A Bridge Unbroken

Miller's Creek #5

by Cathy Bryant

Letting go to build a bridge…

Dakota Kelly wants her painful past to disappear. A plan to start afresh is derailed when she co-inherits her late grandfather’s farm with Chance Johnson, the man responsible for the scars on her heart. But Chance isn’t the only ghost from the past. Someone else is out to get her and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Will Chance and Dakota lay aside their grudges to restore the old farmhouse and bridge, or will evil forces sabotage their attempt at forgiveness?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Romance, Suspense, Mystery, Christian Romance

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2014

About the author

Now that Cathy has moved her books to a faith-based writing ministry, all of her eBooks can be downloaded for free. if you would like to support her ministry -- whether financially, in prayer, or by sharing the books with others -- please visit this page for more info: https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

TEXAS ROADS (Book 1; Christian contemporary romance): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

A PATH LESS TRAVELED (Book 2; Christian contemporary romance): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

THE WAY OF GRACE (Book 3; Christian contemporary romantic suspense): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE (Book 4; Christian contemporary/historical love story): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

A BRIDGE UNBROKEN (Book 5; Christian contemporary romantic suspense): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

CROSSROADS (Book 6; Christian contemporary romance): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

STILL I WILL FOLLOW (Book 7; Christian contemporary romantic suspense): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

Other Fiction by Cathy Bryant -

PIECES ON EARTH (Contemporary Christian novella about finding God's peace in life's pieces): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

Reviews

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could sum this book up in two words: Forgiveness & Drama
But I should be a little more specific.

First of all, this is part of a series, but it can also be a stand alone. I read it without reading any other books in the Miller’s Creek series and didn’t really feel like I was missing much. The author did a great job of showing and explaining what true forgiveness is and what it is not. The message of forgiving as Christ forgave was part of the story and not just thrown in to make a book “Christian.” This is what bumped the story to 3 stars.

Dakota–I felt sympathy for her, yet couldn’t understand her at times. At the beginning of the book I had no idea she was even supposed to be a Christian because of her temper and anger. (Why do the Irish always get blamed for temper?) It took me by surprise when she prayed, or pointed out the right things about forgiveness because she sounded like such a strong Christian, but her actions from only a short time before did not fit with that image. Dakota was a writer/author, so that was fun even if it was only in the story a little bit. She seemed to be an incredible woman who could almost single-handedly remodel an old farmhouse with gutting (down to the studs, installing new fixtures, sheet-rock, painting, trim, countertops, etc. etc. and all in a couple months?! Add to that knowing and buying all the things she needed, writing, training a dog, and surviving on not much sleep. That seemed a little far fetched to me.

Chance–This guy may have been a Christian at the beginning, but he didn’t act like it either. He was rude, angry, unforgiving, and just plain mean. He did get better, and I ended up liking him, even though I really wanted to shake him, or tell him a thing or two at times!

I kept expecting the drama to start, but it was quite late in the book before it came. And then it had me scratching my head. Bad Guy #1 somehow manages to get a trained German Shepherd dog away from Dakota without her knowing and without the dog making any sound whatsoever, or being attacked by said dog. Huh? After that drama was over, things seemed to be settling down a bit, and then BAM! More Drama! Bad Guy #2 that you don’t really expect, shows up. He’s creepy, horrible, and downright cruel. He takes Dakota to a secret underground–fortress-like place–one that has cameras, trip wires for anyone approaching, guns and I don’t know what else. It has several rooms, a secret backdoor, computers, bathroom, etc. Somehow he’d been able to build this entire thing in a few months while working a full time job, and without anyone knowing anything about it! Oh, and did I mention that the FBI were on the lookout for him and had somehow missed his building this? (Nor did they notice some other things.) This all left me scratching my head and going, “huh?” It felt like it was just added for thrills.

Overall if there hadn’t been so much drama I probably would have liked it better. Sometimes drama can be over the top and this story sure felt that way. I really liked the forgiveness part of the book (even though it felt as though the author was throwing every possible circumstance in the characters’ backgrounds to prevent forgiveness).
There was some kissing, talk of abuse by an ex-boyfriend, and some really bad bad guys.

While I have read another book by this author and really liked it, this one wasn’t a win for me.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Overview

This is the 5th book in the Miller's Creek Series which each stand alone, yet include some of the same well-loved characters each time. As usual, Cathy writes a beautiful love story that is woven together with the Gospel making this a refreshing and relaxing read.

The Readability

A Bridge Unbroken will capture your attention and be hard to put down with it's intrigue and tenderness. While it's a fairly thick book at 36 chapters, most readers will be able to finish this book in 5 or 6 hours.

The Highlights

Once again, the highlight for me is a story that glorifies God rather than just feeding my desire to be entertained. Reading this book is relaxing, encouraging, and clean. The plot is true to life and is realistic in every way, but in a way that honors Christ and builds up the reader.

The Downside

Hmmmm.....does the fact that the story ends count?! Otherwise, none!

The Recommendation

Read it! If you've already read the first 4 books, you will enjoy yet another set in the small town of Miller's Creek. And if you have not...well, what are you waiting for?! Enjoy!

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Miller Creek Series. I have enjoyed each one for several reasons. Overall the message that she carries throughout reaches out and touches you where you are. This book carries a theme of Forgiveness. The romances her books have are not the mushy gushy type that I can’t stand. There is always suspense that holds my attention throughout the entire book. The message of forgiveness is strong and reaches out to remind us that forgiveness is necessary, but not easy. You must forgive if you are to move forward in life. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you forget or you get over the pain the minute you forgive. God has definitely given Cathy the ability to write books that reach out and touch your soul. Sometimes it is books just like this that are what God uses to speak to or create a healing in someone. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romances with suspense that speaks to you.

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a pleasure to read! Apparently I'd read two others in this series that I didn't care for all that much. Not remembering them at all, I started this book with a fresh outlook. Glad I did, but I'm not sure it would have mattered. This was pleasant.

A Bridge Unbroken by Cathy Bryant
Timeframe: Current day
Location: Miller's Creek, Texas

Dakota was on the run, and had been for some time. A man she had been with for a while turned psycho on her. Controlling her, beating her, and if she tried to get away from him, he'd catch her and threaten her life and the lives of her family.

Somehow she got away, and had been on the run for about 4 years. She was in an apartment, always with a bag packed ready to bolt if she was found. Well, she was found, and as someone was banging on her door, she grabbed her pack and headed out the fire escape. Barely making it to her truck with him right on her heels, she realizes soon that he's again on her tail, in his car. She manages to get in between him and a train, and is able to escape.

This starts her trip to her grandfather's farm, where she thinks she might be safe. The reason she left Miller's Creek years ago was because of Chase Johnson, the boy she loved, but had hurt her. She's never been back since. What she didn't know was her grandfather left the farm to Chase's grandfather, J.C. Now, back in Miller's Creek, J.C. is dying and the codicil to his will, written in the hospital, is that the farm would be left to both Chase and Dakota, with money enough to fix it up.

They hate the idea of having to work together. Even though they both think the other wronged them years ago, and they believe they've forgiven each other, they still don't trust, nor want to have anything to do with the other. Chase can tell something's not right with Dakota... for one, she used to have blonde hair, and her name was changed. She used to be Amy and she's different...not as fun loving, not wanting to be the center of attention nor full of life anymore.

As they reluctantly work on the farm tempers flair at times, at other times there's a strong attraction neither wants to acknowledge. And for Dakota, it's imperative she not show her feelings, or succumb to his growing attraction for her. She's running for her life and cannot trust, nor get involved with anyone in the event she's found and needs to escape again. Plus there are things about her past she just cannot tell Chase... so she keeps her distance emotionally. But little things disrupt their growing ease with each other, indications that someone is watching her. Cigarette butts, tracks, and other odd things put her on an alert, and make for a suspenseful, yet heartwarming rest of the story.

From the beginning Jesus is honored. Even when tempers flair, there's always an apology. Forgiveness is the theme. I love the Bible study class lead by a counselor on forgiveness. It has an amazing lesson, and is a theme brought up a lot because we all need that lesson, and we all need to know the impact Christ's forgiveness had in our lives.

Okay, so I have to admit to crying at the end. It was a beautiful illustration using the bridge on the farm that Dakota and Chase worked hard to rebuild. More than that I can't say.
Good book. One I'd recommend. Of the three Miller's Creek books I've read, this one is the best.

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

.
Sticking with the pattern of this series, this book includes another woman suffering from abuse. The fear and stress was all consuming.

There were too many negative plights for one story.

Thankfully, Chance was supportive toward Dakota most of the time. Each of them had many issues to work out, mainly from the past. Only with faith and determination can they work through them. There was no definitive HEA, but I'm taking what was given to reflect there will be.

Too many grammatical errors to count. Lands sake, Chance was even referred to as 'Chase'.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ended up being a very enjoyable story. I do have to admit for 60% of the book I wanted to kick Chance in the head! But beyond that his arrogance and self-righteous attitude I did learn to love him.

A great story on the importance of forgiveness.

[Kim Hampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story about forgiveness. If you enjoy Christian romance, you should definitely check out this author.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5

What I want to know is how to hear the songs in these books! I've heard the first one and love it! If you are someone with a bad or scary past, and maybe you're struggling to forgive someone, this book is for you.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story of forgiveness and how hard it truly is to forgive what we perceive as unforgivable. I think we can all relate to this in our lives as we have all had someone do something that hurts us to the core and we feel they don't deserve our forgiveness.

Dakota is running from a man who is out to hurt her. She lives with her backpack ready to go at all times and an escape route planned out, just in case. Finally, she realizes that she needs to return home to Miller Creek to try and escape this vicious man. She lives daily with a guilt over things she has done, but her belief in Jesus helps her to get through day by day.

Chance is a man who is running from his own demons - not physically, as he has stayed in Miller's Creek - but mentally and emotionally. He lives with the daily reminder of scars that propel him to try and make up for the tragedy in his life. He puts most of the blame for this tragedy on one person, though - Dakota.

Through circumstances set up by Chance's grandfather, Dakota and Chance are forced to work together on a farm house and farm or lose it all together. As they work on the house, they try to work through all the baggage that each holds against each other.

Then there's still the evil man that is stalking Dakota. She is afraid to share everything with anyone so lives with this constant fear until forced to share it. She doesn't realize she has more to fear than she realizes.

The thing I love about this book is the wise wisdom from Matt, Gracie and Mama Beth. Their caring counsel touched my heart and also helped me to see that Christ forgave me when I was still a sinner - can we do no less for others? I also loved all the twists and turns of this story which made it a definite "stay up way too late to read" kind of book!

I think you'll love this book, too!

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by the author.

[Tima · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dakota has the habit of running from her problems. Occasionally she has a legitimate excuse. But usually she just can't handle the confrontation and chooses to leave rather than work things out. But she arrives in Miller's Creek to settle down on her late grandfather's farm and try to stop running. But mending fences and building bridges when her past mistakes are brought to light is more difficult than she thought.

Since I haven't read any of the other Miller Creek Novels, I'm not sure if this is a series or just several books written about the occupants of one town. There were a couple of times that I felt a little confused and wondered if reading the other books would have cleared up the confusion. But for the most part, the book felt like a stand-alone. I would consider the story to be romantic suspense. But there was also some drama thrown in. The author weaves the message of forgiveness throughout the story and it plays a very prominent part. I felt like she did a great job of covering all of the different aspects of forgiveness from the Bible and Christian perspective. The two main characters were romantically involved, but the story didn't seem to focus on their romance as much as them working through issues. It was good enough that I'll be checking out the other books by this author.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

[Freda Mans-Labianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already love all the other Miller's Creek novels, but this one gets my favorite vote, hands down! It was like the others in the series and yet, completely different too. The others seemed to be more romance-focused, but this book was that and also much more suspenseful than the previous ones. At times, it felt like I was reading a thriller, though not once did the author swear or use profane terms to get the point across. It didn't even get gory or graphic, but the point was taken. Cathy stayed true to her Christian side throughout the book. I really feel like this book taught me all about forgiveness and why getting retribution or revenge is not the answer.It was a lesson I knew already, but the author creatively makes you question your ideals on forgiveness and if in those times you have really forgiven someone. It's so easy to say you have, but when you look in retrospect you may see you really didn't forgive at all but just pushed it all down. Pushing that resentment and hurt down doesn't help anyone, and this story is a perfect example of that.
Love this series and I definitely recommend reading it!

[Britney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bridge Unbroken is Book 5 in Cathy Bryant’s Miller’s Creek novels. While fans of the series are sure to welcome the newest addition, A Bridge Unbroken can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed the community of Miller’s Creek and its residents. Dakota Kelly and Chance Johnson are strong characters, left vulnerable by the physical and emotional scars of their pasts. Their journey, full of suspense and romance, is one of faith and forgiveness. I loved the unexpected plot twists, as well as the beautiful spiritual messages!

One of my favorite quotes from the novel:

“I think we naturally shy away from difficulties, but God uses them to grow us closer to Him and help us depend on Him.”

A Bridge Unbroken is a touching, engaging story and one that I highly recommend to fans of inspirational romantic suspense!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the best-written so far in this series. The typos are still killing me, but there were fewer than in the first three. The suspense of this book kept me up reading until I finished the book at 2 a.m.! I guess the story had too many different tragedies all happening to one person, but I still liked it. It showed the possibility of extreme consequences of sin, but also the theme of forgiveness. Dakota ran away from her mother's boyfriends who molested her. She ran away from her own boyfriend who had gotten her pregnant and then seemed to leave her (although he really hadn't -- if she had talked to him, she would've found out that he loved her). She ran away from the abusive man who tried to own her. She ran away from the possibility of being found by that man again. When she stopped running and faced up to the consequences of her decisions, her life finally worked out to be beautiful.

[Imjustme · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm know I'm alone in this and will probably get a lot of flack but, oh well. This book was just absolutely too sweet for me. It was as if the writers for HallMark, CareBears and Liftetime (for the touch of thrill) came together to write this book.


This was Dakota's and Chance's relationship


I actually liked the storyline which was the reason I got it in the first place but, I just couldn't finish it. On top of that it was too predicable. I wasn't even halfway through when I figured out how it would end.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!!! The author combines mystery, suspense, romance
Intertwined with Christian values. The book is fast moving drawing
the read right into the story.
The Miller Creek characters are very real and could be your next
store neighbors. Even the malicious characters portrayed seemed
authentic. The setting was a place you would love to visit especially
to see and walk across the bridge. Stunning surprises enhance the
twists in the plot.
The story touches your soul with the truth about real forgiveness.
Will the characters be able to trust, forgive and forget the hurts
caused by their action?? Read to see what develops.
I understand that this is the five book in the Miller Creek series
but it can be read as a stand alone.

[Laurel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Involves mental & physical abuse

I don't care if this book had a happy ending when it put me through mental Hell when I was reading it. I totally get this book was supposed to be about forgiveness. However, it seemed to me that this author glorified, the pain & suffering. As well as the evil surrounding all the people in this town. I wish I had skipped this. I know I will get nightmares from this book.

I also wonder how someone could have a baby, supposedly give her up for adoption. Never revealing any information, yet is forgiven by the baby's father. I don't think so.

[Malin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very sweet book, almost too sweet at times. Not quite what I am used to read but I still liked it. There are no profanity's and no horrible details. Although it is as said in the beginning very sweet there is also mystery and drama. Will the person who is after Dakota find her, and if he does what will happen?

[Weiping Yin · Rating 2 out of 5]

difficult rating for this book

The story is about the life of rural town. The town is small and in the middle of nowhere in big Texas. It has modern touches, mobile phone, internet, online banking, etc. The characters are 20 or 19 centuries. Some readers may feel offended due to it’s religion belief.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing like starting from the middle of a series :) Contemporary Christian romance set in Texas with all the usual stereotypes for a small Texas town. I liked it well enough, though, that I'll try reading the first book in the series.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasant and easy read. There were a few parts that lulled, but nothing that would deter me from putting it down. Great job, Cathy!

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This book drew me end from the beginning and made it impossible for me to put down. It's about a young woman named Dakota who had experienced so much bad in her young life. She decided to come to her hometown to hide from an abusive ex-boyfriend and fix up her grandfather's home. The first day, she saw someone she had loved as a child. His name is Chance. They both had so much emotional baggage from their childhood relationship. As they inherited the house from his grandfather 50 50. They had to th remodel a lot of the house. That way, they could sell it. They met so often, which caused them to work through the baggage leftover from their childhood relationship. They also had to deal with her abusive old ex-boyfriend along w Dakota having a habit of running away when things were hard. However, this author taught me about the Bible, the church, and Christian living with Sunday school and bible verses. This book has a wonderful ending. Anyone who wants the encouragement of a relationship w God will love thos book.

[Madeleine Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fine Christian Romance

I have read most of the books in this series, and keep coming back to Cathy Bryant when I want a wholesome and entertaining read, and a bonus if it's about Texas. I also like reading books that have characters I can care about, without being too perfect to believe it too horrible to put up with. And finally, as a Christian reader, I want Christian fiction that isn't too sappy or too preachy, and I want a good story that isn't too predictable. This novel threw a couple of curve balls into the narrative I did not see coming, although the hints were there. I have the next book in my library, and hope to find an answer to one of the questions I still had at the end further along in the series, but in spite of this, the novel ended, satisfying all my criteria, as it should have, happily.

[Lynelle Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bridge Unbroken is a touching story that captures the heart. The character's feelings and struggles are a realistic reflection of people that struggle with their fears and daily living, showing us, it is only through listening that the result can be obtained. God is not satisfied with half-truths or mediocre living. He expects total commitment and understanding of His will to enjoy the benefits of faith.

The author once again delivers a heartfelt story that really impacts the heart of the reader.
Walking in faith is still a hard path for anyone who truly puts their trust in an unfailing God.

This is by far the best series in Christian fiction that I came across that truly delivers and draws me in.

[Billie Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this book on my Kindle a while. When I organized some of my books, I realized that I had almost a whole series. I love to read a series all together like one huge novel. The Miller's Creek Series is great. There is suspense and romance in this book; many of the characters live out their Christian commitment. You should start at the beginning with Texas Roads. Even though the books are stand alone stories, it helps to have the continuity of what is going on in the community. I highly recommend this series!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christiam Romantic Suspence Drama

The main theme of this story is forgiveness. Dakota has a habit of running away from her problem. Chance and Dakota have a lot issues they need to work through.

I was a little confused by the suspense but it all became clear at the end of the story. I did feel that everything was resolved a little too quickly and conveniently.

There were some grammatical errors. Chance was actually written as Chase so much that I think the author really wanted to his name to be Chase.

[Frances Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christian fiction

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The topic of forgiveness is one that is often discussed but not easily put into practice. God's justice and mercy met at the cross of Jesus! When we have received His forgiveness by His grace, we should be able to forgive people who hurt us.
I pray that readers who feel that the book is too preachy will come to see that God's love is real and really for them as well as others, and His grace is greater than all our sin.

[Karen Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgive or Run Away

Dakota and Chance -- will they learn what forgiveness is or not? Our past creates many issues in our lives -- how do we deal with them? Can Christ really forgive me? Can I forgive myself? How do I protect myself and the ones I love? All these issues and more are well written into this book. True to life. LOVED THE BOOK! Highly recommend for anyone to read! Thank you Cathy for writing this!

[Paula Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt & True

If have to say that this is one of my favorite books. I couldn't wait to read what happened next, so it was hard to put down. Finally a book with no cussing, just pure words & scriptures to touch the heart. I would recommend this book to anyone with a heart. Read it with tissues near by. Totally loved it💖

[Brenda C. McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!!!

This is a wonderful book. It's a beautiful picture of Jesus rebuilding the bridge between sinful man and God after Adam and Eve sinned. But Jesus took it upon Himself to sacrifice Himself as sin to reconcile man with God. Dakota and Chance were reconciled to each other by allowing Jesus to help them forgive each other and were able to find real love.

[christine faircloth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the characters and the evidence of faith, courage and love that all Christians and faiths should demonstrate to one another.

Very easy to read and lovely characters. Great scripture references and encouragement for any reader. Truly enjoyed the descriptive settings and gentleness of the story.