Unwrapping “The Wishing Bridge”by Viola Shipman: A Book Review of Holiday Joy and Self-Discovery @viola_shipman @harpercollins

“The Wishing Bridge” by Viola Shipman is a heartwarming tale of Christmas and self-discovery that brilliantly explores the complexities of a middle-aged woman, her family’s cherished Christmas store, and the nostalgic bonds of a close-knit community.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to HarperCollins and Edelweiss+ for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

From The Publisher:

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.

My Thoughts:

In “The Wishing Bridge” by Viola Shipman, we are introduced to Henrietta Wegner, a character who embodies the complexity of a driven middle-aged woman. Henri is at a crossroads in her career, desperately seeking to recapture the success she once knew, even if it means sacrificing her family’s beloved Christmas store, Wegner’s, to a soulless corporation. This choice reveals her unyielding ambition, setting the stage for a heartwarming holiday story filled with twists and turns.

One of the remarkable aspects of this novel is how it brings forth reflections on Henri’s childhood, which resonate with readers who, like myself, are a little older. The intimate relationship between Henri and her grandmother strikes a chord, evoking sweet memories of cherished moments with our own grandmas.

The story weaves a deep connection to Henri’s family and friends, immersing us in the spirit of Christmas in their tight-knit community. The town’s commitment to preserving family businesses that have been passed down through generations is endearing, reminding us of the value of tradition and continuity.

Henri’s inner turmoil is palpable and creates a love/hate relationship with the character. Her willingness to sell her family’s business in an underhanded manner speaks volumes about her transformation as a person. As readers, we journey with her through these emotions and conflicts.

The scenes inside Wegner’s, her family’s Christmas store, radiate pure Christmas joy. The store’s unique homemade items from around the world make it a yearly destination for visitors, instilling a sense of warmth and tradition in the story.

The author’s writing is exquisite, seamlessly combining moments of laughter and tears. “The Wishing Bridge” is a book so beautifully written that it deserves a permanent place on the bookshelf, ready to be revisited year after year.

In conclusion, “The Wishing Bridge” is a heartwarming tale of Christmas and self-discovery that will captivate your heart. If you have a deep appreciation for Christmas and a love of books, I highly recommend you treat yourself to this delightful read.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Viola Shipman:

Famous In a Small Town

A Wish For Winter