Crossing The Bridge of Sighs by Susan Ashley Michael and Give-away

As I walked around the city, I let my eyes wander upward to a world of rooftop gardens, frescoes, friezes, and family crests that I'd never before noticed. That is how one morning I discovered Saint Martin carved in high relief above the door of a priest's home close to the San Martino Church. The soldier was stained by time, his sword and foot broken off and lost. But he was on horseback and didn't need his foot. And someone had cared enough to patch the white marble with resins to prevent further cracking. It was true: Every day something was lost in Venice. There was always something to be retrieved, cleaned, mended, and cherished. Once upon a time I wanted everything to be perfect and in order, but life isn't like that. Life is like Venice.

When travel writer Claire discovers her husband has been unfaithful with his Parisian lover, she leaves him to discover her own life in Venice. The scene of her throwing his elegant clothes into the lagoon from the side of the gondola is redolent of times that I, too, have wanted to rid myself of the past. As if simply throwing away someone else's belongings will purge that person from one's life. It isn't that simple, because in the process of forging ahead, we must also examine our own hearts. Our own wants. Our own imperfections.

Fortunately, Claire has friends in Venice. Her dear friend Josie not only bakes her delightful cookies (fregolata, the recipe for which is included with other Italian delicacies in this book) and makes her thick, creamy cups of cappuccino, she secretly writes a personal ad in the hopes of finding someone who can heal Claire's heart.

It is an unsuspecting Claire who thrills to the meeting of Max, with whom she quickly becomes entranced. And the more mundane Michael who introduces himself after seeing her on a landing dock? Who seems to truly love her? He is appreciated, but not adored, as he seems rather dull in comparison to the charisma of Max's passionate style. Whom will Claire choose? With whom will she find an answer to the fulfillment she seeks?

In her book, Crossing The Bridge of Sighs, Susan Ashley Michael reminds us to seek the truth in all things and beware of false beginnings. She also shows us the lovely parts of Venice which makes me ache to return to this city containing, amongst its many bridges, the Bridge of Sighs.

The Random Sequence Generator, from Random.org, has chosen number 8 for the winning entry. So, Ally, you are the winner of Crossing The Bridge of Sighs. However, there will be several more give-aways during the course of the Venice in February reading challenge. Thank you to everyone who participated!