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The Bridge
The Bridge meets Alex (short for Alexandra) on a bridge in Verona as she says her final farewell to Michele. Alex’s world has been devastated by the death of Michele, who was actually more of a sister to her than her best and oldest friend. It follows Alex as she tries to navigate a world she no longer recognises or fits into, while desperately trying to ‘be there’ for Adam, Michele’s teenage son.
It’s on that same bridge where Alex meets Max, and through this chance encounter, a hopeful journey begins. A journey which forces them to face the damage left from their previous relationships, while ignoring the clock counting down on their time together, dictating their ending, just as they’re beginning. Alex and Max are realistic, their lives and responsibilities exist in different worlds, a thousand miles apart, so they decide to forget there’s a Friday (the day Alex is due to fly home) and live in the moment. But is it that simple?
The Bridge tells a story of friendship, love, loss, the weight of responsibility, finding love when you least expect it, self-doubt and insecurity, the fear of loving again and finding strength even when life feels hopeless; set against the background of contemporary music, and the intoxicating personality of Verona. It will take the reader on a journey from which they will not want to be interrupted.
Warning: It may also leave the reader pining for the one that got away...
It’s on that same bridge where Alex meets Max, and through this chance encounter, a hopeful journey begins. A journey which forces them to face the damage left from their previous relationships, while ignoring the clock counting down on their time together, dictating their ending, just as they’re beginning. Alex and Max are realistic, their lives and responsibilities exist in different worlds, a thousand miles apart, so they decide to forget there’s a Friday (the day Alex is due to fly home) and live in the moment. But is it that simple?
The Bridge tells a story of friendship, love, loss, the weight of responsibility, finding love when you least expect it, self-doubt and insecurity, the fear of loving again and finding strength even when life feels hopeless; set against the background of contemporary music, and the intoxicating personality of Verona. It will take the reader on a journey from which they will not want to be interrupted.
Warning: It may also leave the reader pining for the one that got away...
330 pages, Paperback
Published April 13, 2021
1 person is currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 24, 2022
Loved the story of all 3 characters, would love to know if everyone got their happy ever after.
The sound track really brought the book to life. I couldn't put the book down and will definitely pass on to the next member of the 'Book Club 5'
The sound track really brought the book to life. I couldn't put the book down and will definitely pass on to the next member of the 'Book Club 5'
July 17, 2021
sad, but not always, with a very endearing love story, eloquent love scenes, and an outstanding soundtrack!
July 25, 2021
This book is amazing!!!! Not sure what category I’d even put it into. It’s happy, and sad, it’s about love, and loss, and music. So much great music. It’s about learning how to move on and about realizing what you need to hold on to. I was instantly enamored with Alex and Max and couldn’t put this book down. There’s something in this book for everyone. Highly recommend.
June 28, 2021
I would just like to thank Netgalley for very kindly approving me for a copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for an honest review.
This book also has its own playlist to accompany you whilst reading and it made the whole experience so much better. I love a soundtrack to a book and to listen to songs that the author also listened to while they were writing it.
I loved this book, all the way through it was very emotional and an amazingly heartfelt story.
The two main characters worked really well together and Max was a wonderful ‘book boyfriend’!!
The Bridge was a beautiful romance and read while listening to the playlist was perfect.....
This book also has its own playlist to accompany you whilst reading and it made the whole experience so much better. I love a soundtrack to a book and to listen to songs that the author also listened to while they were writing it.
I loved this book, all the way through it was very emotional and an amazingly heartfelt story.
The two main characters worked really well together and Max was a wonderful ‘book boyfriend’!!
The Bridge was a beautiful romance and read while listening to the playlist was perfect.....
June 22, 2021
I absolutely adored this book from start to finish and devoured it in a few days. Throughout the book, there is a strong connection with music which plays an important role to the storyline and the characters. This is the first book I’ve read which has an accompanying soundtrack on Spotify - what a truly wonderful idea! I listened to the songs as and when they were mentioned in the story which added a whole new level of atmosphere, understanding, connection and feeling. I was so desperate to find out the ending and stayed up until the early hours to finish it. A remarkable debut novel which is beautifully written with depth to the characters and storyline.
May 6, 2021
I wrote this review whilst listening to The Bridge’s playlist….that’s right this book has its very own soundtrack!
The Bridge is a glorious yet sad story about dealing with the overwhelming feeling of grief but underneath all that there is the most beautiful love story I’ve ever read. Add the playlist to it and this story comes to life. Once I’d finished I listened to the songs featured throughout and I could picture each scene as though I was watching a movie – it made the book that little bit more special.
Music features heavily in the story (as you’ve probably guessed already) as an escape for both Alex and Max. I think this was lovely and I know in my own life music is a big help depending on how I’m feeling so it was so nice to read how this couple came together not just because of the loss they experienced but their love for music too.
I’ll be honest I was a little bit unsure at first at how quick they fell in love as I’m not normally a fan of love at first sight, but this just worked. I couldn’t help but root for them, willing them to find a way to be together.
Whilst it is a beautiful romance that will have you smiling from ear to ear, it also explores the issue of grief and learning to take each day as it comes. The author handled this with care and I could feel just how much Alex was hurting. These characters came alive for me, especially Max who might be my new favourite ‘book boyfriend’. I still think about the book now and it will definitely be one I will read again.
Overall if you’re looking for a stunning romance that deals with deeper issues and layered with some awesome songs then this is the book for you. I definitely think all books should now come with their very own playlist!
The Bridge is a glorious yet sad story about dealing with the overwhelming feeling of grief but underneath all that there is the most beautiful love story I’ve ever read. Add the playlist to it and this story comes to life. Once I’d finished I listened to the songs featured throughout and I could picture each scene as though I was watching a movie – it made the book that little bit more special.
Music features heavily in the story (as you’ve probably guessed already) as an escape for both Alex and Max. I think this was lovely and I know in my own life music is a big help depending on how I’m feeling so it was so nice to read how this couple came together not just because of the loss they experienced but their love for music too.
I’ll be honest I was a little bit unsure at first at how quick they fell in love as I’m not normally a fan of love at first sight, but this just worked. I couldn’t help but root for them, willing them to find a way to be together.
Whilst it is a beautiful romance that will have you smiling from ear to ear, it also explores the issue of grief and learning to take each day as it comes. The author handled this with care and I could feel just how much Alex was hurting. These characters came alive for me, especially Max who might be my new favourite ‘book boyfriend’. I still think about the book now and it will definitely be one I will read again.
Overall if you’re looking for a stunning romance that deals with deeper issues and layered with some awesome songs then this is the book for you. I definitely think all books should now come with their very own playlist!
April 27, 2021
What if a holiday romance rescued you? What happens when that holiday ends?
Alex is left devastated by the loss of her best friend since childhood, Michele. She wants to be strong for everyone, Michele’s mum and teenage son, Adam. But who will be strong for her? Enter Max. A stranger who sees the sorrow in Alex and knows he can help guide her through it.
I can’t tell you how much I loved this book. It’s the first ARC I’ve been sent from #NetGalley and I think I’ve been spoilt. I laughed, I cried, and I even caught myself just stupidly grinning at my kindle for at least 3 chapters. I also read this book in half a day. I couldn’t put it down.
This is an author after my own heart, as they’ve created a playlist to listen to as you read!! Unfortunately on my kindle I didn’t see this until after I’d finished reading but I’d already slowly been putting together my own playlist of all the songs mentioned. Like I knew it was meant to be. And wow. The score just heightens the emotions. Come Home by One Republic is now my favourite song but makes me weep.
This was a great read, and although sceptical at first as I’m a real stickler for people moving too quickly in relationships, this seemed like fate and it could happen and it made me so happy. This book is for anyone who has ever experienced loss, but also anyone who has ever experienced love.
Alex is left devastated by the loss of her best friend since childhood, Michele. She wants to be strong for everyone, Michele’s mum and teenage son, Adam. But who will be strong for her? Enter Max. A stranger who sees the sorrow in Alex and knows he can help guide her through it.
I can’t tell you how much I loved this book. It’s the first ARC I’ve been sent from #NetGalley and I think I’ve been spoilt. I laughed, I cried, and I even caught myself just stupidly grinning at my kindle for at least 3 chapters. I also read this book in half a day. I couldn’t put it down.
This is an author after my own heart, as they’ve created a playlist to listen to as you read!! Unfortunately on my kindle I didn’t see this until after I’d finished reading but I’d already slowly been putting together my own playlist of all the songs mentioned. Like I knew it was meant to be. And wow. The score just heightens the emotions. Come Home by One Republic is now my favourite song but makes me weep.
This was a great read, and although sceptical at first as I’m a real stickler for people moving too quickly in relationships, this seemed like fate and it could happen and it made me so happy. This book is for anyone who has ever experienced loss, but also anyone who has ever experienced love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2021
I love this book! What a fantastic, heartfelt story- I related so much to Alex and her journey, through friendships, romances, and family. Adam is probably my favourite character and (no spoilers) even though he has nothing in common with me, I found myself desperate to know more about him! There's something for everyone in this book - especially music lovers! I can't believe the author has created a playlist to accompany the story, there are some favourites on there but I've also been exposed to some new bands and artists, so not only a great read, but a great listen too!
10/10 cannot recommend enough.
10/10 cannot recommend enough.
August 24, 2021
First time author and she impressed me with the story and character development. This book is divided into Part 1 and Part 2. Part 2 was my favorite… the story really picked up and I found myself flying through the pages. I can’t wait for a second book 🙏🏻
April 21, 2021
Alex is devastated at the loss of her best friend, her confidant. As close as sisters, she doesn’t know how she will carry on without Michele by her side.
As Alex visits Verona to scatter Michele’s ashes she meets Max who himself has suffered a devastating loss. They connect on a level that Alex has never experienced before but have only a few days together before Alex must return home.
As Alex struggles to come to terms with her loss she is also supporting Michele’s teenage son with the loss of his mum. Missing Max terribly but realising they have very different lives...will they ever find their way back to each other?
This is a lovely story with heart,about love and being there for someone through thick and thin. It does cover the subject of death but it is done with love and compassion. A little cliched in a few parts but a great read.
Thank you to the publisher Matador and NetGalley for an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.
As Alex visits Verona to scatter Michele’s ashes she meets Max who himself has suffered a devastating loss. They connect on a level that Alex has never experienced before but have only a few days together before Alex must return home.
As Alex struggles to come to terms with her loss she is also supporting Michele’s teenage son with the loss of his mum. Missing Max terribly but realising they have very different lives...will they ever find their way back to each other?
This is a lovely story with heart,about love and being there for someone through thick and thin. It does cover the subject of death but it is done with love and compassion. A little cliched in a few parts but a great read.
Thank you to the publisher Matador and NetGalley for an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2024
Absolutely loved, ready this book. It was one of those books I just didn't want to put down, but neither did I want it to end !!
It was very emotional, too, at times. I could really imagine being in Verona on that bridge!
It was very emotional, too, at times. I could really imagine being in Verona on that bridge!
May 30, 2021
An extraordinarily beautiful novel. A stunning debut. I don't think anyone could read this story and still have dry eyes at the end. It is a guaranteed tearjerker.
Set in Verona, the home of Romeo and Juliet (and in Manchester) this is an intense story told by Alex, the central character of her love for Max, who has saved her from the grief of losing Michelle.
It is the sort of story Hollywood told so well half a century ago in Love Story, The Blue Lagoon and Endless Love but S.M. Tovey's novel is better, much better. The writing is passionate and engrossing with beautifully drawn characters.
A novel for everyone who has ever loved anyone.
Set in Verona, the home of Romeo and Juliet (and in Manchester) this is an intense story told by Alex, the central character of her love for Max, who has saved her from the grief of losing Michelle.
It is the sort of story Hollywood told so well half a century ago in Love Story, The Blue Lagoon and Endless Love but S.M. Tovey's novel is better, much better. The writing is passionate and engrossing with beautifully drawn characters.
A novel for everyone who has ever loved anyone.
June 2, 2021
A story of loss, memories, friendship and love, beautifully written with a fantastic playlist that goes alongside the story. A book I couldn’t put down! I quickly became invested in the characters and really wanted to know how things would work out for them. Set between Verona and the UK we follow the characters as they navigate their feelings, and their future. A story I didn’t want to end- and I know I will return to. With great music entwined, it’s a great read for a relaxing summers day.
February 9, 2023
Like other reviewers I thought it was interesting to have a novel with a playlist. Very full of feelings, romance, grief, and passion. Tying this romantic journey to a lifetime of favourite tunes. A journey between England and Italy with tension between the memories of loved ones and the pull of romance.
February 16, 2023
What's not to love about a book with its own spotify playlist! ❤️
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews