Bleak Landing

by Terrie Todd

In the dead-end Canadian town of Bleak Landing, twelve-year-old Irish immigrant Bridget O’Sullivan lives in a ramshackle house and dreams of another life, even as the Great Depression rages. Routinely beaten by her father and bullied by schoolmate Victor Harrison, the waifish yet fiery redhead vows to run away and never return. Just a few short years later, run she does—fleeing the unspeakable repercussions of her father’s gambling. In Winnipeg, Bridget lands a job at a garment factory, the first step on her journey to shed her past and begin anew.

When her father dies, Bridget—now a striking and accomplished woman—returns home to claim her inheritance. But she has no identification to prove her stake, and no one in town recognizes her—except Victor, who has become a pastor and a candidate for town mayor. Though war has wounded him, his secret affection for Bridget remains, and now he’s the only one who can help her prove her integrity. But can he also prove he’s a changed man worthy of her forgiveness?

As Victor preaches of freedom in faith, will his words spark Bridget’s once-hopeless heart and lead her to the life she’s been seeking?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Audiobook, Historical, Christian, Ebooks

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2017

About the author

Terrie Todd's debut novel, The Silver Suitcase, won the 2017 Word Guild award for Historical Fiction. Her second, Maggie's War, won the same award for 2018 while her third, Bleak Landing, was a finalist. In 2018, she was awarded the Janette Oke Award by Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship. She has published eight stories with Chicken Soup for the Soul, two full-length plays with Eldridge Plays and Musicals, and writes a weekly faith and humor column for her hometown paper. 135 of the most popular columns are found in Terrie's first nonfiction book, Out of My Mind: A Decade of Faith and Humour. Her fourth novel, Rose Among Thornes, released in August, 2021 and her fifth, The Last Piece. in November, 2021.
After 20 years leading a church drama team, Terrie worked part-time as an Administrative Assistant at City Hall. Recently retired, she lives with her husband, Jon, on the Canadian prairies where they raised three children and where her novels are set. Over the years, Terrie has pursued acting, vegan cooking, and playing the saxophone, all with mixed reviews. You can catch up with her latest escapades at www.terrietodd.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrie Todd weaves an evocative story of grit and determination. I love the way this author spins a tale. It's so easy for me to slide back in time and into the shoes of the heroine.

Bleak Landing is the kind of epic tale that illustrates triumph over adversity and delivers an awesome stand-up-and-cheer ending. It starts when Bridget is twelve during the great depression and carries through into the war years. This heroine has a wretched start in life but she possesses an indomitable spirit that serves her well as she strikes out on her own at a tender age. I rejoiced over her resolute courage to change her life but my heart ached for the emotional wounds that keep her distanced from living life fully. Her journey towards self-acceptance is inspiring and that includes her struggles with God and her very narrow concept of faith.

Victor was the bane of her childhood existence. He was really awful in all the ways nasty boys can be. Something he feels bad about as he grows older, but Bridget disappears before he finds the courage to seek out forgiveness. It's years before they reconnect and he becomes her unexpected ally as she faces the ultimate bully in her hometown aptly named Bleak Landing.

An enthralling Women's Fiction/Romance hybrid that totally captivated me.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this ebook thru Goodreads giveaways.

Bridget O'Sullivan is the main character. She has rough experiences in her young years. Her dad gave her whippings and made bruises on her when he was drunk. Victor Harrison a classmate in school locked her in the outhouse. The guy who takes her to the factory tricks her into giving him her mother's Celtic locket. She moves to the city to work in a factory. Bridget makes friends at the factory. She ends up working on the house of the factory owner. World War 2 begins. The factory closes. Her father passed away years later. She returns home. Victor Harrison is the preacher in her hometown and went to school with Bridget. Bridget stays in her hometown. Victor and Bridget fall in love. Victor bought her Dad's place.

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have seen Todd's book for years and have always felt drawn to the covers. I have no idea why I waited until this year to start reading them! Her stories are rich and full... well developed and complex characters and storylines. I can feel what the main characters feel.. and experience what they experience.. the smells, sounds, sights and emotions. Bridget's story is one of overcoming.. of seeking and finding.. of forgiveness and freedom.. of Hope.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. Enjoyed the Canadian setting. Many themes including: religion, loss, loyalty, history and forgiveness among others. Christian focus but that did not interest me. Skimmed over these parts. Was disappointed in one incident in which Bridget caused a great catastrophe for an older woman. It seemed to me that she did nothing to ask for forgiveness and attempt to help the woman. Enjoyed the author overall and will be checking out her other 2 books at my local library.

[MAP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a digital copy of this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway.

This book won me over quickly because it starts out and spends a good amount of time from the point of view of teenagers, which is usually enough to make me stop before I even begin. But the way Bridget and the others were written managed to find the balance between feeling age appropriate but not ANNOYINGLY age appropriate. Most of the book i written from the point of view of Bridget, and she is definitely a character you enjoy sharing head space with. Her story isn't grand - it essentially follows her from her pre-teen years in small town Canada through her early twenties and building a life for herself - but it's honest and engaging, just the same, and her story is populated with other well-rounded characters who don't feel like they just exist to further the plot for Bridget.

My one hang-up was the insertion of the Christian message. I have ALWAYS had a hard time with this, and unfortunately this book is not much different than other ones I've read. Much of the book feels very natural and at ease in its writing style, but every time we hit a part about religion, it felt very stilted and GOOD NEWSy. I have grown up and spent a large portion of my adult life in various denominations of churches and never once have I heard people speak the way they do in Christian fiction about religion and God. Well, no one outside of televangelists. It just feels like there should be a way for a character's faith, and even spiritual growth, to be an integral part of the book without it feeling as though it detracts from the rest of the story or the flow of the writing.

4 stars. I am notably nitpicky about religion in books and Christian fiction (read my other reviews) so most likely if you have liked other Christian fiction books, you will find this several steps above and beyond the usual fare, and will probably not notice or be bothered by the same things I was. And Bridget is a character worth getting to know.

[Clarice James · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the same vein as her other two novels (The Silver Suitcase and Maggie's War), author Terrie Todd has created a strong, fighting female protagonist. Hardened by abuse and bullies, Bridgett O'Sullivan's main goal is to escape the town she was raised in -- Bleak Landing -- and to find hope. The author's historical settings are rich characters in their own right. I couldn't help but react to Bridgett's plight. Sometimes I felt sorry for her; other times I got mad at her for being so stubborn; then I'd be proud at her accomplishments. Complex characters, a well planned and written story, and a satisfying conclusion make this book one to read.

[Dana Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book via audible and I really did enjoy it. I enjoyed the story and the narrator. My heart went out to poor Bridget and the life she lived as a young girl. However, she was a strong girl and made a way for herself during a time in history that was very difficult. She was a bit stubborn and I wanted to throttle her a time or two, but in the end it all worked out and she got her HEA! I also enjoyed the Hero, and how he grew as a person throughout the story. I wish there was a tad more romance, but overall I give it 4.5 stars!

[Nettie Neudorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

You cheer for Bridget right from the start and eagerly watch her fight through the challenges no one deserves. Terrie ties in the significance of events along the way that makes the reader amazed of her talent. My favorite book yet!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable story of a young girl finding her way during the Great Depression. Wishing for a better life than she has with her alcoholic father in their little Canadian town actually named Bleak, she sets off on her 15 th birthday to make her own way. She stumbles into many good people along the way, but it's her ultimate relationship with God that brings her happiness.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Terrie utilizes here writing skills to take the reader back to a "simpler time" in a small town Manitoba community. She strikes the readers interest by creating characters one can immediately connect with. The story presents a good balance of real life issues and conflict which keeps the reader wanting more.

[Arielle Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I could not put this book down! You'll want to both throttle and hug the stuffing out of Bridget, but hang in there... this is a fantastic story of redemption.

[Jinx:The:Poet {the LiteraryWanderer & WordRoamer} · Rating 4 out of 5]

**OBTAINED: Goodreads Giveaway**

The novel, Bleak Landing by Terrie Todd, follows the fictional life of the young, yet fiery, Irish immigrant Bridget O'Sullivan as she comes overseas from Ireland, with her drunken father, to a small rustic town in Canada called Bleak Landing. Bridget O'Sullivan immediately captures the reader's heart with her intelligent, courageous, determination and strength, as well as her likable hot-tempered spirit.

The story navigates through many of her life's hardships, accomplishments, and the bittersweet reality of that time; some of the bitterness being famine and poverty, national immigration, tragic personal loss, cultural and social discrimination and isolation, political opposition, the Great Depression, hints of anti-semitism, and the great world war lingering on the horizon. During the years as Bridget O'Sullivan becomes an adult, we see growth and subtle changes in Bridget as she struggles to find balance and weathers the storms, but under it all she remains a strong woman; one who vacillates between her anger and repression, her morality and unbelief, and most often, her past and her future. It was fascinating to see her character slowly develop, to see her find work and education, to find friendship, her place in the world and eventually her faith.

There was some romance in the book, but I very much enjoyed that it was not romance-centric as so many books today are, and that the building romance did not define the overall book itself. Moreover, the obstacles the heroine faces and tenaciously overcomes, by the grace of God, becomes the main focus. And this was greatly appreciated. Of course, there was a side story woven in with Bridget's journey, that it becomes clear very early on to the reader, just where exactly the ending is headed. So in some ways the novel's climax was not unexpected, but the excitement and enjoyment of the book comes more from learning how our heroine gets from point A to point B, so to speak, rather than the mystery of the ending itself or it having a substantial climax.

The overall writing was very compelling and immersive, bringing the reader into the mind of the young Bridget. Bridget was an admirable, lovable character, not without her flaws and weaknesses, but that also was greatly appreciated. Many readers may find her to be a well constructed main character. All too many times, readers read stories about one dimensional characters that feel flat and unrealistic, almost like paper dolls, but not with Bridget O'Sullivan. As far as side characters went, it seemed not too much time was spent developing them, other than the charismatic, out-going Maxine Ross and the ever wishy-washy Victor Harrison; the former being far more likable than the later, in my opinion.

My only qualms with the novel, Bleak Landing, was the ending, which seemed to wrap up far too smoothly, too quickly. I'm alright with happy endings so long as they are realistic and fit the overall story, but in this case it felt a bit...cliché. The entirety of the story itself had not felt overly cliché, though it often brought back a few well known stories to mind. However, Bleak Landing seemed to hold its own. While, Bridget was a very fascinating, relatable character, it felt her character, mindset and nature suddenly changed in order for the the novel to end happily...

So little of the novel, however, is spent on the ending and it seems a tragic matter to dismiss a great, well-written book simply for the sake of it having a trivially predictable ending. So many great books do. Would definitely recommend, especially for those who enjoy a good historical, coming-of-age novel, with strong faith centric themes and a charming, though a bit clichéd, happily-ever-after ending.

[OFFICIAL RATING: 4.5 STARS]

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the subject and locale of this book....a young Irish girl growing up in Canada in the 1930's and 1940's. The first half of the book when she is younger is interesting but, the second half as an adult seems rushed, lacking character development...particular the growing romance of old friends.

[Janet Friesner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This is the second book I have read by this author and it was equally as good as the first. I believe Terrie Todd has one more book of there. I'll be getting it soon. Wonderful Christian fiction.

[Emock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anne of Green Gables reminiscent, with slightly darker undertones.

[Lauri Gentry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this author's style of writing. This story was a bit predictable which is just fine. Not all books need to take me on a wild ride.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. Easy read for a rainy day.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Terrie Todd’s novel, Bleak Landing, Bridget O’Sulliovan’s family had come to the small town of Bleak Landing in Canada from Ireland when she was seven. But her mother and brother died on the voyage. Her father took to drinking, gambling, and beating Bridget, making sure she knew he wished she had been the one to die.

Bridget didn’t fare much better at school. Her fiery red hair, Irish accent, rundown home, and drunken father all made her a target for bullying. Her two worst enemies were Victor Harrison and Bruce Nilsen, who locked her in the school outhouse one day. She vowed then that she’d leave Bleak Landing the first chance she got.

Her resolve was strengthened when she learned that one of her father’s gambling debts involved her.

Leave she did when she was fifteen, finding a job in a textile mill, then in a mansion as a cook’s helper, rising up the ranks to lady’s maid.

She becomes best friends with Maxine, a chatty girl she met at the mill. Maxine and her family are Christians. Bridget thinks they are nice and appreciates their hospitality, but doesn’t feel God has done her any favors.

Several years later, Bridget learns in a roundabout way that her father died and there’s some dispute about his property. At first she doesn’t care. She doesn’t want to see Bleak Landing again, and the property wasn’t much to speak of anyway. But when she loses her job and apartment during the Depression, her father’s property is the only thing in the world she owns besides the clothes she wore.

When she gets back to Bleak Landing, though, no one recognizes her except Victor. She looks much different and doesn’t have any identification.

Victor, during all these years, fought during WWI, was injured, came home, and trained to be a pastor. He regretted the way he treated Bridget when they were kids, but had no way to make amends to her. But will she forgive him and let him help her?

Bridget’s story was heart-breaking at first. She rises above her circumstances, but she doesn’t let anyone in and doesn’t share anything about her past with anyone. It’s a wonder, humanly speaking, that Maxine put up with her negativity, especially not knowing what caused it.. But eventually Bridget’s heart softens as she realizes she might need more than spunk to get through life.

I wouldn’t agree with every little theological point made, and I am not a fan of ecumenism between gospel-preaching and works-based churches.

But otherwise, I loved the characters and story.

[Vivacity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Bridget, the main character, grew up in Bleak Landing without a mother. Her father was an alcoholic who relished in physical and mental abuse. School was not a place she found belonging either, as she was mercilessly teased via cruel words and actions. Bravely, she would set out to make her own course in life at a young age. People come into all of our lives with God given purposes to help us on way, and friendless Bridget needs to see that there is good in the world. As the depress ends and WW2 begins, will she trust in these people enough to make her own life better...or will she keep pushing others away and destroy her own plans for contentment? Can the tormented of your youth ever become a trusted friend?
This is more than a coming of age story. It is a story of poverty and wealth, love and hate, and in non believers who are slow to know the truth. At some point, we all deserve a second chance...and to 'pay it voter's to grant forgiveness as well. But, can Bridget?

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridget O'Sullivan is a twelve-year-old Irish immigrant. In a poor Canadian town, she is often beaten by her father, and bullied by her schoolmate, Victor Harrison. But she dreams of a better life, and runs away just a few years later.

When her father dies, Bridget must return to Bleak Landing to claim what's hers. The problem is that she has no identification to prove she is O'Sullivan's daughter, and most don't recognize the beautiful, accomplished woman she has become. Only Victor. Wounded by war, Victor has become the town pastor and a candidate for mayor. As he tries to help Bridget he seeks forgiveness, but can she ever open her heart after the hurt from her past?

This is a great story. The characters are well-developed and believable. Bridget can be a bit unlikable at times, but never to the point that you stop wanting her to succeed. My only complaint for this novel is the ending. It felt very rushed once she returned home after her father's death.

Overall, it's a good read. Especially in regards to Bridget's journey to discovering who God really is.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quite-good! I really enjoyed the backdrop of the story, especially since it was based in Canada, something that is rare to find these days. I truly felt sorry for Bridget, especially when she was put in the outhouse, and had to endure endless taunts by her classmates and her father. When Bridget finally left Bleak Landing, I was relieved, and couldn't wait to see what new adventures lay ahead of her. When she found her job, and met Maxine, everything fell into place. I don't want to spoil it for you, but trust me, it was a great read! I loved how the author talked freely about how Bridget missed her mother, and felt alone in the world. I was relieved when Bridget finally began to fit-in, and found the people that were meant to be there for her in the future. Once Bridget returned to Bleak Landing, I had a warm feeling that things were going to go well for her, and was glad to see Victor back in the picture. I most definitely could see a sequel for this book, considering the way it ended, which left a sequel possible! I am now looking into reading more of this author's books, and would highly-recommend you give them a try!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of life

This was a story about real life. Not a pretty tale of romance, mystery or even science fiction or fantasy. If you are looking for those keep looking. This about life, the good the bad and even the ugly.
A Christian story without sex or foul language.
Young Bridget has the ugly life, without love. The bad luck of being the brunt of school bullies and being a "foreign" outcaste. But A very brave and determined, and intelligent girl.
Her story is filled with strife, misfortune, mistrust, doubt, but also with loyal friends, good fortune. All of which she feels she doesn't deserve. It is Bridget's story of faith and love entering her, sometimes from unexpected persons.
She has to return to her hated, hurtful past to find where God has been leading her.
A good clean and hopeful story about life.

[Tracy Krauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally read this book all the way through from start to finish. Set in the dirty thirties and on into world war two, the historical facts, as well as location, seem very authentic to the time period. Bridget, a poor immigrant girl, suffers humiliation and abuse, so finally runs away to the big city of Winnipeg where she reinvents herself and learns to make her way in the world. But circumstances force her to return to Bleak Landing, the place she swore she would never go again. Through her many trials and triumphs, she learns to forgive and also comes to a personal knowledge of God's love. Oh - and she also finds romantic love in another unexpected person, too! All in all, this is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.

[Becki Basley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bleak landing by terrie Todd
(Scribd audiobook )
An interesting story about a little Irish girl named Bridget from Ireland who lost her brother and mother during her family’s crossing to America and is for live with her abusive and neglectful father when they landed in America . This made even more unbearable by most of the community not only turning a blind eye to her plight but not really welcoming her in the community.

Then Bridget heard a deal her father (who gambled often) regarding bridget her 15rh birthday and a promise to a man he owed money too. Bridget runs away the morning of her 15th birthday. and sets off to make her own Way.

Heavily overtoned with christianity ideals. Its a good book in spite of it.




Would i buy it? No

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This conclusion to the series was good, but totally had you feeling all the feels of Bridget. As I experienced with her, the bullying, the abuse from her father and her desperation to flee, I also learned about history at that time.
Things were a little different in Canada than in the USA during WW2. That was uniquely different about this series.

Also, I wanted to desperately see the end, but also live each day with her. I loved how the gospel message was told without ever being told really.

This is a story of desperation, but also one of reality and learning to love truly while being willing to sacrifice all for true love.

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

If one-room school houses, Sunday School and the 1940's hold a place in your heart this is a book for you. Fans of historical Christian romance will enjoy this well written and thoroughly researched novel. The historical setting of Winnipeg and rural Manitoba during WWII took me back to my parents era giving me a glimpse of what it might have been like for them. Readers who are fans of Disney and Hallmark will love the story line and characters. Those longing for "the good old days" and some of that "old-time religion" will savor the sermons found on almost every page. Todd's Silver Suitcase and Maggie's War are equally, if not more enjoyable reads.

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dear friend, Lynnette, gifted me this book on Audible. At first, I wasn't sure I would like it because it is sort of bleak - even though the name Bleak Landing comes from the name of the town where Bridgett, the protaganist is from. She and her father are the lone survivors in their family of their voyage from Ireland to Canada, and Bridgett finds her schoolmates unaccepting of her. She loves learning and is a good kid, and eventually figures out how to escape her situation on her fifteenth birthday. I loved her resiliancy, her smarts, her clever ability to adapt, and the way the story shows how she emerges.

[Schnigelfritzbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since a book made me cry; Bleak Landing brought tears several times. It is a well-told story with well-drawn characters who, though maddening at times, are still likable. Bridget is stubborn, understandably so given her upbringing, but needs a shake occasionally at the way she treats her few friends, friends who forgive and teach Bridget to grow. Effervescent Maxine is a breath of fresh air, but one understands when Bridget uses her “stop talking” face occasionally. Victor is a fine, likable hero. Even the bully inspires a little sympathy at the end. (Read for yourself why!) Perhaps best of all, I didn’t have to wince through profanity laced conversation because that’s the only way most heroines know how to be “gutsy” and “strong.” It’s a book I would recommend to anyone and would not be embarrassed to be caught reading in public. I read this through Kindle Unlimited but will be adding it to my personal library, as well as going back to the author’s previous books.

[Mary Jung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bleak Landing
By Terrie Todd

Light, easy, summer read.

This is a real life story of romance, mystery, abuse and bullies. Pretty much a true life story where we meet Bridget a teenager whose life is not very pleasant. If nothing else, she seemed to have bad luck with doubt, misfortune and bad luck. She’s bullied but still very brave and intelligent. She makes the best of life with what she has to work with or that seems her motto.

An easy, clean read with a lot of hope – a story of life.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this one down! 👍👍

This was definitely one that I "NEEDED."

I recently (a few minutes ago) reviewed another book that I completed and in that review I posted the following:
"With what seems like a crazier than normal schedule lately, I found this one hard to stick with. Like it was work to follow the characters and the story line.

But don't take my word for it. I think we all interpret things differently and our interpretations very much rely on our mindsets at the time."


Admittedly, I have recently become a HUGE fan of Terrie Todd's works of Christian Fiction.