The Bridge in Sunset Park

Missing Pieces #3

by Danielle Stewart

Miles.

Kerry wanted hundreds of miles between her and the hometown that never felt much like home. College held all the promise of new beginnings. Academics and tests always made more sense to her than people and feelings. Her complicated family couldn’t seem to give her room to breathe, but reinventing herself will prove harder than she imagines. When the plane touches down in California, Kerry’s new life begins.

Leslie can’t hide from the choices she’s made. Her life, and the life of her entire family, is forever altered and maybe permanently fractured. After losing so much, keeping Kerry safe is paramount. When Mark, the man she loved and left behind, is her only hope in a dangerous situation, she knows she’s playing with fire. It’s a risk she’s willing to take. The turbulent push and pull between longing for independence and begging time to slow down ensues as mother and daughter tug in different directions. Kerry demands to break free and Leslie can’t help but hold on. When they both lose their footing and tumble away from all the things they thought they wanted, who will be there to catch them?

Missing Pieces Series
Book 1: The Bend in Redwood Road
Book 2: The Pier at Jasmine Lake
Book 3: The Bridge in Sunset Park
Book 4: The Stairs to Chapel Creek
Book 5: The Cabin on Autumn Peak
Book 6: The Shore at East Bonnet Beach
Book 7: The Field at Oakwood Farm
Book 8: The Skyscrapers of Triton Street

Genres: Fiction, Romance

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2020

About the author

Writing is a way to make a lot of different people do exactly what you want them to do. When I can’t get my toddler to listen to me, I turn to my characters. They always cooperate!

I currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina with my husband and seven year old son. I have perfected the ability to write in a noisy house and create story lines while folding laundry.

Ten Things to know about me:

1. I have a fear of whales. All whales. The noise they make. The sight of them (even on tv). I don't think this phobia has a name and I've never met anyone else who feels this way. I blame it on the 3D movie when I was 7 at the Boston Museum of Science. (Thanks Dad.)

2. When I get hungry it brings out the worst in me. My friends and family know to keep me well fed. They pack snacks now.

3. I can cook but not bake. Not even a little. Not even a box of brownies.

4. If there is a song I like it is normal to hear me listening to it a hundred times (give or take) in a row.

5. I do not, under any circumstances, read directions. Who has time for that? Making mac & cheese by the seat of my pants for the last 25 years.

6. Like a black-out drunk, I have lost hours of my life mysteriously to Pinterest. If you haven't tried it yet... don't. Save your self.

7. Before I became a mother, lots of things grossed me out. Now nothing does.

8. My favorite food is food... my least favorite food is no food. I love food. (apply the same rule to wine)

9. I do not have a green thumb. I have the kind of thumb that kills any type of plant ever given to me. Whatever kind of thumb that is... I have it.

10. Writing has changed my life. Not just the career it's created but the way I feel when I write. If you have something you love to do I hope you get the opportunity to do it.



Piper Anderson Series:
Book 1: Chasing Justice (FREE)
Book 2: Cutting Ties
Book 3: Changing Fate
Book 4: Finding Freedom
Book 5: Settling Scores
Book 6: Battling Destiny
Book 7: Chris & Sydney Collection (Choosing Christmas & Saving Love)

Betty's Journal - Bonus Material (suggested to be read after Book 4 to avoid spoilers)

The Edenville Series:
Book 1: Flowers in the Snow (FREE!)
Book 2: Kiss in the Wind
Book 3: Stars in a Bottle
Book 4: Fire in the Heart (pre-order)

The Clover Series:
(Book 1 & 2) Half My Heart & Change My Heart (FREE)
(Book 3) All My Heart
(Book 4) Facing Home

The Rough Waters Series:
Book 1: The Goodbye Storm(FREE)
Book 2: The Runaway Storm
Book 3: The Rising Storm

The Barrington Billionaire Series
Book 1: Fierce Love (Free)
Book 2: Wild Eyes
Book 3: Crazy nights
Book 4: Loyal Hearts

The Piper Anderson Legacy Mystery
Book 1: Three Seconds to Rush (Free)
Book 2: Just for a Heartbeat
Book 3: Not just an Echo

Stand Alones:
Yours for the Taking
Sweet Rendezvous
Running from Shadows

Reviews

[Deborah Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

And the drama continues.

Really enjoying this series. This book's drama centered around Kerry, the daughter of Paul and Leslie. Not as good as book 2 but good enough that I will be moving onto book 4. So far I recommend this entertaining series.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third installment of Danielle Stewart's Missing Pieces had a lot of things going for it: series continuity, straightforward writing, and root able characters. It was a warm and hopeful narrative, and it didn't take long to finish.

4 stars

[Siti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book ends. Too. Freaking. Fast!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Book three in the “Missing Pieces” novels was an enjoyable and engaging read. I felt some of the Leslie/Kerry story dragged a little in the middle, which is very unlike the author, and most would probably not even pick it up.

This book was a wonderful way to bring all the characters back together while telling most of Kerry’s story. In addition, it brings forth how the mother and daughter relationship can be mired in multiple emotions that can result in hard to determine effects

It also finally brought Mark and Leslie back in touch. Another relationship that is realistic and brings great lightness to the novel(s). I think many are hoping this will lead to something better for the both of them.

There are still several open storylines for the next novel in the series, while several others were resolved in this read.

I found the relationship between Kerry and Jaren to be heartwarming and one I truly enjoyed continually from their first meeting onward. I am hoping to see more of them. They and their “insights” brought a special greatness to this novel. They just work as friends and a couple. Just so wonderful to see that in general, but especially for Kerry.

Rating: 4.7
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Seena · Rating 5 out of 5]

College, a time where you ‘find yourself and make the best memories’. For Kerry, this meant breaking free from her small town and crazy family drama. Being done with putting a brave and strong face for her mom during the life changing events that has happened.
She’s determined to go to the library and get the books she’s read that will help pave the path her freshman’s year of college. Only to find a nice little surprise in the library that will also change her life.

Leslie is going through emptying nesting really hard with Kerry off to college. So much in her life has changed after the revelation of what happened so long ago. But what’s the biggest surprise is the things Kerry has been keeping from her.

When Kerry hasn’t answered he mother’s calls in two days, Leslie goes into worst case scenario. She gets help from the last person she’d expect to help her and learns so much of what Kerry has been going through.

Seeing Kerry and Jaren build the start of a relationship was so exciting because of how similar they are. The understanding and tenderness Jaren is with Kerry really made you root for them and excited to see what happens in the next book.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bridge in Sunset Park continues the storyline from the previous books. It’s mainly from Kerry’s point of view. The book details Kerry’s struggle to deal with her new “normal” - college life, divorcing parents & upset siblings. She’s happy about being on her own for once. Can she get the start to a new life & leave it all behind?

Leslie is suffering from guilt & empty nest syndrome. She’s having a tough time letting go of Kerry & letting her start her new life. She’s having trouble forgiving herself & moving on with her own life too. When Mark comes to help her, is it the start of something or just kindness?

Ms. Stewart has written an engrossing story with a well defined group of characters. Each person creates a different reaction from the reader. Kerry & Leslie are struggling to rescue their relationship while individually they need to figure out how to continue. I can’t wait to read the next installment.

[Sandra Humphreys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good, quick read, and I found that in this book. The underlying idea to me was the importance of finding who you are and not letting anyone change you because of their desires. You are given one life on the Earth and to be happy, you must like yourself first. Kerry has struggled because of events that occurred over which she had no control - an event that happened before she was born. In this third book of the series, her struggles magnify. Leslie, Kerry’s mom, has issues of her own. Though I find Leslie to be too much of a helicopter parent and a little on the manipulative side, I found myself wanting her to get her act together before everything in several lives would be ruined, including hers. Two interesting characters, Mark and Paul and who are polar opposites, add into the equation. It will be interesting what we find in the next book in this series! Thanks for sharing your talents through your great books, Danielle Stewart.

[Jeri Deyo McCue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bridge in Sunset Park (Missing Pieces Book 3) was an enjoyable read - almost as much as books 1 & 2, The Bend in Redwood Road and The Pier at Jasmine Lake. I love how Danielle Stewart accurately depicts the messiness of family life and relationships (the good, bad, and ugly) with all her characters.
In this 3rd installment Leslie, newly reunited with the daughter she gave up for adoption years ago, now deals with an empty nest as her other daughter, Kerry, leaves for college 3000 miles away. Leslie faces a pending divorce, plus judgmental friends and neighbors while her daughter deals with her newfound freedom and a possible love interest. It was fun to see how Leslie's ex, Paul, and her old flame Mark dealt with meeting one another in the midst of family crisis. I love a good story and Danielle Stewart never disappoints.

[LitLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning! The frantic feeling when a child is missing ~ even a college-age or adult child!! ~ totally captured and shared with the reader; that wonderful feeling as you kiss someone and lose all sense of self and time ~ brilliantly conveyed; the creeping sense of awareness of others as the family 'loses it' in the parking lot on campus ~ we've all been there . . . Ms Stewart has an uncanny ability to make the horrific anxiety and stress come to life; to embody the quintessential-ness of being an individual; to have the reader feel . . . . I'm all in! And it's almost cruel to have to wait until October (2020) to read the 4th book!
Where will I find another story/book/series that captures the supreme essence of LIFE ~ and living each day IN this messy life ~ as well as Ms Stewart has done with Leslie's world . . . . ? ? ? ?

[Robin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so anxious to read this story from Kerry’s perspective as she is at a very vulnerable stage in her life. This book did not disappoint! Kerry decides to go to California for college, removing herself from her family and small town. When her family’s “dirty laundry” is aired out in her small town, she becomes an outcast, even from the girls she thought were her good friends. Kerry doesn’t socialize much, so when her roommate drags her out for a birthday celebration and doesn’t come home it sets off a chain of reactions from her family. This book has a very good insight to the mind of a teenager. I’m so glad there is another book in this series as I want to read more of this family!

[Sharlene Thompson]

I read this book as part of the series, and cannot believe it ended the way it did, and I have to wait for the next book. It's the cliffhanger you get in season finales of shows, and my mouth may have hit the floor.
But the book kept me wondering what was happening next, if they'd really 'do' what you thought would happen, or if she'd throw another curveball in there. I'm always surprised by her writing and this did not disappoint.
Anxious for the next book, as I'm now connected to each of these characters and want to know how this all plays out!
Great read! I could not put it down!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Bridge in Sunset Park (Missing Pieces Book 3) Danielle Stewart beautifully continues the story started in The Bend in Redwood Road and the Pier at Jasmine Lake. Book 3 primarily tells Kerry’s story as the ripples of Leslie’s years-ago decisions continue to affect the ones she loves. Danielle doesn’t disappoint! The themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption in Book 3 will leave you anxiously awaiting Book 4. Don’t miss this series!

[Kathy Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a quick read. Kerry was betrayed by her two best friends in her last months at high school. The whole school felt like it was against her, but she fought through thinking she would be fine; especially, when she went to CA for college. We just can't outrun our problems! Through a new friend and family drama, she will make it through! Now, I can't wait for the next in the series to see where each of the characters go from here!

[Sandra Morello · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked after reading book one, this is the third. The Bridge in Sunset Park continues the storyline from the first two books. The characters are likable (and dislikable), the concept is a little cheesy (but who doesn’t need hopeful and corny these days?), and the writing has you at the edge of your seat. She might not be the best author, but she knows how to grab your attention! You want that big bow tied up at the end … and can’t wait for the next book!

[Melody O'Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving the story along through Kerry's point of view was interesting. Seeing how the "sins" of the mother manifest in Kerry and how she deals with the past year while struggling to find her own way in the world was exciting. The new chapters that are unfolding for Kerry and Leslie make this a page turner. I was left wanting more. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a great book

I live the characters. They feel real and the story lines make you want to just continue reading. I like the fact you are mostly blending each of their lives into each other. You can’t stop at the end of the book you want more. Highly recommend this series.

[Jacquelyn James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This series is excellent. It starts with a girl finding her birth parents and each book adds more depth in the characters around this. I look forward to each book! It is a light read but with so much depth and emotion.

[K Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful continuation of the series. This book explores what being true to oneself looks like and how that honesty allows one to come into their own. Danielle gives more of Danielle-literary excellence. I definitely recommend this book.

[Martha McCormick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another chapter finihed

This series is good, fast reading. Enjoy this way of writing when a life carries on to next level of a st of characters you can relate too. Preordered the next one for October. Can't wait to continue.

[Linda Zelinsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining read about a family going through a crisis or divorce and secrets coming out that affect everyone. This series has been great to read with just the right amount of suspense and motion. The way Danielle writes you can’t help but feel personally involved.

[Tarsha Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stewart alerts us to haboring our true feelings to make everyone except ourselves true happiness. We shoud allow our emotions to show all while being ourselves not put on the guise of what others feel or believe we are.

[Jude Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridge at sunset park

Again, this is very good read filled to the brim with mystery and romance. I am happy to have stumbled upon this series and can’t wait for the next one to come out.

[D. Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is captivating to see the story of Kerry unfold and start her new life at college and all that part of life begins. From dorm life, no family to boys ... truly a story to read. The path in which Leslie finds her way back to Mark is a must and will keep you in suspense.

[Suz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really dug this book. The characters are real and likable and dislikable. The story of this family, I think, everybody can see a part of their own in. You do want to cheer for the ending and hope the next book has just as much to hope for.

[James M. Fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy & Enjoyable

Got hooked after reading Book 1. Subject matter was different from most romance novels. I enjoyed the different personalities of each character & their responses to the situation. How would you react to a stranger at YOUR door who claims to be your child?

[Lanette Nukuto Zepeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting better and better!

This one started a little slow for me, but boy did it get good! Without giving you any spoilers, I love the direction it is going. Even with the disruption of the family, you grow to love the characters. I can't wait to read the next book!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing Pieces Series is my new Favorite

I was not disappointed in the next book of series. Just disappointed that I have to wait for next book in series.

[Jackie Simons]

Read 6/20

[Katie Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Nice easy read, likable characters, relatable story line. I plan to read the next in the series when it comes out

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series, probably because I have a daughter in college too, trying to find herself and her path in life.