The Bridge

by Shanna Hatfield

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One Bridge. Five Strangers. A Christmas Eve That Changes Everything.

On a bridge suspended above the Willamette River, five lives collide for a journey through hope and hardship in a suspenseful, heartwarming tale of courage, connection, and the magic of second chances.

Sergeant Archer Raines has worked every holiday all year for one reason: to finally spend Christmas with his wife. But when a desperate man threatens to jump from Portland’s St. Johns Bridge, Archer’s expert negotiation skills are required to defuse the situation.

Rosalee, a high-powered accountant and mom-to-be, only meant to swing by home for a forgotten phone and client file. Then her car is caught in the chaos on the bridge, she unexpectedly goes into labor, and her carefully planned world begins to unravel amidst the unfolding drama.

Exhausted nurse Nova just wants to make it home for Christmas after too many night shifts. When the pileup halts traffic and Rosalee’s baby is on the way, Nova puts her own plans on hold to help a stranger in need.

Carter, the owner of a busy tow truck business, regrets taking the call to clear the multi-car collision off the bridge. He’d intended to spend the day tackling last-minute holiday errands. Instead, he’s praying the lunatic pointing a gun at him doesn’t pull the trigger.

Fresh out of college and anxious to kick-start his career, Ian’s running late when his car won't start the morning of his big interview. His rideshare driver turns out to be a captivating girl with a penchant for aggressive driving that narrowly saves them from being part of the wreck on the bridge, sending Ian on an unexpected path of his own.

The Bridge is the perfect uplifting holiday read and a story of how one frozen moment can thaw even the loneliest of hearts.

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Book Details

Genre

Women’s Fiction

Subgenre

Action/Adventure, Firefighter / Police / First Responder, Holiday Christmas Valentine’s etc., Inspirational

Series

An Archer Raines Nove • Book 50

Audience

Adult

Bell Peppers

🫑

Profanity

1 None

Violence

2 Mild

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco

1 None

Publication Date

October 7, 2025

Language Versions

English

Fiction Form

Novel

Sensitive Themes

Grief or loss of a loved one, Self-harm or suicide

Representation

Disability representation

Editorial Reviews

"A treat for holiday story lovers, like a hot cup of cocoa." — Kirkus Reviews

"When I feel the need for inspiration and comfort I reach for a book by Shanna Hatfield." — Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

"Original, clever, suspenseful, deftly crafted, and an inherently fascinating read from cover to cover, The Bridge by Shanna Hatfield is a series of riveting interlinked stories of how 'one frozen moment can thaw even the loneliest of hearts', how the best laid plans can and must be suddenly laid aside due to unexpected, unforeseen, unavoidable events. One of those novels that will linger in the mind and memory of the reader long after it has been finished and set back upon the shelf, The Bridge is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Contemporary General Fiction collections." — Midwest Book Review

"If you're looking for a poignant, powerful holiday story about hope, healing, and the unexpected ways we find our way home, The Bridge is for you." — Melinda Curtis, USA Today Bestselling Author

"A fascinating 'what if' coupled with a happy ending. Go ahead, and spend some time on The Bridge this holiday season." —Sheila Roberts, USA Today Bestselling Author of Welcome to Moonlight Harbor

"The Bridge is the kind of story that settles in your heart. With five strangers, one Christmas Eve, and a bridge that brings them all together, Shanna Hatfield delivers a tender, uplifting tale full of hope, heart, and second chances. It's suspenseful in just the right ways and sweet in all the others, perfect for curling up with a cup of cocoa on a cozy winter night." — Nancy Naigle, USA Today Bestselling Author of The Shell Collector and Christmas Joy

"I couldn't stop turning the pages! The Bridge is suspenseful, emotional, and brimming with Christmas hope — a story that reminds us that love can change everything. Shanna Hatfield delivers a page-turner brimming with courage, compassion, and the magic of second chances." — Christy Barritt, Award Winning Suspense and Mystery Author

"Shanna Hatfield is pure magic on a page." — Ciara Knight, USA Today Bestselling Author

"A Christmas story unlike any other - bursting with suspense, vivid characters, and an ending that will make you close your eyes and sigh in happy satisfaction." — Pam Crooks, Author of the Blackstone Ranch Series

"The Bridge had me hooked from page one. Beautifully written with compelling characters, these intertwined Christmas stories came to a surprising and satisfying conclusion. Highly recommend!" — Anna Grace, Author of A Rancher Worth Remembering

"The Bridge has it all--unique characters, page-turning tension, and the perfect setting for danger and chaos. It's like Vantage Point meets The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. If you love multiple points-of-view stories with a touch of humor, this one's for you. I loved it!" — Carmen Peone, Award-winning author of the Seven Tine Ranch Romance Series

Loved it

Loved it, all comes together at the end. Love Shanna Hatfields books.

It all takes place on a Bridge!

Wow! What a story! This needs to be added to your TBR pile.I raced to finish this story and it all happens on a bridge in Oregon.My first Shanna Hatfield novel, yet it won't be the last book I read written by her!

Don’t miss this novel.

This book captivated me from the beginning. It was different from what I’ve read of Shanna’s works before, but equally her unique style of strongly developed characters and a story that will not let you stop turning the pages until you reach the end. Thanks Shanna for a GREAT read

The Bridge

A beautiful story of two families united thru terror on the bridge but faith, hope, and love kept them safe and finally together. Shanna, this would make a fabulous Christmas movie!!! It would a great family movie. So wonderful how you miraculously intertwined their lives- the what it's if certain events didn't occur. Love this story. Another great one for Shanna.

Gripping story that I read in two days!

Gripping story that I read in two days! I was lucky to have the time to devote to reading since I definitely did not want to put this story down. I looked up pictures of this bridge since I had not heard of it previously and those images were kept in my mind throughout the ordeal that took place on it. I don't think I would want to drive on this bridge, it looks very scary to me. It has four lanes (2 each way) and no center concrete divider to stop traffic from crossing into oncoming lanes. This fact absolutely plays into the story.The author did a great job of plot development, molding the characters into people that I cared about and great setting descriptions. The plot was heartwarming, tense and very satisfying.