Stone Bridges

Swift River Valley #9

by Carla Neggers

New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers has captivated readers with Knights Bridge--a scenic New England town where families and friends experience joy and face challenges together. With its world of inns, old houses, wonderful, quirky characters, romance and adventure, it's a town you won't want to leave.

Adrienne Portale has never settled in one place for long, but takes a job as innkeeper in tiny Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, to spend some time getting to know the father she only recently found. When three small boys get lost in the wilderness that borders the inn, Adam Sloan leads the search. His family ties to the town go back generations. Adrienne sees the bond that people in a small town have as they band together to find the missing children.

Adam is impressed with her calm strength, but he's sure she won't find what she's looking for in his quiet hometown.Despite their differences, Adam and Adrienne discover they have more in common than they'd expected. They love to explore old stone walls and bridges, and she adores his dog. As summer bleeds into the gorgeous New England fall, the attraction between them grows, and they must decide where--and who--makes a place home.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Adult Fiction, The United States Of America

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 26, 2019

About the author

Carla Neggers is the New York Times bestselling author of the Sharpe & Donovan series featuring Boston-based FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan, and the popular Swift River Valley series set in the small, fictional New England town of Knights Bridge. With many bestsellers to her credit, Carla loves to write now as much as she did when she climbed a tree at age eleven with a pad and pen and spun stories perched on her favorite branch.

A native New Englander, Carla and her husband divide their time between their hilltop home in Vermont, a sofa bed at their kids' places in Boston and various inns, hotels and hideaways on their travels, frequently to Ireland.

Find out more and sign up for Carla's newsletter at CarlaNeggers.com.

Reviews

[BonnieM☂️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook on my 4th read.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone Bridges
Swift River Valley #9
Carla Neggers

Carla Neggers takes readers back to her iconic small New England town of Knight’s Bridge and continues the story of Adrienne Portale who costarred in a previous novel when she learned she was the illegitimate daughter of a diplomat and came to Knight’s Bridge to confront him. Tired of wandering (for now) and deciding she likes this small hamlet she takes a position as an innkeeper (temporarily) but finds herself unbelievably adapt at her job and more than just a little attracted to the local stonemason Adam Sloan –– Adam who is as steadfast as Adrienne is impulsive is 4 of 6 in the large Sloan brood, a vet who wanted nothing more than to come home from war and never leave.

Set during a postcard perfect NE autumn the author draws her audience in with crisp air and inviting scents from the kitchen including some fantastic recipes at the end of the book, some real local history plus some exciting wildlife (moose) sightings and a little needed drama when a group of little boys go missing in the woods. Plus she keeps fans in the know with some crucial series and character catch-ups and a fantastic Knight’s Bridge, who’s who cheat sheet
She also takes her good old time with the romance, takes the simmering route over the sizzling one and it works really well with her unlikely, odds attract couple that she convincingly convinces readers are the perfect pair.

If you’re a fan of small towns inhabited by caring but extremely nosey salt of the earth folks, incredible scenery, a low-key romance and an unforgettable story look no farther. Story reads well alone but for series continuity books should be read in order.

[Despina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for a honest review

Stone Bridges ins my first book by Carla Neggers in over 10 years, this is the 9th book in the Swift River series and while it can definitely stand alone, I think it might be more enjoyable if you have read the previous books and gotten to know the other people. So we are introduced to Adrienne in the previous book, apparently she had come to the small town of Knight Bridges because her mom told she was the result of affair in Paris years ago. Adrienne comes to the town under false pretense to meet her father that knew nothing about her. In this book everything is being smoothed out between Adrienne and her father and she is now working as an innkeeper. A day by day a romance is starting to unfold with the Adam the quiet stone mason. I have to admit this is a very slow moving romance, yet there was something quite enchanting about it that wouldn't let me go. I knew they would get together but I didn't know how it would all work out for them. I'm really glad they we get both Adrienne and Adam's POV, it helped to keep me connect to the character's. This was a very sweet romance.

[Diane Saul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adrienne Portale has settled into Knights bridge, NH. She originally came to the town to connect with her Father she just learned about. She is working as an Innkeeper.

This is part of the Swift River Valley series but could be read as a stand alone. It is a romance in a small town setting. It is a good addition to the series. The romance is slow to develop and along the way you get to know the people and experience life in a small town. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modern day romance set in New England. The main characters are Adrienne Portale and Adam Sloan. Each are afraid and worried about what other people may think. The book includes recipes. The book was a quick easy read.

[Triinu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Minu arvamuse leiab blogist https://triinuraamatud.wordpress.com/...

[JeggieJam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed with the latter part of this book. It took 18 chapters for the 2 main characters to "resolve" their lust for each other. Neggers story telling in the last chapters is sloppy.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been enjoying Carla Neggers' Swift River Valley Novel Series for at least 2-3 years - starting with discovery of book #1, THE RIVER HOUSE, working through to this current volume (#9 of the novels, and there was also a special Christmas novella between #6 & &7 in the series). While STONE BRIDGES didn't turn out to be a favorite of mine among the series, it was well-written and certainly captivating enough to keep me reading. And I am always interested in what's happening with the residents of the fictional New England town of Knights Bridge, located near enough to Boston to be accessible to the big city yet far enough away that it maintains a small town aura - with the added feature of a more rural setting on its fringes.

Author Neggers located Knights Bridge adjacent to the very real Quabbin reservoir, an area where she grew up (and where she still has family connections). While I was familiar with the writer's work from an unrelated novel she'd written many years ago set in Saratoga Springs, NY (another "real" place less than an hour north of my home) - I'd loved that book! - what drew me to this series was the reality of how that reservoir came to exist. Its history includes whole villages/towns being evacuated, tons of farms being destroyed, a huge population forced to leave their homes - all to create a new source of water for the City of Boston. Carla Neggers has imagined a whole town that is still resurrecting itself from the sad history of lost neighbors, known and unknown, along with other negative economic factors along the way. She's created a series that has grabbed my attention enough that I find myself waiting for the next book - actually, this last time I pre-ordered the paperback (although I almost decided to buy the hardcover instead of waiting...)

There was another more personal factor that drew me to this series - I used to listen to my grandmother talk about growing up in farm country in a small township here in NYS, one of several towns along the Mohawk River (which meets the Hudson River in the Albany area) that - decades ago - were evacuated, burned down, residents forced to leave the area - all to re-route the river in an effort to stop the annual flooding in the downtown Albany. My understanding is that Gramma had married by then but her parents had to leave their home. That "reservoir" is now called The Great Sacandaga" - now called a lake rather than reservoir. Whenever I am on that lake (I have friends who live there), my imagination runs wild with memories of Gramma's stories. And so the tale of the Quabbin reservoir was what first pulled me into the series, causing me to research a bit of its history as well.

Once into the novels, however, it was also about the characters. Their lives mattered to me in the way that a well-spun story draws you into its web. By the time you get to book #7 or 8, one can get a bit confused as the cast of Knights Bridge folks seems to expand - but Carla Neggers does a great job of bring you back into their lives (or of introducing you to everyone if you are new to the series via a book other than the first volume). For additional info re the series, check out the writer's website, CarlaNeggers.com - which even includes New England recipes that show up in the books (I plan to eventually try baking an Apple Crisp dish from the back of STONE BRIDGES, and hope to also eventually get around to the Cornmeal Pancakes as well!)

Knowing this book would be arriving in the mail eventually, I decided that it HAD to be read not too long after receipt - but that meant it would have to fit into my planned 52 reads for the Goodreads "Around the Year in 52 Books" Challenge. Finally determined that, since I had no interest in re #35's challenge to read "A psychological thriller," and decided to revised #35 challenge for me, calling it "The most recent book in a series that I like!" I think this was a wise and wonderful decision.

[Katrina Scheidler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Published on March 26, 2019, the novel, "Stone Bridges," by Carla Neggers, was primarily about Adrienne Portale, the main protagonist. Adrienne has never made a place "home." She's restless, always hopping from one place to the next. So when she discovers she has a father in the quiet town of Knights Bridge, she decides to uproot once again and stay with him. But while she's there, three local children go missing. As the small community bands together to find the missing children, she realizes how close this community is to each other--most especially to Adam Sloan, the local stonemason who catches her eye. As the community further unites with the missing boys, her's and Adam's attraction to each other grows, and Adrienne is left to wonder: what makes a place "home?"

My favorite part of this contemporary romance novel would have to have been the journey of discovering the characters' pasts, and the intrigue of discovering how their relationships were going to work out. There was an aspect of survival as well. As the community went through a difficult time with the boys missing, they had to remain mentally strong, and learn to cope with the situation. The mother, Maggie, was “...struggling emotionally, forcing herself to be brave” (Neggers 40), as were the others in the community.

Known for her novels of romance and friendships, Neggers' style of writing is very laid back, and in this particular novel, time seemed to move very slowly; however, the jumping from one scene to the next moved at a fast pace. For example, so little time was covered in this 368-page novel, but every movement of the characters were described, and each scene was sped through.

I personally would not recommend “Stone Bridges,” by Carla Neggers, for the novel’s plotline and characters peeked no interest in me as I read. I thought the dialogue and character actions were very static, and honestly quite dry, as seen when the main character Adrienne claims that “‘It’s special to have such connections’” (Neggers 102). There are blatant statements such as these throughout the book, with little context as to how the topic of discussion came about. In addition, the scenes moved very quickly, and there was not a lot of action going on in the plot. I believed the plotline and actions to be boring, and the situations present were blown out of proportion by the characters--most especially when the mother was constantly worrying over intangible happenings.

There were a plethora of characters as well, so it was sometimes difficult to distinguish what was going on due to the jumping of one character plotline to the next. Throughout the novel, there were many hints at different plotlines--none of which ended up happening--and there was no major climax as well. The ending was very predictable, but the lack of any climax created a very boring, straightforward story. While some women, perhaps while relaxing on vacation, may enjoy this lazy read, this novel was, for me, not very enjoyable.

[ѕнelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers has captivated readers with Knights Bridge—a scenic New England town where families and friends experience joy and face challenges together. With its world of inns, old houses, wonderful, quirky characters, romance and adventure, it’s a town you won’t want to leave.

Adrienne Portale has never settled in one place for long, but takes a job as innkeeper in tiny Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, to spend some time getting to know the father she only recently found. When three small boys get lost in the wilderness that borders the inn, Adam Sloan leads the search. His family ties to the town go back generations. Adrienne sees the bond that people in a small town have as they band together to find the missing children. Adam is impressed with her calm strength, but he’s sure she won’t find what she’s looking for in his quiet hometown.

Despite their differences, Adam and Adrienne discover they have more in common than they’d expected. They love to explore old stone walls and bridges, and she adores his dog. As summer bleeds into the gorgeous New England fall, the attraction between them grows, and they must decide where—and who—makes a place home.

I’ve read Carla Negger over the years and she has always delivered. My love of small town romances in far away America towns is quenched. I fall in love with the characters and the story plot. I’m able to get lost in the story. Unfortunately Stone Bridges didn’t deliver the same experience. Adam had this calm standoffish quality that is extremely attractive. Adrienne appears to be a strong independent woman. On paper their budding romance should be a beautiful romance and yet there was no connection. I didn’t connect with the characters, it was easy to be distracted from the story. It was easy to put the book down and forget about it.

**Thanks to the author and netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

#StoneBridges #Netgalley

[Nomadic Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Free-spirit Adrienne Portale has returned to Knights Bridge as an innkeeper after a rough visit the winter before when, under false pretenses, she took a house-sitting job with the biological father she had just learned about. She’s never stayed in one place for more than 6 months, and doesn’t see that pattern changing, but she’s committed to learning on-the-job and spending time with her father Vic, a retired diplomat. Soon after she arrives, she is surprised to see handsome stonemason Adam Sloan, the quiet brother in a large family with deep roots in the town. Despite a growing attraction that started the winter before, she is hesitant to start a relationship that will end badly if and when she leaves and that will take up time she could be spending with her father. Will the friendships she makes and the possibility of a lasting relationship with Adam be the key to her finding a home at last?

Although this story could be considered a standalone, it is heavily-populated with characters from the eight previous books in the series, so much so that the story opens with Vic providing Adrienne with a cheat sheet to keep everyone straight. What might have been a better choice was to provide a family tree since almost all relationships feature the Sloans or O’Dunns. The story got bogged down by the ongoing explanations of who’s who, the mundane details of everyday life (down to what people were wearing), and the slow pacing of the relationship between Adam and Adrienne. (Their first kiss doesn’t even happen until after the halfway mark.) There was very little action to break up the monotony other than a short, uneventful search for some missing boys early in the book. So the decision they make at the end of the book makes very little sense given the time frame. After all the stalling, what’s the rush? Fans of the series will enjoy this installment, but most romance readers will be frustrated and bored.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Mira through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Swift River Valley stories are feel good romances that revisit a large cast of small town characters. This story is for Adam Sloan, stoneworker and member of the vast and energetic Sloan clan, and Adrienne Portale who has returned to Knights Bridge to be the innkeeper at the Farm at Carriage Hill. Olivia and Maggie have decided that, in addition to their other responsibilities, they can’t run the inn they way they’d like to. Adrienne, accepting the position, will have a chance to get to know Vic Scarlotti who she has discovered is her biological father.

Adrienne and Adam have an attraction to one another, but they seem to stress over it more than necessary. They kiss and dawdle and seem to worry about everyone else’s opinions more than their own desires. They get their HEA, but there is little suspense or mystery to make it interesting and involving. The characters throughout the village and entertaining and likeable, but there isn’t a lot of there there. It’s an enjoyable read, but not one to get highly excited about. It will keep fans on the trail to continue the series.

Readalikes:
Kat Martin’s Raines of Wind Canyon novels; Lori Foster’s Visitation series; Nora Roberts – The Last Boyfriend; Debbie Macomber – Alaskan Holiday; Susan Mallery – Not Quite Over You; Mariah Stewart – Dune Drive; RaeAnne Thayne – Season of Wonder; Jill Shalvis – One in a Million; Jude Deveraux – True Love.

Pace: Leisurely paced
Characters: Likeable; large secondary cast
Story:
Writing style: Engaging
Tone: Feel-good; homespun
Frame: Knights Bridge MA; contemporary
Theme: New in town

[Ireland · Rating 1 out of 5]

The cover picture was awful, I could barely get past it to start the book. The first four pages are a 'cheat sheet' to tell you about all the characters and who they are connected to. Oh Oh, not a good sign. I love series and having the previous characters populate them, but this was beyond ridiculous. I made it to page 75 and quit. It was so boring, truly, nothing was happening and it didn't appear anything was going to happen. The repetition never stopped. The narrative talked endlessly about how one of the characters was bored, that was even more boring than the rest. There was a lot of space devoted to toy dinosaurs and where they were. Maybe it was foreshadowing and I would have got it later, but it was just, you got it, boring. The setting is the operating of a rural inn. Oddly, there was not one guest. I have relatives who run an inn, you can't survive without guests, and you certainly can't afford an innkeeper and a cleaning service. The hero was great but too perfect. The heroine was ridiculous. She spent a lot of time sitting on the veranda drinking something. First of all, up north it is called a porch, not a veranda, and who pays someone to daydream? She got turned on when she wiped her hands on a hand towel he had just used. Really? There are editors out there that let this crap get published because the author has had previous success. I'm writing this review to remind myself to never read anything from this author again.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the feel of these novels. Neggers creates an environment in Knights Bridge that I just want to return to and wallow in. Even though things happen--sometimes scary or anxious things--and the people have worries and challenges to work through, there is a pervading feeling of calmness and love in the town that seems to infuse the reader as much as the characters! In this book, we see Adam Sloane (the quiet one) fall for Adrienne (the newcomer). Adrienne is the daughter of Vic Scarletti, a semi-retired Ambassador. Adrienne has moved to Knights Bridge to try her hand at innkeeping and to get to know Vic better. But really, there was something about Knights Bridge that called to her. And maybe she didn't even realize that part of that something was Adam Sloane. The two are both overly cautious in their foundling relationship but they slowly make their way to one another and make space in their lives and their hearts for each other. I always feel like these visits to Knights Bridge are a breath of fresh air for me. A way to relax for a bit and catch up on old and new friends alike.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story. Love New England. Guess I am finally growing up... story line is just a little too contrived -- Adrienne meets Adam, they fall in love, etc, etc, etc...

Adrienne Portale has never settled in one place for long, but takes a job as innkeeper in tiny Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, to spend some time getting to know the father she only recently found. When three small boys get lost in the wilderness that borders the inn, Adam Sloan leads the search. His family ties to the town go back generations. Adrienne sees the bond that people in a small town have as they band together to find the missing children.

Adam is impressed with her calm strength, but he's sure she won't find what she's looking for in his quiet hometown.Despite their differences, Adam and Adrienne discover they have more in common than they'd expected. They love to explore old stone walls and bridges, and she adores his dog. As summer bleeds into the gorgeous New England fall, the attraction between them grows, and they must decide where--and who--makes a place home.

[Nancy Ku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone Bridges (Swift River Valley #9) by Carla Neggers ...Fantastic book by Carla Neggers..I haven't read all the books in this series but I plan to go back and read them.. Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for turning me on to this book. This is Adam and Adrienne's story (he is a stone mason and also part of his family business...she is a wine blogger who is now an innkeeper). This story is also about the small town a lot like Knights Bridge and I enjoyed all the people and intrigue of a small town.. The journey and how Adam and Adrienne come together is filled with laughs, some drama, lots of wonderful family and friendships, and of course a very HEA. I can't wait to find out who falls in love next.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining Witty Happily Ever After Realistic Informative Romantic Page-turner Wonderful characters Funny Easy-to-read Steamy Great world building

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because I heard the author speak. I admit that I will read romance from time to time. But I wouldn't consider myself a fan of the genre. I like when authors play with the rules a bit and mix genres. So I'm not the best judge of quality when we're talking about straight romance. I do feel, though, that this book has a lot going for it. I love the setting. The book puts you right there. And some of the characters were kinda quirky, which I loved. I like the grandmother especially. She was funny. Reminded me of my own. I also liked how the intimacy in the novel was handled in a respectful and tasetful manner. No blurred lines. No graphic sex scenes. But when the characters do get close, it heightens their emotional bond. My main problem with the book was the rushed ending. I didn't buy it. But then most people probably don't read romance for the gritty realism.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adrienne is writing a message to Vic stating she is an inn keeper at carriage Hill farm .Vic makes a cheat sheet of the people in knights bridge. I liked the cheat sheet but it was overwhelming with the details and people.The inn is booked for birthdays,weddings etc.Adrienne is drinking coffee outside on the terrace in her night gown when she sees Adam Sloane . There are six Sloane siblings all together. Maggie Sloane is a business partner for the inn Adrienne has a connection to bridge through her bio dad . Adrienne has history of working at winery's but none at an inn. A character had an interest in pirated and treasure. I have a full back tattoo of a pirate ship Adrienne sees and talks to Adam at the inn. I thought the pacing and dialogue could be slow and boring.netgalley book in exchange for review.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the Swift River Valley series, in which Adrienne Portale moves to town to become an innkeeper while getting to know the father she never knew until she was an adult. Living there after returning home from his military service is stonemason Adam Sloan, another one of the handsome Sloan brothers.

Adrienne knows a buff guy when she sees one, but her plan to be here only 6 months--given her pattern of taking short-term jobs all over the globe--means she should not get involved with him. After all, she's not staying and he's not going anywhere.

Too bad neither her heart nor Adam's listens to their respective cautions. And when she has to plan a wedding for another couple, it becomes clear that she needs to rethink her plan to leave and he needs to rethink his plan not to get more deeply involved with Adrienne. An enjoyable read.

[Darlene Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adrienne Portale has never settled in one place for long, but takes a job as innkeeper in tiny Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, to spend some time getting to know the father she only recently found. When three small boys get lost in the wilderness that borders the inn, Adam Sloan leads the search. His family ties to the town go back generations. Adrienne sees the bond that people in a small town have as they band together to find the missing children.
Adam is impressed with her calm strength, but he's sure she won't find what she's looking for in his quiet hometown.Despite their differences, Adam and Adrienne discover they have more in common than they'd expected. They love to explore old stone walls and bridges, and she adores his dog. As summer bleeds into the gorgeous New England fall, the attraction between them grows, and they must decide where--and who--makes a place home.

[Lin Stepp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I popped into this story without realizing it was a part of an ongoing series ... which took away a lot from the story. Characters and backstory notes from past books kept popping in all along the way, slowing the story for me ... so read these in order to enjoy them most!
Adrienne Portale, who was introduced in some past book in the series, comes back to take a job as innkeeper at The Farm at Carriage Hill in ... in the country outside of Boston. Knights Bridge. She has bounced around a lot in jobs but brings a lot of skills and talents to this new position ... and she's come, in part too, because her father lives here - a man she didn't know was her father until recently. The story moves along rather slowly, mostly establishing a relationship with Adrienne and Adam, who don't want to be attracted to each other... and eventually wanders to a good end.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adrienne Portale has returned to Knight’s Bridge as the innkeeper at The Farm at Carriage Hill, owned jointly by Maggie Sloan and Olivia McCaffrey. When Adam Sloan comes to repair the stone wall, attraction flares between them. Adam lives in the guesthouse at Vic Scarletti’s estate and doesn’t know how Vic will react to the news about his daughter dating a stone mason. Vic knows Adam and sees the man’s strong integrity and work ethic and gives his approval. Adrienne has been a world traveler and thinks she has finally found her home in Knight’s Bridge, especially with the handsome stone mason.

Although a list of characters is given at the first of the book, there are so many different ones that it is difficult to remember who's who.

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

I presume there will be further books in this series but I think this will be my last one. The series revolves around a few families that live in a Knights Bridge, a small New England town. Each book follows a separate resident and usually a newcomer and they fall in love and get married. This one followed Adrienne who was recently hired as the innkeeper for the newly renovated Carriage Hill Inn and Adam, a veteran and a stonemason. There is no profanity but the emphasis on sex is just a bit ridiculous. People look at each other only in terms of their sexual attraction and there is always, unfortunately, at least one sex scene. The backdrop of the story plot wasn't even that compelling. So, this is the last one I will read.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adrienne Portale was introduced in one of the previous books in the series as the "surprise, I'm your daughter" character. She's back in Knights Bridge as the innkeeper for Maggie and Olivia's place. There was a cute conceit at the beginning of the book introducing her to all of the townspeople (and thus to the reader as well.) It was more than a little blatant but maybe slightly better than just throwing everyone in. And it makes sense since there are a lot of cast members that show up. Mainly because our hero, Adam Sloan, who is working on the stone wall at the inn has a lot of siblings who realistically will show up in the book.

This is a slow burn book. It makes it so that the ending was a bit rushed. A nice read but not much of a story.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam isn't what Adrienne was expecting. Certainly he's different from other men she dated before arriving in Knight's Bridge to confront and get to know her father. She's working as an innkeeper in this delightful small town - and I read this as a standalone so I think I might have missed a few smiles others would have at some of the relationships but it's still a place I know I'd like to visit. These two move into a relationship slowly but don't worry, there's a good payoff. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm now a Neggers fan!

[Alice · Rating 1 out of 5]

Social gadfly Adrienne Portalle falls for strong, silent Adam Sloan. Is there anything to keep them together? Will she let her restlessness move her to another place. Will Adrienne be accepted into the small town of Knights Bridge? Will she adapt to a slower pace?
This book is long on characterization but short on plot. A chapter spent on Adam deciding whether or not he will kiss Adrienne is way too much. Maggie's sons disappear for a few hours and she practically has a nervous breakdown even after they are found. Come on, give me some action.

[Kathy Blanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam Sloan had a broken heart and was ready to try again. Adrienne Portal was trying to find her way and what she needed to do. She wanted to get to know her biological father who lived in Knights Bridge. She had visited him the winter before and when she returned to California no one thought she would return to Knights Bridge. She was offered the innkeeper's job at Carriage Hill. No one in town thought she would stay but she came back because she was interested in Adam Sloan. They had an attraction to each other.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent addition to the Swift River Valley series! This is a story with plenty of emotion, chemistry, friends and family relations, love. Adrienne and Adam are strong characters with an obvious attraction to each other. Both are weary of that connection and getting involved. Reading previous books in the series isn’t necessary (the author does a good job of explaining who’s who), but it’s a series worth reading!

[Brenda Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone Bridges

I gave a high rating to this book because I have read and enjoyed the Swift River Valley series very much. I spent quite a bit of time at Quabbin and I’m imagining where all this takes place. I know it’s fictional but it’s fun to wonder/imagine just the same. What it must have been like to have your home and land taken for the use of making Quabbin! Enjoy reading the series if you haven’t started it you should!

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.6 Adrienne moves back to the small town, Knight’s Bridges, Massachusetts, to run an inn. With the cast of characters, there’s never a dull moment. I appreciated the cheat sheet at the beginning of the book to give me a head’s up to these folks. I had not read the other books in this series, so Adrienne was new to me. Adam Sloan becomes her love interest and it was nice to see their love grow. The book was enjoyable, no brainer and easy book to read .