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The Bridge

3.91 of 5 stars 3.91 · rating details · 1,834 ratings · 401 reviews

Number one New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury delivers an instant classic with this heartwarming Christmas story about a hundred-year flood, lost love, and the beauty of enduring friendships. Molly Allen lives alone in Portland, but she left her heart back in Tennessee with a man she walked away from five years ago. They had a rare sort of love she hasn’t fo...more

Hardcover, 258 pages

Published October 23rd 2012 by Howard Books (first published January 1st 2012)

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Apr 12, 2013 Angela rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

Not my style of book, but I like the title. The concept was good. The reading of this book was in honor of all book stores may they always be there for us.

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Jan 06, 2013 Dianna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, love

Another Karen Kingsbury great. Although this is a short story, it is very impact full.

Molly and Ryan met and fell in love in college. Their favorite hideaway was an old bookstore called The Bridge. As the story unfolds you see how many lives were impacted by this store. Thanks to Molly's dad their love was never able to go full circle. That is until 7 years later when once again they met due to the illness of the owner of The Bridge.

Lesson learned is to never give up because you never know what...more

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Dec 27, 2012 KJ rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This is my first time reading a Karen Kingsbury book. The story has its moving moments, but a better format for it would have been a direct-to-Hallmark Hall of Fame Christmas Movie. Nitpicky issues with it were that I didn't find it especially believable that Ryan would buy into Molly's father's story without questioning it, or that she would just let him walk away with seeking any closure. I also thought it was a stretch that 28-year-old Molly would be "too busy for facebook" (what child-free s...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Lisa Johnson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Title: The Bridge
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Pages: 272
Year: 2012
Publisher: Howard
The Bridge is a small town type story that involves a bookstore unique to the community of Franklin. It is located around other small town type shops where people don’t just purchase a book, but a place where hearts are touched. Charlie is the owner who has been running the store out of a home with history dating back to the Civil War. He furnishes it with shelves of books, a loft with a sofa and chair, and the coffee...more Title: The Bridge
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Pages: 272
Year: 2012
Publisher: Howard
The Bridge is a small town type story that involves a bookstore unique to the community of Franklin. It is located around other small town type shops where people don’t just purchase a book, but a place where hearts are touched. Charlie is the owner who has been running the store out of a home with history dating back to the Civil War. He furnishes it with shelves of books, a loft with a sofa and chair, and the coffee pot is always on. More than those things, Charlie invests himself and shares his faith with all who come into the bookstore. Whether they buy books or not, he remembers the people for they are more than customers to Charlie and his wife, Donna. When he opened the store, he was given a scrapbook to fill with memories from his customers with pictures of some holding their favorite book and some of their signatures. Charlie doesn’t really need the scrapbook to remember. What he needs is the Lord to provide a way to keep the store going after a flood wipes everything away in two days. How will God provide? Books have meaning, not just in the story but because of what they represent. What do they represent to you?
Ever since Charlie was little he heard the same demeaning message from his father. He decided he would prove he could do something. After marrying Donna, he was cut off from his family and their money, but he didn’t care because he was happy. He was content even through heartbreak years before. He was really at an end because he feels no hope. Ryan and Molly shared their love of classics at the bookstore with their favorite being Jane Eyre. They, too, had a forbidden love that grew out of their friendship, but Molly’s Dad would never allow it. He had her life all planned out and marriage to Ryan was not part of the plan as Ryan didn’t come from their social or financial class.
Now seven years have passed, and the bookstore is on the brink of closure. Ryan wakes up one morning to find himself no longer employed with a band as a guitarist. Molly is taking care of animals, and her sole companion is the one video she had that Ryan made. One time a year she allows herself to travel into the past and watch that video, crying as it plays. Charlie found hope in books long ago while living with his father. Molly longingly wants to go back and change things, and maybe then life would be better. Charlie believes in God, but Molly doesn’t find God or His Word all that comforting.
Characters living with past hurts, trying to cope in the present and not quite sure what is in the future are depicted in this novel. The story is a nice breath of hope, reminding one and all where true hope resides. We aren’t made to be alone; we all need friends regardless of marital or social status. Karen writes a heartfelt dedication to each of her children inside the book before the fictional part starts. The Bridge is a work of fiction that can touch hearts with love, hope, forgiveness, and faith.
My rating is 4 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...
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Dec 23, 2012 Rayni rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Feel good, Christmas

Recommended to Rayni by: Author recognition

Shelves: 2012-reads, christian, christmas, romance

My mother has listened to this book twice in the last 4 days. I heard the ending the first time through, but didn't know the back story. Just knew the ending was great. I thought maybe I would put it on my "To Be Read" shelf, & get to it someday. She had a new book she was listening to & didn't like it. So, I asked if she wanted to listen to "The Bridge" again or she had other books she could listen to. She'd been thinking about "The Bridge" ever since she'd finished it. It's one of thos...more

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May 04, 2013 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Kingsbury has written a heartwarming holiday story of faith, love, and second chances. The Bridge is a bookstore in Franklin, Tennessee run by Charlie and Donna Barton. Charlie is struggling to save his store after a flood destroys all of his books. After he gets turned down for any financial assistance Charlie feels like he has nowhere to turn. Molly Allen, the daughter of a wealthy businessman, lives alone in Portland, Oregon. Five years ago Molly spent the best two years of her life at Belmon...more Kingsbury has written a heartwarming holiday story of faith, love, and second chances. The Bridge is a bookstore in Franklin, Tennessee run by Charlie and Donna Barton. Charlie is struggling to save his store after a flood destroys all of his books. After he gets turned down for any financial assistance Charlie feels like he has nowhere to turn. Molly Allen, the daughter of a wealthy businessman, lives alone in Portland, Oregon. Five years ago Molly spent the best two years of her life at Belmont University, where she met fellow student Ryan Kelly. The two had fallen in love over books and music, but misunderstandings and unspoken words resulted in them both walking away. When they hear of Charlie’s struggle they both go to Franklin to discover if God does offer second chances. This short and sweet holiday read starts on Black Friday and ends on Christmas day bringing the spirit of holiday to life with family and community coming together in generosity. I would recommend this story to anyone looking for a heartwarming story this holiday season.

“He called it The Bridge because that was how he felt about books. They connected the past and the present, the present and the future. Books brought people together and gave them a path to worlds they wouldn’t otherwise experience.”

Appeal Notes (May contain spoilers):
Pacing: Medium/Fast
Character: The perspective rotates between the four major characters, Megan Allan, Ryan Kelly, Charlie Barton, and Donna Barton. There is a nice balance between these characters, though Charlie and Donna are minor characters compare to Megan and Ryan.
Language: Easy to follow, filled with desperation and drama.
Location: Franklin, Tennessee, Portland Oregon.
Comments: In The Bridge, Kingsbury provides a wonderful holiday inspired story. There was one scene involving Charlie and his “family” that had me crying right along with the characters. This story is unlike many of her other novels in that God and faith are a footnote to the story, which some fans may not like. The end of the novel has a reading group guide and an expert from Kingsbury’s next book “The Chance”.(less)

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Jan 01, 2013 Christy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-reads, state-challenge, title-challenge

In the past few years, I have shied away from reading books by Karen Kingsbury. To me, it seems as though she has been churning out books left and right, which has left much to be desired in the content of her stories. But on a whim, I decided to give her latest book, The Bridge, a try after seeing it featured on the new releases shelf at my library. Honestly, I'm very glad that I did.

I'm not sure why I connected so much with this particular story, but I think most of it had to do with the setti...more In the past few years, I have shied away from reading books by Karen Kingsbury. To me, it seems as though she has been churning out books left and right, which has left much to be desired in the content of her stories. But on a whim, I decided to give her latest book, The Bridge, a try after seeing it featured on the new releases shelf at my library. Honestly, I'm very glad that I did.

I'm not sure why I connected so much with this particular story, but I think most of it had to do with the setting being in my home state of Tennessee. I remember the 100-year flooding events that occurred in my area of the state--Memphis--two years in a row. One of those years, it also affected Nashville. Truly, both years were horrible. There were so many people forced out of their homes, losing all they had in the world, not to mention the large amounts of damage that affected so much of downtown Memphis.

Maybe it was that remembrance of so many real people losing everything that helped me connect with Charlie, the owner of a small-town bookstore, The Bridge. His character was so kind and helpful, causing many of his customers to think of him fondly for months and years. But after the flood hit Nashville, he lost everything. With creditors breathing down his neck for rent payments and no stock for the bookshelves, the end of The Bridge was surely coming soon.

Paralleled with Charlie's story was Molly and Ryan's story--a tale of love lost. For two years, they met every day at The Bridge, mostly for studying and occasionally to discuss books. Slowly, feelings of friendship turned into something more, but each one was promised to another. It would take many years full of questions before either of them realized how they started down separate paths away from each other.

There were many times that I could've reached for the tissue box because of the feelings of despair, distrust, and loss woven throughout this story. Yes, there were moments of happiness, too, but this was a soul-searching journey that connected three people together through a small-town bookstore. In the end, I could honestly say that I was happy that I'd picked up this particular Karen Kingsbury novel. Here's hoping for many more tales from her just as good as this one.(less)

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Dec 24, 2012 Kjrstin rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, christian

Summary:
"The Bridge" is a typical Karen Kingsbury book. A heart warming story about the challenges, hope and second changes that comes with true love. The story tells of the forbidden love of two college students, as they still pine for one another seven years after they are separated. But this novel is also about "The Bridge", a small bookstore, and its owners. The owners, a husband and wife, unable to pay the rent, are on the brink of losing their store.

Review
The novel takes place between Tha...more

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Dec 18, 2012 Julie G rated it 3 of 5 stars

Despite the festive cover, this isn't (strictly) a Christmas story. It is so much more.

Five years ago, Molly Allen and Ryan Kelly met at Belmont University in Franklin, Tennessee. They came from very different worlds. She dreamed of "playing violin for the Philharmonic"; he, of "touring with a country band".

But, Ryan was expected to marry a girl back home and teach music. Molly was to return to San Francisco, marry the man her father had chosen, and take over the family business.

For four semeste...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Darlene Overton rated it 4 of 5 stars

It's hard not to like a Karen Kingsbury book. I don't read a lot of hers because they can be so emotional and she writes a lot of series, (and I don't have time to get into any series while I am working on my current reading challenge), but I wanted to pick this one up because it is a Christmas book AND it is a "book lovers" book. Meaning: it's about books. Actually it is about a couple that owns a bookstore and they have both found solace in books all their lives and they want to share that lov...more

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Nov 24, 2012 VaLinda Miller rated it 4 of 5 stars

I just finished reading, “The Bridge” by Karen Kingsbury. I have never read any of her books, even though I have seen her books throughout my work at the library, books sales and book stores. Knew she was a Christian writer. I did miss two bible book club meetings when her books were the discussion. I just happen to read something in either a magazine or on Amazon and it caught my eye. A romance book of lost, enduring and found love; weather devastation (thinking Hurricane Sandy!) and what reall...more I just finished reading, “The Bridge” by Karen Kingsbury. I have never read any of her books, even though I have seen her books throughout my work at the library, books sales and book stores. Knew she was a Christian writer. I did miss two bible book club meetings when her books were the discussion. I just happen to read something in either a magazine or on Amazon and it caught my eye. A romance book of lost, enduring and found love; weather devastation (thinking Hurricane Sandy!) and what really caught my eye, the closing of a favorite bookstore. So many of them all over the world have closed and I miss the smell, feel, and atmosphere. That did it for me and I hunted the book down.

Rich girl (Molly) and not really poor, but not as rich boy (Ryan) meet at college. They start hanging out at a bookstore named “The Bridge.” They began a ritual of reading and sighting quotes from Jane Eyre, Gone with the Wind and other famous books. At first sight they fall in love, but due to circumstances, no go in the romance department. They hide their feelings and remain friends. There are lies and assumptions for years until the truth comes forth and they find what they really wanted and needed, either other.

Charlie and Donna, owners of the book store “The Bridge”, have gone thru more calamities; when you read the book, you would not wish any of it even upon the Devil. Now that’s saying a lot. When the bookstore they run is severely damaged due to financial struggles and the wrath of Mother Nature, the death of one’s soul and the awaken of another’s brings all four (Molly, Ryan, Charlie and Donna) to the realization that GOD is always and will always be there. Just keep praying and have faith.

I could not stop reading it. There are a few slow parts and some soapy romance stuff, but some of the lines in the book caught my spirit. “Charlie, you’re crazy. No one would loan you money. You’re not worth anything. You’re a bookseller, Charlie. Banks loan money to people with a way to pay it back. Come on.” I’ve heard those demon voices many times before. Telling me I’m not worth a dime. I will never get out of this financial hell beast. I felt this way in February last year. I did want to leave this earth and leave funds for my kid. I felt I was not making any advancement in life. I’m divorced, broke and not young. My chances of a promotion are slim and I was not even able to find a part time job, even at McDonalds and Waffle House, to help. Damn, I felt like crap-o-olla to the core. I figure my kid would be better off financially than with a mother who climbed down into the black fissure depth. I prayed and prayed and cried and cried until something grab my head and I looked up and saw my grandmother’s picture. I heard her, I know I did. She told me I don’t really know hardship until I lived her, my great grandmother and my mother’s lives. I don’t know hell!!! But I know GOD is there for me 24/7 and that matters and she reminded me about “BOOKS” and the love she shared with me is giving me the gift of reading. That is what this book and many others like this (I need to get her others) do for me. “The Bridge” is the place I want my life 24/7. He’s there and so is my grandmother.

The next day, I got up on my feet and walked my dog and just talked to GOD over and over again. That was last year and yes I still have many struggles. The Dave Ramsey plan is helping and that part time job at the Asylum is also still there. I am more than blessed and another thing I got from this book, I love, love, love, love, love and love book stores and libraries. A side note about the book. You will feel better for reading it. Give it a chance, especially on days where you are down and out. Just give it chance.
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Nov 22, 2012 Alexandra george rated it 5 of 5 stars

There isn't much to say about this cute Christmassy little book.
If you love books and bookstores and Christmas, then you will love this book.

There is a deeper aspect to the romance mentioned at the Publisher's Description above. It is not only about a long-lost love. It is also about finding yourself and becoming the person you always wanted to become.

There is a second story, the story of the owners of the bookstore, who are going through a crisis in their business which quickly turns into a cri...more

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Nov 16, 2012 IrenesChristianReviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

I liked this book so much I read it in one sitting! I liked how the author brought the past and the present together in this short but powerful book. This story reminds me of a Hallmark or Lifetime Christmas movie. Two people going different directions in their lives all because of a misunderstanding.

This story takes place around the flooding that happened in Nashville. There are actually four main characters and the story centers on their lives. The title of the book leads you to believe this...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Marianne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Do not pick up Karen Kingsbury's novel The Bridge unless you are willing to have your heart and emotions squeezed, wrung out and left to dry. And take the Kleenex box with you before you start. Coffee or Tea? Be prepared to drink them cold or lukewarm. My feelings went the whole spectrum from anxiety and despair all the way to joy and elation and everything in between. Of course, this is not at all unusual for the Queen of Sensitivity!
Starting off with two college students, one quickly learns th...more

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Nov 07, 2012 Christian Fiction Addiction rated it 4 of 5 stars

Karen Kingsbury excels at writing books that tug on the heart strings, and The Bridge is no exception. I will even admit that there were scenes that brought tears to my own eyes, particularly some of those involving Charlie Barton and the miracle that unfolds to change his life. I have to say that I never truly connected with the love story between Molly and Ryan. It could be because as a novella, the length of the book doesn't allow as much time to let their story unfold. However, what I really...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Pathway Midland rated it 4 of 5 stars

Charlie and Donna Barton have operated The Bridge bookstore for thirty years and touched the lives of countless customers in Franklin, Tennessee. But after the hundred year flood destroyed every book and left them with no money to restock and make repairs, it appears they will have to give up their dream. Further tragedy strikes when Charlie has an accident that leaves him in a coma.

A longtime customer, Nashville guitarist Ryan Kelly, learns of their heartbreak, and sets out to contact other loy...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christmas

What could be more fun for a book lover than to read about a very special bookstore? The Bridge is the name of that bookstore. However, the bookstore, itself, is not as special as the owners, Charlie and Donna Barton. A young college couple, Molly and Ryan fall in love in The Bridge because that is where they go each day to study and spend time together. Her father has her life planned for her and does not want her to see anyone while she is at school so they must hide at The Bridge to be togeth...more

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Oct 30, 2012 Brenda Casto rated it 5 of 5 stars

Molly Allen grew up in surrounded with affluence and wealth, and because she was an only child her father had plans for her. He wanted to groom her to run his company, and really had plans for whom she would marry. Thing is Molly wanted a bit of freedom, so she convinces her father to allow her to attend college in TN, his only stipulation is that she can't get involved with anyone and she must stay in the house he provides where the hired help can keep an eye or her and report back to him. When...more Molly Allen grew up in surrounded with affluence and wealth, and because she was an only child her father had plans for her. He wanted to groom her to run his company, and really had plans for whom she would marry. Thing is Molly wanted a bit of freedom, so she convinces her father to allow her to attend college in TN, his only stipulation is that she can't get involved with anyone and she must stay in the house he provides where the hired help can keep an eye or her and report back to him. When she meets Ryan Kelly they hit it off, even though it's just friendship, after all he has a steady girl back home in Mississippi. One evening, and one kiss changes everything though, that is until the staff reports what they saw, and Molly's father calls Ryan and convinces him that Molly is already engaged. Molly thought the kiss would be the start of something grand, little did she know that her father had contacted Ryan. The one thing they have though is their memories, especially of the time they spent at The Bridge a bookstore where they shared their hopes and dreams, and where they became friends with the owners Donna and Charlie Barton. When a flood ruins The Bridge, Charlie, who is the eternal optimist loses all hope. When an accident occurs that brings The Bridge's plight to Ryan's attention, he decides to do whatever he can to save The Bridge, but can it be done?

"The Bridge," is a very quick read, that pulled me in with easy to relate to characters and the ability to feel the emotional longing of what might have been. I easily became invested in the story of Charlie and his bookstore, and actually found myself thinking about the little bookstore that I used to frequent that unfortunately couldn't make it. I could feel Charlie's grief, but more than that his sense of being a failure. I loved the character of Molly as well, she stood up to her father, and became the person she wanted to be, which was to make a difference. I think that's the thing that makes Ms.Kingsbury's stories great, they feel real, and it's easy to feel the emotions that flows off of the pages. A great little story about second chances that is perfect for the holiday season. The book jacket makes this book visually appealing but the characters and plot make it emotionally satisfying.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.(less)

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Oct 30, 2012 Renee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

What Women Want is a hot topic today. Women's issues drive advertising pitches, TV programming, the stock on store shelves, and even presidential campaign platforms.

But the messages we're receiving from popular culture ring false. New furniture, trendy clothes, over-activitied kids, the perfect house, and shallow (or inappropriate!) "romance" books fail to satisfy.

In contrast to these empty messages, the rich romantic fiction of Karen Kingsbury shines. I love that her books explore how What Wo...more What Women Want is a hot topic today. Women's issues drive advertising pitches, TV programming, the stock on store shelves, and even presidential campaign platforms.

But the messages we're receiving from popular culture ring false. New furniture, trendy clothes, over-activitied kids, the perfect house, and shallow (or inappropriate!) "romance" books fail to satisfy.

In contrast to these empty messages, the rich romantic fiction of Karen Kingsbury shines. I love that her books explore how What Women Want can only be found in What God Provides. Her inspirational stories illuminate the theme that "a woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man has to seek Him to find her."

When I see a Karen Kingsbury book in the hands of my teenage students, I smile inside. I know they'll be reading about characters just like themselves--young women with real-life problems and pressures. They'll see God speak to and work in the hearts and lives of those folks. And whether the person in the story accepts or rejects God's way, my girls will be soaking in the truth that God seeks to shape and satisfy our hearts' desires.

Karen's Christmas novella is no exception. The Bridge celebrates the many kinds of love that make our lives complete. The story focuses on Molly Allen and Ryan Kelly, former college sweethearts who seemingly missed their chance at a happily-ever-after, and Charlie and Donna Barton, a long-married couple now facing a crisis of faith. The four lives intersect in a way that highlights the everyday miracles and gracious second chances God so liberally shares with all who call Him Father. And the whole thing plays out as they try to save a bookstore. Yay!

Here's a snippet from the book to pique your interest . . .

"Father, what am I supposed to do? There has to be an answer. My dad said this would happen, and I never believed it, so You can't let me fail. Please, God . . .

[Charlie Barton] turned and faced the wall, spread his hands against the cool bricks. The Union soldiers had felt warm and safe and dry here, as if things might turn out okay after all. He squeezed his eyes shut, his hands, his arms trembling from the great sorrow crushing in and around him.

That's all I want, Lord . . . I'm begging You. Let me rebuild The Bridge so the flood doesn't win. Give me the second chance Edna talked about. Please, Lord, show me how.

A Scripture passage whispered in his mind, one he'd shared with customers on occasion. It was from Deuteronomy 20:1: `When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, will be with you.'

God had brought him out of Egypt, for sure, he and Donna both. Their own personal Egypt. A tragedy no one in Franklin knew anything about.

That horrific time had led them to move here, to open The Bridge and find solace in books . . . Painful memories tried to work their way to the forefront of his heart, but he refused them . . .

God had rescued them from that, Charlie had been completely convinced.

Now, he wasn't so sure."

You want to keep reading, right? And it only gets better from there! You should not only purchase a copy for yourself but also a few extra to give as gifts!(less)

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Oct 20, 2012 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

Title: THE BRIDGE
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Publisher: Howard Books
October 2012
ISBN: 978-1451647013
Genre: Christmas/contemporary

Molly Allen came to Tennessee from California. Her father has granted her desire to go to college to get a music degree, but then she must return to California and take over the reins of his corporate offices and marry a man she’s known since a child.

Ryan Kelly came to Tennessee from Mississippi. His dreams are to play in a country band, but reality dictates he return home,...more

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Oct 18, 2012 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Molly Allen and Ryan Kelly were an unlikely pair, she coming from a very rich family and Ryan the son of a school teacher. A California girl, with money, and a simple guitar player from Carthage Mississippi. They seemed so different, but connected in a deep way, that made them each believe that maybe they would be able to get past the expectations others had for their lives. But is was not to be, or was it?

Years pass by, each believing the other has compromised their dreams, but a tragic accide...more

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Sep 28, 2012 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle

This was my first Karen Kingsbury book and it won't be my last as I truly enjoyed this story. Molly met Ryan in college and they formed a close friendship that included them going to spend time together at The Bridge, a local book store. Although they both had very strong feelings for eachother they ended up separating after college as Molly was expected to return home to marry a man named Preston and run her fathers corporation. Ryan also has a girl waiting for him at home that he was in a rel...more This was my first Karen Kingsbury book and it won't be my last as I truly enjoyed this story. Molly met Ryan in college and they formed a close friendship that included them going to spend time together at The Bridge, a local book store. Although they both had very strong feelings for eachother they ended up separating after college as Molly was expected to return home to marry a man named Preston and run her fathers corporation. Ryan also has a girl waiting for him at home that he was in a relationship with. The other part of this story follows Charlie Barton, the owner of The Bridge, and his wife Donna. It was Charlies dream to have a book store and he has had The Bridge for over 30 years. He has kept a scrapbook of his customers that have spent a lot of time at The Bridge. He is now facing losing his book store as the floods came and destroyed everything. He can't get a bank loan to make repairs and restock the books. The owner of the building is also telling him he has to purchase the story or his lease will be up on January 1. This disaster ends with Charlie having a car accident that puts him in the hospital. Ryan organizes a fundraiser to get some donations and books for Charlie from his customers that Charlie gave so much to throughout the years. This is also what brings Molly back to town where she will have to face Ryan and her feelings.

This was a great story that I just didn't want to put down. The story goes back and forth between the present and back to the times when Molly and Ryan were in college. It also switches between the different characters. The author made these changes flawlessly and the story just flowed so smoothly. It was nice to get to see the points of view of all 4 of these main characters. A great story of keeping the faith when it seems all is lost. I will definitely be on the lookout to read more from Karen Kingsbury, especially a follow up to this book!

I received this book free from the publisher, Simon & Schuster Inc./Howard Books, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. (less)

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Sep 23, 2012 Virginia Campbell rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, fiction, holiday, inspirational, romance

"The Bridge", from author Karen Kingsbury, is a quick, thoughtful, heartfelt read. Set in Franklin, TN during one snowy Christmas season, the story is told in real time and flashbacks, leading up to a life-changing miracle which will leave none of the characters unaffected. Charlie and Donna Barton are the owners and operators of "The Bridge", a small, user-friendly bookstore housed in an historic Civil War-Era building. A devastating flood washes away the hopes and dreams of the Bartons, along...more "The Bridge", from author Karen Kingsbury, is a quick, thoughtful, heartfelt read. Set in Franklin, TN during one snowy Christmas season, the story is told in real time and flashbacks, leading up to a life-changing miracle which will leave none of the characters unaffected. Charlie and Donna Barton are the owners and operators of "The Bridge", a small, user-friendly bookstore housed in an historic Civil War-Era building. A devastating flood washes away the hopes and dreams of the Bartons, along with all the books and furnishings in their store. Unable to recover financially and reopen the store, Charlie sinks into despair. Donna tries her best to encourage him and help him past his troubled thoughts, but being turned down by the bank for refinancing is the last straw. Thinking that Donna will be better off without him, he sets out on a late-night drive, intent on relieving his wife of her burdens. As he wheels through the icy darkness, he relives the happy years that he and Donna have spent together, and the joy that he found through connecting with people who came to the store. A last minute change of heart comes too late, and Charlie is unable to stop his fateful ride. Later, as Charlie fights for his life in the hospital, his family and friends rally to help the Bartons. Molly Allen and Ryan Kelly had met in college, become best buddies, and spent many hours together at the bookstore. While each of them had personal commitments back home, they stayed just friends even as they both longed for a romantic relationship with each other. Finally, one kiss leads to hope that love will find a way. However, Molly's father interferes, and his scheming pushes Molly and Ryan apart. They go their separate ways, each thinking that the other soon marries and has a settled life. When they both come to the aid of the Bartons, their reunion is bittersweet. At first, neither realizes that they have each remained single, having far different lives than they imagined for one another. As they work to save the store, and pray together that Charlie will survive, bits and pieces of their lives apart are revealed. Will that long-ago love bloom once again? Is there a second chance at life and love for Ryan and Molly, and also for Charlie and Donna? Will the community which found a haven and helpful heart in The Bridge, come to the rescue of Charlie Barton? While there is a reunion romance in this story, and also a second chance for a long-time couple, the real heart of the book is its insight into how what we do affects those around us. Everyone matters, and learning to care for ourselves as we care for those around us is truly living faith. "The Bridge" is a touching holiday read, but its message is timeless.

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Sep 19, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Karen Kingsbury delivers a heartfelt Christmas story about second chances in The Bridge. Charlie and Donna have run The Bridge in Franklin, Tennessee, for decades, treating each patron as family and creating a safe haven for readers. After a 100 year flood, the bookstore is destroyed, and Charlie and Donna are on the brink of closing the store. When Ryan Kelly hears of the bookstore’s fate, he starts a campaign to save The Bridge, where he fell in love for the first and only time. Will giving Th...more Karen Kingsbury delivers a heartfelt Christmas story about second chances in The Bridge. Charlie and Donna have run The Bridge in Franklin, Tennessee, for decades, treating each patron as family and creating a safe haven for readers. After a 100 year flood, the bookstore is destroyed, and Charlie and Donna are on the brink of closing the store. When Ryan Kelly hears of the bookstore’s fate, he starts a campaign to save The Bridge, where he fell in love for the first and only time. Will giving The Bridge a second change also give him a second chance with the Molly, the girl who got away?

The Bridge reminds me of Kingsbury’s Red Glove series: a heartwarming love story featuring a young couple torn apart by family expectations, an older couple bound together by trials, and the love of Jesus that gives never gives up.

Told from all four main characters’ points of view, I felt the character development was lacking, especially at the beginning where the characters were just reminiscing about the past and kept repeating the same feelings over and over. Having a little more action and the past told throughout the story would have made me love the characters from the beginning. However, once the entire background story is told, the pace picks up, and through their actions, the characters become just as endearing as I pictured their bookstore to be. I love Charlie and Donna. Their love for one another and for the readers in their town was beautiful, and I wish there had been a book about their love story and how they built their business. Ryan and Molly are likeable characters as well and provide a nice balance to Donna and Charlie’s story.

Living in a huge city like Houston, I’ve never had a bookstore that was more than just a place to buy a book. This book made me long to visit a small town and see if a place like this really exists. The librarian in me hopes it does. Karen did such a great writing about the actual store that it almost felt like a fifth character and probably my favorite one of all.

I know a lot of Karen’s readers were disappointed with her last couple of books (me included). I hope they’ll give this book a chance because it seems like a return to the style/topic that fans have come to expect from Karen’s books.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Sep 03, 2012 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-literature, christian-fiction, christian-inspirational-fiction, christmas-fiction, contemporary-fiction, romance-fiction

If you have never read a book by Karen Kingsbury and you love books, you are seriously missing out on a true treasure and a book lover's blessing. This is my third Karen Kingsbury novel and they are all amazing and I don't believe there isn't a great one out there she has written that won't touch your heart and your soul and bring out your emotions.

Her latest book, The Bridge, is no exception. In fact, before you begin this one, grab a box of tissues because you will need it. The story begins wi...more

If you have never read a book by Karen Kingsbury and you love books, you are seriously missing out on a true treasure and a book lover's blessing. This is my third Karen Kingsbury novel and they are all amazing and I don't believe there isn't a great one out there she has written that won't touch your heart and your soul and bring out your emotions.

Her latest book, The Bridge, is no exception. In fact, before you begin this one, grab a box of tissues because you will need it. The story begins with two unique sets of characters, the first, Charlie Barton, owner of the bookstore named the Bridge along with his wife, Donna.

"He called it The Bridge because that was how he felt about books. They connected the past and the present, the present and the future. Books brought people together and gave them a path to worlds they wouldn't otherwise experience. There was another reason too. The bookstore wasn't only Charlie's dream. It was the way to move from the pain of the past to the promise of tomorrow. Forever there would be the tragic and disappointing life before opening the store and the hopeful, fulfilling life after. The store wasn't only called The Bridge. It was the bridge."

For thirty years, they have managed to share their love for books and uniting owners with just the perfect book. In fact, they have a scrapbook filled with such loving and warm sentiments from customers expressing what they found besides a great book at The Bridge. Now due to a recent flood and the economic downturn in people purchasing eBooks over the paper kinds, Charlie isn't sure he can find the money to reopen the store. His wife, Donna feels perhaps God isn't in this one and it's time for Charlie to close up shop and move on. Did God abandon Charlie after all?

Molly Allen and Ryan Kelly both attended college together in Tennessee and became the very best of friends. Working together to encourage one another to pursue their personal dreams in music despite the pressures from family and friends, they spend hours finding solitude, friendship and more in at their time in The Bridge bookstore. It's the one place they can truly be themselves and the love they have for Donna and Charlie is heartfelt and truly one-of-a-kind. In fact, most people who knew Molly and Ryan thought they would get together and be married, but Molly's prestigious family had other pre-arranged plans for her future and that included a marriage to a man named Preston who would run her father's company when he retired. Ryan had a girlfriend waiting on him and a future as well once he finished college, so it seemed like life was preplanned for them both and those plans didn't include one another. Does God have other plans for them after all?

You'll have to read The Bridge which comes out in October this year and trust me, you WON'T want to miss this one. I received The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury compliments of Howard Books and Net Galley for my honest opinion and LOVED this one. For those of you that love beautiful stories of restoration and hope like It's a Wonderful Life or You've Got Mail, then this will be the perfect book to read! In fact, it would make a wonderful Christmas gift to those those looking for a message of faith and renewal along with a timeless story. This will be a classic and one that will FOREVER be a part of my permanent library! I personally rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars!!!(less)

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Aug 25, 2012 Kate rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-netgalley

In the loomy uncertainty of a heart's core lies the vast promise of a giving love.

The Bridge, the oldest bookstore in Franklin is a place where dreams and friendships are built.

Charlie and Norma Barton, owners of The Bridge, lost their entire book inventory as a result of a devastating flood. To them and many others the bookstore represented more than just a building full of books.

Molly Allen college student left her heart in Nashville with Ryan Kelley. Years later her life has afforded a differ...more

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Jul 16, 2012 Zac added it · review of another edition

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury is a heartwarming story of love, hope, and second chances. “The Bridge,” a bookstore, in Franklin, Tennessee has served the community for many years. The owners, unable to pay the rent, are on the brink of losing their store. When tragedy strikes, a former college student who used to frequent “The Bridge” tries to step in and help. While trying to rally a town together, he relives his memories at “The Bridge” and wonders about Molly, his long-ago love.

The Bridge is...more

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Jun 24, 2012 Linda rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: unlikely to recommend

Karen Kingsbury
The Bridge

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. It was a quick read, but not satisfying.

This story is very similar to the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, broken dreams, despair, suicide attempt, regret, community support, and second chances. This storyline was interwoven with another storyline about lost love and second chances. It’s a sweet story with the underlying theme of second chances. However, the overall story was too simple and cursory. The author relied on flashba...more

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Jan 21, 2013 Rachel Brand rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: karen-kingsbury, christian, christmas, library, romance, library-challenge-2013, 2013, 50-states-2013

Although I'm a reader, writer, reviewer and historian of Christian Fiction, I've barely read any novels written by Karen Kingsbury, who is apparently "America's #1 Inspirational Novelist". Part of this, I believe, is because I discovered Christian Fiction through the Amish and Historical genres, and have only just started to branch out into contemporary novels. Although, technically, Karen was one of the first Christian authors that I read, long before I was truly aware of the scope of the Chris...more Although I'm a reader, writer, reviewer and historian of Christian Fiction, I've barely read any novels written by Karen Kingsbury, who is apparently "America's #1 Inspirational Novelist". Part of this, I believe, is because I discovered Christian Fiction through the Amish and Historical genres, and have only just started to branch out into contemporary novels. Although, technically, Karen was one of the first Christian authors that I read, long before I was truly aware of the scope of the Christian Fiction genre. I read another of her Christmas novellas, Sarah's Song, back in 2009. It was what I would describe as an easy read, a sweet story for Christmas, but not one that particularly stuck with me after I'd finished it.

But I was prompted by many of my online friends who were big fans of KK to try one of her full-length novels, and checked Like Dandelion Dust out of the library early in 2012. Unfortunately, I wasn't terribly bowled over by this book either, although it is one of the books that her fans typically cite as being among her best works. Like, Sarah's Song, this novel was an easy read, but as much as I liked the concept of the story, I found it very preachy. I love reading novels about how Christians struggle with realistic, contemporary issues and how this challenges their faith and how their faith strengthens them. But I'm not a big fan of conversion stories, partly because I don't get the same kind of encouragement from reading about previously unbelieving people coming to Christ as I do from reading about people who are already Christians (like myself), but partly because I feel like some of these books present an unrealistic idea of what conversion is really like. A lot of emphasis is placed on the moment of conversion, both in Christian Fiction and in many Christian denominations, and this is something I've never had as I grew up in a Christian home and probably made a personal commitment to Christ when I was about seven. But my husband didn't grow up in a Christian family and didn't become a Christian until he was at university. Neither of us can pinpoint the specific time or date when he became a Christian, because the growth of his faith was a gradual experience, that came about through attending church, praying and becoming friends with other Christians. He has a very strong faith, but there was no dramatic conversion moment in his life. I'm sure that some people do have a "conversion moment", and I know that some of these people won't believe my husband's faith is genuine because he came to believe in Jesus gradually, rather than having one giant moment of repentance. I don't doubt that he repented of his sins as he came to believe in Jesus, but I feel like a lot of Christian novels put pressure on people to have a great conversion story, which isn't always the case.

But despite my struggles with Like Dandelion Dust, I endeavoured to give KK another try, especially since my local library system stocked several of her books, which is unusual in the UK. One of my friends from my hometown mentioned that her local library had stocked The Bridge, so on the off-chance that my library had done the same, I looked the title up and was surprised to find that they'd ordered three copies for our region! Since I'm a firm believer in giving an author at least three tries - especially when she's been as influential to the Christian Fiction genre as KK has - and since my library actually owned her latest release, I decided to reserve a copy and give her another shot.

My first surprise when this book arrived was at how large the font was. I don't have brilliant eyesight, and unless I'm reading from my Kindle, I normally have to wear my glasses when I read. This wasn't the case with The Bridge, and I actually felt self-conscious reading this book on the bus as I was sure the people across the aisle from me could read my book because the font was truly that large! My husband commented that the book looked like a children's book because of the font, and I know what he means. So although this book technically has 232 pages, I think it would probably be more like 150 if the font was a more typical size. Factor in the Acknowledgements, and the blank pages between each chapter, this book isn't that long, even for a novella. Even so, the story felt a little padded-out.

The first 100 pages focus on the backstory of the four characters - Molly, Ryan, and Donna and Charlie, who own the bookshop. Ultimately, I actually found Donna and Charlie's story the most interesting, mainly because I found their pain of losing their bookshop more compelling than Molly and Ryan each reminiscing about their time at college seven years ago. I struggle with stories that focus on characters who have been kept apart for years due to miscommunication and the dreaded Big Misunderstanding, which is honestly my ultimate least favourite plot device. I know that some people will rationalise Molly and Ryan's separation by saying that they were young and immature and only at college, and people their age make mistakes. If that helps more mature readers to enjoy this book, I'm glad for them. But as a college student who got married, wrote a book, became the Fiction Editor of a Christian e-zine and managed a household while finishing up her degree, I can safely say that we're not all like that. Because of our differences, I struggled to relate to Molly and Ryan simply because I would have handled their situation so incredibly differently. But because miscommunication and misunderstandings are such commonly used catalysts in romance novels, I have to assume that I lot of people make mistakes like Molly and Ryan, and therefore a lot of readers probably can relate to them a lot better than I did.

After the first 100 pages passed and the entire backstory for the novella had been summarised, the story actually got started. Before this point, I was so tempted to give this book 2*, and I actually had to push myself to keep reading. It really just didn't grab my attention. But once the story got started, I actually rather enjoyed it. It's predictable and everything gets tied up neatly in a little bow at the end, but it was a sweet, heartwarming Christmas novella, and I can see the appeal of that. There's not a lot to say about the actual plot, as you know everything has to work out well in the end - it's a Karen Kingsbury Christmas novella, after all! But I do wonder how many people would struggle to get past the first 100 pages of backstory and actually get into the plot itself.

This story was cute, but very forgettable. And from the reviews I've read, it seems like this isn't actually a typical KK novel. So where do I go from here? I've read a couple of Christmas novellas and one of her standalone books (which are apparently her best works) and I'm still not overly impressed with KK. I feel like I want to give her yet another chance, to see if something does speak to me. She's obviously touched the lives of a lot of readers with her "Life Changing Fiction" (I'm sorry, but who trademarks that kind of phrase? It seems a little odd!) but I've yet to find any of her books much more than sweet, easy reads. I'd like to be able to just catch a glimpse of what makes her such a popular writer with Christian women. As it stands, this book didn't really do that. 2.5*

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Jan 09, 2013 Ashley rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Molly Allen lives alone in Portland, but she left her heart in Tennessee with a man she walked away from 5 years ago. Ryan Kelly lives in Nashville after a broken engagement and several years on the road touring with a country music duo. He can still hear Molly encouraging him to follow his dreams. At least he can visit The Bridge - the oldest bookstore in historic Franklin - and remember the hours he and Molly once spent there. For thirty years, Charlie and Donna Barton have run The Bridge. Tra...more

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About Karen Kingsbury

FROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s #1 inspirational novelist. There are more than 15 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 40 novels, ten of which have hit #1 on national lists.

Karen has a true love for her readers, and she has nearly 1...more FROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s #1 inspirational novelist. There are more than 15 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 40 novels, ten of which have hit #1 on national lists.

Karen has a true love for her readers, and she has nearly 100,000 friends on Facebook along with more than 7,500 followers on Twitter. The popular social networking sites have allowed Karen daily interaction with her reader friends.

Karen is best known for her Life-Changing Fiction (TM) and for creating unforgettable characters. When speaking before women's groups - some with more than 10,000 in attendance - Karen makes audiences laugh and cry with her compelling story-telling. She likes to tell attendees they have, "One chance to write the story of their lives," and her talk focuses on reminding women to live every day loving well, laughing often, and finding true life in Jesus Christ. Karen routinely speaks before more than 100,000 women each year.

Karen's latest novel, Above the Line, Take Three, released March 23rd, 2010. Take Three is the third in the Above the Line Series. Look for the final installment in this series, Above The Line, Take Four to hit stores June 22nd, 2010. Shades of Blue, Karen's latest stand alone title, hit stores in October, 2009. Karen's newest series, Above The Line Series began with Take One, which released in March, 2009. The second book in this series, Take Two released in June 2009.

Karen's recent title, This Side of Heaven landed in the #5 spot on the CBD Bestselling Fiction List. Also, Karen's novel, Sunset landed #2 on the New York Times Best Seller's List. Karen has also written many best selling series including The Redemption Series and the Firstborn Series. Her fiction has made her one of the country’s favorite storytellers. Several of Karen's novels are being considered for major motion picture movies. Her emotionally gripping titles include the 9-11 Series, Even Now, Ever After, and Between Sundays.

Karen is also a public speaker, reaching more than 100,000 women annually through various national events. Karen and her husband, Don, live in the Pacific Northwest with their six children, three of whom are adopted from Haiti.
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“He called it The Bridge because that was how felt about books. They connected the past and the present, the present and the future. Books brought people together and gave them a path to worlds they would not otherwise experience.” — 2 people liked it

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