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Bridge Over the Atlantic #1
A Seaside Escape
All work and no love can make for a dull life. But cupid's arrow has a habit of striking when you least expect it... A heartwarming, feel-good romance to curl up with this winter perfect for the fans of Marian Keyes and Veronica Henry.
Mallory Westerman is the successful proprietor of Le Petit Cadeau, a gift shop extraordinaire in thriving Leeds.
Concentrating solely on her business, she has almost given up on finding someone to love. That is until she literally falls into the arms of a handsome, intriguing stranger who becomes her Knight in shining armour.
The whirlwind romance that ensues changes her life-path irrevocably. However, the road to true love is never smooth and things don't always turn out how you expect...
474 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2013
653 people are currently reading
979 people want to read
About the author
Lisa J. Hobman
15 books172 followersI'm a happily married mum with two energetic dogs and a thing for men with tattoos! In May 2012 I relocated from Yorkshire to my favourite place in the world, Scotland. The time since then has been a rollercoaster!
I love writing, singing and I'm very passionate about music. My tastes are quite eclectic.
My debut novel Bridge Over the Atlantic was shortlisted in the 2014 RoNA awards and I have written many more since! In 2017 I signed to Aria Fiction and I am loving working with them!
www.facebook.com/LisaJHobmanAuthor
I love writing, singing and I'm very passionate about music. My tastes are quite eclectic.
My debut novel Bridge Over the Atlantic was shortlisted in the 2014 RoNA awards and I have written many more since! In 2017 I signed to Aria Fiction and I am loving working with them!
www.facebook.com/LisaJHobmanAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
September 18, 2017
Mallory Westerman and her boyfriend, Sam, were just beginning their lives together and everything was going perfectly for them. The couple had just bought their dream home and were planning the rest of their lives when tragedy strikes. When Sam was late returning home Mallory was beginning to worry when there is a knock at the door and she gets the worse news of her life, Sam had been in an accident and didn't make it.
With Mallory's world shattered she really doesn't know how she'll move on without Sam in her life but finds comfort where she least expected from a local man she had just met before Sam's accident. Greg wasn't the friendliest of the locals at their first meeting but after losing Sam Mallory finds that she and Greg have that grief in common as he had recently lost his love too. The unlikely friends soon find themselves leaning on each other but Mallory is hesitant to let her feelings go deeper so soon after the loss of Sam.
A Seaside Escape by Lisa Hobman is a contemporary romance read that takes readers on a roller coaster ride of emotional ups and downs all throughout the story. As much as I liked about this book and Mallory's story there were things that I just didn't care for along the way too. For the good in this one I did quite enjoy Greg and his musical side. The author brought in playlists all throughout the book which went right along with Greg's feelings and actions at the time. The setting is also quite nice and dealing with grief in the story had it's ups and downs and Mallory's feelings were realistic in her struggles to cope with her loss.
However, on the other side of things I felt that the author really could have cut out a lot of the flashbacks with Sam after he was gone in the story. This seemed a bit distracting to building a new relationship to continue to focus on the old to great lengths. I would expect Mallory to remember Sam but this could have been done in a paragraph or two here and there. Also, I struggled with liking Mallory overall as a character since at one moment she would be someone I'd feel for and want to find happiness and the next she would seem to go overboard to the annoying side and I'd start to dislike her which would really bring down the book yet again. In the end I'd probably rate this one at 2.5 stars, some good parts but they did get overshadowed unfortunately.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
With Mallory's world shattered she really doesn't know how she'll move on without Sam in her life but finds comfort where she least expected from a local man she had just met before Sam's accident. Greg wasn't the friendliest of the locals at their first meeting but after losing Sam Mallory finds that she and Greg have that grief in common as he had recently lost his love too. The unlikely friends soon find themselves leaning on each other but Mallory is hesitant to let her feelings go deeper so soon after the loss of Sam.
A Seaside Escape by Lisa Hobman is a contemporary romance read that takes readers on a roller coaster ride of emotional ups and downs all throughout the story. As much as I liked about this book and Mallory's story there were things that I just didn't care for along the way too. For the good in this one I did quite enjoy Greg and his musical side. The author brought in playlists all throughout the book which went right along with Greg's feelings and actions at the time. The setting is also quite nice and dealing with grief in the story had it's ups and downs and Mallory's feelings were realistic in her struggles to cope with her loss.
However, on the other side of things I felt that the author really could have cut out a lot of the flashbacks with Sam after he was gone in the story. This seemed a bit distracting to building a new relationship to continue to focus on the old to great lengths. I would expect Mallory to remember Sam but this could have been done in a paragraph or two here and there. Also, I struggled with liking Mallory overall as a character since at one moment she would be someone I'd feel for and want to find happiness and the next she would seem to go overboard to the annoying side and I'd start to dislike her which would really bring down the book yet again. In the end I'd probably rate this one at 2.5 stars, some good parts but they did get overshadowed unfortunately.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
October 10, 2017
Reading this book felt like watching one of the hundred chick flick, romance comedies that never make it to the screens but only come out in DVD or something, whose actors you've never heard of and you probably never will again either, that you randomly come across a lazy Saturday afternoon on TV and you end up watching just because there's really nothing else on. You might enjoy it, and have a pleasant time but it's still full of cliches and you'll still forget about it the moment it's over.
I'm sorry to say that besides absolutely no surprises in the story line, the writing itself was of poor quality. Repetitive and uninspired, there was no cohesion in the narration. I felt like I was reading the same sentences placed one after the other with no flow, instead of them being blended together to create a smooth narrative and voice.
**I received a free ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
I'm sorry to say that besides absolutely no surprises in the story line, the writing itself was of poor quality. Repetitive and uninspired, there was no cohesion in the narration. I felt like I was reading the same sentences placed one after the other with no flow, instead of them being blended together to create a smooth narrative and voice.
**I received a free ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
dnf
January 25, 2016This had been in my TBR list forever so when I saw it in the library I snatched it without a second thought. To be honest I cannot even remember why I added it to the TBR in the first place! it has glowing reviews but doesn’t look like anything special…
Well, the point is I couldn’t read it. I tried, stopped at around 5%, went ahead and read all the spoilers, felt a little bit more interested, tried again, and stopped again around 10%.
I don’t like the characters, I don’t like the writing. I don’t like the constant exposition and info dump disguised as a dialogue. I’m not going to rate it because maybe it develops wonderfully later on, but I’m not going to waste any more time reading something I obviously don’t like.
Well, the point is I couldn’t read it. I tried, stopped at around 5%, went ahead and read all the spoilers, felt a little bit more interested, tried again, and stopped again around 10%.
I don’t like the characters, I don’t like the writing. I don’t like the constant exposition and info dump disguised as a dialogue. I’m not going to rate it because maybe it develops wonderfully later on, but I’m not going to waste any more time reading something I obviously don’t like.
June 27, 2018
Una lectura sencilla y simple que, para mí, ha resultado algo decepcionante. No es novela romántica, es más bien chick lit con algo de guarrerismo, teleflín de los domingos con mucho sentimiento y algo de moñismo.
Admiro la valentía de que , algo que, obviamente, no me ha gustado nada. Pero bueno, como teleflín que es, reconozco que es un buen giro que cambia la novela y te plantas ante otra distinta. El problema es que todo está escrito como si fuera amateur, todo excesivamente simplón, previsible, reiterativo y moñas. Me recordaba a las historias que muchas escribíamos de pequeñas, en las que pasaban cosas más bien increíbles para una persona normal y en la que todo tenía un final feliz felicísimo. Creo que esta fue la primera novela de la escritora, con lo que puedo entiender todo esto, pero claro, muchos debuts no sufren estos lastres.
En general ha sido una lectura fácil pero muy muy simplona. Leeré la segunda parte por masoquismo, porque él me ha encantado a pesar de su moñismo y porque, aunque es la misma historia, está vista desde el punto de vista del protagonista y tengo curiosidad.
Admiro la valentía de que , algo que, obviamente, no me ha gustado nada. Pero bueno, como teleflín que es, reconozco que es un buen giro que cambia la novela y te plantas ante otra distinta. El problema es que todo está escrito como si fuera amateur, todo excesivamente simplón, previsible, reiterativo y moñas. Me recordaba a las historias que muchas escribíamos de pequeñas, en las que pasaban cosas más bien increíbles para una persona normal y en la que todo tenía un final feliz felicísimo. Creo que esta fue la primera novela de la escritora, con lo que puedo entiender todo esto, pero claro, muchos debuts no sufren estos lastres.
En general ha sido una lectura fácil pero muy muy simplona. Leeré la segunda parte por masoquismo, porque él me ha encantado a pesar de su moñismo y porque, aunque es la misma historia, está vista desde el punto de vista del protagonista y tengo curiosidad.
October 21, 2013
This book begins as a nice little romance... and then a couple of chapters in, bam, the story takes an unexpected twist and becomes a full-fledged, buy-stocks-in-a-tissues-company love story.
I think the only way to adequately describe how emotionally gripping Bridge Over the Atlantic is, without giving too much away, is to say that Ms. Hobman has a bit of a Mr. Sparks thing going on.
It'll make you believe in love.
I think the only way to adequately describe how emotionally gripping Bridge Over the Atlantic is, without giving too much away, is to say that Ms. Hobman has a bit of a Mr. Sparks thing going on.
It'll make you believe in love.
Want to read
July 12, 2013 I've had this book recommended to me a few times now and I've added it to my list so I'm sharing the link in case you want to check it out as well. It's a standalone with a happy ending and readers have described it as an "emotional" and "feel-good" romance ♥
July 14, 2014
My first book and the equivalent to my novel 'baby'. I'm still crazy about Greg. So much so that he is getting his own book :-D
July 18, 2013
I’m not going to say anything much about the story because firstly I don’t want to give anything away and secondly because I really want readers to experience this the way I did. I want you to feel the ” gasp” moments I did and I don’t want to ruin those surprises in any way.
Bridge Over The Atlantic was beautiful, heartfelt story about loving and living, growing and healing and finding happiness. Of moving on, never forgetting and not looking back.
Mallory suffers with self esteem issues, she is a voluptuous beauty but doesn’t see past the curves on her body and doesn’t realise how beautiful she is inside and out. Mallory is strong, yet vulnerable and uses humour as a way to deflect. Mallory’s voice was warm and funny and at times heartbreaking. There were a couple of times I became frustrated with her but mostly I resonated with her. I got her, I really liked her and she came across as an absolute sweetheart.
Life through Mallory’s eyes is quirky and fun. Her internal dialogue will provide many giggles and many tears. The way she expresses herself and the way she reacts to situations will have you falling in love with her.
The men in her life couldn’t be more different. Sam, the quiet, sweet, romantic, soulful, gentle man who makes her feel whole. Who gives her the confidence she so sorely lacks and what a beautiful man he was.
“I can honestly say that I have never desired any woman more than I desire you right now.”
Greg – bruised, blustery, tough on the outside yet so beautiful and loving on the inside. I loved this man. I loved digging deep and seeing inside this tough Scotsman. Both men brought something different to the story and each would vie for Mallory’s affections in very different ways.
“Am I allowed to hug you?” he asked
“I think I made a total balls up of the last time I hugged you, you know.”
Told in past/present flashback against the backdrop of Yorkshire and Scotland, Bridge Over the Atlantic is told with beauty, emotion and humour. With characters who feel so real, you will end up loving them, caring about them and letting them into your heart. Music is woven wonderfully into this story with a playlist I just adored. Every song was so fitting and served to enhance the moment.
I’ll say now, better reach for those tissues because this author really does take us on an emotional journey with unexpected twists at every turn that will have you clutching your heart as you immerse yourself in a story that engages and mesmerizes the reader with its beauty every step of the way.
Come chat books with us on Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/pages/Totall...
Bridge Over The Atlantic was beautiful, heartfelt story about loving and living, growing and healing and finding happiness. Of moving on, never forgetting and not looking back.
Mallory suffers with self esteem issues, she is a voluptuous beauty but doesn’t see past the curves on her body and doesn’t realise how beautiful she is inside and out. Mallory is strong, yet vulnerable and uses humour as a way to deflect. Mallory’s voice was warm and funny and at times heartbreaking. There were a couple of times I became frustrated with her but mostly I resonated with her. I got her, I really liked her and she came across as an absolute sweetheart.
Life through Mallory’s eyes is quirky and fun. Her internal dialogue will provide many giggles and many tears. The way she expresses herself and the way she reacts to situations will have you falling in love with her.
The men in her life couldn’t be more different. Sam, the quiet, sweet, romantic, soulful, gentle man who makes her feel whole. Who gives her the confidence she so sorely lacks and what a beautiful man he was.
“I can honestly say that I have never desired any woman more than I desire you right now.”
Greg – bruised, blustery, tough on the outside yet so beautiful and loving on the inside. I loved this man. I loved digging deep and seeing inside this tough Scotsman. Both men brought something different to the story and each would vie for Mallory’s affections in very different ways.
“Am I allowed to hug you?” he asked
“I think I made a total balls up of the last time I hugged you, you know.”
Told in past/present flashback against the backdrop of Yorkshire and Scotland, Bridge Over the Atlantic is told with beauty, emotion and humour. With characters who feel so real, you will end up loving them, caring about them and letting them into your heart. Music is woven wonderfully into this story with a playlist I just adored. Every song was so fitting and served to enhance the moment.
I’ll say now, better reach for those tissues because this author really does take us on an emotional journey with unexpected twists at every turn that will have you clutching your heart as you immerse yourself in a story that engages and mesmerizes the reader with its beauty every step of the way.
Come chat books with us on Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/pages/Totall...
September 27, 2017
I’ve just put this book down, realising that, unfortunately for me, I was at the end. I didn’t want it to be over. I wanted more laughter, more tears (okay maybe there were enough of those already) and more importantly, more Mally.
I’m attempting to write a review without a single spoiler, but that’s really hard when all I want to do is talk about this amazing story and why I loved it so much.
Lisa J Hobman lures you in with her beautiful prose, but you stay for the characters, the blossoming love, the ups and downs that undoubtedly feature... this is what makes her books so amazing and why I love each and every story she creates.
I’ve read goodness knows how many books recently and you could say that some feel a little contrived, a forced happily ever after because that’s what the readers expect. People want a HEA or they won’t read a book. Well, at least that’s what it feels like lately.
Not all stories have a HEA and not all stories are a roller coaster ride of emotions that have you higher than the clouds at some points and lower than dirty ditch-water at others.
Some stories are sad, they make you cry uncontrollably, but they are beautiful. As a reader, I want a bit of diversity in what I read. Sometimes I want the “and they all loved happily ever after” and sometimes I don’t.
A Seaside Escape was... how do I sum it up?... tumultuous, happy, sad - it definitely pulls the heartstrings on more than one occasion.
I experienced a myriad of emotions with a bubbly, sweet young woman who is given the truest of loves and a mercurial man who made me want to pull my hair out, punch him in the face, kick him in the [____] and yet somehow made me fall in love with him anyway.
Lisa’s writing was beautiful, eloquent, thought provoking and she created a place where I could escape my own reality, swapping it for the highs and lows of someone else’s life for a while.
I love everything I read by this author, but this one was truly a beautiful story that talks of true love and how it conquers all. The characters touched me in a way that was almost tangible. It talks of how lucky we are to experience the truest of loves, if we ever get to. But also how lucky we are if we get to experience it more than once in a lifetime. It taught me that though I might not think it right now, maybe one day, when the right time comes along, I’ll find that kind of love again.
If you’re looking for a romantic story to whisk you away, download this to your kindle (or if you like the feel and smell of a real book like I do, grab it in paperback) when it comes out on Sunday October 1st.
I’m attempting to write a review without a single spoiler, but that’s really hard when all I want to do is talk about this amazing story and why I loved it so much.
Lisa J Hobman lures you in with her beautiful prose, but you stay for the characters, the blossoming love, the ups and downs that undoubtedly feature... this is what makes her books so amazing and why I love each and every story she creates.
I’ve read goodness knows how many books recently and you could say that some feel a little contrived, a forced happily ever after because that’s what the readers expect. People want a HEA or they won’t read a book. Well, at least that’s what it feels like lately.
Not all stories have a HEA and not all stories are a roller coaster ride of emotions that have you higher than the clouds at some points and lower than dirty ditch-water at others.
Some stories are sad, they make you cry uncontrollably, but they are beautiful. As a reader, I want a bit of diversity in what I read. Sometimes I want the “and they all loved happily ever after” and sometimes I don’t.
A Seaside Escape was... how do I sum it up?... tumultuous, happy, sad - it definitely pulls the heartstrings on more than one occasion.
I experienced a myriad of emotions with a bubbly, sweet young woman who is given the truest of loves and a mercurial man who made me want to pull my hair out, punch him in the face, kick him in the [____] and yet somehow made me fall in love with him anyway.
Lisa’s writing was beautiful, eloquent, thought provoking and she created a place where I could escape my own reality, swapping it for the highs and lows of someone else’s life for a while.
I love everything I read by this author, but this one was truly a beautiful story that talks of true love and how it conquers all. The characters touched me in a way that was almost tangible. It talks of how lucky we are to experience the truest of loves, if we ever get to. But also how lucky we are if we get to experience it more than once in a lifetime. It taught me that though I might not think it right now, maybe one day, when the right time comes along, I’ll find that kind of love again.
If you’re looking for a romantic story to whisk you away, download this to your kindle (or if you like the feel and smell of a real book like I do, grab it in paperback) when it comes out on Sunday October 1st.
December 30, 2017
3.5★s for me.
Mallory Westerman and Greg McBradden are two people trying to deal with the grief from losing the “love of their life”.
Can circumstances change, and will they be able let go of the past and allow themselves to fall in love again?
This story is set in a scenic seaside Scottish town, and so has the lovely “cosy” feel of community and the quirky characters who live there.
Mallory & Greg are both likeable characters, well rounded and real. Both display the fear, joy & hope of the possibility of love being theirs again.
”Basically, what I’m trying to say is that, if we’d met under different circumstances, if we were closer in age, if we weren’t both so broken, if I was braver, if you even remotely found me attractive, then maybe things would be different. But I know that things are how they are…I can handle it. I’m happy to be just friends.”
This book is lovely & heart-warming, a very comfortable read. Kind of like sitting in a sunny spot with a cat on your lap and your favourite cuppa by your side ☕
This was a delightful book to finish my 2017 reading with 💕
Mallory Westerman and Greg McBradden are two people trying to deal with the grief from losing the “love of their life”.
Can circumstances change, and will they be able let go of the past and allow themselves to fall in love again?
This story is set in a scenic seaside Scottish town, and so has the lovely “cosy” feel of community and the quirky characters who live there.
Mallory & Greg are both likeable characters, well rounded and real. Both display the fear, joy & hope of the possibility of love being theirs again.
”Basically, what I’m trying to say is that, if we’d met under different circumstances, if we were closer in age, if we weren’t both so broken, if I was braver, if you even remotely found me attractive, then maybe things would be different. But I know that things are how they are…I can handle it. I’m happy to be just friends.”
This book is lovely & heart-warming, a very comfortable read. Kind of like sitting in a sunny spot with a cat on your lap and your favourite cuppa by your side ☕
This was a delightful book to finish my 2017 reading with 💕
October 25, 2019
Thank you so much to the Publisher and Netgalley for the arc
I am a Cover Lover, and always have been a soft touch for a gorgeous cover, it even looks as if my little 15 year old Patterdale cross, Bertie has got a staring role on the cover of this book!! its not him but it really does look like him.
A Seaside Escape did not disappoint, neither did the characters, they came over as “normal” who chatted about everyday things and laughed, cried and in general made this a very enjoyable book to read.
I am a music lover and loved the playlist idea! A Yorkshire Lass too so been somewhere not too far from me, kind of felt as if i was reading about home until Scotland was on the horizon, then my ears and eyes really opened. I adore that part of the world and loved the descriptions of the area as well as the other people which appeared along the way.
A book is what you make it, just like life… This was my kind of read…
I am a Cover Lover, and always have been a soft touch for a gorgeous cover, it even looks as if my little 15 year old Patterdale cross, Bertie has got a staring role on the cover of this book!! its not him but it really does look like him.
A Seaside Escape did not disappoint, neither did the characters, they came over as “normal” who chatted about everyday things and laughed, cried and in general made this a very enjoyable book to read.
I am a music lover and loved the playlist idea! A Yorkshire Lass too so been somewhere not too far from me, kind of felt as if i was reading about home until Scotland was on the horizon, then my ears and eyes really opened. I adore that part of the world and loved the descriptions of the area as well as the other people which appeared along the way.
A book is what you make it, just like life… This was my kind of read…
October 11, 2017
Mallory "Mally" Westerman is happy with her life. She's the owner of a gift shop in Leeds, and gets on great with her best friend. She doesn't really have time for love.
That is....until she meets charming Canadian Sam. They strike up a friendship which soon turns to more. The book is so romantic and I was hooked. Life is good for the happy couple who start to cement their dreams by traveling to Scotland on holidays. Their dream is to have a house in Scotland. When they find a cosy, whitewashed cottage on the Atlantic coast which has a beautiful landmark in the form of an ornate bridge, they pack up their lives in Leeds and head up the motorway towards their new life.
They are little prepared for what will happen next.....
I really want to say more, but I won't as I don't want to spoil things for readers.
The book is full of happiness, romance, dreams tragedy drama and sadness but it's well-written. There's a great atmosphere in the new area they move to. I warmed to Greg after a stormy beginning, and I liked Mallory and her cute dog, Ruby. Her best friend Josie was warm, funny and really supportive along the way which was an aspect of the book I liked, too.
Sam's parents and sister are welcoming kind and generous and I loved the parts of the book set in Canada, too. A Seaside Escape is a book that takes the reader from Yorkshire to Scotland and Canada.
This is the first book I have read by Lisa Hobman, and I was swept away by the plot and the realistic and human nature of the characters.
I loved Mally's 30th birthday party and the happy times that take place throughout the book. I felt for the characters during the trying times they experienced and the playlists at various points with meaningful songs was a beautiful and original idea.
The book is the kind that takes you by surprise. There are twists and turns when you don't expect them and that made me like it even more. It's so emotional and had me holding back the tears (whether of happiness or sadness) at points. it's so true to life.
Thanks to Lisa Hobman and Atria Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Lisa, PLEASE write a sequel! I recommend this book 100%.
That is....until she meets charming Canadian Sam. They strike up a friendship which soon turns to more. The book is so romantic and I was hooked. Life is good for the happy couple who start to cement their dreams by traveling to Scotland on holidays. Their dream is to have a house in Scotland. When they find a cosy, whitewashed cottage on the Atlantic coast which has a beautiful landmark in the form of an ornate bridge, they pack up their lives in Leeds and head up the motorway towards their new life.
They are little prepared for what will happen next.....
I really want to say more, but I won't as I don't want to spoil things for readers.
The book is full of happiness, romance, dreams tragedy drama and sadness but it's well-written. There's a great atmosphere in the new area they move to. I warmed to Greg after a stormy beginning, and I liked Mallory and her cute dog, Ruby. Her best friend Josie was warm, funny and really supportive along the way which was an aspect of the book I liked, too.
Sam's parents and sister are welcoming kind and generous and I loved the parts of the book set in Canada, too. A Seaside Escape is a book that takes the reader from Yorkshire to Scotland and Canada.
This is the first book I have read by Lisa Hobman, and I was swept away by the plot and the realistic and human nature of the characters.
I loved Mally's 30th birthday party and the happy times that take place throughout the book. I felt for the characters during the trying times they experienced and the playlists at various points with meaningful songs was a beautiful and original idea.
The book is the kind that takes you by surprise. There are twists and turns when you don't expect them and that made me like it even more. It's so emotional and had me holding back the tears (whether of happiness or sadness) at points. it's so true to life.
Thanks to Lisa Hobman and Atria Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Lisa, PLEASE write a sequel! I recommend this book 100%.
September 28, 2014
I'm hanging my head in shame as I write this review. Lisa J Hobman has been a huge supporter of my blog for a long time now and it's taken me until now to discover what a talented author she is, but as the saying goes " better late than never " right ?
Mallory and her fiancé decide to more from Yorkshire to the beautiful highlands of Scotland to pursue their dream but fate has a nasty way of changing their hopes and dreams in a heartbeat taking the reader on a journey to find love because love conquers all !
This book was a totally change of pace for me, I often tend to favour the darker side of romance.
Through Lisa's amazing writing she takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster to find love.
I adored everthing about this book from the surprising story line that had me shedding a few tears to the characters and the beautiful Scottish scenery that had me wanting to visit Scotland.
I loved that the characters in this book where portrayed as real people Mallory wasn't a stick thin twenty something, she worried about her weight and what people thought of a curvier girl.
Greg although extremely handsome wasn't an alpha male screaming orders at Mallory but a sweet, gently man that had experienced a great loss and so looking for someone to guide him to love again.
The britishness of this book made it a delight to read bringing a smile to my face many times, the banter between the characters was so good.
I'm really going to miss Mallory and Greg as I feel like I've made two new friends, this story will stay with me for a long time too come.
Mallory and her fiancé decide to more from Yorkshire to the beautiful highlands of Scotland to pursue their dream but fate has a nasty way of changing their hopes and dreams in a heartbeat taking the reader on a journey to find love because love conquers all !
This book was a totally change of pace for me, I often tend to favour the darker side of romance.
Through Lisa's amazing writing she takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster to find love.
I adored everthing about this book from the surprising story line that had me shedding a few tears to the characters and the beautiful Scottish scenery that had me wanting to visit Scotland.
I loved that the characters in this book where portrayed as real people Mallory wasn't a stick thin twenty something, she worried about her weight and what people thought of a curvier girl.
Greg although extremely handsome wasn't an alpha male screaming orders at Mallory but a sweet, gently man that had experienced a great loss and so looking for someone to guide him to love again.
The britishness of this book made it a delight to read bringing a smile to my face many times, the banter between the characters was so good.
I'm really going to miss Mallory and Greg as I feel like I've made two new friends, this story will stay with me for a long time too come.
May 10, 2013
Bridge Over the Atlantic is a beautiful story about love, and how it’s not always so simple and straight forward. When I started the book I thought I knew what it was going to be. Boy meets girl, they fall in love, they have some hardships but live happily ever after. Isn’t that the timeless formula for romance that we all love?
But Lisa turned all my expectations around and showed me a story with so much more depth than I expected. There was heartache, tears, laughter. It’s been a while since I read a book where I was really immersed in the characters and I can honestly say this book really drew me in. I cried with Mallory. I laughed with her. I felt her pain and her joy. Lisa took me on a journey and introduced me to a whole new life.
Music is a large part of the story and I loved the soundtrack that went along with the book. The best part was I knew most of the songs, and I knew exactly the message being sent through them. It brought a reality to the story that I loved, and also brought back my own memories that are associated with the songs mentioned.
In conclusion: Lisa J Hobman writes a truly beautiful contemporary romance that is raw and real. If I could give this book 6 stars I would. It’s probably my favorite book I’ve read this year. 5 out of 5 stars.
But Lisa turned all my expectations around and showed me a story with so much more depth than I expected. There was heartache, tears, laughter. It’s been a while since I read a book where I was really immersed in the characters and I can honestly say this book really drew me in. I cried with Mallory. I laughed with her. I felt her pain and her joy. Lisa took me on a journey and introduced me to a whole new life.
Music is a large part of the story and I loved the soundtrack that went along with the book. The best part was I knew most of the songs, and I knew exactly the message being sent through them. It brought a reality to the story that I loved, and also brought back my own memories that are associated with the songs mentioned.
In conclusion: Lisa J Hobman writes a truly beautiful contemporary romance that is raw and real. If I could give this book 6 stars I would. It’s probably my favorite book I’ve read this year. 5 out of 5 stars.
June 2, 2013
If you love romance and tragedy and believe in fate then this is the book got you. I fell in love with Mallory and Greg's love story. I laughed and cried with them, you could feel the pain that they were going though and just hoped that they would be ok. The author makes you want to go to Scotland and see all of the Loch's and scenery that the characters visit. I love how the author included Sam's family in to Mallory's life and made them her family also. This story proves that “Love Conquers All “ and that Guardian Angels exist. I would recommend this book to my friend.
June 24, 2014
Absolutely loved this story about heartache, grief and finding new love. I think the fact they had both each lost someone they loved made the connection even more acute and becoming aware that they were developing feelings while helping each other through the grieving process made the story more emotional for me. They had their ups, downs and misunderstandings but got there eventually. Written with great words and emotion. Can not wait to read from Greg's POV.
August 25, 2017
I did not enjoy this book at all. It read like terrible online fan fiction and the descriptive language felt both repetitive and over the top. Don't waste your time or energy.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley to review.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley to review.
August 26, 2014
Okay, so I am an idiot! - At least I can admit it right?
Anyway…here’s why I am an idiot…today. I was looking on Net Galley, trying to find the next great read and saw the above blurb for Bridge of Hope and thought, well now that sounds interesting. I loved the cover of the guy playing guitar and said – okay let’s give this one a try. I completely and totally missed the little blue box off to the side that said “THIS IS A COMPANION NOVEL YOU IDIOT – DON’T REQUEST THIS IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE BOOK IT GOES WITH!” Okay, so maybe it didn’t exactly say that but it was something to that effect. But when I went on Goodreads to add the book, I saw in big bold letters COMPANION NOVEL – and thought, well that’s no good – I’ve got to read the original book first and off to Amazon I went.
So, this review will sort of be a review of both books since I read them together.
Bridge over the Atlantic for me was a cute fun story…in the beginning. I loved Sam and Mallory, and honestly thought how cute these two found each other and she literally falls in love with him. He was such the perfect guy and I was like, sweet I can’t wait to stay tuned for this happily ever after. (Also wondering why this seemed like a completely different story than the blurb I read for Bridge of Hope – ummm, yeah)
Then, this book became a train wreck because as soon as the chain of events started I KNEW what was going to happen, but I couldn’t look away. I watched the story unfold and my heart was ripped out of my chest and pounced on. I cried, literally big drop, sad tears. And I fell apart.
For a while after that I had a hard time pulling it together. I struggled, not with the writing at all, I think this writer is a great story teller, but it was more the story itself. I was still not over it. Honestly, after all is said and done – I’m still not sure I’m over it. I’ve accepted it, but my heart still hurts.
And then we learn Greg’s story and damn if my heart didn’t break just a little bit more. Holy hell, how do two people like this find each other to lean on when their lives have completely and totally fallen apart.
The journey for me was a struggle. But in the end I was happy to have taken the trip. Now, that’s not to mean sometimes I didn’t want to shake the hell out of both of these characters – but to me, that’s just a testament to how invested I was in the story.
The only negative I would have is the present/past back and forth. Once the incident occurs, I didn’t want to go back in time with Sam and Mallory anymore. It was too hard and I knew it wouldn’t lead me to anywhere good. My wish was that we had gotten through all their past/present stuff earlier in the novel so I didn’t have to suffer as long. And then I could have focused on moving forward and the future without being dragged back through the hurt. But, that was me!
All that being said I think Hobman did a beautiful job telling these heart-wrenching stories because the truth is, she didn’t just tell one story. She told both in BotA and gave us more details in BoH.
Anyway…here’s why I am an idiot…today. I was looking on Net Galley, trying to find the next great read and saw the above blurb for Bridge of Hope and thought, well now that sounds interesting. I loved the cover of the guy playing guitar and said – okay let’s give this one a try. I completely and totally missed the little blue box off to the side that said “THIS IS A COMPANION NOVEL YOU IDIOT – DON’T REQUEST THIS IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE BOOK IT GOES WITH!” Okay, so maybe it didn’t exactly say that but it was something to that effect. But when I went on Goodreads to add the book, I saw in big bold letters COMPANION NOVEL – and thought, well that’s no good – I’ve got to read the original book first and off to Amazon I went.
So, this review will sort of be a review of both books since I read them together.
Bridge over the Atlantic for me was a cute fun story…in the beginning. I loved Sam and Mallory, and honestly thought how cute these two found each other and she literally falls in love with him. He was such the perfect guy and I was like, sweet I can’t wait to stay tuned for this happily ever after. (Also wondering why this seemed like a completely different story than the blurb I read for Bridge of Hope – ummm, yeah)
Then, this book became a train wreck because as soon as the chain of events started I KNEW what was going to happen, but I couldn’t look away. I watched the story unfold and my heart was ripped out of my chest and pounced on. I cried, literally big drop, sad tears. And I fell apart.
For a while after that I had a hard time pulling it together. I struggled, not with the writing at all, I think this writer is a great story teller, but it was more the story itself. I was still not over it. Honestly, after all is said and done – I’m still not sure I’m over it. I’ve accepted it, but my heart still hurts.
And then we learn Greg’s story and damn if my heart didn’t break just a little bit more. Holy hell, how do two people like this find each other to lean on when their lives have completely and totally fallen apart.
The journey for me was a struggle. But in the end I was happy to have taken the trip. Now, that’s not to mean sometimes I didn’t want to shake the hell out of both of these characters – but to me, that’s just a testament to how invested I was in the story.
The only negative I would have is the present/past back and forth. Once the incident occurs, I didn’t want to go back in time with Sam and Mallory anymore. It was too hard and I knew it wouldn’t lead me to anywhere good. My wish was that we had gotten through all their past/present stuff earlier in the novel so I didn’t have to suffer as long. And then I could have focused on moving forward and the future without being dragged back through the hurt. But, that was me!
All that being said I think Hobman did a beautiful job telling these heart-wrenching stories because the truth is, she didn’t just tell one story. She told both in BotA and gave us more details in BoH.
October 22, 2017
The Blurb :
Mallory Westerman is the successful proprietor of Le Petit Cadeau, a gift shop extraordinaire in thriving Leeds.
Concentrating solely on her business, she has almost given up on finding someone to love. That is until she literally falls into the arms of a handsome, intriguing stranger who becomes her Knight in shining armour.
The whirlwind romance that ensues changes her life-path irrevocably. However, the road to true love is never smooth and things don't always turn out how you expect...
My Thoughts :
We meet Mallory Westerman, she owns Le Petit Cadeau, a gift shop in Leeds.
Mallory is very likeable and I instantly fell in love with her. She has some issues with herself and her self confidence as she is curvy and not your typical stick thin model. When Mallory meets Sam, who is from Canada life changes and they fall deeply in love. As they plan their future, they decide to move to Scotland to start their life there.
Without giving away too much and any spoilers, this is a story that has many twists and turns and is about love, loss, and moving on. It will have you smiling and in tears as you go on one emotional rollercoaster with the charactors.
Lisa Hobman captured it beautifully and her style of writing leaves you turning the page wanting more.
There was a bit of jumping around into the past which I didnt think was at times necessary, but overall this is a book you will want to pick up and get lost in.
Mallory Westerman is the successful proprietor of Le Petit Cadeau, a gift shop extraordinaire in thriving Leeds.
Concentrating solely on her business, she has almost given up on finding someone to love. That is until she literally falls into the arms of a handsome, intriguing stranger who becomes her Knight in shining armour.
The whirlwind romance that ensues changes her life-path irrevocably. However, the road to true love is never smooth and things don't always turn out how you expect...
My Thoughts :
We meet Mallory Westerman, she owns Le Petit Cadeau, a gift shop in Leeds.
Mallory is very likeable and I instantly fell in love with her. She has some issues with herself and her self confidence as she is curvy and not your typical stick thin model. When Mallory meets Sam, who is from Canada life changes and they fall deeply in love. As they plan their future, they decide to move to Scotland to start their life there.
Without giving away too much and any spoilers, this is a story that has many twists and turns and is about love, loss, and moving on. It will have you smiling and in tears as you go on one emotional rollercoaster with the charactors.
Lisa Hobman captured it beautifully and her style of writing leaves you turning the page wanting more.
There was a bit of jumping around into the past which I didnt think was at times necessary, but overall this is a book you will want to pick up and get lost in.
September 21, 2017
A Seaside Escape by Lisa Hobman is a great read. An emotional journey of a woman losing her loved one. It was easy to relate to her loss, grief, and to understand some of her actions. A heartbreaking tale that felt realistic. I felt sympathy for Mallory. I can't imagine how hard it was for her. But at the same time, her journey seemed to drag. It was stretching the grief out as though it were a rubber band but without it ever breaking. There had to be an earlier time to let go of her past memories in order to move forward a bit faster. There was also, another main character who suffered the same loss. Their connection was entertaining to follow. Again, I wished she, Mallory, would have realized that sooner. Other than that, the book overall, was good. Heartfelt, sweet, and believable.
I received this copy from Net Galley. This, is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from Net Galley. This, is my voluntary review.
Want to read
March 14, 2014★ SALE ALERT ★
Bridge Over the Atlantic, by Lisa J. Hobman
I've had this one on my TBR list for a while and I've heard some great reviews about it. And it's now been shortlisted in Romantic Novel of the Year through the Romantic Novelists Association.
In celebration of this, it's currently on sale for 77p/99c
Congratulations Lisa J. Hobman, and good luck for the results, on Monday!
UK AMAZON: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00C6IXU38
US AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C6IXU38
Bridge Over the Atlantic, by Lisa J. Hobman
I've had this one on my TBR list for a while and I've heard some great reviews about it. And it's now been shortlisted in Romantic Novel of the Year through the Romantic Novelists Association.
In celebration of this, it's currently on sale for 77p/99c
Congratulations Lisa J. Hobman, and good luck for the results, on Monday!
UK AMAZON: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00C6IXU38
US AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C6IXU38
August 23, 2014
This one is definitely not for me. I am at a minority here and I feel bad. I loved the romance between Mallory and Sam but the story got really soured when she fell in love with Greg. I mean, yeah, Sam was no longer in the picture but I thought it was too soon, you know. Maybe it's my conservative upbringing but like I said it was too soon to be emotionally involved with someone else when she was supposed to be very much in love with Sam.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2017
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and from the description had expected a fun chick lit romance. What I got was an incredibly dull read, and as someone on here has already said in their review (and I couldn't put it better myself) it reads like incredibly poor fan fiction. The language is more suitable to a teen / young adult novel and this didn't challenge me at all. I abandoned quarter of the way in because it's just not worth spending time on. Don't bother.
November 17, 2017
Thank you netgalley and the publishers for the review copy. I'm sorry to say that I struggled with this one. The cover and title interested me and reading the blurb it sounded promising. Truth of it was it read like a teen romance book, or even dare I say it a Mills & Boon novel. The writing seemed 'cheesy' and it just wasn't written in a style that I like to read. It's not to say that it isn't a good book, it just wasn't the book for me.
June 8, 2013
Loved it! I will admit I was rather upset at first, but Lisa was able to make me a fan of her writing abilities in relating a story that totally kept me on my toes! I love the way it went back and forth...my emotions did the same! Thanks Lisa for an amazing read!!!
August 28, 2017
::..Reviewed for Red's Midnight Readers..::
I was very kindly provided with a Netgalley Arc in exchange for an honest review. I have given it 5 heart warming stars.
I had the pleasure of reading this book when it was called "Bridge Over The Atlantic", now it's been spruced up, had a new name and been given a pretty new cover but do you know what? It's still the same beautifully heartwarming tale of love, loss and friendship.
One of the things that has endeared this story to me is that the events of this books could happen to anyone. It's so real and raw that once again this story reduced me to tears. Big, fat, ugly tears!
I couldn't put it down as Lisa took us on this touching journey of two people finding each other after suffering heartbreak of the worst kind. She has such talent using her words to make the reader feel every single emotion of her characters, rendering you an emotional mess long after you have closed the book.
This is a slow burn romance, there is no insta love to be found here coupled with the scenic backdrop of Scotland makes for a very magical story that you do not want to miss.
I was very kindly provided with a Netgalley Arc in exchange for an honest review. I have given it 5 heart warming stars.
I had the pleasure of reading this book when it was called "Bridge Over The Atlantic", now it's been spruced up, had a new name and been given a pretty new cover but do you know what? It's still the same beautifully heartwarming tale of love, loss and friendship.
One of the things that has endeared this story to me is that the events of this books could happen to anyone. It's so real and raw that once again this story reduced me to tears. Big, fat, ugly tears!
I couldn't put it down as Lisa took us on this touching journey of two people finding each other after suffering heartbreak of the worst kind. She has such talent using her words to make the reader feel every single emotion of her characters, rendering you an emotional mess long after you have closed the book.
This is a slow burn romance, there is no insta love to be found here coupled with the scenic backdrop of Scotland makes for a very magical story that you do not want to miss.
November 6, 2017
Thank you to the Publisher, Netgalley and the author for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I actually read this book when it was originally titled A Bridge Over the Atlantic so was eager to read the re-worked version to see how the story survived the changes. I'm so pleased to say that its still the beautiful romance it was originally. Mallory's story is one of love, loss and upheaval on her path to find herself again. The characters are very real and written so well that you're drawn in from the very first page. I loved the music choices that depict Greg and Mallory's relationship so perfectly and the descriptions of the couple's surroundings had me wanting to jump in the car and go explore Scotland for myself.
This book is the perfect read for any die hard romantics out there and I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
I actually read this book when it was originally titled A Bridge Over the Atlantic so was eager to read the re-worked version to see how the story survived the changes. I'm so pleased to say that its still the beautiful romance it was originally. Mallory's story is one of love, loss and upheaval on her path to find herself again. The characters are very real and written so well that you're drawn in from the very first page. I loved the music choices that depict Greg and Mallory's relationship so perfectly and the descriptions of the couple's surroundings had me wanting to jump in the car and go explore Scotland for myself.
This book is the perfect read for any die hard romantics out there and I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
September 18, 2017
Things don't always turn out as you'd expect! A Seaside Escape is a funny, poignant and beautiful story of love and loss, just like life. Mallory's story is life affirming and bursting with emotion that will have you reaching for the tissues. A very well told story perfect for reading on cold autumn nights by the fire.
October 6, 2017
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. I flew through this book. I read it in four hours. I fell in love with the not quite perfect Mallory character. It was great all the different twists and turns Mallory was put into to achieve her romance goal!
June 26, 2024
This is the second book of Hobman's in which she makes a married man a love interest. The story was good, but I lost interest after I found out about one of the main characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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