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Bridge to a Distant Star: A Novel
It All Comes Tumbling Down
As a storm rages in the night, unwary drivers venture onto Tampa Bay’s most renowned bridge. No one sees the danger ahead. No one notices the jagged gap hidden by the darkness and rain. Yet when the bridge collapses vehicles careen into the churning waters of the bay below.
In that one catastrophic moment, three powerful stories converge: a family ravaged by their child’s heartbreaking news, a marriage threatened by its own facade, and a college student burdened by self doubt. As each story unfolds, the characters move steadily closer to that fateful moment on the bridge. And while each character searches for grace, the storms in their lives loom as large as the storm that awaits them above the bay.
When these characters intersect in Carolyn Williford’s gripping and moving volume of three novellas, they also collide with the transforming truth of Christ: Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2011
29 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Williford
16 books5 followersCarolyn Williford has authored eight books, including Devotions for Families That Can’t Sit Still and Bridge to a Distant Star. A former English teacher, her passions include teaching, leading seminars, mentoring women, reading, hiking, and biking. She and her husband, Craig, president of Trinity International University, live in Deerfield, Illinois.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 17, 2019
I enjoyed the various stories, but found several aspects pretty unbelievable, especially in Michal's story. I don't want to post any spoilers, but I felt a lot of her story was pretty weak, especially the part about her roommate. I also thought the book's ending was a little too pat and unrealistic. I especially enjoyed Charlie's story and would have liked to see a different ending for him. For a book presented as a Christian novel, for the most part I didn't really see much about living in a way different from non-Christians, except for Michal's upbringing and a few other instances. Overall a good book in many ways, but in my opinion it didn't live up to its potential.
June 7, 2018
I liked this book, but think it would have worked better if the stories were more intertwined, the 3 clear sections were a good idea, but I felt I had lost track of some characters at the end. Also, because of the 3 clear sections I felt that there were bits of the stories that I wanted to know more about. Overall, I felt frustrated at the end of this story. Great concept, but not as well executed as it could have been.
February 9, 2018
Wow!
I loved this book. I became so involved at one point I need "Oh no!" I loved the characters and did not want to lose any of them. The ending was perfect . I would like a sequel but feel it isn't needed.
This is the first book I've read by Carolyn Williford but it will definitely not be the last. Thank you for a fantastic book!
I loved this book. I became so involved at one point I need "Oh no!" I loved the characters and did not want to lose any of them. The ending was perfect . I would like a sequel but feel it isn't needed.
This is the first book I've read by Carolyn Williford but it will definitely not be the last. Thank you for a fantastic book!
December 17, 2018
Three interconnected stories depict the same tragedy. In each case there is a seed of hope for reconciliations for the separate parties. A child has faith to imply a must unusual ending. It's a great read partially based on true events.
December 18, 2018
Oh, the fragments! Overall, the book was ok.....Part One was soooooo slow and Maureen was just annoying. Frivolous details and fragments made me want to give up, but the fearsome fascination I have regarding bridges made me want to read to the end. The other parts were better; 2.5 stars overall.
March 19, 2017
Neat story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2018
I read the first section of this book and just could not identify with the main character. So, I stopped reading it.
June 27, 2011
Three families are about to find themselves united in an expected way and their lives will never be the same again.
On a foggy morning as the clouds began to thunder overhead, a weary captain leered out of the windows attempting to see just how far from the pillars of the Sunshine Skywall Bridge in Tampa Bay he was. Keeping in between the buoy markers would help steer his empty cargo ship in the safety of deeper waters. Even as the lightning struck overhead at times lighting up the dark skies, it still wasn't enough to aid the captain on his journey. Before it was too late, disaster would strike and there wouldn't be anything he could do except look into the dark murky waters for survivors.
Maureen Roberts is struggling to find herself within her marriage and to find a way to happiness in serving her family. When her close friend Emilie tells her and two close friends over lunch that her marriage is on the rocks and her husband is leaving her, Maureen begins to feel her own walls closing in around her.
Charlie Thomasen is a bright young soccer hopeful for his high school team and one who is trying to live up to all the expectations his over enthusiastic father has in mind for him. A believer of never give up and push through the pain, his father pushes Charlie to the literally breaking point before he will see what he has been sacrificing all along.
Michal McHenry has been deemed a MK or a missionary kid. Leaving her parents behind in Ethiopia she has been attending boarding school hoping to learn enough so she can join her parents as a missionary as well. But since arriving, she's been having nightmares about returning. Finding solace in her studies and in her friends, Michal prays for God to show her the path He has in mind for her. Not sure if she should date, she visits her Aunt Sarah for clarification on summer break. What she finds there may not answer the question she really needs an answer for.
In the latest novel Bridge to a Distant Star by Carolyn Williford, she takes the story from an accident that occurred in May 9th of 1980 and creates a cast of characters and immediately immerses us into their lives. We become such a part of them that when they face tragedy head on, it's as though they are a part of our family and we grieve for them. It's what happens at the very end that will tie the meaning of deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me to the very core of each of their lives.
I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and David C Cook for my honest review and was hooked from the prologue. Not knowing the direction this author was taking me, I inhaled most of the story, not wanting to put it down until my eyes couldn't stay open any longer. This book is that great, worthy of 5 out of 5 stars and one, you won't want to miss out on. Care to take a sneak peek?
On a foggy morning as the clouds began to thunder overhead, a weary captain leered out of the windows attempting to see just how far from the pillars of the Sunshine Skywall Bridge in Tampa Bay he was. Keeping in between the buoy markers would help steer his empty cargo ship in the safety of deeper waters. Even as the lightning struck overhead at times lighting up the dark skies, it still wasn't enough to aid the captain on his journey. Before it was too late, disaster would strike and there wouldn't be anything he could do except look into the dark murky waters for survivors.
Maureen Roberts is struggling to find herself within her marriage and to find a way to happiness in serving her family. When her close friend Emilie tells her and two close friends over lunch that her marriage is on the rocks and her husband is leaving her, Maureen begins to feel her own walls closing in around her.
Charlie Thomasen is a bright young soccer hopeful for his high school team and one who is trying to live up to all the expectations his over enthusiastic father has in mind for him. A believer of never give up and push through the pain, his father pushes Charlie to the literally breaking point before he will see what he has been sacrificing all along.
Michal McHenry has been deemed a MK or a missionary kid. Leaving her parents behind in Ethiopia she has been attending boarding school hoping to learn enough so she can join her parents as a missionary as well. But since arriving, she's been having nightmares about returning. Finding solace in her studies and in her friends, Michal prays for God to show her the path He has in mind for her. Not sure if she should date, she visits her Aunt Sarah for clarification on summer break. What she finds there may not answer the question she really needs an answer for.
In the latest novel Bridge to a Distant Star by Carolyn Williford, she takes the story from an accident that occurred in May 9th of 1980 and creates a cast of characters and immediately immerses us into their lives. We become such a part of them that when they face tragedy head on, it's as though they are a part of our family and we grieve for them. It's what happens at the very end that will tie the meaning of deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me to the very core of each of their lives.
I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and David C Cook for my honest review and was hooked from the prologue. Not knowing the direction this author was taking me, I inhaled most of the story, not wanting to put it down until my eyes couldn't stay open any longer. This book is that great, worthy of 5 out of 5 stars and one, you won't want to miss out on. Care to take a sneak peek?
June 27, 2011
Bridge to a Distant Star by Carolyn Williford is a heart-rending story of tragedy turned into hope. Maureen Roberts has always relied on the friendship of her three college buddies, but when one of their marriages is shattered, Maureen finds herself questioning everything in her own life as well, especially her relationship with her rebellious teenage daughter, Colleen. Maureen decides to take a vacation to Florida with her younger daughter Aubrey in hopes of finding some peace of mind. Charles and Francine Thomasen struggle daily in their attempts to parent twelve-year-old Charlie. Charles, a lawyer, wants his son to fight his way through life, toughing even the darkest circumstances out without an inch of fear. Francine is like most mothers, wanting her baby to be safe and happy. This puts the couple at odds, especially when Charlie is diagnosed with cancer and they are forced to make a terrible decision. Michal McHenry is attending a Christian college with the intent to become a missionary in Ethiopia, just like her parents and grandparents before her. Growing up an MK (missionary's kid), she doesn't seem to fit in with her classmates, so when two men suddenly show interested in her, she is lost and confused. These three stories will come together tragically on a bridge in Florida on a stormy May afternoon. This is an incredibly beautiful book, and even though reading feels a bit like watching an impending train wreck, the writing is so elegant, there's no desire to look away. Each scene comes to life through the author's careful and intricate descriptions. When the reader smells, hears, and tastes everything the characters do, you become pulled into the story, and it becomes very personal. This is a book you read with your heart as well as your head. I read the last few pages through tears, tears of both grief and joy. Read it for yourself; it's really that good.
July 8, 2015
The cover grabbed my attention from the start. This author weaves the unexpected events of a real tragic mishap that happened on May 9, 1980, Friday morning on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, in Florida. I jumped at the chance to receive a review copy of this book to better understand the events of that day.
This author plunges the reader into the middle of three diverse family situations. She shows their struggle to deal with life’s unique issues that have them wrestle with their faith and relationships with one another. Their lives will never be the same after May 9th’s tragic accident.
The author starts out with the bridge collapsing and her thoughts on why this happened, and then she introduces the reader to one family at a time. Helping the reader care about every member and the struggle each faced! She brought all three families together on that stormy day when the unthinkable happened. She showed how these families dealt with love, loss and hope! This story will grip your heart and make you appreciate every day with your family. You never know when it will take a sudden unexpected turn when you will “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” It won’t be easy but this author shows a way when there seems to be no way to survive and love again! Good summer reading!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
This author plunges the reader into the middle of three diverse family situations. She shows their struggle to deal with life’s unique issues that have them wrestle with their faith and relationships with one another. Their lives will never be the same after May 9th’s tragic accident.
The author starts out with the bridge collapsing and her thoughts on why this happened, and then she introduces the reader to one family at a time. Helping the reader care about every member and the struggle each faced! She brought all three families together on that stormy day when the unthinkable happened. She showed how these families dealt with love, loss and hope! This story will grip your heart and make you appreciate every day with your family. You never know when it will take a sudden unexpected turn when you will “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” It won’t be easy but this author shows a way when there seems to be no way to survive and love again! Good summer reading!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
August 11, 2011
Title: BRIDGE TO A DISTANT STAR
Author: Carolyn Williford
Publisher: David C. Cook
June 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4347-6703-5
Genre: Inspirational/fiction/contemporary
On a stormy night on the Sunshine Skyway, a five-mile bridge spanning the bay from St. Petersburg to Bradenton, the lives of three families intersect. One family is ravaged by a child’s heartbreaking news, a marriage is threatened by a flimsy façade, and a college student is burdened by fear and self doubt. How will light come to these tragic stories?
Unfortunately, this isn’t the worse. As the families start to cross the bridge, they don’t know that the bridge is collapsing—and these families’ lives are changed…forever.
BRIDGE TO A DISTANT STAR is based on a true story, an incredible tale of three families caught in a terrible tragedy. This is the first book that I’ve ever read by Ms. Williford, and I found her to be a very talented writer. Her writing is impeccable, and I couldn’t find any fault with it.
The characters were very realistically developed, and stories based around real life are always fascinating. However, this book was very heavy. I usually can read through a book in a matter of hours, but BRIDGE TO A DISTANT STAR took over a week, it was just too much to absorb in a short time. This story is one that will stay with you, the characters ones you will remember long after you close the pages of this book. Particularly fascinating are the pages at the end of the book in “Afterwards” where there is a conversation with the author, the true story behind this book, and more. $14.99. 371 pages.
Author: Carolyn Williford
Publisher: David C. Cook
June 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4347-6703-5
Genre: Inspirational/fiction/contemporary
On a stormy night on the Sunshine Skyway, a five-mile bridge spanning the bay from St. Petersburg to Bradenton, the lives of three families intersect. One family is ravaged by a child’s heartbreaking news, a marriage is threatened by a flimsy façade, and a college student is burdened by fear and self doubt. How will light come to these tragic stories?
Unfortunately, this isn’t the worse. As the families start to cross the bridge, they don’t know that the bridge is collapsing—and these families’ lives are changed…forever.
BRIDGE TO A DISTANT STAR is based on a true story, an incredible tale of three families caught in a terrible tragedy. This is the first book that I’ve ever read by Ms. Williford, and I found her to be a very talented writer. Her writing is impeccable, and I couldn’t find any fault with it.
The characters were very realistically developed, and stories based around real life are always fascinating. However, this book was very heavy. I usually can read through a book in a matter of hours, but BRIDGE TO A DISTANT STAR took over a week, it was just too much to absorb in a short time. This story is one that will stay with you, the characters ones you will remember long after you close the pages of this book. Particularly fascinating are the pages at the end of the book in “Afterwards” where there is a conversation with the author, the true story behind this book, and more. $14.99. 371 pages.
July 2, 2011
This book is absolutely AHAMAZING!!!!! I was drawn into the lives of these characters from the beginning and I felt everything they went through. I have no idea how Ms. Williford did what she did, by that I mean creating these individual stories, have you care so incredibly deeply about them, and tie them all together. One of my favorite quotes from the book is on page 82 - "The star seems to disappear when you look straight at it, but if you avert your vision - when you look to one side or the other - then you're able to see the star again. That anomaly happens because the faint light of the star reaches a more sensitive part of the retina, allowing you to detect it." This reminds me of our walk with God, when we are looking at our circumstance head on we don't see God, but if we turn our eyes to one side or the other we can see God again / star . . .focusing on the situation does nothing, yet focusing on God changes our perspective! I give this book 5 lighthouses and shine a light on it for pointing a path to God! I highly recommend this one, RUN DON'T WALK TO THE NEAREST BOOK STORE AND GRAB A COPY!!!!! This will be a great read for summer!!!!
August 16, 2011
Again this was a review book and due to sickness was late in reading. One word sums up this book for me and that is WOW. When I was about to read this book I was sick and thought it would be a heavy topic and hard read but once I started I didn't want to put it down so a couple of late nights eventuated. From the beginning to the end this book captivated me. The books starts with a catastrophe about to happen then we read the 3 stories that lead to this event. Each story I found gripping in there own way. Each story is so different but similar in a strange way. We then have the ending and I have to say the ending is well done. This whole story gripped me how one catastrophic event can impact so many and how each one involved has there own story. I don't want to give anything away but will say this is an excellent read and is up with my top reads for 2011.
May 16, 2019
Williford uses a true story as a base for an incredible tale of three families caught in a terrible tragedy. Spiritual truths are brought to light and will help to strengthen readers' faith. Although the reader knows the horrible event is coming, the eventual conclusion both uplifts and touches the heart in many ways.
SUMMARY: Maureen is frustrated with her marriage and family and wonders if she really matters to God. Fran and Charles receive devastating news about their vibrant young son Charlie that shakes the foundation of their relationship. Michal, a college student, is torn apart by relationship and friendship struggles in light of her desire to become a missionary. All are caught in a terrible bridge collapse with ultimate results that magnify the glory of God.
SUMMARY: Maureen is frustrated with her marriage and family and wonders if she really matters to God. Fran and Charles receive devastating news about their vibrant young son Charlie that shakes the foundation of their relationship. Michal, a college student, is torn apart by relationship and friendship struggles in light of her desire to become a missionary. All are caught in a terrible bridge collapse with ultimate results that magnify the glory of God.
February 5, 2014
The author does a superb job with making the scenes, characters and dialogue interesting and very realistic. I really enjoy this heartbreaking but God-glorifying story. The story involving the 3rd character later on, is not as believable unfortunately, but doesn't take from the overall quality. There are some tastefully done but mature scenarios, so this book comes recommended for an older audience.
Regardless, this book is amazing!
Regardless, this book is amazing!
March 24, 2013
As each story unfolds, the characters move steadily close to that fateful moment on the bridge. Searching for grace, they face the storms of their lives that loom as large as the one waiting above the bay. When these characters come together in Carolyn Williford's gripping story, they collide with the transforming call of Christ: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.
July 5, 2011
Eh--higher body count than me, and honestly, I'm not throwing stones about who lives and sort of gets exactly what they want.
September 1, 2012
Wonderful stories with very human characters but heartbreaking endings. It does redeem itself in the end but almost ties it up too quickly.
August 25, 2014
Suspenseful, a bit cliched and a little too coincidental at tines,good character buildup, ended abruptly. I listened to the audio book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews