The Long Bridge Home by Kelly Irvin

Happy Valentine's Day! Murder Makes Scents by Christin Brecher releases on February 25 along with Egg Drop Dead by Vivien Chen and Here Comes the Body by Maria DiRico.   The Numbers Game by Danielle Steel comes out March 3 with One Little Lie by Colleen Coble.  Nothing better than a pile of new books to read!

A Long Bridge Home by Kelly Irvin the residents of West Kootenai, Montana evacuating when the Caribou wildfire raging in the Kootenai National Forest gets close to their homes.  Ben Mast, Christine’s father, had decided before the fire to move his family back to Haven, Kansas.  Christine does not wish to move that far away from her beau, Andy Lambright who has yet to propose.  Andy has received news that his father is hill and will be journeying to the family farm.  Christine can tell Andy has another reason for returning home, but he is unwilling to share it with her.  She wants to stay close to Andy so Christine obtain permission to live with her relatives in St. Ignatius which will allow them to visit.  While working in her uncle’s store, Christine meets Raymond Old Fox.  He introduces her to the history of his people and their views.  Christine is getting to learn things firsthand that she has only read about in books.  A whole new world has opened for Christine much to her family’s dismay.  They do not understand her thirst for knowledge or her friendship with Raymond.  Christine has changed from the woman Andy courted before the fire.  Will Andy love the woman Christine has become? 

A Long Bridge Home by Kelly Irvin is the second novel in Amish of Big Sky Country series.  It can be read on its own for those new to the series.  A Long Bridge Home is different from other Amish novels (in a good way).  I like the setting of Montana with its beautiful mountains.  I thought the story was well-written with developed, engaging characters.  Christine Mast was content in her world until the fire made them flee.  She has been waiting for Andy Lambright to propose (it has been a long courtship).  When Christine learns that her family is relocating to Haven, Kansas, she does not wish to be that far away from Andy.  Christine had no idea that living in St. Ignatius with her aunt and uncle would be life changing.  She meets Raymond Old Fox.  Raymond teaches her about his native heritage and culture.  She is fascinated by their views and is eager to learn more (I found the information fascinating as well).  I could certainly understand Christine’s thirst for knowledge even though her relatives did not. Christine finds herself in the position of making a difficult choice.  I like seeing Christine grow as a person.  While I wanted her to find happiness, I did not want to see her spirit broken (she was so happy learning and meeting new people).  Andy has an issue from his past that he feels he needs to resolve before he can move forward with Christine.  The problem is that Andy fails to share (communicate) with Christine. Forgiveness is one of the main themes in A Long Bridge Home.  We learn the importance of forgiving others and ourselves.  Prayer and trusting in God are two other topics addressed.  A Long Bridge Home gives us a glimpse into the life of the Amish in Montana where a woman must decide which path to follow.  There are discussion questions at the end along with an excerpt from Kelly Irvin’s Over the Line.  A Long Bridge Home is an emotional story where love, a strong faith, close family, a loving God and good friends can help us overcome any difficult situation.

A Long Bridge Home is available from Amazon* along with Mountains of Grace.  The next novel in Amish of Big Sky Country is Peace in the Valley which can pre-ordered now.  It will release on August 4.   Thank you for reading my review.  Do you like to listen to audiobooks?  Audible is having a special promotion for new or returning members that ends on February 18.  Just $7.95 a month for the first 4 months (then goes back to regular price).  It is a good opportunity to give Audible a try (I am going to take advantage of this special).  I listen to audiobooks while driving because it helps me concentrate on the road (otherwise, my mind tends to wander).  I will be back tomorrow to share Cold Case Connection by Dana Mentink.  It is the third book in A Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series.  I hope you have a very special day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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