A review by andrearbooks
The Secrets of Love Story Bridge by Phaedra Patrick

4.0

The story focuses on Mitchell. Mitchell's job is cutting off all the locks that couples leave on a bridge to profess their love for one another. This became a thing after a boy band filmed their "Lock Me Up With Your Love" music video there. This is a job he enjoys as he has soured on love. Mitchell is a single father to his young daughter Poppy and together they are grieving the loss of Poppy's mother/Mitchell's partner.

One day while Mitchell is going about his business, a woman falls off the bridge. Mitchell springs into action and rescues her. He is catapulted to instant hero fame, a status he definitely does not want. It also turns out this woman's family has been looking for her for the last year. He is connected with this woman's sister Liza as she wants to know what Mitchell knows and where her sister is. This includes finding and deciphering a message she left via a lock on the bridge. Mitchell just wants to step out of the story, but Liza asks for his help in the process, and things go from there.

Much of this story is driven by Mitchell. He is initially characterized as a grumpy man who hates love. What is slowly revealed is that Mitchell's story, actions, and feelings are far more complicated. This is slowly revealed as the story goes. So much of what drew me into this book was Mitchell. I wanted to know more, and I also found myself rooting for him! The beauty of Mitchell's story really comes in the way it is revealed. He writes letters to his partner Anita, as he reflects on their time as a couple and where he is now. I loved getting to see this side of him in this way.

In general, I was so captivated by the whole cast of characters. Poppy, the sisters, co-workers, and other folks add such depth and dynamics to the story. This was one of those books I couldn't read fast enough because I was so drawn in by the people! It was just beautifully written. I love when people drive plot, and this was so much that. This was such an unexpected and wonderful read. I was intrigued when I first read the summary of this one, and y'all, I just loved it. Again, this is one of those where I could rave 50 different ways, but I want you to stop reading this review, so you can find your way to this book!