Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Bourton Bridge #1

Bourton Bridge

Rate this book
In this irresistible novel, an Englishman from the Cotswolds and a California girl get a second chance at love… Gut wrenching and emotional, Bourton Bridge is for romance lovers.

Luke is no stranger to hardship, yet he hides it well. Throwing himself into his work as a restaurant chef in the quaint Cotswolds village of Bourton Bridge, he keeps busy, which suits him just fine as he heals his broken heart.

A world away in a suburb of Los Angeles, Jade is trapped in a troubled marriage. For her daughter’s sake, she puts on a brave face, determined to live up to her vows. When her husband’s shady business dealings lead to the purchase of a dilapidated farmhouse in England, Jade reluctantly follows, bound by duty.

With the property situated down the lane from the restaurant, Luke and Jade meet. Amidst their interactions, Luke discerns the subtle traces of Jade's hidden suffering. In turn, she recognizes a pain that he has buried deep within himself.

When a twist of fate casts Jade into uncertainty, she must summon the courage to contemplate an unknown future in Bourton Bridge. As Luke becomes better acquainted with Jade, he recalls his life five years earlier and the love he lost. Together, they navigate the delicate bridge of their pasts and the possibility of a second chance at love.

Told in dual timelines amidst the picturesque backdrop of the English Cotswolds, Bourton Bridge is a tale of resilience, inviting readers on a journey where fate and destiny collide with romance.

308 pages, ebook

Published March 10, 2025

11 people are currently reading
4029 people want to read

About the author

Mia Fox

21 books405 followers
Mia Fox is a romance author dividing her time between Los Angeles and England.

Her time spent in England inspired the Bourton Bridge Series, which is loosely based on the Cotswold Village of Bourton on the Water.

In Los Angeles, Mia lives with her husband and their sweet poodle. When not writing, you can find Mia in a yoga studio or experimenting with recipes.

If you're interested in advanced book release news and giveaways, simply sign up for my newsletter here:
https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...

You can also find me on...

http://www.amazon.com/Mia-Fox/e/B00CX...
http://www.bookbub.com/profile/mia-fox
http://www.facebook.com/MiaFoxBooks
http://pinterest.com/miafoxbooks/
https://x.com/MiaFoxBooks

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
47 (52%)
4 stars
30 (33%)
3 stars
10 (11%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Ann-Maree.
1,118 reviews9 followers
April 4, 2025
Bourton Bridge
by Mia Fox

This captivating novel intertwines dual timelines and explores the theme of second chances, presenting a heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance imbued with emotional depth in nearly all of its characters. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Cotswolds, the story centers on Jade, a woman feeling trapped in a tumultuous marriage. For the sake of her young daughter, she bravely maintains a facade of strength, desperately trying to uphold her vows. However, when her husband’s dubious business dealings culminate in the unexpected purchase of a dilapidated farmhouse nestled in the English countryside, Jade reluctantly follows him, feeling the weight of her obligations.

On the other side of the narrative is Luke, a man who has faced his share of struggles but has mastered the art of masking his pain. As a talented chef working in a charming restaurant in the idyllic village of Bourton Bridge, he channels his energy into his work. This distraction suits him well as he navigates the aftermath of a heartbreak that has left him emotionally scarred and yearning for connection.

Through Jade and Luke's intertwined journeys, the author deftly addresses complex issues such as alcoholism, depression, and abuse, providing a poignant exploration of resilience, healing, and the transformative power of love.
171 reviews5 followers
April 13, 2025
"BOURTON BRIDGE" by Mia Fox is a captivating romance reminiscent to me of TV's Virgin River, but set amidst the picturesque, low-key English countryside. The novel introduces a cast of characters all navigating personal struggles, seeking love, and striving for better lives. My favorite was the charming and talented chef named Luke.

Fox's vivid writing brings this story to life and indulges readers with delightful descriptions. Whether it's the exquisite dishes served at Elizabeth's remarkable French restaurant or the idyllic Cotswolds village settomg with scenic bridges spanning a winding river, the imagery is a feast for the senses. She is particularly skilled in describing food well enough to make the reader hungry.

The narrative unfolds across dual timelines: the present day and five years prior.

It follows Luke, a gifted young chef burdened by the ghosts of his past—lost love and the scars of a troubled relationship with an abusive alcoholic father, whose unexpected reappearance complicates Luke's journey in Bourton Bridge. The story also delves into the life of Jade, an American transplant, who becomes Luke’s romantic interest.

A refreshing take on romance, Bourton Bridge exudes a charmingly old-fashioned vibe. The love story steers clear of overly steamy language or scenes, making it a wholesome, G-rated read that will appeal to a broad audience.

Additionally, fans of culinary dramas will appreciate the behind-the-scenes look at Elizabeth's bustling French restaurant’s kitchen, evoking the energy of shows like The Bear and Emily in Paris.

Romance readers can be heartened by this being the first in a series -- Fox will be delighting them for some time to come.
Profile Image for Taylor Adams.
Author 1 book
March 16, 2025
I thought this book, Bourton Bridge by Mia Fox, was just beautifully and well written. It had almost a sense of Pride and Prejudice about it. The English countryside romance setting, the star-continent crossed lovers, the hope for love after loss it was all really well portrayed. The way she wrote and described the characters really brought them to life ( my favorite being Emilie , she reminds me so of my own daughters) and helped you imagine and paint the picture of their lifes and journeys. And the place settings among England were very descriptive. I honestly even enjoyed her detailed culinary descriptions! The delicious strawberries, the dusting of sugar, the warm kitchen and fresh bread. All of it led to an enjoyable book. I highly recommend for a day read for someone wanting an old fashioned style romance book to just get lost for a little while, and not have to think about anything very much, you can just open the book and get lost. I am looking forward to the next one! And will certainly be reading.
Profile Image for Chris Schneider.
Author 1 book10 followers
March 20, 2025
"Bourton Bridge" by Mia Fox is a whirlwind romance that gives the reader a delightful window into both restaurant culture and English culture. The main characters, Luke and Jade, are well-developed and relatable. The love story was interesting and engaging, but my favorite part of this book was the food! I felt like I learned a lot about cooking from little moments like this: "The traditional 'Sunday Lunch' of roast beef was elevated to include a red wine...and caramelized onions." I also appreciated the author's sense of humor with funny moments of witty dialogue: "This is how to forget about anything that is bother you,' he said, placing a pile of carrots before her. 'Vegetables?' '...He proceeded to demonstrate how to julienne the carrots..." Another laugh-out-loud moment: "Luke I'm not concerned about vegetables. We're talking about your life!' She took the peeler from his hands." In all, this was an enjoyable read by a skilled writer. Perfect for weekend trip!
Profile Image for Jessie Kratzer.
63 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! The struggles with their past and present are well written. I only wish I could have seen a bit more of their relationship. The author deals with alcoholism and depression and abuse in a delicate manor and is portrayed respectfully in this book! Give it a go!! Thank you to the author for an advanced copy!
Profile Image for Casey.
22 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2025
This book is beautifully written, has the dreamiest characters and absolutely stunning locations. It follows two different families who connect in the second half of the book. The storyline goes from past to present. The MMC, Luke is absolutely lovely. The character development and storytelling are top tier. Need I say more? Overall a banger of a book (and I cried many times reading it)

What to expect; found family 💘

Trigger warning; mental and physical abuse
Profile Image for B.T. Skylark.
Author 2 books4 followers
August 10, 2025
Small village, small romances

Bourton Bridge is a gentle, atmospheric read that blends small-town charm with a hint of mystery. Mia Fox captures the quaint English countryside beautifully, painting scenes that are almost cinematic in their warmth and detail. The village setting feels authentic, and the author has a knack for weaving in subtle emotional threads that give the story heart.

The central characters are likeable, if a little predictable at times. The protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and reconnection with the past has moments of genuine poignancy, especially in the quieter, reflective passages. The relationships—both romantic and platonic—are well drawn, though I found some dialogue leaned toward cliché, making certain exchanges feel slightly forced.

Fox’s descriptive writing is one of the novel’s strengths. Whether it’s the gentle flow of the river under the bridge or the bustle of the village pub, the imagery is vivid and immersive. However, the pacing occasionally drags in the middle, with a few subplots that don’t feel as fleshed out as they could be.

The ending ties things up neatly, though perhaps a little too neatly for my taste. While satisfying, it left me wishing for a twist or an emotional beat that lingered a bit longer.

Overall, Bourton Bridge is an enjoyable read for those who like a cosy, slightly romantic village tale with a touch of intrigue. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a pleasant companion for a quiet afternoon, best enjoyed with a cup of tea and a slice of cake
Profile Image for Christy Matheson.
36 reviews2 followers
March 31, 2025
This is a pleasant, friendly, book, which should appeal to readers who enjoy Maeve Binchy. Like Binchy, Fox's narrative dips in and out of various characters' perspectives, the book is easy to pick up or put down, and the it has a bucolic, regional flavor.

One warning: this is a romance, but there is significant page time while each of the main character's are with their previous lover. I didn't find this a trigger (I know some do, so I mention it), but I did feel like the non-primary romance was overdone. I feel like one or two flashbacks, or even memories in the present day, would have been enough to establish the prior love affair and tragedy, but the story kept going back so often that it almost felt like dual timeline. That ended up meaning that we really didn't have much page time with the two main characters together and establishing their love relationship. The ending was super sweet with every single loose end wrapped up (even the cat!), but to me it would have been more emotional if I had spent more time in the main love relationship instead of so many side quests.

But this sort of style also makes for very easy reading, and because the plot is fairly episodic it's easy to follow even when you only have short reading sessions available. This would be a pleasant book to store on your e-reader for the planes and trains when you're taking a visit to England!
Profile Image for Natalie Blank.
Author 4 books36 followers
May 23, 2025
I am so happy I picked up this book—it was absolutely delightful from start to finish. I honestly can’t think of a single negative thing to say. The characters were so endearing and incredibly well-developed. Each one felt real, and I loved getting to know them through their relationships, both romantic and platonic. While the main romance held my attention the whole way through (and definitely gave me butterflies!), I also adored the smaller subplots and the unexpected connections between characters. Some of those bonds, especially the ones that grew into found-family dynamics, really tugged at my heart. The pacing was perfect—not too fast, not too slow—and every chapter added something meaningful to the story. On top of all that, the food descriptions were mouthwatering and made me want to go to Europe pronto to eat pastries! The recipes and cooking scenes were so vivid and cozy. If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming, feel-good romance, this book is an absolute must-read.
Profile Image for Leah Omar.
Author 12 books71 followers
May 27, 2025
A Beautiful Second Chance Romance

I loved the quaintness of this book and second chance romances all together. This was a story of resilience set on the backdrop of the English Cotswolds. I’d definitely recommend this book to those interested in quaint romance.
22 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2025
Bourton Bridge (Bourton Bridge Series Book 1)

Bourton Bridge is a heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance that blends emotional depth with the charm of a cozy English village. Told in dual timelines, the story follows Luke, a dedicated chef healing from heartbreak, and Jade, a courageous mother seeking a fresh start after a painful marriage. Their worlds collide in the picturesque Cotswolds, where buried pain and quiet resilience bloom into unexpected love. The writing is tender, poetic, and full of small-town soul, making Bourton Bridge a warm, hopeful read perfect for fans of Robyn Carr and Sherryl Woods.
Profile Image for Debi Huber.
2 reviews
February 5, 2025
Bourton Bridge is the perfect romance, proving that there are second chances in life. I loved the dual timelines that author Mia Fox created. Both stories came together in a satisfying, happily ever after storyline in spite of the struggles that the characters endured to find love.
128 reviews5 followers
March 23, 2025
so sweet

I enjoyed reading this sweet story of a painful journey to love. All the sadness and pain endured to get to the end result was worth it. And I could just see the beautiful Cotswold setting.
Profile Image for Rebel.
2,654 reviews
April 20, 2025
Let me start by saying—this book found me at exactly the right time. I went in thinking I was getting a cozy second-chance romance in the Cotswolds, and while yes, that’s absolutely part of it, Bourton Bridge gave me so much more. It gave me layers. It gave me emotional truth. It gave me two broken souls quietly healing beside each other in the most achingly beautiful way.

Luke? My sweet Cotswold chef with simmering sorrow under all that stoicism—ugh, I wanted to wrap him in a blanket and just let him rest. There’s something about a man who finds peace in his kitchen but hasn’t yet found it in his heart that gets me every time. He’s not flashy or dramatic—he’s just… real. And deeply, quietly kind.

And Jade? Oh, Jade. Her story hit me like a gut-punch in the best (and hardest) way. Watching her walk the tightrope of duty and silent pain in a failing marriage—for her daughter’s sake—felt so raw. I rooted for her with my whole heart. I recognized her strength even when she didn’t. And when she lands in England, in this rundown farmhouse of all things, you can feel the shift. Not immediately, but like a seed breaking ground.

Their connection isn’t insta-love—it’s slow, cautious, and tentative, born out of mutual recognition of pain. That’s what made it feel so earned. Every glance, every hesitant step forward felt like healing. And the dual timelines added so much depth—it was like watching two lives gently spiral toward each other across time.

Mia Fox writes with this quiet elegance that lingers. She doesn’t rush. She lets the ache unfold. She lets you feel. And the backdrop of the Cotswolds? Absolutely swoon-worthy. I swear I could smell the lavender and fresh bread and see the honey-colored stone cottages.

Bourton Bridge isn’t just about falling in love again—it’s about rediscovering your own worth and deciding that maybe, just maybe, you deserve joy. If you’re someone who loves Robyn Carr’s emotional depth or the warm small-town vibes of Sherryl Woods—but with a distinctly British charm—this one will absolutely steal your heart.

It sure stole mine.
Profile Image for Wendy Anderson.
Author 16 books32 followers
April 20, 2025
Throughout this book, I had a feeling that fate would prevail. The story is told in dual timelines, unfolding the past and the present for Luke the MMC and somewhat for Jade the FMC. It is done well, but you must pay attention to who and when things are happening. After a while, the flow of the story takes over, and I got used to the rhythm as I learned the many characters. I was very interested in Luke’s life, and I really liked his positive attitude, fortitude, and ability to dig his way out of his cruel upbringing with an alcoholic and abusive father.
Jade, I wanted to shake by the shoulders and tell her to grow a spine, but I certainly understood how downtrodden she became in her abusive marriage. Her friend Willow was her lifeline to sanity, and it was an added plus that Willow’s romance arc developed as well. Everyone was on their way to HEA. The slow-burn romance and fade-to-black physical scenes were done very well and suited the small-town world of Bourton Bridge.
My only disappointment with this story was the lack of description. Beyond, there was a restaurant, a dilapidated farmhouse, a grocery store, bridges, etc.; it felt rather flat. I wanted more of a visual of the architecture, the town history, the seasons beyond just rain, and even more of what the characters looked like. I am a reader who likes lots of descriptions, so it’s just my opinion, but I wanted more of what was promised on the beautiful cover. Multiple references to food made me hungry, and can I just say that Grainger is a perfect name for an abusive husband who I really wanted to go away.
I liked the story a lot. The writing was good, and I loved all the romance. In the end, everything was tied up neatly, and the character development was spot on. If there were more books in this Bourton Bridge series, I would not hesitate to read them. It’s a small-town, second-chance romance I would definitely recommend.
6 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2025
Relatable Romance

This book is hard to put down. Bourton Bridge’s unique situations, genuine emotions, and masterful prose kept me hooked late into the evening. The California girl who finds romance in a small British town is a relatable romance that appeals to the yearning and wanderlust in my own heart. Can’t wait for a sequel.
1,605 reviews12 followers
April 25, 2025
Bourton Bridge follows the story of Jade and Luke. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. The chemistry between these two characters is absolutely fascinating and breathtakingly beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Jade and Luke as well as witnessing their story come to life through the pages of this book. Bourton Bridges is beautifully written, amazingly balanced and perfectly executed by Mia Fox. This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I was completely blown away by the storyline. This book has a fantastic plot, fabulous characters and a breathtaking ending for the main characters. I’m definitely going to be checking out more of Mia Fox’s work in the future. I would HIGHLY recommend this novel for anyone to checkout and give it a read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gloria Goldsmith.
Author 5 books178 followers
May 20, 2025
The romance simmers and bubbles for each of the various individuals. Initially, we are treated to several characters going about their routines of daily life by witnessing their habits, complaints, desires, gratitude, and, more importantly, their fundamental goodness. A theme throughout most of the book is that, regardless of their loving natures, there are habits and obsessions that the characters reject for themselves, but are faced with their family members' struggles. The author, Fox, allows the reader to be there with the character, feeling their indecision, with both negative and positive complexities in their relationships.

Three female characters, Emma, Jade, and Willow, have their own joie de vivre that may ebb when insecurity looms, but ultimately flourish. Our main male hero, Luke, showers his friends and co-workers with contentment due to his conscientious hard work and creative passions. I particularly enjoyed the small-town feeling and the unity among those small business owners who are the bedrock of their communities.
Profile Image for Jeanné Olivier.
Author 1 book28 followers
April 24, 2025
Bourton Bridge by Mia Fox is a sweet romance set in the small town of Bourton Bridge in the British Country Side. I've been to the Cotswolds many times and I found the scenic backdrop of the village to be nostalgic, atmospheric and inviting. The restaurant is a wonderful setting and I could really picture the cozy interior, bustling kitchen and beautiful food. I think the novel was aptly plotted and well executed, gently touching on challenging life issues, like abuse, anger, and loss. The way Luke and Jade found each other through their shared understanding for intricate emotional situations, and loneliness, was heartwarming to read, and the way their relationship unfolded was touching and sincere. I just loved Elizabeth's character and could really imagine what she would look and sound like. I thought the fact that she was so caring towards Luke, even through her own loss, was just lovely. Willow was a delightful character as well, and I appreciated that she cared so much about Jade, and Emilie, and also that she stood up to Grainger and didn't allow him to intimidate her. This was an altogether enjoyable and heartfelt read.
330 reviews8 followers
April 24, 2025
Jade and Luke have something in common that neither should. They both should get out of the situations. It takes a while for that to actually happen. But when it does I love their journey to each other. It’s sad at times too.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,613 reviews8 followers
April 23, 2025
This is a sweet clean romance that will keep you engaged. Jade was married to an abusive man. He moves the family to the UK for a quick rich scheme. Luke is a chef at the restaurant across the street from Jade's farmhouse. He has his own issues. It has some drama with the characters.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ginelle Blanch.
933 reviews27 followers
March 8, 2025
These two characters have had such darkness in their lives but, from darkness comes light! Jade and Luke come from such different circumstances. I enjoyed reading how they came together.

Really good characters and a storyline that’s well written. Lots of emotion.
Profile Image for GINA H..
26 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2025
Bourton Bridge is a small-town romance that gave me precisely what I expected — no more, no less. It’s like walking into a quaint coffee shop, ordering a vanilla latte, and getting exactly that. No surprise cinnamon sprinkle, no unexpected flavor explosion — just vanilla. Comforting? Sure. Life-changing? Let’s not get carried away.

The characters are delightfully trope-tastic: Luke, the emotionally constipated male lead with a heart of gold and an abusive dad, and Jade, the quietly wounded heroine who, despite her tragic past, still manages to have a soft spot for men who light fires after rainstorms. How poetic.

The story unfolds in dual timelines — because clearly, one timeline isn’t enough when you’re navigating feelings and small-town secrets. One minute we’re in the past, next minute we’re back in the present, and somewhere along the way, the POV shifts mid-chapter like an overly enthusiastic drama teacher switching scenes in a school play. Pay attention, or you might think Wilfred the cat is narrating.

Speaking of Wilfred — honestly, the orange tabby was one of my favorite characters. He had the emotional depth of a feline philosopher and didn’t even need a tragic backstory. Meanwhile, we have Luke's BFF Harry and Jade’s BFF Willow, who enter stage-left to fulfill their sacred duties as “confidant characters” and (surprise!) find a romantic spark of their own after Willow's luggage vanishes at Heathrow. Talk about a ‘meet-cute,’ and Willow does. Is it a metaphor for emotional baggage? Probably not. But it works.

Now, Jade. Oh, Jade. I kept rooting for her to channel her inner “strong independent woman who don’t need no man,” but alas, trauma and timidness won the day. I get it. But I also wanted to shake her gently and hand her a self-help book and a business plan.

The romance is a slow burn — think more simmering stew than sizzling skillet. The physical tension is subtle, tasteful, and fits the sleepy charm of Bourton Bridge, where apparently even handholding is an emotional event.

That said, for a book so focused on emotion, it completely skipped the whole visual description thing. The town had bridges (duh), a farmhouse, and a grocery store... all of which are described with the excitement of a cardboard box. There's a restaurant where Luke works, but for all I know, it could be anything from a Michelin-star bistro to a glorified food truck parked near a swamp.

And then there’s the mysterious fireplace that only shows up when needed — like a magical plot device. I didn’t know Jade was even in a room with a chimney until Luke gallantly lit a fire after she got caught in the rain. So cozy! So spontaneous! So... where did that fireplace come from?

Honestly, I liked the story. The writing is solid, the emotions are genuine, and the romance is sweet without making me gag. It’s predictable, sure — but sometimes that’s the charm. Like a Hallmark movie you watch with wine and a blanket, knowing full well how it ends but enjoying the warm fuzzies anyway.

Would I recommend it? Yes. Especially if you enjoy love stories with emotional depth, soft lighting, and a tabby cat who frankly deserved more page time.
Profile Image for Angela Brannon.
152 reviews6 followers
April 15, 2025
Bourton Bridge was a nice read that could have been better with some judicious editing and proofreading. Jade and Luke's story was very cute despite the issues both characters had from prior relationships. Jade is married to an abusive jerk who moves their family to the UK to flip a decrepit farmhouse in his latest get-rich-quick scheme. Luke is a chef at the classy restaurant across the street from the farmhouse. His alcoholic and physically abusive father is the general contractor on the project.

I don't usually like stories where women are torn between two love interests, but Jade's marriage is so fatally flawed I was pulling for her to run away with Luke. She stays for her daughter even though that just perpetuates the verbal and mental abuse. Her best friend Willow is a strong advocate for her to leave Grainger and she plays an important part in the book with her own story arc and love interest. I loved both Jade and WIllow's characters!!

There is a major backstory for Luke told in flashbacks, and this is where the issues with this book are glaringly apparent. The author does not maintain a consistent timeline in the flashbacks. The climactic event of the flashbacks is referred to in the present day timeline to have occurred 5 years ago, and Luke's arrival at the restaurant is also noted to have occurred 5 years ago. However, several years seem to elapse between the two events in a matter of just months.

The flashbacks are all labeled "Five years ago" but there are several references to the present day farmhouse project and the site workers in the flashbacks. Luke gains several years of experience going from a novice prep cook to a masterful chef seemingly overnight. There is a reference to an employee hired "6 months ago" that reminds Luke of himself back when he was "just starting out", even though he literally just started at the restaurant himself within the last few months per the timelines. The author needs to fix this timeline to make the book much more readable.

Even with the flaws that kept throwing me out of the story, I enjoyed the book. It was a sweet story and I really hope the author continues to write more of this same type of love story. I will be on the lookout for more from her.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Curious Cat.
122 reviews7 followers
July 1, 2025
Bourton Bridge has a lot to offer readers, including the initial contrast between Southern California and a quaint English village in the Cotswolds, punctuated by handful of eccentric characters. At first the community seems almost too good to be true, then a darker element is introduced--Luke's abusive, alcoholic father (Clive).

In California we meet Jade, trying to raise her eight year old child in the midst of an abusive marriage. Jade is determined to honor her marriage--to a maddening degree. Then her husband, Grainger, insists they temporarily relocate to Bourton Bridge in the UK for a questionable business deal, over Jade's tentative objections.

A very large part of the book goes back five years in Luke's life, telling the story how he became a chef and the development of his relationships, whereas Jade's past is primarily revealed through brief periods of retrospection and a close friend's point of view (Willow).

Descriptions of food and the charms of Bourton Bridge abound. Aside from the appearances of Luke's father, village life sounds delectable. A secondary story is introduced when the reader is approaching the middle of the novel.

The story is told in a third person point of view, dropping periodically into omniscient and third person present.

I would have much preferred seeing the biggest problems in Jade's and Luke's lives be resolved from their own decisions and actions, rather than due to an external event. The secondary relationship in the story--which is light and fun--also doesn't fully deal with/acknowledge the issues facing the characters. One resolution occurs after the fact, but not through them working on it together.

Significant continuity and timeline issues exist in the novel, making the story a challenge to follow and finish. Balancing the story more heavily towards the present day would have also strengthened this pleasant tale for me.

I think romance readers will enjoy Bourton Bridge and would love to see the author address the continuity and timeline issues in the story.

(This novel was read on Kindle Unlimited.)
93 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2025
Mia Fox’s Bourton Bridge is a tender, uplifting romance that blends heartache, hope, and the rustic charm of the English countryside. Fox immerses us in the quaint Cotswolds village of Bourton Bridge, complete with its meandering river and thriving local community. It’s a setting so richly described that you can practically smell fresh bread drifting from Luke’s kitchen.

Luke, a chef devoted to his craft, is a man carrying the weight of past heartache. In an attempt to cope, he buries himself in his work, an approach that leaves little room for anything beyond his cozy restaurant and memories of what might have been. Across the Atlantic, Jade is trapped in a troubled marriage, desperately trying to shield her young daughter from escalating turmoil. Their paths converge when her husband’s shady business dealings bring her to a crumbling farmhouse in Bourton Bridge. Here, Luke and Jade discover that behind the other’s calm façade lies an unspoken sorrow.

Told through dual timelines, Fox reveals not only the painful choices each character has made but also the resilience that springs from the desire to protect those we love. The supporting cast—from Jade’s spirited daughter to the kindhearted villagers who welcome them—enhances the cozy, community feel. Though the novel addresses themes like abuse and loss, it never loses its essential warmth, reminding us that even in moments of darkness, hope and new beginnings can be found if we’re brave enough to search for them.

Fans of gentle, old-fashioned romances complete with vivid snapshots of kitchens humming with life and picnics by the river will be swept away by Bourton Bridge.
Profile Image for Anita Dow.
219 reviews16 followers
January 19, 2026
A warm and cozy, modern fairytale romance

This wholesome contemporary read is set in a village in the English Cotswolds (near Oxford) and features strong women, decent, gentle men who know how to treat a woman, and a couple of 'baddies' to add a touch of tension. The story is told chronologically through two time frames – the present day and five years ago. Luke Barrows is a chef at a popular restaurant in the village of Bourton Bridge and the story draws on his relationship with his father, his employer and her daughter, plus Jade Thomas, an American newcomer to the village, trapped in an unhappy marriage.
Author Mia Fox uses the restaurant setting to include plenty of mouthwatering foods which add an enjoyable sensory element. The characters are well drawn and for the romantics there are some likeable males who aren't afraid to show their vulnerable and tender side.

Author Mia Fox hails from Los Angeles and divides her time between there and England, but hasn't completely mastered some British terminology, so some of the phrasing betrays her American roots, and sometimes dioesn't sound quite right. British readers are likely to notice this, but American readers are bound to find the overall feel of the plot quite charming – which it is. The story is cozy and uplifting with an early, unexpected twist and a fairly predictable but heartwarming outcome. However, the author does tie up every detail in a satisfying way in the Epilogue which hints at some potential storylines to come in the second book, Winter In Bourton Bridge. All in all, I found this book warm and uplifting and perfect for a weekend binge-read.
Profile Image for Briann.
379 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2025
For me, Bourton Bridge was too oversimplified. Luke has an alcoholic, abusive father. Jade has an alcoholic, abusive husband. How can Luke and Jade be together? Luke’s father and Jade’s husband die together in a drunk driving accident. A simple way to immediately get rid of anyone who stands in the way of their happiness. But this is unrealistic and oversimplified (it would be great if every abusive husband simply died in a drunk driving accident without hurting anyone else).

Besides being oversimplified, Luke and Jade both seemed too submissive and subservient to their circumstances (a little victim-complex-like). Luke rarely defended himself when his father hit him. When Luke had the chance to sue his father and maybe end his father’s schemes, he failed to do so. Jade, similarly, never tried to stop Grainger or divorce him or do anything. While I understand that it can be hard for victims of domestic abuse to escape that situation, it was frustrating to read about Jade taking all of his verbal abuse basically lying down and never trying to get away from him, end their marriage, or do anything to save herself or their child. I wish she had shown a little more agency in the book. If Grainger had not suddenly died, Jade would have likely stayed stuck in the exact same spot she was in. In a way, she is a little like a damsel in distress. While Luke does not “save her,” I do not believe, given the way she was written, that she could have saved herself.

Finally, I did not care for the writing. It seemed too basic and too much “telling” rather than “showing.”
Profile Image for Natalie Knox.
Author 9 books2 followers
March 29, 2025
‘Bourton Bridge’ by Mia Fox certainly ticks all the boxes for a novel in the romantic genre! Well written and a pleasure to read – the author holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and a Master’s Degree in Professional Writing. A light-hearted, airy frolic, ‘Bourton Bridge’ is the perfect read for a holiday. It really lifts the burden of everyday responsibilities and gives the reader a sense of hope.

A country village, on the banks of a river in the Cotswolds district in the United Kingdom, sets the scene for the story. Beautiful Jade arrives from the United States of America with a young daughter. She is in an abusive marriage that she tries to hide from her daughter with the help of her friend Willow. Her husband has manoeuvred her into joining him on the trip while he is involved in an underhand deal with a local developer. Handsome Luke, a chef who loves to row on the river, carries the burden of a sweetheart lost in a fatal accident.

These two main characters face the challenges that form the story, with the help of their friends, Willow and Harry, as well as Elizabeth and the team at Le Pont Restaurant. True love is found as we follow the story between the present day and five years previously. The local villagers all contribute to the plot and help make this story a worthy first in a series.
Profile Image for Helena Kelly.
34 reviews
April 21, 2025
Bourton Bridge is a charming story set in the beautiful English countryside around Oxford. The location is a large part of its appeal and you are quickly drawn into the charm of a small historic town with plenty of interesting local characters. It is a romance but a slowly evolving one with plenty of other storyline to keep you engaged if you are not a huge fan of romance only plots. As just mentioned the characters in the story are interesting and well drawn and I found myself soon invested in their stories and hoping things would work out for them. It has several POV storylines within the main plot and is also a dual timeline, with around half of the story told in flashbacks.

I did find the flashbacks took away a little of the developing romance of the main protagonists, as the revealing of Luke's previous experience was quite intense. I found myself more invested in this previous timeline at times as it almost felt as if not much time had passed in between. While his backstory was certainly relevant and a driving force of the story, I feel it could have been condensed somewhat without losing any of the impact.

Overall, however, this is an easy, comforting read that is perfect for some downtime without having to expend a lot of mental energy in complex storylines or unclear outcomes. It is what it presents itself as, which I really liked about it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.