Original Title: Magic Bridge
Author: Thomasina Burke
Publisher: Fun House Publishing LLC
Release Date: October 21st 2011
How far would you travel to keep a promise to someone you love? The tiny hamlet of Crown King, Arizona is the setting for this story about love, travel, and completing an epic journey. Bridgette Madden and Matt Decker crash into each other-literally-in the wilderness of the Bradshaw Mountains and begin a love story with each other, Arizona, and world travel. Their adventure circles the group; castles in Germany, ghe gentle beauty of Ireland, Nepal's Himalayas, the seas of Honduras, Italy's shimmering Cinque Terre, and finally back to Arizona where it all began. Bridgette finds the strength to honor a commitment to her husband and return to the places they loved the best.
REVIEW
*** This book was provided by the author for review purposes. ***
Bridgette had a horrible childhood with both her father and her first-ever boyfriend abusing her so badly. She gives up on men and even scared of taking any relationships to a physical level. She moves to Crown King, Arizona, to her grand mother's house and lives there, even after her grand mother's death. She works as a nurse and Volunteer firefighter in that small and beautiful town. One day, when she was hiking the mountains of Crown King, Matt literally crashes into her with his bike. Matt gets head injury and Bridgette takes him to hospital and nurses him. Matt is so interested in Bridgette, but all Bridgette wants, is to keep away from men.
But, she know Matt is just not like any other guy. Matt is sweet, funny and she trusts that he would never hurt her. They both fall for each other and I am saying they are one of the world's most beautiful couple ever. I am not saying this because of the romantic moments, but because of the support they give each other during their worst times.
Bridgette and Matt travel around the world for Matt's cycling races. The couple fall in love again and again, and each time they fall very hard. When all is well, the infamous cancer disease strikes Matt and the couple fights it so hard and even conquers it at some point. After nearly ten years of further drama of life, the cancer strikes again (God, life is unfair!). This time though, they all know there is no hope. But, they still put up a good fight. All her life, the one person Bridgette trusts and depends on, is Matt. The pain was unbearable for both of them (and to us). Will she let Matt go? Also, the couple has agreed that if one of them dies before another, the living one should take the ashes of the other to all the loveliest places they traveled together. Does Bridgette now has the strength to take these trips alone, without her Matt? Will she ever heal?
Beautiful and painful! I felt the need to hug someone, after completing the book. I don't even know what is HEA anymore. Is it living happily with your loved ones? Or is it living for your loved ones, even if it hurts you to the core? I am not sure anymore. This is the author's debut novel, but she brings out what she wants to say, in a amazing way.
There are a lot of descriptions of places that the couple explored. But, it doesn't feel like a travel guide. How can it be, when they have given every page of the book with some life in it. Being in India and hearing about the country I love so much, is a feeling I will always treasure. Of course, I have never been to the parts she mentioned in the book, but I am still glad.
The writing is simple and good. I rate books only based on two things - 1. Feelings that the book can give me. 2. My level of bonding with the characters. But, there is one more thing, that any person will agree for a book to be placed under a best book category -- After some days of completing this book, I should still keep thinking about this book, in some subconscious part of my brain. There is a deep connection that was felt with the characters. Even when I completed this book two days before, I am still feeling such an adoration and love for Matt. I feel like I had to give Bridgette a huge hug. Such an incredible character-building deserves more than 5 stars.
This book is the best of all, that I have read this year (that is saying something, considering I read 100-150 books a year). I'd highly recommend to readers of all ages greater than 16.
ABOUT THIS DEBUT AUTHOR
Thomasina Burke is a native Phoenician who loves just about everything in Arizona. She and her husband Bill reside in Phoenix, but every weekend they head up the dirt road to their cabin in Crown King, Arizona. A Registered Nurse and Volunteer Firefighter, she can also be found hiking any of the Phoenix mountains, Irish dancing, or planning a new travel adventure. "Magic Bridge" is her first novel.
AUTHOR ONLINE: Website | Goodreads
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