This is one of those reviews where I am not sure where to start, it will be a short one because I don't want to spoil anything. One thing I want to make clear is that this is not a romance. The story has moments of hope and joy but as I was reading I felt this overwhelming feeling of dread. The characters were well developed and I became so invested in all of them. The storyline deals with some tough subjects which made me tear up many times. It may seem strange given the subject matter but there were moments of humour and laughter. As I said this isn't a romance, it was about friendships, families, love and sacrifice. I went to bed after I finished the book satisfied because there were no loose ends but I was also drained emotionally.

Gave this a 4.5 stars
Tropes:
Not tradition HEA
Grief
Chronic Illness
Addiction
Found Family
Cancer Patient
DUAL POV
College Setting


If you want an emotional story that makes you feel something and will probably make you cry (I did) this book will be for you. Don’t go into this thinking of a happy ending. I love a book that makes me feel something and this did exactly that.

An absolute breathtaking story. My first read by B Celeste but definitely won’t be my last. I’ll be adding all of her stuff to my TBR immediately!

Oh this book... I was not ready for what exactly I was walking into. This was not a capital R "Romance book," but it was an exploration of love of different kinds and the impact we have on one another. It was sweet, honest, and heartbreaking, and I was so touched by this story and these characters.

Something about this book felt so grounded and authentic. The characters make dumb decisions, have moments of sheer stupidity, miscommunicate so much, are selfish at times, and honestly have some cringy dialogue here and there-- but it's the kind of cringy that feel real and true to life, and all of it makes this book so brutal yet quite beautiful. It all feels very 'college kid' in all the right ways and was quite unexpected and bittersweet from beginning to end.

No, this book does not end exactly how you want it to (no spoilers from me, though!), but it does end in a way that feels real and honest to the characters, not catering to what readers and genres may want or expect. In this way, I feel strangely thankful to B. Celeste and how she wrote a book that shattered my heart, sent tears streaming down my face, but also lowkey mended that hurt with hope at the end. Here's the thing, I honestly felt a little jipped by the ending. It wasn't expected, but that's why I think I appreciate it so much. We don't always get happy closure and tied up bows at the end of everything in life, and the fact that the decisions, actions, and endings in this book don't all make sense all the time makes it all feel more real.

Yes, I could continue to talk about the characters and how I enjoyed all of them individually and all together, sure I can say the college setting was super interesting, and of course, I could appreciate the various expressions of love-- whether familial, romantic, or platonic-- but more than any of that, I will just say that this book will make you feel something (maybe rage/anger/complete distrust for all future authors??), and it is one I definitely recommend!

Thank you, Sourcebooks Bloom Books for this emotionally-charged ARC!

Past the Broken Bridges by B. Celeste is a deeply emotional and beautifully written story that left a lasting impression on me. The novel follows Sawyer, a young woman bravely battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as she returns to her childhood home in Louisiana to reclaim her life. The portrayal of her journey through illness, hope, and healing felt incredibly raw and authentic, drawing me in from the very first page.

I connected strongly with both Sawyer and Paxton Banks, her childhood friend and neighbor, whose selflessness and quiet strength stole my heart. Their relationship is messy, real, and breathtakingly beautiful, marked by vulnerability and the push and pull of their complicated pasts. I appreciated the dual POV, which gave me insight into both characters’ struggles and growth, making their connection all the more meaningful.

The story goes beyond just romance, exploring themes of friendship, family, sacrifice, and the consequences of choices. While the romance is tender and heartfelt, it doesn’t overshadow the heavier, more poignant topics like cancer, grief, and addiction. The pacing was steady, allowing me to fully absorb the emotional depth without feeling rushed.

This book broke my heart in the best way possible and left me reflecting long after I finished. The ending was heartbreaking yet perfect, fitting the story’s tone and leaving me with a bittersweet sense of hope. I’m giving Past the Broken Bridges four stars because it’s a powerful, moving read that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a story with emotional depth, real characters, and a love that feels genuine.

*Past the Broken Bridges* is a profoundly moving and beautifully written story that tugs at every heartstring. B. Celeste crafts unforgettable characters in Sawyer and Banks—flawed, fierce, and full of raw emotion—whose reunion sparks a powerful, bittersweet journey of love and healing. The vivid portrayal of friendship, trauma, and resilience, set against the backdrop of Hurricane Katrina’s lasting impact, makes this novel deeply authentic and compelling. With its perfect blend of hope, heartbreak, and humor, this book is an emotional rollercoaster that stays with you long after the last page. A stunning tribute to love, loss, and second chances.

This was so good. I loved the plot and characters. It was paced perfectly. I didn't wanna put it down and was on the edge of my seat

Ugh! Tearjerker! But oh so good!

This college romance is a lovely second chance (sort of) romance that blends with some heartbreak but also some hopefulness. Paxton and Sawyer knew each other as children before they were separated after Hurricane Katrina. Years later, a girl named Sawyer meets a guy named Banks. They each find something familiar about the other but it takes quite a while before they figure out the connection. These two pulled my heartstrings so hard. It was a book that really sucked me in and really took me iintto the heart of their story.

Thank you to NetGalley for this early reading copy.

I am in my romance era now and this one was a surefire winner for me. I felt the emotions, there is so many different topics discussed as well. I can't recommend this one enough. Loved it.

Heartbreaking but so so good. A tragic love story destined to break your heart after making you fall in love with the main characters

Past the Broken Bridge by B. Celeste has such a compelling premise—Sawyer and Paxton were childhood best friends, separated by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and unknowingly reunited years later in college. The dual perspective works well in giving insight into each of their emotional journeys, and the slow reveal of their shared past is touching and bittersweet.

I absolutely loved the theme of friendship—particularly the complexities of being close to someone struggling with addiction. It’s one of the hardest, most sensitive topics to explore, and Celeste approaches it with care and sincerity. Those emotional undercurrents made the story feel very human and relatable.

That said, while the storyline had so much potential, it felt a bit underdeveloped. Some plot points could’ve used more depth or expansion, especially considering the weight of their shared history. The romance includes a bit of spice, but it stays fairly subtle. Ultimately, I was left wanting more—a more complete picture, more emotional payoff, and more time spent digging into what made their connection so strong.

Overall, a beautiful story with important themes, but one that could have been even more impactful with further development.

the first book i read by b. celeste was underneath the sycamore tree almost 3 years ago and it’s safe to say that book TORE ME APART! this book.. this was heartbreaking. this is the kind of book you read if you want to feel true heartbreak.

I am a big fan of B Celeste and jumped at the opportunity to read this book.
It was such an emotionally heartbreaking book. It’s a book that will stick with you for a long time

***4,25 "Birdie!!!" stars***

"Life is too short to be battling with yourself when you should be living."

This story ripped my heart out!!! It was a beautiful, but nonetheless, a soul-crushing story!!!
It was going around a very difficult matter, this one of cancer, and i could related since three months ago I lost a very beloved person to me who was battling this illness for three years!!!
My heart was aching while I was reading Sawyer and Banks' story, but I can not deny that even though the pain, it was giving us so much hope!!!

"I’m tired of swimming. I’m tired of fighting for life. I simply want to live it."

Sawyer, after battling with cancer for five years, is deciding to spread her wings and fly to a city that she used to love as a child and that she had to abandon because of Katrina...
Now, she is back into Louisiana as a college student and she wants to cross items of her "to live" list, silly things for others, such as making new friends, going to parties and finding her happy place aka the wooden bridge that she was used to sharing with a boy named Paxton...
But while in her new place, she is meeting Banks, her mysterious neighbor who is becoming more than she ever wanted for her...

"Banks is the type of boy girls fall for. And I can’t afford that."

Banks is carrying his own cross, but he is good at hiding it!!!
His new neighbor is a girl full of life and he loves spending time with her, even though the bro code is making Sawyer forbidden for him!!! But she feels so familiar and he is pulled toward her!!!
He just wants to go on with his life, but everything and everyone around him are not letting him find peace!!! His only peaceful moments is when he is around the new girl and when he is visiting the broken bridge and the memories of a girl that he used to know but lost abruptly!!!

"He says I’m his peace. But he has no idea how wrong he is. I’ll be his devastation."

I loved Sawyer and Banks very much!!!
They were both having their own cross to bare, but they were so strong!!!
Sawyer, my poor girl!!! I was breaking for her!!! But she was a fighter and a survivor!!! She was kind, lovely, courageous and selfless, even though she was feeling selfish!!!
Banks... that boy was so responsible and intelligent!!! I was hurting for him too!!!
These two never wanted to fall, but they fell without fate to ask them!!!
And how beautifully they fell!
But life is a bitch and was never at their side!!! And my heart was breaking over and over again, while my eyes were tearing up constantly!!!

“I remember what my mom told me once—that one day I’d find somebody who would make life worth living. I just hope that I don’t hurt him pretending like that’s possible.”

This was a very emotional story and it was dealing with very difficult issues...
And even though it was bittersweet, it was very easygoing to read...
From time to time, you were forgetting that an ugly turn was looming to bring you to your knees...
Yep, my heart broke in here, but the journey, even though a difficult one, was worth it!!!
Banks and Sawyer had so many potentials that they never got to explore and I was sadden by that very much!!!
Maybe... in another lifetime!!!

"“You were my favorite memory.”
“You were mine too, Birdie. Always.”

Thirteen years ago Sawyer and Paxton were childhood friends. A hurricane forces Paxton to leave with his family and Sawyer stays behind and ends up getting sick. Years later, Sawyer is better and wants to check things off her bucket list. She befriends the new neighbor who she doesn't realize is her old best friend Paxton, who's back for college. The two get close.

I had B. Celeste on my radar for years, but as a person who loves to keep her emotional stability high, I hadn't read her yet (joke, my emotional stability is not present when I look for books like hers), but because of life it wasn't until this moment that it was her turn.

Oh Corazon!!! how I have adored this story, it has made me suffer and has made me be with the snot lying hidden in my bathroom giving me touches of water to try to hide the red in my eyes (spoiler: it didn't work).

I have fallen in love with the author's pen, now I want to read her other story: Underneath the Sycamore Tree.

When a book talks about a person who suffers a cruel disease like cancer, you know that the book will make you suffer, Sawyer is a warrior, I adore this girl.

Her whole story and everything we learn along the way, makes me want to shed my tears again.

Read it, so you can suffer like me and fall in love with the story.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I had B. Celeste on my radar for years, but as a person who loves to keep her emotional stability high, I hadn't read her yet (joke, my emotional stability is not present when I look for books like hers), but because of life it wasn't until this moment that it was her turn.

Oh Corazon!!! how I have adored this story, it has made me suffer and has made me be with the snot lying hidden in my bathroom giving me touches of water to try to hide the red in my eyes (spoiler: it didn't work).

I have fallen in love with the author's pen, now I want to read her other story: Underneath the Sycamore Tree.

When a book talks about a person who suffers a cruel disease like cancer, you know that the book will make you suffer, Sawyer is a warrior, I adore this girl.

Her whole story and everything we learn along the way, makes me want to shed my tears again.

Read it, so you can suffer like me and fall in love with the story.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

4⭐️

Tropes: not tradition HEA, chronic illness rep, friends to lovers, emotional, forced proximity, college romance, grief, addiction

I can always count on B Celeste to deliver an emotional story that will leave you thinking WTF. This beauty is no different. Please know going in this is not an actual romance, it’s more tragic love story vibes. Sawyer and Banks were raw, emotional, beautiful and oh so heart breaking. I’m not gonna say much else regarding the story because I think you should just dive in knowing the least amount possible. Please make sure to check TW though, this does cover some hard topics. If you’re looking for a heartfelt beautiful story about young love and painful moments I suggest this one.

Thank you for an arc🩵

Things went off the rails in a way I wasn’t expecting and overall I think this is just not my type of book. I can certainly say it brought out strong emotions because I ugly cried, but not even in a good funny way :( One final note- I do not think this should be considered a romance book. If anything, it could be a romantic tragedy, but that is a stretch. Do not read this book expecting a happy ending!

This story is heartbreaking. I knew going in I would be shedding some tears. A story of a girl, just wanting to live a normal life as a college student without thinking about all the treatments from cancer. She meets a boy who she knows is going to fall in love with but will try everything for that not to happen. They both share a wonderful memory from their childhood. Lovely story of finding your soul mate.
The only thing I didn’t agree with is the paired couple at the end. It just seemed like they just ended up in a “love the one you’re with “ situation.