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A Bridge Across the Ocean
Wartime intrigue spans the lives of three women past and present in the latest novel from the acclaimed author of Secrets of a Charmed Life .
February, 1946. World War Two is over, but the recovery from the most intimate of its horrors has only just begun for Annaliese Lange, a German ballerina desperate to escape her past, and Simone Deveraux, the wronged daughter of a French Resistance spy.
Now the two women are joining hundreds of other European war brides aboard the renowned RMS Queen Mary to cross the Atlantic and be reunited with their American husbands. Their new lives in the United States brightly beckon until their tightly-held secrets are laid bare in their shared stateroom. When the voyage ends at New York Harbor, only one of them will disembark...
Present day. Facing a crossroads in her own life, Brette Caslake visits the famously haunted Queen Mary at the request of an old friend. What she finds will set her on a course to solve a seventy-year-old tragedy that will draw her into the heartaches and triumphs of the courageous war brides and will ultimately lead her to reconsider what she has to sacrifice to achieve her own deepest longings.
February, 1946. World War Two is over, but the recovery from the most intimate of its horrors has only just begun for Annaliese Lange, a German ballerina desperate to escape her past, and Simone Deveraux, the wronged daughter of a French Resistance spy.
Now the two women are joining hundreds of other European war brides aboard the renowned RMS Queen Mary to cross the Atlantic and be reunited with their American husbands. Their new lives in the United States brightly beckon until their tightly-held secrets are laid bare in their shared stateroom. When the voyage ends at New York Harbor, only one of them will disembark...
Present day. Facing a crossroads in her own life, Brette Caslake visits the famously haunted Queen Mary at the request of an old friend. What she finds will set her on a course to solve a seventy-year-old tragedy that will draw her into the heartaches and triumphs of the courageous war brides and will ultimately lead her to reconsider what she has to sacrifice to achieve her own deepest longings.
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First published March 14, 2017
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About the author
Susan Meissner
33 books9,058 followersSusan Meissner is a USA Today bestselling novelist with more than a million books in the hands of readers, and in eighteen languages. Her critically acclaimed works of historical fiction have been named to numerous lists including Publishers Weekly’s annual roster of 100 best books, Library Reads Top Picks, Real Simple annual tally of best books, Goodreads Readers’ Choice awards, Booklist’s Top Ten, and Book of the Month.
She attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and is a former managing editor of a weekly newspaper. Susan’s expertise as a storyteller and her thoroughly researched topics make her a favorite author of book clubs everywhere. Her engaging and warm speaking style appeal to all manner of women’s groups, literary organizations, libraries and learning institutions, and service clubs.
When she is not working on a new novel, she enjoys teaching workshops on writing, spending time with her family, music, reading great books, and traveling.
She attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and is a former managing editor of a weekly newspaper. Susan’s expertise as a storyteller and her thoroughly researched topics make her a favorite author of book clubs everywhere. Her engaging and warm speaking style appeal to all manner of women’s groups, literary organizations, libraries and learning institutions, and service clubs.
When she is not working on a new novel, she enjoys teaching workshops on writing, spending time with her family, music, reading great books, and traveling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,731 reviews
September 22, 2019
Books like this one are why I never read the description of books when I pick them up because I was so pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. Brette can talk to 'drifters', people who have failed to pass over after dying and when she goes to visit the Queen Mary she encounters one who sends her on a search for one of the passengers that died on the ship. The story alternates between the past and the current day. I really wasn't expecting the story or the ending and so I enjoyed reading it and couldn't put it down. The writing was good and I loved the characters. I was just expecting this to be a historical romance novel or something but it was a story of self discovery and survival with complex and well developed female characters.
April 13, 2017
I have read several of Meissners novels and can honestly say she never disappoints. Her ability to weave past and present together so seamlessly make her novels a joy to read. I was afraid that the paranormal aspect may take away from the story, but it ended up really adding a dimension to it that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. Really enjoyed. 4.5 stars.
March 28, 2017
Note: I'd like to thank Penguin Random House, Berkley Marketing Team, and Goodreads Giveaways for an ARC of "A Bridge Across the Ocean," by Susan Meissner.
This book was a complete surprise to me in many ways.
When I entered the giveaway, the description of this book did not mention a character that could communicate with "Drifters." The first sentence of the first page of chapter one starts out: "A friend's baby shower was the first place Brette Caslake expected to encounter a ghost." I'm wondering how I can possibly get through this book. I've never enjoyed reading anything supernatural. Had I purchased this book and was not obligated to read it, I would have returned it to my bookshelf and donated it later.
The book alternated between three young women involved in both past and present situations, regarding WWII. I immediately connected with the two European women, but I had to endure the chapters of Brette Caslake, until I could see where the supernatural aspect was pertinent to this exceptionally well-written storyline. The author even had a unique way of giving the Queen Mary a life of its own. Then, the book started to flow beautifully, and I was really drawn into the world of these women. I became so involved that time passed quickly, while I was reading, and I didn't want it to end!
This was the first novel I've read by the author. Not long ago, I purchased "A Fall of Marigolds," and I'm looking forward to reading it. I love her style of writing.
A special thank you to Susan Meissner. I'm so grateful I didn't give up on your book.
Definitely recommend.
This book was a complete surprise to me in many ways.
When I entered the giveaway, the description of this book did not mention a character that could communicate with "Drifters." The first sentence of the first page of chapter one starts out: "A friend's baby shower was the first place Brette Caslake expected to encounter a ghost." I'm wondering how I can possibly get through this book. I've never enjoyed reading anything supernatural. Had I purchased this book and was not obligated to read it, I would have returned it to my bookshelf and donated it later.
The book alternated between three young women involved in both past and present situations, regarding WWII. I immediately connected with the two European women, but I had to endure the chapters of Brette Caslake, until I could see where the supernatural aspect was pertinent to this exceptionally well-written storyline. The author even had a unique way of giving the Queen Mary a life of its own. Then, the book started to flow beautifully, and I was really drawn into the world of these women. I became so involved that time passed quickly, while I was reading, and I didn't want it to end!
This was the first novel I've read by the author. Not long ago, I purchased "A Fall of Marigolds," and I'm looking forward to reading it. I love her style of writing.
A special thank you to Susan Meissner. I'm so grateful I didn't give up on your book.
Definitely recommend.
March 22, 2017
Three women, three stories, three connected lives.
Annaliese, Brette, and Simone were connected by WWII and ghosts.
A BRIDGE ACROSS THE OCEAN takes us from WWII to present day with three intriguing stories.
Annaliese was a German girl, Brett was a present-day American who had inherited an unusual gift, and Simone was a French girl who fell in love with an American during WWII.
Even though ghosts appear in this novel, the ghosts are what connects the present to the past for the three main characters. It isn't a major theme, but a good one. The paranormal aspect didn't detract from the wonderful, detailed story line.
The characters were all ones that you couldn't help but sympathize with and love.
Annaliese's story was my favorite simply because of the mystery surrounding her.
Brette's story was interesting even though I am not interested in paranormal, but her ability to see spirits added another layer to the book and made connections between characters.
Simone's story was sweet, sad, and very plausible.
What I enjoyed was learning about the RMS Queen Mary that was first used as a war ship then a ship that brought WWII European brides back to America to be united with their husbands.
A BRIDGE ACROSS THE OCEAN is another truly enjoyable, emotional book by Ms. Meissner.
The final pages and revelations are marvelous...loved the book. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
July 6, 2017
4.5 Stars → Wonderful book! A BRIDGE ACROSS THE OCEAN is a lovely blending of ghost story, historical fiction, mystery, and women’s fiction. The story is told from differing points of view in multiple time periods, mainly during WWII, just after WWII ends, and also present day. It may feel a bit disjointed at first, but I promise the book quickly finds a nice flow and all the pieces come together for an amazing ending.
The majestic ship, the RMS Queen Mary, has served many purposes since its maiden voyage in 1936, one being a vessel to transport thousands of European war brides across the Atlantic to their new husbands in America. In February 1946, two of those brides are Simone Deveraux from France, and Annaliese Lange from Germany. The war years were horrific for both of them, and both women are looking forward to a new beginning in the US. Unfortunately, fate has other plans…
In present day, Brette Caslake is struggling with her special, yet burdensome, gift of being able to see and communicate with ghosts. She’s spent years trying to ignore them, but her experiences during a visit to the Queen Mary has made Brette rethink her position on restless spirits.
A BRIDGE ACROSS THE OCEAN is a unique take on WWII historical fiction. I enjoyed the compelling characters, the paranormal elements, and the multi-layered mystery. Susan Meissner writes beautifully, and I’m looking forward to checking out more of her work.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The majestic ship, the RMS Queen Mary, has served many purposes since its maiden voyage in 1936, one being a vessel to transport thousands of European war brides across the Atlantic to their new husbands in America. In February 1946, two of those brides are Simone Deveraux from France, and Annaliese Lange from Germany. The war years were horrific for both of them, and both women are looking forward to a new beginning in the US. Unfortunately, fate has other plans…
In present day, Brette Caslake is struggling with her special, yet burdensome, gift of being able to see and communicate with ghosts. She’s spent years trying to ignore them, but her experiences during a visit to the Queen Mary has made Brette rethink her position on restless spirits.
A BRIDGE ACROSS THE OCEAN is a unique take on WWII historical fiction. I enjoyed the compelling characters, the paranormal elements, and the multi-layered mystery. Susan Meissner writes beautifully, and I’m looking forward to checking out more of her work.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2017
Thanks for Netgalley and my respective publishers.
5 Shining stars.
Mind blowing literally...........
I've read the description before picking it but eventually I was so delighted.
After so many, I loved a book with shining stars.
A PERFECT HISTORICAL FICTION.
Another book which expression all the emotions and requisite circumstances during WWII.
This was my first Susan Meissner's book which made to search further books of her.
3 leading character and all were girls and story have mixed with random story which was mutually connected and meaningful eventually.
I felt amazed from 4chapter till the climax.
5 Shining stars.
Mind blowing literally...........
I've read the description before picking it but eventually I was so delighted.
After so many, I loved a book with shining stars.
A PERFECT HISTORICAL FICTION.
Another book which expression all the emotions and requisite circumstances during WWII.
This was my first Susan Meissner's book which made to search further books of her.
3 leading character and all were girls and story have mixed with random story which was mutually connected and meaningful eventually.
I felt amazed from 4chapter till the climax.
March 18, 2023
Susan Meisner never disappoints. A Bridge Across the Ocean is a wonderful novel about a woman who was a “gift” of seeing drifters. Spirits of the dead who are caught between life and the afterlife and cannot go on. She ends up on a ship and investigates a woman who was known to jumped to commit suicide in 1938.
This was a strong female character driven book. A nice HF mixed with some mystery in a super natural way.
This was a strong female character driven book. A nice HF mixed with some mystery in a super natural way.
January 2, 2017
A Bridge Across the Ocean is an absolutely fantastic book – a true must-read for anyone who likes historical fiction. Susan Meissner creates an intriguing and original cast of characters whose stories intertwine in a clever and unexpected manner. Brette Caslake lives in the present day and ignores her ability to see spirits that have not yet left earth. Slowly, as she is trying to comes to terms with her power, Brette is drawn into a mystery that began when the RMS Queen Mary transported thousands of World War 2 brides to the United States following the end of war. Once I started this book, I could not put it down until I reached the highly satisfying ending.
I loved everything about this book – the characters, the mystery, the paranormal aspects, the details about the RMS Queen Mary and her many roles, and the European war brides part of the story. I have read tons of World War 2 era historical fiction yet never encountered a story that focused on the numerous foreign war brides whom American soldiers married and then subsequently brought to the United States after the war. These women encountered numerous obstacles (sometimes with children in hand) from waiting until the war ended, mounds of paperwork, being separated from spouses for months and even years, and then taking a voyage by themselves across the Atlantic on the RMS Queen Mary or other similar ship to finally be reunited with their spouses.
I highly, highly recommend this novel – it is beautifully written, and I did not want it to end. Thanks to the publisher for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved everything about this book – the characters, the mystery, the paranormal aspects, the details about the RMS Queen Mary and her many roles, and the European war brides part of the story. I have read tons of World War 2 era historical fiction yet never encountered a story that focused on the numerous foreign war brides whom American soldiers married and then subsequently brought to the United States after the war. These women encountered numerous obstacles (sometimes with children in hand) from waiting until the war ended, mounds of paperwork, being separated from spouses for months and even years, and then taking a voyage by themselves across the Atlantic on the RMS Queen Mary or other similar ship to finally be reunited with their spouses.
I highly, highly recommend this novel – it is beautifully written, and I did not want it to end. Thanks to the publisher for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2025
A Bridge Across the Ocean by Susan Meissner takes us from WWII to present day with three intriguing stories.
Having the RMS Queen Mary as part of this story added an interesting twist.
Having grown up in Southern California, I got to tour her in my early 20’s. The majestic ship, has served many purposes since its maiden voyage in 1936, one being a vessel to transport thousands of European war brides across the Atlantic to their new husbands in America.
A BRIDGE ACROSS THE OCEAN is a unique take on WWII historical fiction. I enjoyed the compelling characters, and the multi-layered mystery.
Susan Meissner writes beautifully, and I’m looking forward to checking out more of her work. To say more would give away the story.
Having the RMS Queen Mary as part of this story added an interesting twist.
Having grown up in Southern California, I got to tour her in my early 20’s. The majestic ship, has served many purposes since its maiden voyage in 1936, one being a vessel to transport thousands of European war brides across the Atlantic to their new husbands in America.
A BRIDGE ACROSS THE OCEAN is a unique take on WWII historical fiction. I enjoyed the compelling characters, and the multi-layered mystery.
Susan Meissner writes beautifully, and I’m looking forward to checking out more of her work. To say more would give away the story.
April 4, 2017
I really like susan Meissner books and i did not like this story as much.. That being said in my opinion it would have been better without the whole ghost story part of it. To me it just distracted from the good story line. I still like her writing this was just not one of my favorites .
March 16, 2018
I've read and enjoyed quite a few books by Susan Meissner over the years and so I was very excited to finally get my hands on a copy of A Bridge Across The Ocean and settle down for a lovely trip into the past.
However, all in all, I must say I was left a little disappointed and didn't quite enjoy this one as some of her other books. There's a certain angle in this story that's not mentioned in the book description so I won't either, but it completely threw me off.
I preferred the chapters set in the past, with war brides going off to their new lives in America on the great ship RMS Queen Mary. I could quite happily have read an entire book based on those stories alone and found it quite absorbing. Unfortunately, the present day chapters and the characters, despite the mystery that needs solving, didn't work as well for me and I had to fight the urge to skim the pages.
In truth though, apart from era preference and that angle I can't mention, I find it quite hard to pin-point why this novel didn't work for me as well as I expected it to. It's beautifully written, wonderfully atmospheric and overall it has everything you'd expect from a Susan Meissner novel. It definitely won't stop me picking up a book by her again in future.
However, all in all, I must say I was left a little disappointed and didn't quite enjoy this one as some of her other books. There's a certain angle in this story that's not mentioned in the book description so I won't either, but it completely threw me off.
I preferred the chapters set in the past, with war brides going off to their new lives in America on the great ship RMS Queen Mary. I could quite happily have read an entire book based on those stories alone and found it quite absorbing. Unfortunately, the present day chapters and the characters, despite the mystery that needs solving, didn't work as well for me and I had to fight the urge to skim the pages.
In truth though, apart from era preference and that angle I can't mention, I find it quite hard to pin-point why this novel didn't work for me as well as I expected it to. It's beautifully written, wonderfully atmospheric and overall it has everything you'd expect from a Susan Meissner novel. It definitely won't stop me picking up a book by her again in future.
November 20, 2016
Pub. Date: March 7, 2017
Publishers: Berkley Publishing Group
I enjoyed the author’s previous novel “Secrets of a Charmed Life” which is also a historical novel focusing on World War II, so I was surprised, and disappointed that I didn’t care for Susan Meissner’s latest novel, “A Bridge Across the Ocean,” which is another novel about World War II. But, for me, this book seems more of a ghost story than historical fiction.
In “Ocean,” WWII has just ended. The story is not linear, told in the past as well as the present. In the past, European war brides are to be reunited with their American husbands via the illustrious ocean liner the RMS Queen Mary. In the present, a reluctant psychic is trying to solve a ghost mystery surrounding the ship.
Once I finished this book I “googled” to learn that the Queen Mary has a history of being considered haunted, but I didn’t read anything about war brides. I wish Meissner would have concentrated more on the history part of her story. I enjoyed reading about the French Resistance, and Germans hiding Germans from the Nazis as well as the difficulties the war brides had in entering America. If she didn’t mix the genres, I would have found her tale a much more interesting read.
Find all my reviews at https://books6259.wordpress.com/
Publishers: Berkley Publishing Group
I enjoyed the author’s previous novel “Secrets of a Charmed Life” which is also a historical novel focusing on World War II, so I was surprised, and disappointed that I didn’t care for Susan Meissner’s latest novel, “A Bridge Across the Ocean,” which is another novel about World War II. But, for me, this book seems more of a ghost story than historical fiction.
In “Ocean,” WWII has just ended. The story is not linear, told in the past as well as the present. In the past, European war brides are to be reunited with their American husbands via the illustrious ocean liner the RMS Queen Mary. In the present, a reluctant psychic is trying to solve a ghost mystery surrounding the ship.
Once I finished this book I “googled” to learn that the Queen Mary has a history of being considered haunted, but I didn’t read anything about war brides. I wish Meissner would have concentrated more on the history part of her story. I enjoyed reading about the French Resistance, and Germans hiding Germans from the Nazis as well as the difficulties the war brides had in entering America. If she didn’t mix the genres, I would have found her tale a much more interesting read.
Find all my reviews at https://books6259.wordpress.com/
March 24, 2017
A blending of historical fiction with a bit of a contemporary ghost story....you are probably thinking how will that work? Let me assure you it works beautifully. Even if you are not a big fan of ghost stories, give this book a chance. The historical story centers on two "war brides"-European women who married US Servicemen during WWII and were transported to the United States at the end of the conflict. Their individual back stories are fascinating.
Our contemporary protagonist has a gift-she is able to see departed souls who drift between the living and the ethereal. Sounds a little far fetched if you are not a believer, but this woman is the key to unraveling a 70 year old mystery sounding the war brides.
Our contemporary protagonist has a gift-she is able to see departed souls who drift between the living and the ethereal. Sounds a little far fetched if you are not a believer, but this woman is the key to unraveling a 70 year old mystery sounding the war brides.
April 3, 2017
Annaliese lives in Germany and has a passion for ballet. As WWII approaches, Annaliese continues to dance and garners some unwanted attention. In France, Simone lives with her father and brother. All is well until the Nazis take over, causing her life to take a traumatic turn. Through difficult circumstances, these ladies meet on the trip on the RMS Queen Mary. In present day America, Brette struggles with a rather particular gift, one that only the women in her family inherit. Though unsure at first, Brette uses that gift to bridge the past with the present.
Initially, the concept of the book surprised me but not in a good way. I was not sure how the paranormal fit in with the history aspect of the book. Having done some research, I came to understand why Meissner made that part of her story. The background of the narrative is the RMS Queen Mary. This ship started out as a luxury liner. During the war, it transported soldiers from the States to England. Her use for the Allied forces had such impact that Hitler offered $250.000 and the highest German military honor to any captain that would sink the ship (did not happen though). After the war was over, the ship transported GI war brides to United States. This ship is said to be heavily haunted. Thus why , there is a paranormal aspect.
As for the story, it was well written and an intriguing read. I must admit that the storylines for Simone and Annaliese were far more eye-catching than Brette´s. That is not to say that Brette was a secondary character or less interesting, its Brette after all that brings both their stories together. I also believe that the Queen Mary was a character in and of itself for it has a pivotal role in the story. I just love the historical aspect of the novel and the way Meissner writes makes for a compelling read. Annaliese and Simone have heart-breaking stories and the mystery that surrounds Annaliese had me quickly flipping pages. Meissner writes with heart and intelligence. This was a well executed historical fiction book.
Initially, the concept of the book surprised me but not in a good way. I was not sure how the paranormal fit in with the history aspect of the book. Having done some research, I came to understand why Meissner made that part of her story. The background of the narrative is the RMS Queen Mary. This ship started out as a luxury liner. During the war, it transported soldiers from the States to England. Her use for the Allied forces had such impact that Hitler offered $250.000 and the highest German military honor to any captain that would sink the ship (did not happen though). After the war was over, the ship transported GI war brides to United States. This ship is said to be heavily haunted. Thus why , there is a paranormal aspect.
As for the story, it was well written and an intriguing read. I must admit that the storylines for Simone and Annaliese were far more eye-catching than Brette´s. That is not to say that Brette was a secondary character or less interesting, its Brette after all that brings both their stories together. I also believe that the Queen Mary was a character in and of itself for it has a pivotal role in the story. I just love the historical aspect of the novel and the way Meissner writes makes for a compelling read. Annaliese and Simone have heart-breaking stories and the mystery that surrounds Annaliese had me quickly flipping pages. Meissner writes with heart and intelligence. This was a well executed historical fiction book.
February 20, 2018
Since I enjoyed Secrets of a Charmed Life, I was surprised by how disappointing this book was. The synopsis does NOT accurately describe the book, and in fact leaves out the predominant factor in the story - the paranormal. As I read the first chapter, I thought for sure I was reading the wrong book. This was more of a ghost story than a story about war brides on the Queen Mary (as I thought it would be). I am not a fan of books that go back and forth between the past and the present, and this one was even worse than most. There were three stories to follow that switched too often, not really getting into any of the stories enough to make me want to read more. I read about ⅓ of the story before I realized that I didn’t really care about what happened to any of these women, especially the (main) present day character who could see ghosts. So, I skipped to the end. Best decision. Very disappointing.
April 8, 2017
A BRIDGE ACROSS THE OCEAN by Susan Meissner is a wartime mystery novel about two women who have both gone through much during the war and are going to America on RMS Queen Mary as war brides. Simone Deveraux lost her father and brother who both got shot for being part of the Resistance. She had to stay hidden for fear of the Gestapo who is after her. Annaliese Lange married a brutal Nazi and the voyage to America is her ticket to freedom. On the voyage truths be revealed and only one of them will, in the end, disembark in New York Harbor.
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
June 11, 2017
I'm bucking all the great reviews on this one, but I found this book sophomoric. The 2 stars are because the stories of the women during WWII were interesting. The ghost story was just silly and the "mystery," when it was solved, was beyond ridiculous.
March 14, 2017
Susan Meissner returns following (2016) Stars Over Sunset Boulevard with her latest, A BRIDGE ACROSS THE OCEAN — a character-driven tale of three women from modern day to the past of the 1940s, of fear, courage pain, love, and loyalty.
From the past to present, lost souls who had to cross many bridges from pain and suffering on their journey to self-discovery.
Brette Caslake, present day lives in the present. She has a gift. She sees spirits, the ones which linger. She is drawn into a mystery which began with the RMS Queen Mary brought thousands of War brides to the US.
Annaliese Lange, who is escaping from a marriage to a Nazi, and Simone Devereux, who lost her family in the war.
"Life will send us across a bridge we did not want to cross, but when we finally open our eyes on the other side, we see that there had been nothing to fear after all."
Brette becomes drawn into the lives of three women from the past. Two of the women are escaping the horrors of war and a brutal past of pain and suffering. Brette tries to solve the mystery of the death of one of the war brides when traveling to America on the Queen Mary in 1946.
Three women shared a cabin; however, one did not leave the ship when it arrived in America. Brette connects with the lost souls while struggling with her own abilities. The Drifters or spirits. The author unravels the events while connecting the stories of past and present.
While I enjoyed the stories of the courageous women from the past, the present day Brette was not as intriguing.
As always, Meissner has a unique way of transporting you to another time and place re-living the past which lives on. Timeless. With well-researched topics and interesting stories of strong yet complex women, family, and relationships.
Lovers of historical fiction, a little mystery, and complex multi-layered stories will appreciate as well as enjoying the special twist!
A special thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an early reading copy. An elegant cover!
JDCMustReadBooks
From the past to present, lost souls who had to cross many bridges from pain and suffering on their journey to self-discovery.
Brette Caslake, present day lives in the present. She has a gift. She sees spirits, the ones which linger. She is drawn into a mystery which began with the RMS Queen Mary brought thousands of War brides to the US.
Annaliese Lange, who is escaping from a marriage to a Nazi, and Simone Devereux, who lost her family in the war.
"Life will send us across a bridge we did not want to cross, but when we finally open our eyes on the other side, we see that there had been nothing to fear after all."
Brette becomes drawn into the lives of three women from the past. Two of the women are escaping the horrors of war and a brutal past of pain and suffering. Brette tries to solve the mystery of the death of one of the war brides when traveling to America on the Queen Mary in 1946.
Three women shared a cabin; however, one did not leave the ship when it arrived in America. Brette connects with the lost souls while struggling with her own abilities. The Drifters or spirits. The author unravels the events while connecting the stories of past and present.
While I enjoyed the stories of the courageous women from the past, the present day Brette was not as intriguing.
As always, Meissner has a unique way of transporting you to another time and place re-living the past which lives on. Timeless. With well-researched topics and interesting stories of strong yet complex women, family, and relationships.
Lovers of historical fiction, a little mystery, and complex multi-layered stories will appreciate as well as enjoying the special twist!
A special thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an early reading copy. An elegant cover!
JDCMustReadBooks
February 6, 2017
I received a free ARC of this book through the Goodreads Giveaways program.
This book captured my attention from the start and made it hard for me to get anything else done since I couldn't put it down.
It's told through several different POV and different periods of time from WWII up through the present day. It was hard to predict the ending so it really kept me reading. I like reading about strong women, ghosts, and books at least partially-based in truth--all of which are in this book. It was really interesting to read about how many European war brides came to this country after meeting American men in the war.
I've read at least one of Ms. Meissner's previous books and enjoyed it just as much. She is definitely an author to follow.
This book captured my attention from the start and made it hard for me to get anything else done since I couldn't put it down.
It's told through several different POV and different periods of time from WWII up through the present day. It was hard to predict the ending so it really kept me reading. I like reading about strong women, ghosts, and books at least partially-based in truth--all of which are in this book. It was really interesting to read about how many European war brides came to this country after meeting American men in the war.
I've read at least one of Ms. Meissner's previous books and enjoyed it just as much. She is definitely an author to follow.
March 2, 2017
The descriptive blurb for this book is what got me going with this book but it was the author’s unique writing style that made it all come together!
The beginning chapters can be a little confusing so I would recommend setting aside a good amount of time to get into the characters and the flow of the book. We are introduced to several women who endured terrible hardships, emotional and physical, as a result of the Nazi’s occupation in France.
Simone Robinson fled her home after seeing her father and brother killed by the Gestapo and found shelter in the cellar of a vineyard. Her father had told her the name and address of the place she should go if anything were to happen to them. Until the few days before the unthinkable happens Simone wasn’t really aware that they were part of the Resistance. While in shelter she comes to care for an American pilot shot down while photographing the topography of the area for the incoming Allied troops. She eventually grows to love and marry him and they make plans for their reconnection in the US when the war is over.
Annaliese is a young German girl forced to marry a sadistic Nazi when her parents feel there is no other option. She tries to comply with whatever he wants but she is still badly abused by her husband. She finally makes her escape because an accident claims the life of her best friend who was already documented to leave the country and sail to the US on the Queen Mary. At that time the ocean liner was being called the ship of brides because it was taking many war brides to be united with their husbands. The book stated there were as many as 20,000 that traveled to the US and England during it’s many voyages.
The third major character in the book is Brette Caslake who has the gift of being able to sense and sometimes hear and see “ghosts”. She has been trying to deal with her “gift” since she was very young and has recently been contacted by an old high school friend who is asking for her help. The friend’s wife has died and his young daughter is sure that she felt the presence of her mother on the Queen Mary when they were touring the boat. Brette has been denying her gift for so long that she isn’t sure that she wants to get involved but eventually she is persuaded.
The novel takes a while to get going but by the end of the first third I had a good idea of what was going on and was enjoying the read.
I’ve read many WWII books but this one was unique with the added mystery of what is going on with the spirits on the ship and exactly how everyone is connected to each other. The connection with the present day story of Brette and the idea of the Queen Mary itself as a character is what made the book interesting to me.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, thank you.
The beginning chapters can be a little confusing so I would recommend setting aside a good amount of time to get into the characters and the flow of the book. We are introduced to several women who endured terrible hardships, emotional and physical, as a result of the Nazi’s occupation in France.
Simone Robinson fled her home after seeing her father and brother killed by the Gestapo and found shelter in the cellar of a vineyard. Her father had told her the name and address of the place she should go if anything were to happen to them. Until the few days before the unthinkable happens Simone wasn’t really aware that they were part of the Resistance. While in shelter she comes to care for an American pilot shot down while photographing the topography of the area for the incoming Allied troops. She eventually grows to love and marry him and they make plans for their reconnection in the US when the war is over.
Annaliese is a young German girl forced to marry a sadistic Nazi when her parents feel there is no other option. She tries to comply with whatever he wants but she is still badly abused by her husband. She finally makes her escape because an accident claims the life of her best friend who was already documented to leave the country and sail to the US on the Queen Mary. At that time the ocean liner was being called the ship of brides because it was taking many war brides to be united with their husbands. The book stated there were as many as 20,000 that traveled to the US and England during it’s many voyages.
The third major character in the book is Brette Caslake who has the gift of being able to sense and sometimes hear and see “ghosts”. She has been trying to deal with her “gift” since she was very young and has recently been contacted by an old high school friend who is asking for her help. The friend’s wife has died and his young daughter is sure that she felt the presence of her mother on the Queen Mary when they were touring the boat. Brette has been denying her gift for so long that she isn’t sure that she wants to get involved but eventually she is persuaded.
The novel takes a while to get going but by the end of the first third I had a good idea of what was going on and was enjoying the read.
I’ve read many WWII books but this one was unique with the added mystery of what is going on with the spirits on the ship and exactly how everyone is connected to each other. The connection with the present day story of Brette and the idea of the Queen Mary itself as a character is what made the book interesting to me.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, thank you.
November 13, 2017
A 4.5 for this charming, easy to read novel.
Read
January 23, 2017Meissner's storytelling skills have never been sharper. This was a great complex novel with many layers and superb pacing. Part mystery, part ghost story, part self discovery and all with a spectacular twist that I never saw coming. Full review to come!
March 19, 2017
I was all set to love "A Bridge Across the Ocean," what I expected to be a typical WWII/present day historical fiction dual narrative. But I was quickly thrown for a loop when it was revealed that the modern day protagonist communicates with ghosts, and that's how the stories are linked (something conspicuously absent from the book blurb). Usually in books like this the past/present connection is accomplished with something like a letter, or a found diary, or a mysterious old manor, and perhaps I should've been excited that Meissner did something fresh but it just did not work for me (and I did try to keep an open mind at first!).
Brette, our ghost liaison, rubbed me wrong from the start; she's experiencing something of a midlife crisis with regard to her "ability" and I found her to be whiny and hard to empathize with. (Also, see how I said "midlife"? I think Brette is only in her 30s, but she's written like she's twice that age.) The whole thing, especially the ghost-centric ending, just felt incredibly hokey to me and I absolutely could not suspend my disbelief when it came to Brette's encounters with "Drifters." I'd get into the two historical narratives and then turn the page and be flung back to Brette and modern day San Diego and ghosts, and it'd just completely take me out of the story. I'm a fan of the paranormal in the right books, but not here. (Also, how the hell are you supposed to pronounce Brette?)
Additionally, I was far from impressed with Meissner's writing, which was quite basic and plain. Where was the interesting word choice, beautiful analogies and linguistic creativity? Not here! I was also missing that vivid sense of atmosphere and setting that good authors can achieve, and there were plenty of missed opportunities for it.
Now for the positives: I actually did enjoy the stories of Simone and Annaliese, two strong women -- each with secrets to hide -- who meet on the RMS Queen Mary, a ship filled with war brides traveling from England to the U.S. to be reunited with their new husbands. Simone and Annaliese's backstories of hardship and courage during the war were intriguing and, despite the terrible things they'd been forced to do to survive, they were easy to root for.
If you can get past the ghost aspect and the lackluster writing and you're a WWII historical fiction fan, this might be a novel for you to check out. But if you don't get around to it (and perhaps select a better WWII novel instead, like "All the Light We Cannot See" or "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" or Jojo Moyes' "The Ship of Brides" which also deals with war brides; I haven't read it yet but I know it will be better than this one because Moyes is a way better writer) I don't think you'll be missing out on too terribly much.
From my blog, Linday's Library.
I received a free advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Brette, our ghost liaison, rubbed me wrong from the start; she's experiencing something of a midlife crisis with regard to her "ability" and I found her to be whiny and hard to empathize with. (Also, see how I said "midlife"? I think Brette is only in her 30s, but she's written like she's twice that age.) The whole thing, especially the ghost-centric ending, just felt incredibly hokey to me and I absolutely could not suspend my disbelief when it came to Brette's encounters with "Drifters." I'd get into the two historical narratives and then turn the page and be flung back to Brette and modern day San Diego and ghosts, and it'd just completely take me out of the story. I'm a fan of the paranormal in the right books, but not here. (Also, how the hell are you supposed to pronounce Brette?)
Additionally, I was far from impressed with Meissner's writing, which was quite basic and plain. Where was the interesting word choice, beautiful analogies and linguistic creativity? Not here! I was also missing that vivid sense of atmosphere and setting that good authors can achieve, and there were plenty of missed opportunities for it.
Now for the positives: I actually did enjoy the stories of Simone and Annaliese, two strong women -- each with secrets to hide -- who meet on the RMS Queen Mary, a ship filled with war brides traveling from England to the U.S. to be reunited with their new husbands. Simone and Annaliese's backstories of hardship and courage during the war were intriguing and, despite the terrible things they'd been forced to do to survive, they were easy to root for.
If you can get past the ghost aspect and the lackluster writing and you're a WWII historical fiction fan, this might be a novel for you to check out. But if you don't get around to it (and perhaps select a better WWII novel instead, like "All the Light We Cannot See" or "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" or Jojo Moyes' "The Ship of Brides" which also deals with war brides; I haven't read it yet but I know it will be better than this one because Moyes is a way better writer) I don't think you'll be missing out on too terribly much.
From my blog, Linday's Library.
I received a free advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2022
Whoa, Nelly!
Was THIS one different!
Had I read the synopsis for this book, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. I saw the high ratings, plus I'm a Susan Meissner fan, and she primarily writes Christian fiction books, so I plowed right into it without knowing its content. I assumed it would be one of her typical delightful books.
Well...this one is not what I consider Christian fiction. This was about a woman who sees ghosts, and can communicate with them. It's a "gift" handed down to females in the family. The ghosts are in a waiting place for some reason, and can't pass on. If she makes eye contact with one, or they are aware she knows they're there, they follow her around. She doesn't help them, she just tries to ignore them and tells them they don't belong here. That is, until she's asked to help with a little girl who believes her deceased mom is on the Queen Mary ship.
Okay, I don't believe in ghosts who hang around the earth either to haunt something, or wait to for release. I believe at death there's a judgment. Our spirits go someplace, depending on what we've done with our Lord Jesus, but they don't linger. I believe God can allow the spirit of a person, or appearance of a person, to communicate. Example: the spirit of Samuel spoke to Saul (I Samuel 28). Moses and Elijah came to speak with Jesus in Matthew 17... But really, how many times did that happen in the Bible? - Twice? So, God can use their spirit, but does that mean spirits of dead people, or "ghosts" are lingering all over the world? I think not. Job 7:9-10 says, “As the cloud disappears and vanishes away, so he who goes down to the grave does not come up. He shall never return to his house, nor shall his place know him anymore." Or.. Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." Hebrews 9:27
Ghosts don't wander the earth waiting for someone to help them pass on to the next realm. So why is a Christian author writing about this? My husband says it's artistic license. Possibly, but unbiblical... that's my point. How does something extra biblical or unbiblical belong in Christian fiction?
Was this a fascinating book? Absolutely. And unique. At first I was surprised, and I admit, confused. Then I decided to read it more like a fantasy book enjoying the characters and the two time-periods. Then as it was approaching a conclusion it got really weird. The main "ghost" wasn't who we're lead to believe. I can't say who it was, because that would give away a large portion of the story. But I will say it was so far fetched I literally rolled my eyes, groaned, and said out loud, "You have got to be kidding me!!"
I'm so sorry Ms. Meissner. I’m flummoxed. That conclusion went so far off course from your usual delightful books, I just can't give it the same high mark that so many others have given it. I'm being generous in offering 3 stars.
Was THIS one different!
Had I read the synopsis for this book, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. I saw the high ratings, plus I'm a Susan Meissner fan, and she primarily writes Christian fiction books, so I plowed right into it without knowing its content. I assumed it would be one of her typical delightful books.
Well...this one is not what I consider Christian fiction. This was about a woman who sees ghosts, and can communicate with them. It's a "gift" handed down to females in the family. The ghosts are in a waiting place for some reason, and can't pass on. If she makes eye contact with one, or they are aware she knows they're there, they follow her around. She doesn't help them, she just tries to ignore them and tells them they don't belong here. That is, until she's asked to help with a little girl who believes her deceased mom is on the Queen Mary ship.
Okay, I don't believe in ghosts who hang around the earth either to haunt something, or wait to for release. I believe at death there's a judgment. Our spirits go someplace, depending on what we've done with our Lord Jesus, but they don't linger. I believe God can allow the spirit of a person, or appearance of a person, to communicate. Example: the spirit of Samuel spoke to Saul (I Samuel 28). Moses and Elijah came to speak with Jesus in Matthew 17... But really, how many times did that happen in the Bible? - Twice? So, God can use their spirit, but does that mean spirits of dead people, or "ghosts" are lingering all over the world? I think not. Job 7:9-10 says, “As the cloud disappears and vanishes away, so he who goes down to the grave does not come up. He shall never return to his house, nor shall his place know him anymore." Or.. Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." Hebrews 9:27
Ghosts don't wander the earth waiting for someone to help them pass on to the next realm. So why is a Christian author writing about this? My husband says it's artistic license. Possibly, but unbiblical... that's my point. How does something extra biblical or unbiblical belong in Christian fiction?
Was this a fascinating book? Absolutely. And unique. At first I was surprised, and I admit, confused. Then I decided to read it more like a fantasy book enjoying the characters and the two time-periods. Then as it was approaching a conclusion it got really weird. The main "ghost" wasn't who we're lead to believe. I can't say who it was, because that would give away a large portion of the story. But I will say it was so far fetched I literally rolled my eyes, groaned, and said out loud, "You have got to be kidding me!!"
I'm so sorry Ms. Meissner. I’m flummoxed. That conclusion went so far off course from your usual delightful books, I just can't give it the same high mark that so many others have given it. I'm being generous in offering 3 stars.
February 9, 2021
True confession, I didn’t actually finish this. But I got 136 pages through the paperback version, which is enough for me.
The back-cover description doesn’t include the fact that much of this is about ghosts. That would have been really nice to know up front. Now don't get me wrong, I’ve read ghost stories before, from Edgar Allan Poe-type classics to Jaime Jo Wright’s time-slip novels published recently. But this one...I felt unsettled from the beginning, and should’ve listened to that inner nudging.
I finally had to stop after a rape scene and a sex scene, neither of which meet my personal content policy. So I can’t in good conscience keep reading, or recommend the book. Sad, as I’ve read multiple other books by Meissner, including Christian fiction. I felt the pendulum swung too far in the other direction with this book.
The back-cover description doesn’t include the fact that much of this is about ghosts. That would have been really nice to know up front. Now don't get me wrong, I’ve read ghost stories before, from Edgar Allan Poe-type classics to Jaime Jo Wright’s time-slip novels published recently. But this one...I felt unsettled from the beginning, and should’ve listened to that inner nudging.
I finally had to stop after a rape scene and a sex scene, neither of which meet my personal content policy. So I can’t in good conscience keep reading, or recommend the book. Sad, as I’ve read multiple other books by Meissner, including Christian fiction. I felt the pendulum swung too far in the other direction with this book.
February 13, 2017
A fabulously intertwined story from WWII to present, alternating storylines & times. It wasn't just a mystery with a paranormal underline but also a story of war brides & their coming to the US after the war.
April 12, 2021
3.5 🌟
Many beautiful things I always love about Meissner’s writing!
Quotes: There are a great many people in this world who would give anything to know this life isn’t all there is. I know without a shadow of a doubt that there’s more, that we aren’t just a twinkling light in the universe one moment and then nothing the next.
I know you think you are not up to this tomorrow, but it’s always better to feel a little under equipped than to go into a situation thinking you know it all.
Life will send us across a bridge we did not want to cross, but when we finally open our eyes on the other side, we see that there had been nothing to fear after all.
Some great plot twists that kept me wondering. A different kind of story with ghosts entwined, but still classic Meissner. Some language and adult themes with the war stories hence the 3.5🌟 Still enjoyable read. 🤓
Many beautiful things I always love about Meissner’s writing!
Quotes: There are a great many people in this world who would give anything to know this life isn’t all there is. I know without a shadow of a doubt that there’s more, that we aren’t just a twinkling light in the universe one moment and then nothing the next.
I know you think you are not up to this tomorrow, but it’s always better to feel a little under equipped than to go into a situation thinking you know it all.
Life will send us across a bridge we did not want to cross, but when we finally open our eyes on the other side, we see that there had been nothing to fear after all.
Some great plot twists that kept me wondering. A different kind of story with ghosts entwined, but still classic Meissner. Some language and adult themes with the war stories hence the 3.5🌟 Still enjoyable read. 🤓
December 3, 2016
Book clubs will love this book. We have two war brides that have been through very tough times, and they manage to get aboard the Queen Mary. But we will learn in a few Flashbacks that their destinations are quite different. Why? As with any good story we don't find out until the end. Another story is entwined with the bride's, and it involves spirits, not the ones you drink, but the ones some see. Yes, one of our main characters sees an occasional ghost, in the present day, They like to find her on the docked Queen Mary. Get ready, you will want your book club to read this one!
Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher.
Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher.
March 7, 2017
A Bridge Across the Ocean was a total surprise. I went in expecting a fun WWII/present day back-and-forth and got that and so much more. Please don't let the supernatural element turn you off - not for a second does this ever stray into Sookie Stackhouse or Patricia Briggs territory. I'm slightly appalled that this is my first time reading Meissner's work but am absolutely delighted to have found such a fantastic author to devour!
For the full review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
For the full review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
December 29, 2017
I picked up this dual time line read for the maritime history. The RMS Queen Mary really wasn't the focus of this read like I had hoped. While modern day writing isn't a favorite for me Brette's sole purpose in this story is to drive the ghost theme which really hasn't much at all in the end to do with the historical point of views of Simone and Annaliese. The story of these two women would have come together better without the modern Brettes point of view. Honestly the historical side lacked the historical feel and in the end the overall dramatic drive the story was aiming for. That along with the sprinkles of profanity left me just completely underwhelmed and disappointed!
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