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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
In the past few years, I have shied away from reading books by Karen Kingsbury. To me, it seems as though she has been churning out books left and right, which has left much to be desired in the content of her stories. But on a whim, I decided to give her latest book, The Bridge, a try after seeing it featured on the new releases shelf at my library. Honestly, I'm very glad that I did.
I'm not sure why I connected so much with this particular story, but I think most of it had to do with the setting being in my home state of Tennessee. I remember the 100-year flooding events that occurred in my area of the state--Memphis--two years in a row. One of those years, it also affected Nashville. Truly, both years were horrible. There were so many people forced out of their homes, losing all they had in the world, not to mention the large amounts of damage that affected so much of downtown Memphis.
Maybe it was that remembrance of so many real people losing everything that helped me connect with Charlie, the owner of a small-town bookstore, The Bridge. His character was so kind and helpful, causing many of his customers to think of him fondly for months and years. But after the flood hit Nashville, he lost everything. With creditors breathing down his neck for rent payments and no stock for the bookshelves, the end of The Bridge was surely coming soon.
Paralleled with Charlie's story was Molly and Ryan's story--a tale of love lost. For two years, they met every day at The Bridge, mostly for studying and occasionally to discuss books. Slowly, feelings of friendship turned into something more, but each one was promised to another. It would take many years full of questions before either of them realized how they started down separate paths away from each other.
There were many times that I could've reached for the tissue box because of the feelings of despair, distrust, and loss woven throughout this story. Yes, there were moments of happiness, too, but this was a soul-searching journey that connected three people together through a small-town bookstore. In the end, I could honestly say that I was happy that I'd picked up this particular Karen Kingsbury novel. Here's hoping for many more tales from her just as good as this one.
I'm not sure why I connected so much with this particular story, but I think most of it had to do with the setting being in my home state of Tennessee. I remember the 100-year flooding events that occurred in my area of the state--Memphis--two years in a row. One of those years, it also affected Nashville. Truly, both years were horrible. There were so many people forced out of their homes, losing all they had in the world, not to mention the large amounts of damage that affected so much of downtown Memphis.
Maybe it was that remembrance of so many real people losing everything that helped me connect with Charlie, the owner of a small-town bookstore, The Bridge. His character was so kind and helpful, causing many of his customers to think of him fondly for months and years. But after the flood hit Nashville, he lost everything. With creditors breathing down his neck for rent payments and no stock for the bookshelves, the end of The Bridge was surely coming soon.
Paralleled with Charlie's story was Molly and Ryan's story--a tale of love lost. For two years, they met every day at The Bridge, mostly for studying and occasionally to discuss books. Slowly, feelings of friendship turned into something more, but each one was promised to another. It would take many years full of questions before either of them realized how they started down separate paths away from each other.
There were many times that I could've reached for the tissue box because of the feelings of despair, distrust, and loss woven throughout this story. Yes, there were moments of happiness, too, but this was a soul-searching journey that connected three people together through a small-town bookstore. In the end, I could honestly say that I was happy that I'd picked up this particular Karen Kingsbury novel. Here's hoping for many more tales from her just as good as this one.
This was my favorite Karen Kingsbury book so far. I usually find her books inspirational yet corny and overly sentimental. This one; while predictable, was still engaging. I love books about books, I can relate to some of the plot, and the characters are believable. All of which culminate in a great read for me.
My first Karen Kingsbury novel and enjoyed it! I heard about the novel due to it becoming a movie by Hallmark. Also, I like the actress in the movie. I enjoyed how the characters were connected and how faith was not the "but of the joke". A heartwarming story of love and second chances in different forms.
A good book. I hadn’t read anything by Karen Kingsbury before and I thought I’d try reading a book of hers. I liked this one overall but I felt like the religious part was a little too much for me. I didn’t mind that they were praying to God to help them find a miracle for Charlie, but the other stuff seemed a bit too much for me. The ending was okay but I didn’t like that Ryan assumed that Molly would move to Nashville. He should’ve asked her if she would move and if she said no he should’ve offered. I know The Bridge Bookstore is near Nashville and the assumption was that they would stay close to Charlie, but still. For Molly to be a free bird without a cage, Ryan sure assumed that she would move to Nashville and open a branch of her organization and have babies with him. I know I just criticized it a lot, but this book was good despite the things I didn’t like. It made me cry when Charlie crashed and when he woke up. I don’t cry while reading very often.
I like Karen Kingsbury books, and this was no exception. The Bridge was a great book about relationships and a lovely used bookstore. Oh, how charming and how sweet, to own a bookstore like that and be an example and an influence in people's book choices.
Here is a short part of a conversation between Charlie, who owns the bookstore and his wife Donna.
“'Donna, people need bookstores. God wouldn't want me to give up on everything__'
“'Look. He didn't come though this time. That means we have to figure it out on our own.'” (109)
Really?? Just because God didn't “come through” means it is time to take things into our own hands? I don't think so. She has lost faith in God and in her husband. I understand those feelings. But, sometimes we need to just wait. Sometimes it is the timing and not that things are NOT God's will.
Misunderstandings. Deception. Years of loneliness. Reaching out and giving to those who have influenced your life. Reunions. Lost love... Found again. It all takes place one Christmas season and so it makes for a great weeks before Christmas book to read.
Here is a short part of a conversation between Charlie, who owns the bookstore and his wife Donna.
“'Donna, people need bookstores. God wouldn't want me to give up on everything__'
“'Look. He didn't come though this time. That means we have to figure it out on our own.'” (109)
Really?? Just because God didn't “come through” means it is time to take things into our own hands? I don't think so. She has lost faith in God and in her husband. I understand those feelings. But, sometimes we need to just wait. Sometimes it is the timing and not that things are NOT God's will.
Misunderstandings. Deception. Years of loneliness. Reaching out and giving to those who have influenced your life. Reunions. Lost love... Found again. It all takes place one Christmas season and so it makes for a great weeks before Christmas book to read.
hopeful
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a slow read...it was interesting and heartfelt, but it wasn't as captivating as other books I have read in this genre. I also wasn't expecting it to be as religious as it was, which kind of threw me off of it. But I truly enjoyed the message that if a community comes together, anything can happen, especially after a tragedy.
I did not care for this book. This book had a good plot, but the book would have been so much better if it was longer and there were less God references.
A heartwarming holiday story. The setting of Tennessee at Christmastime is charming and quaint. And who doesn’t love a story about a small, beloved neighborhood bookstore? The themes of faith, second chances and charity are also all wonderful.
The characters are lovely but a bit one dimensional and some of the men a bit unbelievable - how many guys do you know who love Jane Eyre and Little Women that much?!
The writing is rather simplified and fluffy, but makes for a light, quick read.
Others has compared it to It's A Wonderful Life, but the two are in very different leagues. Where IAWL is completely satisfying on all levels like a freshly homemade pumpkin pie topped with thick cream, The Bridge is a microwaved twinkie.
The characters are lovely but a bit one dimensional and some of the men a bit unbelievable - how many guys do you know who love Jane Eyre and Little Women that much?!
The writing is rather simplified and fluffy, but makes for a light, quick read.
Others has compared it to It's A Wonderful Life, but the two are in very different leagues. Where IAWL is completely satisfying on all levels like a freshly homemade pumpkin pie topped with thick cream, The Bridge is a microwaved twinkie.