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The Bridge
Love can build a bridge.
After a tragic accident along the Swan River took the life of his mother, young Jared Conway grew up thinking little of the family he lost. As an adult, he remains without an anchor. With his marriage truly over--despite his attempts at reconciliation with his ex-wife--and his young son far away at boarding school, Jared discovers that his success as a commodities broker has brought him little inner peace.
On impulse he suggests to his son, Nicolaus, that they go to Montana over the boy's summer break. Jared's plan is to spend time with his child and to clean out the cabin he has inherited, in order to make a quick sale in the hot real-estate market.
But when he gets to the river in Montana, Jared encounters three things that will change his life the forces that have been driving him toward empty success, love for a spiritually grounded ceramist named Eden Powell, and the bridge that will finally lead him home.
From the Hardcover edition.
After a tragic accident along the Swan River took the life of his mother, young Jared Conway grew up thinking little of the family he lost. As an adult, he remains without an anchor. With his marriage truly over--despite his attempts at reconciliation with his ex-wife--and his young son far away at boarding school, Jared discovers that his success as a commodities broker has brought him little inner peace.
On impulse he suggests to his son, Nicolaus, that they go to Montana over the boy's summer break. Jared's plan is to spend time with his child and to clean out the cabin he has inherited, in order to make a quick sale in the hot real-estate market.
But when he gets to the river in Montana, Jared encounters three things that will change his life the forces that have been driving him toward empty success, love for a spiritually grounded ceramist named Eden Powell, and the bridge that will finally lead him home.
From the Hardcover edition.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
27 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Tawn Bergren
99 books3,793 followersAbout
Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books, with more than 4.5 million copies sold. She recently released The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series (KETURAH, VERITY and SELAH), and recently finished a teen series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER, SEASON OF FIRE, and SEASON OF GLORY). She's also written the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT, BOURNE & TRIBUTARY, DELUGE) and The Grand Tour Series (GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES, GLITTERING PROMISES), time-slip romance duology called River of Time: California (THREE WISHES and FOUR WINDS), and some contemporary romances (ONCE UPON A MONTANA SUMMER and ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER are the newest releases).
Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who is about to get married) and Jack (who is a junior in high school).
The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books, with more than 4.5 million copies sold. She recently released The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series (KETURAH, VERITY and SELAH), and recently finished a teen series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER, SEASON OF FIRE, and SEASON OF GLORY). She's also written the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT, BOURNE & TRIBUTARY, DELUGE) and The Grand Tour Series (GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES, GLITTERING PROMISES), time-slip romance duology called River of Time: California (THREE WISHES and FOUR WINDS), and some contemporary romances (ONCE UPON A MONTANA SUMMER and ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER are the newest releases).
Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who is about to get married) and Jack (who is a junior in high school).
The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 5, 2018
Lovely symbolism in this book: a tragedy at a bridge, a mother offering her own safety to hand her child over to one who could keep him from drowning. That bridge is the illustration to that child, as a full grown adult, of how the sin we're drowning in separates us from God, but Christ's sacrifice on the cross bridges that separation. Lots of emotion when Jared Conway finally understands this sacrifice, by his mother whose life ended in that fatal accident, by the elderly man who took him from the sinking car, and the Savior who offers even more than this mortal life.
Perhaps because this book was one of the author's earlier works (published 2000), there were issues with it that made it less than satisfactory. More detail would be nice, and an actual ending would help as well. Some people might call it an ending, but truly, it needed more, like an epilogue to the epilogue. I honestly thought it might have ended abruptly because of a follow up book, perhaps a second in a series, but no such luck. It's a stand alone with nothing to let you know what really happened.
Ah well. I've enjoyed so many of Ms. Bergren's other books.
The narrator did a superb job though. Very well done with no reading or inflection issues to detract from the story.
Perhaps because this book was one of the author's earlier works (published 2000), there were issues with it that made it less than satisfactory. More detail would be nice, and an actual ending would help as well. Some people might call it an ending, but truly, it needed more, like an epilogue to the epilogue. I honestly thought it might have ended abruptly because of a follow up book, perhaps a second in a series, but no such luck. It's a stand alone with nothing to let you know what really happened.
Ah well. I've enjoyed so many of Ms. Bergren's other books.
The narrator did a superb job though. Very well done with no reading or inflection issues to detract from the story.
June 27, 2020
I don't remember how I found this book or when it came into my possession but I recently found it in a box in my garage. I had an idea that I would want to read it, but not keep it, so that is what I did. It is an easy, enjoyable read.
When Jared's marriage collapses he takes his eight year old son on a cross country trip to visit Montana where he needs to clean out a cabin left to him after the death of his great-uncle. It is his first time there since his infancy when his mother was fleeing her abusive boyfriend and they were involved in a tragic accident. Thy made it to the small town where he lived only to have the bridge they were crossing collapse into the river. A local elderly man was fishing and rescued Jared, but his mother died.
The book takes part over the course of one summer. Jared and Nicolaus spend their days cleaning out the cabin, fishing and meeting the local people. And Jared finds himself in a friendship with a local female artist. The romance is predictable in that the two characters are good-hearted, nice and caring but from two different worlds. Both Jared and Eden have dealt with heartache. They struggle with trust, and neither of them can see a way that they can have a real relationship. But both are likable characters and I always enjoy when characters inspire empathy.
My favorite part of the book though were the few chapters that told his mom's story. I found these sections moving and a bit more complex. This was a quick, enjoyable read, and I will be passing the book on to someone else when I drop it into my local Little Free Library.
When Jared's marriage collapses he takes his eight year old son on a cross country trip to visit Montana where he needs to clean out a cabin left to him after the death of his great-uncle. It is his first time there since his infancy when his mother was fleeing her abusive boyfriend and they were involved in a tragic accident. Thy made it to the small town where he lived only to have the bridge they were crossing collapse into the river. A local elderly man was fishing and rescued Jared, but his mother died.
The book takes part over the course of one summer. Jared and Nicolaus spend their days cleaning out the cabin, fishing and meeting the local people. And Jared finds himself in a friendship with a local female artist. The romance is predictable in that the two characters are good-hearted, nice and caring but from two different worlds. Both Jared and Eden have dealt with heartache. They struggle with trust, and neither of them can see a way that they can have a real relationship. But both are likable characters and I always enjoy when characters inspire empathy.
My favorite part of the book though were the few chapters that told his mom's story. I found these sections moving and a bit more complex. This was a quick, enjoyable read, and I will be passing the book on to someone else when I drop it into my local Little Free Library.
April 14, 2010
Another fast read. Fun, moving plot that flicks back and forth between the mother of the man who's life you follow in the majority of the book. Fun twists and a great message!
I am beginning to appreciate authors willing to add the importance of religion in the lives of their characters. I think it takes bravery to do so in a world so full of filth and nastiness. Lisa Bergren's books are really good reads and page turners. They aren't difficult or crazy plots - but they are good. I am really addicted to her writing style!
I am beginning to appreciate authors willing to add the importance of religion in the lives of their characters. I think it takes bravery to do so in a world so full of filth and nastiness. Lisa Bergren's books are really good reads and page turners. They aren't difficult or crazy plots - but they are good. I am really addicted to her writing style!
May 19, 2016
I read the first half and skimmed the rest...it was just ok and it didn't have a very good ending.
March 14, 2019
I'm not usually a romance novel reader, but I was pleasantly surprised this one wasn't sappy or entirely unbelievable. Sure, there are coincidences, but these are the type you want to read about. Sweet moments and real-life soul searching entwine to create a compelling story.
March 3, 2023
A well written story of personal development and a faith that grows within. The audiobook was narrated perfectly. Loved all the points of view throughout the book.
April 21, 2013
Wow, I enjoyed this book! Ok, so maybe I am a little biased here, the book's main location is not only in my home state but is about 2 hours from where I live.
Soooo, I am not going to talk about the great scenery descriptions just yet. People first right?
There was much to admire in this book about the love of family. In the first pages a mother sacrifices her life for her son. Jared tries to reconcile with his wife, he does want it to to work, it doesn't work but at least he did try one last time. Jared loves his son, more than anything, and willingly spends the summer just the two of them in a little Montana cabin. Eden loves her family as well, she visits her elderly grandmother in the nursing home, not only visits but talks with her and listens to her advice. Eden's brother also makes a protective appearance as do her parents.
In the people vein, this book is very emotional. I felt Eden's desire for peace and not wanting to risk her heart again. I felt Jared's fears around water, his love Nicolaus, and the battle he faced in deciding what do about his love for Eden. The author did an excellent job getting into her character's heads and hearts.
The 'religious' factor was most definitely present but didn't detract from the story. There is a fine balance of how much to put in a story and how much is too much, and I felt that Lisa, for the most part, didn't go too far either way.
OK, NOW I am going to talk about the scenery. Thought I might miss it didn't you? Nope! Since I have been to most of the locations mentioned in the story, gotta look around downtown Bigfork a little more, I can say that the author did a GREAT job. Not only did my little internal movie have plenty to work with you could also tell that the author really had been there, not only been there but loved it. It isn't often you can see an author's love of the place they are writing about but you sure could in The Bridge.
So, if you like a good love story or if you just want to take a little vacation to the beautiful State of Montana, The Bridge is an excellent choice for either or both reasons.
Soooo, I am not going to talk about the great scenery descriptions just yet. People first right?
There was much to admire in this book about the love of family. In the first pages a mother sacrifices her life for her son. Jared tries to reconcile with his wife, he does want it to to work, it doesn't work but at least he did try one last time. Jared loves his son, more than anything, and willingly spends the summer just the two of them in a little Montana cabin. Eden loves her family as well, she visits her elderly grandmother in the nursing home, not only visits but talks with her and listens to her advice. Eden's brother also makes a protective appearance as do her parents.
In the people vein, this book is very emotional. I felt Eden's desire for peace and not wanting to risk her heart again. I felt Jared's fears around water, his love Nicolaus, and the battle he faced in deciding what do about his love for Eden. The author did an excellent job getting into her character's heads and hearts.
The 'religious' factor was most definitely present but didn't detract from the story. There is a fine balance of how much to put in a story and how much is too much, and I felt that Lisa, for the most part, didn't go too far either way.
OK, NOW I am going to talk about the scenery. Thought I might miss it didn't you? Nope! Since I have been to most of the locations mentioned in the story, gotta look around downtown Bigfork a little more, I can say that the author did a GREAT job. Not only did my little internal movie have plenty to work with you could also tell that the author really had been there, not only been there but loved it. It isn't often you can see an author's love of the place they are writing about but you sure could in The Bridge.
So, if you like a good love story or if you just want to take a little vacation to the beautiful State of Montana, The Bridge is an excellent choice for either or both reasons.
July 31, 2017
**Update** Whatever caused the book to "shine" before, did not reappear the second time around. Everything felt ho-hum and average, not nearly engaging enough for this book to survive round two of the purge of my personal collection.
I just happened to pick this book up right after I finished another book she wrote, Waterfall. I knew I was probably in for a treat. I was not disappointed.
This book explores every day issues but every day issues that have a lasting and profound effect. It takes a good author to really convey just how big those "little" issues are.
Like I mentioned with Waterfall, the prose disappeared in the background and allowed the prose to shine.
I'm pretty sure I've just found a new favorite author.
I just happened to pick this book up right after I finished another book she wrote, Waterfall. I knew I was probably in for a treat. I was not disappointed.
This book explores every day issues but every day issues that have a lasting and profound effect. It takes a good author to really convey just how big those "little" issues are.
Like I mentioned with Waterfall, the prose disappeared in the background and allowed the prose to shine.
I'm pretty sure I've just found a new favorite author.
August 20, 2008
I enjoyed this book until the end when I felt the author left the building and left us, the readers without answers. She did a great job of weaving the past with the present. Her desciptions of Montana made you feel like you were there on the water with the characters. Good story of love, romance, heartbreak, forgiveness and the good Lord above.
February 11, 2016
Such an amazing story. A true test of faith as well as an aid in bringing one to faith. The story winded itself into such hope and promise. God is great and it shows with every page of this story!!
September 11, 2024
Okay, this book has me feeling very complicated.
Jared was not that great of a character and honestly annoyed me. Also, he was said to be charming, but he seemed more obnoxious than anything.
I hate it whenever a female character who's content with her life is considered a sad woman just because she's single. Like, if Eden wanted romantic love, she should have it, of course, but her life was just as good before Jared entered it. She was making art, she had great friends and family, she read books, and she went fishing in her free time. What's sad about a peaceful life like that?
Jared's wife, Patricia, was always facing criticism from Jared - not that it was unearned - but she was only on page for like four scenes, so it always felt like a case of telling rather than showing.
Eden and Jared's relationship felt so superficial because it really was insta-love, and he was already picturing her in his future after they had like five conversations.
I am religious of a different faith, but even so, I have been able to enjoy books that explore Christianity to a great extent, but for some reason, I just did not vibe with the aspects of it in this novel.
While I did not care for the connection between their families, I did like the nice symmetry of the Powells saving the Conways.
The flashbacks to Jared's mom, Anne, were really interesting to see. Even though I knew her story would end in tragedy, I was quite invested in her struggles with her abusive boyfriend and her hope for a better life. I would say that Anne was the saving grace of the novel.
The setting was quite nice, and I liked the scenery because of how contained it felt just being around that lake.
I did like how the accident clearly affected Jared's relationship with large bodies of water, and it was very apparent with his apprehension with Nick being around water. I also liked how even as an adult, he still struggled with how two people sacrificed themselves for him to live a life that he wasn't sure he deserved.
Ultimately, I just didn't connect to the novel or the characters, but that's not the author's fault. The message that I believe the author was trying to portray was a beautiful one.
Jared was not that great of a character and honestly annoyed me. Also, he was said to be charming, but he seemed more obnoxious than anything.
I hate it whenever a female character who's content with her life is considered a sad woman just because she's single. Like, if Eden wanted romantic love, she should have it, of course, but her life was just as good before Jared entered it. She was making art, she had great friends and family, she read books, and she went fishing in her free time. What's sad about a peaceful life like that?
Jared's wife, Patricia, was always facing criticism from Jared - not that it was unearned - but she was only on page for like four scenes, so it always felt like a case of telling rather than showing.
Eden and Jared's relationship felt so superficial because it really was insta-love, and he was already picturing her in his future after they had like five conversations.
I am religious of a different faith, but even so, I have been able to enjoy books that explore Christianity to a great extent, but for some reason, I just did not vibe with the aspects of it in this novel.
While I did not care for the connection between their families, I did like the nice symmetry of the Powells saving the Conways.
The flashbacks to Jared's mom, Anne, were really interesting to see. Even though I knew her story would end in tragedy, I was quite invested in her struggles with her abusive boyfriend and her hope for a better life. I would say that Anne was the saving grace of the novel.
The setting was quite nice, and I liked the scenery because of how contained it felt just being around that lake.
I did like how the accident clearly affected Jared's relationship with large bodies of water, and it was very apparent with his apprehension with Nick being around water. I also liked how even as an adult, he still struggled with how two people sacrificed themselves for him to live a life that he wasn't sure he deserved.
Ultimately, I just didn't connect to the novel or the characters, but that's not the author's fault. The message that I believe the author was trying to portray was a beautiful one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2018
When Jared Conway was just a baby his mom fled from her abusive boyfriend to her great uncle's cabin. As she was crossing the bridge near the cabin the bridge collapsed, taking their car with it. A local fisherman managed to save Jared but unfortunately not his mother. Now Jared is all grown up and is an important businessman with a busy and stressful life. He has gotten divorced from his cheating wife, and his only child, Nicolaus, has been away at the boarding school that Jared grew up at. Jared feels unfulfilled, but doesn’t know why, he is rich and successful after all. When Jared takes Nicolaus on a trip to where life changed, where the bridge collapsed so many years ago, things start to become clearer. There he meets an intriguing woman named Eden, who is an introverted artist. Eden was left at the altar many years ago and has never got over this disappointment, but when she meets Jared she starts to come out of her shell finally. Unfortunately, their lives are just too different, or so they think. Jared would never to be able to leave his job and become a better father for Nicklaus. They would never be able to move out to the country when they are used to their city lives. Eden would never be able to love another man when she is afraid of loving again. Will the impossible happen? Change is coming for the three of them, and hopefully it will change their lives for the better forever.
I enjoyed this book because it is different than what I usually read. It had a ton of character development and not as much action. The characters really made the story, not the fast paced events that I usually read about. It was also neat because throughout the book Jared’s mom’s story was added in occasionally, two stories as one woven together, making it complex and deep. I wish the story would have been longer, it was shorter than the books I usually read.
I recommend this book to young adults and adults who enjoy an inspirational story that is a quick read.
I enjoyed this book because it is different than what I usually read. It had a ton of character development and not as much action. The characters really made the story, not the fast paced events that I usually read about. It was also neat because throughout the book Jared’s mom’s story was added in occasionally, two stories as one woven together, making it complex and deep. I wish the story would have been longer, it was shorter than the books I usually read.
I recommend this book to young adults and adults who enjoy an inspirational story that is a quick read.
December 3, 2018
Forgot to write a review, yet again. I hate when I do that.
Fun to read a book set in Montana. I enjoyed visualizing the book. I add this author to my list of: good writing (not fantastic but better than anything I could do!), "clean," some sort of romantic something going on, Hallmark movie style, redemptive and two stories in one.
How many of these have I read this year??? Maybe I should make a category for these alone.
I don't write good reviews like all the reviews I read on GoodReads.
I think I read it while in Utah so that was October? Or maybe while on the trip to Peru? I kind of like to remember books in this way-where was I when I read the book?
Fun to read a book set in Montana. I enjoyed visualizing the book. I add this author to my list of: good writing (not fantastic but better than anything I could do!), "clean," some sort of romantic something going on, Hallmark movie style, redemptive and two stories in one.
How many of these have I read this year??? Maybe I should make a category for these alone.
I don't write good reviews like all the reviews I read on GoodReads.
I think I read it while in Utah so that was October? Or maybe while on the trip to Peru? I kind of like to remember books in this way-where was I when I read the book?
June 18, 2017
I like this author but this book didn't really inspire me. I liked the plot, but I found the main love relationship awkward without being endearing. But I was still on board until the end. The ending sank the ship for me because how can you build the relationship and acknowledge that his decision had a lot to do with Eden, and then never actually bring them back together?! Please tell me there's an epilogue to the epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2018
A bittersweet story but more "sweet" than "bitter". The author does a wonderful job of creating characters and helping us visualize the physical word of the setting. In this book we see God's hand in all the situations although not all people are following God's will through them. We see the differences that occur in people who yield to God's call and those who do not. A wonderful Christian novel by a great author. No profanity or sex.
July 20, 2022
Deeply poetic, moving like a river
Two stories bound together by time and heart. Perfect, peaceful setting to find yourself in God's love. Lots of symbolism and life applications. While it wasn't my favorite book and I probably wouldn't read it again, it was inspiring and reflective. Peaceful. Encourages the reader to find the path God has for their life and make it their best life while always giving thanks to the Giver.
Two stories bound together by time and heart. Perfect, peaceful setting to find yourself in God's love. Lots of symbolism and life applications. While it wasn't my favorite book and I probably wouldn't read it again, it was inspiring and reflective. Peaceful. Encourages the reader to find the path God has for their life and make it their best life while always giving thanks to the Giver.
July 31, 2023
The Bridge by Lisa T. Bergren is a definite page-turner. Dual timeline takes the reader back in time to when Jared was an infant and back to current day. Having emotional scars from the past, both Jared and Eden need to heal before they can engage in a new relationship. Seeking God for peace and healing, the past is revealed.
Definitely had to keep reading until I finished and yet didn't want to finish.
Definitely had to keep reading until I finished and yet didn't want to finish.
November 18, 2019
This is my first Lisa Bergren book. I was easily pulled into the narrative. It is a then-and-now type tale with a man meeting a woman and sparks flying. I appreciate that God is important in this story as he should be. The description of the main geographical area sounds like a place I would want to visit. I enjoyed this book.
November 26, 2021
Years ago, I read The Bridge of San Luis Rey and was caught up in the story of how the lives lost on that bridge were interconnected by degrees of separation. This book shows a similar interconnection of how those related to a tragedy survive and grow. It's a very compelling read and will get you thinking about what matters in life and how to live it.
June 23, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The detail of what happened in the past and the current events for the people involved told an excellent story. I liked the Christian message and how Jared changed and became involved in his son's life. Also, how Eden overcame her fears. I would recommend this book to anyone.
March 13, 2018
I am not usually the type of person to read a book infused with religion- but this one was great. There was a balance found between the Christian message and life that worked well for me. I picked this up by chance at the library, and I am glad I did!
September 28, 2021
I felt there could have been so much more character building in this book. I wanted to know more about Uncle Rudy and Great grandfather Earnie.
At the same time i appreciated the brevity of the story.
At the same time i appreciated the brevity of the story.
September 8, 2022
I would not typically choose this type of book, but the author is a favorite of mine and I needed a short and simple book. It kept me interested, and was a "nice" book, but this author has so many AMAZING books, that I would definitely recommend one of those instead.
November 19, 2017
I was easily drawn into the characters. A good read.
September 19, 2018
My all time favorite book. Rich redemption.
June 8, 2020
Did not want this book to end. Then, I couldn’t wait to read the end! It was really good! My first book by this author .
April 18, 2021
The prologue sucked me in immediately. Wow! This was a sweet story about loss and love. Redemption. Coming back to a relationship with Christ. A great, quick read!
Read
November 10, 2021Excellent book ... need a sequel
April 8, 2023
Sometimes books come into your life just when you need them. This was one of those times. I absolutely loved this!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews