Book Synopsis
Sometimes it takes a small deception to uncover the truth.
England, 1954
Anna Lang lost everyone she loved during the Second World War—except her cherished music teacher, Esther Haymann. When Miss Haymann dies under suspicious circumstances and rumors of suicide swirl, Anna doesn’t want to believe them. Her doubts intensify when she catches a stranger rifling through Miss Haymann’s papers, claiming a link between her death and that of renowned scientist Alan Turing.
Arthur Cavendish, a former prisoner of war in Korea, can’t completely escape the nightmares of combat and captivity. Nor can he forget that Dr. Turing’s advice once saved his life, so Arthur is determined to get to the bottom of his associate’s alleged suicide, even if it involves trespassing and danger.
When a suspicious fire nearly kills Arthur and Anna, they form a reluctant alliance to clear their mentors’ names. From shadowy corners of seaside resorts to the guarded gates of a secret government agency at Hanslope Park, Anna and Arthur chase elusive clues—and wrestle with their growing attraction for each other. With divergent goals and hidden secrets, a future together seems unlikely. Yet as more and more pieces of the puzzle fall into place, a sinister pattern unfolds, and they find that their hearts are not the only things at risk. Uncovering the truth might cost them their lives.
Book Details
- Publisher: Covenant Communications
- Publication date: March 2, 2026
- Series: Falcon Point Historical
- Language: English
- Print length: 296 pages
- ISBN-10: 1524429228
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and/or authors. A review was not required, and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own. ****
My Review
It is such a bittersweet feeling when a beloved series comes to a close, isn’t it? I loved to see how Sowards tied this ambitious historical arc together.
This is the third and final book in the Falcon Point historical series, where each book follows a different sibling after they are separated years before. There is also a prequel novella co-written with other authors, Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey, and Paige Edwards, and a spinoff contemporary series written by them, but this historical series can be understood on its own as well. It was truly inspiring to see how well they collaborated to build the world of Falcon Point.
It’s such a win when a book actually delivers on that "history meets heart" promise. A.L. Sowards really does have a knack for making the 1950s feel just as high-stakes as the height of the war.What makes this final installment so gripping is the shift to 1954. In Bridge of Betrayal, she captures that specific brand of Cold War paranoia perfectly, where the dust of WWII hasn't quite settled, and the "bridge" between the past and the future feels incredibly fragile. It’s a testament to her research that the historical backdrop of Hanslope Park and the tragic reality of figures like Alan Turing feel like a natural part of the story rather than just a history lesson and is a true talent of A.L. Sowards.
Sowards clearly did her homework on the transition between the end of WWII and the height of the Cold War. Here’s why that setting worked so well for Anna and Arthur:
- Having Arthur as a Korean War vet adds a layer of "forgotten" trauma. It contrasts beautifully with the WWII trauma Anna has carried, showing how the world just kept spinning into new conflicts.
- As a concert pianist, Anna’s world is one of precision and performance—a perfect metaphor for someone trying to hide her past and her vulnerabilities while navigating a conspiracy.
It was hard to guess who the true villains were, but with so many surprising changes, it was hard to always keep up. That’s the mark of a great mystery! Even if you spot one "red herring," a well-crafted plot like this one keeps you second-guessing the why and the how until the very last chapter.
It was great to be able to finally read the full story of the youngest Lang sibling and see how each person had similar but wholly unique journeys of healing and discovery. This one is a bit softer than the previous two books, even though the characters still have difficult things to work through. The romance was sweet and supportive and developed in a natural but unique way.
This book and series was a joy to read! If you haven't read them, you need to go on this incredible journey with the Lang family like I have.
****Meet Author A.L. Sowards****
A. L. Sowards is the author of multiple historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have earned a Whitney Award, several Whitney Finalists positions, and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal. She enjoys hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner. She lives in Alaska with her husband, three children, and an ever-growing library.
For more information, please visit her website, ALSowards.com
~*~*~*~*Purchase Bridge of Betrayal ~*~*~*~*
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