Title: Bridge to Haven
Author: Francine Rivers
First published April 22, 2014
480 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781414368184 (ISBN10: 1414368186)
Rating: 4.14
Overview
In the 1950s, Abra was just a newborn, abandoned under a bridge on the outskirts of Haven. But to Pastor Ezekiel Freeman, she was a little girl who stole his heart.
As Abra grew into an exotic beauty, Zeke and his son Joshua watched over her. But Abra’s past left her with deep scars that left her vulnerable to a fast-talking bad boy who lured her to Tinseltown.
Now, Abra is a rising star in Hollywood, but her ambition has come at a terrible cost. In this riveting tale of temptation, grace, and love, Francine Rivers delivers big-canvas storytelling at its very best.
About the Author
Francine Rivers, an acclaimed author whose books have become New York Times bestsellers, has gained a dedicated following worldwide. Her impressive list of successful novels includes Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, which have been translated into over thirty languages.
Rivers has been inducted into the highly esteemed Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame and has also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). You can connect with Francine Rivers on Twitter through her handle @FrancineRivers.
Editoral Review
Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers is a powerful work of historical fiction that weaves together themes of love, redemption, and the struggle for identity. Rivers, a bestselling author with over 20 million copies of her books sold worldwide, has crafted a beautifully written tale that will captivate readers from beginning to end.
Set in the 1950s and 1960s, the novel takes readers on a journey through the life of Abra Matthews, a young girl who is abandoned at birth and raised by Pastor Zeke and his wife Marianne. Abra is a talented singer, and her beauty and voice attract the attention of a Hollywood producer who offers to turn her into a star.
Abra leaves her small town and her family behind to pursue her dreams, but soon finds herself in a world of drugs, sex, and deceit. As Abra struggles to find her place in the world, she must also confront the secrets of her past and the people who are trying to destroy her.
One of the strengths of Bridge to Haven is Rivers’ ability to create fully realized characters who feel authentic and relatable. Abra is a complex protagonist who is both vulnerable and strong, and readers will feel invested in her journey from beginning to end.
Rivers also excels at creating vividly detailed settings, transporting readers to the small town of Haven and the gritty world of Hollywood with equal ease. The novel is not without its flaws, however.
The pacing can be slow at times, particularly in the early chapters, and some readers may find the Christian themes to be heavy-handed. Additionally, while the novel is set in the 1950s and 1960s, some of the dialogue feels modern and anachronistic.
Despite these minor criticisms, Bridge to Haven is a powerful and engaging work of fiction that will resonate with readers of all ages. Rivers’ writing is beautifully crafted, and her exploration of love, sacrifice, and redemption is both thought-provoking and deeply moving.
This novel is a testament to the power of faith and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Overall, I would highly recommend Bridge to Haven to fans of historical fiction, Christian literature, and anyone who enjoys a beautifully written and emotionally resonant story.
This novel has the potential to touch readers’ hearts and leave a lasting impact, and is a truly worthy addition to Francine Rivers’ impressive body of work. I give Bridge to Haven a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with points deducted only for the minor flaws noted above.
