Book Review: The Alchemy of Bridges

Reviewed by Toni Woodruff | Content warnings: suicidal ideation, assault, death of a loved one

A moving love story with a big, caring heart

“The country would definitely be better off with more bridges, the physical kind and the ones between people.”

Ronan is drawn to the Brooklyn Bridge. After the loss of his wife, he hasn’t felt anything other than despair. But one day when he sees it as the way out of his pain, something changes in him. Or to him. Something, later, he will have no memory of. 

His sister Michelle is drawn there too, just this once, but for a different reason. She knows what Ronan is thinking about doing and where he would likely want to do it. Did something, or someone, guide her to this decision, or is she just smart and putting things together? 

But when she gets there, he seems in good spirits. Maybe great ones. Something happened to him, he admits, but he doesn’t know what. What he does know is that he needs help. And lucky for all of us, Michelle is right there for him. 

8 years later, Ronan meets Emily Walton, a woman he’s being magnetically pulled by. Is this love at first sight, or has he actually met this woman before? And what’s weirdest, she feels like she’s met him before, too—and even has that exact same penchant for visiting the Brooklyn Bridge! What follows is a classy, feel-good romance about deep love.

Emily is the third point of view character in this novel. She has made her fair share of mistakes—ones she’s nervous to tell Ronan about—but the truth is going to come out soon. Somebody’s publishing a book about it: a compendium of her mistakes after taking over her father’s big business. The book seems to want to rile up the misogynistic masses who believe that women, especially young ones, shouldn’t have positions of power. And she’s the example.

The Alchemy of Bridges is a touching novel about changing your life one day at a time. Emily goes from a ruthless boss, willing to let go of countless employees, to the most selfless person you’ll ever meet. While Ronan’s growth is primarily personal, he too learns how important it is to build bridges and help people cross them. 

Emily and Ronan’s love story will capture the hearts of those who love genuine, long-term romance. But The Alchemy of Bridges also comes with its fair share of mystery and suspense. Sometimes the life you left behind is waiting around the corner, waiting to pounce on the ones you love most.

One of the novel’s standout features is its inclusion of the supernatural. Who knows why some things happen when they do? Is it just chance, or is it a helping hand from beyond this realm that’s looking out for you? 

Historical fiction enthusiasts will appreciate the ongoing conversations of women’s rights and the impact of the greater world on every single person. Some of the historical features can feel over-explained at times, especially in dialogue, but overall the novel is made better by the conversation about the very real world these characters are living in. 

“’Countries don’t find peace; people find peace.’”

This book gives you the chance to meet genuine, flawed people as they fall in love and do everything in their power to make a positive impact on others. The premise is touching, and the romance is full of love. Book clubs will appreciate the various opportunities for great conversation about real life, love, and human connection.

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