liked the book, you will definitely like the movie!!