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A review by mldavisreads
The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman
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.
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.