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One Lane Bridge
What J. D. needs is a little peace and quiet. He is trying to run two restaurants, keep his daughter from dropping out of college, and satisfy his lonely, aging mother. Cash begins to disappear from one of the restaurants, and he and his wife argue about how to deal with the problem.
One tranquil evening, J. D. takes off on a ride in the country to clear his mind. Top down, setting sun, wind in his hair ... leak in the radiator. When he walks up to an old farmhouse to ask for water, he finds a family living in poverty, and vows to help. When he returns with groceries, he can't find them or the house—although he's not lost. While J. D. struggles to make sense of this mystery, his behavior creates doubt in his marriage, and even his best friend thinks he's crazy. And when he solves it, his life is changed forever.
One tranquil evening, J. D. takes off on a ride in the country to clear his mind. Top down, setting sun, wind in his hair ... leak in the radiator. When he walks up to an old farmhouse to ask for water, he finds a family living in poverty, and vows to help. When he returns with groceries, he can't find them or the house—although he's not lost. While J. D. struggles to make sense of this mystery, his behavior creates doubt in his marriage, and even his best friend thinks he's crazy. And when he solves it, his life is changed forever.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2010
61 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Don Reid
39 books33 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Don Reid, a member of the legendary Statler Brothers, has three Grammy awards, thirteen gold albums, and eight platinum albums. An award-winning songwriter, Reid is also the author of several books, including One Lane Bridge and O Little Town. He and his wife, Deborah, live in Staunton, Virginia.
Don Reid, a member of the legendary Statler Brothers, has three Grammy awards, thirteen gold albums, and eight platinum albums. An award-winning songwriter, Reid is also the author of several books, including One Lane Bridge and O Little Town. He and his wife, Deborah, live in Staunton, Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
October 2, 2024
I’ve always been a little weirded out by magical realism. It almost feels like cheating. Like you’re playing monopoly with your little brother and things are going great when all of a sudden he says, “From now on when I land on your property, I don’t have to pay rent.”
Magical realism feels that way to me. I’m invested in this story that is following all the rules. The people aren’t giving off weird vibes, no mythical creatures, and we’re not in an alternate universe. But then suddenly it’s like the author says, “Just kidding, actually the orthodontist can turn into a unicorn on Wednesdays.” Wait. What?!
So that’s me in “One Lane Bridge.” I have to keep suspending my disbelief. “Okay, we’re still talking about the same J.D. right? And he can do what?!”
Still, a good story, and author Don Reid does a fantastic job chapter-hopping right at the suspenseful parts to keep us turning the pages. Fun, quick read, and of course if you’re a fan of unicorns on Wednesdays, then you’re in for a treat.
~Jen
Magical realism feels that way to me. I’m invested in this story that is following all the rules. The people aren’t giving off weird vibes, no mythical creatures, and we’re not in an alternate universe. But then suddenly it’s like the author says, “Just kidding, actually the orthodontist can turn into a unicorn on Wednesdays.” Wait. What?!
So that’s me in “One Lane Bridge.” I have to keep suspending my disbelief. “Okay, we’re still talking about the same J.D. right? And he can do what?!”
Still, a good story, and author Don Reid does a fantastic job chapter-hopping right at the suspenseful parts to keep us turning the pages. Fun, quick read, and of course if you’re a fan of unicorns on Wednesdays, then you’re in for a treat.
~Jen
March 4, 2020
Memories
This is the second book by this author, that I've read and I've enjoyed both so much. A wonderfully uplifting story, with a hint of mystery too. I hope to read a lot more of his books.
This is the second book by this author, that I've read and I've enjoyed both so much. A wonderfully uplifting story, with a hint of mystery too. I hope to read a lot more of his books.
February 25, 2019
I love time travel and I love the Statler Bros. so I requested this for Christmas. It was a really good story, but not enough of the time travel components for me. The rest of the story made up for it though- good character development and overall storyline.
February 6, 2016
J.D. sets out for a simple drive in the country, needing some relaxation away from the problems at his restaurant and a struggling young adult daughter. He crosses a one lane bridge, and his car breaks down in front of an old farmhouse which contains a family in need. But when he returns the next day with groceries, the bridge is now a large, modern bridge; the house is gone; and no one has heard of the family. Thus begins an adventure of folded time, where J.D. is determined to solve the mystery, and everyone else thinks he’s crazy.
I enjoyed the story, the twisting plot, the characters, and the satisfying ending. It is simply written, yet the story is well told and the pieces all fit together. Good read!
I enjoyed the story, the twisting plot, the characters, and the satisfying ending. It is simply written, yet the story is well told and the pieces all fit together. Good read!
September 5, 2021
I don't recall how I came about having this book or O Little Town (which I read 10 years ago, also by Reid) on my Kindle. It's been waiting for years to be read. Reid's book have a Hallmark Channel movie appeal to them that I very much enjoy. They're pure, heartwarming, and just enough of an escape without too much drama or suspense. They also remind me of my hometown, and I long to return to a simpler way of life. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Reid himself, and hearing his voice added to the experience.
February 8, 2013
Loved it! Delightful read! Don did a great job on this story. Was fascinated from the first to see how it would resolve.
June 17, 2014
I loved this book so much! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down! Enjoyed all of the characters and the plot!!
May 5, 2015
Delightful read!
March 3, 2023
The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways !
This is a wonderful novel written by Don Reid,a member of the Statler Bros.group.
It takes place in a small town,of which Don knows alot about,having been born & raised in one.
JD married his childhood sweetheart,they have one daughter in College & own 2 Restaurants. They had wanted to open a restaurant for a long time & even though they are a lot of work,they have each other to rely on.
Someone had been helping themselves to some of the earnings at one of the businesses & they each wanted to handle it differently.
His wife told him,she would open the Restaurants one morning & he could take his convertible, out for a drive in the country. One of his most favorite things to do.
He starts his drive & soon comes upon an Old,"One Lane Bridge".
He turns at the next dirt road & soon comes upon an old rundown house.
Meeting the family inside,is what starts this novel in a fine,fast turn of events.
You see,these people live in a different era & only he can find the Bridge or the family again.
I have loved the Starter Bros.forever & have wanted to read "Don Reids" books forever.
You too,will love the novel,one of the most unique & with the best characters,that I have taken to heart for a long while.,,
This is a wonderful novel written by Don Reid,a member of the Statler Bros.group.
It takes place in a small town,of which Don knows alot about,having been born & raised in one.
JD married his childhood sweetheart,they have one daughter in College & own 2 Restaurants. They had wanted to open a restaurant for a long time & even though they are a lot of work,they have each other to rely on.
Someone had been helping themselves to some of the earnings at one of the businesses & they each wanted to handle it differently.
His wife told him,she would open the Restaurants one morning & he could take his convertible, out for a drive in the country. One of his most favorite things to do.
He starts his drive & soon comes upon an Old,"One Lane Bridge".
He turns at the next dirt road & soon comes upon an old rundown house.
Meeting the family inside,is what starts this novel in a fine,fast turn of events.
You see,these people live in a different era & only he can find the Bridge or the family again.
I have loved the Starter Bros.forever & have wanted to read "Don Reids" books forever.
You too,will love the novel,one of the most unique & with the best characters,that I have taken to heart for a long while.,,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2018
This reads like an episode of The Twilight Zone, and it will haunt you. While out driving one night, J.D. drives across a one lane bridge, and finds himself in the 1940s (although he is not initially aware of that). He meets a poor family, the Clems, and is moved to help them, but when he tries to find them again the next day, the one-lane bridge is no longer there. When he finally manages to go back again, it is two years later, and the teenage daughter, Lizzie, has had an accident that could endanger her life, unless J.D. can somehow transport modern drugs back to her time period.
March 21, 2022
My husband and I listened to this book at the author recommendation of the “Clean Reads” group here on Goodreads. I was unfamiliar with him but looked to see if there were any of his books on Scribd that I subscribe to and they had this audiobook and a Christmas Title and then at least one ebook so I chose this one and wow it kept our interest the whole way through and the ending kind of blew our minds1
It’s definitely written from a Cristian worldview but “outside the box” for sure. I’d recommend it!
It’s definitely written from a Cristian worldview but “outside the box” for sure. I’d recommend it!
September 27, 2023
LOVED this book! Simple, easy read - but so thought-provoking. I usually can figure out what is going to happen in a book - especially at the end... but this one was a total surprise ending. VERY well done. I love books about time travel (there aren't enough of them out there though). I bought this book not even knowing that it was about "time travel". Would highly recommend this book!!
October 24, 2019
I really loved this book. I couldn't stop reading it until I reached the end. The parallels between the experiences of the protagonist and Christian faith were amazing to me. This story and the insights into faith will remain in my thoughts for a long while to come
November 19, 2018
Audio version of this novel. Very captivating and different.
December 26, 2018
Good book little slow at some points but good over all.
January 6, 2019
Loved it! I could not put this book down.
June 5, 2019
A member of one of my favorite singing groups I have been wanting to read one of his books to see how they are and I wasn't disappointed. It was cool that he was the one who read the audio book.
March 28, 2020
Great song writer and great book writer!!!
April 29, 2020
Loved it! The story kept you guessing...
March 27, 2023
An amazing book that will leave you thinking about the possibilities long after you finish it!
May 18, 2023
OK, I finished reading "One Lane Bridge", another homey sort of other-worldly story by Don Reid, today. Recommended for a change of pace!
November 30, 2022
Great read, I didn’t put it down till it was finished
Loved this book! I’m just now reading it because I couldn’t sleep and I thought it would help me go to sleep. Wrong, I started last night at 9pm and it’s now 6:15 am. I can’t wait to read his other novels. One character in the book brought back memories of my grandmother Ada.
Loved this book! I’m just now reading it because I couldn’t sleep and I thought it would help me go to sleep. Wrong, I started last night at 9pm and it’s now 6:15 am. I can’t wait to read his other novels. One character in the book brought back memories of my grandmother Ada.
May 14, 2015
From the cover:
What J. D. needs is a little peace and quiet. He is trying to run two restaurants, keep his daughter from dropping out of college, and satisfy his lonely, aging mother. Cash begins to disappear from one of the restaurants, and he and his wife argue about how to deal with the problem.
One tranquil evening, J. D. takes off on a ride in the country to clear his mind. Top down, setting sun, wind in his hair ... leak in the radiator. When he walks up to an old farmhouse to ask for water, he finds a family living in poverty, and vows to help. When he returns with groceries, he can't find them or the house—although he's not lost. While J. D. struggles to make sense of this mystery, his behavior creates doubt in his marriage, and even his best friend thinks he's crazy. And when he solves it, his life is changed forever.
This story was a little disjointed for me. It was two stories in one which is usually a bonus, but to me the stories had very little connection to each other. In order for that to work for me, I think the stories need to come together at the end. While the characters were well-developed and believable, I don't feel like the stories were.
What I liked most about this book was the relationship of the mother/grandmother, she added her own character to the story and made it somewhat enjoyable. What I liked the least was the disjointed story.
From a Christian perspective I think it was confusing. This was a man who believed in God, yet the encounters seemed a little contradictory. I don't believe God uses man to change fate in this way, he has many more "resources" at hand to do that. I think this one crossed the line a bit and that was somewhat disconcerting.
Overall I did not hate the book but I was far from loving it! Enjoy if you choose to read it!
What J. D. needs is a little peace and quiet. He is trying to run two restaurants, keep his daughter from dropping out of college, and satisfy his lonely, aging mother. Cash begins to disappear from one of the restaurants, and he and his wife argue about how to deal with the problem.
One tranquil evening, J. D. takes off on a ride in the country to clear his mind. Top down, setting sun, wind in his hair ... leak in the radiator. When he walks up to an old farmhouse to ask for water, he finds a family living in poverty, and vows to help. When he returns with groceries, he can't find them or the house—although he's not lost. While J. D. struggles to make sense of this mystery, his behavior creates doubt in his marriage, and even his best friend thinks he's crazy. And when he solves it, his life is changed forever.
This story was a little disjointed for me. It was two stories in one which is usually a bonus, but to me the stories had very little connection to each other. In order for that to work for me, I think the stories need to come together at the end. While the characters were well-developed and believable, I don't feel like the stories were.
What I liked most about this book was the relationship of the mother/grandmother, she added her own character to the story and made it somewhat enjoyable. What I liked the least was the disjointed story.
From a Christian perspective I think it was confusing. This was a man who believed in God, yet the encounters seemed a little contradictory. I don't believe God uses man to change fate in this way, he has many more "resources" at hand to do that. I think this one crossed the line a bit and that was somewhat disconcerting.
Overall I did not hate the book but I was far from loving it! Enjoy if you choose to read it!
May 11, 2013
I admit it. I got the book because I was curious about the author's writing talents versus his singing talents. And I was not disappointed.
I found the story intriguing. A little far-fetched. But still intriguing. The idea of a time portal seems a little "sci-fi", but the story did not read that way at all.
The story is about a man who is a husband/father/restauranteur who takes a drive one evening to clear his head from all that is going on in his life. While riding around on this country road he comes across a one lane bridge. This bridge is really old and he does not recognize it at all. When he goes across the bridge he becomes involved with a family that turns out to be living back in the early 1940s. Each time he goes across the bridge, he enters their time period.
He experiences this by himself and when he returns home, neither his wife, nor his best friend since childhood believe him when he describes his experience. But it is a life-changing experience. The family is poor. The wife is dieing. The father is trying to scratch out an existence farming. And on one of his visits to the "other side" he discovers that the daughter will also die if he doesn't get her some modern medical help.
I did have a few problems with the plot and some of the "timing" of the visits from "now" to "then" and what amount of time transpired between each visit. But that was a minor thing.
How does it all work out? What happens when the time periods finally intersect?
You will need to read the story to find that out.
I found the story intriguing. A little far-fetched. But still intriguing. The idea of a time portal seems a little "sci-fi", but the story did not read that way at all.
The story is about a man who is a husband/father/restauranteur who takes a drive one evening to clear his head from all that is going on in his life. While riding around on this country road he comes across a one lane bridge. This bridge is really old and he does not recognize it at all. When he goes across the bridge he becomes involved with a family that turns out to be living back in the early 1940s. Each time he goes across the bridge, he enters their time period.
He experiences this by himself and when he returns home, neither his wife, nor his best friend since childhood believe him when he describes his experience. But it is a life-changing experience. The family is poor. The wife is dieing. The father is trying to scratch out an existence farming. And on one of his visits to the "other side" he discovers that the daughter will also die if he doesn't get her some modern medical help.
I did have a few problems with the plot and some of the "timing" of the visits from "now" to "then" and what amount of time transpired between each visit. But that was a minor thing.
How does it all work out? What happens when the time periods finally intersect?
You will need to read the story to find that out.
March 2, 2014
What a pleasant surprise from a free Kindle Buffet book!
One Lane Bridge, written by Don Reid of the country-music artist The Statler Brothers, tells the story of J.D. Wickman and a series of mystical moments that both change his life and remind him that we are all part of a much bigger whole. One evening, while taking a drive to de-stress, Wickman crosses a one-lane bridge and has a little car trouble. He stops and gets help from a poor family and, after they help him get back on the road, decides he wants to pay it forward by taking them some groceries the next day. Only they aren't there. The bridge, the house, the family...all gone. Through a series of remarkable twists and turns, J.D. finds out that he is somehow transported back to 1942 and he spends the remainder of the novel trying to discover why.
Taken from a literary angle, One Lane Bridge is a well-told story. Reid's characters are believable and he does a great job of making his reader feel empathy toward them. Reid weaves themes of family and duty into the narrative. Though initially off-putting for me as a reader, Reid does a skillful job of making one feel Wickman's frustration with his family and friends (while no one believes his story about the bridge and they subsequently try to get him medical and psychological help). The novel does a good job of being contemporary without being overly nostalgic or folksy.
One Lane Bridge, written by Don Reid of the country-music artist The Statler Brothers, tells the story of J.D. Wickman and a series of mystical moments that both change his life and remind him that we are all part of a much bigger whole. One evening, while taking a drive to de-stress, Wickman crosses a one-lane bridge and has a little car trouble. He stops and gets help from a poor family and, after they help him get back on the road, decides he wants to pay it forward by taking them some groceries the next day. Only they aren't there. The bridge, the house, the family...all gone. Through a series of remarkable twists and turns, J.D. finds out that he is somehow transported back to 1942 and he spends the remainder of the novel trying to discover why.
Taken from a literary angle, One Lane Bridge is a well-told story. Reid's characters are believable and he does a great job of making his reader feel empathy toward them. Reid weaves themes of family and duty into the narrative. Though initially off-putting for me as a reader, Reid does a skillful job of making one feel Wickman's frustration with his family and friends (while no one believes his story about the bridge and they subsequently try to get him medical and psychological help). The novel does a good job of being contemporary without being overly nostalgic or folksy.
April 25, 2015
I agree with you Candy...I read it all in one go as I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen and right to the end I was worried too....but I realize people might not like it....I am surprized I did....I think it was well put together, much as a TV show is with different plot lines weaving together so no one is bored...and good advice on how to catch a thief….and also good advice on discovering how God wants us to view things, but there still were some points that did not make sense, but that sure did not take away from our driving sense of wanting to know how all the details work out…so I did give it a 5/5 star to the end...…what else, since I could not put it down as if I was glued to the reading screen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2010
I have always been a fan of the Statler Brothers and finally this year had the opportunity to stop in what was once their museum, but now mainly a one room gift shop in Staunton, VA. I still enjoyed looking at the items they had there for sale, the few museum items they had on display and a brief conversation with the lovely lady who was minding the store!
I have been wanting to read one of Don's books since I read that he was an author, so took the opportunity to purchase and read this one. It was a quick read, and fun, with a little mystery thrown in that harkens to time travel and learning a little about J.D.'s family.
I have been wanting to read one of Don's books since I read that he was an author, so took the opportunity to purchase and read this one. It was a quick read, and fun, with a little mystery thrown in that harkens to time travel and learning a little about J.D.'s family.
August 24, 2011
One Lane Bridge was written by Don Reid, amazing song writer and lead singer for the Statler Brothers, and this book moved with the rhythm and honesty of a good country song.
J.D. Wickman is good-natured middle-aged guy dealing with typical trials – his mother is in a nursing home, his daughter wants to quit college, an employee is stealing from his business. One night he takes a ride to clear his mind and comes across a poor farmer and his teenage daughter. Only later does he realize the one lane bridge he crossed took him back in time 70 years. So now, added to his problems, everyone thinks he’s crazy.
The book moved quickly and provided an ending that was surprising and satisfying.
J.D. Wickman is good-natured middle-aged guy dealing with typical trials – his mother is in a nursing home, his daughter wants to quit college, an employee is stealing from his business. One night he takes a ride to clear his mind and comes across a poor farmer and his teenage daughter. Only later does he realize the one lane bridge he crossed took him back in time 70 years. So now, added to his problems, everyone thinks he’s crazy.
The book moved quickly and provided an ending that was surprising and satisfying.
August 29, 2011
One Lane Bridge was written by Don Reid, amazing song writer and lead singer for the Statler Brothers, and this book moved with the rhythm and honesty of a good country song.
J.D. Wickman is good-natured middle-aged guy dealing with typical trials – his mother is in a nursing home, his daughter wants to quit college, an employee is stealing from his business. One night he takes a ride to clear his mind and comes across a poor farmer and his teenage daughter. Only later does he realize the one lane bridge he crossed took him back in time 70 years. So now, added to his problems, everyone thinks he’s crazy.
The book moved quickly and provided an ending that was surprising and satisfying.
J.D. Wickman is good-natured middle-aged guy dealing with typical trials – his mother is in a nursing home, his daughter wants to quit college, an employee is stealing from his business. One night he takes a ride to clear his mind and comes across a poor farmer and his teenage daughter. Only later does he realize the one lane bridge he crossed took him back in time 70 years. So now, added to his problems, everyone thinks he’s crazy.
The book moved quickly and provided an ending that was surprising and satisfying.
August 11, 2012
I really liked this even as I didn't buy it! JD and Karlie own 2 retaurants in a small NC town and are struggling with theft from their business. He goes out for a ride and ends up breaking down near an old farmhouse; inside a dirt poor family, mom very sick with no money for a doctor. The next day he and his wife go back with food and it has all disappeared: bridge, house, family. His wife and friend think he is cracking up. With the help of an old woman, he gets back to the farmhouse but it is 2 years later than his 1st visit! and it all is taking place in the 1940's not 2007! Good story if you can suspend your sense of reality!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews