Bridges

by Linda Griffin

In 1963, Neil Vincent, a middle-aged World War II veteran and "Christian atheist," is working at Westfield Court as a chauffeur. He spends most of his spare time reading.

Mary Claire DeWinter is a young, blind, Catholic college student and reluctant heiress. To secure her inheritance, she has to marry within a year, and her aunt is pressuring her to marry a rich man who teased and bullied her when she was a child.

Neil and Mary Claire shouldn't even be friends, but the gulf between them is bridged by a shared love of books. Can they cross the bridge to more?

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2022

About the author

I was born and raised in San Diego, California and earned a BA in English from San Diego State University and an MLS from UCLA. As soon as I learned to read, I knew I wanted to be a “book maker” and I wrote my first story, “Judy and the Fairies,” with a plot stolen from a Little Lulu comic book, at the age of six. I retired from the San Diego Public Library to spend more time on my writing and have had stories published in numerous journals. In addition to the three R’s—reading, writing, and research—I enjoy Scrabble, movies, and travel.

Reviews

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young, blind heiress in need of a husband crosses the societal class ocean to befriend her aunt’s chauffeur, hopeful of something more. From the moment Mary Claire met her aunt’s chauffeur, Neil, she likes him. He treats her like a regular person, not like an invalid or something. She could always tell a good person from a bad person by how they treated her and her blindness. When her uncle dies, she suddenly becomes an heiress, but there’s a catch. She must marry within a year. Her aunt keeps pressuring her to marry a wealthy man who bullied her in school. Companionship, that’s what she wants. The one man who’s always treated her with respect and as an equal is Neil. They have a love of reading in common and they could take care of one another. He balks at their difference in station, but she doesn’t care about things like that. Can she convince him to cross over to her way of thinking or will she have to marry that mean-spirited man her aunt has chosen?

Bridges is a heartwarming vintage romance taking place in the 1960s I thoroughly enjoyed. Before I started reading, Bridges intrigued me. The hero is a ‘Christian atheist’, a term I never heard before. Linda Griffin took great care in crafting Neil, the hero, and his belief system. It makes sense the whole story is from Neil’s POV. As I read, I grew to understand his beliefs and how they shaped him. The heroine, on the other hand, is Catholic. They talk at great length about religion and beliefs in Bridges but it’s not overbearing or preachy. It’s a friendly discussion on beliefs that fit right into the story. The plot moved at a nice slow pace. There’s a certain cadence to this story and it unfolded naturally, like classic literature. The romance was slow-burn and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. If someone were to ask me for a comp for Bridges, I’d say it’s Driving Miss Daisy meets Christy by Catherine Marshall. If you like romantic fiction or classic romance, you’ll want to read Bridges. If you enjoy vintage romance with a classic vibe, pick up Bridges. Brilliantly written, this is one of the best books I’ve read this year. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book with a story that really touched my heart. Two people from different statuses try to come together.

Very nice writing with a story that keeps the reader engaged.

The characters were well crafted.

I very much enjoyed the ending as well.

I recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Bridges” is the perfect title for a story which bridges so very many topics.

Read full review in the 2022 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Claire DeWinter is a blind Catholic college student who has inherited a lot of money that she is reluctant to accept at first but then of course she does. But there is one little problem. Mary Claire has to marry within a year or she will lose the money.

But never fear Mary Claire’s Aunt is on the lookout for a man for her to marry. Mary Claire is not ready to marry. She is definitely not ready to marry the man her Aunt has picked out for her. A man that she went to school with bullied her the whole time they were in school.

Neil Vincent, a chauffeur at Westfield Court. Neil likes to read books when he is not working. Neil and Mary Claire become fast friends after she arrived at Westfield Court. Mary Claire and Neil spend a lot of time together on the estate and off when he is driving her around. Mary Claire even gets him to ride a horse after he states that he is afraid.

Neil tries to get Mary Claire to stand up against her Aunt. The question is will she? Will Mary Claire stand up to her Aunt or will she marry the man she has chosen for her? The answers can be found in the pages of Bridges.

Bridges is a very sweet romantic book about two people whose lives are separated by class and age. Can they overcome either one or the other? Will they let their lives be ruled by others?

Do I recommend Bridges? Oh, yeah, you bet I do to all those romantics out there. The time has come for you to one-click your copy of Bridges today for a sweet, warm-hearted, romantic adventure!

[Anastasia Abboud · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story. The author writes with quiet eloquence. The story flows seamlessly from beginning to end, gentle and compelling.

The characters would hardly seem the stuff great love stories are made of, but that is precisely the reason this is such an exquisite romance. Mary Claire, a young heiress, is inexperienced, blind, and pitiable in appearance. Even her scars can't be hidden. They're on her face. Neil is twenty years her senior, experienced, traumatized by his experiences in WWII, and a chauffeur. He's an avowed atheist. She's a devout Catholic.

And there is so much more to them both.

It's one of the guiding principles of my life. There is always more to a person beneath the surface.

It's a short book, a novella, and yet a great deal happens. Neil and Mary Claire are both good people as well as interesting ones. Their conversations are never heavy, frivolous, or long. But they are profound. It doesn't take a lot of words to make a point. It just takes the right words, spoken in the right way.

The same applies to their relationship and how it changes. Without a lot of protestations or physical contact, the attachment between Mary Claire and Neil grows strong and undeniable. You can feel the intense emotion and love between them.

I love this book and its main characters. You will, too.

Thank you, Linda Griffin, for this beautiful and poignant romance.

[Laurie Tell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary is a sheltered, blind young woman who needs to marry in order to inherit an estate. Neil is the chauffer of that estate. He is not in her class, and he is much older than her, but they strike up a friendship.

This was a short, sweet romance. We all know what will happen, but the way it happened, with the romance developing as a slow burn, was really nice. This is a Christian romance, but the religion is handled in a really interesting manner. Mary is a believer, Neil is not - and they have discussions on it. As a person struggling with my own faith, I really liked seeing Neil express some of my own very exact thoughts.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and to #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review.

[Darlene Fredette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. The plot in this book was very interesting. The author draws the reader in with an older hero and a blind heroine. Their friendship and budding relationship were written wonderfully. The dialogue between Neil and Mary Claire is enjoyable and places you within the pages. The story is told through the point of view of just the hero, and while it didn’t deter the enjoyment of the story, if Mary Claire’s voice had been included, the emotional level would have been raised even higher. Overall, the story was sweet, emotional, and touching as both Neil and Mary Claire overcome the bridges standing between them. Reviewed for Still Moments Magazine.

[Ally Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an interesting and intriguing 20th Century historical romance read!!

This is the third book I have had the pleasure and privilege of reading and reviewing from Linda Griffin. I really enjoy her unique ability to blend multiple genres together in a smooth transition and flowing story line design, and her latest book is no exception.

This book starts out with the recent arrival of the main character, Mary Claire, a young, blind, Catholic college student who is in town to visit her grandfather, who is near his death. Neil, the family’s chauffer picks Mary Claire up from the train station and begins an instant click friendship with her as they bond over their love of books, reading, movies, and their different beliefs on religion and faith.

While Mary Claire had only planned her visit for a few days, things quickly change after the reading of her grandfather’s will. In a shocking twist, Mary Claire, is left her grandfather’s house and all his remaining possessions and assets. However, there were two stipulations, Mary Claire, must allow her Aunt Edna, her mean, rude, demanding, and unaffectionate aunt, to remain a resident at the house for the rest of her life, and that she must marry within one year of her grandfather’s passing. If she fails to do so the entire inheritance will be bequeathed to the state of Massachusetts.

As Aunt Edna clearly thought she would be the main beneficiary, she, Mary Claire, the workers, and everyone else at the reading became quite shocked and alarmed about Mr. St. James’s decision to leave everything to his young, blind, 18-year-old granddaughter. While Mary Claire seems overwhelmed by her newly discovered inheritance, she contemplates just walking away from it all, going back home and back to school; but that would mean her aunt would have no place to live, the horses would be sold off, the workers would all lose their jobs, and so on. After much reluctance, Mary Claire agrees to start considering a marriage to fulfill her inheritance agreement, with her aunt begins creating a list of her idea of suitable candidates, someone from a good family with old money, including one suitor in particular, Drake Whitman, the boy who teased and bullied Mary Claire when they were kids, the exact type of guy Mary Claire doesn’t want to be around let alone actually marry.

As Mary Claire fears any suitor would most likely be in it for the money, not her, she starts to give up the idea of being able to actually find a decent husband, when her friend Neil, convinces her that she just needs to find someone that will agree to marry her on her terms and someone that meets the inheritance requirements, that she doesn’t have to love that person or stay married to them forever. Can Mary Claire actually find such a person in time? Is it possible she already knows this certain someone who would be the perfect pretend husband for her? Could Neil be that someone? No spoilers here, but you will definitely want to read this book to find out what happens!!!

Neil seems to be the first guy who sees Mary Claire as just Mary Claire – not the helpless, blind girl, not some “cripple,” as she puts it, not someone needing constant supervision or babying. Mary Claire quickly takes to Neil as she’s impressed by his readings and intrigued by his philosophy on religion. While Neil does find Mary Claire as intelligent, compassionate, soft-spoken, and after learning she’s not of wealth or entitlement, but actually on a college scholarship, his friendship with her only grows. While Neil does look past Mary Claire’s disability, he does still see her as young, juvenile, and naïve - and young enough to be his daughter!!

I have many mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed reading this book and as always with Linda Griffin’s writing, I remained intrigued by her talented story telling. This book was able to hold my attention to the last page and I was able to quickly finish it in just a mere few hours. I enjoyed the story line, the plot points, the writing style, the smooth and steady writing flow, etc., - all good!! I just am not quite sure how I feel about it in an overall sense. For example, I wasn’t a huge fan of the characters, namely Neil. I liked Mary Claire for the most part, but found her to be a bit awkward, clingy, immature, insecure, and at times annoying. It seemed strange that she quickly became so obsessed with Neil, consistently seeking him out and arranging it so he had to spend time with her as it was his job to drive her and make sure she got around safely. Plus, her trusting him so quickly and completely after she just met him felt odd. I understand that this is a short read, so things happen quickly, they have to, but there’s a difference between moving the story along and creating an unrealistic immediate bond between two unlikely characters. Yes, I think Mary Claire was maybe a bit nervous and feeling vulnerable being away from home and somewhat (but understandably so) emotional after her grandfather’s passing, so she grabs on to the first person she meets which happens to be the chauffer. However, Neil, didn’t seem like the type of guy who would go out of his way to socialize with his employers or his employer’s family members, especially at the chance of risking his job. I think I just felt Mary Claire was this young, sweet, innocent, vulnerable girl that got put in a difficult and tricky situation, but it still felt like Neil took advantage of that and her. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m more old-fashioned and seeing an 18-year-old girl with a disability following a 38-year-old man around like a puppy just feels wrong. A twenty-year age gap is huge, especially at eighteen when your life is truly just beginning. Yes, there is more to the story and Mary Claire’s grandfather is the one who put her in an unfair situation requiring her to marry for the inheritance. But what’s interesting is that his reasoning for the marriage is so she will have someone to protect her, lookout for her, and help her manage her accounts, etc., yet this whole marriage idea does the complete opposite. Either she marries someone who will steal all the money, order her around, and do as he pleases with her; or she marries someone twenty-years her senior, someone old enough to be her father, and who has inappropriate thoughts and feelings for her, which honestly felt a bit on the pedophile side. I feel like she was in a lose-lose situation, neither choices were ideal.

I rated this book on the excellent writing style, the creative story line, intriguing plot points, well developed scenes, steady writing flow, etc. My own personal distaste for the characters and their intentions were not included in the score as they don’t factor into the quality of the book or the author’s writing ability.

This book is a super-fast read with only ten short chapters, plus an epilogue, over the course of only 116 eBook pages.

There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few very unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming but will enjoy watching unfold!!

This book is not currently listed as part of a book series. It can easily be read as a standalone.

All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it!! I think all historical romance readers, historical fiction readers, and sweet romance book fans will like this book too!! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**

[Kym · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neil, a middle-aged chauffeur, and Mary Claire, a blind college student, have little in common when they meet, but they both love books and Mary Claire finds Neil an ally in her grandfather's household. Mary Claire and Neil don't even share similar faith as he claims to be an atheist and she is a devout Catholic. She has been summoned from her college to be with her grandfather during his final hours. Mary Claire's aunt, who has been running the grandfather's household, is rude and condescending and bullies Mary Claire, and Neil wants to protect her. Mary Claire appreciates that Neil always treats her with respect and recognizes that she is intelligent and capable.

When the grandfather's will is read, he leaves his mansion and most of his wealth to Mary Claire . . . with two provisions. She must allow Aunt Edna to live at the mansion, and she must marry within a year and stay married. If she does not, everything will go to the state. Mary Claire has no desire to be married, and has trouble standing up to her aunt, and frequently talks to Neil about her dilemma. When Aunt Edna insists on arranging a marriage to a man Mary Claire can't stand, she finally pushes back, refusing her aunt's choice, and instead she arranges a marriage of convenience to Neil so that Mary Claire can keep the house and continue to employ all the servants.

What neither of them expects is that they could learn to truly love each other. And if they act on that love, what will it mean for their friendship and for their other relationships?

While this short novel tells an intriguing and sweet May-December love story, the narration is spare and the relationship moves very quickly from respectful distance to trusted confidantes. The dialogue moves the story along effectively, but given that this is a shorter story I had a sense that the characters lacked some dimension. Neil is the viewpoint character and it's through his perspective that we see how Mary Claire matures, and how Neil grapples with his changing attitude towards her. He struggles with the idea that he could be romantically involved with a girl so much younger, but doesn't seem to give much thought to any other personal dilemmas. Aunt Edna's role is rather like a stereotypical wicked stepmother, and other supporting characters are little more than names on the page. Overall, I enjoyed this story as a quick read with a new twist on the marriage of convenience theme, and I liked that the ending was left somewhat open as to how Neil had come to terms with himself and his choices.

**I received a digital copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jan Sikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Claire DeWinter has been summoned to her dying grandfather's bedside. She is blind and eighteen years old. She is prepared for the icy welcome from her aunt, but she is not prepared for the reading of her grandfather's will. She is the sole heir to Westfield Court with one stipulation. She must marry within a year. Otherwise, the estate will revert to the state of Massachusetts.
Not only is Mary Claire not looking for a husband, but she is also anxious to resume her studies and further her education.
As with any large estate, there is a staff of servants, including a war veteran chauffeur, Neil Vincent.
Neil befriends Mary Claire, and they have lively talks about books, Neil's favorite pastime, and religion, Mary Claire's favorite subject.
The story takes an unexpected and unusual twist, as romance buds between the two. Neil is old enough to be the girl's father. Mary Claire is looking for a friend in a hostile environment.
The author takes the reader through situations where the characters are forced to examine their faith, their beliefs, and their true feelings. It is an easy read and a heartwarming story. If you are a fan of an unlikely romance in an unusual setting, you will enjoy Bridges by Linda Griffin.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Claire DeWinter.
Blind, Catholic, Scholarship Student at Radcliff.
Granddaughter of Austin St. James, Westfield Court.
Loves to read.

Neil Vincent.
WWII Veteran, Atheist.
Chauffeur at Westfield Court.
Loves to read.

A novella that captures the heart from the first introduction of Mary Claire for the love of her grandfather, reading, horses, and inquisitive mind. I especially enjoyed the conversations between Mary Claire and Neil as they discussed books, and it added to my delight to learn the author is a former librarian. It’s a walk back to another time, with an inheritance twist that casts its spell of romance.

I appreciate it when an author and/or publisher gives credit to the individual(s) creating a beautiful book cover. Thank you, Jennifer Greeff, for adding to the lovely novella by Linda Griffin.

[Lourdes · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1963, Neil Vincent, a war veteran, is working as a chauffeur for the St. James family. It’s the right job for a man looking for peace, quiet and a good deal of free time to read, but then arrives Mary Claire De Winter, the owner’s granddaughter who will end up the sole heir of the fortune and the state and Neil’s new boss.
Mary Claire is very young and blind, curious and intelligent and she’ll strike a friendship with the older man with whom she has a lot in common.
This was an unexpected story, short and to the point, without excessive drama and anguish, but a romance nonetheless. I liked its uniqueness, different of the usual plots one find nowadays and, IMO, a solid read.


4 stars

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

what really matters

This book is about"love that grows between people who are right for each other", it doesn´t matter if you are blind, have scars, if there´s an age gap or if you come from different social classes. Nobody but the two people involved have a right to judge what is right or wrong.
I loved the protagonist´s wonderful courageous characters and was pleased to see them joined to start a happy family together.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like it more but I just don't. It's a story about an 18 yr old who has to marry for her inheritance set in the 60s. She's naive and innocent. He's 38, a war vet, and the family chauffeur. They are friends who love reading. A fake marriage story that doesn't make sense as a true love story for me. Too much was made of him not feeling that way for her. It was fine, I enjoyed their friendship, I did not enjoy the love story.

[Stephanie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book - I finished it in an afternoon. Neil and Mary Claire and Jane and even the evil Aunt. The book was insightful about literature and God/religion. I am truly happy how the ending worked out. Would definitely recommend this book and author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Liorah Amaris]

Bridges is a tender, beautifully layered story that proves love can bloom in the most unexpected places. Neil and Mary Claire are such memorable characters flawed, real, and deeply human and their shared love of books was touching to read. Linda Griffin weaves a story that is both poignant and hopeful, and it lingers in your heart long after the last page.

[Kathy Averbeck · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know I'm in the minority with my feelings about this book. It is a very short book and that may be the biggest problem with it. I never felt connected to any of the characters of understood their circumstances, perhaps because there wasn't enough of a backstory.

[Kelsey Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short little read! But oh so well written! Loved this book ❤️

[Jenny Lenell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. I appreciated that religious beliefs were free to be individualized and true love was founded in friendship, honesty and mutual respect. A heartwarming and enjoyable read.

[Jackie]

Haven’t finished

[Aileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was a sweet story with engaging writing and characters.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I wanted to start my review by stating that, in general, I really enjoy historical fiction, and really do not care for romantic novels. However, my dislike of the romantic genre is not why I am giving this book two stars. A tale of two people, from seemingly different classes, thrust together by the shared memory of their respective employer and relative. The premise seemed at least interesting. However, within about 10 pages, I could immediately see what was going to happen with the plot and character development. The opposites attract trope is nothing poor - but I was just hoping that it would have played itself out with a little less predictability.

To that point, I felt that the author could have developed her characters more. Not just the two protagonists, but also the Aunt, for example. Why was she so bitter? What was her real relationship with the deceased uncle? Or the lover of our main male protagonist. What drew them together? What kept them together. Even the main characters, I felt, we only knew on a surface level. The lack of depth made it very difficult to understand their change of heart, when, in fact, I felt like I didn't understand their heart to begin with.

Also - the theme of bridges within the book was incredibly thoughtful. However, when bridges - real or metaphorical - were discussed in the novel, I didn't feel as though it went far enough. There was no real closure about the main male character's fear of natural bridges, nor the supposed link between other bridges we build between ourselves and other people. It was hinted at but not explored to the point where it could be an incredibly poignant allegory.

My last concern was with the main female protagonists' faith, that of Roman Catholicism. That she changed her mind after one conversation is fairly implausible. I also think that if an author is to bring a major religion in as a character or character trait in a story, more could be done to research the faith in question, it's beliefs, and not rely on assumptions and high level knowledge. Again, it all comes down to more in depth character development: be it that of the people, the institutions, the house, the bridge. There is so much richness that was hinted at that I would have loved to see more developed in future novels.

All that being said, I very much commend the author on her novel. It is not an easy task and I think that there is a lot of room for wonderful growth in her writing.

--
In life, do not seek out what feels good, rather seek out what you know is good.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts: This was an interesting book, though I will admit, I was confused as to “when” it happened—I should have read the blurb! I kept thinking it was earlier in the century and had to keep revising my thoughts as I read. It reads a little like a Regency, but it isn’t.

The characters of Mary Claire and Neil are interesting. As soon as they get together, you know how the story is going to turn out (after all, it is a romance), but it takes a while to get there. Mary Claire’s aunt is a bully, hands down. There is nothing redeeming about her at all. And I could have done without Jane, but there had to be a problem for Neil to overcome. Mary Claire is both shy and naïve but also stubborn at times—especially with Neil, who often gives into her demands.

Mary Claire and Neil form a fast friendship through their love of books and it is Neil who gets Mary Claire to stand up for herself against her aunt.

Recommendations: for a sweet romance that has a satisfying HEA ending, pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

[Tracy Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story. The authors writing lending a beauty to the page that lifts right off into your heart. The story, yes short, a novella, sweeps you on a journey with two unlikely main characters.

Mary Claire, is a young, totally unprepared, heiress. Blindness and innocence combine to make this character fragile, although not so broken as she could be.
Neil is experienced- in life, love and knows his place, likes it even. He's comfortable being the chauffeur.

The dialogue is brilliant and involving between this pair.. Enlightening and engaging. Making you think too. Think about your own self and beliefs or lack thereof for, even though they develop a friendship and more, he's an avowed atheist. She's a devout Catholic... Their debates are just wonderful.


It's may be, just, a novella but many moments and strong scenes, occur. You are never hurried through, the pace is just right.

Neil and Mary Claire are both good, decent people. With his station being lower than her own adds to the setting.

Words rule in this story. Conversations intrigue and grab your attention.

I loved this book.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good blurb always gets me, and this blurb did the trick. The stakes are high. An atheist and a Catholic. A chauffeur and an heiress. May/December. And she is blind with many scars on her face after suffering a tragic car accident. I was in, and the author didn’t disappoint.

First off, the characters. I adored both. Mary Claire DeWinter is a lovely eighteen-year-old who comes from a good family who’s lost their fortune after the grandfather, who is on his death bed, disinherited her father. Although naïve in many aspects of life, she’s always extremely wise and mature in others. I liked this about her, since it allowed the right amount of balance for a teenager in 1963.

Read more here: https://t.co/PRV7kunTz0

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a May-December romance in a post-WWII historical. Mary Claire was so sweet and innocent but also doing her best to be independent. With his job possibly on the line, Neil befriended and fell in love with Mary Claire. I loved the fact that they were friends first. There were some hurt feelings with the change in their relationship within the secondary characters, but Mary Claire and Neil found their forever love.

I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridges by Linda Griffin is a good, and enjoyable short sweet romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable slow burn sweet romance read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll admit I'm a bit on the fence about this book. On the one hand, it's two people who never should've gotten together. I thought the slowly growing romance was handled well. The dialogue was a bit rough for me, and the opening was very slow. I liked Mary Claire and Neil overall, although I think they could've had a little more depth.

[Michelle Godard-Richer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Mary Claire DeWinter and Neil Vincent. As characters they both have endearing qualities, and ones they need to work on through the story. The romance plot comes across as realistic since their relationship takes a natural course of a love growing from friendship. I highly recommend this book for fans of romance.