Book Review: Jade’s Broken Bridge

Jade’s Broken Bridge, my notes, and a steaming cup of coffee.

I’ve been following Michele Lee Sefton for a while, and her writing has always captivated me. There is depth behind her words, and her growth as a writer shines through in every blog post. Reading her poems and novellas, Her Coastal Cottage and Honeysuckle Heat, I was drawn to her storytelling—and I’m so glad I read her debut novel.

Jade’s Broken Bridge is engaging, emotionally powerful, and at times filled me with a deep sorrow only parents can truly understand. The novel reminds us of the internal struggles people face as they try to find their place in the world. Some achieve their dreams with ease, while others work tirelessly, inch by inch, toward their goals—often in silence, burdened by shame or fear of judgment.

Set mostly in the 1980s, Jade’s story begins in a broken home. Her parents divorced, leaving neither child with guidance. Jade’s brother joined the military, while she stayed close to her dream of earning a college degree and becoming a journalist. Financial struggles and depression led her, in her late teens, into the world of adult entertainment—working in strip clubs across Arizona and Alaska.

The adult entertainment world is plagued by danger, drugs, bad influences, and broken hearts. Jade experienced all of this, along with a tender, fleeting relationship in Alaska that left a lasting impression on her heart. Amid the darkness, she also finds support and friendship, like her bond with Cat, a fellow dancer. Michele’s character development is remarkable, allowing readers to understand the motivations and struggles of everyone in Jade’s world.

The book is rich with literary techniques—flashbacks, foreshadowing, and vivid imagery. One striking scene from Alaska reads:

“In that moment, I felt the snow melt into a sea of warm water, rising from our feet and reaching our hearts. We were floating… The dark whispering trees morphed into a thousand-people chorus singing a song I had never heard with my ears, but my soul recognized.” (pp. 51–52)

Jade’s resilience shines through her darkest moments. At her turning point, she reflects:

“I realized it wasn’t possible to find who I once was, for that version of me no longer existed… I was searching for a me I was yet to know.” (p. 221)

Jade’s Broken Bridge is an outstanding debut novel. Jade’s story will draw you in, and your heart will be moved as you read. I heartily recommend this novel—it will stay with you long after the last page.

About the Author: (From her website)

A writer of poetry and poetic prose, Michele Lee Sefton is a veteran English teacher who left the classroom in 2019 to develop her writing voice. She has since been published in various anthologies and platforms, including Piper Poetry Month Anthology through the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing at Arizona State University.

Collaborating with her artist daughter during the pandemic, she published a series of illustrated poetry chapbooks, Being a Woman: Overcoming, Being a Woman: Becoming, and Being a Woman: Forthcoming. In 2020, she published a collection of poems to celebrate her one-year blog anniversary, My Inspired Life: A Poetic Journey. Her titles, Her Coastal Cottage: Where Truth & Love Rise and Honeysuckle Heat, offer readers the author’s vivid poetic prose in novella length..

Learn more about her work on her website – https://msefton.com/

68 thoughts on “Book Review: Jade’s Broken Bridge”

  4. Sounds like a great book and an amazing author. I will put that on my list. I tend to read happier novels to take the sting out of things happening out there. One of my favorite authors who I have read all of her silly books, (Confessions of a Shopaholic – Sophie Kinsella), just recently wrote a fictional book about a woman having terminal cancer, and then you realize, it’s about her in real life, so sad.

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  5. I am enjoying Michele’s blog tour, such warm recommendations of her first novel! Thanks Edward for supporting our dear blogging friend in her new venture. I liked your description of a few of the literary devices she uses. Very literary and heartfelt review.

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  9. Love your thoughtful review of Michele’s book, Edward. Your specialty, I’d say. Such a talented person she is…and you captured all the goodness…why it’s an important, impactful read. Well done! 💝

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  13. Edward – thank you for introducing me to this ‘tumbleweed’ woman poet, writer. Your review piqued my curiosity in delving more deeply into her work and yes, blog. For some reason the obvious quote rather than the more (he)artistic quote you highlight herein drew me in…as it seems to transcend generational barriers/limitations speaking to us all where ever we fall in the timeline of life. “I realized it wasn’t possible to find who I once was, for that version of me no longer existed… I was searching for a me I was yet to know.” (p. 221)

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    1. You’re very welcome, and it’s a real pleasure to introduce her work. Her novel has many wonderful lines that could be quoted, but I highlighted those two for the reasons you mentioned. The one on page 221 should give readers pause, a moment to reflect on their current condition and perhaps see if there is something they are longing for. Thank you for reading and for your wonderful comment.

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  14. A wonderful review of Michele Lee Sefton’s book, Edward. You vividly invited many to read it and dwell in the ups and downs of this unique story. With gratitude and appreciation, sending you light and blessings, my friend. 🙏✨

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  15. The dark whispering trees morphed into a thousand-people chorus singing a song I had never heard with my ears, but my soul recognized. – This got me. It sounds like quite the read, thanks for sharing!!

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  17. What a wonderful review of Michele’s book, Edward. You gave it the depth needed and wet our appetite to immerse ourself into the journey of Jade’s Journey and with lines that truly show her courage as she finds herself. You did an amazing job highlighting her gifts. xx

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    1. Thank you so much, my friend. There were so many beautiful passages, but knowing that this is a work of fiction, I didn’t want to give away too much, like I usually do with nonfiction book reviews. I’m glad to hear that you noticed the same about Michele.

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  20. Thank you very much, Edward. I am deeply honored and touched by your review and grateful for your readers who’ve taken the time to share their time and support for my debut novel. It is a profound feeling to have a project of this nature be interpreted with such sensitivity and understanding. 🙏🏻

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    1. You’re so welcome, Michele. You wrote the story beautifully, and I was really touched by it. You gave Jade a voice, allowing her to express her emotions and find freedom. I know there are too many who remain silent, waiting for the opportunity to speak up and be heard. Thank you for writing a story that speaks truth with both courage and grace.

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