Just in time for the holidays, Shipman brings readers a new novel about family, dreams, moral crossroads, and second chances. Shipman has a knack for bringing the small towns of Michigan to life through the pages of his books, immersing me in their traditions, challenges, warmth, and clear-eyed scrutiny. Nobody, but nobody, can open your eyes to your own flaws - or make you feel like a guilty grade-schooler - better than someone who watched you grow up in your small hometown. Something our corporate hot-shot on the verge of losing her job learns when she unexpectedly comes home for Christmas, with less than honorable intentions.

With a deft hand, and echoes of Ebeneezer Scrooge, Shipman guides Henri on a journey of self-discovery that will determine the trajectory of the rest of her life...as well as the relationship between her and her family. It's not an easy journey. She walks a tight line between villainy and redemption and even though I was rooting for her to do the right thing, I admit there were times when I didn't like her much. But, each time I found myself feeling that way, the author would give us another glimpse of the conflict in her mind, the love in her heart, and the goodness in her soul, and I found myself pulling for her again. She's flawed. She's human. Aren't we all?

Surrounding Henri is a hug-worthy cast of characters who brought the town of Frankenmuth to life and the spirit of Christmas to my heart. I want to be friends with all of them. Okay, not Henri's boss or her backstabbing colleague, but the rest of them. I want to grab a pint with them at Prost, share dinner at Z's Chicken Haus, tell Santa my Christmas wishes at Wegner's Winter Wonderland (you really are never too old to believe), and join the town for a quiet rendition of Silent Night under a snow-laced covered bridge while celebrating a second chance for two people who never stopped loving one another.

These characters made me laugh, they brought me to tears more than once, they reminded me of the importance of connection, of dreams, of family, and of love. And, they filled my heart with the joy and spirit of the season.

4.5 stars
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review.

The Wishing Bridge is set in the very real town of Frankenmuth, Michigan and it carries the very essence of what Christmas is all about.

At its centre we have Henrietta or Henri for short. As a child she was filled with the spirit of joy that is Christmas. Yet as she grew older she spread her wings and took off into the big world leaving it all behind her, and left behind Shep her long time boyfriend.

Now in her early fifties she returns to Frankenmuth with much deviousness in her heart. She wants her parents to sell to someone who has no real Christmas spirit. Yet she doesn't reveal the real reason she has returned. I felt utterly frustrated with her as she haltingly makes her way through family memories and Christmas love and kindness.

Fortunately  events  lead Henri the embodiment of the Christmas Grinch, to something better and life giving as she examines her heart and finds her real self.

A really lovely Christmas story.

I hate to admit it, but this is the first book I’ve ever read by this author. My Hallmark Christmas movie-loving heart was left so fulfilled by this magical tale that it won’t be the last. It’s a poignant journey home for the protagonist, who is at a significant crossroads in her life. As Christmas approaches, she has a lot of reflecting to do and some huge decisions to make. Readers are left with a magical story about faith, family, and redemption as she reconnects with family, friends, and an old flame. Whoever said you can never go home again obviously never read a story like this.

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Christmas books are some of my favorite types to read during the holidays because they just make you feel good. I sometimes say they remind me of Hallmark movies, which is a complete compliment. When I saw Viola Shipman’s book The Wishing Bridge, I knew I had to read it. Not only because it was a Christmas story, but because it was based in Michigan, where I was raised.

The story takes place in Frankenmuth, a beautiful town in Michigan that is huge at Christmastime. It’s architecture and shops bring droves of people in, just like it says in the story. Henri is the daughter of the owners of the biggest Christmas store and she ran away from that life after college. I loved the story because it gave a bit of suspense as we waited to see what she was going to do. It really raised the feelings from a simple happy Christmas story to a really emotional book. I felt her anxiety and all the moments that she felt torn on what to do.

I felt her best friend Sofie was a fun addition to the story. She really gave a voice of reason to Henri and her quick wit and sarcasm were refreshing in all the seriousness. I also really liked her family and those working at the Christmas store. I would love to go to this store with these people. All of this really built the vision for this book and helped the story along.

A perfectly told Christmas story with all the magic and miracles you want from a story like this. I loved it and I cannot wait to read more from Shipman.

With the storytelling perfection, we have been used to by Viola Shipman, comes another extraordinarily, magical Christmas story, The Wishing Bridge, which is about yes, a bridge you walk on, but also about those life bridges we have to cross, those decisions we have to make and sometimes regret and those relationships of past loves, which including family we try to mend. It’s about how some dreams realized in life, perhaps fulfilled, may not be one’s true calling. But how do we know?

Henri, (short for Henrietta) Wegner knows she’s about to lose her job, a job she has cultivated and grown for years. She’s put her whole heart and soul into finding small businesses and making them sell to larger corporations. And she has been great at it. But not this year. So, when her boss begins his speech informing her of his decision, she blurts out that if he gives her until after Christmas, she would be able to give him her family’s business back in Michigan on a silver platter.

Henri’s family owns Frankenmuth, a famous year-round Christmas store which puts out a one-of-a-kind holiday catalogue every child dreams about. Based in Michigan, it was her father’s dream years ago and he was able to see it through and watch it grow. So of course, her greedy boss agrees and gives her only days to close the deal.

But you see, Henri has not been back to her small town in Michigan for years. Perhaps too many memories or perhaps too many ghosts. So, when she surprises her family and friends with a visit just before Christmas, they are excited, yet concerned, her brother suspicious. Why is she here? Henri guiltily begins her examination of the family business and working at the store to get a feel on how things are going. And she finds they are not going well. Her dad seems to be stuck in a time warp and does not want to move into the new century. She sees the waste of money and how tired and stressed her parents seem. She knows she could convince them to sell, but now she questions if she really wants that.

On top of all this guilt, she must face the love of her life whose marriage proposal she turned down all those years ago because she wanted to make a name for herself in business. She also knows if she is able to persuade her parents to sell, so many people will be devastated. Those who have come to rely on this magical store for generations. And as she relives some of her most favorite past memories of the importance of the store and the holiday season in her life, she begins to change in so many ways.

But with time running out and her boss growing angrier for not getting what he wants, she must make a life-changing choice. What is more important. The career she has nurtured all of her adult life, or the family and friends she ran away from. Can you ever really come home?

The Wishing Bridge is a beautiful story with delicate plot twists. It’s that life-balance we all feel at one time or another; am I on the right path, have I done what I need to do, who am I doing this for? It’s about emotional reunions, difficult choices, and touching memories of family both present and past, and finding the forgiveness inside yourself to truly open your heart and love.

Thank you #NetGalley #GraydonHouse #TheWishingBridge #ViolaShipman for the advanced copy and the honor of being included in the blog tour.

A Hallmark movie in the making!

Meet Henri, a 52 year old woman who is at a crossroad in her job. She returns after years to her small town home for Christmas to help her parents, but really has an ulterior motive. As anyone that’s been raised in a small town, you know it’s like living in a fish bowl. She runs into old friends, teachers and, of course, an old love. Her parents are getting older and run a successful Christmas store so she is there under the premise of modernizing the business. Why do we run away? At 17, we dream of bigger and better than our small town offers. Can you go home again? Of course we can, just as we’ve change, so has everyone else. Small town roots and ideals run deep.

Viola Shipman once again writes a beautiful story filled with love, family, friends, a quandary of what to do and a satisfying ending. Perfect read to give as a gift or for yourself to put you in the Christmas spirit! An enjoyable cast of characters. Fast read. Shipman writes so lovingly and graphically of the beautiful town of Frankenmuth, MI that you might want to put it on your bucket List.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

Viola Shipman hits it out of the park with this warm fuzzy Christmas book. It details how much we will do to save the life we think we want versus living the life we really should live. It's all tied into Christmas and follows childhood love trope in a perfect way.

I enjoy Shipman's books because even though they are "chick lit" books, there is a depth and relatability to them. The Christmas themes (with the winter books) always feel real and put me in the holiday spirit.

I highly suggest reading this book!

This holiday read focuses on the importance of family, with a little bit of romance on the side.

Henri hasn’t been home for Christmas in years, which is shocking due to the fact that her parents run the biggest Christmas store around. This year, she comes home to attempt to convince them to sell their company to the firm she works for in order to save her job. Friends, exes, siblings, and family all play a part in the decisions Henri makes during this holiday season,

Henri is in her 50s and still trying to figure out who she is and what she wants from her life. There were plenty of times in this book that I just wanted to shake some sense into her, as she lied and covered up her reasons for being home. Her father’s love for Christmas and the joy he brings to so many people made it very hard to be on Henri’s side throughout most of the story.

There are flashbacks to Henri’s childhood throughout, and those plus the descriptions of the Christmas store put me in such a nostalgic mood. Henri circles the toys she wants in the Sears wish book, dances in a May Day festival, and falls in love as a young girl as we watch. The flashbacks also told the story of her family, from her father’s yearning to own a Christmas store to baking with her grandmother years before she passed away.

The romance is truly a side note here, with most of the focus on Henri and her big decision. I didn’t feel a strong connection between the two characters, but perhaps it was just written as a more mature form of love with less sparks and more memory and happiness.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

As a Michigander, I have a special place in my heart for Viola Shipman books that are set in locales based on Michigan towns, and The Wishing Bridge will be a holiday favorite for years to come. Set in Frankenmuth, Michigan, and inspired by the world famous Bronner's year-round Christmas store The Wishing Bridge tells the very Hallmark movie-like story of Henrietta Wegner, who left town after college for a career in the big city. She returns to Frankenmuth at Christmastime, but with an ulterior motive--to influence her father to sell the family business. Times are hard, the business needs to be brought up-to-date, and Henri's first love is now divorced and never really got over her. What more do you need in a holiday heartwarmer?

I have not visited Frankenmuth for about 20 years, and this novel made me very nostalgic for the small town where it's Christmas 365 days a year. The small and large businesses are inspired by actual places, and the glockenspiel, which plays a minor role in the story, is something I long to witness again. I think we will be planning a road trip soon!

The story itself is typical of many holiday novels, and is fairly predictable, though well-done. It would make a great Hallmark channel holiday movie, with Rob Lowe playing Henri's former boyfriend, of course (IYKYK). I also loved the bonus novella, Christmas Angels, it was a sweet addition to this lovely book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital ARC of The Wishing Bridge. The opinions in this review are my own.

"Life is as short as one blink of God's eye, but we too often forget what matters most in that blink." - Viola Shipman

Henri, short for Henietta, is a woman driven by her need to be successful in her job. As a child, her photograph was on the cover of the annual Christmas catalogue, and her parents own a Christmas shop that draws people from all over, especially as the holidays approach. Christmas means everything to their family, but Henri is so determined to be successful, to achieve her dreams. Somewhere, in her ambitious ideals, she has forgotten that home and family are also important. When her boss is looking for another company to gobble up and turn into something else, she tells her boss that she can convince her parents that it’s time to sell their shop, and she heads home to begin to do just that. Once there, the memories of her life there before begin to flood her. Memories of her once-upon-a-time boyfriend, and how she left town looking for another life outside of this life she’d been living, to live in the city. But even there, it is like the Hotel California, you can check out any time you want, but you can never really leave, because the memories remain and will haunt you.

This is a story of ambition, family, returning home, of temptation and regrets, and a burning desire for success. A story of a once-upon-a-time love, and finding what she thought she always wanted until she realized that what she wanted wasn’t really that, at all - but, like Dororthy, she just had to learn it, herself.


Pub Date: 07 Nov 2023

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House

The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman is a heartwarming Christmas story. I always look forward to reading Viola’s books as they are always consistently enjoyable. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the small town and its famous Christmas store. The main character Henri (Henrietta) is faced with big life changing decisions that affect her career and her family. If you love Hallmark like movie’s definitely pick up this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I love books by Viola Shipman. This book did not disappoint. It's about a family that owns Wegner's Winter Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan. They are the ultimate Christmas store that is open year round. They have been in business for many years and much loved by their community. The daughter, Henri, leaves after graduation to explore and work in the big city. Her brother Finn, mom, Debbie and dad, Jakob continue to run the business. Year after year, Henri doesn't have time to come home for visits much to her family's dismay. The company Henri works for wants to buy Henri's family's business. Henri goes home for a visit with the goal of finding out where the business stands financially but her family thinks she is finally home for a long overdue Christmas visit. They are delighted to see her. Henri has a lot of guilt for the real reason she is home. Her job depends on convincing her parents to sell their business. There are many things that unfold while Henri is there. She reconnects with her high school boyfriend, Shep, her friends and her foes. This book is about family, forgiveness, friendships, second chances. Read this wonderful book to see how things are resolved. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Henrietta has come home for Christmas. She has not been in quite a while so this raises red flags with her brother. Henrietta’s family owns one of the biggest Christmas store in the country. So, why did Henrietta suddenly decide to come home after years away? Her boss issued her an ultimatum…that’s why! Will Henrietta risk her family’s livelihood for her corporate job?

There were several times in this tale that I wanted to pinch Henrietta. But, as the story moves along, Henrietta becomes aware of the love of her family. And her purpose changes course. This is the best part of the novel. She really grows and realizes work and career are important but NOT above family! Something a lot of people need to realize.

This story is so rich with imagery and fabulous characters! I felt like I was right in the middle of a great Christmas store!

Need a beautiful story about the love of family to start your holiday season…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Another 5 ⭐ book by Wade Rouse (Viola Shipman) he has done it again. I enjoyed all of the well written characters. Henri or Henrietta Wegner of Frankenmuth, Michigan has a big decision to make. She is back home for Christmas 🎄, and she needs to come to terms with what she wants her future to be.

I loved all the 80's references, it's my favorite decade, and I also used the perfume Love's Baby Soft. What beautiful memories, and a lovely holiday read. I highly recommend. Enjoy ❤️.

The beautiful short story "Christmas Angels" was such a lovely bonus, which I also just loved ❣️.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read the Advance Reader Copy on ebook for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Thanks Wade Rouse for a beautiful story.

#Netgalley
#TheWhishingBridge
#Viola Sheepman
#HarlequinTradePublishing
#GraydonHouse

Henrietta (Henri) left Frankenmuth, Michigan as soon as she graduated. She wanted more than working in her parents Christmas store. It was one of the biggest in the states but she didn’t want to follow in her parent’s footsteps. She hadn’t been home for years but suddenly she shows up but for what reason? Her unscrupulous boss wanted her to get her parents to sell their store!

I was so upset with Henri for even thinking she would manipulate her parents but just stick with the story! This was a perfect story to put you in the mood for the holidays and very descriptive of the town!

I received this ARC from Netgalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was such a sweet book and a perfect light read for the holiday season. For anyone that loves Christmas this will definitely get you into the holiday spirit! I’m now ready to put up my tree and begin decorating BUT first…a trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan! It sounds absolutely magical and the setting for this story was everything. Frankenmuth was already on my radar before reading The Wishing Bridge but now it’s a must visit! This is a book that’s packed with all the necessary ingredients of a heartwarming Hallmark movie. It’s a story of family, the choices that we make, the memories that shape us, and the second chances that find us when we aren’t really looking. Be sure to add this to your holiday TBR!

Bestselling author Wade Rouse, writing as Viola Shipman in honor of his beloved grandmother, returns with his highly anticipated holiday novel, The Wishing Bridge, set in the quaint Bavarian Village of Frankenmuth, Michigan.

The author vividly describes the charming town, the scenery and characters. The story is inspired by Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the largest Christmas store. I have never been to Frankenmuth, Michigan but was easily transported to this magical town through the author’s vivid writing.

I am obsessed with Christmas books and this is a must read holiday story.

The Wishing Bridge is the most heartwarming and nostalgic Christmas story I have read bringing back memories, traditions and nostalgia of Christmases past.

If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. I couldn’t have loved it more.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advance copy .

Reviews will be posted to Goodreads, BookBub and Pinterest 11/6/23 and to Amazon and Barnes and Noble on 11/7/23.

This was such a good book. Just perfect for Christmas!
Once again we’re transported to another magical place in Michigan. It makes me even more want to go and visit. Definitely add to your holiday reading

*minor spoilers* This is the first Viola Shipman book I have read. As a Michigander, I can't help but be drawn to stories set in towns I know well enough. All the places mentioned were described so well and it was easy to envision it in my mind, too. I loved almost everything about this story. The main character's redemption arc is only successful because of the unconditional love her family shows her. Wanting to make a name for yourself away from a family business is certainly understandable. However, her immediate fact-finding and transmission of that information to a complete sleazeball, who definitely doesn't have her or her family's interests at heart, was difficult to buy. The feeling of complete disloyalty was immense.
Yet, it was a good story and I look forward to picking up another one soon.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The Wishing Bridge
Author: Viola Shipman
Source: NetGalley
Publishing Date: Nov. 7, 2023

Henrietta (Henri) Wegner is a mergers and acquisitions executive, which means she raids struggling companies, dismantles them, and sells off the pieces for profit. She wins financially by someone else’s losses. In this Christmas story, Henri is tasked by her vulgar boss to convince her parents to sell their beloved and famous Christmas store or lose her job. She is in her early 50s, obsessed with work, and single since she left the small Christmas-themed town in Michigan. You would think Henri would NOT agree to this, but although she loves her parents, she has distanced herself from them, her hometown, and people. Never married and career-obsessed, she is hitting her stride without anyone to share her life with loving support. She returns to Michigan, is harrassed by her hateful boss, and secretly tries to steal the family secrets to help take over their generational Christmas-themed store. This was my one BIG problem with this story. I can’t imagine ever doing something so underhanded to anyone, especially involving FAMILY. It is such a low move. Someone once told me never to work with mean people, and I don’t think Henri got that message. You will like the wrap-up, and it was an interesting story set firmly in the holiday season. Thank God for Henri’s loving parents, who are overflowing with the Christmas spirit. #corporateraider #mean #Christmas #Angels #cookies #Germantheme #loss #love #future #hope #TheWishingBridge @viola_shipman #Michigan #oldLoves @harlequinbooks @graydonhousebooks #Fiction #romance #chicklit #holiday
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I received a complimentary copy of this ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to Harlequin Books, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel. Pub. Date: November 7, 2023.
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