The Wishing Bridge
by Viola Shipman
Publisher: Graydon House
Release Date: November 7, 2023
Reviewed by PJ
Once the hottest mergers and acquisitions executive in the company, Henrietta Wegner can see the ambitious and impossibly young up-and-comers gunning for her job. When Henri’s boss makes it clear she’ll be starting the New Year unemployed unless she can close a big deal before the holidays, Henri impulsively tells him that she can convince her aging parents to sell Wegner’s—their iconic Frankenmuth, Michigan, Christmas store—to a massive, soulless corporation. It’s the kind of deal cool, corporate Henri has built her career on.
Home for the holidays has typically meant a perfunctory twenty-four-hour visit for Henri, then back to Detroit as fast as her car will drive her. So turning up at the Wegner’s offices in early December raises some eyebrows: from her delighted, if puzzled, parents to her suspicious brother and curious childhood friends. But as Henri fields impatient texts from her boss while reconnecting with the magic of the store and warmth of her hometown, what sounded great in the boardroom begins to lose its luster in real life. She’s running out of time to pull the trigger on what could be the greatest success of her career…or the most awkward family holiday of her life.
PJ's Thoughts:
Just in time for the holidays, Shipman brings readers a new novel about family, dreams, moral crossroads, and second chances. Shipman has a knack for bringing the small towns of Michigan to life through the pages of his books, immersing me in their traditions, challenges, warmth, and clear-eyed scrutiny. Nobody, but nobody, can open your eyes to your own flaws - or make you feel like a guilty grade-schooler - better than someone who watched you grow up in your small hometown. Something our corporate hot-shot on the verge of losing her job learns when she unexpectedly comes home for Christmas, with less than honorable intentions.
With a deft hand, and echoes of Ebeneezer Scrooge, Shipman guides Henri on a journey of self-discovery that will determine the trajectory of the rest of her life...as well as the relationship between her and her family. It's not an easy journey. She walks a tight line between villainy and redemption and even though I was rooting for her to do the right thing, I admit there were times when I didn't like her much. But, each time I found myself feeling that way, the author would give us another glimpse of the conflict in her mind, the love in her heart, and the goodness in her soul, and I found myself pulling for her again. She's flawed. She's human. Aren't we all?
Surrounding Henri is a hug-worthy cast of characters who brought the town of Frankenmuth to life and the spirit of Christmas to my heart. I want to be friends with all of them. Okay, not Henri's boss or her backstabbing colleague, but the rest of them. I want to grab a pint with them at Prost, share dinner at Z's Chicken Haus, tell Santa my Christmas wishes at Wegner's Winter Wonderland (you really are never too old to believe), and join the town for a quiet rendition of Silent Night under a snow-laced covered bridge while celebrating a second chance for two people who never stopped loving one another.
These characters made me laugh, they brought me to tears more than once, they reminded me of the importance of connection, of dreams, of family, and of love. And, they filled my heart with the joy and spirit of the season.
What fills your heart with joy this time of year?
Have you read any Viola Shipman books?
In this book, Henri makes divinity, a candy she learned at her grandmother's knee. Do you have a special recipe you make over the holidays that's been handed down through generations of your family? Or, a recipe you're handing down to younger generations?
One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 13 will receive a signed print copy of The Wishing Bridge.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
You have done it again. You have introduced me to a new to me author who writes stories I would really enjoy. Thanks for the introduction as well as the review. This sounds like a terrific book for me.
ReplyDeleteHe's a recent discovery for me but I've loved everything I've read so far.
DeleteI am so excited to read this new book by Viola Shipman! I live just outside of Frankenmuth, it's exciting to read about everything that I'm familiar with.
ReplyDeleteHow fun is that! I hope you enjoy it, Jody.
DeleteLooking forward to Viola Shipman’s newest book!
ReplyDeleteI have read a few of his books and enjoyed them
ReplyDelete., This time a year I always remember the people we don't have here with us anymore , and knowing that they are always with us forever in our hearts.
A wonderful feature. I have read several books by this author which are unforgettable and emotional. My heart is filled with joy and happiness when I celebrate the holidays with the grandchildren. Beautiful memories which I will always appreciate. Biscuits which my grandmother made and I continue to create every year for the family since they are special and meaningful.
ReplyDeleteThis book would be greatly enjoyed as the author has written lovely stories which give me pleasure. The old fashioned type which I look forward to. This happiness which I feel when family surrounds me is like nothing else in life. That is what matters. A treat which is a tradition each year that I try to replicate is babka. Delectable and yummy.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any Viola Shipman's books yet so I'm curious to try one. My Mom made a large variety of Christmas cookies that I have to pull the recipe cards for and try making.
ReplyDeleteWow. My Aunt & Uncle in Detroit regularly send me an ornament from a Christmas-theme store in Michigan called Brenner's... Could it be?
ReplyDelete--Susan in AZ--
It could most definitely be, Susan. Bronner's Christmas Wonderland is in Frankenmuth, MI. :)
DeleteI've read several of Viola Shipman's books. They're enjoyable reads. A tradition that sadly has not been continued by me is mincemeat pies. My grandmother made mincemeat from scratch and made pies every Christmas during our family gathering. My mother made the mini pies. I've bought them when I've had the family Christmas. We always have plum pudding, too. That is also bought by me. I do bake soft ginger cookies.
ReplyDeleteMy dad loved mincemeat pie but my mom always bought it in jars to make the pie.
DeleteI have read most of Viola Shipman's books and find them to be good comfort, or slow-down, reads. At this time of year, reading an engaging Christmas/holiday story fills me with a joy and gives me a chance to step out of the holiday daze.
ReplyDeleteOne of our family traditions was my father's Christmas fudge which he made from his secret recipe. As he grew older and was not as enthusiastic about making his secret recipe fudge, I asked him for the recipe. Which I received. And it is the Fantasy Fudge recipe found on a jar of Kraft marshmallow creme! His only addition was to store it in a cooler room to set. I still make a batch every year and share our family's secret recipe fudge with friends. It is always a hit at gatherings.
I love that!
DeleteI was born in Detroit, grew up in Michigan, and have been to Frankenmuth a couple of times. I love Viola Shipman books and I've got The Wishing Bridge sitting on my nightstand waiting for me. I can't wait to get started. Thanks for a great review!
ReplyDeleteI'm a native Michigander too, Lisa, though I left in my early twenties. Still have lots of relatives up there though. Reading a Viola Shipman book feels like a visit home.
DeleteThis story sounds absolutely lovely. Reading Christmas romances brings me joy. My family and all the sights and sounds of Christmas fill my heart with love and joy.
ReplyDeleteI think you'd enjoy this one, Cheryl.
DeleteNever read a book by this author but this one sounds intriguing. I have a family tradition of making platters of Christmas cookies to share with family and friends. I love making wonderful memories with my family this time of year. Spending time with them brings me joy.
ReplyDeleteI read a few by Viola Shipman I would love to win a signed copy of The Wishing Bridge
ReplyDeleteRose Ward
Viola is new to me. I like the sound of this book and the way she develops her characters in the story.
ReplyDeleteHaving the family home for the holidays and working with them to finish decorating and cooking is something I always look forward to.
Sadly my stepmother threw out all my mother's recipes. There was a Christmas cake roll Mom made that I loved. I have gotten the recipe from my aunt but it just doesn't turn out right. I was only 24 when she died and had been overseas for 3 years when I got word she way terminal. I never got the opportunity to really learn how to make it with her. I make several things at Christmas. There is one special thing I make at Christmas and other special times of the year, sour cream crescents. They are a rich, melt in your mouth, yeast roll. Everyone loves them, but it is so hard not to eat way too many of them. They are a fattening indulgence, but so good. Our children have the recipe, but they are so busy, they just wait for me to make them.
Seeing Christmas through my son's eyes is what brings me joy! Taking him to see Christmas lights and decorations is one of my favorite things to do with him. I haven't yet read any of Violas books but I am definitely looking forward to it, they look and sound so good
ReplyDeleteMy family is want is most important at this and all time throughout the year.
ReplyDeleteSpending time with my granddaughter is my favorite thing. Red Cabbage was always made on Thanksgiving and I make it as well. Patoct
ReplyDeleteFudge is a family recipe made at Christmas.
ReplyDeleteDenise