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Dare Valley #8
The Bridge to a Better Life
From USA Today Bestselling Author Ava Miles of the #1 National Bestseller NORA ROBERTS LAND comes a humorous and emotional romance about the power of love and second chances. Sports hero and newly retired NFL quarterback Blake Cunningham wants a second chance at love...with his ex-wife. He's bought the house next door to her in Dare Valley and has built a bridge connecting their properties. It's his bridge to a better life, the one he lost when Natalie Hale left him after a family tragedy destroyed their marriage. Natalie has just started a new job as the head caterer at the small town's historic hotel. When she discovers Blake has become the boy next door-literally-she secretly has to admit he still fires up all her engines and tugs at her heart. But the ghosts from their past seem too monumental to conquer. Blake vows to help Natalie remember the power of their love and friendship. With the intense sparks of attraction flying between them, Natalie begins to put her heart out there again. How can she resist Blake when he makes her laugh and swoon by even acting out her secret Outlander fantasy? As they both give love a second chance, they are forced to face their most disturbing memories, not only the tragedy that ripped their lives apart, but also the secret parts they were afraid to share... Author's All books can easily be read as stand-alone stories. The Dare Valley NORA ROBERTS LAND FRENCH ROAST THE GRAND OPENING THE HOLIDAY SERENADE THE TOWN SQUARE THE PARK OF SUNSET DREAMS THE PERFECT INGREDIENT THE BRIDGE TO A BETTER LIFE DARING BRIDES (a collection of wedding stories) coming June 2015 DARE VALLEY MEETS PARIS BILLIONAIRE MINI-SERIES coming Summer 2015 THE CALENDAR OF NEW BEGINNINGS coming soon The Dare River series (connected to Dare Valley): COUNTRY HEAVEN COUNTRY HEAVEN SONG BOOK COUNTRY HEAVEN COOKBOOK THE CHOCOLATE GARDEN THE CHOCOLATE A MAGICAL TALE (a children's book companion) FIREFLIES AND MAGNOLIAS THE PROMISE OF RAINBOWS coming Fall 2015 The Once Upon A Dare series (connected to Dare Valley): THE GATE TO EVERYTHING coming soon
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2015
1384 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Ava Miles
102 books1,130 followersMillions of readers have discovered International Bestselling Author Ava Miles and her powerful fiction and non-fiction books about love, happiness, and transformation. Her novels have received praise and accolades from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and People Magazine in addition to being chosen as Best Books of the Year and Top Editor’s picks. Translated into multiple languages, Ava’s strongest praise comes directly from her readers, who call her books and characters unforgettable.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
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May 13, 2015
RATING 4.5 STARS
The Bridge to a Better Life is book eight in the Dare Valley series by Ava Miles. In this book prepare to fall in love. You are going to meet the most wonderful man you have ever known (read about.) His name is Blake Cunningham. He is a retired football quarterback, excessively handsome, sure to make you swoon. But more than that, you are going to fall in love with his heart.
Blake was a star quarterback for the Denver Raiders. His wife, Natalie was the love of his life. Their life was perfect until they suffered a loss in Natalie’s family. She was devastated and could not deal with the grief. As a result, Natalie left him and their marriage ended. Blake is determined to get her back so he makes the ultimate sacrifice and retires from football and moves to Dare Valley. He buys the house right next door to his ex-wife and builds a bridge between their properties.
“Babe, it’s only beginning. This bridge is my ticket to a better life. It’s my bridge back to you.”
When Natalie lost her sister-in-law, who was also her best friend, she shut down. She locked the grief away deep inside herself. As a result, she has pushed away the one person that loves her the most. When he showed up next door, she is determined at first to keep him at an emotional distance. On the bridge, he has engraved the infinity symbol, the same symbol that they had on their wedding bands, as a reminder to her of the infinite depth of his love for her. He also brought with him their adorable beagle they named Touchdown. The bridge now connecting their lives is a way for them to share Touchdown which also gives Blake a reason to connect with Natalie.
There is so much I want to say about this book. First of all, let’s talk about Blake. Swoon, Sigh! I am in love with this man. He is the most patient man there ever was. This man was capable of love at such a deep level. He loved Natalie and he was willing to do whatever it took to win her back. He wore his emotions on his sleeve. He has quite a lot to deal with, not only winning back the love of his life, he also just lost his intellectually disabled brother. And now he has to find a new career that will fulfill him as much as football did.
“Let her be mine again. All of her.”
Now there is Natalie. She was a challenge for me. I couldn’t understand how she could hurt Blake so badly. I know everyone deals with grief differently. But I wanted to reach into the book and shake her so she would see what she was doing. But as the book progresses, I did soften to her. It was obvious they were meant for each other. She needed Blake to help her to find her way back. And the endless well of his patience and love slowly help her to heal and let go of the darkness inside of her.
Then there are Blake’s football buddies. These men are hilarious but at the same time, as Blake’s best friends, they are his strength. Even though they are full of practical jokes and hilarity, they know just what to say and do to be there for their friend. I especially loved Sam. He was the most serious of the bunch, the one Blake leans on the most. I so hope we see him featured somewhere in the future. I think he deserves a story of his own.
Natalie and Blake, though torn apart by grief, deeply love each other. This is a beautiful story of how the endless source of Blake’s love and a bridge, help them to find their way back to the future they both dreamed of.
The Bridge to a Better Life is book eight in the Dare Valley series by Ava Miles. In this book prepare to fall in love. You are going to meet the most wonderful man you have ever known (read about.) His name is Blake Cunningham. He is a retired football quarterback, excessively handsome, sure to make you swoon. But more than that, you are going to fall in love with his heart.
Blake was a star quarterback for the Denver Raiders. His wife, Natalie was the love of his life. Their life was perfect until they suffered a loss in Natalie’s family. She was devastated and could not deal with the grief. As a result, Natalie left him and their marriage ended. Blake is determined to get her back so he makes the ultimate sacrifice and retires from football and moves to Dare Valley. He buys the house right next door to his ex-wife and builds a bridge between their properties.
“Babe, it’s only beginning. This bridge is my ticket to a better life. It’s my bridge back to you.”
When Natalie lost her sister-in-law, who was also her best friend, she shut down. She locked the grief away deep inside herself. As a result, she has pushed away the one person that loves her the most. When he showed up next door, she is determined at first to keep him at an emotional distance. On the bridge, he has engraved the infinity symbol, the same symbol that they had on their wedding bands, as a reminder to her of the infinite depth of his love for her. He also brought with him their adorable beagle they named Touchdown. The bridge now connecting their lives is a way for them to share Touchdown which also gives Blake a reason to connect with Natalie.
There is so much I want to say about this book. First of all, let’s talk about Blake. Swoon, Sigh! I am in love with this man. He is the most patient man there ever was. This man was capable of love at such a deep level. He loved Natalie and he was willing to do whatever it took to win her back. He wore his emotions on his sleeve. He has quite a lot to deal with, not only winning back the love of his life, he also just lost his intellectually disabled brother. And now he has to find a new career that will fulfill him as much as football did.
“Let her be mine again. All of her.”
Now there is Natalie. She was a challenge for me. I couldn’t understand how she could hurt Blake so badly. I know everyone deals with grief differently. But I wanted to reach into the book and shake her so she would see what she was doing. But as the book progresses, I did soften to her. It was obvious they were meant for each other. She needed Blake to help her to find her way back. And the endless well of his patience and love slowly help her to heal and let go of the darkness inside of her.
Then there are Blake’s football buddies. These men are hilarious but at the same time, as Blake’s best friends, they are his strength. Even though they are full of practical jokes and hilarity, they know just what to say and do to be there for their friend. I especially loved Sam. He was the most serious of the bunch, the one Blake leans on the most. I so hope we see him featured somewhere in the future. I think he deserves a story of his own.
Natalie and Blake, though torn apart by grief, deeply love each other. This is a beautiful story of how the endless source of Blake’s love and a bridge, help them to find their way back to the future they both dreamed of.
May 13, 2015
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
This is a rather extraordinary story of second chance romance.
Quick summary
When her sister-in-law and best friend died of cancer, Natalie Hale shut down emotionally because she couldn't handle the pain of her grief. She walked away from her husband (and marriage) when he tried to offer comfort and solace. Now Blake Cunningham, an NFL Super Bowl winning quarterback puts everything on the line to win his wife back.
What I liked about this story
I'm used to feel-good stories in this series with strong, admirable heroines that are paired with attractive, honorable men who aren't afraid to express themselves emotionally. Here we have a slight departure as, at times, there's very little to admire about Natalie's behavior. On the surface, her reasons for shutting out and divorcing Blake seem inexplicable. When we get a glimpse of what lies beneath, she emerges as much more complicated and sympathetic. It's difficult to identify with a character like Natalie whose struggles with self love appear irrational. But her issues are complex and she's only emulating what she's learned from two stoic parents.
Blake kept me in this relationship as he's the most sensitive and caring of men. His sacrifices were phenomenal, almost unrealistic but definitely in line with the strength of his love for Natalie. Where many would have given up, he persevered and hung in there. I loved this character and how fearless he was in displaying his vulnerabilities.
One more thing
On a lighter note, many of Blake's football pals provide much needed comic relief and embodied friendship and tolerance. I liked how this was directly tied to the benefits of team sports and it added heft to the story. Plus, there are a few I'm hoping to see in future books.
The bottom line
While this was a tougher story than the others in the series, it still has all those underlying themes that are characteristic of an Ava Miles book...importance of family and friends, strong work ethics and heartwarming moments. The characters are uniquely drawn and even when Natalie frustrated me to no end, she was still intriguing. And you won't want to miss the opportunity to meet the romantic Blake Cunningham.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)
This is a rather extraordinary story of second chance romance.
Quick summary
When her sister-in-law and best friend died of cancer, Natalie Hale shut down emotionally because she couldn't handle the pain of her grief. She walked away from her husband (and marriage) when he tried to offer comfort and solace. Now Blake Cunningham, an NFL Super Bowl winning quarterback puts everything on the line to win his wife back.
What I liked about this story
I'm used to feel-good stories in this series with strong, admirable heroines that are paired with attractive, honorable men who aren't afraid to express themselves emotionally. Here we have a slight departure as, at times, there's very little to admire about Natalie's behavior. On the surface, her reasons for shutting out and divorcing Blake seem inexplicable. When we get a glimpse of what lies beneath, she emerges as much more complicated and sympathetic. It's difficult to identify with a character like Natalie whose struggles with self love appear irrational. But her issues are complex and she's only emulating what she's learned from two stoic parents.
Blake kept me in this relationship as he's the most sensitive and caring of men. His sacrifices were phenomenal, almost unrealistic but definitely in line with the strength of his love for Natalie. Where many would have given up, he persevered and hung in there. I loved this character and how fearless he was in displaying his vulnerabilities.
One more thing
On a lighter note, many of Blake's football pals provide much needed comic relief and embodied friendship and tolerance. I liked how this was directly tied to the benefits of team sports and it added heft to the story. Plus, there are a few I'm hoping to see in future books.
The bottom line
While this was a tougher story than the others in the series, it still has all those underlying themes that are characteristic of an Ava Miles book...importance of family and friends, strong work ethics and heartwarming moments. The characters are uniquely drawn and even when Natalie frustrated me to no end, she was still intriguing. And you won't want to miss the opportunity to meet the romantic Blake Cunningham.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)
May 12, 2015
Ava Miles captivates her readers, once again with The Bridge to a Better Life. When a traumatic tragedy befalls the Hale family, the usually, stoic and in control Natalie suffers the loss of her best friend and cannot accept that she could not prevent it. We forget that PTSD is not only a warrior’s affliction, but it happens to everyday people, too. Ms. Miles reminds us of this as Natalie forces her husband from her life in anger, both at herself and the world. Blake never stopped loving her, never could accept that they were finished and takes huge steps toward trying to win Natalie back. She still, however has never addressed her grief and is not ready to risk losing anyone, again. Will his understanding and undying love and commitment to her be enough to help her out of the abyss she has buried herself in or is it too late to repair what they once had?
Not your usual Ava Miles'romance with heart and humor, Ms. Miles takes her readers down a much more brutal and dark path, focusing on the mental damage that has been done through the years as two people, who were meant for each other are torn apart. Is it a sign that Ava Miles has shifted her focus from the appetizers and desserts to the meat and heart of love at its most basic level? As she develops this tale, Blake is immediately the man everyone thinks they want, and quite frankly, Natalie is clearly not as likable, but she is definitely suffering from her self-imposed prison. With her gift for bringing the best to the forefront, Ms. Miles still finds time for a little light-hearted humor, but not enough to lose focus on the turmoil that is being played out. Once again, she has found a balance between life, love and that small town flavor she is so well-known and appreciated for! A good author is willing to try a few changes, a great author with confidence in their ability will take the atmospheric plunge headfirst, knowing they can bring another winner home filled with romance, revelations and a bright, uncharted future.
I received an ARC edition from Ava Miles in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Dare Valley - Book 8
Publication Date: May 11, 2015
Publisher: Ava Miles
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Not your usual Ava Miles'romance with heart and humor, Ms. Miles takes her readers down a much more brutal and dark path, focusing on the mental damage that has been done through the years as two people, who were meant for each other are torn apart. Is it a sign that Ava Miles has shifted her focus from the appetizers and desserts to the meat and heart of love at its most basic level? As she develops this tale, Blake is immediately the man everyone thinks they want, and quite frankly, Natalie is clearly not as likable, but she is definitely suffering from her self-imposed prison. With her gift for bringing the best to the forefront, Ms. Miles still finds time for a little light-hearted humor, but not enough to lose focus on the turmoil that is being played out. Once again, she has found a balance between life, love and that small town flavor she is so well-known and appreciated for! A good author is willing to try a few changes, a great author with confidence in their ability will take the atmospheric plunge headfirst, knowing they can bring another winner home filled with romance, revelations and a bright, uncharted future.
I received an ARC edition from Ava Miles in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Dare Valley - Book 8
Publication Date: May 11, 2015
Publisher: Ava Miles
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 9, 2015
I am a sucker for a good second chance romance, and this story was just perfection. NFL star Blake and caterer Natalie were happily married for years. When Natalie's best friend and sister-in-law passes away, Natalie isn't able to deal with the loss and pushes away the love of her life in an effort to avoid all of the emotions she wants to keep locked away. In the previous book, we learn that Blake has retired from the NFL so he can focus on winning Natalie back. However, this will not be an easy road since it means that both of them will need to face the demons of their past.
Blake was fantastic and so sweet, and I loved that he wasn't afraid to show his emotions. While Natalie is a tough character, I found that I was really able to resonate with her and understand her motivations. Both characters showed their vulnerabilities, which allowed me to relate with them. As always, the secondary characters were fantastic, and I was thrilled by the note at the end about the upcoming stories! I am SO happy that Blake's football friends will be coming back!
I have adored all of Ava's books, but this book in particular was very moving. It contained the signature romance and family elements that she is known for, but this book also dealt with the impacts of loss. Watching Natalie and Blake deal with the tragedies of their pasts was heartbreaking, and seeing them come out on the other side meant that much more. This book also incorporated the importance of loving yourself, which was particularly powerful and a perfect end to the story. This was such a fantastic read!
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.
Blake was fantastic and so sweet, and I loved that he wasn't afraid to show his emotions. While Natalie is a tough character, I found that I was really able to resonate with her and understand her motivations. Both characters showed their vulnerabilities, which allowed me to relate with them. As always, the secondary characters were fantastic, and I was thrilled by the note at the end about the upcoming stories! I am SO happy that Blake's football friends will be coming back!
I have adored all of Ava's books, but this book in particular was very moving. It contained the signature romance and family elements that she is known for, but this book also dealt with the impacts of loss. Watching Natalie and Blake deal with the tragedies of their pasts was heartbreaking, and seeing them come out on the other side meant that much more. This book also incorporated the importance of loving yourself, which was particularly powerful and a perfect end to the story. This was such a fantastic read!
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.
October 3, 2015
I struggled with this one. The heroine was so unlikable for the first half of the book. They were in a happy marriage and the only reason they had split up was because of her choosing to lock away her emotions due to grief at losing a close friend. She hurt herself and everyone around her, and persisted in this for two years. What the f? The hero kept saying he loved her, and all I could think was why? By the end it came together, but I don't think I could ever reread this book. Too painful and exhausting.
May 13, 2015
A roller coaster ride of emotion! Blake is every woman's example of a perfect man! Full review to follow on
http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com May 20th.....
http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com May 20th.....
December 31, 2022
Fun Read
Enjoyed this fun read because football players crack me up. It had its serious moments dealing with death and grief but the joy of love brought renewed happiness. Look forward to the next book in series.
Enjoyed this fun read because football players crack me up. It had its serious moments dealing with death and grief but the joy of love brought renewed happiness. Look forward to the next book in series.
May 21, 2015
After being introduced to Nora Roberts and JD Robb almost exactly a year ago, I have devoured more NR and JDR books than probably healthy. So when a friend mentioned starting Nora Roberts Land by Ava Miles, I jumped at reading it as well. That was the start of my love for the characters that Ava Miles has created in Dare Valley and Dare River.
The latest Dare Valley book, The Bridge to a Better Life, brings heartache and hope with Blake and Natalie. After losing her sister-in-law and best friend, Kim, to cancer, Natalie shut down. She withdrew from her family as well as her NFL quarterback husband, Blake. A painful divorce and move from Denver back to her home town of Dare Valley separated them for two years. Blake, still absolutely in love with Natalie, decided to leave the NFL and move to Dare Valley to win her back and help her heal. Blake, also grieving the loss of his brother, has his own healing to do as well.
Blake is a man not afraid to show emotion and it’s clear on every page how much he loves and misses Natalie as his wife. I really appreciated how hard he worked to show Natalie his support and love, everything from retiring from a career he loved to reading (and reenacting) her favorite novel. While they have a lot to work though, both individually and as a couple, they come through it together despite their years apart. As the title says, together they build a bridge to a better life.
Blake and Natalie’s dog, Touchdown and Blake’s group of football buddies help bring humor and lighter moments to a story dealing with grief and learning to lean on each other. I really enjoyed the ancillary characters and the football camp antics and I’m excited to read about some of them in upcoming books. Ava Miles has quickly joined the ranks of my must-buy author list.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.
The latest Dare Valley book, The Bridge to a Better Life, brings heartache and hope with Blake and Natalie. After losing her sister-in-law and best friend, Kim, to cancer, Natalie shut down. She withdrew from her family as well as her NFL quarterback husband, Blake. A painful divorce and move from Denver back to her home town of Dare Valley separated them for two years. Blake, still absolutely in love with Natalie, decided to leave the NFL and move to Dare Valley to win her back and help her heal. Blake, also grieving the loss of his brother, has his own healing to do as well.
Blake is a man not afraid to show emotion and it’s clear on every page how much he loves and misses Natalie as his wife. I really appreciated how hard he worked to show Natalie his support and love, everything from retiring from a career he loved to reading (and reenacting) her favorite novel. While they have a lot to work though, both individually and as a couple, they come through it together despite their years apart. As the title says, together they build a bridge to a better life.
Blake and Natalie’s dog, Touchdown and Blake’s group of football buddies help bring humor and lighter moments to a story dealing with grief and learning to lean on each other. I really enjoyed the ancillary characters and the football camp antics and I’m excited to read about some of them in upcoming books. Ava Miles has quickly joined the ranks of my must-buy author list.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.
May 21, 2015
I received a free arc ebook from the publisher for an honest review I was not compensated and the opinions are my own".
I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend. I wasn't sure about Natalie but she came through for me and I was able to really like her and get where she was coming from. This story actually had me in tears which I doesnt happen very often. I have read a few of this series and now am looking into getting the rest I have missed. Looking forward to the next one.
I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend. I wasn't sure about Natalie but she came through for me and I was able to really like her and get where she was coming from. This story actually had me in tears which I doesnt happen very often. I have read a few of this series and now am looking into getting the rest I have missed. Looking forward to the next one.
October 26, 2015
Not one of my favorites in this series. I just couldn't identify with Natalie. I felt like throttling her the whole time I was reading!
April 25, 2024
This was on of my favorite books in the Dare Valley series. Blake Cunningham and Natalie Hale … are they destined to be together, or is there too much pain to overcome? You’ll have to read to find out!
June 6, 2017
I swear sometimes I feel like that dog in the movie UP...I'm in the middle of reading and SQUIRREL! That's what happened with this book - I was in the middle of another book when I came across The Bridge to a Better Life, and two of my favorite romance tropes (second chance and small town) lured me away. And even though I felt the sample chapters didn't exactly pull me in, the high ratings swayed me to go ahead and hit the one-click purchase button, and then to abandon the book I had been reading to continue on with this one. However, I wasn't too many chapters in when I started to have one-click remorse.
The hero, Blake, is a totally swoon-worthy former pro-football quarterback. He's just decided to retire because he wants his wife back. When Natalie left him, he was devastated and thought that was the end of them. But several months ago Natalie was catering a dinner Blake attended, and she kissed him. With renewed hope that things maybe weren't as over as he feared, he takes the drastic measure of quitting his job and moving to the small town where Natalie grew up and lives now. He's determined to win her back, even going so far as to read his ex-wife's favorite book - The Outlander - to get ideas on how to do so.
"I hope some day you'll forgive me too."
"Blake, there's nothing to forgive."
A harsh sigh crested out from him, and his hand clenched on the door he was about to close. "There has to be something. Otherwise, you wouldn't have left like that."
I really loved Blake. His determination, his devotion, his dedication to getting Natalie back was so incredibly sweet. What I couldn't figure out exactly is WHY he would want her back...
Natalie was a piece of work. I could never understand exactly why she was so emotionally devastated by her friend's death - not even her brother (who was married TO, and had a CHILD with, the woman), was that distraught. I know, I know...everyone processes their grief differently. Maybe if we were given some backstory why Kim and Natalie were so close I could understand. But we weren't, and I couldn't. So that just made the continued dialogue about how she just couldn't move on after her friend's death seem like beating a dead mule. If she had some other childhood trauma that damaged her psyche, I could maybe understand. But it appeared she had a normal childhood with a great family... Which made it hard for me to root for Natalie and Blake as a couple.
And then there was a lot of time spent with Blake and his football friends. It could have added some charm and lightheartedness to an otherwise heavy story. Instead, I felt like there was too much about the football buddies - almost like the author is setting up future books. When the author stuck to the present-day relationship story and how they were working through things, the story was good. But all the forced humor with the friends didn't interest me, and made the story seem to drag.
I really wanted to like this book. I really like second-chance love stories, and I LOVE a small town romance series (I was hoping this was another Virgin River-type). But instead, this fell totally flat for me. Maybe it was because this was book eight, and I'm missing all the backstory. But a good book in a good series shouldn't depend on having read all the other books. I am mildly interested in reading the next book, though. Maybe someday I'll get to it...
The hero, Blake, is a totally swoon-worthy former pro-football quarterback. He's just decided to retire because he wants his wife back. When Natalie left him, he was devastated and thought that was the end of them. But several months ago Natalie was catering a dinner Blake attended, and she kissed him. With renewed hope that things maybe weren't as over as he feared, he takes the drastic measure of quitting his job and moving to the small town where Natalie grew up and lives now. He's determined to win her back, even going so far as to read his ex-wife's favorite book - The Outlander - to get ideas on how to do so.
"I hope some day you'll forgive me too."
"Blake, there's nothing to forgive."
A harsh sigh crested out from him, and his hand clenched on the door he was about to close. "There has to be something. Otherwise, you wouldn't have left like that."
I really loved Blake. His determination, his devotion, his dedication to getting Natalie back was so incredibly sweet. What I couldn't figure out exactly is WHY he would want her back...
Natalie was a piece of work. I could never understand exactly why she was so emotionally devastated by her friend's death - not even her brother (who was married TO, and had a CHILD with, the woman), was that distraught. I know, I know...everyone processes their grief differently. Maybe if we were given some backstory why Kim and Natalie were so close I could understand. But we weren't, and I couldn't. So that just made the continued dialogue about how she just couldn't move on after her friend's death seem like beating a dead mule. If she had some other childhood trauma that damaged her psyche, I could maybe understand. But it appeared she had a normal childhood with a great family... Which made it hard for me to root for Natalie and Blake as a couple.
And then there was a lot of time spent with Blake and his football friends. It could have added some charm and lightheartedness to an otherwise heavy story. Instead, I felt like there was too much about the football buddies - almost like the author is setting up future books. When the author stuck to the present-day relationship story and how they were working through things, the story was good. But all the forced humor with the friends didn't interest me, and made the story seem to drag.
I really wanted to like this book. I really like second-chance love stories, and I LOVE a small town romance series (I was hoping this was another Virgin River-type). But instead, this fell totally flat for me. Maybe it was because this was book eight, and I'm missing all the backstory. But a good book in a good series shouldn't depend on having read all the other books. I am mildly interested in reading the next book, though. Maybe someday I'll get to it...
April 6, 2016
AVA MILES IS AN INTERESTING AUTHOR. Writing primarily in the romance genre, Miles pushes boundaries and challenges her readers by dealing with seemingly difficult and often shockingly overlooked issues. She writes in a very fluid, very accessible way and her characters are often engaging and funny. And yet, while all Miles’ books are undeniably love stories, they are also multi-layered and multi-faceted stories, with fairly complex plots, swimming in wounded characters trying to dodge life’s curve balls. In this sense, The Bridge to a Better Life, the eighth novel in the 'Dare Valley' series, is no different to the earlier novels, yet it is probably the most difficult and uncomfortable of all of Miles’ books to date. The reason for this is that, rather bravely, in Natalie Hale, Miles has created a female protagonist who, at first, at least, is neither particularly likeable nor empathetic. Although there are very valid reasons for this, Natalie appears to be a very cold, uncaring woman, in complete contrast to her male counterpart. When Natalie 'comes in from the cold', so to speak, it is through the unwavering love and belief of an extremely good man and with the support of their families, friends and a rather endearing dog.
As in Miles’ other novels, symbolism and metaphor are important. In this case, the ‘bridge’, which former NFL quarterback Blake Cunningham builds across a stream between his new property and that of his ex-wife Natalie, forms the connection between their past, present and future lives, the bridge to a 'better life' in Blake's words. He uses it to lure Natalie back to life, chipping away until the wall that she so carefully constructed around herself, after the death of her sister-in-law and best friend, Kim, disintegrates. The bridge is, thus, also the path to love, both to Blake and Natalie's rediscovered love, but also, perhaps more importantly, to Natalie's love of herself.
It is a good writer who can deal with the issues of death, grief, isolation and fear head on and not be heavy handed. Miles achieves this while certainly not pulling her punches...
See the rest of the review at: http://www.theliteraryshed.co.uk/read...
July 10, 2015
The Bridge to a Better Life is book eight in the Dare Valley series by Ava Miles. This is Natalie and Blake’s story.
Natalie was completely destroyed with her friend and sister-in-law Kim died of cancer. She would not let her husband Blake near her. She didn’t cry and moved in a daze. The only thing she did and did relatively well was clean. It seemed to be the only thing which kept her sane. After all, she couldn’t be happy now that Kim was gone. That wouldn’t be fair. Her depression and loss of Kim resulted in her divorcing Blake and moving into a small apartment in a not so nice neighborhood. Blake, a NFL football player, did not want to give up on Natalie and he fought the divorce as long as he could. Natalie still saw Blake at the dinners she catered for the Denver Raiders. She then was offered a job in Dare Valley doing the catering for the Grand Mountain Resort. The move would get her away from Denver and Blake. She hoped it was far enough.
Blake Cunningham was determined not to give up on Natalie. He tendered his resignation from the Denver Raiders putting an end to his football career. He had another reason for quitting, his brother Adam died. Adam was intellectually challenged and they knew he was not going to last much longer; but his death was still a shock. He holed up in a cabin near Vail until the purchase of a house behind the house in Dare Valley that Natalie lived in went through. The owners moved out virtually overnight and he moved in. Then he built a bridge over the creek to Natalie’s property. He presented it as a way for them to share their dog. He also told Natalie he hadn’t given up.
What was he going to do now that he didn’t have football? He had a few ideas that would help him get started in a new life. His friends from an early camp he had attended were all there for him. They would do whatever they could to help him. Are their efforts and Blake’s going to be enough to convince Natalie to come back to Blake or will it drive her further away?
I really liked this book.
Natalie was completely destroyed with her friend and sister-in-law Kim died of cancer. She would not let her husband Blake near her. She didn’t cry and moved in a daze. The only thing she did and did relatively well was clean. It seemed to be the only thing which kept her sane. After all, she couldn’t be happy now that Kim was gone. That wouldn’t be fair. Her depression and loss of Kim resulted in her divorcing Blake and moving into a small apartment in a not so nice neighborhood. Blake, a NFL football player, did not want to give up on Natalie and he fought the divorce as long as he could. Natalie still saw Blake at the dinners she catered for the Denver Raiders. She then was offered a job in Dare Valley doing the catering for the Grand Mountain Resort. The move would get her away from Denver and Blake. She hoped it was far enough.
Blake Cunningham was determined not to give up on Natalie. He tendered his resignation from the Denver Raiders putting an end to his football career. He had another reason for quitting, his brother Adam died. Adam was intellectually challenged and they knew he was not going to last much longer; but his death was still a shock. He holed up in a cabin near Vail until the purchase of a house behind the house in Dare Valley that Natalie lived in went through. The owners moved out virtually overnight and he moved in. Then he built a bridge over the creek to Natalie’s property. He presented it as a way for them to share their dog. He also told Natalie he hadn’t given up.
What was he going to do now that he didn’t have football? He had a few ideas that would help him get started in a new life. His friends from an early camp he had attended were all there for him. They would do whatever they could to help him. Are their efforts and Blake’s going to be enough to convince Natalie to come back to Blake or will it drive her further away?
I really liked this book.
May 10, 2015
I honestly believe that The Bridge to a Better Life is one of the most powerful pieces of fiction you'll ever read.
It took me... oh, about 10 seconds to be smitten by Blake (and his football 'brothers'). I adored the way he wore his heart on his sleeve and the wholehearted love he showed Natalie. If all husbands took a lesson from him, I'm positive that the divorce rate would take a nosedive.
Natalie was more stubborn than a mule and I wasn't sure I was ever going to warm up to her. She handled her emotions by locking them away and pretending they didn't exist, mistakenly believing that it showed her inner strength. In reality, all it did was isolate her from everyone she cared about.
Her rekindled romance with Blake is probably Ms. Miles' most touching to date, tender and incredibly heart-felt. There's an underlying theme of dealing with grief and loss but it's Natalie's personal growth that really packs an emotional punch. Eventually, she realizes that she needs to show herself the same love and compassion she gives to others. I don't think there's a woman on this planet who doesn't need the reminder when we're guilty of treating ourselves far too harshly at times.
Unforgettable.
It took me... oh, about 10 seconds to be smitten by Blake (and his football 'brothers'). I adored the way he wore his heart on his sleeve and the wholehearted love he showed Natalie. If all husbands took a lesson from him, I'm positive that the divorce rate would take a nosedive.
Natalie was more stubborn than a mule and I wasn't sure I was ever going to warm up to her. She handled her emotions by locking them away and pretending they didn't exist, mistakenly believing that it showed her inner strength. In reality, all it did was isolate her from everyone she cared about.
Her rekindled romance with Blake is probably Ms. Miles' most touching to date, tender and incredibly heart-felt. There's an underlying theme of dealing with grief and loss but it's Natalie's personal growth that really packs an emotional punch. Eventually, she realizes that she needs to show herself the same love and compassion she gives to others. I don't think there's a woman on this planet who doesn't need the reminder when we're guilty of treating ourselves far too harshly at times.
Unforgettable.
May 10, 2015
As an avid follower of the Dare Valley series I was delighted to receive a preview copy of this book to read and review - I had been waiting for the story of Blake and Natalie to unfold against the landscape of familiar and new characters. This book is different to those going before it, deeper in characterisations and simpler in story line but a totally engaging read. I found myself immersed in love, loss, laughter and madness written in a way that made me cry and laugh out loud. Whilst this is a very connected book to the Dare Valley series it easily stands up in its own right. Ava Miles has delivered a great read in this book but has also shown that her writing has grown and developed and she not only writes a touching life/ love story but can draw characters that genuinely chime with the readers heart. A must read!
May 8, 2015
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
I absolutely loved this book lovely to be able to follow on with the series with a mingle of previous characters from books in the other series popping in.
Ava Miles hasn't let us down with the latest book had me laughing out loud and also sneakly wiping my eyes with the storyline. I managed to read this book within a couple of days as it kept me wanting to find out what was happening next. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
I absolutely loved this book lovely to be able to follow on with the series with a mingle of previous characters from books in the other series popping in.
Ava Miles hasn't let us down with the latest book had me laughing out loud and also sneakly wiping my eyes with the storyline. I managed to read this book within a couple of days as it kept me wanting to find out what was happening next. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
June 16, 2017
Hated the Heroine
I have never hated a main character more than I did Natalie. All I could think about how selfish and self absorbed she was. I kept reading the book, hoping her long suffering ex husband would leave her and find a woman who deserved him. Up until now, I've loved the Dare Valley series. I would recommend all the other Dare Valley books but this one!
I have never hated a main character more than I did Natalie. All I could think about how selfish and self absorbed she was. I kept reading the book, hoping her long suffering ex husband would leave her and find a woman who deserved him. Up until now, I've loved the Dare Valley series. I would recommend all the other Dare Valley books but this one!
June 23, 2016
Started reading this but gave up almost halfway through due to boredom and lack of interest in the main character and whatever issues she had in behaving the way she did.
July 31, 2016
Library request. Www what dribble, she left you good riddance.
June 16, 2025
Natalie Hale, Denver caterer accepts the position of head of catering at Mac Maven's Grand Mountain Hotel in Dare Valley to work with celebrity chef Terrence Waters. But she's leaving behind her ex-husband, Blake Cunningham, professional (and beloved) Denver Raiders(!) quarterback. (Just going to say - of all of the team names the author could have chosen, I felt that Raiders was the worst! Everyone knows if you love the Denver Broncos, you're a Raiders Hater, so it was jarring to keep reading the words Denver Raiders.) Since Natalie is leaving Denver, Blake decides to retire from football, and, in a surprise move, move to Dare Valley, purchasing the property next to Natalie, supposedly to make it easier to share custody of their dog. Unfortunately, Natalie's heart is frozen in ice due to the death of her brother Andy's wife, Kim, who was also her best friend. As Blake tries - valiantly - to chip the ice away and help Natalie grieve Kim and to come back to life and love again.
I liked this novel - but Natalie's extreme reaction to her friend's death was a bit unbelievable. I've lost good friends and I would never react as she did.
I liked this novel - but Natalie's extreme reaction to her friend's death was a bit unbelievable. I've lost good friends and I would never react as she did.
June 25, 2021
Very well written
While the story of Natalie and Blake is well written, I was very frustrated with Natalie's character. Natalie kept her emotions walled off and numb to avoid pain. Blake always felt Natalie was holding part of herself back. After her best friend died, Natalie went to extremes to avoid emotional pain even to the extent of divorcing her husband. Blake was amazingly patient, living and steadfast in his efforts to win back Natalie. She was ready to push him away again so he could pursue a career outside of Dare Valley and would have continued to guard her heart through her mother's cancer scare. Of course, it all worked out in the end but I found Natalie's character to be over the top in her attitude and very frustrating.
While the story of Natalie and Blake is well written, I was very frustrated with Natalie's character. Natalie kept her emotions walled off and numb to avoid pain. Blake always felt Natalie was holding part of herself back. After her best friend died, Natalie went to extremes to avoid emotional pain even to the extent of divorcing her husband. Blake was amazingly patient, living and steadfast in his efforts to win back Natalie. She was ready to push him away again so he could pursue a career outside of Dare Valley and would have continued to guard her heart through her mother's cancer scare. Of course, it all worked out in the end but I found Natalie's character to be over the top in her attitude and very frustrating.
December 8, 2018
Am I Worthy?
Isn’t that the question back in the recesses of all our minds - that constant little self doubt? Even though I am of Social Security age, the question of self love raised in this book hit me between the eyes. How can we truly love and honor another if we don’t hold ourselves in that level of regard? Learning never ends in life, I guess, even when you least expect it. I truly loved this chapter of the Hale family stories. Be as kind and loving of yourself as we try to be to others. Our society will be the better for it and so will we. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I have!
Isn’t that the question back in the recesses of all our minds - that constant little self doubt? Even though I am of Social Security age, the question of self love raised in this book hit me between the eyes. How can we truly love and honor another if we don’t hold ourselves in that level of regard? Learning never ends in life, I guess, even when you least expect it. I truly loved this chapter of the Hale family stories. Be as kind and loving of yourself as we try to be to others. Our society will be the better for it and so will we. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I have!
February 10, 2019
This is a new Author for me once I started reading this book I was not putting it down so a very late night. This is Sports hero and newly retired NFL quarterback Blake Cunningham and his ex-wife Natalie's story. Natalie could not stand watching her sister-in-law dye from cancer and she shuts down thus ending in her divorce but Blake has never given up hope that he could get her back. Reading this story kept my emotions all over. I felt sorry for Blake not being able to help Natalie and the way she treated him. She will have to go through a lot of things and find a way to let go of a lot of things that make her do what she does. I recommend this book.
February 16, 2019
That's A Yes From Me
I was browsing through my Kindle and landed on this gem and couldn't move on until I'd finished. This is a book full of emotional highs and lows. So low you cry with the characters. I was there in Dare Valley with Natalie and Blake and all their family and friends for a while and I know I'll return. This was a well written story with well fleshed out characters.
I was browsing through my Kindle and landed on this gem and couldn't move on until I'd finished. This is a book full of emotional highs and lows. So low you cry with the characters. I was there in Dare Valley with Natalie and Blake and all their family and friends for a while and I know I'll return. This was a well written story with well fleshed out characters.
February 18, 2019
This was one of sweetest, heartbreaking, and most lovable stories. This is a story of forgiveness, heartbreak, and redemption. A love lost but of determination to gain it back and not give up on the love of your life. So glad Natalie eventually got there but throughout I kept getting anxious and wishing now would be the time she would realize what she had. Ava Miles and her Dare Valley series are one of my favorite and I can't get enough. I've bought every book.
October 8, 2017
Great story!
Another great book in the Dare Valley Series by Ava Miles! I can't seem to get enough of these books. They are all great stories, but sometimes hit a bit close to home. Blake is a star NFL quarterback who walks away from his career in order to win back his ex-wife, Natalie. So he follows her to Dare Valley. A great book!
Another great book in the Dare Valley Series by Ava Miles! I can't seem to get enough of these books. They are all great stories, but sometimes hit a bit close to home. Blake is a star NFL quarterback who walks away from his career in order to win back his ex-wife, Natalie. So he follows her to Dare Valley. A great book!
March 8, 2019
Great story.
This story from Ava Miles is a departure from her usual books. The two main characters are starcrossed to say the least. But in order to get to the root of their problems, they had to go through it all. It worked for them and as a reader, you will be rooting for them all the way.
This story from Ava Miles is a departure from her usual books. The two main characters are starcrossed to say the least. But in order to get to the root of their problems, they had to go through it all. It worked for them and as a reader, you will be rooting for them all the way.
May 18, 2019
Fabulous
Your books get better and better I'm reading one after another now. Blake and Natalie are a beautiful couple who just belong together. I think most of us have been through her mourning of loved ones I'm just so glad he didn't give up on his love for her and in turn her love for him . Hugs Ava xx
Your books get better and better I'm reading one after another now. Blake and Natalie are a beautiful couple who just belong together. I think most of us have been through her mourning of loved ones I'm just so glad he didn't give up on his love for her and in turn her love for him . Hugs Ava xx
March 5, 2022
As usual with Ava Miles stories, very easy read. Which is great for when your reading multiple books as you can just get straight back into the storyline!
I was definitely rooting for Blake in this one. I think having gone through a parent having BC and survived the ordeal, I can empathise with the characters. I'm looking forwards to the next installment, Andy Hale really needs someone..
I was definitely rooting for Blake in this one. I think having gone through a parent having BC and survived the ordeal, I can empathise with the characters. I'm looking forwards to the next installment, Andy Hale really needs someone..
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