Reviews

The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman

theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition

3.0

The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman takes readers on a journey to Frankenmuth, Michigan. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town decked out for Christmas. I felt transported to this Bavarianesque town. I had mixed feelings about Henri (I believe that is the idea.) I was not a fan of some of Henri’s choices and I had to wonder what she was thinking (she needed an intervention). We get to see Henri look at her family, the town, and the family business through the eyes of a mature adult. I enjoyed Henri’s memories of the Sears Wish Book as well as the JCPenney and Montgomery Ward Christmas Catalogs. I looked forward to their arrival just like Henri. Henri’s mentions a couple of items in the catalog that would not have been available in 1975. Like other girls of that time period, I was a fan of Shaun Cassidy (I watched the Hardy Boys), and his first album was not released until 1977. The Simon Says electronic game was released in 1978 (one of my cousins got one for Christmas) and the Star Wars figures came out in 1978 (I had a cousin who got the whole set, and we had fun playing with them). There were some good characters in the story. I especially liked Henri’s parents, Bea, and Mabel, the family dog. The store that Henri’s parents started was wonderful. It is a Christmas wonderland (it would takes days to go through the whole place). Henri’s high school boyfriend is divorced and the chemistry between the two is still palpable. In a small town, they are bound to run into each other. Henri is getting a second chance not only with her family but with a special fellow. The Wishing Bridge is a heartwarming holiday tale that will appeal to those who love Hallmark’s Christmas movies (you never know, it could be one someday).

k1berry's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

jesslinne's review

emotional hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

3.5

tdeitcher's review against another edition

medium-paced

4.0

mldavisreads's review against another edition

hopeful reflective

• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Adult contemporary fiction.  I have read several of Viola Shipman/ Wade Rouse's books so I knew what I was getting into.  The ties that bond generations, a small town in Michigan, and perhaps a later in life love interest.  This book delivered on all of those fronts.  Henri, named after her grandmother Henrietta, is the daughter of Frankenmuth Michigan's Jacob Wegner.  He started Wegner's Christmas company, a catalog based business of handcrafted Christmas ornaments and decor, a flagship store, and a stunning light display.  After college, Henri left Frankenmuth, fleeing her father's shadow and a broken engagement.  She ended up working in Detroit, in a company that oversaw mergers and acquisitions of smaller companies.  When it becomes clear to her that her job is on the line, she blurts out that she can convince her parents to sell the Christmas business.

And so Henri heads home for an extended Christmas visit, surprising her family and old friends alike.  While there are some suspicions, especially from her younger brother, overall they welcome Henri back.  Which makes it easier to find the information she needs for her job, but harder to be open about the nature of the visit.  Of course it all comes out, after plenty of Scrooge, Grinch, and Pied Piper references. The town itself is a character, with its dueling chicken dinner restaurants, fondness of costumed staff, and community closeness.  After looking at the Frankenmuth website, it really does look like a magical holiday getaway.  

While I really did want Henri to come clean sooner, it was nice to see everything come together. Her dad's revelation at the end made me smile.  Another Viola Shipman book full of heart and holiday spirit.

coldbrew_gal's review against another edition

4.0

I think I was determined to not like Christmas themed books. I was wrong. I give 4/5⭐️Read it for being a sweet story by a Michigan author , set in my favorite Christmas town of Frankenmuth. Definitely stay for sweet angel story bonus after the main title . Definitely was a nice reminder to look for angels everywhere.

nalian's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring lighthearted slow-paced

4.25

yarnadine's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

the_nerd_librarian's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

tlctbr's review against another edition

4.0

I didn’t like the last Viola Shipman book I read and did not intend to pick up another of their books, but this one was a available on Libby right when I was looking for a Christmas book to listen to, I was very surprised by how much I liked it. All the references to Frankenmuth and the Christmas store were perfect for putting me in a holiday decorating/wrapping/baking mood.