Covered Bridge Charm

by Dianne Christner

Carly Blosser may not match the typical description of a conservative Mennonite woman—unmarried at 27, living alone, and careening around her Oregon neighborhood on a pink bicycle—but she has a soft heart for the elderly Mennonite residents at Sweet Life Assisted Living Facility, where she works as a caregiver. When Carly’s plans for a new volunteer program go awry, she shifts her focus to one lonely resident named Martha. Adam Lapp, a wood shop instructor at Sweet Life, joins with Carly to reunite Martha with an old flame before her 85th birthday. Carly and Adam’s hunt involves carved initials on covered bridges, digging up the past, and the appearance of a newcomer, who hinders the budding romance between the two. Soon, new clues sweep them all in a harried race to the finish line where love is sure to be the ultimate prize.

Genres: Amish, Romance, Christian, Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction

317 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2016

About the author

Dianne Christner - Christian Fiction Author - writes Christian romance novels. She writes both Historicals and Amish Fiction. Raised in the Mennonite church, she brings authenticity to "The Plain City Bridesmaids" series.

She keeps a lighthearted reality blog called plaingirl romanticizing.

Her passion is reading and connecting with other readers and writers.

Reviews

[Julie Zimmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact that I started and completed this book in one day speaks to what a compelling story Dianne Christner wrote. I am new to her books but look forward to reading more! Her characters feel very real and easy to identify with. And in this book, Carly's strong connection with the elderly residents of the assisted living facility is deeply touching. Also, the many relationships and concurrent stories in the background really make this a page turner. Carly and Adam's developing relationship keeps the reader guessing what will happen; also, I enjoyed seeing how Adam's uncle gave Carly the chance to prove her ideas for the residents at the assisted living facility. This was really a moving story.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable, easygoing romance about a Mennonite young woman who is in no hurry to get married, and finds fulfilment working at an assisted living home for seniors. Her Oregon neighbourhood is known for those lovely covered bridges. In between the plans to get volunteers interested at the home, we see a gradual romance with a young man whose family has a Christmas tree farm.

This book is a great reminder to visit and think of older people in the family or the community. The romance is suitable for any age.

I downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covered Bridge Charm by Dianne Christner is absolutely a must read for all. This exciting yet sweet Christian romance will entice readers from everywhere. The build up of tension on both of the protagonists’ sides is intirguing. Readers won’t know which way the wind will blown when it comes to Carly and Adam. This was my first read by Dianne Christner. After reading this perfectly well-written story, I am definitely on the look out for more of her novels. The ending will leave readers wondering…and wanting more by this talented writer.

Covered Bridge Charm is romantic, funny, and a mysterious. Readers will be left hanging in suspense, when Adam and Carly are around each other. At first it’s like the two are dodging bullets but then something changes both of them…One moment is all it takes for for readers to fall in love with this amazing novel. I could see and hear every scene as if I were actually there. That is what I love about reading this brilliant heart melting and swoon worthy read. A real man that makes a woman blush and sweeps her off her feet is one to behold, maybe Adam is just that guy. As they say opposites attract and that’s exactly what Adam and Carly are. However, Carly is plain looking, super sweet, and talks a lot. Plus, she’s always in one scrape or another. Can a man like Adam handle a generous loving and independent woman like Carly or will they both lose out on a chance of a life time? Readers beware, once you open this up, you won’t be putting it down until you finished reading the last page. Dianne Christner will lure readers in like a moth to a flame with her irresistible plot and charming characters. Overall, I highly recommend this romance to readers everywhere.

[Christy]

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Thank you the opinions are 100% my own

I received Covered Bridge Charm by Dianne Christner
This was the first book that I have read by her. I was intrigued. It was a fast read.I don't usually read about to many Mennonite books. I've read a couple of Amish books. I guess they are similar. This story takes place in Oregon. The main characters are Adam and Carly. Carly rides her pink bike everywhere. They are both mennonites. They both work at the Sweet Life Retirement Center. Adam promises Jimmy Carly's brother that he will look after her. Since he is out of town a lot. He wishes he didn't he is always helping her like when she got stuck in the elevator, and when she needs a ride home when it's to dark to ride her back. A couple more occasions he helps her. Adam's dad hounds him to get married. He isn't looking for a wife or family. His father doesn't like Carly he considers her too outspoken, not calm and quiet. Carly is compassionate towards the elders at the retirement home. She wants to help them anyway she can. She and Adam go on a adventure to find an beau of Martha's. One of the woman at the retirement home. They get caught in a compromising situation. Rumors start to fly. Old rumors come to light. Couples fall in love, Others get second chances.
I loved all the characters. This book has jealousy, romance, adventure, Laughter, and Forgiveness. I liked getting to know both Carly and Adam. I loved that Adam was always there for her. I loved Cocoa Carly's pet bunny. I've never read a book that someone has a bunny inside their house as a pet.
I loved Covered Bridge Charm and will check to see what/if any more books are available. Thanks again to NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covered Bridge takes place in an Oregon Mennonite community, and we are quickly absorbed in their lives. Our main character Carly is a spunky, caring, and a Mennonite that pushes her plain life to her limits. She drives a bright pink bicycle, her basket contains her pet rabbit, and she works in a nursing home.
I loved her compassion with the older folks, and we meet some very interesting characters, with pet names that fit their personality, Klepto, watch as she even tries to take the saltshakers.
Adam has been Carly’s friend and her brother’s best friend forever; her brother has even requested he look out for her when he was out of town. What neither expected was to have an attraction for one another, but his family does not want her, and especially his Dad, and a rumor about her that was spread by Adam’s cousin.
For pacifists you are going to be surprised how jealousy makes Adam’s temper flare. Carly also has her turn at jealousy, but will these two ever work out their difference, and family problems.
A covered bridge and initials play a sweet part in this story, with one of the elderly nursing home patients and an old love. I loved what Adam did with the initials that were carved many years ago on the old bridge. You will also chuckle when a kiss brings on Adam ends up taking his pants off, and of course someone was watching and rumors again fly.
In the end is their any hope of a committed relationship here, or will they each find new loves?
I received this book through Net Galley and Shiloh Run Press, and I was not required to give a positive review.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story. Carly Blosser and Adam Lapp were perfect for each other. Sometimes I wanted to yell at both of them to make up their minds but it all works well together. Things may not always go Carly's way but she and Adam finally work together and make some elderly residents at an assisted living home very happy. They have a few adventures and some mishaps but it is good in the end. I received this book from Barbour publishing for a fair and honest opinion.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads First-Reads.
Carly a young woman full of energy is a caregiver at an assisted living complex. She plans a reunion for an older residence's birthday.
Adam a friend of Carly helped her with this event . The more time they were together,which lead to true romance.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covered Bridge Charm is a sweet story. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more by this author.
Four stars

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the premise behind the book was intriguing, but wished it had been more central to the plot. The romance between Carly and Adam took centre stage instead.
And, to be honest, I didn't really like them together. Both of them were too immaturely behaved 90% of the time and it drove me bonkers. To quote a relatively famous television character, 'if you're not mature enough to be in an adult relationship, don't be in one'.
I did enjoy the minor characters from the care centre though.
2.5 stars

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway. It’s my first book by this author. It appears to be a stand-alone book. Carly is not your typical Mennonite. She works at an assisted living facility and cares deeply about the residents. She also begins a new relationship with Adam but it’s not an easy uncomplicated one because his father is against it. It’s a nice and easy read. I’d definitely read another book by this author. I’m glad I won the book and discovered a new author.

[Ranette · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has got to be one of the worst Amish, Mennonite books I've ever read. Feelings that do not go with the lovely and peaceful traditions of these people. Perhaps my idea is unrealistic, but this was ridiculous. Fathers fighting with sons, brother against brother, not the way of the plain people.

[Stacey Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had several questions about the authenticity of the writers knowledge of the mennonites but while they are in my community I can’t claim to have thorough direct knowledge myself. It was entertaining and I liked the usage of the Assisted Living and elderly. It was heartwarming.

[Elyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute romance. However, I felt like it picked up in the middle of series, when it’s just a standalone. There are a lot of characters with wacky names, and characters with similar names. It was hard to remember who is who.

[C. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not finish. Did not find the MCs or the story, engaging at all.

[Donna Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

Carly is wonderful as is Cocoa! Very entertaining! Comedy and romance rolled into a lovely story. Really enjoyed. Going to have to find more books by this author.

[JLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story started off slow but the storyline was unique and delightful coming to fruition.

[David-Jeannie Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this one.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 1 out of 5]

By 10 percent, I didn’t feel invested in this one. I can’t recall what exactly prevented it from clicking with me. It’s such a shame it didn’t pull me in better, because the rabbit was cute.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can confidently say that Amish/Mennonite romances will never be my cup of tea, but I appreciate the real life issues highlighted in this book: aging with grace and dignity, family power struggles, threading the line between respecting your elders and being your own adult.

What I didn’t care for: I think Adam’s decision to punch a rival got glossed over far too quickly. Instead of the protagonists, Cocoa the Bunny and Aunt Fannie stole the show every time they were on page. The story would have benefited from giving the Martha’s Mystery Man storyline more space to develop.

Things I would warn another reader about when suggesting this book include: age-related dementia, death of a pet, death of a secondary character due to age. These are all handled with compassion, but I would flag them for a patron who’s looking for “gentle reads.”

Solid overall, and something I would happily suggest to patrons who like this type of romance, but not enough to make me want to return to the genre on a regular basis.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Covered Bridge Charm’ is a charming new novel by Dianne Christner, a seasoned author who understands the lifestyle of Mennonites and the needs of seniors. It is a fun and heartwarming novel, and demonstrates how to work under pressure and more.
Carly works as a Caregiver at a retirement home with assisted and independent living units. Even after several years, she is not one of the Director’s favorite employees. Things just seem to happen when she attempts to try something new. Carly proposed a program to bring volunteers in from the community to give special attention to the residents in assisted living. Even though the director didn’t hand the reins of the program to her, she respected the manager who would.
The director’s nephew, Adam, worked primarily in independent living, so Carly had little interaction with him except for the things her brother Jimmy asked him to do while Jimmy was out on overnight shipping runs. Adam’s Uncle Silas, father of the man she had once seriously dated, asked Adam to kind of pretend to be interested in her so her focus might be changed from work to a life other than work. Adam refused to lead her on in spite of rumors spread about the past. Adam was often frustrated with Carly as he regularly ‘rescued’ her. Adam began to work with Carly on one of her ‘special projects’, and fought a growing attraction. However, Adam’s father planned to make him a partner in their growing family tree farm business, and one of the conditions was that he not get involved with Carly.
Martha, one of Carly’s favorite residents, had her 85th birthday approaching. Carly learned that Martha, a widow, had a secret boyfriend when she was 16. When he went away to serve in the war, she didn’t hear from him and she assumed he had died in battle. Later she married her beloved husband, but she had not forgotten her first love. Carly tried to find Martha’s first beau, if he was alive, or if he were married, and then decide whether to surprise her friend with him.
Carly is a hard-working young woman who would do anything she could for her residents. One begins to know Carly well through descriptions, conversations, and actions, as we do also her Aunt Fannie. Both are easily my favorites. As a Caregiver myself, I really like how Carly interacts with residents. We find out more about Adam over time. We also meet several of Carly’s co-workers and residents. Each of the characters has their own delightful value and sense of humor, even Uncle Silas with his gruff exterior.
The plot is more about Carly and her love for the residents than whether a romance might blossom with Adam. As you can see, the Lord blesses us with many challenging situations, sometimes concurrently. Subtly woven through this novel are spiritual lessons that I appreciated. Learning about Mennonites is very interesting; it is written in such a way as to show how much they have in common with other Christians. I enjoyed reading Carly’s escapades on her pink bicycle and her lop-eared rabbit, Cocoa. There is so much more to this novel than love stories, to me, that is not the primary focus. I highly recommend this novel to older teens and women of all ages who enjoy stories of Mennonite living that include spiritual lessons and a bit of romance.
With a grateful heart, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covered Bridge Charm by Dianne Christner is a Christian romance novel. Carly Blosser is a member of the Old Holley Conservative Mennonite Fellowship in Sweet Home, Oregon. Carly dresses conservatively but she has a very outgoing personality (she is spunky and has many ideas). Carly’s house is yellow, she has a bunny rabbit for a pet (that she takes with her), and she gets around town on a pink beachcomber bicycle (they are her personal symbols of freedom). Carly is twenty-seven and still single (and accident prone). She was going out with Dale Lapp until he wanted to move to Nappanee (Dale told a different tale and let horrible rumors spread about Carly). Carly works at Sweet Life Retirement Center (in the assisted living facility). Carly cares deeply for the residents (who have quirky nicknames like Klepto) and is always coming up with new ideas for Sweet Life (much to the dismay of Simon Lapp, director of Sweet Life and Dale’s father).

Adam Lapp (thirty) volunteers at Sweet Life by teaching woodworking classes. He also works on his family’s Christmas tree farm. Adam is good friends with Carly’s brother, Jimmy. Jimmy is a trucker and has asked Adam to keep an eye on Carly when he is out of town. Adam had no idea it would be such a big job when he agreed to it. Carly is frequently getting herself into jams (stuck in the Sweet Life elevator), bicycle in a ditch (she goes too fast and tends to close her eyes), or looking into matters she shouldn’t. One of the residents, Martha Struder is depressed and Carly wants to cheer her up. Martha had mentioned a secret boyfriend when she was sixteen. Carly sets out to find him based on clues Martha has provided (a covered bridge). Carly asks Adam for his assistance in locating the man. Of course, spending so much time together leads to unexpected attraction. Come along for the adventure by reading Covered Bridge Charm.

I found Covered Bridge Charm to be a cute novel, but very much a cliché romance novel. Covered Bridge Charm has jealously (and a little violence despite them being pacifists), lack of communication, confusion, and misunderstandings (along with the making up). I give Covered Bridge Charm 4 out of 5 stars. I liked the quirky characters (at Sweet Life). I thought Carly was a little over-the-top, but she was an interesting character.

I received a complimentary copy of Covered Bridge Charm from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Tina Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back Dianne Christner to the writing world. So glad I got the opportunity to read your new book. You had me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was going to happen next! All the characters were great; the additional characters added special charm to the story for the three main characters. And yes the rabbit, too.

Dianne Christner setting for "Covered Bridge Charm" is in a small town of Oregon called Sweet Life. In this small town of Sweet Life is a conservative Mennonite church and Sweet Life Assisted Living Facility for elderly Mennonites, but not all of the residents are Mennonite.

We meet one of the caregivers at Sweet Life Assisted Living Facility, Carly Blosser. She is independently single Mennonite at the age of 27, but has a heart of gold for her residents and a passion for her work.

After her proposal at Sweet Life Assisted Living Facility lands in the hands of someone else, Carly embarks on a new mission during her free time, finding lonely widow Martha's long forgotten about English friend who when off to war.

Adam Lapp is friends with Carly's brother and has been getting Carly out of sticky situations since her brother has taken to the road. Adam agreed to take Carly on a covered bridge mission to find Martha's initials carved on a covered bridge. Will Adam and Carly find something else out about themselves, too?


I look forward to reading more books written by Dianne Christner. Hopefully, she doesn't take too long to write another one. Welcome back Dianne!

I received a free copy from NetGalley with the only request to write an honest review about the book. No money was exchanged. This is my review written in my own words.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carly Blosser's life revolves around the residents of Sweet Life Assisted Living Facility where she works a a caregiver. At 27 she has had one serious relationship that ended badly, and now she thinks that God's plan might be for her to stay single, and she is okay with that, after all she has the residents. When she comes up with a plan to enlist volunteers for the facility things don't go as she has planned, but it isn't long until she decides to focus on finding an old lost love for one of her favorite residents. She enlists the help of Adam Lapp, and soon a relationship develops between the two. Thing is his family has warned him to stay away from Carly but sometimes the heart has other ideas.

I was drawn to this story because of Carly.She was a conservative Mennonite that really marched to her own drum. The author allowed me to envision her zipping around on her pink bike and having more than a few accidents when she got sidetracked. It was interesting to see her character grow and really mature as the story progressed. It was easy to see that she had the heart of a caregiver, always putting others needs before her own. I enjoyed the varied cast of characters that lived at Sweet Life, the author made each one unique and easy to imagine. Their stories kept the plot moving along, and while there were poignant moments there were several humorous moments to balance it out. I enjoyed the secondary story of Martha and the old love that Carly and Adam was able to reconnect her with.The relationship that developed between Carly and Adam was okay although I felt at times it did lag just a bit, but that didn't keep me from enjoying the story.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet Mennonite story. I must admit though, I had a hard time getting through the first few chapters. I wasn't used to the author's writing style and her use of words I didn't understand. After I really got into the story, I had a hard time putting it down.
The characters were very likable and well developed. Carly had a love of the elderly and went above and beyond her duty at the Sweet Life Assisted Living Facility where she worked. Not only staying many times after her shift was over, but putting part of her salary back into the facility and instigating a volunteer program to help the residents. I loved the fact that she rode a pink bicycle to work and I could personally relate to her many bike accidents. I wasn't really crazy about her rabbit Coco, but he made a very unusual pet to liven up the story.
She was friends with Adam, who was of the same faith and worked some at the facility as well. They had kind of an off again, on again relationship. And when you bring in a couple of other people male and female, there's a lot of jealousy and misunderstanding.
There's real life history behind old covered bridges and that is sort of a central part of Carly and Adam's story. They work together to bring some joy into a particular resident's life that involves a covered bridge.
This was a really sweet, clean story of love, romance and second chances.
I received this book for review by Barbour Publishing. I received no monetary compensation for my honest review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun story.....so many of the characters are so lovable and amusing! I love reading of the antics of the elderly and Carly Blosser works in a conservative Mennonite assisted living facility called Sweet Life Assisted Living Facility. They have nicknames for the residents and repeater, nines, klepto, and the other residents endeared themselves to me and I just fell in love with them, much as Carly loves them. She gets the idea to help dear Martha to find an old beau that she met at one of the local covered bridges and Adam Lapp agrees to help her. Adam and Carly have a definite spark between them as well. Will they discover more than old romance while helping Martha locate James? They have an obstacle though. Adam's dad does not like Carly and does not want them together in a romantic sense. Will they listen to their hearts or obey his father?
Readers are sure to enjoy the funny and sometimes sad events that take place at Sweet Life Assisted Living Facility. There are quite a few furry and feathered friends in the story to peak the interest of animal lovers too.
I rated this book 5 stars and highly recommend it to readers of Mennonite fiction and Christian fiction.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover Bridge Charm, written by Dianne Christner had me laughing thru out the book. The characters in this book are well described and made me feel like I knew them personally! I loved the nicknames given to the residents at Sweet Life Assisted Living Facility and how they received them. The main characters, Carly and Adam, don't make things easy for the other one.

When Carly tries to get a volunteer program in place at the assisted living facility she receives alot of road blocks. Will she be able to convince the residents of of her small town to jump on board? Carly doesn't make things easy for them with her quirky behavior!

When Adam discovers he is starting to have strong feelings for Carly he pulls out all the stops. But are his attempts good enough? Carly surely doesn't make it easy for him because of a relationship she once had with his cousin! When Adam comes to her rescue many times because of her pink bike she starts to loosen the strings to her heart. But when a rich, good looking man takes an interest in Carly will she stray from Adam or will Adam leave her?

I did not receive a complimentary copy of this book but the story was so good I wanted to submit my honest review! I also rated this book with 5 stars and highly recommend it to everyone!

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dianne Christner has written a sweet, heart-warming Mennonite story that readers will enjoy. It is the story of an older Mennonite woman, Carly Blosser, who works in an assisted living care center. She is sweet with a little sass, including her pink bicycle. Little by little Carly seems to be falling in love with her brother’s friend, Adam, Lapp, but there is tension involved as Adam is caught in the cross fire between his father and uncle to either court Carly for the wrong reasons or not be involved with her at all. Although it took me a little bit to get into the story, it was still a fun, sweet novel with delightful characters and well-written plot. I would recommend this entertaining and enjoyable story to readers that enjoy Amish fiction.

Genre: Amish, romance, Christian
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press, a division of Barbour Publishing
Publication date: March 1, 2016
Number of pages: 320

Content Rating: G
Book Rating: 4 stars

A review copy of this book was provided by Barbour.

[Ann Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Covered Bridge Charm is set in an Oregon Mennonite community where we meet Carly Blosser, a 27 year old Mennonite, who is definitely her own person. While keeping to the Mennonite traditions (mostly), she also rides a pink bicycle with her pet rabbit in the basket, and speaks her own mind. Carla's job at a local nursing home, Sweet Life, gives detail into her caring personality as well as introducing us to some unique characters. Adam Lapp has been Carly's brother’s best friend for a long time, but they have yet to date or fall in love. However, just when you think Carly will stay single forever, things start to happen. And a covered bridge and initials play a sweet role in this story, especially what Adam does with the old carved initials on the bridge. I received this book courtesy of Goodreads and I enjoyed the win!

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covered Bridge Charm by Dianne Christner is titled just right! What a charming book and created with twists and turns to bring readers a book that is most certainly not the typical story of a Mennonite woman. Carly, unmarried at 27, lives alone and works at the Sweet Life Assisted Living Facility. Adam unmarried at 30, best friends with Carly's brother struggles to know where his life is leading. Are the two meant for each other or are there just too many obstacles to keep them apart? An old boyfriend? A new suitor? Interfering fathers? Christner does a delightful job with humor (stuck elevators, lost pets, pink bikes) and an array of quirky, likable characters. The tension of the romantic chase and the various stories of the elderly residents of the Sweet Life Home make this an engaging story not to be missed.