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Wishing Bridge #1
Welcome to Wishing Bridge
Kelsey is on her way to a life do-over. And it’s not the first time. Abandoned by her drug-addict mother as a teen, she landed in a foster-care group home where she experienced faith and community—and met her best friends, Jazz and Theadora. The trio stuck together like sisters and vowed to make their lives mean something.
Now Kelsey’s pushing thirty, and her life has taken a wrong turn. Pregnant and alone after loving the wrong man, she’s on her way to making another life-changing decision when a wicked blizzard strands her outside the sleepy town of Wishing Bridge.
After being rescued from a snowbank by handsome cop, she’s embraced by the welcoming village, but she still feels upside down. Fortunately, her frantic SOS brings her besties rushing to help sort things out. They soon find that Wishing Bridge has as many secrets as Kelsey does—and she’s connected to it in ways she couldn’t have imagined.
Now Kelsey’s pushing thirty, and her life has taken a wrong turn. Pregnant and alone after loving the wrong man, she’s on her way to making another life-changing decision when a wicked blizzard strands her outside the sleepy town of Wishing Bridge.
After being rescued from a snowbank by handsome cop, she’s embraced by the welcoming village, but she still feels upside down. Fortunately, her frantic SOS brings her besties rushing to help sort things out. They soon find that Wishing Bridge has as many secrets as Kelsey does—and she’s connected to it in ways she couldn’t have imagined.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2017
874 people are currently reading
860 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Logan Herne
131 books505 followersMulti-published, award-winning, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of being a published author and having the time of her life doing it. Born to a poor family in Rochester, NY, Ruthy draws on her early years and her many years of dealing with today's young families and businesses to create beautiful, heartfelt small-town stories of faith, hope and love... while adopting her favorite non-Scripture quotes "Plenty of time for rest in the grave" (Ben Franklin) and "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." (Eleanor Roosevelt) and one can always depend on Yoda "There is no try. There is do or do not." Succinct... and true. :) She loves chatting with readers on facebook at Ruth Logan Herne or follow Ruthy on Twitter, visit her website or stop by Seekerville (www.seekerville.blogspot.com) or pop by the Yankee Belle Cafe where Ruthy and several lovely authors share recipes, facts, photos and just plain old life! (www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
January 9, 2018
Welcome to Wishing Bridge
Ruth Logan Herne
WELCOME TO WISHING BRIDGE is the first book in the Wishing Bridge series. To be honest, I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. I knew I would read it anyway, because I love Ruth Logan Herne, but the cover really pulled me in. I loved everything about this beautiful story and I'm excited to continue the series. Ruth Logan Herne always has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go. Kelsey is on her way to Harrisburg Pennsylvania to an adoption agency. She is a single mother to be and the baby's father conned her. She is in no position to have a baby and decides to give her up for adoption so she can have a better life than the one Kelsey had.
While driving in a bad storm on her way to Harrisburg, Kelsey knows conditions have deteriorated too much for her to continue. She pulls off the highway, goes too fast down a hill and winds up in a ditch in Wishing Bridge, New York. Somehow, someway, a lady who lives in that area, Maggie, looks up just at that moment from her living room and sees Kelsey's car lights disappear. WELCOME TO WISHING BRIDGE finds Kelsey being rescued, giving birth to her beautiful daughter in a firehouse, and a 911 call going out to her two best friends that she grew up with in foster care.
Kelsey's habitual liar of a mother always told her she was from Wishing Bridge, but Kelsey doesn't know if that is a lie or not. While she is there recovering she finds her way to the local library to see what she can learn about her mother or any family that might still be in Wishing Bridge. Well, that opens a whole can of worms and Kelsey finds it all blowing up in her face through no fault of her own.
WELCOME TO WISHING BRIDGE is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Ruth Logan Herne was taking us and what would happen to Kelsey. I really loved how the whole community came to Kelsey's aid and only wanted her to feel safe and welcome! Well, almost everyone. There is so much heart in Ruth's writing that I'm always left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. I could totally see WELCOME TO WISHING BRIDGE becoming a Hallmark movie and I would love to see it.
Ruth Logan Herne
WELCOME TO WISHING BRIDGE is the first book in the Wishing Bridge series. To be honest, I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. I knew I would read it anyway, because I love Ruth Logan Herne, but the cover really pulled me in. I loved everything about this beautiful story and I'm excited to continue the series. Ruth Logan Herne always has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go. Kelsey is on her way to Harrisburg Pennsylvania to an adoption agency. She is a single mother to be and the baby's father conned her. She is in no position to have a baby and decides to give her up for adoption so she can have a better life than the one Kelsey had.
While driving in a bad storm on her way to Harrisburg, Kelsey knows conditions have deteriorated too much for her to continue. She pulls off the highway, goes too fast down a hill and winds up in a ditch in Wishing Bridge, New York. Somehow, someway, a lady who lives in that area, Maggie, looks up just at that moment from her living room and sees Kelsey's car lights disappear. WELCOME TO WISHING BRIDGE finds Kelsey being rescued, giving birth to her beautiful daughter in a firehouse, and a 911 call going out to her two best friends that she grew up with in foster care.
Kelsey's habitual liar of a mother always told her she was from Wishing Bridge, but Kelsey doesn't know if that is a lie or not. While she is there recovering she finds her way to the local library to see what she can learn about her mother or any family that might still be in Wishing Bridge. Well, that opens a whole can of worms and Kelsey finds it all blowing up in her face through no fault of her own.
WELCOME TO WISHING BRIDGE is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Ruth Logan Herne was taking us and what would happen to Kelsey. I really loved how the whole community came to Kelsey's aid and only wanted her to feel safe and welcome! Well, almost everyone. There is so much heart in Ruth's writing that I'm always left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. I could totally see WELCOME TO WISHING BRIDGE becoming a Hallmark movie and I would love to see it.
February 15, 2018
Woohoo! Welcome to Wishing Bridge and welcome to an awesome new series by Ruth Logan Herne. Be prepared for a heart-tugging and soul-stirring escape as you lose yourself in Kelsey's story. From the gripping opening scene to the toe-curl of a conclusion...and the sweet promise of more good things to come in future books. Because while this is Kelsey's story, the author has cleverly brought these three foster sisters together in a very special town that isn't ready to let them go any time soon.
And this reader doesn't want to leave either. Not only have Kelsey, Thea and Jazz captured my heart, but there are some memorable secondary characters -- like Maggie and Jeb and Avis -- that I'm looking forward to meeting up with again in future books. Especially since they are often the source for many 'Ruthdoms' -- a new phrase I'm coining for 'Ruthy Wisdoms' -- about life and love and faith.
If you like angsty romance that's also hope-laced and faith-driven then Welcome to Wishing Bridge is a definite do not miss!
And this reader doesn't want to leave either. Not only have Kelsey, Thea and Jazz captured my heart, but there are some memorable secondary characters -- like Maggie and Jeb and Avis -- that I'm looking forward to meeting up with again in future books. Especially since they are often the source for many 'Ruthdoms' -- a new phrase I'm coining for 'Ruthy Wisdoms' -- about life and love and faith.
If you like angsty romance that's also hope-laced and faith-driven then Welcome to Wishing Bridge is a definite do not miss!
December 7, 2017
With a cover like this and a title with wishing in it, do you even wonder why I read this book on a cool wintery December morning? And this book is everything which is needed to bring the warmth. Sitting in my reading nook, in a comfy armchair with tea and toast, here goes my review.
The story is simple, Kelsey is conned, finds herself pregnant decides to put the baby up for adoption. But Fates have a different idea, so she has an accident hours prior to delivery, delivers the baby in the firehouse, and residents of Wishing Bridge rush to make her life comfortable. A SOS call to her best friends bring them all to this beautiful town.
I love the way the author Ruth Logan Herne, has described this town. There is so much love and generosity abounding in the hearts of people. Taking a stranger into their homes and showering her with love is so beautifully depicted in her words.
Reading this book a few days before Christmas is the right way to read Ruth's words. There is something magical about her writing, something which made me want to go to Wishing Bridge and experience the holy atmosphere.
It is not the tree and gifts which is true Christmas, but the empathy, the willingness to help a fellow human being which is the true Christmas spirit, and that is precisely what Ruth has shown in this book.
I loved the friendship between the 3 girls, Kelsey, Thea and Jazz. A friendship born out of the rigors of a negligent childhood is forged in fire and survives all hardships. The three girls love and support each other throughout the story. And that is a beautiful sight to see. Ruth's words make every scene come alive.
The secret of Kelsey's connection to Wishing Bridge adds another layer to this delicious women's fiction. Then Ruth decided that we need a hunk to add romance to the flavor. And lo and behold, we have — the absolutely gorgeous cop, with a beautiful, courageous heart, Hale Jackson. Is there anything else which this book needs??
Ruth has added so many emotions to this book, all of which cover the heart and reache deep into the soul where distrust and hurt reside. Healing the soul piece by piece is what this book does. Reading this book, I was taken to a place so far away from real life, that I longed to have a home in Wishing Bridge.
There may have been some niggles in the book, but in the hope and laughter which the words bring, those niggles are forgotten and the heart is just left remembering the beauty.
On this holy and beautiful month of Christmas, I thank Ms Ruth for giving us such a book. She is like Santa bringing joy and hope where there seemed none, bringing light where darkness abounded, and bringing courage where fear resided.
Some books are truly magical and bring a smile to the face. And this to me is one of them...
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher, Waterfall Press, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The story is simple, Kelsey is conned, finds herself pregnant decides to put the baby up for adoption. But Fates have a different idea, so she has an accident hours prior to delivery, delivers the baby in the firehouse, and residents of Wishing Bridge rush to make her life comfortable. A SOS call to her best friends bring them all to this beautiful town.
I love the way the author Ruth Logan Herne, has described this town. There is so much love and generosity abounding in the hearts of people. Taking a stranger into their homes and showering her with love is so beautifully depicted in her words.
Reading this book a few days before Christmas is the right way to read Ruth's words. There is something magical about her writing, something which made me want to go to Wishing Bridge and experience the holy atmosphere.
It is not the tree and gifts which is true Christmas, but the empathy, the willingness to help a fellow human being which is the true Christmas spirit, and that is precisely what Ruth has shown in this book.
I loved the friendship between the 3 girls, Kelsey, Thea and Jazz. A friendship born out of the rigors of a negligent childhood is forged in fire and survives all hardships. The three girls love and support each other throughout the story. And that is a beautiful sight to see. Ruth's words make every scene come alive.
The secret of Kelsey's connection to Wishing Bridge adds another layer to this delicious women's fiction. Then Ruth decided that we need a hunk to add romance to the flavor. And lo and behold, we have — the absolutely gorgeous cop, with a beautiful, courageous heart, Hale Jackson. Is there anything else which this book needs??
Ruth has added so many emotions to this book, all of which cover the heart and reache deep into the soul where distrust and hurt reside. Healing the soul piece by piece is what this book does. Reading this book, I was taken to a place so far away from real life, that I longed to have a home in Wishing Bridge.
There may have been some niggles in the book, but in the hope and laughter which the words bring, those niggles are forgotten and the heart is just left remembering the beauty.
On this holy and beautiful month of Christmas, I thank Ms Ruth for giving us such a book. She is like Santa bringing joy and hope where there seemed none, bringing light where darkness abounded, and bringing courage where fear resided.
Some books are truly magical and bring a smile to the face. And this to me is one of them...
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher, Waterfall Press, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
November 18, 2017
Now I do love free books with my Kindle Unlimited - I really do. But sometimes I get recommend a book that is beyond terrible and just not for me. This is not one of those cases.
I loved everything about Welcome to Wishing Bridge and I think I'm developing a crush on Ruth as well. It's such a cute story about three friends meeting up again in a small town once one girl's life is put on hold.
Now I liked all of these characters and this story so much that I even looked to see if Wishing Bridge, NY was a real place.
I loved everything about Welcome to Wishing Bridge and I think I'm developing a crush on Ruth as well. It's such a cute story about three friends meeting up again in a small town once one girl's life is put on hold.
Now I liked all of these characters and this story so much that I even looked to see if Wishing Bridge, NY was a real place.
March 17, 2020
This is a quintessential small town story, with three friends from the city who serendipitously land in Wishing Hollow and have their hearts healed with the peace and friendship they find in the small community on the verge of revitalization. The book is strong on dialogue and faith-filled words of wisdom, especially from Maggie, the sweet woman who takes Kelsey in. I didn't have much of a connection to the characters or feel much chemistry between Hale and Kelsey- I felt more removed as an observer rather than in the middle of the emotion. Thea and Jazz are focused on almost as much as Kelsey which made me invested and looking forward to reading their stories in the next books.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
December 5, 2017
"No one will know you're missing".
Those kind of agonizing thoughts ran through Kelsey McCleary's mind as her car took a nasty spin off an ice covered curve during nearly white-out conditions. "Run the car and heat for fifteen minutes every hour", was the advice of a meteorologist, but Kelsey's despair wasn't just on her own behalf, but on that of her unborn child.
Following his instincts, Officer Hale Jackson responded to the call of a possible vehicle in trouble near the curve of Perchance Road in Wishing Bridge, New York. The snow was falling at such a rapid rate, any recognizable trace was already filled with fresh snowfall, but he wasn't about to give up. Maggie Tompkins wasn't one to over react and Maggie was certain that she had seen car lights disappear across the field. Miraculously finding the vehicle, Hale's world tilts when he meets the distinctive eyes of its very pregnant driver.
This story is beautifully layered with faith, friendship, and the intrinsic value of life itself, when a small town embraces the plight of a newcomer and her friends, only to struggle when specters of the past jeopardize its hearty welcome to Wishing Bridge.
Those kind of agonizing thoughts ran through Kelsey McCleary's mind as her car took a nasty spin off an ice covered curve during nearly white-out conditions. "Run the car and heat for fifteen minutes every hour", was the advice of a meteorologist, but Kelsey's despair wasn't just on her own behalf, but on that of her unborn child.
Following his instincts, Officer Hale Jackson responded to the call of a possible vehicle in trouble near the curve of Perchance Road in Wishing Bridge, New York. The snow was falling at such a rapid rate, any recognizable trace was already filled with fresh snowfall, but he wasn't about to give up. Maggie Tompkins wasn't one to over react and Maggie was certain that she had seen car lights disappear across the field. Miraculously finding the vehicle, Hale's world tilts when he meets the distinctive eyes of its very pregnant driver.
This story is beautifully layered with faith, friendship, and the intrinsic value of life itself, when a small town embraces the plight of a newcomer and her friends, only to struggle when specters of the past jeopardize its hearty welcome to Wishing Bridge.
October 23, 2017
Three friends converge in a small town after one of their lives takes a wrong turn.
Kelsey McCleary, nearly 30, unmarried and pregnant, is on her way to give up her baby for adoption when she's caught in a freak snow storm. Raised for a time by a drug addict, lying, deceitful mother and turned over to foster care as a teen, she has seen some of the worse life has to offer. But she eventually lands in a wonderful foster group home run by a faith-filled woman. There she meets her best friends, Jazz and Thea. They stuck together like sisters and vowed to always be there for one another. Anytime. Any place.
Kelsey sees an exit sign for a town called Wishing Bridge and with the storm so heavy she can barely see a few feet ahead, decides to head that way. The weather by now a wicked blizzard, suddenly worsens and her car loses its traction and she lands in a bad spot, trapped and life suddenly seems very dim. An older woman, looking out her window, sees a faint light and calls in a 911 to the local sheriff's department. Deputy Hale Jackson goes out and, by sheer luck (or is it something else?), sees a faint light. He finds Kelsey, trapped and in labor, in her car, whose battery has died.
Kelsey is embraced by the little welcoming village, but she still is not feeling quite right. What happened to all her plans? But the midwife attending her calls her friends from Kelsey's phone and they show up, ready to do battle for and with her.
Wishing Bridge is a wonderful little town where everybody knows everybody else, but there are secrets here, too. Kelsey has secrets and it would seem she has a connection to this town that she knows nothing about and maybe doesn't want to.
I love Ruth Logan Herne's books. She writes with such a heart. When I finish one of her books, I sigh and just have to meditate on it for a while before I can pick up another book to read. Herne tackles some very difficult and sensitive subjects here. She develops her characters well and also includes secondary characters in the overall story. The reader feels part of the book.
Herne manages to incorporate wonderful themes within her stories, delving into the hearts and minds of many characters, leaving the reader longing to learn what will happen in their lives as well as the main protagonists. I was in tears during several places in this story and it touched me deeply. The best thing is, this is the first in a series! I can't wait to read more, hopefully Jazz and Thea's stories. Bravo!
*I am grateful to the author and publisher for a preview copy of this book. My opinions stated here are honest and entirely my own.
Kelsey McCleary, nearly 30, unmarried and pregnant, is on her way to give up her baby for adoption when she's caught in a freak snow storm. Raised for a time by a drug addict, lying, deceitful mother and turned over to foster care as a teen, she has seen some of the worse life has to offer. But she eventually lands in a wonderful foster group home run by a faith-filled woman. There she meets her best friends, Jazz and Thea. They stuck together like sisters and vowed to always be there for one another. Anytime. Any place.
Kelsey sees an exit sign for a town called Wishing Bridge and with the storm so heavy she can barely see a few feet ahead, decides to head that way. The weather by now a wicked blizzard, suddenly worsens and her car loses its traction and she lands in a bad spot, trapped and life suddenly seems very dim. An older woman, looking out her window, sees a faint light and calls in a 911 to the local sheriff's department. Deputy Hale Jackson goes out and, by sheer luck (or is it something else?), sees a faint light. He finds Kelsey, trapped and in labor, in her car, whose battery has died.
Kelsey is embraced by the little welcoming village, but she still is not feeling quite right. What happened to all her plans? But the midwife attending her calls her friends from Kelsey's phone and they show up, ready to do battle for and with her.
Wishing Bridge is a wonderful little town where everybody knows everybody else, but there are secrets here, too. Kelsey has secrets and it would seem she has a connection to this town that she knows nothing about and maybe doesn't want to.
I love Ruth Logan Herne's books. She writes with such a heart. When I finish one of her books, I sigh and just have to meditate on it for a while before I can pick up another book to read. Herne tackles some very difficult and sensitive subjects here. She develops her characters well and also includes secondary characters in the overall story. The reader feels part of the book.
Herne manages to incorporate wonderful themes within her stories, delving into the hearts and minds of many characters, leaving the reader longing to learn what will happen in their lives as well as the main protagonists. I was in tears during several places in this story and it touched me deeply. The best thing is, this is the first in a series! I can't wait to read more, hopefully Jazz and Thea's stories. Bravo!
*I am grateful to the author and publisher for a preview copy of this book. My opinions stated here are honest and entirely my own.
November 7, 2017
I really wanted to love this book, but I had a few issues with it. It tried to be a feel good Christmas story, and it almost was, but there were a few things that didn't work.
The author tried to do too much in one book. Instead of it being about Kelsey, it was about every person in the book. There were a lot of loose ends at the end of the book. How did Donna and Kelsey resolve things? What happened with the fire? Did the apartments ever sell? Also it was like you only got glimpses. You got a glimpse of what Maggie was going through, but no details. You found out Kelsey and Hale are interested in each other, but really you don't know its anything but a passing fancy until the end of the book because you aren't included in it, you are just a visitor.
So while it is an ok book with a good option for a story line and a lot of follow up books on other characters, this one was just too crammed full and there wasn't a lot of resolution. You didn't get to know the characters very well.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
The author tried to do too much in one book. Instead of it being about Kelsey, it was about every person in the book. There were a lot of loose ends at the end of the book. How did Donna and Kelsey resolve things? What happened with the fire? Did the apartments ever sell? Also it was like you only got glimpses. You got a glimpse of what Maggie was going through, but no details. You found out Kelsey and Hale are interested in each other, but really you don't know its anything but a passing fancy until the end of the book because you aren't included in it, you are just a visitor.
So while it is an ok book with a good option for a story line and a lot of follow up books on other characters, this one was just too crammed full and there wasn't a lot of resolution. You didn't get to know the characters very well.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
November 30, 2020
4.3 stars. Nice, gentle and faith filled romance! Enjoyed!
July 8, 2018
This was an absolutely charming book! I picked this up at the library because I loved the cover and the story intrigued me. I had never heard of it before spotting it on the new books shelf at the library. I am so glad I did! This one is not to be missed! I adored the town of Wishing Bridge. What an adorable setting! The characters were relatable and likable and I can’t wait for further stories about them. The story itself kept me entertained and made me smile throughout. It’s simply put, a nearly perfect book and is one of my top reads for 2018, hands down. I will be buying a copy for my keeper shelf for sure!
December 22, 2017
Welcome to Wishing Bridge, a sleepy, friendly little town tucked in the rolling hills of Western New York. It's the kind of village fairytales are made of, with helpful citizens and plenty of Christmas cheer! Stranded in a snowstorm outside of Wishing Bridge is where our courageous heroine inadvertently finds herself...pregnant and alone. I immediately fell in love with Kelsey's character because she was so forthright and honest with her handsome cop rescuer and the rest of the townsfolk. She wasn't proud of the dilemma she had gotten herself into, but neither did she hide secrets and tell lies to cover for herself. And would that everyone had friends such as hers, who rush frantically to her SOS to aid in whatever capacity they can! With just a smidgen of romance, Welcome to Wishing Bridge is a beautifully written story of undying friendship, hope, new beginnings, and some really tough decisions.
December 12, 2017
4.5 stars
"All her life she'd dreamed of being someone's heart's desire." (3)
Go ahead. Answer your heart's desire and pick up Ruth Logan Herne's latest offering, Welcome to Wishing Bridge. The first of the Wishing Bridge series, readers will get a delightfully warm opening to what one can imagine as a beautiful addiction.
". . . this has Hallmark movie written all over it.. " (96)
Yes it does. However, unlike Hallmark movies, you won't be presented with one main couple, but quite a few interesting characters along the way. To many, it might be too much, but I love how everyone has their own story to tell. Though not every story will make its way to the pages of Welcome to Wishing Bridge, I trust the author will find a way to give readers the satisfaction of closure for each of the characters that will be loved for sure. To name a few, Jeb and Maggie deserves to be mentioned. Their open and gracious hearts despite the tragedy that befell them gives meaning to what true hospitality meant. And I love the bond between our three friends, Kelsey, Jazz and Thea just touches a cord in my heart. The meaning of friendship and how that is like a balm to one's soul.
". . . this is the kind of place you can call home. " (122)
Wishing Bridge, New York, a fictional place that reads like home, but it's also the kind of setting that is perfect for the weary and those that need a second chance for a new start. I also find the message of God's perfect timing well executed as it weaves into the story, but not too overt for a false sense of fate.
". . . if ever there was a perfect intersection of God's mysterious ways, it's here and now. . . We might not always see the answers to those prayers. . . but that doesn't mean they're not answered in God's good time." (231)
In all, Welcome to Wishing Bridge entices the unbelieving, encourages the hopeless, and bring a story that has the perfect balance of refreshing cool and fireplace warmth.
"As long as there were coffee and chocolate on hand and a crisis to fix, she'd be fine. " (31)
With Welcome to Wishing Bridge, you will be too.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
"All her life she'd dreamed of being someone's heart's desire." (3)
Go ahead. Answer your heart's desire and pick up Ruth Logan Herne's latest offering, Welcome to Wishing Bridge. The first of the Wishing Bridge series, readers will get a delightfully warm opening to what one can imagine as a beautiful addiction.
". . . this has Hallmark movie written all over it.. " (96)
Yes it does. However, unlike Hallmark movies, you won't be presented with one main couple, but quite a few interesting characters along the way. To many, it might be too much, but I love how everyone has their own story to tell. Though not every story will make its way to the pages of Welcome to Wishing Bridge, I trust the author will find a way to give readers the satisfaction of closure for each of the characters that will be loved for sure. To name a few, Jeb and Maggie deserves to be mentioned. Their open and gracious hearts despite the tragedy that befell them gives meaning to what true hospitality meant. And I love the bond between our three friends, Kelsey, Jazz and Thea just touches a cord in my heart. The meaning of friendship and how that is like a balm to one's soul.
". . . this is the kind of place you can call home. " (122)
Wishing Bridge, New York, a fictional place that reads like home, but it's also the kind of setting that is perfect for the weary and those that need a second chance for a new start. I also find the message of God's perfect timing well executed as it weaves into the story, but not too overt for a false sense of fate.
". . . if ever there was a perfect intersection of God's mysterious ways, it's here and now. . . We might not always see the answers to those prayers. . . but that doesn't mean they're not answered in God's good time." (231)
In all, Welcome to Wishing Bridge entices the unbelieving, encourages the hopeless, and bring a story that has the perfect balance of refreshing cool and fireplace warmth.
"As long as there were coffee and chocolate on hand and a crisis to fix, she'd be fine. " (31)
With Welcome to Wishing Bridge, you will be too.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
June 8, 2019
A sweet, sweet story of friendship and love at Christmastime.
This was a welcome relief to the Texas heat. I'll definitely be visiting Wishing Bridge again. Nice job, Ruth Logan Herne--your characters were interesting, your plot kept moving, and I adored the setting.
Fans of Christian romance will love this one.
This was a welcome relief to the Texas heat. I'll definitely be visiting Wishing Bridge again. Nice job, Ruth Logan Herne--your characters were interesting, your plot kept moving, and I adored the setting.
Fans of Christian romance will love this one.
December 29, 2019
I really enjoyed the audiobook of this story! I feel like I want to visit Wishing Bridge now. The cast of characters was vibrant (a broad cast, but it never felt too big), the narration was spot-on (I really like Erin!), and the endearing characters have real-life problems, emotions, and triumphs over the course of the story. I especially liked the themes of overcoming, sacrificial love, and hope. I am excited to revisit Wishing Bridge in the next book by Ruth!
December 28, 2017
I really, really liked this book. Kelsey McCleary finds herself lost in a snowstorm and about to give birth when her car goes off the road and into a snowbank. Her rescue and the circumstances surrounding her and the nearby town make a very compelling read. I loved the other characters and, if this is the first book of a series, as I think it is, then I’m all in to read more about several of the other characters.
December 5, 2017
I won this story in a goodreads giveaway, and I am so glad I did. I have not read Ruth Logan Herne books before, but was delighted to find myself engrossed in the characters and community of Wishing Bridge. Kelsey is so courageous despite her mistakes and misfortune. With the help of a handsome deputy, her two dear friends, Thea and Jazz, (who come running when Kelsey calls in an emergency), and a town that is generous in action and faith, you have an endearing story that will leave you wanting more. Thank you to the goodreads giveaway provider. I am happy to have found a new author to add to my favorites.
December 19, 2017
I first fell in love with Ruth Herne's writing with her Double S Ranch series. Her incredible talent for bringing characters to life coupled with telling a story that tugs at both your heartstrings and soul is one of the best in the industry! She makes you fall in love with a town you wished you could actually visit & make your own and engulfs you in the story where reality fades away. You'll find yourself spending hours in the pages with no concept of time passing.
Welcome to Wishing Bridge was another one of those type of stories that brought out all the emotions I love to feel and realistic characters I could easily call friends. Kelsey is a woman who finds herself in a bind; alone, scared, and her original plan taking an unexpected turn. With a snowstorm rescue by a handsome Deputy and the kindness of strangers she finds the strength to forge a new life even better then the one she had all laid out in her mind. Reunited with her best friends Jazz & Thea after an SOS call, they embark on an almost fairy tale Christmas story. Rife with heartache but handled with grace is my favorite way for a story to be told. Life is messy and nobody escapes it, it's in how you move forward and Ruth is a master at telling just that in her books. I loved everything about this, and especially the way she shows how strong a faith in God can be through Maggie & Jeb—the couple who take Kelsey into their home—in times of trouble. You won't meet a more gracious or loving couple, the hands and feet of Christ in action! Do I detect a bit of romance between Deputy Hale & Kelsey? That's sigh worthy stuff right there!
You don't want to miss this one! Really, if you want a story to take you away to a place you could call home and characters to call your band of friends (aka The Soul Sisterhood) this is where to find it. Heartwarming stories with a deeper meaning, full of faith & love!
Welcome to Wishing Bridge was another one of those type of stories that brought out all the emotions I love to feel and realistic characters I could easily call friends. Kelsey is a woman who finds herself in a bind; alone, scared, and her original plan taking an unexpected turn. With a snowstorm rescue by a handsome Deputy and the kindness of strangers she finds the strength to forge a new life even better then the one she had all laid out in her mind. Reunited with her best friends Jazz & Thea after an SOS call, they embark on an almost fairy tale Christmas story. Rife with heartache but handled with grace is my favorite way for a story to be told. Life is messy and nobody escapes it, it's in how you move forward and Ruth is a master at telling just that in her books. I loved everything about this, and especially the way she shows how strong a faith in God can be through Maggie & Jeb—the couple who take Kelsey into their home—in times of trouble. You won't meet a more gracious or loving couple, the hands and feet of Christ in action! Do I detect a bit of romance between Deputy Hale & Kelsey? That's sigh worthy stuff right there!
You don't want to miss this one! Really, if you want a story to take you away to a place you could call home and characters to call your band of friends (aka The Soul Sisterhood) this is where to find it. Heartwarming stories with a deeper meaning, full of faith & love!
November 8, 2017
I want to travel to Wishing Bridge, NY with all the giving, caring characters I connected with while reading, Welcome to Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne. Herne never fails to deliver a story filled with family, friends, faith and God’s love and this story is an exceptional, heartfelt and mesmerizing read.
Kelsey couldn’t believe she was driving in a snowstorm when her car lands in a snowbank. She believed this was the end of her crazy mixed up life, but looked up to see an officer leaning in to help her. Kelsey had nowhere to go after delivering a baby the night of her rescue. Word traveled fast around Wishing Bridge with her needs being provided for, her two friends from the years in a foster care group home arriving, and news media covering the bravery of Officer Hale in the midst of the winter storm. I couldn’t stop reading with all the action surrounding the primary and secondary characters. Will Kelsey discover truth about her past in Wishing Bridge and embark on a new life along with Jazz and Thea?
Ruth Logan Herne never fails to deliver a story filled with lovable true to life characters facing their issues and flaws that discover that God gives second chances, hope, and beauty for ashes when an individual cries out to Him. I’m so glad to know there are to be more books to follow with these amazing characters; after all they’ve become new family members and friends. There’s action, discovery of the true meaning of family, hope, love, faith, romance, forgiveness and new beginnings for the hero, heroine and others in this remarkable story.
Thank you to the author and Waterfall Press for a complimentary copy of Welcome to Wishing Bridge. I was not required to write a positive review but have expressed by own sincere opinion and thoughts.
Kelsey couldn’t believe she was driving in a snowstorm when her car lands in a snowbank. She believed this was the end of her crazy mixed up life, but looked up to see an officer leaning in to help her. Kelsey had nowhere to go after delivering a baby the night of her rescue. Word traveled fast around Wishing Bridge with her needs being provided for, her two friends from the years in a foster care group home arriving, and news media covering the bravery of Officer Hale in the midst of the winter storm. I couldn’t stop reading with all the action surrounding the primary and secondary characters. Will Kelsey discover truth about her past in Wishing Bridge and embark on a new life along with Jazz and Thea?
Ruth Logan Herne never fails to deliver a story filled with lovable true to life characters facing their issues and flaws that discover that God gives second chances, hope, and beauty for ashes when an individual cries out to Him. I’m so glad to know there are to be more books to follow with these amazing characters; after all they’ve become new family members and friends. There’s action, discovery of the true meaning of family, hope, love, faith, romance, forgiveness and new beginnings for the hero, heroine and others in this remarkable story.
Thank you to the author and Waterfall Press for a complimentary copy of Welcome to Wishing Bridge. I was not required to write a positive review but have expressed by own sincere opinion and thoughts.
November 27, 2017
My first holiday read of the season started out like a Hallmark Channel movie, simple and sweet. Kelsey is a pregnant woman who is down on her luck and life takes a terrible turn when she crashes her car in the middle of a snow storm. Hale, a local police deputy, miraculously finds Kelsey and the entire town rallies around the young woman.
Unfortunately what was a straight forward story gets very jagged about halfway through which ultimately effected the entire book. While the focus of the story should have been Kelsey, a deviation toward a supporting character monopolizes about a quarter of the story in the middle of the book. Most readers would be able to ascertain that the story of Wishing Bridge will continue for at least 2 more books, therefore making the focus and shift in the story to a supporting character unnecessary. Sticking to the main storyline would have helped with the pace and connection in the book. The novel could have benefited from some strong editing and a more streamlined storyline.
'Thanks to @netgalley for the book in exchange for an honest review!
Unfortunately what was a straight forward story gets very jagged about halfway through which ultimately effected the entire book. While the focus of the story should have been Kelsey, a deviation toward a supporting character monopolizes about a quarter of the story in the middle of the book. Most readers would be able to ascertain that the story of Wishing Bridge will continue for at least 2 more books, therefore making the focus and shift in the story to a supporting character unnecessary. Sticking to the main storyline would have helped with the pace and connection in the book. The novel could have benefited from some strong editing and a more streamlined storyline.
'Thanks to @netgalley for the book in exchange for an honest review!
November 18, 2017
Love all the Herne books
You really can't go wrong reading a book by this author. It's believable, fun, clean romance that captures your heart in the first page. I love how she can weave Christian ideas into her story without shoving a hidden faith agenda down your throat like so many Christian authors do. I read this book through Kindle Unlimited but will have to purchase it for my library. I really enjoyed this Christmas story.
You really can't go wrong reading a book by this author. It's believable, fun, clean romance that captures your heart in the first page. I love how she can weave Christian ideas into her story without shoving a hidden faith agenda down your throat like so many Christian authors do. I read this book through Kindle Unlimited but will have to purchase it for my library. I really enjoyed this Christmas story.
December 2, 2017
I had the hardest time reading this book! I can’t pinpoint quite what it was that made me have a hard time. The story didn’t come to life for me. I wish it would have because it was a nice concept.
I received a digital copy from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I received a digital copy from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
April 26, 2021
A decade and a half ago, I was living in an adorable studio apartment, with awful neighbors and an awful landlord. I was single-ish, in full-time teacher college and working 39.5 hours a week at Starbucks for $8.40 per hour. I regularly supplemented my groceries with leftover pastries, which I could have gotten in trouble for; these were supposed to be reserved for a weekly Salvation Army pickup (to feed struggling families). My Dad paid my car insurance, as it would have been more than I could afford.
I was agnostic, an on-again-off-again Christian (not officially, but I read through the Bible in its entirety more than once) struggling with existential ideas about the meaning of life and everything.
Having lofty ideas about responsibility and duty, my biggest fear was becoming pregnant. I had problematic relationships with my family and a not-well-defined level of commitment with my significant other, to whom I was, despite a bevy of yellow flags, passionately devoted.
That version of me found comfort in the Love Inspired imprint of books offered by Harlequin. Someone had left a pile of these paperbacks in the shared basement-cum-laundromat of my apartment, and being an avid reader I devoured them. Everything inside was wholesome; there was always a happy ever after, and the faith element was just enough -- a proverb here, a quick prayer there, and always a sense of wanting to do the right thing.
Welcome to Wishing Bridge fits flush into those characteristics. However, being older now, a bit more weathered, maybe a bit more nuanced in my understanding of human behavior and desperation, I find I've lost much of my patience for these stories. I chose this one because Wishing Bridge is a little like my town ("lake effect snow" is a supporting character to the plot, as a matter of fact). It was on my "to read" list for a few years before I actually got to it, and I downloaded it to read on my phone's Kindle app on the dimmest setting while I settle my babies into their beds. I came very close to not finishing this, but I'm still a sucker for a happy ever after.
Christian faith and toxic patriarchy's Venn diagram can often look like a circle. Take the following quotes from this story:
"A time for everything. A purpose for everything. Until human error and sin blew it all out of the water." I really felt that Ecclesiastes, a beautiful and poignant book in the Bible, was castrated here. King Solomon says in the same chapter of the Bible, "I have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can't find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end." So, the point isn't that wah, human sin ruined everything good from God, but that our minds are often too narrow to grasp the big picture. We can't ruin or taint the divine blueprint; we're part of it. It's a very stoic and comforting perspective. Why is Christianity so often obsessed with blame and shame?
"Little girls and men's rooms weren't a good mix." Ew. The impact of purity culture is just inexcusable to me anymore. My kids' father had absolutely better take our daughter into the men's room with him if she needs to go. Either that or accompany her into the ladies'.
The tension in the story comes mostly from the main character's struggle to come to terms with single motherhood in a small town when her intention was to give her baby up for adoption. It's made out like she's struggling with childhood trauma, that the shadow of her loser mother hangs over her, but the hunky ex-NFL deputy seeing her as a pure mother figure sweeps any unpleasantness away. Life is just not so simple, and I'm less entertained by cutesy stories like this than I was before I matured and became better able to bear life's ambiguity and uncertainty. If it wasn't for the judgy Christian pall, I'd give this another star, as the writing was fine and it read well.
I was agnostic, an on-again-off-again Christian (not officially, but I read through the Bible in its entirety more than once) struggling with existential ideas about the meaning of life and everything.
Having lofty ideas about responsibility and duty, my biggest fear was becoming pregnant. I had problematic relationships with my family and a not-well-defined level of commitment with my significant other, to whom I was, despite a bevy of yellow flags, passionately devoted.
That version of me found comfort in the Love Inspired imprint of books offered by Harlequin. Someone had left a pile of these paperbacks in the shared basement-cum-laundromat of my apartment, and being an avid reader I devoured them. Everything inside was wholesome; there was always a happy ever after, and the faith element was just enough -- a proverb here, a quick prayer there, and always a sense of wanting to do the right thing.
Welcome to Wishing Bridge fits flush into those characteristics. However, being older now, a bit more weathered, maybe a bit more nuanced in my understanding of human behavior and desperation, I find I've lost much of my patience for these stories. I chose this one because Wishing Bridge is a little like my town ("lake effect snow" is a supporting character to the plot, as a matter of fact). It was on my "to read" list for a few years before I actually got to it, and I downloaded it to read on my phone's Kindle app on the dimmest setting while I settle my babies into their beds. I came very close to not finishing this, but I'm still a sucker for a happy ever after.
Christian faith and toxic patriarchy's Venn diagram can often look like a circle. Take the following quotes from this story:
"A time for everything. A purpose for everything. Until human error and sin blew it all out of the water." I really felt that Ecclesiastes, a beautiful and poignant book in the Bible, was castrated here. King Solomon says in the same chapter of the Bible, "I have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can't find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end." So, the point isn't that wah, human sin ruined everything good from God, but that our minds are often too narrow to grasp the big picture. We can't ruin or taint the divine blueprint; we're part of it. It's a very stoic and comforting perspective. Why is Christianity so often obsessed with blame and shame?
"Little girls and men's rooms weren't a good mix." Ew. The impact of purity culture is just inexcusable to me anymore. My kids' father had absolutely better take our daughter into the men's room with him if she needs to go. Either that or accompany her into the ladies'.
The tension in the story comes mostly from the main character's struggle to come to terms with single motherhood in a small town when her intention was to give her baby up for adoption. It's made out like she's struggling with childhood trauma, that the shadow of her loser mother hangs over her, but the hunky ex-NFL deputy seeing her as a pure mother figure sweeps any unpleasantness away. Life is just not so simple, and I'm less entertained by cutesy stories like this than I was before I matured and became better able to bear life's ambiguity and uncertainty. If it wasn't for the judgy Christian pall, I'd give this another star, as the writing was fine and it read well.
October 5, 2018
The minute I saw the cover, I knew I had to read this book. What a wonderful, beautiful, uplifting book.
This is the first book that I have read by Ruth Logan Herne, and it will not be the last. I love her writing style, her characters and storyline. It is a hopeful thread that runs through the book, with lots of healing and acceptance thrown in.
I loved it! I just know there will be books for Thea and Jazz. I can't wait to see what life will bring them.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to discover a new author and to read and review this book.
This is the first book that I have read by Ruth Logan Herne, and it will not be the last. I love her writing style, her characters and storyline. It is a hopeful thread that runs through the book, with lots of healing and acceptance thrown in.
I loved it! I just know there will be books for Thea and Jazz. I can't wait to see what life will bring them.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to discover a new author and to read and review this book.
October 10, 2018
I love a book that can draw you into the scene, make you feel like a member of the town, and cause you to feel all the emotions of the people you grow to love. This book had all of those. A beautiful story of love and second chances, and finding your home in the place you least expected. This book is a great start to what I am sure is going to be a series to remember for a long time.
November 1, 2018
I love this small town, single mom, second chance romance! What a wonderful community and delightful characters! Friendship, faith, and sweet romance make this a perfect women's fiction selection! Great audiobook too!
October 21, 2018
Good story
Great plot twists to keep you interested and reading. Believable characters, can’t wait to read the next adventure Thank you
Great plot twists to keep you interested and reading. Believable characters, can’t wait to read the next adventure Thank you
did-not-finish
March 24, 2019This was way too saccharine for me.
December 12, 2017
Hale is definitely a super hero. I love how things turn out for Kelsey. If you like a story with believable characters and a happy ending Welcome to Wishing Bridge is for you
December 7, 2017
WOW! Well done.
Wonderful story about the complexities of life, faith and the human condition. Hope abounds in the smallest gestures and in the oddest places sometimes. Write on!
Wonderful story about the complexities of life, faith and the human condition. Hope abounds in the smallest gestures and in the oddest places sometimes. Write on!
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