Bridges: Coup de Foudre is the story of Jillian Bauer, a woman who isn’t a stranger to struggling. Abandoned by her junkie parents, Jillian dealt with food scarcity, homelessness and hopelessness. Living on the edges of society, there was no end in sight, yet still she somehow persevered. Gabrielle Neord has penned a story of hardship, adversity, and overcoming insurmountable obstacles. Jillian’s story is fascinating from start to finish. Her older sister stepped up when her parents left her to fend for herself, and hope sprang to life from there. Later, she met Graham, a musician who would change her life in untold ways.

Bridges: Coup de Foudre by Gabrielle Neord is a well-written story that is often heartbreaking. Jillian’s early life was not an easy read, and the things her parents said and did to her were a pang straight to the heart. But it also highlighted her strength and her ability to survive no matter what. Her skill with languages changed her life for the better, giving her a chance for a life she’d never even dreamed of during the hard years. When she meets Graham and discovers parts of herself she didn’t know existed, more layers of her existence are uncovered. It was fascinating watching Jillian grow as a person and come into her own as a woman. Love, chaos, and betrayal enter her life in a much different way, and it was such a treat to watch how she reacted and recovered. The steel rod of strength that ran through her never wavered, making her the kind of protagonist you can't help but root for.

Bridges: Coup de Foudre by Gabrielle Neord opens with a stark portrayal of Jillian's squalid life. Jillian, a fifteen-year-old, discovers yet another eviction notice, a familiar sign of her parents’ neglect and addiction. Abandoned by her drug-addicted parents, she reaches out to her older sister, Sunny, who becomes her legal guardian. Sunny provides Jillian with a stable home in Ann Arbor, allowing her to complete high school early and excel academically. As Jillian prepares for graduate school in Washington, D.C., she takes her first international trip to London with Sunny. There, she experiences a powerful, unexpected connection with Graham Spencer, a musician. Their whirlwind romance blossoms through sightseeing and shared intimacy, but their differing life paths and Graham's hidden fame create tension. Despite their deep feelings, Jillian decides to end the relationship, believing it is unsustainable and questioning Graham's sincerity after witnessing his rockstar persona and learning of his past relationships. She returns to the US heartbroken, only to suffer a severe medical emergency, revealing a shocking secret about her time with Graham. Can she muster the courage to go back to London with Graham?

Bridges: Coup de Foudre is primarily a character study of Jillian and Sunny, two resilient young women. Jillian's voice is raw and genuine, conveying the profound trauma of her childhood and the resulting emotional scars. Her history of abuse and neglect justifies her struggle with trust and self-worth. Sunny becomes Jillian's unwavering anchor, providing the power of sibling love and fierce protection. Their bond is expertly explored in a stark contrast to the dysfunctional parenting they endured. The setting shifts from the grim reality of Jillian's transient childhood to the vibrant, intellectual atmosphere of Ann Arbor and the historical charm of London. These locations are excellent backdrops for Jillian's growth and self-discovery. The concept of "coup de foudre" — love at first sight — is central, but the narrative questions whether such intense connections can survive real-world challenges and hidden truths. Gabrielle Neord is a great storyteller who creates unforgettable characters and delivers elegant prose and accomplished plotting that makes readers race through the pages.