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A review by bookishvirginia
The Secrets of Love Story Bridge by Phaedra Patrick
4.0
Sometimes sad things happen to good people, and they end up thinking it’s their fault that the sad things happen, and then they truly believe they’re not good people anymore. This is the story of one of those people, and a series of events that help him to overcome that sadness and realize his life can go on, and have good things in it, and that is okay. This is also the story of a family mystery. A woman has disappeared and it has caused great anguish for her sisters and mother. It was a great, contemplative read for me as I’m stuck in quarantine in Seattle. I loved the British setting and the warm, rich characters. Thank you so much to Harlequin/Park Row Books for giving me the chance to read this book ahead of time through NetGalley. Read on for a synopsis and my candid, unbiased review. This book released on April 28, so go check it out!
This book was such a sweet and thoughtful look at people and families, friendships and love, and guilt and forgiveness. Mitchell, the main character, is a total grump at the beginning but once I learned his backstory, I really felt for him. He definitely wormed his way into my heart. His daughter Poppy is absolutely adorable and so well-written. I could totally imagine her in real life. I also loved the women of the family that Mitchell ends up helping, especially Liza, who is so quirky and interesting.
One of the best things about this book is that is really written about everyday people living everyday life, and yet, there is almost a magical feeling to it all. The idea of all the locks weighing down the bridges and having to be cut off, and how futile that is, but how there is also a story behind each lock and if you think about it that way, it’s easy to get sentimental about it. I could just picture it!
I loved the bit of mystery in the story as well. I wasn’t certain what happened to Yvette, and with each new tidbit revealed, I had new theories. It kept me engrossed in the story for sure! And each character gets what they deserve, so to speak, which makes the ending satisfying. I especially enjoyed watching Mitchell’s journey as he learns to accept his past mistakes and stop beating himself up for them. I highly recommend this one as a soothing and engrossing escape!
This book was such a sweet and thoughtful look at people and families, friendships and love, and guilt and forgiveness. Mitchell, the main character, is a total grump at the beginning but once I learned his backstory, I really felt for him. He definitely wormed his way into my heart. His daughter Poppy is absolutely adorable and so well-written. I could totally imagine her in real life. I also loved the women of the family that Mitchell ends up helping, especially Liza, who is so quirky and interesting.
One of the best things about this book is that is really written about everyday people living everyday life, and yet, there is almost a magical feeling to it all. The idea of all the locks weighing down the bridges and having to be cut off, and how futile that is, but how there is also a story behind each lock and if you think about it that way, it’s easy to get sentimental about it. I could just picture it!
I loved the bit of mystery in the story as well. I wasn’t certain what happened to Yvette, and with each new tidbit revealed, I had new theories. It kept me engrossed in the story for sure! And each character gets what they deserve, so to speak, which makes the ending satisfying. I especially enjoyed watching Mitchell’s journey as he learns to accept his past mistakes and stop beating himself up for them. I highly recommend this one as a soothing and engrossing escape!