1. Bridge to Haven
    Francine Rivers
    Tyndale House / 2014 / Hardcover
    Our Price$23.39 Retail Price$25.99 Save 10% ($2.60)
    4.2 out of 5 stars for Bridge to Haven. View reviews of this product. 49 Reviews
4.2 Stars Out Of 5
4.2 out of 5
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Quality:
4.5 out Of 5
(4.5 out of 5)
Value:
4.2 out Of 5
(4.2 out of 5)
Meets Expectations:
4.1 out Of 5
(4.1 out of 5)
84%
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Displaying items 31-35 of 49
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  1. Athene
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    Good book, but not Francine Rivers best
    October 23, 2014
    Athene
    Quality: 4
    Value: 4
    Meets Expectations: 3
    I have loved almost all of Francine Rivers books, however this was probably one of the least compelling, and I did find the detail that went into some of the more intimate thoughts and scenes was a bit over the top.

    I did enjoy the book over all, and would reccomend it with reservations depending on the audience.
  2. bookwomanjoan
    Oak Harbor, WA
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: Female
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    Inspired by Ezekiel 16
    July 9, 2014
    bookwomanjoan
    Oak Harbor, WA
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: Female
    Quality: 4
    Value: 3
    Meets Expectations: 4
    The inspiration for this novel, Rivers says in a Note from the Author, is from Ezekiel 16. There God speaks of His chosen people as an unwanted newborn. He had cared for them and even chose them for his bride. All of this even though they rejected Him.

    The main character in the novel is Abra, a newborn baby abandoned under a bridge. Pastor Zeke, on his early morning walk, felt led to go to the bridge and discovered the child. He and his wife took her in and raised her until the wife died. Then Abra was gladly taken in by another family in Haven.

    When a teen, Abra fell to the temptation of a flashy playboy. That began a life of hurt and confusion leading all the way to Hollywood. Pastor Zeke and his son Joshua never stopped praying for her, seeking God's hand to move her to return to Haven.

    Rivers says that Abra is like so many of us, wounded, confused, chasing happiness where we will never find it. "My prayer," she writes, "is that the story of Zeke, Joshua, and Abra will draw you into a closer relationship with the God who sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for you so that you might live forever in Him." (462)

    I like the premise of the story. It is a prodigal daughter type of narrative. Even while Abra was away seeking something she never would be able to find, those who loved her back in Haven continued to storm heaven for her. The only thing that makes this less than a perfect novel is its length. I felt the story was repetitive and could have been shorter. This is a character driven novel and we do read through much of what the characters were thinking. That aspect of the novel could have been shorter too. I have to admit, I did skim some of the long contemplative passages. Readers who like to immerse themselves in the life of a character will like this novel.
  3. Jessica Bates
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    Long and complicated story but a good read.
    June 17, 2014
    Jessica Bates
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 4
    Meets Expectations: 4
    Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers has a very long and complicated story. It follows closely the lives of pastor Zeke, Joshua Freeman, and Abra Matthews in a small Northern California town. Their journeys in life and in faith are deep and complex. The characters were wonderful to read.

    The author doesn't shy away from difficult circumstances and showing how God uses anything and everything to draw his children closer to Him. There are wonderful scripture references and hymns throughout this book. I felt inspired by the characters' journeys in my own faith and relationship with The Lord. This is a long book, over 450 pages. The chapters are long. But it is a very good story. There are some situations in the book that may be a little unexpected as it is Christian Fiction. There are instances of premarital sex, lustfulness, and even abortion. The author doesn't go into any seedy details or explanations, but carefully generally describes what happens. It is a wonderful story of a sinner's journey to forgiveness and restoration in our Lord. I highly recommend reading it.
  4. slothgirl
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    Real life redemption story
    November 6, 2023
    slothgirl
    Quality: 4
    Value: 3
    Meets Expectations: 3
    This review was written for Bridge to Haven.
    I wasn't offended but I was a little surprised at the amount of detail about sexual sin although I wouldn't call it graphic. On the other hand, this is real life for many people who have to hit bottom before looking up. I would probably not pass this on to younger people, and even to my older friends I would let them know ahead of time about the content so they could decide for themselves. I thought it was a good story of one woman's fall into the world of sexual abuse albeit as a result of many poor decisions and woundedness which often results in us being "whiney" and blaming everyone but ourselves. I would recommend it in a limited fashion to well screened people because I think it is a good story of a fall from grace and redemption only available in Christ.
  5. Terri Gillespie
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    Beautiful. Brutal. Hopeful.
    February 6, 2022
    Terri Gillespie
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 4
    This review was written for Bridge to Haven.
    As a fan of Redeeming Love, I couldn't wait to dive into--or off of--Bridge to Haven: A Novel. Getting a reader lost in an inspiring story is not Ms. Rivers' primary or only goal--although the reader will. Her goal is to lead us, with her characters on a journey worthy of our time and emotions.

    The inciting incident for Bridge to Haven introduces us to Abra's nearly tragic beginning. Abandoned as a newborn, under the bridge to Haven, she is miraculously found by the local pastor, Zeke.

    Abra's life goes from desperate to one of love and acceptance until another heartbreak turns Abra's heart away from God and those who truly love her--the pastor, young and handsome Joshua, and a family who adopts her.

    But the wounds of rejection are too deep for Abra to see, and she is lured on a brutal search for what she believes is true love and value. A search that takes her to Hollywood and all its deceptive places, eager to steal her soul.

    Francine is an authentic and elegantly transparent writer. She's not afraid to depict the real struggles of those searching for truth and love from sources other than our heavenly Father and His Son. Which means, there will be scenes and events that are uncomfortable, and, not for young or nave readers.

    The ONLY reason I didn't give this book a 5-Star rating is because I couldn't recommend this book to that nave reader of any age. For those who have experienced the heartbreaking and disturbing results of wrong decisions, this book is real, and hopeful. It is also hopeful for those who left their own "Haven" and don't know how or if they can return.

    An interesting note--and I'm not sure if this was intentional--but Joshua is the actual English translation for Yeshua, what we know as Jesus.

    No doubt, Francine rivers is a storyteller who is unafraid to tackle the real and difficult challenges in this world. Thank you, Ms. Rivers. We need you and your honest, beautifully written stories.
Displaying items 31-35 of 49
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