The Bridge Tender by Marybeth Whalen

The Bridge Tender by Marybeth Whalen is a captivating story of love and devotion with a Christian faith connection.  Heroine Emily Shaw spends her honeymoon on Sunset Beach where she and husband Ryan plan their life together. Within only a few years, however, Ryan dies of cancer living Emily devastated and depressed. Following Ryan’s wishes, Emily returns to Sunset Beach and buys a summer beach home. There she meets people who need her: a pregnant teen, an overwhelmed mom and a former movie star who is now the local bridge tender. The old fashioned bridge linking the island to the mainland becomes a metaphor for Emily’s situation. As the island residents debate replacing the antiquated bridge, Emily begins to build her own connection to a new life and love. Teenager Amber is alone and lonely and at first rejects Emily’s Christian witness. Neighbor Claire’s two rambunctious children make a mess of Emily’s babysitting night.  Bridge tender Kyle presents his own sad past. The plot moves swiftly, and Emily’s faith in God is tested and strengthened.  The author’s descriptions of the beach make you feel as if you’re sitting on the dock with your feet in the water. Well written and hard to put down, this is a great book, one that merits a sequel.  It is highly recommended. I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.