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Candlelight Bridge
In 1910, twelve-year-old Candelaria Rivera and her family flee across the Chihuahuan Desert to America to escape the rising storm of the Mexican Revolution. Meanwhile, twenty-year-old Yan Chi Wong flees the Chinese Revolution and a shattering loss, also bound for America, where he’s nicknamed Yankee. They meet in El Paso, Texas, where they struggle to make a home in a world that does not want them, until a terrible desire threatens to destroy their lives. Candlelight Bridge is not a romance but a tale of grudging partners struggling to survive the American Dream.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
460 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2024
About the author
Cara Lopez Lee
8 books103 followersCara Lopez Lee's novel, Candlelight Bridge (FlowerSong Press), is a 2025 Pick in Fiction in Southwest Books of the Year, shortlister for the Hawthorne Prize, and honoree in the International Latino Book Awards. She’s also the author of the memoir, They Only Eat Their Husbands (Bower House). Her stories appear in such publications as The Manifest-Station, Writer’s Digest, and Rivet. She’s a Moth StorySLAM winner and tells stories on stage in such shows as Unheard L.A. and Risk. She and her husband live in Ventura, California, where they enjoy gardening in their certified wildlife habitat full of birds, bees, and butterflies.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 9, 2024
I eagerly turned the pages to discover what happened to Candelita and her family. The pacing was so good, I never felt I was staying too long in one scene or timeframe as the epic moved forward. I never knew about Chinese people lining around El Paso; the book really broadened my knowledge about this history.
May 25, 2024
I have often wondered what it was like for my ancestors to leave their homeland and immigrate to the US. How bad things must have been in their country to make the perilous journey to an unfamiliar land. How brave they would have had to be to enter a country where they might not be welcome.
“Candlelight Bridge,” by Cara Lopez Lee is such a story: a tale of the fear, pain and sacrifice people endured to make their way to America. It’s a novel about the fortitude necessary to carve a home in a new world.
FYI SOME SPOILERS AHEAD
In “Candlelight Bridge,” we follow the story of 12-year-old Candelita and her family as they escape the Mexican Revolution and possible forced conscription of Candelita’s father and brother, Miguel. We feel their fear as they leave their safe little town in Mexico in 1910 and wander through the desert toward America. “They followed the flats along the Rio Casas Grandes, though the river meandered like a drunk with no idea where to go.”
At the same time, we follow Yan Chi Wong in China as his bride to-be is brutally killed by bandits. Filled with grief, Yan Chi remains a young man with ambition; but as a second son, he knows his life in China will be nothing but backbreaking farming and duty, so he sets his sights on “The Beautiful Country, America.” But once he hits the U.S., he learns Chinese people are no longer wanted. So he lies to immigration officials saying he was born in America, but his birth papers were burned during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake fires. “They forced people to lie with their unfair laws,” he says, justifying his deceit. “Americans were happy to welcome Chinese when they needed their precious railroads.”
Author Lopez Lee skillfully ping pongs between the two stories until both characters arrive in El Paso, Texas. I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but once Candelita and Yan Chi, who is now called “Yankee,” meet, marry and struggle to make it in America, we see the dark side of Yankee erupt, while Candelita becomes a heroic protector of her family.
The story telling is riveting. Each chapter leaves us with a cliffhanger or tease. It’s hard to put the book down. We want to know how every problem, humiliation and disaster is dealt with. We see how Yankee rationalizes every cruelty, every attempt to dominate his family. After admitting to a heinous deed he says, “If you lock me up, put me out of business, or run me out of town, which’ll take care of this family?” We hate and are fascinated by him at the same time.
We also grow to admire Candelita struggling as an exhausted mother, mistreated woman and unwelcome immigrant. Despite this cascade of trouble, Candelita remains a “little light in the dark.” Even when confronted with a shocking betrayal, and the loss of a baby, she never breaks. “Hers was a mother’s body, yet it remained strong: thighs broad, but not soft, belly round but not fat, breasts loose but not fallen.”
Throughout the book, Lopez Lee does an impressive job juggling the many characters as well as richly describing a slice of American history few know about. We learn about the tunnels used to hide Chinese immigrants trying to secretly enter the U.S. through El Paso, how tequila was smuggled into the city during prohibition and how white vigilantes chased Americans of Mexican descent into Mexico in the early 1930s.
“Candlelight Bridge” is a unique peek into both Mexican and Chinese immigration. The book is a reminder of how people ache to live in a land of promise, but how hard the life can be once they arrive in America. It is a story of heartbreak, but also a story of family love and resilience. I should note that I received an advance reader copy of this book. It is a beautifully written, thoughtful book. One that makes you think about all who came before us and all those trying to get to “The Beautiful Country, America.”
“Candlelight Bridge,” by Cara Lopez Lee is such a story: a tale of the fear, pain and sacrifice people endured to make their way to America. It’s a novel about the fortitude necessary to carve a home in a new world.
FYI SOME SPOILERS AHEAD
In “Candlelight Bridge,” we follow the story of 12-year-old Candelita and her family as they escape the Mexican Revolution and possible forced conscription of Candelita’s father and brother, Miguel. We feel their fear as they leave their safe little town in Mexico in 1910 and wander through the desert toward America. “They followed the flats along the Rio Casas Grandes, though the river meandered like a drunk with no idea where to go.”
At the same time, we follow Yan Chi Wong in China as his bride to-be is brutally killed by bandits. Filled with grief, Yan Chi remains a young man with ambition; but as a second son, he knows his life in China will be nothing but backbreaking farming and duty, so he sets his sights on “The Beautiful Country, America.” But once he hits the U.S., he learns Chinese people are no longer wanted. So he lies to immigration officials saying he was born in America, but his birth papers were burned during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake fires. “They forced people to lie with their unfair laws,” he says, justifying his deceit. “Americans were happy to welcome Chinese when they needed their precious railroads.”
Author Lopez Lee skillfully ping pongs between the two stories until both characters arrive in El Paso, Texas. I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but once Candelita and Yan Chi, who is now called “Yankee,” meet, marry and struggle to make it in America, we see the dark side of Yankee erupt, while Candelita becomes a heroic protector of her family.
The story telling is riveting. Each chapter leaves us with a cliffhanger or tease. It’s hard to put the book down. We want to know how every problem, humiliation and disaster is dealt with. We see how Yankee rationalizes every cruelty, every attempt to dominate his family. After admitting to a heinous deed he says, “If you lock me up, put me out of business, or run me out of town, which’ll take care of this family?” We hate and are fascinated by him at the same time.
We also grow to admire Candelita struggling as an exhausted mother, mistreated woman and unwelcome immigrant. Despite this cascade of trouble, Candelita remains a “little light in the dark.” Even when confronted with a shocking betrayal, and the loss of a baby, she never breaks. “Hers was a mother’s body, yet it remained strong: thighs broad, but not soft, belly round but not fat, breasts loose but not fallen.”
Throughout the book, Lopez Lee does an impressive job juggling the many characters as well as richly describing a slice of American history few know about. We learn about the tunnels used to hide Chinese immigrants trying to secretly enter the U.S. through El Paso, how tequila was smuggled into the city during prohibition and how white vigilantes chased Americans of Mexican descent into Mexico in the early 1930s.
“Candlelight Bridge” is a unique peek into both Mexican and Chinese immigration. The book is a reminder of how people ache to live in a land of promise, but how hard the life can be once they arrive in America. It is a story of heartbreak, but also a story of family love and resilience. I should note that I received an advance reader copy of this book. It is a beautifully written, thoughtful book. One that makes you think about all who came before us and all those trying to get to “The Beautiful Country, America.”
May 13, 2024
Blurb: In 1910, twelve-year-old Candelaria Rivera and her family flee across the Chihuahuan Desert to America to escape the rising storm of the Mexican Revolution. Meanwhile, twenty-year-old Yan Chi Wong flees the Chinese Revolution and a shattering loss, also bound for America, where he’s nicknamed Yankee. They meet in El Paso, Texas, where they struggle to make a home in a world that does not want them, until a terrible desire threatens to destroy their lives. Candlelight Bridge is not a romance but a tale of grudging partners struggling to survive the American Dream.
This book was everything you want in historical fiction: a descriptive setting, excellent writing, and immersion in the time period. A young Chinese man and Mexican girl meet during the tumultuous Mexican revolution and the overt racism in Texas of the 1910s-1930s. Throughout the book, we learn their backstories and how they make a life together during very difficult times. There are a few passages that warrant a content warning, but they are not sensationalized. The twist at the end had me rooting for a second book.
This book was everything you want in historical fiction: a descriptive setting, excellent writing, and immersion in the time period. A young Chinese man and Mexican girl meet during the tumultuous Mexican revolution and the overt racism in Texas of the 1910s-1930s. Throughout the book, we learn their backstories and how they make a life together during very difficult times. There are a few passages that warrant a content warning, but they are not sensationalized. The twist at the end had me rooting for a second book.
June 21, 2025
An interesting account of a Chinese man and a Mexican girl who both, through threats and unrest at home, and the promise of something better, find themselves on American shores at the opening of the 20th century. They meet and eventually marry and survive many things together, but it is certainly not a romance. In fact, more of a marriage of convenience and the Chinese man, Yan Chi (or Yankee as he is known), is particularly unsympathetic—a survivor, but childish, manipulative, cunning, often in quite uncomfortable ways. While the writing is very good and the things these two encounter and live through are all researched and can be quite interesting, heartbreaking, or maddening as the case may be, this is a plot-driven story. There is no appreciable character arc or growth for either of the main characters and this prevents the tale from really connecting emotionally. These are two people that a lot of things happen to. But that’s just plot. What’s the STORY? And I’m afraid I’m not really sure.
My other observation is that the characterizations are inconsistent, most especially for Yankee, but really for both the main characters. My frustration is that doing things that don’t make sense within the logic of the character that has already been established doesn’t count as “growth” or “being complicated.” It just feels like the author doesn’t know who the characters are, or inserts bizarre actions and reactions simply to move the plot along. Now, an actually complicated character can absolutely do wildly inconsistent things and swing from pole to pole on the emotional spectrum, but it has to still make sense within that character’s internal logic. I found this not to be the case here. One minute Yankee is romantic and sweet, the next he’s raping people, and the following he’s something else altogether. Candelita careens from love to loathing to jealousy to lesbian yearnings, and back again, repeatedly, and for no apparent reason other than to insert “plot twists” and make things “more interesting,” but it wasn’t more interesting, it just didn’t make sense. As a result I just couldn’t connect with either of them. And in the end, there is no growth or evolution for either them, though Candelita starts off as a 12 year old child. Her voice remains the same throughout.
My other observation is that the characterizations are inconsistent, most especially for Yankee, but really for both the main characters. My frustration is that doing things that don’t make sense within the logic of the character that has already been established doesn’t count as “growth” or “being complicated.” It just feels like the author doesn’t know who the characters are, or inserts bizarre actions and reactions simply to move the plot along. Now, an actually complicated character can absolutely do wildly inconsistent things and swing from pole to pole on the emotional spectrum, but it has to still make sense within that character’s internal logic. I found this not to be the case here. One minute Yankee is romantic and sweet, the next he’s raping people, and the following he’s something else altogether. Candelita careens from love to loathing to jealousy to lesbian yearnings, and back again, repeatedly, and for no apparent reason other than to insert “plot twists” and make things “more interesting,” but it wasn’t more interesting, it just didn’t make sense. As a result I just couldn’t connect with either of them. And in the end, there is no growth or evolution for either them, though Candelita starts off as a 12 year old child. Her voice remains the same throughout.
August 12, 2024
The United States is composed of immigrants from all across the world. This historical fiction novel depicts the story of two immigrants from different cultures whose lives converge in El Paso, Texas in the early 20th century. Candelaria is a teenage immigrant from Mexico who marries a Chinese immigrant nicknamed Yankee.
The first part of the novel rotates between Mexico and China as we learn about Candelaria’s family fleeing revolution in Mexico and Yankee leaving China for The Golden Mountain, The United States. The author’s description of Mexico and China is captivating and pulls the reader into learning about the people and places described.
Once the main characters meet, the story lines merge and no longer alternate. The transition is smooth and doesn’t jolt the reader’s senses. The author’s writing style is very well crafted. Many of the sentences are quotable. One of the signs of good writing for me is if I have an emotional reaction to the characters. There were some I wanted to go through the pages and cause physical harm. Others I wanted to yell warnings.
This book is for readers who enjoy historical fiction and family sagas. It would especially be of interest for those who desire reading about 20th century immigration to the United States for people from China or Mexico.
Thank you to Roger Charlie publicity for a copy of this book.
The first part of the novel rotates between Mexico and China as we learn about Candelaria’s family fleeing revolution in Mexico and Yankee leaving China for The Golden Mountain, The United States. The author’s description of Mexico and China is captivating and pulls the reader into learning about the people and places described.
Once the main characters meet, the story lines merge and no longer alternate. The transition is smooth and doesn’t jolt the reader’s senses. The author’s writing style is very well crafted. Many of the sentences are quotable. One of the signs of good writing for me is if I have an emotional reaction to the characters. There were some I wanted to go through the pages and cause physical harm. Others I wanted to yell warnings.
This book is for readers who enjoy historical fiction and family sagas. It would especially be of interest for those who desire reading about 20th century immigration to the United States for people from China or Mexico.
Thank you to Roger Charlie publicity for a copy of this book.
May 29, 2024
Candlelight Bridge by Cara Lopez Lee is set in the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution and the Chinese Revolution during the early 1900s.
Candelaria and Yan Chi are forced to leave their homes in Mexico and China in search of safety and the American dream. For safety and financial security, choices are made that have drastic consequences for the families.
This is not a romance, though at the surface, it might look like that. This book is about survival, choices, and the lives of immigrants who had to flee their own countries. This story is not easy to read, and some scenes are hard even though the author has not stayed on them long. I really loved the way the author stayed true to the language that would have been spoken by the characters. It's a hard book, but I definitely want to know what happens on Candelaria's journey next.
Thank you to the author and Roger Charlie for this book.
Candelaria and Yan Chi are forced to leave their homes in Mexico and China in search of safety and the American dream. For safety and financial security, choices are made that have drastic consequences for the families.
This is not a romance, though at the surface, it might look like that. This book is about survival, choices, and the lives of immigrants who had to flee their own countries. This story is not easy to read, and some scenes are hard even though the author has not stayed on them long. I really loved the way the author stayed true to the language that would have been spoken by the characters. It's a hard book, but I definitely want to know what happens on Candelaria's journey next.
Thank you to the author and Roger Charlie for this book.
May 24, 2024
Two branches of a family make their way to the U.S. (from China and Mexico), encountering racism, heartache, and trauma in this unforgettable novel about the immigrant experience and the often painful secrets families keep. The book is extremely well-researched, fast-moving, and filled with emotionally powerful moments. Most importantly, this book has a ton of heart and compassion for well-drawn, often deeply flawed characters who will get under your skin and stick in your memory.
Highly Recommended.
(Note: I received a advance review copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily posting an honest review here.)
Highly Recommended.
(Note: I received a advance review copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily posting an honest review here.)
September 1, 2024
Candlelight Bridge introduces us to a young Mexican girl and a young Chinese man driven from their ancestral homes by the turmoil of history only to be brought together by fate, chance and passion. Ms. Lopez Lee expertly draws multiple threads together as these characters build their life as an interracial couple in early 20th century El Paso, Texas. Subtle hints in early parts of the book ripen into a shocking family crisis that forces Candelaria, the title character, to explore what she is willing to do for the sake of her family. The compelling plot, the exotic setting and the vivid characters of Candlelight Bridge make for a great read.
February 16, 2026
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. It was beautiful and haunting. As a biracial Asian person, I found it a very compelling narrative about the experience of immigration. Not all of the characters are who you want them to be. But there's something about the narrative that feels very real because of it. It feels like a grappling with a part of our personal history even when the characters aren't who we wished they would be. It also speaks to the idea I often crave as a person of color, for each person to represent themselves. And not their ethnic group as a whole. To let a bad man be a bad man.
May 17, 2024
Candlelight Bridge is a page turner, impossible to put down. The story follows two desperate families fleeing revolutions in China and Mexico for the illusion of safety in the US. They come to realize, "In America, everyone took a turn as the enemy." Racism and resentment of immigrants take their toll and make it difficult to know whom to trust. For women, the dangers demand unbelievable courage and fortitude. This is an epic tale of survival, both heartbreaking and inspiring. Unforgettable.
January 19, 2026
“Candlelight Bridge,” by Cara Lopez Lee, is a fascinating story about Mexican and Chinese immigration in the early 1900’s, seen through the eyes of 12-year-old Candelita and her family as they escape the Mexican Revolution, and Yan Chi Wong, a young Chinese man, fleeing the turmoil of his homeland. I highly recommend this unforgettable, inspiring book.
Did Not Finish
October 18, 2024When I go to pick up a book to read, I keep just glancing over this one. Read the first chapter and don’t feel any pull to continue at the moment
I enjoyed the first chapter, but just don’t feel any great push to finish it
I enjoyed the first chapter, but just don’t feel any great push to finish it
April 29, 2025
Lopez Lee successfully portrays the plight that immigrants in America faced in the early 1900s in Candlelight Bridge. By juxtaposing both stories that become one, readers see two different versions of the same dream. The Riveras’ courage and resilience are admirable – even more so given the multiple tragedies they endure. Yan Chi, while clever and determined, manipulates and mistreats others in his quest for respect and success.
That being said, the story’s slow pace rendered it difficult to engage in at times. And moments that should have been emotionally powerful felt cut short. My heart broke for what the characters endured, but I felt a sincere connection with only a few of these moments. However, due to the possibly triggering content (i.e. death, miscarriage, sexual assault, racism), I can see why the author didn’t linger too long on these scenes. Unfortunately, I think she sacrificed that deeper connection as a result. The ending was a bit anticlimactic, but if she plans on continuing with Candelaria and Yan Chi’s stories, then it seems to fit.
In-depth book review: https://cantinabookclub.com/review/ca...
Podcast interview with Cara Lopez Lee:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
YouTube: https://youtu.be/wHiZ5EDogUM?si=1da1f...
That being said, the story’s slow pace rendered it difficult to engage in at times. And moments that should have been emotionally powerful felt cut short. My heart broke for what the characters endured, but I felt a sincere connection with only a few of these moments. However, due to the possibly triggering content (i.e. death, miscarriage, sexual assault, racism), I can see why the author didn’t linger too long on these scenes. Unfortunately, I think she sacrificed that deeper connection as a result. The ending was a bit anticlimactic, but if she plans on continuing with Candelaria and Yan Chi’s stories, then it seems to fit.
In-depth book review: https://cantinabookclub.com/review/ca...
Podcast interview with Cara Lopez Lee:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
YouTube: https://youtu.be/wHiZ5EDogUM?si=1da1f...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews