A Bridge Apart

by Joey Jones

A Bridge Apart is a remarkable love story that tests the limits of trust and forgiveness . . . In the quaint river town of New Bern, North Carolina, at 28 years of age the pieces of Andrew Callaway’s life are all falling into place. His real estate firm is flourishing and he’s engaged to be married in less than two weeks to a beautiful banker named Meredith Hastings. But when Meredith heads to Tampa, Florida – the wedding location – with her mother, fate, or maybe some human intervention, has it that Andrew happens upon Cooper McKay, the only other woman he’s ever loved. A string of shocking emails lead Andrew to question whether he can trust his fiancée, and in the midst of trying to unravel the mystery he finds himself spending time with Cooper. When Meredith catches wind of what’s going on back at home, she’s forced to consider calling off the wedding, which ultimately draws Andrew closer to Cooper. Andrew soon discovers he’s making choices he might not be able, or even want, to untangle. As the story unfolds, the decisions that are made will drastically change the lives of everyone involved, and bind them closer together than they could have ever imagined.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Mystery

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

Joey Jones’s writing style is described as a mixture of Nicholas Sparks, Richard Paul Evans, and James Patterson. New York Times Bestselling Author Kristy Woodson Harvey labels Jones’s writing as “lyrical” and proclaims, “He effortlessly pulls readers into the souls of his characters.” USA Today Bestselling Author Jeff Gunhus compares Joey Jones’s work to Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Evans, and Sparks.

The ratings and reviews of Jones’s novels A BRIDGE APART (2015), LOSING LONDON (2016), A FIELD OF FIREFLIES (2018), THE DATE NIGHT JAR (2019), WHEN THE RIVERS RISE (2020), WHERE THE RAINBOW FALLS (2022), and ALONG THE DUSTY ROAD (2023) reflect the comparison to the aforementioned New York Times bestselling authors. Readers can expect the same from THE ROOTS BENEATH US (2024).

Joey Jones fell in love with creative writing at a young age and, in his early twenties, decided to write a book. His debut novel A BRIDGE APART is a suspenseful love story that was years in the making as he tinkered with the manuscript off and on while working full-time in the marketing field. In February 2016, Jones became a full-time novelist and published his second novel LOSING LONDON later that year. The average rating of Jones’s novels is 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.

In his spare time, Joey enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, working out, reading, and embarking on new adventures. His favorite meal is a New York Style Pizza with sweet tea. He won the 8th-grade spelling bee at his school, but if you ask how many students participated, he might say, “Such minor details are not important!” He currently lives in North Carolina with his family.

Joey Jones earned a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College where he graduated with honors (2006). He was the owner of a full-service advertising agency and taught business and marketing courses as an adjunct college instructor.

Jones invites you to connect with him online to find out more about his upcoming novels, book signings, giveaways, exciting news, charities, and more: www.Joey-Jones.com / Facebook.com/JoeyJonesWriter / Instagram.com/JoeyJonesWriter

Reviews

[Kathy Gange · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I've read by this author. Loved the story made me cry unexpected ending. Was set in New Bern NC and I live in NC so that was more exciting for me. Will read more of his books since I loved this one.

[Payton (Payton's Book Thoughts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For his first book, I'd say this book is amazing!

The Prologue completely pulls you in. The first few chapters are super slow. Then the rest of the book is so amazing! I promise if you power through the first 3-4 chapters, you will not regret it. I read the whole book in 4 days and I was completely captivated by it.

The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is for two reasons. 1 because of how slow the first few chapters were and 2 because I feel like all the good stuff at the end was rushed.

The only thing that could've made this book better was if the first few chapters could have been condensed and the ending could have been expanded.

None of that deters me from the book. I would definitely read it again and recommend it to others. Plus his second novel is coming out in Fall 2016 and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!!

I downloaded it to my kindle for free, but I would definitely have paid for it as well!

[Jill Cohen · Rating 2 out of 5]

In all fairness to this book it started out with 2 strikes against it. 1. I had just finished one of the best books I had ever read, Elearnor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, and 2. I read a spoiler on Goodreads that was not marked as a spoiler.
Now taking those two things out of the mix, I just did not like this book. The people were too perfect. Even Andrew, when he was making mistakes, he was till perfect. There was a lot of drifting off into areas that made no sense. Plus it took forever for important details to be made clear.
I can see why some people would like this book, but it just did not click with me.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not recommended

I really wanted to like this book, but did not. The characters seem too one-dimensional, and the plot very predictable. I also did not like the behavior choices made immediately after a difficult time in what we are led to believe is a relationship between two people who value commitment and fidelity.

[Robin Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book by new author. Location settings in New Bern, NC were on point.

[Raymond Mathiesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bridge Apart

Complications in love…

If you're looking for a love story, with a bit of suspense thrown in this is the book for you. I must say I didn't foresee how it would end. Love is one of the biggest issues in our life, but often it is complicated by unforeseen factors. Is there really only one 'love of our life'? What if hostile forces prevent our love? What if our mind wanders and we look at someone else? None of this has easy answers, as anyone who has a partner will attest. This book has a Christian ethos; however, it is not necessary for you to be religious to enjoy the book. (I'm not.) The religion is certainly not shoved in your face. It is really just as part of the background of the book. That said, there is of course no explicit sex in this novel.

I was glad I dipped into these people's lives. I was interested to find out what would happen to them. The characters are realistic. Andrew Callaway, the main character, is certainly an admirable person and someone you would like to get to know.

As I say, I enjoyed this novel and I am happy to rate it as 5 stars.

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a first novel by this author and it takes place in New Bern, NC 2 weeks before an upcoming wedding. While I enjoyed the story, there was just too much unnecessary description that added no value to the storyline. His metaphors, I have to say were unique if used too often. The book was short, 206 pages, so if less description, it probably would be too short. There were 3 pages describing skimming rocks across water and it added no value to the storyline. However, the premise of the story was good. There was lots of clean romance, action, and mystery. And I honestly was surprised how it ended. The author used a nice ‘hook’ in the Prologue. It kept me guessing which girl got married.

[Dee Gurganus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by Joey Jones. He was recommended by a friend of mine. It was a good find. One, I like the story as I am very familiar with the setting, New Bern, NC. In my mind, I can see MIddle St from when I was a kid as it was a favorite shopping spot of my family. Two, the story is an excellent example of "what is meant to be will be". Andrew is a wonderful character except he is an UNC graduate (of course, this is coming from an NCSU graduate). So, I won't hold it against him. He is the ultimate southern gentleman but knows how to take up for himself. There is a little foreshadowing of the events, but one I did not see coming hit me right in the gut. I highly recommend you try this book and this author. I am absolutely looking forward to my next book by him.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a goodreads giveaway. This is the first time I have read this author so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised at the development of the story. The book cover gives a general overview of what to expect from the novel but in reality the subtle growth of the plot truly draws you in. Andrew Callaway, the lead character, has it all. His life is almost perfect, or is it? Within 48 hours his solid life that he has built is in shambles. Untangling the mess of his life is where the true story lies. This is a great read for those that enjoy contemporary romance, southern small town charm and want love to win.

[Carly Tribisondi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very impressed

I met Joey Jones at a craft show, he handed me a bookmark and when I got home I decided to look up his work. I’m very impressed by his first novel. It took a little to get into it, but once I did I couldn’t put it down. Definitely recommend and can’t wait to read his other work. I also thought it was cool how he used real places in New Bern for his story, as well as the real drawbridge as the cover. Being from the area it made me feel like I was really apart of the characters lives in a way.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. It was a gift from my sister in law! I'd never heard of Joey Jones before. It a wonderful story of love and happiness and sadness all together. I 100% agree with the reviews that say his style of writing is a mix of two of my favorite authors. James Patterson mystery and Nicholas Sparks. The middle was very much like a Patterson book. While the ending was a tear jerker like every Sparks book I've ever read. I will definitely be reading more of his books. This is a must read!!

[Marian Bissett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoying Joey Jones’s books. The settings are local and familiar, pulling me into the novels because I can imagine and place myself there also. “Bridge Apart” definitely had some twists and turns as well as surprises. This is his second book I have read and I’ve purchased “Losing London” already from The Next Chapter Books & Art Store in downtown New Bern. I think Jones, as a local writer, will be keeping us entertained and inspired with his romantic fiction novels for a long time.

[Krystal Dunlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

The overall story line was good but the execution of it wasn’t there for me. Nothing actually happens until you are a fourth of the way through the book. The character perspective changed so often that I got whiplash and there were a couple of times that I had to just push past a part and not get too hung up on it. This was this authors first book from my understanding so I’m trying to cut him some slack but I’ve never had to fight so hard to get through 200 pages.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice enough story, but I felt there was a lot of wasted pages of the story not going anywhere. There was an overload of metaphors and detailed descriptions that contributed nothing to the story. The parts of the story that meant something were rushed. The epilogue actually surprised me with the turn in the story and was probably the part I enjoyed the most. This is the author's first book, so I'll give him another chance.

[Andrea Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. A new author and a great book...superb combo. Joey Jones did a nice job of explaining the characters. This piece makes me want to read more from him. Joey Jones is right up there with Nicholas Sparks, in my opinion. I lived in Eastern North Carolina so it's nice to read about and mentally see what is being described. I look forward to more. Wonderful job Joey Jones!!!

[Eileen Weitzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Joey Jones at the Umbrella Market in uptown Greenville, NC last Wednesday. I had never heard of him before, but I decided to buy his first book.

Going to the river for the weekend, I pulled out my new book. I couldn't put it down. It was very well written and had a lot of mystery. I will recommend this to my book club. Such a good find.

Eileen Weitzel

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very good first novel. Being from the area, Mr. Jones did a great job with setting details and allowing the reader to feel a part of the location. The influence of Nicholas Sparks is evident and I was also reminded of Jan Karon's style. While I this wasn't a "page turner", it was very engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed the story and most of the characters.

[Amy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an unexpected surprise ending! It definitely caught me off guard. This love story had me sitting on the edge of my seat hanging on for a wild ride, touching on every emotion. This author has a knack for opening up the deep recesses of my heart space, offering a glimpse of light & love, even amidst the most tragic of life events.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that really captures you. The characters feel like real people! I am so glad that I met Joey and this book was introduced to me. I'm excited for his next book, and hope there are many more to come.

[Drea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love reading Joey Jones' books. I do get a fraction of frustration when the climax and ending are all in the last 30 or so pages. I wish it was spaced out more or there were more chapters! I'll be finishing his collection (A Field of Fireflies) this weekend. PLEASE WRITE MORE!!! :)

[Mary Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book this author wrote and I enjoyed reading it.
A live story with complications and suspense and sadness. Was surprised by the ending.
Looking forward to reading more by this author.

[K. Williford · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite kind of book - loads of twists and unexpected turns!! This is the first book by J. Jones I have read and look forward to reading more!! Thanks for writing good, clean and emotion filled love story!!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story with the setting in New Bern, NC. Get the tissues!

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read, I could not put it down

[Delores Alger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Different love story. Not very interesting.

[Nanette Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced and good story.

[Allison Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

😭😭😭 so good!

[Yoda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really not that exciting but it nid have a nice ending .

[Sammie Shorter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent first novel

Wow, to say that ending was a surprise is a definite understatement. I experienced many emotion reading this love story.

[Amanda Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. Unexpected but beautiful ending.