“Jessica Bell’s STRING BRIDGE strummed the fret of my veins, thrummed my blood into a mad rush, played me taut until the final page, yet with echoes still reverberating. A rhythmic debut with metrical tones of heavied dark, fleeting prisms of light, and finally, a burst of joy—just as with any good song, my hopeful heartbeat kept tempo with Bell’s narrative.”
Kathryn Magendie, author of Sweetie, Tender Graces and Secret Graces, Publishing Editor of Rose & Thorn Journal
“Poet and musician Jessica Bell's debut novel String Bridge is a rich exploration of desire, guilt, and the difficult balancing act of the modern woman. The writing is lyrical throughout, seamlessly integrating setting, character and plot in a musical structure that allows the reader to identify with Melody's growing insecurity as her world begins to unravel … String Bridge is a powerful debut from a promising writer, full of music, metaphor, and just a hint of magic.”
Magdalena Ball, author of Repulsion Thrust and Sleep Before Evening
“Warning: Do not read String Bridge—unless you have plenty of spare time. Jessica Bell hooks the reader with a storyline so powerful it consumes you. I read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down … I give this book 5* for its beautifully crafted, descriptive sentences alone. A fantastic debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this author.”
Glynis Smy, author of Sticky Sandwiches, poet and blogger
“I loved the way each scene peeled away another of Melody’s layers, allowing me to eventually understand her as well as she could understand herself … The genius in Bell’s writing lies in her ability to show each character in authentic light and to therefore demonstrate one of life’s truths: no one is 100% right or 100% wrong in his/her convictions. Responsibility and culpability spin in cycles of blame and redemption in String Bridge, leaving me with a healthy dose of pathos for every character, by the book’s end … Bell writes with poetic flourish, her descriptions lush, poignant and intense. At the same time, her main character is quirky, oftentimes ungraceful and unpolished. The combination creates a style that is fresh, unique, and wholly intoxicating. This character-driven story that dives into the abyss of the human condition is a must-read!”
Nicole Ducleroir, published short story writer
“The last novel that moved me and engaged me to this extent was Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy. Like Conroy, Jessica Bell is a brilliant writer of great skill and depth. She doesn't pull back from the difficult scenes, from conflict, pain, intensity. She puts it all out there, no holds barred, no holding back. She knows how to craft a scene, how to develop character, how to create suspense. This is an absolutely brilliant debut novel. I look forward to reading her next novel, and next and next.”
Karen Jones Gowen, author of Farm Girl, Uncut Diamonds and House of Diamonds
“String Bridge caught my attention from the first paragraph to the last. Jessica Bell wraps her story around you like a thick, fragrant Greek breeze you don't want to leave. From her vibrant descriptions to the plot twists that could make anyone gulp back tears, I fell in love with this book. It's one I'll read again again because not only did this poignant story strike rich, beautiful chords within me, it made me look at myself and my own relationships in a way I won't forget easily. If you love a deep, musical journey in your novels, put this one on your must-read list!”
Michelle Davidson Argyle, author of Cinders and Monarch
“Author, Jessica Bell paints a claustrophobic vision of life where domesticity becomes an ever-diminishing prison cell. With gripping prose and terse dialogue, 'String Bridge' is a powerful debut novel from a very talented writer."
Talli Roland, bestselling author of The Hating Game and Watching Willow Watts