After years away, Louisa Coultrie Halloway has returned to Edisto Island as caretaker for the family home. Now she flounders to find her place. When Liam Whiting, a local professor studying tidal creek preservation, invites Lou to join his research team, she welcomes the opportunity for purpose.David, her ex-husband, has followed Lou and their children to Edisto. As he finds his footing in this … footing in this new life, their once strained relationship eases into a familiar rhythm—and he hopes for more.
But the past still has a hold on them all, especially in the presence of Grace Watson, whose son intends to marry Lou and David’s daughter. Somehow, Grace and Lou must let the past of a shared love settle between them.
In this idyllic setting, relationships deepen and shift. And once more, Lou finds herself caught between the life she’s chosen—and the love that might be meant to be.
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The Bridge Between is a beautiful story of family, forgiveness, and second chances. The two main characters are divorced parents of four children, so not the typical hero and heroine like most romances. It was refreshing to see love from the other side of “I do.” The story includes flashbacks to how the characters met and how their marriage began to fall apart, and all the chapters flowed together seamlessly. The family ties and complicated relationships create tension and conflict as well as joy and recognition of your own family. This book had me laughing out loud and wiping away tears at various times. Each of the characters was well-developed, realistic, and relatable. Every woman can identify with Lou, the mother trying to be everything to everyone, and holding it all in while holding it all together. Even the secondary characters are so well done. These are characters who will stay with you for a while. I relished each and every beautiful word and hated to close the book at the end because I wanted to live with these characters a while longer. Lindsey Brackett has woven a soul-stirring tale that you will think about long after you finish, and her portrayal of Edisto Island brings to setting to glorious life. I felt, smelled, tasted, heard, and saw everything. I highly recommend this book!
The Bridge Between takes us back to beautiful Edisto Island in South Carolina. The descriptions are so real that you can almost smell the salt air and the pluff mud while you are reading this later life coming of age novel. NOTE: Even though this book is a continuation of the 2017 book Still Waters, it can be read as a stand alone.
Louisa lives in her old family home on Edisto Island with her triplet sons. Her daughter lives nearby as does her ex-husband David. Lou and David have shared custody of the three boys which often brings them in uneasy contact with each other. Even though they have divorced, there is a lot of strong feelings between them. Lou grew up on Edisto and when she graduated from high school, she couldn’t wait to get away to the ‘real world’ and continue her education. Yet, here she was back on the island, still unsure of the direction she wanted her life to go. Should she get a job or go back to school? She is not happy with her life but is unsure of where she’ll find happiness. The book deals with lots of problems that we all face – in-laws, jealousy and trying to find your place in the world. As Lou struggles, her relationship with her ex-husband continues to grow stronger which causes even more problems for Lou. Will she find out what she wants in life and be able to reach for it without hurting those who love her?
I really liked the main characters of Lou and David. Even though they were divorced, they worked together to provide a good family for their children. Neither was sure what the future held for them but they were both willing to take a chance with their careers and their futures. I hope that this isn’t the last we read about these characters on Edisto Island – I hate to say goodbye to them.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
The Bridge Between is a rich and satisfying follow-up to Brackett’s debut novel, Still Waters, but it could also be read as a stand-alone novel. I loved this story! Brackett writes beautifully and creates characters who are so real, you’d think they’re in your own family or living down the street from you. Just like with Still Waters, the deep family and relational dynamics pulled me in, as did the gorgeous setting and lowcountry details. I’ll read anything Lindsey Brackett writes!
With genuine characters and sometimes painful authenticity, Brackett explores and exposes the human condition and our soul-deep need for forgiveness and unconditional love.
The Bridge Between does not shy away from the nitty-gritty of life and complicated relationships. The tangled webs of love and loss in this story had my emotions tied up in knots, effectively holding me captive to the end! Fortunately, the calming ambiance of idyllic Edisto Island soothed my nerves as the characters worked through their numerous issues, past and present, to make way for a brighter future.
Readers of women’s fiction or contemporary romance, ready your heartstrings! I especially recommend this story to fans of Catherine West, Karen Kingsbury, Katherine Reay, and Lindsay Harrel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Marriage and family relationships can be hard, messy, challenging, and frustrating, but they can also be rewarding, emotionally bonding, fun, and beautiful. Relatiomships not always what a person expects, they can be broken, but they can also be mended. Author Lindsey P. Brackett once again brings to life the world of Edisto, capturing the love and heart of her readers. This story is about friendships, families, love and second chances. It’s about overcoming obstacles in life and moving forward and making a good life. The multiple storylines will keep readers enthralled and interested in this emotional and inspiring story.
Series: Edisto
Genre: contemporary, southern, romance
Publisher: Firefly Southern Fiction
Publication date: July 31, 2019
Number of pages: 300
Other books in the series:
Still Waters
A print review copy of this book was provided by the author and an ecopy purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
This story wrapped around me from the first page and didn’t let go! Ms. Brackett’s grasp of human nature and relational interactions is brilliant. Nothing is more complicated than distorted family ties, and this book is rife with them. Charlotte with her old school notions, Grace with her need to belong, David with his misplaced dedication, Lou with her insecurities—she frustrated me to no end, her constant hesitation and self-doubt… much too familiar to this reviewer. Shattered dreams and straining against what she wants most.
I appreciated the intermittent throw-backs, the bits of their past, laying the ties that have become so unraveled. Although, I kept waiting to understand what had triggered Lou’s deep seated insecurities.
The story rolled along so naturally, moving between characters and from one scene to the next. Reading felt like time spent with friends. Of course, now I must needs go back and read Still Waters…
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Wednesday, #TRD, Book Review, The Bridge Between, Lindsey P. Brackett, Singing Librarian Tours
Lindsey P. Brackett brings readers back to Edisto, SC with a story built around broken relationships. While The Bridge Between can be read on its own, readers will get so much more out of this book if they’ve read Brackett’s debut novel, Still Waters, first.
Through the eyes of three characters and the here and now mixed with their earlier lives, Louisa, David, and Grace are granted second chances in friendships, families, and love. This story about people is beautifully set against the Edisto setting that gives readers an insider’s view of the town—both the positives and the negatives.
The triplets are a great addition to the book, and I loved catching up with Cora Ann and Tennessee. The three-generations of family represented give The Bridge Between wonderful depth as each of the characters determines what’s worth holding onto and fighting for in their lives.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
BOOK REVIEW
The Bridge Between by Author, Lindsey P. Brackett
Welcome to Low-Country on Edisto Island, South Carolina- where emotions run deep- a story of family history, painful memories, second chances, insecurities, love, loss and Southern Charm.
I feel for me personally, reading the previous story in the series, the authors debut novel, “Still Waters”, may have helped me a bit more in understanding the “story behind the story” of Louisa, David and others included within the story line.
With that being said, I did find this to be a well written narrative with descriptive settings, interesting characters, unique twists, with a variety of emotional tugs that kept me interested- all which made for an enjoyable and engaging read.
I thank the author for my personal copy of The Bridge Between in order that I may read and review.
4 Stars
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The Bridge Between is a lovely story of reconciliation and the beauty of a second chance. Though at first I missed the characters that the previous story revolved around, soon I was captured by Louisa and David as compelling characters in their own right. Cora Anne and Tennessee are featured in this story, so the reader does still keep up with them a bit, but more than that, it delves into the past and lays the foundation for the present day story line. I really enjoyed the use of the flashback scenes and how they made the present day more poignant and meaningful.
The setting is so well done, too. Edisto Island seems like such a warm, welcoming place. Louisa moves back there and must confront memories that she’d rather ignore. David wants to be closer to his family and perhaps fix the broken mess of their marriage, but it takes two people to do that. There are a lot of layers going on in this story, and seeing everything unravel and stitched back up, was a delight for me. And Grace, who I thought was just going to be a peripheral character, is such a sweet addition, and I loved getting her perspective in the story.
I would read Still Waters before reading this one because I really think the deep connections between the characters are better served knowing the events of that story as well. I recommend both novels to fans of Denise Hunter, Meg Moseley, and even Liz Johnson.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel and was not required to post a review. This review is my honest opinion.
This novel was one I couldn’t put down. I loved getting to see what became of the Still Waters characters and getting to know some of the minor ones who play a more major role in this novel. How wonderful to return to Edisto and also get a glimpse of Charleston’s south-of-broad lifestyle. The novel’s themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and redemption are perfectly woven together in this well written novel. A must read!
Wonderful book of family and reconciliation. The setting is almost another character. Beautifully written!
This book had such descriptive settings and I almost felt like I was on Edisto Island this summer! For anyone who has lived in a small town, the interconnectedness of the people in your life, and the way families spiral through generations, will be familiar to you. The themes of forgiveness, letting go of the past and moving forward can resonate with anyone anywhere, though. The characters are fully developed and relatable. Lou and David, with their relationship ups and downs are also familiar to many of us in long-term relationships with kids. This book touches on the question of how much to sacrifice of ourselves for the happiness of others, and the reality that connections and relationships happen through our acts of kindness. This book was a solid read and it is well written! This was my first book by this author and after finishing it I immediately downloaded and read her others.
This is one of those books that I just wanted to keep reading. There are a lot of emotions in this book and I felt like I was right there with each of these characters. The story or stories of these folks are so entwined and you can’t hear one without wanting to hear the others. It’s true that we sometimes think we know what we want, but until other options are presented, just maybe we have a change of heart. I think it’s also true that we often hurt those closest to us, sometimes without realizing it. I think that’s a growing process that many of us have to go through and hopefully fix before it’s too late. I love the characters in this book. I think you will too. I would love to go hang out with them on Edisto Island. I know we would have good food and good times. I received an ARC of this book, but my opinion is my own.
Thank you to Lindsey P. Brackett for an ARC of The Bridge Between in exchange for an honest review. This was the first novel I read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. It is a tale of forgiveness, love, and starting over. There are a few storylines running through the book. One thing that would have made this book better for me is to have read the other”Edisto” novels, so I could have a better understanding of the characters and their lives up to now.
This story follows Louisa and David as they struggle with their divorce, and whether they should trust each other again, and forgive each other for past hurts. It also follows Grace, widow of Patrick, and Lou’s first love.
This is a heartwarming book, with a sweet and touching moment or two. At one point, I cried over the visual of a scene in the waiting room of the hospital. Very touching.
I will look for this author’s other books, so I can read more about these families.
#bridgebetweenbook #edisto #lindseypbrackett
Once again, Lindsey Brackett has captured me with her colorful characters, her breathtakingly beautiful descriptive settings and a to die for plot that equals a book that I just could not put down! I found myself so involved I even walked around the house reading while I did chores, which I rarely do!
This is book 2 of a sequal, but a stand alone.
As with book 1, this book moved me in every way! Another winner in my book…5 stars!
Another amazing book by Lindsey Brackett! She transports us to the low country world of South Carolina with such skill, and we feel like we’ve known her characters all our lives. Warning: once you open this book, you won’t want to put it down until you’ve read the very last word!
A perfect beach read! I could hear the gulls, feel the sand between my toes and sniff the scent of a low country boil. The story of Lou and David’s insecurities tore my heart open, even prompting me to cry in a few places. This is the first book I’ve read about a divorced couple considering reconciliation. The author did an admirable job bringing the characters’ true feelings to the page. The only thing she could have done better would have been to print Grace’s Southern recipes in the back. Maybe she’ll post a few on her website.
“There’s no such thing as letting go. There’s just forgiveness, plain and simple. Sometimes every day, over and over.”
Sometimes you meet people in books and you see yourself or your friends.
Sometimes you meet people in books that you hope to be. All of this happens in The Bridge Between. Although set at the beach, The Bridge Between is more than a beach read. It is a beach reflection. The Bridge Between
This book was breathtakingly beautiful. Weaving together themes of family, forgiveness, and unrelenting, unwavering love — it will make you laugh, and weep, and believe in something wonderful. Brackett eloquently reminds us that even when everything seems broken, it “doesn’t mean things aren’t working together for good. Just takes a while, sometimes, to see it.” The Bridge Between is an absolute treasure, filled with heart and sweet Southern wisdom.
(And though this novel is a sequel, it’s a perfect stand-alone read as well)
This book was such an amazing read. It was so well thought out and written. The author did such a great job with the characters and I could visualize everything like I was there. I really like the double timeline and it was easy to follow. This book moved me to feel so many emotions. I laughed, cried, cheered, and smiled. It contained real life family dynamics and there is something for each reader to relate to. I could not put this book down. The author is truly talented with her storytelling and drawing the reader in. I also read her debut novel, Still Waters, and her novella, Magnolia Mistletoe, that is available by subscribing to her newsletter. All three stories relate with each other, but can also be read as a stand alone. I encourage you to read everything she has written. I can’t wait for her to write more.