The Bridge

I thoroughly enjoyed so many things about this book. I laughed out loud countless times. I squirmed uncomfortably with Meredith and I cried full tears rolling down my face. And that was all by page 76. It only got better from there. The characters captured my heart. The witty banter between Meredith and the other characters was a blast. After studying French for five years and finally visiting 20 years later, this book was a wistfully wonderful trip down memory lane. The descriptions/references to all things Paris, Normandy, Nice, Giverny and Versailles were spot on. In fact I felt like Jill Cox was describing my own observations and feelings as I had experienced France. This book was a delight, I was sad to have finished it. I heard rumors of a sequel and will be impatiently waiting its arrival.

When was the last time you read a young adult romance which begins with a reference to Pythagoras? Meredith, the engaging heroine of Jill Cox's book, is not your typical romance heroine. She is not silly, neurotic, or self-obsessed. In other words, Meredith is the kind of bright, engaging college student that you would expect to see as the winner of a prestigious scholarship to study in Paris. While in Paris, and out of her comfort zone, Meredith finds herself growing socially from a bit of a bookworm to a young woman comfortable in different environments and with different types of friends. She learns to question assumptions about old loves and new ones, and she opens herself to new experiences and new people. In other words, she grows up in a very believable way. As Meredith falls in love, the story as told is sweet and compelling. And it is clean without being preachy. This is a book that you can give without concern to a preteen who is starting to read romance stories. And if you are an older woman, this sweet story will remind you of why you loved romance novels when they were romance novels, driven by stories and characters, and not driven by sex. Take a little trip to Paris and let's hope Jill Cox has another book up her sleeve. I know that I will be on the pre-order list.

99% of the books I read are historical fiction, non-fiction and biographies, mostly because I have no imagination whatsoever. I was unsure if I would enjoy The Bridge (it didn't fall into those categories), but I must say that I LOVED this book. It was beautifully written and held my attention all the way until the end. I do hope the author is working on a sequel because I'd love to see where else Meredith's story will go!

I loved this romantic tale set in one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris. I didn't know exactly what to expect from this book, but I was blown away. I adored Pete, like right away. I loved the slow burn of the romance, that it wasn't in your face, but a more subtle shift as Meredith and Pete got to know one another. I thought the "love triangle" was handled well. I also really enjoyed Pete's backstory and how it intertwined with Meredith's. And, of course, the setting. I'm going to Paris in the fall and I cannot wait to visit the places mentioned in this book. I felt like I was there walking the streets with Meredith and Pete as they explored the city. Highly recommend!

5 stars is NOT enough for this one. I cannot fathom how a first time writer wrote something so moving and engaging. I related so much to Meredith throughout the book and I am sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the sequel!

Having spent time traipsing through the Paris streets Jill Cox described, I was transported once again to the beauty and joy of discovering yourself in a new country... establishing new normals and pushing yourself to be open to new things. Moving to a foreign country is scary, but so worth it and Jill captured that so beautifully! The Bridge was delightful and charming and all I hoped it would be. The slow burn of a romance, playful wit, characters you grow to love, and great settings. Loved this book

A sweet romance that instantly had me craving my own Paris adventure!Seriously, this book is so much fun to read. Why? Because we have determined and practical Meredith, and snarky Pete (but is he really?) who come on the scene in a clash of wills. I love watching their walls come down. Oh, and Paris. The author does a fantastic job with setting and making me think Paris is as romantic as I've been told.My only problem? I need book two. Like now.

Jill Cox draws upon her considerable study and travels in France to write a compelling love story sure to evoke memories of college life, study abroad, and the ones who change our lives when we least expect it. The book is witty, full of plot twists, packed with well-drawn characters, and offering just enough of the unexpected to delight the reader. It is a tribute to Paris. If you've been to Paris, gone to college, studied abroad, or fallen in love in your twenties, you will adore this work. By the way, this review is by Mike's wife. While men may enjoy the novel, its primary audience will be females of all ages.

What is it about this novel that opened to me a genre of literature that had been closed before? It calls itself a “sweet contemporary romance,” which made it unlikely to be on my reading list. I fear I am always looking for books that are great and worthy. Rarely do I buy a book without first consulting one of the several lists of the “100 Greatest Novels of All Time.” However, just before Christmas, The Bridge came highly recommended so I took a chance on it. And since then, I’ve tried to pin down what it was I so loved. There are some obvious things: First, it’s about Paris. I love Paris, and although I’ve visited many times, I have never stayed for more than a few days. Read Dan Brown and you’d think Paris is only about the Louvre, and the only place in London is Westminster Abbey. Read The Bridge and Paris and its surroundings open to you like a pop-up map with endless intrigue. You’ll read about many places you’ll wish you could see and should return to visit if you can. Second, I love traveling with friends. As part of a group of four I have three terrific traveling companions whose love of culture, language, history and adventure is something I saw among the characters in this novel again and again. J. K. Rowling showed the world that supernatural fantasy for young people can become a huge cultural force. Helen Fielding thrust “chick lit” onto the international scene, where it has stayed. Jill Cox writes intelligently and with great wit. Pace, plot and the sheer enjoyment of reading beautiful writing: any true book lover will find it there.