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momlovesbooks17's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this story set in Frankenmuth, MI. It was a gift from a wonderful friend. Looking forward to reading more Voila Shipman stories.
nadenetotallyaddictedtoreading's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Making choices, be it good or bad, are a part of life. In making those choices, bridges sometimes get burnt. However, healing, forgiveness and love makes it possible for the repair of these bridges; a fact that Henrietta Wegner will discover in The Wishing Bridge.
The Wishing Bridge is my second time reading a Viola Shipman book. Having enjoyed The Secret of Snow, I looked forward to experiencing Shipman's latest release.
The story introduces Henrietta Wegner (Henri) a fiercely competitive Mergers and Acquisitions manager. Prior to an impressive career in the field of Mergers and Acquisitions, Henri helped out in the Wegner's Christmas store. A store owned and operated by her family. Despite her love for family and traditions, she didn't see herself dedicating the rest of her life to running the family owned store. Obtaining a college degree would be her passport to bigger things. After graduation, she left Frankenmuth, Michigan for Detroit.
Several years later, after making a name for herself in the field, she recognizes that her former assistant was seeking to take her job. So in order to preserve her job, she offered to convince her father to sell the family business to a company that had their sights set on acquiring the store. So after years of not returning home, she heads to Frankenmuth. She hopes to close what would be the biggest deal of her career.
It took me some time to get into the story, not because it wasn't good but due to the actions of Henri. I had a difficult time warming up to her. Now, I am all for one pursuing their dreams, but not at the expense of family. Henri literally abandoned her family. She never returned home since her graduation from college. The fact she chose to do so now under false pretences made it hard for me to like her. Despite my struggles with Henri, the story kept me entertained. I kept waiting for the moment her lies would blow up in her face. Her struggles with guilt over the real reason for her return home aided in changing my view of her. It made me glad to see that in the face of all her lies she re-discovered the true spirit of Christmas.
The story portrayed on the pages of The Wishing Bridge is one of second chances. Not only did Henri get a second chance with her family, she got one with the guy she left behind. While the romance was not the main focus, it delivered sweet and heart-warming moments.
Overall, The Wishing Bridge delivered a story which portrayed the importance of family. A story about healing, forgiveness and second chances.
The Wishing Bridge is my second time reading a Viola Shipman book. Having enjoyed The Secret of Snow, I looked forward to experiencing Shipman's latest release.
The story introduces Henrietta Wegner (Henri) a fiercely competitive Mergers and Acquisitions manager. Prior to an impressive career in the field of Mergers and Acquisitions, Henri helped out in the Wegner's Christmas store. A store owned and operated by her family. Despite her love for family and traditions, she didn't see herself dedicating the rest of her life to running the family owned store. Obtaining a college degree would be her passport to bigger things. After graduation, she left Frankenmuth, Michigan for Detroit.
Several years later, after making a name for herself in the field, she recognizes that her former assistant was seeking to take her job. So in order to preserve her job, she offered to convince her father to sell the family business to a company that had their sights set on acquiring the store. So after years of not returning home, she heads to Frankenmuth. She hopes to close what would be the biggest deal of her career.
It took me some time to get into the story, not because it wasn't good but due to the actions of Henri. I had a difficult time warming up to her. Now, I am all for one pursuing their dreams, but not at the expense of family. Henri literally abandoned her family. She never returned home since her graduation from college. The fact she chose to do so now under false pretences made it hard for me to like her. Despite my struggles with Henri, the story kept me entertained. I kept waiting for the moment her lies would blow up in her face. Her struggles with guilt over the real reason for her return home aided in changing my view of her. It made me glad to see that in the face of all her lies she re-discovered the true spirit of Christmas.
The story portrayed on the pages of The Wishing Bridge is one of second chances. Not only did Henri get a second chance with her family, she got one with the guy she left behind. While the romance was not the main focus, it delivered sweet and heart-warming moments.
Overall, The Wishing Bridge delivered a story which portrayed the importance of family. A story about healing, forgiveness and second chances.
chailady's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
whateverjeans23's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jbrooks1976's review against another edition
5.0
The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman. I was able to read this copy thanks to NetGalley. Henri is from Frankenmuth, her parents run the World’s Largest Christmas Store. Henri works for a company in Detroit that acquires businesses and streamlines them to be more profitable and efficient. This often leads to the businesses demise. It is a cut throat job. In order to save her job Henri offers her family business. When she arrives in Frankenmuth for the holidays, she is reunited with family and friends. She is forced to re access her life, and fight for family. I loved this book. I love Frankenmuth so much. I was just there a few days before reading this book. I knew the places that are described and the business that the book is based off of. The book had me at the edge of my seat in wondering if Henri would sell out or join her family. This is a must read for Michigan lovers, Frankenmuth lovers, and Christmas lovers. I already ordered a copy for my Mom. It is that good!!!!
erin832's review
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bhunsberger's review against another edition
4.0
I received an advanced copy of this book.
This is a heartwarming Christmas story in which readers will feel the tug between nostalgic family values and the desire to advance a career. Henri is a successful woman who has gained success in the corporate world. She has been given the challenge to oversee a big acquisition before Christmas - her parents iconic Christmas store. Henri returns home before the holiday and is immediately swept up in memories, friendships, and the values that are really important in the business world. While feeling the pressures from her corporate management team, Henri finds herself struggling with the decision that she has in front of her.
This is a heartwarming Christmas story in which readers will feel the tug between nostalgic family values and the desire to advance a career. Henri is a successful woman who has gained success in the corporate world. She has been given the challenge to oversee a big acquisition before Christmas - her parents iconic Christmas store. Henri returns home before the holiday and is immediately swept up in memories, friendships, and the values that are really important in the business world. While feeling the pressures from her corporate management team, Henri finds herself struggling with the decision that she has in front of her.