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Formats
Ebook Details
  • 02/2018
  • 9781640698659 1640698655
  • 402 pages
  • $3.99
Paperback Details
  • 02/2018
  • 9781640698659 1640698655
  • 402 pages
  • $16.99
Maria Ruban
Author
Crossed That Bridge
Giovanni "Johnny" Baccaro survived a horrible hit and run almost two years ago, and managed to get through his depression and live his life. His large, close-knit family gives him the strength and determination to tackle whatever is in his path. Johnny is a well-rounded individual with a successful career. He possesses a love of lollipops, has an obsession with his Camaro and adores his dog, Charlie. His one major flaw is his heavy smoking habit. When he meets Annie McNeal, romance enters into his life. He and Annie have an instant connection with each other. The two quickly form a bond on their first date and immediately fall in love with one another. Annie is his "rock"-her optimistic attitude helps him move forward day by day. Suddenly, his life is turned upside down when he suffers a setback and his permanently disabled. In his mind, bad luck strikes him, and only him. He feels nothing is ever positive for him and he becomes frustrated with the fact that he will never be healthy and happy again. Can Johnny beat the obstacles that seem to always get in his path? Will he be able to deal with the disappointments life throws at him? Will he be able to just be happy and try to live his life as best he can?
Reviews
Carol Hoyer for Reader Views

6705 HWY 290 W, Suite 502-255

Austin, Texas 78735 512.280.2001

www.readerviews.com

admin@readerviews.com

 

Crossed That Bridge Maria Luhrs-Ruban

Book Venture Publishing (2018)

ISBN 9781640698659

Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (11/18)

 

Johnny Baccaro is young, healthy, single, and has endless potential until it is all taken away in an instant. “Crossed That Bridge” by Maria Luhrs-Ruban provides an incredible account of Johnny Baccaro’s journey of recovery after being hit by a car while jogging which leaves him with severe injuries to his spine and a useless left leg.

Although Johnny comes from a loving Italian family who support him 100 percent, nothing prepares them for his defeatist attitude and the constant babble about being handicapped. Regardless of what positive information the medical staff provide Johnny displays a hostile, negative and sometimes volatile behavior.

The author has done an excellent job in her research about spinal injuries and provides just enough medical information to readers without bogging down the text. As a Psychologist who has worked with individuals and families who experience life-changing events, her narrative on Johnny’s negative attitude certainly mirrors what I have experienced.

I found Annie McNeal to be the saving grace of this story with her positive outlook, supportive behavior and unconditional love for Johnny and his family. Given that she was a blind date for Johnny, she turned out to be his strength; she looked at him as a person, not as a handicap.

I love stories about Italian families, the dominant role the mother plays in the family, and the portrayal of how to fix anything is by cooking. I wasn’t particularly fond of Johnny who took his anguish out on everyone and second-guessed what others thought. He appeared to be somewhat spoiled to me. There were a lot of people revolving in and out of the story which for some may be hard to understand the depth of various relationships introduced. Overall, the flow was good, and the writing was informative without being too overwhelming.

“Crossed That Bridge” by Maria Luhrs-Ruban is a story about healing and coming to terms with changes in one's life that will impact not only you but those around you. I recommend this read as it is as true to life as can be.

Formats
Ebook Details
  • 02/2018
  • 9781640698659 1640698655
  • 402 pages
  • $3.99
Paperback Details
  • 02/2018
  • 9781640698659 1640698655
  • 402 pages
  • $16.99
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