The Noel Bridge By: Jenny Hale

 

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right or to the left."  Isaiah 30:21

Life is a journey, and our path is filled with many hills and valleys.  For believers, we hold onto the promises of the Lord in scripture that our Sovereign Lord is leading us and directing our paths.  As David promises in Psalm 23,  "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me."  We are not promised easy, just that the Lord, our Good Shepherd will never leave or forsake us.  Even when we get lost along the journey, our Heavenly Father will guide us gently back through those he puts in our lives and the places he leads us.   In those unexpected places, sometimes, is where you will find the healing and peace that you have been searching for.

The Noel Bridge by Jenny Hale, is a beautifully written Christmas romance, that like many of the books I have read this season is more than just a romance book.  Hale takes us to Noel, a small town in the beautiful countryside of Tennessee.  Alicia Silver is called back to her hometown in the Smoky Mountains, facing the first Christmas since the death of her beloved fiance, Bo.  Reminded of the miraculous bridge, through news stories, Alicia is called to her childhood home to find healing.  Having moved away as a teenager, Alicia plans to sneak into town, visit the bridge, and hopefully reconnect with her late fiance.  Once she arrives, however, her journey unfolds in a totally unexpected way and she finds healing and hope for her future.

Alicia, on her first night in town, meets Leo Whitaker, owner of the town diner.  As she begins to reconnect with friends (both old and young from her childhood) she begins to find herself once more, and a strength and happiness that she has been longing for.  Between childhood bestie Evelyn, Leo, and a delightful town of characters, that Alicia bumps into she starts to re-evaluate her life and realize that her heart has never left Noel.  She discovers a place for her healing heart, and that all things are possible.  For Alicia, the divine intervention she was longing for happens through some unexpected encounters and visits to the covered bridge.  She re-discovers herself and that home, family, and friends are the most important thing in life.  

As a believer, reading this song reminded me of a popular worship song by elevation worship, "Same God."  We serve the same God of Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, and all throughout history.  He answered prayers and he still answers prayers.   The Noel Bridge is a beautiful, yet poignant reminder, that our loving Heavenly Father hears our cries, answers our prayers, and is guiding and directing the paths of our journeys.

If you are a fan of Debbie Macomber,  Annie Raynes, and Sheila Roberts you will definitely want to add this cozy Christmas romance to your Christmas reading list.  Allow yourself to be taken to a place where miracles still happened, and be reminded of putting your trust in a sovereign God who is guiding and directing the steps of your journey.  Curl up with your favorite cozy blanket (or you could be like me and convince the hubby that you need a new one this season.  I found mine at Home Goods, and feel like I am wrapped in a Hallmark movie with the blankets, skates, and candy canes).  Fix a cup of delicious peppermint hot chocolate (a candy cane a must), and curl up and get get lost in the pages of this delightful Christmas romance.  You will not want to put it down!  Simba wholeheartedly gives this four paws.  You can find your copy on Amazon and it is available on Kindle unlimited (where I was able to read this must read holiday romance).    Happy Reading!!

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