The Bridge Club by Patricia Sands

A special thank you to the author, Patricia Sands for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you also to Kate Rock Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of the Blog Tour.

Eight women. Four Decades. One unimaginable weekend.

At its core, The Bridge Club is a story about female friendships and the unbreakable bond between women. This moving story is a testament to the kind of friendship that both celebrates the triumphs and weathers the storms. 

Once a month, eight women's lives intersect to play bridge. What began as one night of cards ends up spanning four decades. Loosely based on her own bridge club, Sands takes her reader through some of life's most difficult situations and asks: How far would you go to help a good friend? Is there a place where you might draw the line?

Ti-Ming is everything. I had the sincerest pleasure of meeting Patricia, totally by chance, at a launch party for another author. She is absolutely delightful and her warmth and wonderful personality comes through on the page—her books are like reading letters from a cherished friend. 

Each chapter of the book is dedicated to a member of the Bridge Club. The ladies take turns navigating and surviving a life-changing event thanks to the support of the group which is their life raft. Sands' characters are unique and their personalities jump right off the page. Her ear for dialogue effectively captures how a group of women that know each other so intimately can laugh and tease one another, even through the tears. 

Sands depicts the bond of female friendship so succinctly. She also is realistic in her approach with the way the relationships ebbed and flowed. There were times when members of the group were  distant because of other commitments, things that traditionally fall with women, like being caregivers to children and/or parents. Although these situations would take priority, the relationships would pick up right where they left off, a sign of true friendship. 

The beginning chapter is a little slow and a bit confusing. But please do not let that deter you because this book is worth your patience! Sands is simply setting the table and they lays out a feast. 

PATRICIA SANDS is a proud indie author who is also delighted to be under contract with Lake Union Publishing for her Love in Provence series. Her award-winning debut novel The Bridge Club was published in 2010 and the audiobook is read by Patricia herself.

With a focus on her love of the south of France, women’s issues and ageing, her stories celebrate the feminine spirit and the power of friendship. Patricia encourages women of all ages to stare down the fear factor and embrace change.

Sands lives in Collingwood with her husband and travels whenever she can.