Bridges

by Deborah Raney

Facing an empty nest for the first time since the death of her husband, Dan, three years ago, Tess Everett immerses herself in volunteer work for the Winterset public parks, home of the famous covered bridges of Madison County, Iowa. But when former resident J.W. McRae shows up at one of the bridges with paintbrushes and easel, sparks fly—because J.W. was once married to Tess’s late friend Char. Worse, J.W. was a deadbeat dad to Char’s son, Wynn—then a college student—who Tess and Dan took under their wings after his mom's death.

J.W. hopes to make amends with his son now that there’s a new little granddaughter in the picture. But when Tess agrees to rent the backyard garage apartment to J.W., hoping to be a bridge to reconcile father and son, sparks of a different kind are kindled. As their friendship grows, Tess and J.W. must discover if what they have together is worth rearranging their entire lives for. And whether they can build bridges that will mend broken relationships.

Bridges is quintessential Deborah Raney: small town charm, a gentle, compelling love story, and enchanting secondary characters.
~Tamera Alexander, bestselling author of Colors of Truth

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Inspirational, Christian, Womens Fiction

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness can take time.

This author is such a good storyteller! She has realistically showed us how hard it would be for a son to forgive a father who he thought abandoned him. With God’s help, each person was able to change and learn so many things. Very well done!

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this author's books, so decided to give this one a try when I saw it on KU. I wasn't disappointed. It was different than I expected, but I really enjoyed the story with older characters looking to repair past wrongs.
My one struggle was the passing blip of a mention of one of the characters not believing in divorce, which was something that caught me off guard, but it was only in passing, so I continued to read and enjoyed the story.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridges is a beautiful story of reconciliation and romance. Without giving away plot-lines, a widow rents a small apartment to a man trying to reconcile with his son. Only God and his miraculous bridge building can achieve this. Set in Madison County, Iowa in the area known for its covered bridges, it is the perfect place to bridge the connection with his family and his past.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Bridges is the second book by Deborah Raney that I have read this month. The wooden bridge on the cover matches a BINGO square. Bridges has small town charm and is a gentle, compelling love story with enchanting secondary characters.

Facing an empty nest for the first time since the death of her husband, Dan, three years ago, Tess Everett immerses herself in volunteer work for the Winterset public parks, home of the famous covered bridges of Madison County, Iowa. Tess meets former resident J.W. McRae when he shows up at one of the bridges with paintbrushes and easel.
Can Tess and J.W. build bridges that will mend broken relationships?

[Deena Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this contemporary romance by Deborah Raney and recommend it to those who like Christian romance between more mature characters. J.W. shows up in Winterset, Iowa to make amends with his grown son and meets Tess, a widow facing empty nest. The author shares some interesting background about the covered bridges of Madison County.

I loved the inclusion of J.W. being a big brother to a troubled teen and how that played out. Themes of broken relationships, forgiveness, grief, and loneliness will speak into the lives of many readers.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary inspirational fiction set in Winterset Iowa. The plot is centered on relationships, second chances and forgiveness. Lots of introspection by the main characters which was a bit repetitive at times. But still an enjoyable read.

[Deon]

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[Karen Mcnicol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not come across a Deborah Raney book I have not loved yet! This book will hit you with all the "feelings". I felt like I was watching a movie, the descriptions had everything so vivid in my mind. I just love covered bridges, and now I want to visit Madison county. I love the mention of the coffee station at Wynn and Rina's house and had to chuckle at it. One of the takeaways for me from this book is to remember there is always two sides to any story.

[Bonnie Olive · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bridges we have to cross

I loved the story of JW an Tess ,their families and the surprising twists and turns and trusting God for his will in their lives

[Rebecca Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great fiction read. I love Deborah Raney's books because they are filled with family relationships, conflict, mystery, romance, and small-town life. Her clean fiction does not shy away from real issues, but her characters draw you into the story every time. Bridges is no exception. I enjoyed it!

[Traci Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story/plot but just very slow…lots of details repeated.

[Renda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I liked the way the characters listened to God and prayed for His will to make decisions in some real-world situations. This book shows healthy ways of working through broken relationships, being a "Big Brother" to kids in a tough home situation, learning to deal with widowhood, empty nest, and learning to relate to young adult children. It also explores the ups and downs, doubts and excitement of finding love again after the death of spouse, or a difficult prior marriage. I would recommend this book to anyone going through any of these life situations.

I gave it 4 stars because of too many "he was thinking...", "she was thinking...", "he wanted to...", "she wanted to...". I realize that some of this was necessary to show how the characters were working through the situations, but I found myself skimming through a few too many "flirty relationship desires".

It's a light, fast read, and a great book to curl up with on a lazy afternoon.

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟
What an endearing love story! I lost my heart to JW as he worked to reconcile with his adult son. As for Tess, she was an example of wisdom and grace. This novel left me with such a sweet feeling. Loved it.

Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book by Deborah Raney. Raney tells a real story in her books. She crafts characters that seem like regular, ordinary people and gives them real life issues. You can settle down with one of her books and feel all the problems they go through and watch them work them out like we all do. Well done!

[Sharon Simmers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deb Raney has done it again!! Hope to see more from JW and Tess!!

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a 49-year-old heroine and 52-year-old hero, this was a sweet, second-chance-at-love romance set in bridge country in Iowa.

J.W. returns "home" after years of separation from his son (following the separation from and death of his wife). J.W. wants to mend things with his son, and his daughter-in-law believes the birth of her first child (and J.W.'s first granddaughter) is just the thing to bring them together. Things don't go as planned, but J.W. is determined, and he decides to stay and try. With the help of his new friend (attractive, single Tess), he moves home.

The story immediately pulled me in. I couldn't wait to see what would happen between J.W. and his son, as well as watching the later-in-life romance between him and Tess. For me, there were some slow spots (got a bit wordy and repetitive), but I enjoyed watching two been-there, done-that characters building relationships based on experience instead of playing games and making silly mistakes (as often happens in early romances).

A sweet story and great summer read.

Rated PG.

[Myra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and inspiring midlife romance by a talented author! The characters were engaging and settings were vividly described. I enjoyed learning about the Madison County bridges and found myself pausing to check my map app for images, which made the scenes come to life even more.

[Delores · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance Novel

I've read a lot of Me. Raney's books and this one was not her best. I gave it 3 stars because it was a weak story line. I found myself hurrying through the reading and skipping paragraphs so I could finish it. Not one of her best.

[Deb Brammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.W. comes to Winterset, Iowa to try to rekindle a relationship with his estranged son, Wynn after the birth of Wynn's first child. After his parents separated, Wynn lost touch with his dad and resents the fact that his dad wasn't there for him when he was growing up. Though rebuffed by his son, J.W. is determined to keep trying to be a part of his son's life and get to know his granddaughter. Along the way J.W. meets Tess, a friend of J.W.'s now deceased wife who reached out to Wynn after the death of his mom. I expected the book to be mainly about J.W.'s attempt to repair his relationship with his son, but his relationship with Tess actually took up the majority of the plotline.

This is a sweet story about caring people who reached out to others in times of need. Both J.W. and Tess had the maturity to keep trying to help people who were hard to help. Their romantic relationship was careful, considered, and based on the character of each other rather than just looks and emotions. It isn't, however, quite the caliber of story of some Deb Raney's other books like "Beneath a Southern Sky." Still, I enjoyed reading the book and appreciated the characters.

[Loretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Facing an empty nest for the first time since the death of her husband three years ago, Tess Everett immerses herself in volunteer work for the Winterset public parks, home of the famous covered bridges of Madison County, Iowa. But when former resident J.W. McRae shows up at one of the bridges, sparks fly—because J.W. was once married to Tess’s late friend Char. Worse, J.W. was a deadbeat dad to Char’s son, Wynn—then a college student—who Tess and Dan took under their wings after his mom's death.

J.W. hopes to make amends with his son now that there’s a new little granddaughter in the picture. But when Tess agrees to rent the backyard garage apartment to J.W., hoping to be a bridge to reconcile father and son, sparks of a different kind are kindled. As their friendship grows, Tess and J.W. must discover if what they have together is worth rearranging their entire lives for. And whether they can build bridges that will mend broken relationships.

I always enjoy Deborah Raney's books. This one seemed predictable in the direction it headed but I liked the story for the fact that 2nd chances are given and past hurts are redeemed.

[Valri Western · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story about second chance love when you are older. The two main characters are quite opposite when they first meet. J.W. has had a disastrous first marriage and has had no contact with his son for many years. He wants to change that now that he's become a grandfather, but it won't be easy. His son doesn't welcome or want the renewed contact. I loved the daughter-in-law who gave him the push to continue! Tess had a wonderful first marriage but is lonely so fills her time with community service and activity. She is close to J.W.'s son and wants him to reconcile with his father. As the two of them go through various activities together, will that friendship turn to more? It was a little slow in spots but overall, I really enjoyed the story.

[Savanna Ammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5, rounding up!

I’m so proud that I guessed J.W.’s name 😂

That aside, this was a really sweet book. Clean, with only some sweet, not-heavily-descriptive kisses. There were some punctuation things that I noticed, and some scenes that repeated information in a contradictory way or just right after it happened, which is why I knocked it down a half star. However, the rest of the book deserves the five star rating.

J.W. drove me crazy with how oblivious he was at times, but it was acknowledged and he worked on it. I love how he and Tess helped each other become better people, their relationships with the kids, and their love for each other.

I’ll definitely be reading more from Deb Raney!

[Clara K Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, another good one by Deborah. Tess lost her husband 3 years ago and now her twin daughters left for college and she is facing a life alone. She does volunteer work at the Public Park to fill her time. One day she runs into JW McRae, the deadbeat dad of her best friend's son. He is back in Winterset to make amends with his son, Wynn, who he abandoned when he was a child. The story unfolds with humor, sadness and showing what the choices we make can affect many people, but asking help from God can help untangle the "mess"

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this book on my kindle for several years now but for some reason it keeps getting put aside for other books. Then the woman in charge of the book club i belong to chose this as our book for the month of October i did a happy dance.

This book though predictable was an amazing read and I throughly enjoyed myself getting to visit the Bridges and Winterset once again though this time it was in the pages of a book. I also liked the fact that Kansas City and Springfield played a minor roll in the story. I live in South Kc and I am Springfield originally.

[Dorothey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridges

This was a wonderful story about trying to restore broken family and learning about trust. J.W. McRae returned to Winterfest where his son lived. J.W. Wanted to see his newborn granddaughter and Rina, his son’s wife, had encouraged him to come. You will enjoy how well written this story flows and the interactions of the characters, and their finding forgiveness and love.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man returning to his hometown wanting to make up to his grown son for his negligance as a father and to be a part of his newborn granddaughter's life. A son with a hurt, stubborn heart who doesn't want to let in his father. An empty nest widow with an apartment to rent in her backyard. An unexpected romance. I really enjoyed the characters in this book and the natural way this story of second chances flowed.

[Stella Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the most part I am past the age where I am much of a fan of romEance novels but this is such a great book. This story is about love the second time around and the couple are middle age. Plus the story has a plot other than the romantic aspect. J.W. and Tess are wonderful main characters as they deal with problems that seem to have no answers. I recommend this book wholeheartedly. I gave it 5 stars simply because it deserves it.

[Kat]

free ebook
she was widow with twin daughters going to college in another town

he was divorced , his x wife died, she was the hospice for her
he had a son but was never in his life
his son is married now with a new baby

he goes to the town to see the baby at his sons wife request
his son is not happy to see him

he meets the widow lady and ends up moving into her shed apt in the backyard
he lost his job

he brings his 'little brother' to live there
his son finally is forgiving and wants a relationship
he asks the landlady to marry him and she says yes

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridges is a beautifully written contemporary romance about second chances. JW comes to Winterset to reconnect with his son Wynn. JW had been an absent father with Wynn, and he wants to make things right. Along the way he meets Tess and falls for her. The book starts out slow, but stick with it
It is an excellent read..

[JunePerez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Read

I love Deborah Raney’s writing. She has such a wonderful ability to make her characters real to life. Tess and JW are everyday people that God intended to be together and about regrets, forgiveness and God’s restoration of lives if the people are willing. “Bridges” is a sweet easy read.