While I did not find the characters as compelling as those in this author's earliest books, I still enjoyed this novel and found the mystery quite entertaining. I can usually guess fairly quickly who the villain in a mystery novel is, but this one had me second-guessing myself repeatedly which made for a fun read. I found the resolution quite satisfactory and appreciated that the author took the time to wrap things up well.

After taking time away from her staple Regency mysteries to write her charming English village series, Julie Klassen is back with an old fashioned whodunit. When a lawyer is poisoned in his home, many people fall under suspicion. The arsenic-laced wine came from Belle Island, home of reclusive Isabelle Wilder. She claims she hasn't left her island in ten years, but how did she have such a vivid dream of the lawyer's London home on the night he died?

Fresh off a humiliating court case in which he was hoodwinked by a woman's false claims, lawyer Benjamin Booker is sent out of town to help investigate his senior partner's death. He doesn't expect to find Miss Wilder so young, attractive, or compassionate, and he hardens his heart from repeating the same mistake twice. How did Miss Wilder's wine end up at the dead man's house? Did she poison him or does she know who did? Why won't she leave the small island she calls home?

I enjoyed the characters of both Benjamin and Isabelle. They each had complicated histories which informed their decisions and relationships. There are plenty of characters and many strange circumstances surrounding the night of Mr. Norris's murder, which will keep readers guessing until the final reveal. Would highly recommend for fans of historical mysteries!

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

This is my first book by Julie Klassen. And to my surprise, I truly enjoyed it.
The story leads with a murder mystery, I was really wanted to know who was behind this ugly incident. Despite being interesting and fun to read, the book was slightly underdeveloped.
The conclusion was the story was not fitting for the hype that was going on. Apart from that, I also confused myself with the change of the first name to surname too quickly considering there were quite a bit characters in this story.

Overall, I would recommend this book for mystery readers. I will also consider another book from this author.

Ah, Julie has done it again with a lovely novel that is on the thicker side and makes you want to sink down into a comfy chair with a cup of tea and a scone and read all afternoon.

This one had a taste of mystery in it, who really did commit the murder? This is not a big spoiler because the murder happens within the first chapter, I believe and the rest of the book is built on finding the killer.

But the book doesn't evolve like you would expect and I found myself leafing ahead so I could discover the murderer and I was surprised. And books like that are good.

The island sounds lovely and quaint. I mean who wouldn't want to live on a whole island with a bridge that reaches over to the mainland? How fun does that sound?

Panic/anxiety attacks are real and need to be treated with respect and care, but it does seem like more could have been done for them, but then again, considering the doctor...well you will have to read the book.

One of the verses that stuck out to me in this book was the verse that says, "Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known unto God." So there was an underlying theme of God in the book, but it is not a broad mention and God doesn't seem to be very personal to anybody really.

I enjoyed the book and it reminds me that I need to read faster because I would love to go back and read Julie's backlist because there are quite a few I haven't read yet.

I received this book from Bethany House via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review.

I've been an ardent Julie Klassen fan for several years, and this book didn't disappoint. It sort of marks a return to some of her previous, standalone titles after the Ivy Hill series. In fact, it reminded me in some way of her previous titles, The Tutor's Daughter and The Girl in the Gatehouse.

Klassen is known for her unusual Regency stories, with mystery subplots and detailed settings. Which often explore little known aspects of 19th century history, culture and society. The Bridge to Belle Island is very much cast in this mould: its set in a tiny Island in the river Thames. Although fictional, there are hundreds of such islands in reality.

Isabelle and Benjamin were both well-drawn characters. Though suspicious of each other at first, I think their emotional problems and connections with family draw them together. Benjamin suffers from crippling vertigo, and Isabelle suffers from panic attacks if she tries to leave Belle Island. Bought on by memories of what happened to her family and rumors of a curse.

Both are sympathetically portrayed, however. I think I also appreciated the fact that the hero and heroine of this story were rather older than they usually are in stories of this kind. Too many romances write off older characters, and whilst they're still under 40 I liked this little twist on convention, and I honestly found it made the characters a little more relatable.

There was also an interesting cast of supporting characters, although I found Rose her fiance a little on the stale side.

The slow burning romance story is not central to this novel, which is fleshed out with the central mystery, as well as intriguing details about the legal system, medicine and traditional crafts in in 19th century rural Berkshire. The struggles and concerns of people living on a small island river island also seemed credible: flooding and storms would be a much bigger deal for them than those on the mainland. There's also a hint of smuggling, which wasn't just relegated to Cornwall.

Although its appears simplistic, the central mystery ends up having enough twists, turns and suspects and motives aplenty worthy of an Agatha Christie novel. The inspirational elements were also well handled: not too preachy but certainly there.

Overall, The Bridge to Belle Island was a wonderful and impeccable researched Regency novel, well on form for this established author in the genre. The only slip ups I noticed were a couple of uses of the term 'candy' and 'dessert'. These are only minor things though, and didn't detract from the story.

Recommended for all Regency and Historical Fiction fans. This would also be a great introduction to Mrs Klassen's work for new readers.

Grateful thanks to the publisher and their representative, including Anne Rogers for sending me a copy of this novel. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.

Sigh, Julie Klassen always hits the spot. The setting: idyllic. The mystery: intriguing. The characters: full of life. I enjoyed puzzling out whodunit and the lovely descriptions of the island (especially while I'm surrounded by the bleak Minnesota mid-winter). Fans of historical Christian mysteries will not be disappointed!

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

This book is a fun cross between a regency romance and an Agatha Christie style murder mystery. The story begins by introducing Benjamin Booker, a lawyer based in London. When he and his boss/mentor discover one of the partners of their firm murdered, Benjamin is sent on a quest to Belle Island, a small island on the Thames, to question its resident, Isabelle Wilder. As Benjamin sorts through the stories and clues, he realizes that uncovering the murderer will be more difficult than he realized, especially when he begins to fall for the number one suspect.

This was an enjoyable read from start to finish. The wide cast of characters were interesting and well developed. The highlight on mental health and anxiety was refreshing, and made Isabelle more relatable. The plot keeps you guessing, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, there’s another curveball. The ending felt a tiny bit rushed- there were so many loose ends that were wrapped up with a simple sentence, leaving the ending feeling a bit choppy. Regardless, each of the main characters grow and learn, and the ending is very satisfying.

A great read. I very much enjoyed this regency novel complete with mystery and an interesting premise. I would have devoured it much sooner but my mom had heart surgery while I was reading it, which caused quite a bit of distraction. The story moved well and the mystery kept my guessing throughout since there was no shortage of suspects. There were quite a few surprises along the way that kept the story intriguing and the ending was pretty much perfect. Recommended!

I received this book through NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Julie Klassen has done it again. Be transported to another place in an earlier time and delve deep into the story. When you come back up for air you’ll find yourself surprised to not still be on Belle Island.
Klassen’s characters have flaws and quirks that make them achingly human. I could feel the pull of the island, and the fear of the bridge. I heartily understood the desire to want to run things her own way without outside interference. Underlying an interesting plot is the story of forgiveness and redemption that we all need reminded of again and again.

For fans of Klassen, this is another must read, and for fans of good historic fiction of any time period, this book should go on your to-read list!

I adore Julie Klassen books and this one captured my attention once again. The mystery combined with romance is truly enjoyable. I had a hard time putting it down to get on with my day. Readers will appreciate a clean book with fully developed characters and plot.

Say what? Julie Klassen wrote a murder mystery? I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy and I loved every minute of this beautiful story. It’s atmospheric and broody.

Our heroine has been trapped on the island for years with a sort of agoraphobia that prevents her from crossing the bridge to the mainland. She has made a good life for herself in spite of that, but it’s breaking her heart that she will have to miss her beloved niece’s wedding in London. At least she thinks that’s her worst trouble—until Benjamin Booker shows up with news that the estate trustee was murdered in London and there’s evidence she was present.

What follows is a delightful Golden-Age style mystery along with vivid characters and the tale of a country estate on the Thames. I really loved it that the romance was super low key and the mystery took first priority in the story.

Perfect for ages 14+

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

This was a very enjoyable book with a great mystery and a sweet romance! I loved learning more about investigations during this time period in England. I also loved the eerie feel of the story, especially as Isabelle dreamt of the murder and it's unclear why she knew details. You also don't know who to trust; everyone seemed to have a motive! I really enjoyed trying to figure out who the murderer was. Benjamin had a strong faith; I loved that he talked about praying instead of worrying, as Isabelle tended to do. It was definitely a great reminder for me! Isabelle struggled with trusting God since she had lost most of her family and also dealt with anxiety, even panic attacks when faced with leaving the island. It was nice to see a heroine who wasn't so perfect. Benjamin also struggled with feeling like a disappointment to his father for not going into the family business and had felt distant from him for years. He was sweet and chivalrous and wanted to trust Isabelle but didn't want to get duped again. The romance was sweet and there was some exciting action. I highly recommend this book if you like Regency, mystery or romance!

I received an ebook from Bethany House Publishers. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.

This is the Julie Klassen style I really enjoy. A strong sense of mystery makes this book a romantic suspense more than just a historical romance.
Something strange was definitely going on. Questions about the dreams Isabelle had and something connected to the orange wine what was made on the island had a strong thread throughout.
There were many suspicious characters that will have you guessing at who killed Uncle Percy. I felt I had a good idea in the beginning but that seemed too obvious so I had to keep reading to see if I was right or not.
Overall a very good read, I have missed this type of book from Julie.
Visit Julie here.
Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

Julie Klassen's The Bridge to Belle Island blends romance with mystery in her latest book. Benjamin Booker's professional reputation as a lawyer suffered after trusting a client who lied to him. To boost him confidence, his law partner asks him to investigate the death of a former legal colleague, which turns out to be embroiled in scandal and mystery. The clues led him to Belle Island, and his prime suspect is Isabella Wilder, who has not left the island in ten years. Did she commit the murder? Was she framed? Who is responsible? Klassen has once again weaved an intricate plot with a few surprises along the way and of course romance. A must read!

1819 England. Murder mystery. Information slowly unfolds. Isabelle can't leave the island where her home is, believing a curse after her parents and sister are tragically killed. The man, a distant uncle, who is running the estate treats her and her niece terribly and wants to sell part of her island off. He is murdered in London, something discovered by Benjamin, a young lawyer in the firm. It would have looked different if not for his excellent power of observation and detail. He had lost a case, and the elder law partner sent him out to Belle Island to uncover information. Isabelle is suspected even though she hasn't been able to leave the island for many years. Interesting and endearing characters and this small community unfold as you get to know them and the information winds out. As it nears the end the story gets intense and is impossible to put down. The story is set in a time before the establishment of a centralized police force as we know it today. Excellent Christian historical that you can expect from Julie Klassen. Struggles with insecurities and forgiveness are themes.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

#NetGalley #TheBridgeToBelleIsland

I was already a fan of Julie Klassen, and this book is no exception. I loved the combination of mystery/suspense and romance. The story is intricately woven and will keep you guessing (and reading!) well past your bedtime. And as an added bonus, there is a charming little map of Belle Island in the back. I love book maps!
All the characters in the book are so well developed, no matter how little their supporting role. There isn’t a person in Benjamin or Isabelle’s world that isn’t memorable in their own right.
Benjamin is easy to like with his protective instincts, crusade for the truth and gentleman’s heart. Because of past mistakes, he worries his tendency to lend aid to women in difficult situations is a weakness, but I think it exposes his tender heart. And I loved him for it.
Isabelle is a bit of a walking contrast--but not in a bad way. I loved her strong spirit and her kindness to everyone who worked for her. She was industrious, finding a way to save her beloved island, yet was shackled to it by her fear. I enjoyed watching her fight for her freedom--financially with her estate and emotionally with her irrational fears.
There are so many mysteries to solve, and the author does a good job of giving you pieces of the puzzle while keeping you hooked. It is an engaging and entertaining read through and through.
If you like Regency-era romance or historical mystery, then you will enjoy this book.
I was provided a copy of this book by Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Another masterpiece by Julie Klassen...What a beautiful, heartfelt story. The cover art is spectacular as well. Five Stars!!!

love a good mystery! As long as the details don't get too violent, I really enjoying trying to solve the puzzle of what happened as I read a book. I love when the mystery has twists and turns that make me question what I thought happened. I love when I get to the end and every little piece gets wrapped up happily. Julie Klassen's newest book, The Bridge to Belle Island, has all that I love about a good mystery and even more! Although I tried, I could not figure out how the mystery was going to end until I got to the end. And although I thought maybe the suspect was guilty at times throughout the story since I suspected almost everyone at some point, I never really figured out who the suspect was until the end. Since I am a homebody I also could really relate to Isabelle. Although, I just enjoying the calmness and comfort of being at home while Isabelle was scared to leave her home. It was an interesting trait that she had that is unique and really made the book more interesting. I absolutely enjoyed this wonderful 1800's mystery and would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction, mystery, and romance. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Review

There’s something about Julie Klassen’s novels that reminds me of a good episode of a period piece on television. I always enjoy being swept away to 19th century England with one of her books. My thoughts:

What I liked

The mystery. I really enjoyed the process of the investigation in this novel. It is a classic who-done-it. The murder victim is one of those unlikeable people where everyone and their mama might have killed him. It was so much fun trying out different theories in my mind and just watching everything unravel slowly.

No deception. Benjamin Booker goes to Belle Island to investigate a mystery and low and behold, he manages to solve it without lying or deceiving anyone. There’s a certain honor about Benjamin that shines through in the narrative making him a trustworthy character–even when he feels like he can’t trust himself.

Romance. Because of the honesty of Benjamin Booker, nothing about the romance was off here. And not only his honesty. Isabelle has more than one opportunity to make things complicated and she chooses not to. The main characters were able to build a romance off of trust and friendship and more than that, work together instead of apart, to solve the mystery.

Spiritually, the characters pray and learn to rely on God especially when it comes to anxiety and fears.

What I didn’t like

In the author’s desire I think, to have a wide net of potential killers, she does create a cast and a history that feels a bit clunky at times.

I think that some readers could find this novel to be a bit slow in parts. The mystery really takes its time and you get to know not only the characters but Belle Island. Really, every Julie Klassen novel I’ve ever read, because they’re heavy on character development, are not as fast-paced as many other novels. Her books take place in a slower time period and thus her characters tend to move at a slower pace. It has to be your cup of tea.

Romantic scale: 7.5

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I found it to be entertaining and fun and very well written. I read it in a day.

**I received a copy from BethanyHouse via Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in anyway.**

After Benjamin Booker loses a London court case due to the wiles of a beautiful woman, he's determined not to make the mistake of trusting easily once again. His episodes of vertigo generally keep him from traveling, but when the retired partner of his law firm is murdered, he cannot refuse the journey to investigate on the isolated Belle Island. Here resides Isabelle Wilder, a woman furious at her trustee's mismanagement of her estate, a woman responsible for bottling the wine that poisoned her trustee, and a woman whose beauty is tempting Benjamin Booker to turn a blind eye to all of that. Every clue that Ben unearths seems to point in a new and perplexing direction, and while Isabelle's explanations are plausible, they could also be nothing more than a web of deceit....

Isabelle Wilder hasn't left the confines of Belle Island in ten years. After the deaths of her brother and parents, she became gripped by a paralyzing anxiety and irrational fear of crossing the bridge that leads away from her home. When the disconcerting Benjamin Booker arrives, Isabelle discovers that she is the prime suspect in a murder investigation. But even though she should greet the lawyer with hostility, there's something about his stalwart presence that makes her feel...safe. In order to continue caring for her tenants and maintaining her family home, she must clear her name. The only question is: will Benjamin Booker be the one to accuse her or exonerate her? 

This mystery had all the twists and turns of an Agatha Christie novel. Klassen always shines with the suspenseful elements embedded in her romances, and I'm glad that she's written a full-on murder mystery to showcase her talent. Ben was a likable character, struggling with rivalry with his own brother and estrangement from his father. His humiliation in the London courtroom was palpable and an excellent opening scene for the rest of the story. Isabelle was a pleasant and hospitable soul...unless someone tried to cajole her into crossing the river. The night of the murder she suffers a strange dream of being in the very house where the murder occurred--but how is it possible for her to have been in London when she never leaves her island?

This lovely Gothic touch added to the suspense of the story, and there were so many suspects and red herrings that it was almost impossible to guess whodunnit. I do feel like the book could have been a little shorter as it dragged somewhat in the midsection. But all in all, this was a page-turning read from the mistress of Regency romance and suspense.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.