Customer Reviews

Reflections of a Quiet Storm

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

'Reflections of a Quiet Storm' is the story of Pauline Bridges, a woman who despite all that she had endured, remains focused on her promising future as an owner of a nurse staffing agency. Pauline had endured enough hurt and pain to make any person in their right mind want to give up and die. But not this woman. Relying on her faith, she parlayed her way through rape, scandal, abuse, and betrayal, and bounced back like a true soldier. The book combines inspiration with real-life everyday issues to keep you turning the pages to get to the shocking ending. This book was a very easy read and the flow was exceptional. Every question was answered, and there were no loose endings.

If you are in search of the perfect book to take the beach, or anywhere you would need a good book to curl up to, this book is highly reccommended.

I would rate this book 5 stars because it is very well written. It has the perfect mix of drama, sprinkled with just the right dose of christian themes to bring out the message of forgiveness without preaching, which is very good. I also liked how the book paid homage to nurses, focusing on their stresses and strains they face juggling work, home, life, and family. I just love how cool, calm and collected Pauline was despite all she was dealing with. Her past prepared her for her wonderful future. This book brings back that good old fashioned storytelling with solid a solid storyline and excellent transitions.

Job well done!

Sandra Peoples, Sisterhood Book Club

In the rightly titled REFLECTIONS OF A QUIET STORM, Pauline Bridges, after a near fatal car accident, begins to second guess decisions she has made over the years - like where she lives, career choices and even choices about her past even when she had no control over those events.

Her memories, dreams and real life issues, issues many of us can relate to, make this a compelling story that at times caused me to tear up, particularly because I know folks who have gone through some of the same obstacles. Abuse, rape and some family secrets come out as she grapples with different crises in her family, but Bridewell writes about them with a flow that kept me turning the pages with good storytelling.

Patricia A Bridewell wrote REFLECTIONS OF A QUIET STORM, as she states in the forward, "to inspire and encourage women (and men) to live life to the fullest", and she does just that without being preachy. I look forward to reading more works by this author.

Reviewed by Linda Chavis

for The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Pauline is a woman that has many obstacles come in her way. It seems like the rain will never subside when tragedy strikes. As she starts to rebuild her life situations from her past reveal themselves. Abuse, rape, family secrets and betrayal rock her world in a whirlwind that causes her to work her faith.

I sincerely enjoyed this book because it wasn't extremely preachy. The message behind the novel was wonderful. I love how Pauline was a strong no matter what was thrown in her way. It gives a person like me strength in many ways. There was absolutely nothing that I didn't like about this book. Great job Patricia, keep on writing and we will keep reading!

Reviewed by:

Nateche

[...]

Told in the voice of CEO Pauline Bridges, Reflections of a Quiet Storm is the story of a woman who has earned everything she has worked so hard for with love and dedication, for examples, a career she loves, stability, friends and a home she appreciates. However, there have been a few bumps along the road of her life, which she relays in a flashback format after a near fatal car accident.

Told in a lighthearted fashion, Bridewell manages to make the reader wonder whether or not personal mountains have been scaled with such triumph and dedication, and if commitments to creating a better life have been met with dedication regardless of experiences and circumstance.

Reflections of a Quiet Storm gives you the inspiration to keep reading, keep going and keeping moving toward something better - a better future and being a better you.

A storm is brewing inside of Pauline Bridges. It is a storm with the potential to manifest into hurricane status without the relief she needs.

Through a series of flashbacks readers will be introduced to the turbulent life of Pauline Bridges, CEO and owner of a nursing registry.

Her childhood, adult and business challenges are not unlike what many have faced. They are however, the catalyst for a desire for more for the extraordinarily strong Pauline. With each step forward and two steps back, her resiliency becomes the seed of inspiration for many.

Ms. Bridewell is to be commended for presenting a work that allows others to identify with and possibly learn from in order to face a past hindering their future.

Reviewed by Dr. Linda F. Beed

On Assignment Reviews

Bridwell takes us through a journey of past events in this exciting novel. The story starts off slowly, but concludes with a collection of twisted, drama-filled scenarios. Pauline is a registered nurse with her own nursing service company. The strong relationship with her son Damien and hard-fought love for her daughter Tara give her the will to make the best of life. Pauline's relationships and the relationships of those around her, guide her religious tenacity. The characters in the story are easy to identify and are developed throughout the story, based on their role. Despite technical issues, Birdwell's weave of past and present create an engaging read.

Natasha R. Hines

AAMBC Reviewer