Book Review: Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers

Bridge to Haven

Author: Francine Rivers

Genre:  Christian Fiction

Published:  Tyndale House Publisher 2014

Pages: 468

Rating: 5/5
Read: July 2016

Blurb:

She's burned every bridge to get exactly what she thought she wanted.  Now all she wants is a way back home.  To those who matter in Hollywood, Lena Scott us the hottest rising star to hit the silver screen since Marilyn Monroe.  Few know her real name is Abra.  Even fewer know the price she's paid to finally feel like she's somebody.  To Paster Ezekiel Freeman, Abra will always be the little girl who stole his heart the night he found her, a wailing newborn abandoned under a bridge on the outskirts of Haven.  Zeke and his son, Joshua--Abra's closest friend--watch her grow into an exotic beauty.  But Zeke knows the circumstances surrounding Abra's birth have etched scars deep in her heart, scars that leave her vulnerable to a fast-talking charmer who lures her to Tinseltown.  Hollywood feels like a million miles from Haven, and naive Abra quickly learns what's expected of an ambitious girl with stars in her eyes.  She disvoers too late that fame comes at a devastating price.  In this riveting saga of temptation, grace, and unconditional love, the beloved author of Redeeming Love delivers big-canvas storytelling at its very best. 

SPOILERS*

Review:

Goodness me, this was a fantastic read.  I finished it in just over two days, whilst working a full Sunday.  I may have quite possibly neglected everything in life other than this book, and the joy God brought to me through reading it.

Abra is a young naive girl; she, like many young girls wants to be somebody.  Francine Rivers gives all of the characters flaws.  These flaws are the reason behind each character's success within the story, they're relatable and readers love them.  Joshua was my personal favourite character.  I love the way he approached the woman he loves, I love the gentleman manners and kind heart he possesses however he does not know how to let go.  When Abra leaves with Dylan he is so desperate for her return that he tries to seek her, ignoring the Lord telling him to let go.

Abra's character was interesting because she played two parts, Lena Scott and Abra Matthews.  Rivers showcased through the use of Abra's celebrity alter ego, that the easy option is not always the right option.  Sometimes we need to fight through the hard times, we need to turn to God instead of other people and ask Him what He has planned.  I enjoyed this revelation within myself.

If you're a Christian, this book will make your heart flutter.  The situations Abra finds herself will make you angry, scared, annoyed, happy, joyous and more.  The book showcased real joy, and how this incredible joy does not come from things, or even people.  Real joy comes from having a relationship with Christ, the most beautiful relationship of all.

If you're not a Christian and have come across this blog post, I hope this spoke out to you.  Know we have all been in pain, we have all had struggles.  I hope you allow God to help you to overcome yours.

May God Bless You!

Favourite Line:

She gave a soft, broken laugh of joy.  "You love me, Lord.  In spite of my stubborn and rebellious heart."

I knew you before you were born.  I've counted the hairs on your head.  I have written your name on the palms of My hands (p. 430).