Crossing the Bridge

the long version

Hugh Penders has been stuck in neutral for nearly a decade since his brother Chase died in a car accident. He carries with him two secrets that he has never been able to share with anyone: that he believes he might have been able to prevent the accident, and that he was deeply in love with Chase's girlfriend, Iris. When Hugh's father suffers a debilitating heart attack, Hugh must return to the New England home he's been running away from for the past ten years. One day, he encounters Iris -- who has long since moved away -- on the street. They begin a friendship and Hugh believes he's falling in love with Iris all over again. But the ghost of Chase haunts both of them. And when each reveals a truth the other never knew, their lives, their vision of Chase, and their chances for a future together will change forever. Charged with the power of desire and the impact of loss, Crossing the Bridge is a soulful, romantic novel that will speak to you deeply.