by Phaedra Patrick
Genres: Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
A single father gets an unexpected second chance at love in the heartwarming new novel from the author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
It’s summer in the city and passions are soaring along with the temperature—for everyone but Mitchell Fisher, who hates all things romance. He relishes his job cutting off the padlocks that couples fasten to the famous “love story” bridge. Only his young daughter, Poppy, knows that behind his prickly veneer, Mitchell still grieves the loss of her mother.
Then one hot day, everything changes when Mitchell courageously rescues a woman who falls from the bridge into the river. He’s surprised to feel an unexpected connection to her, but she disappears before he can ask her name. Desperate to find out her identity, Mitchell is shocked to learn she’s been missing for almost a year. He teams up with her spirited sister, Liza, on a quest to find her again. However, she’s left only one clue behind—a message on the padlock she hung on the bridge.
Brimming with Phaedra Patrick’s signature charm and a sparkling cast of characters, The Secrets of Love Story Bridge follows one man’s journey to unlock his heart and discover new beginnings in the unlikeliest places.
It’s time once again to welcome Sophia Rose to the blog. Today Sophia is sharing a review of The Secrets of Love Story Bridge by Phaedra Patrick. Grab a cup of iced coffee and read her thoughts on this delightful fiction.
Sophia Rose’s Review
A staid, overly-organized, lonely single dad’s prosaic life is turned topsy-turvy when a woman falls from a bridge and he leaps into the river and saves her. The Secrets of Love Story Bridge is the latest from an author who is steadily becoming an auto-buy for me as I linger over the taste the multi-flavored story she just served up.
The Secrets of Love Story Bridge introduces yet another whimsical, engaging character from this author who can make dull and average turn into something effervescent after a steady journey of the heart that is rarely taken alone. Mitchell Fisher, the average joe with secret heartache, regrets, and loneliness is accompanied on his journey by his loving, but intrepid nine-year-old daughter, Poppy who just wants to see her dad happy- oh and get a chance to play and go off her dad’s well-ordered schedule for their lives, her bright and sparkling music teacher, Liza, who has a mysterious connection to the woman in yellow he rescued and makes him feel something uneasy, but exciting whenever he’s near her, his relationship-addled work buddy Bart, his ‘I’ll help you bury the bodies’ child-hood best friend, Graham, and the charming origami-making doorkeeper at his flat.
There are several threads woven together in this story that Mitchell narrates. There is his life journey to finding himself and what makes him happy, the mystery of Liza’s sister’s disappearance, the secret inside the last letter Poppy’s mother wrote to Mitchell before she died, and the many stories inside the Love Story Bridge letters and padlocks.
A few excitement blips occurred, but mostly this was a gentle-flowing feel-good story that re-establishes letter-writing, ice cream on a hot day, a camp-out under the stars with marshmallows roasting over the fire and impromptu singalongs as the very best of life. I’ve read three of the author’s four books and love each of these slow-simmer triumphs that really hit on what is really important while telling an engaging story. Those who enjoy general fiction with a light romance should definitely pick this up.
The Secrets of Love Story Bridge by Phaedra Patrick introduces yet another whimsical, engaging character from this author who can make dull and average turn into something effervescent. #Fiction #MustRead Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia Roach
I actually have a book by this author waiting for me in my physical TBR pile but I never picked it up because it sounded average. But Sophie’s review has definitely convinced me that this author knows how to turn the average into something so much more interesting and capivating. I am going to have to push that higher up on my list.
Tressa @ Wishful Endings
I have this one for review and am looking forward to it. I could use a feel-good book. 🙂
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I love it when an author can turn duli in to effervescent. This sounds like such a wonderful story with great characters! I can see why this author has become an auto-buy for you! Fantastic Review Sophia!
Sophia Rose
Yes, she puts shine in the lives everyday people. Loved it. Thanks, Lindy!
sjhigbee
This sounds a lovely premise, Sophie:). Thank you for a great review.
Sophia Rose
It was a heartwarming cutie. 🙂 Thanks!
Katherine
I passed on a review copy of this due to timing and I’m seriously regretting it right now. This sounds absolutely wonderful!
Sophia Rose
Ugh, I know the feeling. I’ve had to let a few go that I knew I wanted. 🙂 Maybe library?
sherry fundin
seems like a great time to read this one. i could use all the good feels. 🙂
Sophia Rose
It sure was good timing for me. A nice feel-good story.
Anne - Books of My Heart
Life fiction! Great review! It sounds like an engaging story.
Sophia Rose
It was heartwarming and just what I was in the mood for. 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Oh I thought that author sounded familiar and yes I loved her last book and this one sounds like it’s right up my alley . Thanks Sophia Rose
Sophia Rose
I somehow missed her last one so I need to go back for it. I love her writing. 🙂
Angela
I love Arthur Pepper, and I’m definitely interested in this story – great review!
Sophia Rose
Arthur Pepper was my introduction to her writing and I have loved each book since. 🙂 Hope you enjoy this one if you get the chance, Angela. 🙂
Nadene
I never heard of this author before. It says a lot when the author can turn dull and average into something exciting. Thanks for the recommendation
Sophia Rose
She does so much more than that, but at the very least, yes, she makes the ordinary sparkle. 🙂
Melliane
It looks nice to have a good time!
Sophia Rose
It sure was. Thanks, Melliane!
Silvia
I haven’t read anything from this author yet, but I’m intrigued by this title, probably because there is something in a second chance at love that always seems to warm our hearts . . . Also I really enjoyed single dads’ povs so far, and this one sounds well done, so thanks for the lovely suggestion 🙂
Sophia Rose
Of the three I’ve read, all have been men and single dad types. She writes that character well. 🙂
Sara
Your review sounds really good! Now that I’m thinking about it I’ve never read a book from a single-dad’s point of view and I’m sure it will be an interesting an moving perspective. Thank you for sharing!
Sara @ Sara In Bookland
Sophia Rose
Glad you enjoyed the review. Oh yes, its interesting to get this character who is struggling with his grief while trying to raise a daughter. 🙂
Kathryn Trask
I was going to pass this by Sophia Rose but you make this sound like a really lovely read. And nine year old Poppy appeals.
Sophia Rose
Yay! Glad I could tempt you, Kathryn. Its a sweetheart of a story and Poppy is a doll.