Bridge of Betrayal

Falcon Point Historical #3

by A.L. Sowards

Sometimes it takes a small deception to uncover the truth.

England, 1954

Anna Lang lost everyone she loved during the Second World War—except her cherished music teacher, Esther Haymann. When Miss Haymann dies under suspicious circumstances and rumors of suicide swirl, Anna doesn’t want to believe them. Her doubts intensify when she catches a stranger rifling through Miss Haymann’s papers, claiming a link between her death and that of renowned scientist Alan Turing.

Arthur Cavendish, a former prisoner of war in Korea, can’t completely escape the nightmares of combat and captivity. Nor can he forget that Dr. Turing’s advice once saved his life, so Arthur is determined to get to the bottom of his associate’s alleged suicide, even if it involves trespassing and danger.

When a suspicious fire nearly kills Arthur and Anna, they form a reluctant alliance to clear their mentors’ names. From shadowy corners of seaside resorts to the guarded gates of a secret government agency at Hanslope Park, Anna and Arthur chase elusive clues—and wrestle with their growing attraction for each other. With divergent goals and hidden secrets, a future together seems unlikely. Yet as more and more pieces of the puzzle fall into place, a sinister pattern unfolds, and they find that their hearts are not the only things at risk. Uncovering the truth might cost them their lives.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Mystery

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 2026

About the author

I love books, so that makes Goodreads my favorite social media site. As a reader, I enjoy a variety of books. As a writer, I create historical novels with a wholesome mix of action, adventure, and romance. My stories have earned Whitney Awards, Foreword Indies Finalists positions, Readers’ Favorite Gold and Silver medals, a Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choice Selection, and a Praiseworthy Award.

I'm a wife, a mother of three, and I've called Washington State, Utah, and Alaska home. I'm usually reading a couple books at once and working on multiple writing projects too. Other than that, my life is pretty ordinary. I'm grateful for that. I'll let the characters in my books have all the adventures.

Stay in Touch:
Newsletter sign up: https://alsowards.com/newsletter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.l.sowards/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALSowards/

About My Goodreads Ratings:
I joined Goodreads as a reader first, but since I’m an author too, I’ve made some changes to how I rate books. For fiction, I'll give a book 5 stars if I enjoyed every page. Otherwise, I'll leave the rating blank. For nonfiction, 5 star books are ones I enjoyed enough that I’d like to read them again. They’re books I connected with and highly recommend to others. 4 star books are good books that I thought were worth reading once, and they’re also recommended.

Reviews

[Holly (IG Hollys_Book_Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Your beauty left me speechless the first moment I saw you. And your courage and determination have made me admire you in a way I have never before admired anyone else. Your music helped heal me, and your goodness makes me want to be a better man. You have captured my heart in its entirety..."

Bridge of Betrayal by A L Sowards

Mystery. Romance. Betrayal. Suspense. Spies.

Bridge of Betrayal is full of intrigue, danger, sweet romance, and so much more from the very first page to the last! Wow, I loved everything about this story!

The romance between Anna and Arthur was so sweet and gentle. I loved the tender moments and deep conversations between them. The growth they showed as they faced danger and investigated the mystery together were beautiful additions to the story as well. I loved when Anna comforts him after his nightmare, and how Arthur helps her see some difficult truths that she comes to realize by the end of the book. They both found healing and closure as they held onto one another and looked to Christ.

The culprit of the murders was not who I was expecting. Sowards had me guessing from start to finish who they were. I'm usually good at guessing, so I loved that I didn't know who it was until the reveal.

This book was a fantastic way to end the Falcon Point Historical series. Though I am so sad to see this series end, I loved getting Anna's story and seeing how everything fit together at the end.
I highly recommend this Historical Fiction full of mystery, romance, and suspense! I can't get enough of Sowards's amazing books!

Favorite Parts/reactions:
Meet cute/ugly
Mystery
Pianist FMC
Blackpool beach
Meeting his mum
Uh oh
Nooooo!
Haunted and Healing MMC
Visiting Cunningham
Walk to film developer
Oh my gosh!
Holding hands
She comforts him
Cracking the music code
Going to the lake
Danger and suspense
The culprits
Arthur is so sweet
The art gallery!

Content Guide:
Language: none
Sexual Content: mild sweet kissing
Violence/gore: Mild-character has memories of war in Korea and killing, peril involving fire, talk of memories of starvation and being mistreated as POW, death-character is shot in neck and blood is described (on page), stabbing (happens off-page, but characters walk in on the bleeding victim; he is bleeding a lot), nightmare and panic attack about time as a mistreated POW, gun wound, peril involving guns
Substance Use: Mild-weed is mentioned (none of the MCs smoke it and no one on page does), cigarettes are mentioned (a camera is disguised as a cigarette pack), smoking mentioned (neither MCs smoke)
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: Christian themes-prayer, church, relying on and turning back to God
Other: arson, fortune teller (referenced briefly, but two MCs do visit the fortune teller as part of their investigation), male character in the past is mentioned a few times briefly as being interested in other men (based historically), death, loss of loved ones, grief, wrongful incarceration, abduction, Communism (in a negative light)

Book Info:
Series: Falcon Point Historical book 3
Genre: Christian Historical Romance with Mystery; England 1950s
Romance Level: Kisses only
Release Date: March 3, 2026
Publisher: Covenant Communications
POV: Dual third person

Thank you to the Author and publisher for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRIDGE of BETRAYAL
(Falcon Point Historical Book 3)
@a.l.sowards

••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~With divergent goals and hidden secrets, a future together seems unlikely. Uncovering the truth might cost them their lives...

-My friends, BRIDGE of BETRAYAL is such a beautiful conclusion to The Falcon Point Series! This is a not to miss post-Korean war story. It’s precisely and wonderfully filled with such rich history, great danger, intriguing mystery, deep faith, costly betrayal, and swoony sweet romance. Reading this final historical installment was beautifully bittersweet for me! I thoroughly enjoyed how this story was more unique than others within the series. Rather than setting place in World War II, Anna’s dear story will take place into 1950s England, and the world of espionage as Anna continues her dear search for home and family as she has gotten older. It made my heart terribly ache with the struggles that come with her journey. Yet, I experienced such great happiness that there was help along the way for her to rise above struggles, pain, and loss. Watching her confront the past and rediscover and cling with hope had my heart melting! There are many emotions that are felt with this dear read and the beautiful attention to every detail was captivating! I do suggest a tissue on hand for moments of “eye sweat.” I also loved how the emotional depth built slowly and consistently within this story because it led to an even more unforgettable, satisfying ending, where love prevails! I do suggest reading this series in order, to fully capture the beauty of this series and of the many endearing characters that will become part of you, etched within your reading heart passport. It is worth all the feels and read, any day.📚👌‼️

•Content: death, loss of loved ones, grief, mild peril, PTSD, POW torture described, no swearing, light Christian themes, betrayal, mention of homosexual historical figure; kisses only.

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

#bridgeofbetrayal
#alsowards
#falconpointhistoricalseries
#shadowmountainpub
#allaboutthebestreads

[the girl who reads a lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to finally have this book in my hands, but I’ve also hated to start reading it because it’s the last of Falcon Point Historical series, and I’m never ready to say goodbye to stories and characters that I’ve loved. Good thing I can always reread them! Anna’s story is a little different from Karl’s and Ingrid’s as it takes place after WWII, but considering Anna was 7 when she was separated from her siblings, it makes sense. I don’t think I have read any books set in England in the 50’s, and I thought it was an interesting to read about some of the things that were going on then. I loved Anna’s story! It has suspense and mystery and romance - all of my favorites! And without giving too much away, there was one thing that I did not see coming until about a paragraph before it happened. I love that!! I’ve said this from the start of the series, and I’ll say it again here: Falcon Point is one of the most unique series out there! I love how the authors collaborated on the first book, then Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Bessey continued the modern day stories and AL Sowards continued the historical stories. This is a series I always recommend to people!

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story and conclusion to the Heirs of Falcon Point, and it's historical fiction spin off series! These stories can all be read as standalones, but historical fiction lovers will want to read them all. The storyline carries through them all with each book focusing on one of the siblings. Outstanding!

Bridge of Betrayal brings together Anna Lang, a young concert pianist who was orphaned by World War II and has only vague memories of her family and would love nothing more than to find them. And Arthur Cavendish, an English veteran who survived against all odds, after being imprisoned and severely mistreated by Chinese communists during the Korean War. They are brought together while investigating a connection between two mentors who died mysterious deaths.

Beautiful story of healing, new family, and closure after encountering mysteries and betrayal. I also loved reading about the top security job Arthur was trying to get, along with gadgets and national security concerns.

I highly recommend Bridges of Betrayal to historical fiction and mystery lovers!

Sweetest quote from Arthur:
"Your beauty left me speechless the first moment I saw you. And your courage and determination have made me admire you in a way I have never before admired anyone else. Your music helped heal me, and your goodness makes me want to be a better man. You have captured my heart in its entirety..."

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free advance copy to read.

This new historical fiction novel is full of intrigue, music appreciation and romance. Set during the 1950s, Bridge of Betrayal follows a concert pianist who has lost everyone she’s cared about and a former prisoner of war who thinks his associate’s believed suicide was actually murder. They end up crossing paths and chasing clues together as they face danger, deception, and budding romance.

This is the third and final book in the Falcon Point historical series where each book follows a different sibling after they are separated years before. There is also a prequel novella co-written with other authors and a spinoff contemporary series written by them, but this historical series can be understood on its own as well.

It was great to be able to discover the full story of the final Lang sibling and see how each person had similar but wholly unique journeys of healing and discovery. This one is a bit softer than the previous two books even though the characters still have difficult things to work through. The romance was sweet and supportive and a great example of supporting each other’s dreams while also trying to figure out how they can work together.

Trigger/content notes: Attempted murder. Spice level is kissing.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I adore this series about the Lang family. Some of the books are about the siblings who escaped their home on the cusp of WWII and some are current, with descendants discovering their family and legacy. This story is the last in the historical set and no one writes these better than A.L. Sowards.

Anna was very young when she was separated from her father and siblings and has always desired a reunion–but has no idea where they all ended up. A concert pianist, she yearns for fame so they can learn of her and find her. Arthur is a former prisoner of the Korean War, and this duo works together to solve a few mysterious deaths, finding themselves in perilous situations of their own.

This legendary tale delivers heart, danger, and a blossoming romance in the ruins of war. It was a joy to watch things unfold in a breathtakingly suspenseful and mysterious fashion, while also enjoying the tender moments of connection and healing.

These characters are wonderful and their experience was sweet, difficult, and perfect to wrap up an impressive saga. Beautifully written and powerfully delivered, this is one stamped onto my heart.

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank AL Sowards for giving me the opportunity to be on her launch team for this amazing story. I have to say I was very mesmerized with how this story played out. A lot if people assume that the healing period to move on from the war and get on with a normal life believe it only takes a few months but in all actuality sometimes it can take years to let go or in other cases sometimes never. Overall I enjoyed reading this story because it brought out an interesting cast of characters who were trying so hard to move on with their lives.

One character of focus is Anna who is no stranger to people leaving from her life. When her beloved music teacher is found dead she knows that there is more to it and she vows to find out the truth. We are also introduced to Arthur who is in a similar situation as Anna. Will these two manage to find the answers they are looking for and move on with their lives?

[Bev Walkling · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of us who first met Anna Lang in The Heirs of Falcon Point, it has been a long wait to hear her story of what happened after an unfortunate separation from her siblings as they were fleeing from members of the Nazi's. If you've never read the earlier books in the series, then this book, Bridge of Betrayal, could be a wonderful place for you to start.

The novel is set in the UK in 1954 and revolves around two main characters, Anna (Davies) Lang and Arthur Cavendish. They meet (by happenstance) after the funeral of Miss Haymann, a music teacher who had mentored Anna throughout her childhood at an all-girl's school, introducing her to a love of music, in particular on the Piano. Anna is at the outset of what she hopes will become a successful career as a concert pianist. Arthur, on the other hand, barely survived his time as a prisoner of war in the Korean War. In desperate moments, his faith and the inspiration of code breaker Alan Turing, inspired him to hold on and not give up hope.

Their meeting was in the early years of the Cold War and they both had questions about the deaths of their respective mentors. That first meeting was not an easy one. Arthur had been caught searching for papers that didn't belong to him. While waiting for police to arrive, he managed to save himself and Anna from a very suspicious fire. I loved how the author Sowards was able to really get into the mindset of the times with the formality experienced when meeting someone new, and the adherence to a protocol for naming that would have been fully understand by people in the fifties even as it is quite foreign to the reader of 2026.

Both Anna and Arthur had very interesting backgrounds, having experienced the loss of people they loved relatively early in life. As a reader, I had a good understanding of how the events of the Second World War would have affected Anna, but my knowledge of the history of the Korean War was remarkably slim. Sowards seems to find exactly the right research resources to flesh out the characters in her different novels which have covered many different time periods. Arthur's experiences in Korea were loosely based on the Glosters. Captured and held prisoner for about two and a half years, it was amazing that he survived with his sanity intact. Torture and deprivation were the norm and to survive he was forced to write propaganda that was far from the truth. Reading about his experiences brought tears to my eyes. It left him with a strong desire for privacy. Anna on the other hand, wanted to find her lost siblings and thought publicity might help. She had a strong desire for family from the past and little vision for what chosen family she might eventually find.

Their mutual goal of clearing up speculation about the deaths of their mentors led these two to reluctantly work together to try and solve the mysteries of whether the deaths were suicide or murder. Along this journey, an attraction developed slowly as they began working together. Each one learned more about what made the other tick, sharing stories they'd shared with no one else, and seeing each other when not at their best. Together they made quite a team, but would their differences end up sending them in different directions?

This novel will be of great interest to readers of historical fiction. It has mystery, code breaking, betrayal, housebreaking, stalking and even murder attempts. It also has the slow burn of newly discovered romantic feelings and the strength of faith that can come back even though long forgotten. The book really gave a picture of the fear that was part and parcel of the Cold War era and just how difficult it could be discovering who one could trust.

I'm sad to see this historical series about the Lang family come to an end but am sure A.L. Sowards is probably already researching and writing her next fascinating story. I'll be looking forward to it whatever time periods she chooses.

Many thanks to the author and #CovenantCommunications for allowing me to read an Advance Readers copy of #BridgeOfBetrayal . All opinions are my own.

[Sharon the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've said it before but am reminded of it after every book I read from Sowards; she is the best history teacher I have ever had.

This is book 3 in the Falcon Point Historical series- all are fantastic and highly recommended. You could read and enjoy this without the others, but you would enjoy all of them so I'd recommend it.

While this story is not based during a war, the MMC is a Korean War veteran and has several flashbacks. You understand him as well of the atrocities he experiences while a POW, not to mention some of the actual battles that he was a part of. He is a budding engineer of sorts and has his sights on working for a secret government project which he cannot speak of in Hanslope Park.

Anna was 8 yrs old when she was separated from her family. She knew little English and had a heavy German accent when her nanny enrolled her in a special school in England. She has a picture of her family- a brother Karl, sister Ingrid, and her parents who she didn't even know their first names. Her last name had even been changed to protect her- but she didn't know what or who from. She felt as if she'd been abandoned by anyone she'd ever known or loved, as even her nanny went missing shortly after. She is very hesitant to let anyone into her life as she fears they too, will leave. She trusts few people as a result.

The two meet in a situation that is less than favorable to him and it doesn't go well. She has reason not to trust him, but in time they find they have a mutual situation to work through and it makes sense to join forces. She is hesitant, but needs his help. They slowly begin to trust, and even become friends. Their quest becomes dangerous and unpredictable.

"Some problems look hopeless. Unsolvable. Beyond the mortal brain or physical body. Some distances too great. Take one step and then another. One step at a time. Believe that in the end, you can crack whatever it is you're up against, and eventually, you'll come up with a solution."

"Stop thinking like a chess player and take it one step at a time."

She is a concert pianist and hopes that by becoming famous her lost siblings may see her name and come to find her once again. I hoped for the same thing with all of my heart. Arthur, too, enjoyed her music and it relaxed his anxiety and took him out of the spiral of bad memories. She helped him come to life again, and see the beauty of the world. However, he helps her realize that fame will not make her happy- she's looking for love and family.

"What you're chasing after.... I don't think it will make you happy. Fame isn't what you really need, Anna. You're looking for family. How you felt when you still had your siblings. You want love and loyalty and the security of knowing that a group of people will always love you no matter how talented you are or aren't. It won't matter how many people hear your music or love your work if you're still looking for family and haven't found it because you're so focused on fame."

Her favorite part of being a musician? "The music, of course. It's like it's own language. It can heal. It can celebrate. It can take emotions and make them stronger or break them open until you can better decipher them."

"As for the pianist, watching her while she played was mesmerizing. Like watching the waves of the sea or the flame of a candle."

Should she trust him, or does that mean giving up on her dreams? Should she continue searching for family and the treasure of knowing her past? Can she let someone else into her world without getting hurt? Can he work in a job requiring secrets and still have a close relationship with her?

This book does have a sweet slow burn love story, but it is so much more. Suspense, betrayal, mystery, murder, spies, and danger. It is a great balance and a very fitting end to an amazing series. All of my questions and concerns were wrapped up. Now I am ready for whatever is coming next by the author.

[The Sunshine Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I cry tears at the end of this book, not because it was tragically sad, but because the Heirs of Falcon Point series will soon be OVER?! And I loved it SO SO SO SO much?!

Yes, yes I did.

If you want the short version of this review, here it is: Amazing. Genre mashup of history, suspense, romance, and mystery. Works as a stand alone, savored better with the series. Highly recommend!

Now here'sthe longer version:

Anna's story was a completely different tone from Ingrid's and Karl's stories, but I really enjoyed it. You can expect more of a historical murder mystery, with Cold War communism vs. capitalism and elements of the British spy world thrown in. If you've read The Redgrave Murders by Sowards (one of my favs of hers), this will be a somewhat similar vibe. I especially loved learning more about the Korean War from the British perspective and considering how back-to-back that war was with World War II. It was also cool to see how communities, individuals, and soldiers found healing and normalcy after war.

Arthur (the MMC) was FANTASTIC! I loved the mental health rep with him as a former POW, and it tied in perfectly with his rationale for some vigilante sleuthing. His connection to the British peerage was also fun. Him and Anna played off each other very well, and there was just some great chemistry and quoteable moments between them both.

In the beginning, I wasn't sure I was going to like Anna as a character. I kept thinking in my head, Anna, do you have any idea what Karl and Ingrid have been through?! Stop complaining! But I felt like how she coped with everything initially was spot on and accurately depicted. Fear of abandoment? Desperation for family, leading to a few dumb decisions? Trust fund youngest child? A double helping of grief that she never even knew her family long enough to remember them? Yup, that all tracked with everything I knew about Anna. Although she made a rough first impression, she really grew on me over the course of the story, and I felt like her character development was amazing. Plus, I felt like she was the perfect ancestor for Anna Cavendish in the Heirs of Falcon Point book. Somehow, Sowards made historical Anna's personality mesh well with modern-day Anna's personality. How?! The magic of this series is insane!

This brings me to the most impressive part of the book; the attention to detail. It's a well-written, heavily researched, everything-ties-together-nicely masterpiece. We get some closure about why Anna never went back to inherit Falcon Point, and a lot of my questions about why Anna and Ingrid never found each other were answered. As for the mystery/suspense elements within the book, again, everything tied together well. There were plenty of twists, turns, and suspenseful moments, made all the more satisfying with the author's note at the end.

An amazing conclusion to the series!

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic conclusion to a favorite series!!

Anna and Arthur have both lost mentors who died under suspicious circumstances, and after a nearly fatal fire throws them together, they team up to uncover a dangerous conspiracy, all while fighting growing feelings that could cost them far more than their hearts.

What you'll love:
1950s England
dual pov
spies and secrets
Korean vet POW hero
pianist FMC
healing from trauma
the beach scene
suspenseful mystery
super sweet romance!

I have been in love with the Falcon Point series since the very first book released, and reading this final historical installment was beautifully bittersweet!! Knowing the series is coming to an end made it hard to turn the pages, but oh, what a perfect ending it was! It delivered all the suspense, layered mystery, rich history, and tender romance I’ve come to love and expect from A.L. Sowards, wrapping up this chapter of the series in an emotionally satisfying way.

Anna’s story is a little different from her siblings’ journeys since she was so young when they fled Falcon Point. Instead of World War II, the story takes us into 1950s England and the world of espionage full of secrets and danger in unexpected places. My heart ached for Anna and her longing for family and belonging, for a place that truly feels like home.

Arthur carries wounds of his own after surviving as a POW during the Korean War, and his quiet strength made him such a compelling hero. I loved watching him and Anna slowly help one another confront their pasts, heal their scars, and rediscover hope. Their romance begins with a bit of a meet-disaster (#iykyk), but it grows into something so incredibly tender and steady.

This is the final historical book in the Falcon Point series and while it can technically be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with Heirs of Falcon Point and reading the series in order. The emotional depth builds so beautifully from book to book.

You’ll experience heartache, tears, joy, laughter, and moments that take your breath away. It’s an unforgettable journey and one I know I’ll revisit again and again. These characters won’t just live on my shelf…they’ll live in my heart. A truly unforgettable series!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Your beauty left me speechless the first moment I saw you. And your courage and determination have made me admire you in a way I have never before admired anyone else. Your music helped heal me, and your goodness makes me want to be a better man. You have captured my heart in its entirety, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

This post-Korean war story is packed with danger, mystery, faith, betrayal, and romance. I have read very few books set in the 50s and I found the historical aspects very interesting.

Anna is brave, kind, and ambitious. I enjoyed the little glimpses of her journey to becoming a concert pianist and all the musical references. I loved that she helped Arthur talk through some of his POW memories. Her comforting him after his nightmare was so tender and sweet. I loved that she unburied a few memories of her family and found out a little about them at the end. Arthur is intelligent, scarred, and determined. I loved his faith and how it helped him in hard times. I loved that he helped Anna to see what she really needed. His gently guiding her to faith in Christ was amazing. I loved the healing that Arthur found. I enjoyed their investigation and the closeness and bond they shared because of the danger they faced. I did guess one of the villains but there were many unexpected twist and turns. Such a fantastic mystery and series finale!

A few more quotes:
“And I daresay you are a bad influence on me, Arthur Cavendish.”

“And what’s your favorite part of being a musician? Is it the applause? Or the concert halls? Or something else?” “The music, of course. It’s like its own language. It can heal. It can celebrate. It can take emotions and make them stronger or break them open until you can better decipher them.”

“That sounds a little schoolboyish.” “If I send you love letters, I can promise they won’t involve schoolboy things.”

This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

[Momma Leighellen’s Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.L. Sowards is not only an auto-buy author for me, she is a “skip to the front of the line” author. As a book influencer, I am sent plenty of books. As a book buyer for a local indie, I’m provided even more. But when it comes to reading just for joy, for the love of reading and the purity of good storytelling, I will always pick up an AL Soward book.

I have been looking forward to Bridge of Betrayal, as it’s the fourth and final book in the Falcon Point historical series. I have loved this series that is a fabulous mix of history, mystery, and romance.

In this novel, we follow Anna, a concert pianist orphaned during WWII and Arthur, a Korean War vet as they team up to uncover a conspiracy. Unlike the other novels, this takes place in the UK in the 1950’s, with a focus on the secrets and espionage of the time. Amanda is known for her extensive research and again she immersed me in the details of the time period. The fear and paranoia of this time period was palpable throughout the story.

"Some problems look hopeless. Unsolvable. Some distances too great. Take one step and then another. One step at a time.”

Amanda’s novels always have a slow, emotional build and Bridge of Betrayal focuses on healing after overwhelming loss and closure after betrayal. Both Anna and Arthur have hurdles to overcome - her from the loss of her entire family and him from the imprisonment and torture he endured as a POW - and both are looking into the deaths of their mentors. Can they trust each other? Can they let each other in?

I am sad to see this series end but Amanda concluded it perfectly. I encourage you to give her books a read if you love well written historical novels.

[Korbie Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so well done! Sowards is gifted at interweaving a compelling story with the most fascinating history; Bridge of Betrayal did exactly that!

Finally following Anna Lang’s story was so satisfying. All through the series, all we knew was that she’d made it to England with her nanny, Mrs. Davies, and that Mrs. Davies had been killed in the Blitz, leading Anna’s siblings to believe she had been killed as well. Finding out the details of how Anna survived and what course her life took was fascinating. I loved Anna and Arthur’s relationship, and how each helped the other heal from their war experiences.

One of my favorite things about Sowards’s books is that I always learn new things about history. This time, I learned a lot about the Korean War and about the Cold War in England. I had never before fully understood exactly how close the timeline for WWII and the Korean were. My brain just didn’t compute that these two major wars happened basically back to back. It’s given me a whole new perspective on the history of the Korean War (and also my history classes in high school running out of time to properly cover the 1900s in full 😅🤦‍♀️). The story also drove home to me exactly how real the competition to have the best technology was for both the UN and the Soviet Union. I’d not really considered fully that there would have been actual British citizens (and American and other nationalities too) that were full on convinced that communism was the answer and working as spies for the Soviet Union.

Highly recommend this book and the series as a whole! Thank you to the author and the publisher for the ARC; all opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic addition to the Falcon Point historical series. One does not have to read the other books in this series, since this can be enjoyed as a standalone. But you will find you will want to add the others to your TBR. I liked the fact that this book leaves the WWII setting of the earlier books and progresses to the early years of the Cold War.

I found this story of a young pianist and a British war hero riveting. The two are literally thrown together in a trial by fire, as investigating two mysterious deaths unite them in a common cause.
They quickly realize their search is placing them in danger, the closer they get to uncovering the truth. I appreciated the historical detail Ms. Sowards included in the fast moving plot, filled with intrigue, secret codes and spies. The story quickly took off in a direction I did not anticipate. I love when I am stymied by an unpredictable plot. Readers will find this a roller coaster ride that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

Of course, the romance is a little more predictable, but it is always a joy to see it develop. I absolutely adored Arthur. They each help the other face the truths and trauma of their past, to look towards a future that is filled with faith and hope.

Well-written story!

****I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this action-packed finale to the Falcon Pointe series that has been one of my all-time favorites. Anna Lang and Arthur Cavendish team up to uncover what actually occurred in the deaths of their mentors. Right away they are swept up into a dangerous situation when a fire breaks out at the school where Anna had been a student. It’s a race against time and potential killers as they try to unravel clues to a bigger mystery that neither Anna nor Arthur realized.




Things I loved:
maps
dual POV
military vet/ POW
concert pianist
danger
spy gadgets
secret messages
political intrigue
clean romance
historical details

Anna has had a hole in her heart since she was separated from her family during WWII. As she and Arthur grow to know one another, she is lovingly challenged to move forward and enjoy the life she has been given. Arthur was just the man who could help her since he knew from experience what the war had done to him. I loved the combination of suspense, the race against time, and the tender romance that made me not want to put this book down.

While this amazing story can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading this in order of the series to enjoy the story to its fullest. You’ll want to learn about the other members of this remarkable family.

I received a complimentary copy of the book with no obligation to write a positive review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so incredibly good. I am sad to see it end, but oh what an ending!
Anna Lang was only seven when she and her siblings fled their home. They were separated while trying to flee. Anna stayed with the nanny that had fled with them. She eventually ended up in England at an all girls school. Her nanny died in an air raid during the war.
Anna is on her own and desperately wants to find the siblings she remembers. To do that she is determined to become a famous concert pianist so her siblings will see her name in the papers and know where to find her.
Her plans might be derailed by an accidental meeting with Arthur Cavendish. A man found searching her beloved mentors office after she had suspiciously passed away.
Arthur Cavendish has been through purgatory and back. He was a prisoner of war in Korea and survived horrible torture, beatings and lack of food. He is home and finally healthy again. He desires to work in a secret agency for England and make spy gadgets to help fight against communism.
Two suspicious deaths have him trying to get answers.
This book is full of danger, intrigue, spies, betrayals and sweet romance.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed all of the falcon point novels, but I was especially looking forward to this one, because I love music and I love this author’s writing. It did not disappoint! Anna Lang was the youngest Lang sibling, who sadly looses everyone she loves during WW2. When her beloved music teacher dies, she is heartbroken, as well as confused. When a stranger shared a theory about the untimely death of her teacher, she takes a chance on a possible explanation. The mystery soon becomes dangerous to solve.

I loved Anna and Arthur together. Two broken people who find strength and healing in each other. I think this might be my favorite literary trope and it was written beautifully.
If you like a historical romantic mystery, this is for you! I listens to the audiobook and loved the narrators they chose for the characters. There’s one female narrator, who is a favorite of mine, and a male narrator for Arthur. I felt like the voices portrayed the characters well.

[Savannah M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved the Falcon Point series and the historical novels have all been absolute gems! I have been so excited to finally know what Anna’s story was. And it did not disappoint!

Anna’s story is so distinct among her siblings as she was so much younger when they were separated and as her story picks up WWII has already ended. I loved Anna’s artistic side and her connection to her music. I loved her determination to find her family, and her ability to see when she might need to make adjustments. I loved seeing how her and Arthur worked together and challenged each other.

Arthur was such a dynamic hero, and his “chess brain” was so clever at times and at other times made me feel for him! I really liked how he had so much ingenuity and loved figuring out puzzles. I also really liked how honest he was with his feelings to himself and to those he trusted most.

A fantastic concluding to the Lang siblings saga! I just wish we had more of this lovely series!

[Sydney Schmied · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is amazing! The third(fourth if you count Heirs of Falcon Point as the first book) is such a wonderful conclusion and did not disappoint! Anna and Arthur are amazing characters, and their stories were so touching and believable. I loved the adventure and mystery, and their stories plot keeps you guessing. I haven’t read the contemporary suspense series yet, but I’m really hoping they are just as amazing as this one!!
I received an early arc from the publisher to read and honestly review. All opinions are mine and mine alone.

[Red Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank You to the author for this free digital ARC read in exchange for my honest review of Bridge of Betrayal.
What happens if discovering the truth ends up costing them their lives? Make sure to read this page turning book to find out. This has mystery, romance, suspense and more that you don't want to miss. The author wrote this well and I enjoyed every character in this one, especially Anna. This kept me guessing until the end. Overall, I highly enjoyed this one and would recommend it to any reader who loves historical fiction.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book is incredible in every way. I was overwhelmed with all of the emotions - crying with the historical fiction (the Korea flashbacks and her memories) heart rapidly beating from the mystery / suspense (whoa - those twists!) and eagerly anticipating the sweet romance (love love love their HEA).

Anna and Arthur's story is one that I will not forget. Enjoyable from the first page to the last, the characters have great depth and the writing is very well done - I could picture everything vividly and felt like I was there in the scene.

This book can be read as a standalone, but will be better understood if reading the other books in the series.

CW: sweet kisses only, flashbacks from being held prisoner (done with great care and respect, but still emotional)

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic addition to the Falcon Point series! If you enjoy historical fiction, Bridge of Betrayal is one you don't want to miss! A gripping blend of history, secrets and a touch of romance!

I received an ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own.

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and author for a gifted copy.

I really enjoyed this story!

Full review to come soon.

[M Summ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book and series!! Almost historical fiction but love the history included that was based on real places and people.