The Bridge

This is a book that I read for the first time when I was much younger. I was absolutely enchanted with The Bridge, and the rest in the series, and still am today.The Bridge is the first in a series of three called The Bracken Trilogy (some people call it The Wise Woman series). Book 2 is called Crown And Jewel, and book 3 is called The Two Collars. The story follows Rosalyn, a young princess who is spoiled and has never known discomfort, until her castle is sieged and her father taken prisoner. The last thing he does is send her away for her safety. Here her adventures begin. When her guardian is injured Rosalyn must set out on a journey alone, facing dangers she never dreamed. In this she not only finds help in unexpected places, but learns about herself, and finds strength and courage. This is not a "fairy tale". It is a grittier story that takes place in more medieval times. It doesn't rely on magic or anything un-natural, it is a marvelous character driven tale.This book is a simple read, only 116 pages with medium sized print. But this isn't just a simple story. I think adults could also enjoy this series, in all it's wisdom and subtlety. This is simply a must for any young reader however, with a heroine they can believe in.

My school library contained every single Jeri Massi book in print, and I read almost every one. The best however were the Wise Woman series, of which The Bridge is the first. I was entranced from the beginning. A young princess saving the kingdom was already a "been-there-done-that" plot by the time I read it in the sixth grade, but the characters were well-developed, and, unlike some of Massi's other works, the religious overtones were extremely light, at least to twelve-year-old me. Although not the best in the trilogy, that goes to The Two Collars, it is by far a superior work of fiction.

This was such a good book. I have read it millions of times. I practically have it memorized. It interested me at an early age and continues to. I am an avid reader. In my school girl years I won prizes for reading, and yet no other book I have read has ever matched the way I feel about this book. I even write book reviews, and have to stay uo with the newest books. There are others in the series. Although they are very good, there is no other match for this book! All I can tell you is to read it.