The Bridge Tender

April 14, 2014
Emily Shaw doesn’t really want to honor her late husband’s final wish—that she should purchase a home at Sunset Beach, where they honeymooned only five years earlier—even though he leaves her the funds to do so. Still grieving a year after Ryan’s death, she decides to move to the beach and becomes reluctantly drawn into the lives of her neighbors—and especially to Kyle, a former movie star whom Emily had a teenage crush, on but who no longer acts. Emotions run high in this usually relaxed summer haven, as Whalen (The Wishing Tree) expertly explores the reach of grief, love, and faith. Richly drawn secondary characters relate their own broken dreams to Emily, in the process helping her find peace in a life without Ryan—possibly with another love. Every character seems to have a story and a need for forgiveness and grace. And over and around the human drama swirls the wind-swept sands and waves of Sunset Beach, painted vividly enough to be a character all its own. This sweet and funny, raw and poignant story will leave readers emotionally spent, yet eager for more.

June 15, 2014

Newlywed Emily Shaw is sure she will never be as happy as she is this moment, on her honeymoon with Ryan at Sunset Beach, NC. The couple make a pact to buy a house there one day, but sadly Ryan dies of cancer seven years later. The heartbroken Emily is surprised to learn that her husband left her the money to buy the house, and she reluctantly returns to Sunset Beach where she realizes as she gets to know the community that perhaps God's plan for her is to continue with her life after all. VERDICT Whalen's third series title (after The Guest Book; The Wishing Tree) is a touching and emotional story of true love both lost and found. The fully developed characters and bittersweet tone combined with the steady pace will resonate with readers who enjoy Robin Lee Hatcher.

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