The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen

The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen ISBN-13: 9780764218194 Paperback: 448 pages Publisher: Bethany House Publishers Released: December 3rd 2019

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn't satisfied with Bow Street's efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. He's sent to a remote island on the Thames, and he finds himself falling for the main suspect—a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But should he trust her?

On Belle Island, Isabelle feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee's murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man's death. Or is it a memory? She had been furious with him, but she never intended...this. Isabelle doesn't know who to trust among those who assemble on the island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.


My Review:
The Bridge to Belle Island is a historical romance/mystery set in 1819 in England. Benjamin loses a case because he trusted a beautiful woman. Then one of the partners is found murdered, which further threatens the firm. Benjamin's mentor sends him to subtly investigate Isabelle, but he greets her by basically accusing her of murder. She's a very kind and compassionate woman who continues to forgive his suspicion, but they couldn't really grow to love each other because of his continued distrust. I could see them becoming friends, but I had trouble accepting the romance, especially when she had several supportive, interested men around.

The story focused more on relationships than on uncovering clues, but I knew who the murderer was before half of the book was done. I could understand why Benjamin and Isabelle didn't see it, though.

Isabelle struggled with an intense fear of leaving the island, and several men who cared about her were trying to help her overcome this fear. She also had to forgive several people for wrongs done in the past and needed forgiveness as well. Benjamin occasionally prayed to God about his worries and for guidance. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this historical romance.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.