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Kauri Bay #1
A Bridge Between Hearts
Polly Carmichael has a secret, one shared by her two aunts and all the women of her line, and it means that marriage is not an option for her. Adam Finlay left the vet practice he was working for when cost cutting led to animals suffering. He would love to open a one-man practice of his own, but all his savings went to his ex wife in her battle against cancer. He’s still getting over the divorce, and he doesn’t have anything to offer a woman at the moment anyway.
Adam’s sister has set him up in a rental house in the small seaside town of Kauri Bay, not far from the family farm, and he soon notices Polly, the manager of the Beach Front Cafe. Polly knows she can’t get interested in the handsome young vet, she really mustn’t, but her heart flutters every time he’s near her. The two young people find themselves in an impossible situation – or is it? Not when help comes from a completely unexpected source. A clean and wholesome romance, set in an inspirational community.
Adam’s sister has set him up in a rental house in the small seaside town of Kauri Bay, not far from the family farm, and he soon notices Polly, the manager of the Beach Front Cafe. Polly knows she can’t get interested in the handsome young vet, she really mustn’t, but her heart flutters every time he’s near her. The two young people find themselves in an impossible situation – or is it? Not when help comes from a completely unexpected source. A clean and wholesome romance, set in an inspirational community.
- GenresRomance
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2021
112 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 20, 2022
I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for a clean romance! Set in a lovely little New Zealand town, Casey Swan created a super cute family that you’d love to know.
The beginning of the book was a little rocky for me. I read the first four chapters and had to turn off my iPad and come back to it. I felt like the point of view was constantly changing which messed with my head a bit. I had to reread a few times to fully understand who was talking. A pet peeve I didn’t know I had until I read this book was the overuse of “She said” “He said” “Said Polly” etc. After getting further into the story I was able to relax and enjoy the book more.
As far as the two main characters, I liked Adam and felt like he was a stand up guy, I was however a little confused as to why he was so enamored with Polly. I felt like there wasn’t much to their relationship other than observing, being attracted to each other, and kissing. Polly was okay, but definitely not my favorite female main character. I felt for her concerning her “secret” but thought she took it a little over the top for not even knowing for sure if she had something to worry about (Trying not to give spoilers!).
I actually think I enjoyed the older ladies of the town and the surrounding characters more than Polly. Casey Swan added other aspects to the story around the romance that was in the middle of everything that I found fun! I’m interested to see what happens in the next few books!
Overall, I’d say this was a cute, lighthearted story that was an enjoyable quick read despite a few snags. I’d give it 4 stars!
The beginning of the book was a little rocky for me. I read the first four chapters and had to turn off my iPad and come back to it. I felt like the point of view was constantly changing which messed with my head a bit. I had to reread a few times to fully understand who was talking. A pet peeve I didn’t know I had until I read this book was the overuse of “She said” “He said” “Said Polly” etc. After getting further into the story I was able to relax and enjoy the book more.
As far as the two main characters, I liked Adam and felt like he was a stand up guy, I was however a little confused as to why he was so enamored with Polly. I felt like there wasn’t much to their relationship other than observing, being attracted to each other, and kissing. Polly was okay, but definitely not my favorite female main character. I felt for her concerning her “secret” but thought she took it a little over the top for not even knowing for sure if she had something to worry about (Trying not to give spoilers!).
I actually think I enjoyed the older ladies of the town and the surrounding characters more than Polly. Casey Swan added other aspects to the story around the romance that was in the middle of everything that I found fun! I’m interested to see what happens in the next few books!
Overall, I’d say this was a cute, lighthearted story that was an enjoyable quick read despite a few snags. I’d give it 4 stars!
October 10, 2021
This is a new author to me and this review was requested by the author himself. Yes, Casey Swan is a male romance author. The plot unfolded in this story is very good, and the character development of Kauri Bay is excellent. Each character was developed with personality and background making them realistic in a small town on the bay of New Zealand. The fact that the town gets together to insure businesses are started in Kauri Bay is generous and also smart. The drawback to the story is the dialog the main characters Adam and Polly. It felt very stiff and Polly's responses to Adam very confusing. Why would a man pursue a woman so cold to him? The only time she seemed to be warm him was when he stole kisses. Attraction is one thing, but mental barriers are not so simple to break down. Also the fact that she never consulted a doctor on whether she had this genetic disease is beyond reason in this day and age. It's men who do stupid things like that not women, because a man's ego prevents him from wanting to know. Adam was only sensible, because he is a veterinarian and understands cause and effect as a doctor. Polly just assuming she had the genetic disease and could never marry shows an unreasonable mind. He made Polly into someone with no sense and Adam with all the sensibility. This is typically a man's attitude toward women.
November 12, 2021
2.5 stars ~
It was awkward and rushed. A “love at first sight” vibe that got dragged out because “Polly couldn’t love him for person reasons”. 🙄
I ended up skim reading.
It lacked details in the important areas and had too many in random scenes.
I got really tired of the repetitive nature that the plot possessed and I felt nothing for the characters. I felt outside of the story the entire time. :p
I’d say his depiction of a male character in love could be correct. But the way Polly acted was cringy and quite unfeminine.
There was a smattering of religious discussion, but I’m confused about the moral of the story. Like there seemed to be no deep meaning behind anything.
Quite enough kissing happened thank you.
And what was that ending?? Let’s just be engaged until/if we ever decide to get married. Ummm no. I don’t appreciate the picture that paints.
**FTC DISCLOSURE** I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m not affiliated with the author in any way. Please remember this is my opinion and not meant to be offensive. :)
It was awkward and rushed. A “love at first sight” vibe that got dragged out because “Polly couldn’t love him for person reasons”. 🙄
I ended up skim reading.
It lacked details in the important areas and had too many in random scenes.
I got really tired of the repetitive nature that the plot possessed and I felt nothing for the characters. I felt outside of the story the entire time. :p
I’d say his depiction of a male character in love could be correct. But the way Polly acted was cringy and quite unfeminine.
There was a smattering of religious discussion, but I’m confused about the moral of the story. Like there seemed to be no deep meaning behind anything.
Quite enough kissing happened thank you.
And what was that ending?? Let’s just be engaged until/if we ever decide to get married. Ummm no. I don’t appreciate the picture that paints.
**FTC DISCLOSURE** I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m not affiliated with the author in any way. Please remember this is my opinion and not meant to be offensive. :)
November 9, 2021
A Bridge Between Hearts is a clean romance with a small-town feel and I'd almost call it an enemies to lovers romance based on how Polly acts toward Adam. She's pretty adamant about pushing him away, and to be honest, I'm not sure why Adam kept trying. I get that he was attracted to her, but he had a determination that I had I hard time getting behind. That said, as the story progressed, I started to understand them, and I liked the way things came together for this couple. I also liked the setting. The author calls Kauri Bay an "inspirational community" and I would agree with that description wholeheartedly. The town has a charm and it's full of interesting characters, so the series certainly has plenty of potential. So, this couple may have taken some time to warm up to, but the story ended up being one of hope, love, and community.
October 4, 2021
The first book in the A Kauri Bay Romance series a well written story by a new Author to me and this looks like her debut book. Polly Carmichael and Adam Finlay's story of two people with a lot in their pasts they must get through. I enjoyed seeing their story come together with all the caring people of Kauri Bay coming to help them in their own way. A beautiful story of love and what a caring town can do. I will be watching for more by this Author, as she made it feel like you where there seeing it happen. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2021
Perfect
A Bridge Between Hearts is a sweet romance set in New Zealand.
The author’s strong narration with an interesting plotline and surprises.
The chapters are brief and even the minutest details are taken care of.
The challenges faced by each character and their history are perfectly portrayed.
I loved Mary’s character, kitten's adventures and the small-town community in the book.
A Bridge Between Hearts is a sweet romance set in New Zealand.
The author’s strong narration with an interesting plotline and surprises.
The chapters are brief and even the minutest details are taken care of.
The challenges faced by each character and their history are perfectly portrayed.
I loved Mary’s character, kitten's adventures and the small-town community in the book.
October 27, 2021
Love story
This is a romance book written by a male? Yes and well written set in NZ. Set in a charming beach town Adam and Polly find each other and love. I enjoyed the setting and the characters in the book. Looking forward to the next books.
This is a romance book written by a male? Yes and well written set in NZ. Set in a charming beach town Adam and Polly find each other and love. I enjoyed the setting and the characters in the book. Looking forward to the next books.
January 11, 2022
A very quick easy read and a pleasant story. Lovely to see how people can rally around and support one another to get going in life too. The setting was good which made the whole story feel relaxing.
A predictable outcome and would make an enjoyable holiday read or something to make you feel good.
A predictable outcome and would make an enjoyable holiday read or something to make you feel good.
March 2, 2022
Love Finds a Way
Polly has a heartbreaking secret fear but Adam has his heart set on her. Read how an entire community works together in this heartwarming story of young love and building a future for their family.
Polly has a heartbreaking secret fear but Adam has his heart set on her. Read how an entire community works together in this heartwarming story of young love and building a future for their family.
April 7, 2022
A delightful, clean story.
This is a well written, clean romance that is uplifting and a pleasure to read. I would recommend it for anyone wanting to curl up with a good book. The characters are well developed and very likeable.
This is a well written, clean romance that is uplifting and a pleasure to read. I would recommend it for anyone wanting to curl up with a good book. The characters are well developed and very likeable.
May 9, 2022
A Bridge Between Hearts
Chose rating because story clean wholesome dealing with baggage that could be a deal breaker. Instead they communicated, supported each other, and sought help. Should be shared with any couple anticipating marriage.
Chose rating because story clean wholesome dealing with baggage that could be a deal breaker. Instead they communicated, supported each other, and sought help. Should be shared with any couple anticipating marriage.
May 17, 2022
lighthearted romance
I enjoyed the characters but felt that everything happened so quickly. I did enjoy the fact there was no profanity or lusty scenarios. A good, clean romance story
I enjoyed the characters but felt that everything happened so quickly. I did enjoy the fact there was no profanity or lusty scenarios. A good, clean romance story
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews