The Bridge

by Jill Cox

Meredith Sullivan has three goals:

Win the Beckett Scholarship to study abroad.

Move to Paris for a year.

Leave boy-next-door Drew Sutton (and her ridiculous heart) behind.

There’s only one problem: Pete Russell. Yes, he speaks French like a native, but he’s boorish and snarky with a penchant for unflattering nicknames. So when Pete shows up on her flight to Paris, Meredith starts to wonder if that scholarship covers a year in Antarctica instead.

But as the autumn leaves begin to fall in the City of Light, Meredith learns a thousand things about Pete she never knew. And to her surprise, she’s suddenly torn between the future she’d always imagined with Drew and a new path with the kindred spirit she never saw coming. Because sometimes, what you don’t know about a person has already changed your life.

THE BRIDGE is a sweet contemporary romance, perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins' ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS, Jane Austen’s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, or L. M. Montgomery's ANNE OF GREEN GABLES.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Travel, Teen

285 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 2016

About the author

Jill Cox writes timeless stories for old souls. When she’s not dreaming up new worlds, Jill is either planning in her bullet journal, scouring maps in search of the perfect road trip, or learning random life skills on YouTube. You can find Jill on social media @jillcoxbooks or at Tower19Press.com.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh sweet motherly goodness of all that there is, for a beautiful sweet YA fiction with a strong and smart female lead who isn't bogged down with every teenage angst known to man. This book was beautiful and funny, witty and romantic, real and raw all at the same time. I found myself in complete understanding of our girl and yet rooting for seemingly the "wrong guy". I never do that! Jill is an author ninja.
We all have that one relationship. The one where that other person sees right past you. The person that you've always been friends with but can never seem to get them to "see you" - to actually look at you as anything more than just that side kick or pal. But what happens when you actually gain their attention? And then what happens when the relationship you thought you were supposed to have with that person, doesn't quite add up to what you thought it was going to be? What if a dance changes it all? What if a dance with someone you never figured you'd even want to talk to...changes your life?
Set amidst the beautiful scenery in France, we travel with Meredith and her friends all around the museums and beautiful picturesque parks and bridges along the way. Her life living in Paris, the seasons that change, and train rides that take us to some amazing places is another reason why I fell in love with this book!
https://mystmusician.wordpress.com/20...

[starryeyedjen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was absolutely adorable. Clever and funny and full of missed opportunities and misconceptions, The Bridge was not what comes to mind when I think of new adult. I was enamored with the characters and the setting, which became a character unto itself, such were the beautiful descriptions of events and places. Honestly, I was just kind of dazzled by the story in general; I've never been to Paris but I almost feel like I have after reading this novel. I still have heart-eyes just thinking about it. I'm so happy to see that there's supposed to be a sequel out this year!

[Amy Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty, modern, relatable love story with many twists and turns. I loved every minute. Hurry up and write a sequel please!

[Kendra Ayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of The Bridge through a giveaway and by giveaway, I mean blown away! This book was everything I wanted in a contemporary romance. I knew this was Jill's first novel and I wanted to keep an open mind, assuming that it would have an amateur feel to it. (I only say this because I have read about 20 debut authors and it happens and is totally understandable.) But this never happened with The Bridge. I dove into this book and fell in love with the story and its characters from the first chapter. Meredith was me in so many ways and I loved her raw heart. She loved a boy who didn't love her back (at least that's what she thought) and loathed a boy who had always loved her. It was a story that kept me hoping, changing my mind, and looking forward to the final choice. I appreciated Jill's ability to tell a story without language and sexual content that can often ruin the book completely. Imagination of the reader is the icing to a writer's book. Thank you, Jill, for allowing me to use mine! As for the ending, I was sad it ended yet pleased to find out there is a sequel! YAY!

[Alissa J. Zavalianos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bridge was a super sweet story! Typically, I don't enjoy love triangles, but this one didn't bother me so much. I love the character of Pete Russell and enjoyed understanding how his life connected with Meredith Sullivan's. The way their love story unfolds was awesome, and the ending? *sigh* It was quirky and adorable.

The setting of Paris was so fun! At times I got a little lost in all the location names and French words, but I thought they added a lot to the setting to make it more believable. It was a little difficult to understand all the banter and dialogue, but perhaps that's more on my end.

Overall, I enjoyed getting whisked away to Europe! A beautiful story, Jill!

Content:
Lots of mentions of drinking and getting drunk (whether in college or whatnot), and a few instances of using the middle finger.

[Tejomai (bible_and_books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5💫
Officially declaring this bas my favorite YA romance! Reading this book wasn't just a journey it also has my future dream, there is so much I loved in this book, I'm quite out of my thoughts about how to describe this book for you all and writing a review

This story gave me all the feelings, the sentiments & excitement I want when I read a nice sweet book, this story not only has feelings but also a value & realization I could use in my own life not that I would be Meredith and miss my first opportunity with PETER...because it"s peter!!! He is everything I would ever want in a man and book boyfriend, (😬I hope I won't mess up my chance with peter if by chance God reads my reviews and decides to send me one )
lol, I know I'm crazy but hey crazy is good, normal is boring and books are the best, book boyfriends are beyond & above BEST So, yeah! about the story and why I love it. here we have Meredith
I know how you feel about a raved book, I don't want I started this book on my bday, and like her, my dream is also to achieve a scholarship and seat at one of my dream universities and move up from India
- Reading how she achieved them was like Reading my Dream...you can't imagine how terrified & happy I was at the same time

Watching her grow, getting to know pete, dawning realizations on the end was simply a beautiful love story 💕✨💫

I don't read YA much because I sometimes can't connect but I'm already looking forward to rereading this one!


Definitely Recommended!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow. This book is definitely one of my favorites. It does start with those 'Oh I'm in Paris and there's this cute and oh so amazing guy and we're hitting all the romantic stops' kinda feel but then the author turns it on a dime and this book takes on a deeper path that solidifies everything. Bravo Jill...bravo.

I'm definitely recommending this to others and would re-read it on those gloomy days when I'm wishing I'm in Paris falling in love.

[Mary Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read multiple drafts of this book and every one has been better than the one before. I love the characters in the book and it has made me wish I could have studied abroad when I was in college. What a fun time this group had in Paris! The love story is very sweet, wholesome and emotional. It definitely will appeal to all ages.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bridge by Jill Cox is a masterpiece of a book. It's full of deep characters that felt real. Each one is well developed and has their own personality. Meredith was a fun main character to follow. She was relatable, and real. Don't get me started on Pete😍 They had really deep friendships which I loved.
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The story was full of humor and had moments that actually made me laugh.
It also had the sweetest, most frustrating romance. 🤣I was internally yelling at Meredith through most of it.
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It reminded me of Pride and Prejudice and Anne Of Green Gables but IN PARIS
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Jill's writing style was also beautiful. It is engaging and flows wonderfully.
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I cannot wait to get my hands on the next books!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend!! This is a great, witty, intelligent romance perfect for any age reader. I've already re-read it multiple times for pure enjoyment, and can't wait for Jill Cox's next novel!!

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed a very leisurely re-read, May 2018. Original review below.
-----------------------
Could. Not. Stop. Reading.

I nearly wept a few times, which is a rare reading experience for me.

If you like Anne/Gilbert vibes but can handle a bit more emotional intensity, this is it. Though the emotional intensity comes in waves; it's not like that all the way through.

I couldn't believe how invested I got in this story, as I don't normally care for contemporary romance and expected this to be nothing more than cute. Instead, it's a story that wrapped its hands around my heart and tugged really hard. Haven't had book hangover like this in a long time.

There were so many surprises along the way, but I think I knew it was something special the moment Pete and Meredith bonded over "Begin the Beguine." (An A+ song in my book, too.) When they started dancing to that, and "Sing, Sing, Sing" followed on its heels...I mean, what could be better?

[Julie Cantwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed so many things about this book. I laughed out loud countless times. I squirmed uncomfortably with Meredith and I cried full tears rolling down my face. And that was all by page 76. It only got better from there. The characters captured my heart. The witty banter between Meredith and the other characters was a blast. After studying French for five years and finally visiting 20 years later, this book was a wistfully wonderful trip down memory lane. The descriptions/references to all things Paris, Normandy, Nice, Giverny and Versailles were spot on. In fact I felt like Jill Cox was describing my observations and feelings as I had experienced France. This book was a delight, I was sad to have finished it. I heard rumors of a sequel and will be impatiently waiting its arrival.

[Tomas Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

With "The Bridge", Jill Cox has evoked the Paris of which romantics dream, and the Paris, which inhabits the memories, and past lives, of those who have lived there. The Bridge is written in wistful and elegant prose, and carries the reader lovingly to a smart, quirky, passionate close. The reader's only regret will be that they don't already have three sequels to immediately read.

[China · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming Parisian romance with a strong, funny protagonist. Perfect for fans of Anna and the French Kiss.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was so cute!!!! I kinda really want to visit Paris now!😍

*sighs* ‘Twas lovely! I loved so much about this story! One of my favorite parts was the humor - I actually chuckled and laughed out loud several times (which I never do - all my laughter with books is usually silent)!!😂

If you like stories with good friendships, witty banter, enemies to more, friends to more, love triangles, hardships, and all the sweet love, this book is for you! Also if you love Paris or French, you’ll totally swoon over this one.

Content:
Recommend this for older teens and up. There was a lot of kissing (though not described in gross detail), alcoholic beverages and people getting drunk (by people of drinking age usually), and the p-word for people getting ticked off is used several times. (These things were the only reason I took off a star, otherwise it’d be a bajillion stars!)

[Kysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read 2024:
3 years after my first read of this book and all my initial thoughts on it hold true and it’s still one of my top favourites. I love this story and these characters. (Though one particular character makes me furious 😂)
Something about this story makes me want to live and to live well. ❤️


Read 2021:
Somehow I thought I reviewed this book already back when I first read it, but apparently I missed actually writing something.

Well I adored this book. I was immediately pulled into the characters’ lives and experiences. I loved the friendships that developed and the beautiful romance.
This was a magical story. The joys were mixed with heartbreak in a way very true to life, but instead of leaving me feeling like I missed out on my escape from life, I felt like it made me better able to face life.

This is definitely one of my favourite reads and I highly recommend this story.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Because when I stereotype I cover all my bases." LOL I really enjoyed reading this book. I think one of the reasons I liked it so much was that Meredith was so relatable. She's the girl next door with the same problems and thoughts in her head all us girls have. This book was a love story, an adventure in France and a lesson on not judging people too quickly all wrapped into one! Maybe one day I'll get to go to France and see everything that Meredith talked about and relive this story over again! You're gonna love Pete!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel to follow up this novel! Personally, I'd like too see the "after college" story of what happens with Meredith and her friends, their careers and where they all end up! This was a really great debut story by Jill Cox and I'm so excited to see what she has up her sleeve next!!!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, quirky, whimsical, and unforgettable

This story is awesome! There's nothing else to say. Meredith's story and her love triangle was a clean, engaging, and unforgettable.

Jill Cox's writing style is one that invites you in like a smooth cup of hot chocolate and layers on the marshmallows for fun. I thoroughly enjoyed every second, every page turn, and every character.

Pete - my favorite male lead ever - is an endearing character, whom everyone will love to fall in love with.

Great job, Jill!

[Tarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am utterly OBSESSED with these characters! Such an amazing book with an amazing story! If I ever make it to Paris, I will MOST DEFINITELY bring my copy with me so I can relive Meredith's adventure. ❤️❤️❤️

[Silver Petticoat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this entire review here: THE BRIDGE BOOK REVIEW – A CLEAN YA LOVE TRIANGLE WITH A LITTLE PARISIAN MAGIC

Review by Brittaney B.

Overall Rating = 5; Romance Rating = 5

When I read the premise of The Bridge and saw that it was set in Paris, I knew I had to read it. The author’s love for the city and all things French really shines through. It is one of the highlights of this tale. Fellow Francophiles like myself will love transporting to the streets and events of Paris. Author Jill Cox is obviously knowledgeable of both and weaves them into the story in such a natural way.

One would also never guess that The Bridge is the author’s debut novel. Although this Young Adult book features some of the typical tropes and themes, including a love triangle, these things resolve in an atypical way. I appreciate the utter lack of teen angst as the heroine Meredith is not only smart and motivated but extremely well-adjusted. She has a stable home life with loving parents and shares a special closeness with her older brother. Truly the only angst that appears is provided by her friend Drew Sutton when he doesn’t get his way.

Pete Russell is totally swoon-worthy and an unexpected hero for both Meredith and the reader. His true character is revealed slowly as he shares his tragic past with Sully/Meredith. His vulnerability and patience with her misunderstanding about him is fairly unique for a young male. Yet, Pete is also witty, quick with quips and ideas, an interesting blend of bravado and quiet endurance. This blend ensures that you just want to scoop him up for a long hug.

One of the themes which Cox highlights in The Bridge is how first impressions and judgments can be wrong. It’s an unfortunate fact of life, but as my mother told me, “you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.” Meredith begins the story believing Pete to be an insensitive antagonist. Unfortunately, she bases her entire belief of his character on their first meeting. But as both she and the reader discover, she has totally misjudged who Pete is. She is forced to revise her opinions of him when he shares their first encounter from his own perspective. In some ways, Meredith’s experiences with Pete echo those of Elizabeth Bennett with Mr. Darcy.

While this novel is full of wit, charm and the magic of Paris, it also explores more sensitive topics. Pete’s past is a traumatic one and his present also holds a bit of tragedy. This never weighs down the story but gives the author the opportunity to show the generous, mature and compassionate natures of both Pete and Meredith. I also really love how the author reveals the importance of the book’s title both figuratively and literally towards the end.

TO SUM UP

I was absolutely charmed by The Bridge for many reasons, not to mention impressed that this was the author’s debut. While it explores common tropes and themes, it never veers into cliché or predictable territory. I am eagerly anticipating the next chapter of Meredith, Pete and Drew’s story.

Content Note: The Bridge is a clean YA/NA romance with no objectionable material.

Read this entire review and others (especially if you love old-fashioned chivalrous romance) at: THE SILVER PETTICOAT REVIEW

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

🇫🇷The Bridge🇫🇷
•
“Until this year, I’d never known you could miss someone you saw all day, every day. But I did ... Not just because his attention felt like sunlight shining through the window on the coldest day of the year. It was worse than that. I missed the person who saw things about me that most people missed. The person most likely to challenge me to try harder, even without saying a word.”
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Holy heck this book! 🥲 It’s described on the back as P&P meets Anne of Green Gables and the longer I read it, the more I saw this to be true!
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Meredith, Pete, Drew, Ian, and everyone else were just so fun! Their interactions, conversations both hard and fun, the locations they visit ... gosh.
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It’s so hard to convey how much this story impacted me as both a reader and a writer. This wasn’t a fantasy or a magical story per say, but it left me with such an airiness, a whimsical and magical feel. I have so rarely read a contemporary romance that did what Jill’s story did. I didn’t want it to end.
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This is a love triangle troupe, and that did bother me. But both boys are so unique and special in there own way, and I truly loved how the resolution came about. The elements of both P&P and Anne were fun to pick out, and being meshed together as they were, it added another layer of amazingness to this novel (I know, amazingness isn’t a word, but that’s how good this story is.)
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I could probably fangirl over this book for another three posts, but since the sequels are coming in the mail today, I’ll refrain. 😉 Thank you so much to @sfrhoads.author for giving me this book in her launch party for Realms of Light! You have given me a new favorite author!
•
Amazing read!
500/5 stars!
Ages 16 & up!

[Rachel Luke Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I could not put it down and finished it in a day. I loved that the story kept you engaged, the characters had depth, and the emotions you felt were real.

I'm typically not a fan of the Love Triangle trope, however this one was done well. I love that we got to watch what Meredith would do when deciding between her Best Friend and her Enemy.

Her enemy Pete is seriously just the best guy ever. I love that he is a character that you just want to get to know better as Meredith does the same. I loved watching him banter with Meredith and see what nicknames he would call her. I loved his hidden talents, quirks, memories, and everything you come to know him as.

Her best friend Drew I loved, hated, and everything in between. I never grew up with a true best friend and so seeing Meredith and Drew together just made me wish I had that.

If you are looking for a new age contemporary romance set in whimsical Paris, with a highly engaging story, characters with feeling and depth give this one a go. I'm so happy I did and can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Physical Intimacy: Lvl 1 (sweet kisses)
Zero Swearing
One POV
Enemies to Lovers
Love Triangle

[Stephanie Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot put into words how much I enjoyed this book! It was so refreshing to read a book with a sweet romance not mired down in teenage angst. I found the story believable, genuine and compelling. At the same time, the descriptions of Paris will suck you in and test the limits of your self control not to buy a ticket to Europe from travelocity immediately. Having spent time in Paris myself, the descriptions were so authentic that I could see, hear and even smell the city of lights again as I read. The chapters flew by and kept me on the edge of my seat for what would happen next to Meredith and her friends, especially Pete and Drew. The heartbreak brought me to tears and the perfect amount of snark made me laugh out loud more than once. I usually find authors trying to insert sassy and relevant one-liners to be obnoxious and forced, but The Bridge had the perfect amount and used it in all the right places. So many of the books I read are dark and heavy, but this book was like a breath of fresh air. I will definitely be looking for more books to read from Jill Cox. Although I loved The Bridge so much that I hope she will write a sequel- I need more Meredith in my life!

[Victoria Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a reader of the romance genre but I do enjoy YA and I read a lot of it to keep ahead of my kids. On the recommendation of a friend and because it's YA, I picked up The Bridge and finished it in a day. I give this book a strongly recommend. Meredith Sullivan, "Sully," the lead character, is smart and ambitious and goal oriented. She is either goofy with boys or too rough but it's clear they haven't been her main focus until this point in her life - mostly becasue she's always had a crush on the boy next door. Best of all, she's pretty good at admitting when she's being a a*ole. Oh. And she's a good friend. So an ideal female protagonist. Add to that a confusing love life and a story set in Paris and you have a formula for a good Romance/YA book. But for the older reader, all of that can sound a little bit trite. And that's what I was worried about as I began the first third of the Bridge. (At the end of the day, who cares becasue this book is not intended for us, however, hear me out.) But by mid-way though, I became totally committed to Meredith and her story. I read past my bed time and even though I was pretty sure I knew how it would end, I still badly wanted to know - for sure - HOW she made her way to the end. And that was worth it. So ultimately, a good story, with good writing, a solid lead character, and an entertaining story line - for everyone. 3.5 stars.

[Abigail Hawthorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance story that pulls you out of the real world for a few precious moments every time you read it.

I loved the characters, the setting, and the great writings style!

The drama got on my nerves a bit, but most of it just went right into the flow of the book and fit. Kind of like watching a college-level Disney show or something - the drama makes you roll your eyes, but you know that's kinda why you like the show.

The romance at the end felt slightly rushed to me, and the drama was a little annoying at times, but those are my only gripes!

The characters combined with Jill Cox's writing style are definitely what make this story stand out - those two things alone make this worth a read, even if, like me, it's way out of your normal reading zone.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd time reading~
A very different feel reading this after having read the sequel. I liked noticing certain aspects that have a bearing on events in the sequel and the characters’ reactions to those events.

Original review ~

The Bridge opens with 20 year old Meredith Sullivan boarding a plane to Paris, where she will spend the next year studying abroad. In addition to wanting to have a once in a lifetime experience, Meredith also wants to study abroad because every time she thinks her childhood friend Drew might be interested in her, he ends up back with his old girlfriend. At this point she is tired of having her heart hurt.

Enter Pete Russell, who has won the same scholarship as Meredith and is on the same flight. When they first met in collage he said something that deeply hurt her feelings, and ever since then she has viewed him as nothing but a frat boy that likes to be the center of attention. Of course, as the story progresses, Meredith comes to realize that Pete is not at all the person she assumed him to be. Over time, she finds herself attracted to Pete, but where does that leave her feelings for Drew?

Pros: The story is very sweet and not overdramatized. Content is a mild PG. The characters are likable and fairly relatable. Beautifully described setting of Paris and its environs.

Cons: The modern culture references sometimes felt too time period specific (i.e.; duck face selfies and #byefelicia). A few of the chapter transitions were somewhat jerky. Occasionally the first person narration has little asides that bothered me, and didn’t feel necessary (an example is the last sentence of chapter one).

All together, I really did enjoy this book and look forward to reading the sequel. Here’s hoping the author succeeds in developing Meredith’s personality and story further.

[Hannah McGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down (much to the chagrin of everyone else on my late night flight on which my overhead light was the only one glowing...)! If you love Paris and good stories, you will love this book! I fell in love with Meredith, the narrator, as well as some other characters (no spoilers!), and as soon as I finished the book, I found myself wanting to pick it back up and read it again! Jill has done a great job with the bridge (and with the symbolism of the title!), and I hope for more of Sully and others to come!

[Kyra]

This ended up being my Christmas day read and it's the perfect feel good book for the holidays!

[Heather Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, Jill is my friend and she's wonderful and so is this novel, SO READ IT!

What I Loved:
- beautiful writing
- awesome references to awesome things because Jill
- Sweet, kind, and authentic characters
- She captured that beautiful, bittersweet feeling when one leaves a piece of their heart someplace
- Gigi
- Meredith's growth
- Reminiscent of a Hallmark Channel movie (which I love and devour) or a Jane Austen novel; in fact, the entire thing felt like a modern Austen

My Only Criticisms:
- I wanted more. I wanted more of daily life in Paris, of thoughts running rampant, of anxiety, fear, pain. I saw a lot of their actions, but I wished the characters had some time alone with themselves to reason through everything, to get inside their heads a bit.

- All the dudes with names that start with "D" were a bit confusing in the beginning

[Jaylin Whiting · Rating 4 out of 5]

meredith @ pete at the beginning of the book:

🎶loathing🎶

meredith @ pete at the end of the book:

🎶what is this feeling? So sudden and new🎶

also me every time the Centre Lafayette was mentioned:

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d5/fd/...

SUCH A CUTE READ. “MAJOR SWOON AVEC SIGH.” I haven’t read these books in a while, so I decided to reread them and I forgot just how truly sweet this series is. I love how Pete giving up the scholarship for Meredith parallels Gilbert Blythe giving up the Avonlea school for Anne Shirley in the Anne of Green Gables series. 🥹 I also had the privilege of meeting the author of this series a few years ago and getting my physical copies signed!!!! Such a cool experience, and she was so friendly!!!! I highly recommend these books!!!!