The Bridge to Rembrandt

by Nelson K. Foley

When Robert crossed the bridge, he wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary. He was on the way to meet his girlfriend, but when he reached the other side, she didn’t know who he was. Robert finds himself thrown back in time, further and further, reliving the history of Amsterdam through war, riots and the plague. Each time, his fate is bound up with the same woman, and with the work of the Netherlands' greatest painter, Rembrandt. Robert is caught in a race against time. Will he make it back to his normal life? Or will he be trapped in the past with his discovery as his insulin runs out?

Genres: Book Club, Historical Fiction, Drama, Fiction, Novels, Historical, Romance

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2021

About the author

Nelson K. Foley is in fact my real name, but among family, friends and acquaintances I am better known as Keith Foley. I put that down to my mother (but I have no evidence) who got confused when calling out a name, since my father was also 'Nelson'. What is also interesting is that my name honours a family naval lineage that goes back several generations of 'Nelson' and 'Nelson Trafalgar'. It also sounds better as an author name!

For the lovers of literature, my family tree also includes Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes) who was married to my great grandfather's sister. They were all close friends.

I am British by origin, with a background in scientific publishing, and a passion for culture, art and travel. I have lived in and near Amsterdam for more years than I can count. The intimacy of having lived in the city, crossed the bridges, and meandered along the canals was the foundation for the story in my first book, helped along with the support of many professional and amateur critics.

My new book, 'Death by Placebo' is very different from 'The Bridge to Rembrandt'. It is a medical thriller about a dictator who needs a liver transplant, but doesn't trust his doctors, or even his family. The intrigue also takes us to the island in the bay of Naples once owned by my great grandfather and where Arthur Conan Doyle was also a visitor.

Reviews

[Susie Helme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time travel, Old Masters and finding Saskia
Robert is sitting at a café in Amsterdam thinking about his work and his women. He’s an events organiser, but that’s seasonal, so he’s started a side business with Mark dealing in reproductions of famous paintings. He also has two women, wife Belinda, who’s none too happy about the side business, and Saskia. He picks up an old coin. He’s a diabetic and needs to inject himself regularly with insulin.
His paintings business has begun dealing in copies of living artists, and one of them is suing. Saskia, too, wants a change.
His son buys an antique chest online, and the owner lives in the house next to Saskia’s.
Suddenly, crossing the bridge over the Brouwersgracht, he’s transported 3 years back in time—how? why?—to the day he first met Saskia. He begins reliving his life, but the second time around, he manages everything better. He has a propensity for making ‘predictions’. He’s boringly out on a very ordinary first date with the Saskia only he knows he will fall in love with, while we’re thinking—hang on, man, you just travelled back in time!
Suddenly, crossing the bridge, he’s again transported back in time—how? why?—to 1945, where there is an entirely different ‘Saskia’. The two become embroiled in the Dam Square Massacre, which Robert predicts just in time. But he’s low on insulin.
Crossing the bridge, again he goes back to 1886, and finds himself in the middle of the Eel Riot. Again, he meets a ‘Saskia’. His lack of insulin will become life-threatening within weeks. He is ‘beginning to enjoy the learning curve with a new Saskia each time’. Sometimes the way the different Saskias explain things to him seems a bit unnatural. WE know she’s talking to a time traveller, but SHE wouldn’t have known it.
Crossing the bridge, again he goes back to 1664, and he’s in the middle of the Plague. This time, ‘Saskia’ recognises him. It’s the 2019 Saskia; she’s time travelled, too, only in this time period, she has a husband and is mistress of a large house. Her next-door neighbour was apprentice to Rembrandt. He has been making the chest which Robert’s son bought in 2019, and 2019 Saskia has the other of the pair. He discovers something remarkable about the chest.
Crossing the bridge, he’s back again, and everything is different for him with his two women.
What would you do if you time travelled? I would first find a confidant—otherwise, it would just be too lonely--and the first thing you want to do is to figure out how it worked and have someone to help you do so. Then I’d make my way to the bookies and bet on some things I knew were going to happen. Then I’d try to answer some archaeological/historical mysteries. Was this really this way or that way back then? Or I’d try to influence history, try to prevent something awful from happening. Robert just keeps seeking out Saskia. He does take photos, though, which is another thing I’d do.
This works better than some time travel novels. The hero does face some adversity, and he changes due to his experience. Satisfactorily, he also gets his hands on a historic treasure. It’s well written and well edited, and though we never fully understand how the time travel mechanism works, it works.

[Nelson Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems odd that I am allowed to write a review about my own book! So, in all transparency I'm naturally recommending it as a refreshing read, but listen more to the independent reviews than me!

[Phoebe Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 October 2021
Immobilised in hospital for over a month I was desperate for something unreal to distract me, and was sent this novel. The author’s name intrigued me as they are family names, so I made a start. Most time travel novels that I have read have been too far fetched, but this one resonated with my life. I travel virtually with an online company, and was hugely supported in hospital by the guide from Amsterdam. He too ran several businesses and was married. Then the novel really took over. Nelson took me to many of the places I had just visited online, so it was easy to imagine myself there. Crossing that bridge….oh yes…that was the catalyst in my life and in Robert’s so the time travelling was feasible in my pain addled mind.
This novel has been well researched and problems attacked head on, such as the lack of money, medicines or appropriate clothing. Most time travelling novels ignore these, to concentrate on the romantic side, so it was refreshing to read a novel that understood these problems and took place during known historical events. Even better, it was well written, so I didn’t discard it in frustration because of bad spelling and grammar. It took me several days to read as I was so ill, but the storyline was gripping enough to make me want to reach the end. Then I was disappointed. I wanted more, or a sequel. Nelson, you can’t leave us here, wanting more!

[Rajnish Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Bridge to Rembrandt" by Nelson K. Foley is a fantastic fusion of fictional history, teleportation, and romance set in Amsterdam. The title does not tell you about the storyline. The central plot is uniquely different, catering to realistic experiences set around an aspect of time-travelling. Our central character Robert is a concert promoter trapped in a failing marriage and mysteriously begins travelling across time. Each trip of different time brings him to pivotal points in Amsterdam's history, where he encounters many versions of his beloved Saskia, provoking concerns about destiny and affection across time.
The author's precise and intricate descriptions vividly bring the past locations to life. The artisit "Rembrandt's presence adds unique edge to the plot. Robert's diabetes adds to the challenge as he travels several eras while surviving on little insulin. The story-telling in narration is seamless and impeccably combines history, art, and fantasy in a captivating way.
Overall, it is an engaging book about love, fate, and the power of art. It's a well-crafted work that will have you wondering long after you've finished it.

[Ingrid · Rating 1 out of 5]

And again I'm attracted to a book about time travelling that is definitely not what I expected and like to read.

[Metra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't understand why this book is so highly rated? I usually enjoy books involving time travel, but this one did nothing for me. The concept seemed good, but there wasn't any wrap up in the end. Like why did we even go on this whole journey?
I read this book on Kindle, and it needed a LOT of editing. The amount of missing quotation marks, in addition to internal thoughts being in quotations, made for some really confusing scenes not being able to tell if someone was talking, and who.
Also, I found myself very irritated by the main character. I mean, he has the stereotype of an absent father and cheating husband, but he also seemed too old to be as dumb as he was.
I don't know if the writer ran out of steam or just needed to end the book quickly, but what started out as potential ended up being a waste of time. There were tons of details that seemed unnecessary (like the stadium and concert), but then the end was left off with no resolution on all the things the MMC was dealing with when the book started. The MMC didn't have any character development, and was only slightly off the hook with one problem because of his wife. Like literally, someone tell me why they liked this book so much because the ratings were the only reason I didn't DNF it after the first few chapters.

[Alejandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Primero de todo, muchas gracias al autor por el libro a cambio de una reseña completamente honesta.

Este libro me gustó, aunque me lo esperaba mejor. El libro estaba bien escrito y el autor se le nota que conoce mucho del tema. Me gustan los libros de viajes en el tiempo y este fue diferente a los distintos que he leído, dado que el protagonista llega a épocas en las que es familiar con ellas.
Me gustó leer de esas épocas en Amsterdam, un lugar al que fui una vez y me encantó. Se nota que es de Amsterdam porque lo describe de una forma extraordinaria. Aun así, el libro me gustó, no está mal y la edición en papel me gustó bastante dado que la letra no es extremadamente pequeña y la portada esta chula.

Sólo quiero decir que el libro está chulo, lo recomiendo, os gustará y que esté ambientado en Amsterdam le añade mucho encanto al libro.

##REVIEW IN ENGLISH##

First of all, many thanks to the author for the book in exchange for a completely honest review.

I liked this book, although I expected better. The book was well written and the author you can tell he knows a lot about the subject. I like time travel books and this one was different from the various ones I've read, since the main character arrives in times where he is familiar with them.
I enjoyed reading of those times in Amsterdam, a place I went to once and loved it. You can tell he is from Amsterdam because he describes it in an extraordinary way. Still, I liked the book, it's not bad and I liked the paper edition quite a bit since the print is not extremely small and the cover is cool.

I just want to say that the book is cool, I recommend it, you will like it and the fact that it is set in Amsterdam adds a lot of charm to the book.

[M]

Well written book and author seemed knowledgeable about the times and places. I like time travel books. This was a bit different from most I have read since the character lands in times he is still pretty familiar with-not much culture shock, since it varies from just 3 years earlier to end of WWII, and eventually there is a brief period some 200 earlier, but always at a time of some large historical impact. It was interesting reading of those times in Amsterdam, a place I have certainly never been, although I run across bits about it in history. Since the author apparently lived there for years, it is no wonder he does well describing it. Robert does not go and come back and go again- he keeps bouncing farther and farther back, getting more and more worried about his insulin. He never has a chance to get very active in much in each time- just view a bit and suddenly jolts on to the next place in time. I could not believe he handed over the old coin- and THEN realized what he had done- even the point that a very old coin- if he ever got back to his own time would itself be worth a bit, never mind its real significance Saskia points out. I feel that the whole story is summed up in the last words of the book, as sort of a lesson or moral to the story. I also wondered how anyone could like being married to Belinda. Mark deserves her. No wonder Robert prefers Saskia's company- the wonder is that he ever married her to begin with. I like books with a little faster pace/more action and I felt this was almost like watching a slideshow in a lecture on history- not bad, not uninteresting, but not the pace and action i normally prefer in books for recreation. I still give it 5 stars because that is concerning my personal tastes, not a fault of the book or writer- I feel that to mark it down for that would be like saying a blackberry pie is 5 stars but blueberry 4 when both are the just the right amount of juiciness and fresh berries with similar lovely, flakey crusts (same recipe, actually) but I just do not like the flavor of blueberries even though they are a healthy food. One pie is not 'better' than the other though the one may TASTE better to ME. You may very well love the flavor of this book as a relaxing read.

[Susan]

Not a well written book. Don't choose this author again

[ParkerMk · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bridge to Rembrandt starts like a trapdoor opening under your feet. One second Robert is crossing a bridge in Amsterdam, thinking about a girlfriend he’s late to meet, and the next he’s in a world where she looks him dead in the eye and has never met him. That stomach-drop feeling never really lets up, and honestly, I kind of loved that. It’s disorienting in the way a good magic trick is disorienting. You keep checking your pockets for your watch.
What hooked me wasn’t just the time travel, which is clever and steadily raises the stakes, but the way the book keeps tangling love and art and bad decisions. Robert is not a spotless hero. He’s messy in very human ways: a little selfish, a little desperate, very in love with a woman who keeps reappearing across the centuries like a recurring melody. Saskia shows up in different skins and circumstances, and every encounter made me tilt my head and think, okay, so what does love look like in this iteration. That question carries the book.
The structure is simple to follow but surprisingly addictive. Each jump pushes Robert further back through Amsterdam’s past, and each landing has the grit of real history. Plague bells. Riots threading the streets. Canals that look pretty until you realize how many secrets they’ve swallowed. The art thread is not window dressing either. Rembrandt is more than a name-check; the way his work echoes through the narrative gives the novel this smoky, studio light. I kept pausing to picture the paint, the shadows, the hands that made them. It’s romantic, but not soft.
There’s a thriller heartbeat underneath. Robert is diabetic and the clock on his insulin is a real one. I got anxious in that itchy way, the way you start counting doses like you would count steps when you’re nervous. That tension snaps the story tight whenever the romance starts to float away. Also, a tiny shout at the book for a detail I didn’t expect: an early jump that is only a few years backward. It’s such a neat on-ramp. You get the rules without needing a chalkboard montage.
Confession time: I don’t always love time travel logic. This one kept me onboard. When it gets a bit talky, the next scene usually answers with movement. There’s one thread about foreknowledge that felt undercooked to me, and a side character or two who are more scaffolding than person, but the core trio of elements — Robert, Saskia, Amsterdam — do the heavy lifting so well that I shrugged and kept reading. If you’re here for equations, maybe not your stop. If you’re here for feelings, choices, and consequences with a strong sense of place, this sings.
The tone is straightforward but not dry. When the book goes for emotion, it often lands it clean. A few lines surprised me by being tender without fuss, which I appreciate. And the ending. I won’t spoil it, but I sat back with that warm, slightly dizzy satisfaction you get when a writer trusted the story enough to finish it honestly.
So yes, I’m solidly in the four-to-five-star zone. Call it a very happy four and a half, rounding up in my head because I’m still thinking about the way love keeps finding a way to meet itself again. I read the last pages late at night and felt that small, grateful ache. Worth the time. Worth the lost sleep.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 stars ‘Yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery, today is a gift’ - A fine new novel and author!

British author Nelson K Foley has published scientific papers and makes his novel writing debut with THE BRIDGE TO REMBRANDT, appropriately inspired by his connection between living in both London and Amsterdam. His passion for culture, the arts and travel combine in this fascinating time travel novel that informs as well as entertains. He signals the drive of his story in the opening chapter: ‘The abruptness of the abuse was more surprising than alarming. It was supposed to be a peaceful morning for Robert, enjoying a coffee break at one of the many terraces in Amsterdam. The assault on him was thankfully verbal, rather than physical, but he felt the legs of the chair shake under him, as if he were sitting too close to the bass speakers at a festival. Or was it his own legs shaking?...He was jolted into life by a person he had never seen before, inches away from his face…’ So many aspects of Robert’s persona are suggested - a rock concert performer with a shaky life, altered by time travel. As Foley outlines, ‘When Robert crossed the bridge, he wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary. He was on the way to meet his girlfriend, but when he reached the other side, she didn’t know who he was. Robert finds himself thrown back in time, further and further, reliving the history of Amsterdam through war, riots and the plague. Each time, his fate is bound up with the same woman, and with the work of the Netherlands' greatest painter, Rembrandt. Robert is caught in a race against time. Will he make it back to his normal life? Or will he be trapped in the past with his discovery as his insulin runs out?’

This is an impressive debut novel, blending fantasy, fact, history, art, intrigue, and romance, written with great skill - an absolute pleasure to explore! Recommended

[Denver Juilliard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book upon a friend’s recommendation and guess what? I absolutely loved reading it. Through THE BRIDGE to REMBRANDT, the author showcases his literary prowess with a debut novel that seamlessly merges fantasy, history, and romance into a captivating narrative. Set against the backdrop of Amsterdam's storied past, Foley introduces Robert, a protagonist whose life takes a dramatic turn when a routine day in Amsterdam catapults him into a series of extraordinary time-traveling escapades.

The author's narrative unfolds with exquisite detail and depth, immersing readers in pivotal moments of Dutch history—from periods of war and unrest to the profound impact of Rembrandt's artistic legacy. Through Robert's eyes, we witness not only the unfolding drama of historical events but also his personal journey of discovery and transformation.

The novel is a testament to the author's passion for culture and the arts, evident in his vivid depiction of Amsterdam's vibrant landscapes and its enduring artistic heritage. As Robert navigates the challenges of time travel and grapples with existential questions, Foley deftly explores themes of identity, love, and the enduring power of human connection across centuries.

Spread across 231 pages, THE BRIDGE to REMBRANDT is a masterfully crafted tale that entertains and enlightens in equal measure. A remarkable debut that promises a bright future for its author, recommended for anyone who appreciates a compelling blend of fantasy and historical exploration!!

[Jons . · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Bridge to Rembrandt" by Nelson K. Foley is a sweeping historical saga infused with elements of time travel and romance, set against the backdrop of Amsterdam's tumultuous history. Robert, the protagonist, grapples with his own personal challenges, including diabetes, which complicates his unexpected journeys into the past of the Netherlands.

Each time Robert travels through time, he finds himself inexplicably connected to a mysterious woman and drawn into the world of Rembrandt van Rijn, the iconic Dutch painter. Nelson K. Foley skillfully intertwines Robert's modern-day struggles with the rich tapestry of Amsterdam's past—periods marked by wartime, riots, famine, and the plague—immersing readers in the city's vivid and often dark historical landscapes.

The novel explores themes of adaptation, resilience, and the clash of cultures across different eras, offering a unique perspective on how individuals from the present confront the challenges of the past. Nelson K. Foley's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring Amsterdam's history to life, capturing both its allure and its perils with equal intensity.

"The Bridge to Rembrandt" is a captivating blend of historical fiction and speculative adventure, offering readers a compelling journey through time and a poignant exploration of human connections that transcend centuries. It's a must-read for anyone fascinated by history, time travel, and the enduring power of art.

[GrantedBooks Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an amazing time with my latest read, "THE BRIDGE TO REMBRANDT." This captivating novel, set in the historic city of Amsterdam, presents time travel, art, and a unique take on love. The story takes readers through significant moments in Dutch history, weaving together actual historical events with a hypnotic fictional narrative.
Our protagonist is a concert planner named Robert, who is struggling to balance life. His business of selling art reproductions leads to legal troubles, while his relationship with his love, Saskia, gets more complicated. His life turns unexpectedly after he gets mysterious opportunities to revisit the past and rectify a few things.
He gets to move through and experience different periods intertwined with significant events in Amsterdam's past, including wars, riots, and the plague. He also finds Saskia but with other roles. His journey also brings him closer to one of the Netherlands' most significant artists, Rembrandt van Rijn, whose world he would witness closely. The story brings up the interesting question of "What would happen next?" Will he keep teleporting to different time zones or win his love?
The author has done a remarkable job of capturing the city's essence with rich detail, making the setting feel immersive and authentic due to his rich experience in the same field. The storytelling is engaging. It gradually unfolds the depth of Robert and Saskia's evolving relationship while seamlessly grafting it with historical plots

[Geeza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up The Bridge to Rembrandt on a quiet afternoon without thinking much about it. A time travel story set in old Amsterdam sounded interesting enough, and I figured I’d give it a shot.
Pretty quickly, though, I realized it was doing something different. Robert just wants to meet his girlfriend, crosses a bridge, and suddenly she acts like she’s never seen him before. From there, everything spirals. Each new shift drags him further into Amsterdam’s past—riots, plague, war—always tied to the same woman and the distant brilliance of Rembrandt.
I stumbled upon moments that genuinely made me pause. Robert’s diabetes added a constant tension that felt real in a way I wasn’t expecting. Knowing his insulin could run out at any point made the time travel less of a romantic adventure and more of a quiet panic.
What stood out most was the atmosphere. Amsterdam came across as dark, a bit damp, with history pressing in on every side. It felt like Robert was moving through rooms that weren’t meant for him, leaving only faint disturbances behind.
When I turned the last page, I just sat there. It wasn’t a big dramatic finish, more like a slow release of breath. I ended up feeling oddly protective over Robert, and a little unsettled in the best way. If you like books that lean into uncertainty and let you wander through art, love, and strange turns of fate, it might be worth spending a weekend here. I’m glad I did.

[Karyn H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Masterpiece from a well-informed author.

Nelson Foley has shown his mastery over the act of storytelling in his book—The Bridge to Rembrandt. The book focuses on the life of the main character, Robert, who was battling to keep his family from tearing apart while at the same time struggling to keep his business which was already facing many legal woes. He had very few options left so he decided to escape to find solace. However, when he crossed that bridge to the other side of the city, he found out that he has been thrown back into the past. Now, he needs to fight his way back to the present.
The Bridge to Rembrandt takes on the topic of time travel so well, providing an exciting adventure that makes you wonder what your fate would be if you suddenly found yourself trapped in the past—how will you cope with the events? Reading through the pages of this book, I found myself pondering at one point on the feelings of suddenly waking up and finding out that you are no longer where you use to be but in some place in the past.
The book provides a view into the mesmerizing history of Amsterdam. Besides, the book has some action and romance—we see the beautiful bond shared by Robert and Saskia, which serves as the heart of the story. An excellent read that is worth the time and money.

[Cris Nix · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dutch Time-Traveler’s History-Hopping Adventures Focused on Rembrandt
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This book was hands down one of the best Adult fiction reads I have ever read in a long-long time. I say this because it’s got artistic appeal and the concept was unique indeed. Although it is fictional, the effort and storytelling were brilliant. The author, Nelson Foley, captured the events in Dutch history, adding his own creative muscle to it, resulting in what I can safely call, a masterpiece.
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At the beginning of the book, the events were off-putting, meaning I assumed it was going to focus on the present time all through. But suddenly the story makes a twist and the main character, Robert, finds himself in historical Amsterdam.
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I recommend this masterpiece to all readers who have a fascination and interest in the visual arts world. And if you know Rembrandt (dubbed as the most famous artist of the Netherlands/Amsterdam/Dutch/Holland) then this book is definitely up your alley. I don’t know but I really enjoyed this book and have given it all 5 stars on social media. You’ll have to be an Arts-Enthusiast like me to do so.
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The only wrinkle this book had for me was its violent contents. But those aside, I had a great time with this book. So am still rating it all 5 stars. What a treat!

[Winibrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon The Bridge to Rembrandt on one of those evenings when I probably should’ve been doing something else. I’m not sure why exactly I paused on it—maybe the mix of art and time travel felt like just what my brain needed. Either way, I sensed it was my cup of tea.

I inhaled this book over a couple of nights. Robert’s story—jumping through time, each leap tying him somehow to the same woman and to Rembrandt’s haunting work—drew me in quietly. There’s something about the way his fate keeps looping back, brushing up against love, doubt, and this artist’s genius, that left me feeling both uneasy and oddly moved.

I liked how the book doesn’t spell everything out. It let me wander a bit, wonder who this woman really was to him (or wasn’t), and what it means to chase after inspiration across centuries. The backdrop of 17th-century Amsterdam felt shadowed and close, like I was walking narrow streets and catching hints of oil paint and old wood.

When I closed the final page, I sat there a while, a little caught up in my own thoughts. It’s the kind of story that plants something quiet in your chest. If you’re looking for a time slip novel that’s more about tangled hearts and art’s hold on us than neat answers, this might be worth your evening. It was for me.

[Grymm Gevierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when a good time-travel novel gets away from the nitty-gritty of science and focuses on the spirit of what time-traveling truly is: an adventure that can feel like magic. Foley captures this magic. Though there is a good bit of telling, it's all in favor of setting up some of the finer details of Amsterdam. There's a lot of knowledge and history captured in these pages, often in these subtle details that make the world feel true to life. Even some of Saskia's introspection dials in some real-life mind-wandering (like her thoughts on Robert's name!).

Amsterdam's history and status as a beautiful city don't often make it into the limelight in favor of some of its more notorious tourist draws, so it was cool to read Foley's snapshot, even in fiction, of the city and its past.

The story follows Robert and the chaos of his life as an art (replication) dealer through his time-traveling and affair. Saskia and Robert are very clear and complex characters, with some solid supporting cast members.

It is an excellent short afternoon read highlighting some finer details of a great city while telling a good story.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely fantastic. It blends time travel, romance, and history in such a smooth, engaging way. The Bridge to Rembrandt is truly a breath of fresh air—it’s different from the usual reads, and I found myself hooked right from the beginning. I don't usually find a lot of time-travel books that have unique perspectives.

The start of the book captivated me immediately. The writing style is easy to read but full of details. It had just enough detail to paint a picture without overwhelming the story. I loved how the main character, Robert, ends up travelling through different historical periods in Amsterdam, and how his encounters with Saskia keep unfolding in mysterious and emotional ways.

You know what the worst part was? Time literally flew by. I finished the book faster than expected and honestly wished there was more. I didn't want it to be over, but I also really wanted to know what happened at the end.

It’s one of those books that sticks with you, not just because of the plot twists and time jumps, but because it makes you reflect on love, art, and the way we connect across time. I would love to explore more books by this author.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bridge to Rembrandt by Nelson K Foley
What a fascinating art read. Starts out with Robert and his family and his work in the art industry.
He has a partner, Mark who works at a different aspect of the company. Robert receives a coin and finds him after crossing a bridge in different time parallel. It happens many times, and he finds himself in different eras and finds some of the same people in them, through the centuries.
Love the connection of buying a dresser for his son and finding out later why it's so important to the art industry. Love all the art discussions, so technical but easy to follow along.
Even with his health issues he has to be careful to be able to return back in his present time and he's not sure how it's all done.... Author makes the story So authentic. Love reading about all the locations throughout the centuries and imagine what it's like to have visited them all. ove how the author fills in all the missing pieces, makes them all connect.
Great mystical, magical read. Would love to read more from this author.

[Verityy Veritty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bridge to Rembrandt by Nelson K. Foley is a marvelously rich read with a captivating plot and equally fascinating characters. When art dealer Robert picks up a mysterious coin, he has no idea that this simple act will have massive impact on his life forever. Crossing over to different historical eras that played significant roles in shaping Amsterdam, Robert goes on a magical adventure making startling discoveries. Join Robert on a crazy adventure as he rediscovers life in the presence of the remarkable Rembrandt.

A time-travel novel, The Bridge to Rembrandt captures the beauty of past and present Amsterdam beautifully. Fantasy meets reality in this well-written novel by new and talented author, Nelson K. Foley. I enjoyed the walk through history and Rembrandt's life story and admire how Nelson narrated it; he holds a original, unique writing style. I also admired the knowledge Nelson exhibited regarding art. I am looking forward to reading more of Nelson's works and highly recommend this magical adventure to romantics and art-lovers!

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bridge to Rembrandt by Nelson Foley is a captivating read that immerses you in the life of Robert as he navigates the complexities of time travel and his relationship with Saskia. As Robert's medication runs low, he confronts the uncertainty of his life and his relationship with Saskia. Yet, every time he travels back in time, she is there, leading him to question the nature of their bond and whether it can ever truly be severed.

Nelson Foley’s storytelling weaves humor and entertainment throughout Robert’s journey, showcasing his experiences amid the turmoil of Amsterdam's historical events, including riots, massacres, and plagues. The connection between Robert and Saskia adds depth to the narrative, making it both poignant and relatable. I found The Bridge to Rembrandt to be an enjoyable and thought-provoking novel, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling story that blends history, romance, and the challenges of life.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a step back in time with this time-traveling adventure that will bring you a side of Amsterdam you may have never considered before. Most of what I know about Amsterdam is what you’d expect a typical American tourist to, so I found this step back in time to be a fascinating journey. Foley made it feel like you were right there, walking beside Robert as he tries to find his way back to his own time. I love the idea of two people whose paths cross over many lifetimes, always coming back together, and Rembrandt’s art being tied in was a nice artsy twist. This isn’t really sci-fi, despite the time travel, as it focuses more on the story, the characters, and the decisions they make, especially Robert. It was interesting to see how Robert changed his choices as he met Saskia over and over again, and how differently he handled things with his wife, as well. Highly recommend!

[Soniaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bridge to Rembrandt by Nelson K Foley is a well-written and engaging book. This debut novel combines many different elements. Set in Amsterdam, the story builds upon the city's rich history, Dutch culture, and intricate water engineering. Robert is the lead character with a shaky marriage and some rather unscrupulous businesses. He repeatedly time-travels, always encountering a woman named Saskia. During one journey, he meets Rembrandt, adding mystery to the tale. Robert being a diabetic, adds some tension as his insulin supply is often lacking. The book is all about Robert's relationship with the various Saskias, through different points in time. Truly a unique and intriguing book. Recommend.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bride to Rembrandt is a thoughtful historical novel blending art, mystery, and personal discovery. The plot follows a journey tied to Rembrandt's legacy, weaving intrigue with emotion and depth. I found the pacing to be steady although sometimes it felt that it was lingering on the details for too long but it did compliment the tone, so be patient. The story is easy to follow and readers who enjoy history and art will appreciate those details the most. The characters layered personalities bring both heart and conflict to the narrative. This book is best suited for historical fiction fans and art enthusiasts, its a rewarding and engaging read.

[Zeta Dionn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bride to Rembrandt is a thoughtful historical novel blending art, mystery, and personal discovery. The plot follows a journey tied to Rembrandt's legacy, weaving intrigue with emotion and depth. I found the pacing to be steady although sometimes it felt that it was lingering on the details for too long but it did compliment the tone, so be patient. The story is easy to follow and readers who enjoy history and art will appreciate those details the most. The characters layered personalities bring both heart and conflict to the narrative. This book is best suited for historical fiction fans and art enthusiasts, it's a rewarding and engaging read.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this well constructed story though different periods in Amsterdam and Holland history. The story line was believable without getting hung up on explaining how it all worked. I like learning about history whilst being familiar enough with Amsterdam that it really made the story come alive for me. Enjoyed the ending which is where I find many books often don't do justice to. I highly recommend this entertaining and thoughtful book.

[Marianne Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this bookwas the happy result of doing an alphabet reading challenge: I needed an "F" author. The book uses time travel and art history to explore the city af Amsterdam. Nicely done! This was a very enjoyable read. Recommended with 4 🌟 stars.

[Saskia Dolk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice book. It contains many interesting parts as for instance culture, time areas, a romantic relation in different historic sceneries, and more...