I received a complimentary copy of “A Bridge Home” direct from the author Virginia McCullough in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.

In this installment of Back to Bluestone River, I was happy to see an intergenerational plotting - wherein Amy is with her grandmother and there is a history of grandparents raising children in the storyline. Lately, I've been enjoying finding intergenerational stories - where different role models and guardians are being explored in the context of Contemporary stories. It is a refreshing twist and one I think should be celebrated more often as there are a lot of children who live in non-conventional families and those families should be represented more as I am loving how Ms McCullough presented Amy's presence in her grandmother's life.

On a personal note, I'm thankful the author also talked about how grandparents of a certain age start to have different health issues. The only thing I questioned is the comment about the grandfather's stroke and the seemingly unaffected status of his memory and/or his cognition skills - which means, I believe he had a mild stroke rather than a moderate one. I notice these slight differences now since my father had his moderate bilateral stroke as there is definitely a difference between mild and moderate; it wasn't stated which was which in the story but as my living reality changed nearly four years ago with a stroke survivor in the family whom I'm a carer - I know Amy's grandfather had a far more milder case even though it is affecting his movement and his ability to walk at the level he had prior to his stroke. Unfortunately after a stroke hits like an earthquake in the mind, the issues which come lateron - even a few years after the initial attack can surprise both the survivor of the stroke and the family and it is hard to pin point what will remain affected thereafter. I felt in that case it was believable that the grandfather didn't have any cognitive deficits and only seemed to struggle with his mobility.

Bluestone River is one of those communities which is thinking about how it wants to make positive progress into their own towne's future. There is something to be said for that kind of thinking - of where a towne considers all angles of new proposals but also takes stock into consideration how they want to grow rather than just growing without a firm plan in mind to execute. Too often I think smaller townes grow too fast and they all start to look like a commercial zone of big box stores and differing styles of architecture without any cohesive way of bridging the towne and their aesthetic together. It was nice to see this discussion taking place and having a community question what is motivating their future endeavours as the towne continues to grow.

Ms McCullough brought the continuity together beautifully between installments - as Eric is the mutual friend of our first Bluestone River sweethearts, Ruby and Mike. It wasn't lost on me the connection between the title's metaphor and the symbolism of the bridge being in jeopardy throughout the storyline - not to mention that this story took place during my favourite season of Winter! Everything was percolating so well in this installment - from how the community was rallying together to discuss their future plans for development and to how Amy needed to find her footing in her choices to return to Bluestone River. Even Eric was at a crossroads in his life wherein he needed to sort through what was motivating him and the choices he needed to be making for himself as he looked towards where he wanted to be in the next chapter of his life. This is a story about choices and owning them once they are made as everyone needs a boost of confidence at different junctions of their lives.

I felt this installment brought me back to centre - back to where I originally felt hugged close into the series within the pages of A Family for Jason. Bluestone River has a way of settling into your heart because its the kind of towne where you can either return home after a long absence or it is a towne where you can move to redefine your life and have your own new beginning. What keeps you rooted in the series is the familiar way in which McCullough makes you feel like you've gone home yourself - Back to Bluestone River!

// This is a quotation of my full review originally shared via jorielovesastory.com

Thank you in advance to the author, Virginia McCullough, for providing an advanced review copy through Prism Book Tours. A positive review was not required or requested, and all words are my own.

This is the third of the “Back to Bluestone River” novels of the Harlequin Heartwarming series. And, this is the second one I’ve read through Prism – “The Christmas Kiss”. As a result I did purchase “A Family for Jason”, but have not yet had time to read it.

While the series are connected and the characters from previous novels mentioned, the story relies more on what is going on between Eric and Amy; as well as the other stories. Thus the reader doesn’t have to read the previous two novels to understand what is going on or to understand who the characters are.

Eric and Amy were great high school friends. Amy ended up marrying Scott, the high school athlete and is now divorced. As adults, Eric and Amy’s relationship gets started on an awkward level. Eric is now the principal at the school Amy’s daughter Cassie attends. And, Amy’s job as a single mom isn’t easy. Amy is also helping with the grandparents who raised her.

Eric and Amy have to meet over Cassie’s “issues” which stem from Amy and her ex-husband, Scott’s, divorce. And, Scott isn’t the best dad there is.

I understood Cassie’s issues to a point. My father left just after my fourth (4th) birthday. He would make promises and never fulfill them, forgot birthdays, forgot Christmas – so it’s safe to say that he was never around. Incidentally, haven’t seen him in 40 years. However, I didn’t act out like Cassie, so I found it a bit hard on that note to fully identify with her.

However, the author also does a great job of highlighting what trauma can do to some kids – not only Cassie, but her friend and a foster child – Lottie who desperately wants to stay with Kyra. Cassie and Lottie have a rough road, but become inseparable friends. So much so that Cassie even goes after a boy who is taunting her.

I loved how Eric was not just a dedicated principal, but also a friend to Amy and Cassie. He took an active role in his students in an untraditional way – he gave them choices, asked questions, and didn’t admonish as much as some would. It was easy to see why he was as good with kids as he was shown the same mercy as well. And, it is through meetings and talks that he guides kids into making better decisions. Such as teaching Cassie that sticking up for Lottie is good, but getting physical isn’t the way to go about it.

Georgia is another hero in this story – she also helps and supports Cassie in her job, encouragement in life, as well as career success. It didn’t surprise me what Georgia ended up doing.

The back or side story is about the bridge that gets damaged in a snow storm. That sets of a “somewhat” political issue for Mike Abbott (from A Family for Jason) in that he has to determine whether or not to save the bridge or to spend resources elsewhere. Also, Emma from The Christmas Kiss returns. And, it is through this back story the characters at first turn on each other regarding the bridge, but learn to compromise when/where needed. There are tense moments, but readers will be glad to see the town come together to get everything accomplished.

The cover is darling, yet the guy depicted to be Eric looks far too young to be a principal. Still, I’m sure he’s cute ;) I just tend to a different kind of guy, lol.

The plot is equally darling and gives the reader so much in this story. And, these are huge books – while larger print, they’re also larger in content.

There were a few typos, one on page 57 should have read “Unfortunately, Scott is the present. Or he’s supposed to be, for Cassie” as opposed to “Unfortunately, Scott is the present. Or he’s supposed to be, for Amy” when Amy was talking with Eric. There was also a teensy problem with the font size on page 99. None of these take away from the message of the book or story.

I found this book difficult to put it down. I had to as it is a bit big to hold, but I just had to know what was going to happen, which is of course the standard “HEA” – happily ever after. Most romance novels are not complete without them. And, like most, this had the sweet Hallmark movie vibe to it. I honestly could see it as a movie.

There were a few “plot holes” I would’ve liked to have seen filled in – one was the reason Cassie and Lottie ran off which added a bit of suspense in chapter 15. I’m hoping the author gives us an update in the next book. There was so much I wanted to see wrapped up in this – Scott, will he or won’t he return, the bridge repair or restoration, as well as Kyra and Lottie’s situation. I’ll definitely be interested in returning to Bluestone River as soon as I can!

Clean, wholesome, sweet read that tugs at the heartstrings and makes you want to get up and hug everyone! Messages of compromise, adjusting, and learning to trust are apparent; and McCullough creates a beautiful story that is realistic while being uplifting. While sometimes it is hard to change, we can slowly evolve, expand, and open up to new experiences that enrich our lives.

Those who’ve read the previous two novels and fans of the author will likely want to read this. Anyone who enjoys clean, wholesome, and a story with a beautiful ending will enjoy it as well. ( )

A Bridge Home is another sweet addition to Virginia McCullough’s Back to Bluestone River series!

As the school principal, Eric Wells works around kids all day, of course—but that does not make him feel qualified to have a family. Still, perhaps when his high school crush Amy Morgan returns to town with a troubled daughter in tow, he has a chance for a future he never planned.

Naturally, living in a small town gives Eric and Amy plenty of opportunities to explore their feelings and the possibilities of their relationship. I so enjoyed getting to know them as they did so, in addition to revisiting the charming town. A Bridge Home proves to be a delightful read for anyone in need of some contemporary romance!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

3.5 Stars

I enjoyed the first two books in Virginia McCullough’s Back to Bluestone series, so was excited when number three came out.

Eric and Amy went to high school together but never ended up together-together. Now they are both back in Bluestone and in such a small town (not to mention Amy’s daughter a student in Eric’s school), their paths cross—a lot.

There were several moments I had to roll my eyes at Amy. She was so wishy-washy where Eric was concerned. And, honestly, Eric came across almost too good to be true.

But, even with those complaints, the romance is engaging. What really makes this series enjoyable is the way the town is coming together to re-energize their home and bring visitors in. From the covered bridge to the charity bike ride to the Fourth of July parade, something is always being cooked up, and you can’t help but feel the excitement and energy.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )