Review: The Kissing Bridge by Tricia Goyer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Rebecca is an Amish woman whose pained past compels her to leave everything to become a nurse---abandoning her family and community. Caleb is an Amish man who is counting down the days until hunting season. At a crossroads in his own life, the excitement of hunting game is all he looks forward to. All the while he wonders what to do with the rest of his life. Even though he likes the Amish lifestyle, what good is an Amish man without faith in God?

An unexpected meeting pushes them together, and they embark with friends on a two-week-long wilderness wagon journey. Hardship tears down the flimsy walls of protection they've placed around their hearts, and as their friendship grows they open up to each other and eventually reveal their deepest secrets. While on the outside they appear to be traditional Amish people, inside they both know they are anything but that. Will their secrets pull them together or draw them apart? And will their faith in God grow? There is a bridge to cross at the end of the journey. Will true love take them across?

My Review

I always find it interesting when leaving the Amish community or going their own way in life is portrayed in a positive manner in an Amish romance. I thought the author did a good job of balancing the fine line of respecting the culture and faith while also showing how there are benefits to following individual inspiration. Rebecca is struggling with conflicted feelings through the transition, but her determination to fulfill her calling of becoming a nurse helps her stay on course. Caleb is a distraction, but they help each other in ways they don't even realize. It was nice to see Caleb's wildness and restlessness calm as he gathers the courage to face what is really bothering him. I enjoyed the depth and themes as I read, even if I didn't connect with the characters as much as I would have liked.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series . . .