The Bridge to Always

A chaotic single mom and her quiet daughter shake things up in a small Irish town in this “heartfelt tale, told with great warmth and confidence,” from the author of Last Chance in Paris (Roisin Meaney).

“[Marron’s] keen eye for human nature and the warmth of her storytelling evoke Maeve Binchy while establishing her own distinct voice. I loved this book.” —Fíona Scarlett, author of Boys Don’t Cry

Maeve Gaffney has moved from Dublin to the small West Cork town of Drohid for a good reason. Her mother kept the identity of Maeve’s father hidden, a secret she took to the grave. Maeve isn’t about to do that to her own daughter, nine-year-old Emer. She wants Emer to know her father. But their arrival in quiet Drohid unleashes a startling chain of events that no one could have predicted . . .

Tim hasn’t seen or heard from Maeve in years. Suddenly learning about Emer’s existence is a shock—especially since he’s now a pillar of the community with a wife and two children. But the chance to rekindle an old flame with her mother is very tempting.

For lonely landowner Agnes, Maeve and Emer’s arrival gives her a chance to breathe easy by making money . . . and new friends.

For Malachi, a farmer of few words but deep emotions, their arrival is . . . complicated.

For quiet and observant Emer, coming to Drohid is about growing up and finding a voice . . . and maybe getting to see her mother happy.

“I loved The Bridge to Always. . . . At the book’s heart is a love story, but not the one I was expecting; something richer, sweeter and entirely compelling.” —Emily Hourican, author of The Glorious Guinness Girls

“A compelling story of life, love and what really matters.” —Sheila O’Flanagan, author of The Honeymoon Affair

“Beautifully drawn characters, sharp dialogue and astutely observed small town machinations—Lynda Marron is an exhilarating new voice in women’s fiction.” —Fiona O’Brien, author of The Houseshare

“A good story, well written is rarer than you might expect. Marron’s sophomore novel . . . is exactly that. . . . The ease and readability of the novel is a credit to the author. This is a complex, compelling, character-driven story . . .” —Brigid O’Dea, The Irish Times