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Bridge of Faith
Two lives taken down different roads - one enduring love - one shot at starting over.
If only they believed in second chances.
Julia Connelly is finally free from twelve long years in an abusive relationship. Now able to live the life she’s longed for, Julia takes her two children back home to Vermont, hoping for peace and healing. The last person she expects to see is the man she eloped with at eighteen—who then abandoned her two months into their marriage, with little explanation.
When an assignment in the Middle East ends in tragedy, popular news correspondent, Reid Wallace, returns to his hometown seeking answers and peace of mind.
Confronting his past was not in the plan.
Now he’s asking different questions. Like why the only woman he’s ever really loved still mesmerizes him. Why the haunted expression she wears reaches right into his soul.
And why her twelve year-old son looks just like him.
They say you can’t go home again. Sometimes you don’t have a choice.
If only they believed in second chances.
Julia Connelly is finally free from twelve long years in an abusive relationship. Now able to live the life she’s longed for, Julia takes her two children back home to Vermont, hoping for peace and healing. The last person she expects to see is the man she eloped with at eighteen—who then abandoned her two months into their marriage, with little explanation.
When an assignment in the Middle East ends in tragedy, popular news correspondent, Reid Wallace, returns to his hometown seeking answers and peace of mind.
Confronting his past was not in the plan.
Now he’s asking different questions. Like why the only woman he’s ever really loved still mesmerizes him. Why the haunted expression she wears reaches right into his soul.
And why her twelve year-old son looks just like him.
They say you can’t go home again. Sometimes you don’t have a choice.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2015
104 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Catherine West
7 books771 followersCatherine West is an award-winning author of contemporary women’s fiction. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or reading books by her favorite authors. She and her husband reside in Bermuda, and have two adult children and two beautiful granddaughters. Catherine is the winner of the 2015 Grace Award (Bridge of Faith) and a two-time winner of Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award (The Things We Knew, 2017 and Where Hope Begins, 2019), and a recipient of the American Christian Fiction Writer’s 2019 Carol Award, for Where Hope Begins. Her latest novel, As the Light Fades, released September 2019.
Catherine loves to connect with her readers and can be reached at Catherine@catherinejwest.com
Catherine loves to connect with her readers and can be reached at Catherine@catherinejwest.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 22, 2015
Bridge Of Faith is the first novel that I have read by Catherine West, but it will not be the last one. I have just ordered Hidden In The Heart by her.
Wow, what can I say? I absolutely loved Bridge Of Faith. It was beautifully written and I could not put it down.
Catherine West explores a number of themes. The topics of abuse and PTSD are not easy reading but they are sensitively done. There are four main themes - faith, family, forgiveness and fear.
As the novel opens Julia and her children, eleven year old Mark and five year old Emily are escaping from twelve years of living in fear. Their past fear does not just instantly lift, and still affects the day to day lives of Julia and Mark. They need to learn to live in the present and not be governed by the past.
Reid Wallace is a famous news reporter, often being sent to war zones. As the novel opens, he too is trying to escape from past fears that threaten to derail his present life.
Reid, Julia and her brother Cade have grown up together but for twelve years they have seen very little of each other. Now Reid and Julia have returned to their home town, hoping to find healing from the hurts of the past. But will they?
Forgiveness is a major theme in the novel. Reid and Julia both have things in their pasts that threaten to overwhelm them. Both feel guilty over actions long ago. Both need to forgive each other and not be held captive by the past. Equally importantly both need to forgive the face in the mirror. As long as either of them hold onto any unforgiveness, they will be unable to move forwards into the future.
Having faith is very important. When they were younger, Reid and Julia both had faith and belief in God, and they had dreams. Life took hold of both of them and they moved away from God. Julia felt abandoned by God, but in the bad times He never left her. She spent so much time trying to survive, that somewhere along the way, she lost sight of God. Julia needs to lift her eyes up to The Lord and learn to trust Him again and believe in His plans for her life.
Bridge Of Faith places great importance on family. Julia comes from a very loving family, and after twelve years apart from them, she comes home. Having a good relationship means no recriminations, just open arms and support. It is within a loving relationship that past hurts can begin to heal.
Reid tragically lost his parents and sister in an accident when he was fourteen. His grandmother Essie opened her home and her heart to him. Reid was also welcomed into new best friend Cade's family. They have seen little of Reid for twelve years, but family means opening the arms of hospitality again. Family is not just blood relatives but it is the people we let into our hearts.
I absolutely loved the way Catherine West has drawn her characters. They are all unique individuals, so skilfully drawn that I could picture them all in my head - the beautiful but distrusting Julia; the sullen hurting Mark; the heart throb news reporter Reid; the incredibly cute Emily with a lisp. These were not characters on a page, but people alive in my head. I shall surely miss them now that the book is ended.
Catherine West is a relatively new Christian author, just three novels so far. I am hoping that she writes more, more, more. Give yourself a treat today, and buy and read Bridge Of Faith - you will be glad you did.
Wow, what can I say? I absolutely loved Bridge Of Faith. It was beautifully written and I could not put it down.
Catherine West explores a number of themes. The topics of abuse and PTSD are not easy reading but they are sensitively done. There are four main themes - faith, family, forgiveness and fear.
As the novel opens Julia and her children, eleven year old Mark and five year old Emily are escaping from twelve years of living in fear. Their past fear does not just instantly lift, and still affects the day to day lives of Julia and Mark. They need to learn to live in the present and not be governed by the past.
Reid Wallace is a famous news reporter, often being sent to war zones. As the novel opens, he too is trying to escape from past fears that threaten to derail his present life.
Reid, Julia and her brother Cade have grown up together but for twelve years they have seen very little of each other. Now Reid and Julia have returned to their home town, hoping to find healing from the hurts of the past. But will they?
Forgiveness is a major theme in the novel. Reid and Julia both have things in their pasts that threaten to overwhelm them. Both feel guilty over actions long ago. Both need to forgive each other and not be held captive by the past. Equally importantly both need to forgive the face in the mirror. As long as either of them hold onto any unforgiveness, they will be unable to move forwards into the future.
Having faith is very important. When they were younger, Reid and Julia both had faith and belief in God, and they had dreams. Life took hold of both of them and they moved away from God. Julia felt abandoned by God, but in the bad times He never left her. She spent so much time trying to survive, that somewhere along the way, she lost sight of God. Julia needs to lift her eyes up to The Lord and learn to trust Him again and believe in His plans for her life.
Bridge Of Faith places great importance on family. Julia comes from a very loving family, and after twelve years apart from them, she comes home. Having a good relationship means no recriminations, just open arms and support. It is within a loving relationship that past hurts can begin to heal.
Reid tragically lost his parents and sister in an accident when he was fourteen. His grandmother Essie opened her home and her heart to him. Reid was also welcomed into new best friend Cade's family. They have seen little of Reid for twelve years, but family means opening the arms of hospitality again. Family is not just blood relatives but it is the people we let into our hearts.
I absolutely loved the way Catherine West has drawn her characters. They are all unique individuals, so skilfully drawn that I could picture them all in my head - the beautiful but distrusting Julia; the sullen hurting Mark; the heart throb news reporter Reid; the incredibly cute Emily with a lisp. These were not characters on a page, but people alive in my head. I shall surely miss them now that the book is ended.
Catherine West is a relatively new Christian author, just three novels so far. I am hoping that she writes more, more, more. Give yourself a treat today, and buy and read Bridge Of Faith - you will be glad you did.
August 4, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book, I almost broke into tears for Julia .
I could relate to how she's blaming herself for her suffering , how the guilt got worming in her telling it's her fault and she faced that abuse as though she deserved it.
Okay so I really liked the way everything was dealt, these 2 ppl who got seperated 12 years ago ..facing their own consequences and devils.. now finally meeting eachother unexpectedly revealing a truth to Reid that made him set his course in deciding what he really wants and who he is
Umm..I don't know how to say much without spilling the beans...read the synopsis - if you like it, then I recommend reading this .. it's been a nice read for me, enjoyed it
I'd say I liked the way everything was written and dealt , the plot twists and redemption moments ..
How Jesus takes us beyond our mistakes and blesses us through his grace
Recommend!
I could relate to how she's blaming herself for her suffering , how the guilt got worming in her telling it's her fault and she faced that abuse as though she deserved it.
Okay so I really liked the way everything was dealt, these 2 ppl who got seperated 12 years ago ..facing their own consequences and devils.. now finally meeting eachother unexpectedly revealing a truth to Reid that made him set his course in deciding what he really wants and who he is
Umm..I don't know how to say much without spilling the beans...read the synopsis - if you like it, then I recommend reading this .. it's been a nice read for me, enjoyed it
I'd say I liked the way everything was written and dealt , the plot twists and redemption moments ..
How Jesus takes us beyond our mistakes and blesses us through his grace
Recommend!
April 13, 2015
A powerful story of burning bridges and building them that will haunt you and hold you long into the night, and linger and lift you long after the last page.
June 23, 2015
When you put two one-time lovers who lived a whole lot of life apart back together in the same small town in Vermont, you end up with a beautiful story of second chances. That’s what Catherine West offers in her latest book.
Julia Hansen, single mother, moves to her hometown to heal from an abusive relationship that left deep scars—both physical and emotional.
Reid Wallace, nationally known reporter has everything he thought he wanted, but lacks what he really needs. After a tragic story gone wrong, he ends up back in the small town where he spent his growing up years.
As Julia and Reid begin to put the pieces of their lives back together, they learn to tell each other the truth, to trust each other. They learn how to trust each other. Their faith in God is renewed. As this story unfolds, Catherine West deals sensitively with issues of abuse, divorce and PTSD. She goes in deep, not writing a surface-y story.
I loved the emotional depth and the “real-ness” that West writes with. Her characters were alive and breathing in my mind. I couldn’t stop reading this story. She weaves in spiritual truths organically, rather than as an obvious after-thought.
Reading a story set in Vermont in autumn and winter? A beautiful setting. And West uses it well to enhance what’s going on in her characters’ lives.
In my opinion, this is Catherine West’s best story yet. She’s definitely a go-to author for a compelling read.
**I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.**
Julia Hansen, single mother, moves to her hometown to heal from an abusive relationship that left deep scars—both physical and emotional.
Reid Wallace, nationally known reporter has everything he thought he wanted, but lacks what he really needs. After a tragic story gone wrong, he ends up back in the small town where he spent his growing up years.
As Julia and Reid begin to put the pieces of their lives back together, they learn to tell each other the truth, to trust each other. They learn how to trust each other. Their faith in God is renewed. As this story unfolds, Catherine West deals sensitively with issues of abuse, divorce and PTSD. She goes in deep, not writing a surface-y story.
I loved the emotional depth and the “real-ness” that West writes with. Her characters were alive and breathing in my mind. I couldn’t stop reading this story. She weaves in spiritual truths organically, rather than as an obvious after-thought.
Reading a story set in Vermont in autumn and winter? A beautiful setting. And West uses it well to enhance what’s going on in her characters’ lives.
In my opinion, this is Catherine West’s best story yet. She’s definitely a go-to author for a compelling read.
**I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.**
April 10, 2015
I am always looking for books that deal with real life topics, but are not cliche. This book hit the spot for me on that. The characters are real feeling, they are not perfect. The topics that this book deals with spousal abuse, alcoholism, PTSD, as well as touching on corruption in the media. They were covered in a way where you did not feel like you were give too much detail to make it graphic, but enough to envision the picture.
I didn't want to put the book down. I almost missed a meeting I had to go to as I took a break from housecleaning to start it and didn't notice the time.
Forgiveness and healing are the themes of this book. Ms. West shows how faith can bring forgiveness, even when it was not asked for, in really tough situations. She demonstrates the rebuilding of relationships when it is not easy as well. I loved how it didn't happen fast, but she managed (which is a talent), to spread it out over a decent time period, without making the book drag at all. I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for more by this author.
I didn't want to put the book down. I almost missed a meeting I had to go to as I took a break from housecleaning to start it and didn't notice the time.
Forgiveness and healing are the themes of this book. Ms. West shows how faith can bring forgiveness, even when it was not asked for, in really tough situations. She demonstrates the rebuilding of relationships when it is not easy as well. I loved how it didn't happen fast, but she managed (which is a talent), to spread it out over a decent time period, without making the book drag at all. I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for more by this author.
October 23, 2016
This is a light simple style writing that is a fast read. I read this in about 3 hours. It is more of a christian romance that has several topics going on, domestic violence, PTSD, war etc. The topics are not covered in a heavy way so I would recommend this to anyone wanting a fast light read between heavier books! It kept me interested and I liked it.
September 24, 2016
Amazing book
Oh my goodness, I loved this story and the characters. They are so real to life and you can feel their anguish. It is a story of betrayal, hope and new beginnings for Julia and Reid both. I give this book 5 stars and recommend it highly.
Oh my goodness, I loved this story and the characters. They are so real to life and you can feel their anguish. It is a story of betrayal, hope and new beginnings for Julia and Reid both. I give this book 5 stars and recommend it highly.
May 22, 2015
This book opened with an intensity that invites the readers to stop and really pay attention. I was immediately lured into the lives of these characters and found myself eager to know where they’d come from and where they were going. It was clear from the start that the road we’d be traveling together – the characters and I – would not be an easy one. From the first page, they’re clearly hurting and I hurt for them, but the journey was well worth the read.
There is quite a bit of history between Julia and Reid and their unique situation added a lot of depth to the plot and growth in their characters. I enjoyed seeing them work to communicate, move beyond past regrets, and learn to trust – and love – again. Their relationship is an emotional one – endearing one moment and heartbreaking the next. They face some serious difficulties and obstacles, but through it all they also discover themselves and a new dream worth living for.
There is a little bit of everything for readers in this book – romantic tension, surprising twists, adorable secondary characters, and hints of danger. You might think you know where the story is going, but you’ll be surprised. I enjoyed the unique twists of the tale and I loved finding out how the bridge and title connected to the story too.
Bridge of Faith is one of those books that stands out in several ways. It’s both simple and complex. It’s serious and it’s also lighthearted. It’s evident that it comes from the heart for the heart. What more can I say? I become a bigger fan of this author with every book of hers I read.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
There is quite a bit of history between Julia and Reid and their unique situation added a lot of depth to the plot and growth in their characters. I enjoyed seeing them work to communicate, move beyond past regrets, and learn to trust – and love – again. Their relationship is an emotional one – endearing one moment and heartbreaking the next. They face some serious difficulties and obstacles, but through it all they also discover themselves and a new dream worth living for.
There is a little bit of everything for readers in this book – romantic tension, surprising twists, adorable secondary characters, and hints of danger. You might think you know where the story is going, but you’ll be surprised. I enjoyed the unique twists of the tale and I loved finding out how the bridge and title connected to the story too.
Bridge of Faith is one of those books that stands out in several ways. It’s both simple and complex. It’s serious and it’s also lighthearted. It’s evident that it comes from the heart for the heart. What more can I say? I become a bigger fan of this author with every book of hers I read.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 14, 2015
A long and winding road with severe twists and turns, heights and depths, curves and straightaways, transports two severely broken individuals towards the same destination; a "bridge of faith". Julia Hansen and Reid Wallace have experienced love at its best and tragedy at its worst; could a clean slate be humanly possible for either, or both of them?
Julia has returned home to Vermont after experiencing the nightmare of marital abuse to the point of near death. Her two children; Emily and Mark, also bear the imprint of a highly dysfunctional family and all three welcome a new start following the timely death of Frank Hansen. What Julia never expected was to literally run into her childhood sweet heart; a nationally recognized international news journalist, Reid Wallace; who has returned to Vermont to escape his own personal and professional demons.
The ensuing story is beautifully written; filled with emotionally-tugging realism and gently skirting difficult topics without exaggerated melancholy. Julia and Reid face what some would deem insurmountable circumstances, but in the end, it's their faith in a God who does indeed answer prayer, that makes all the difference.
It was my pleasure to receive an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Julia has returned home to Vermont after experiencing the nightmare of marital abuse to the point of near death. Her two children; Emily and Mark, also bear the imprint of a highly dysfunctional family and all three welcome a new start following the timely death of Frank Hansen. What Julia never expected was to literally run into her childhood sweet heart; a nationally recognized international news journalist, Reid Wallace; who has returned to Vermont to escape his own personal and professional demons.
The ensuing story is beautifully written; filled with emotionally-tugging realism and gently skirting difficult topics without exaggerated melancholy. Julia and Reid face what some would deem insurmountable circumstances, but in the end, it's their faith in a God who does indeed answer prayer, that makes all the difference.
It was my pleasure to receive an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 13, 2015
That moment when you open a friends book, and you just KNOW it is going to be amazing. And then in the first few pages, you are reassured of exactly that. This author sent me a copy of the book for review. But when I couldn't get that to open on my kindle, I just went and purchased it. Why? First of all, four dollars. Hello? How can such a great book be purchased for this price? Secondly, I just wanted to support my author friend. And third, I knew it would be amazing. There is something about her books--she's just gifted. Her writing flows. I am instantly drawn in. I haven't picked up a book of hers yet that didn't meet my high expectations. I love having the confidence to know that when I'm looking for intrigue, romance, and a story that will not let me go, I can always count on West.
April 1, 2019
This is my second book by Catherine and I must say she is an amazing author. This book is gripping and deals with hard issues, such as PTSD and abuse, but these are subjects that need to be dealt with, and she does it in an amazing way. I loved the characters and the weaving of the plot, like a tapestry that you can't wait to finish. Second chances is something we all are offered by God, as He has plans for our lives, notice the s on plans, meaning when we fail He has something else in store for us. This book is a perfect example of Jeremiah 29:11. I hated for it to end.
I received a copy of this from the author for an honest review and I have given that.
I received a copy of this from the author for an honest review and I have given that.
April 9, 2015
Wow - what a story! I would give this one more than five stars if I could. It is a beautiful and compelling story of second changes and hurting people that find love and forgiveness through God's love and grace. I was pulled into the lives of the characters and the story line from the first pages and read the book in one setting because I could not put it down. I was given a copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review, and I definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a story that captures your heart and emotions.
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January 10, 2017My favorite Catherine West book yet!
Reid walks into an ambush in a war zone, resulting in the death of a team member. To recover, he returns home to Vermont and walks into an ambush of a different sort - his ex-wife and the son he never knew.
Reconciliation stories, overcoming bad history, are my favorite. Author Catherine West does a great job showing a relationship growing out of hostility and suspicion to friendship and trust. Each member of the family has a character arc - even the snarly younger sister.
Reid walks into an ambush in a war zone, resulting in the death of a team member. To recover, he returns home to Vermont and walks into an ambush of a different sort - his ex-wife and the son he never knew.
Reconciliation stories, overcoming bad history, are my favorite. Author Catherine West does a great job showing a relationship growing out of hostility and suspicion to friendship and trust. Each member of the family has a character arc - even the snarly younger sister.
March 17, 2017
4 3/4 Stars!
This is the first novel I have read by Catherine West, but I am sure it will not be the last. West not only captured my attention but my heart, as she wove together a story filled with depth, hope, heart, forgiveness and so much more! Her characters were well developed and the interaction between them kept the pages turning.
Well thought out, richly textured and heartwarming! Loved it!
This is the first novel I have read by Catherine West, but I am sure it will not be the last. West not only captured my attention but my heart, as she wove together a story filled with depth, hope, heart, forgiveness and so much more! Her characters were well developed and the interaction between them kept the pages turning.
Well thought out, richly textured and heartwarming! Loved it!
April 14, 2015
I wish I could give this more than a 5 star review. This author has written about abuse, alcoholism, PTSD, and media corruption. Although not overly graphic, the author writes in a way that you feel the emotions as if it were your experience. These hurting people find a second chance through God's love, grace, mercy, and their faith as well as forgiveness. You will not be able to put this book down! An awesome read. I was given this book for an honest review.
May 22, 2015
This book is full of twists, and turns that will keep you up turning the pages until wee hours of the morning, I finished this at 2am. Bridge of Faith is an appropriate title, the characters are tearing down bridges, building bridges of hope and redemption. This would be a great beach read. Highly recommended!
April 19, 2015
Sweet story of hope and second chances. This book pulled me in on page one and kept me captivated all the way through. Purchasing this novel was a great decision. I highly recommend Reid and Julia's story. These characters will linger in my heart for some time. Absolutely delightful.
October 13, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. Really is a romance, but a lot of sad things happen.
October 24, 2019
I like the story.
Julia suffered a lot in an abusive relationship but she finds love again, real love, her first love when she comes back in her hometown. She meets Reid her first husband, they married very young and divorced quickly. He is also back in their hometown.
Secrets are going to be revealed and the love they still have for each other is going to grow again.
A story about forgiveness, true love and trust.
Julia suffered a lot in an abusive relationship but she finds love again, real love, her first love when she comes back in her hometown. She meets Reid her first husband, they married very young and divorced quickly. He is also back in their hometown.
Secrets are going to be revealed and the love they still have for each other is going to grow again.
A story about forgiveness, true love and trust.
November 27, 2016
Decent story and I loved the back and forth between the 2 main characters. But I felt like the book could have ended earlier but the author kept adding to the story. Also, much of it was not a shocker - I expected pretty much everything that happened. But cute and a quick read.
August 18, 2018
Loved it
Bridge of Faith is a wonderful story of love, forgiveness, heartache, deceit, hope and healing in a small town in Vermont. I loved this story! The characters edge their way into your heart. Good read, highly recommend.
Bridge of Faith is a wonderful story of love, forgiveness, heartache, deceit, hope and healing in a small town in Vermont. I loved this story! The characters edge their way into your heart. Good read, highly recommend.
July 7, 2019
This is my second read of Catherine West’s and she is now one of my favorite authors. A truly great read page after page until the last word. I read this book in one day and I have never done that before!
November 29, 2019
Wow
I loved this book! Julia and Reid working through all the difficulties thrown at them. The characters really worked well together. Prayers and a deep faith can help you through the strongest storms!
I loved this book! Julia and Reid working through all the difficulties thrown at them. The characters really worked well together. Prayers and a deep faith can help you through the strongest storms!
September 19, 2017
Wonderful!
I will definitely read more by Catherine West - her way of telling a story is great. The characters seemed realistic and I liked them all. I recommend this book.
I will definitely read more by Catherine West - her way of telling a story is great. The characters seemed realistic and I liked them all. I recommend this book.
December 29, 2017
3,5 stars!
April 19, 2019
Excellent Vacation Read
A book with a lot of heart and forgiveness. A good read from beginning to end. Sorrow, humor and depth.
A book with a lot of heart and forgiveness. A good read from beginning to end. Sorrow, humor and depth.
December 21, 2019
A fast read on a long winding road. You pretty much know what’s going to happen, so really no big surprises. An OK story.
February 18, 2020
A wonderful story!
March 19, 2017
Inspiring
Faith through adversity. This story is a great reminder we are not in control of everything. God does have a plan for those of us that will believe. Great story!
Faith through adversity. This story is a great reminder we are not in control of everything. God does have a plan for those of us that will believe. Great story!
October 2, 2017
A heart-warming story of second chances, forgiveness, family, and hope.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews