There's Something About a Covered Bridge by Virginia McCullough

For some reason, many of us are fascinated by bridges. They stand out as important landmarks that add character to the landscape, and like lighthouses, no two are exactly alike. That’s certainly true for covered bridges, which, just like lighthouses, are in the protection business. The only reason to cover a bridge span is to protect the structure itself and provide shelter for travelers. Growing up in Chicago, Lake Michigan lighthouses and a network of wonderful bridges spanning the Chicago River were part of my world and my love of both the beacons and the bridges has not dimmed. But as a child I thought those quaint red (usually) covered wooden bridges existed off in some fairyland, you know, like Vermont! 





Eventually I learned that covered bridges exist all over the world, they’re not all made of wood, and many are sleek and modern. 




At one time, Canada and the U.S. alone were home to thousands of these kinds of bridges, and the mission of the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges is to make sure those remaining few hundred historic bridges are maintained. About fifty of these bridges are under consideration for historic landmark status in the U.S. I sure hope that happens. 


I didn’t know much about the history of covered bridges when I decided to set my new series in a fictional town I’ve named Bluestone River. The bridge and the location are loosely based on a town in Illinois I happened to pass through on a long road trip. When I saw the sign for the covered bridge I detoured to have a look and then stayed another day to poke around the town. I’ve been back now and again and always visit the bridge. Funny how many treasures we uncover by happy accident!



Meanwhile, I’m busy reviving Bluestone River, a place that fell on hard times and slowly stagnated. Twenty years ago most of its young people left to build lives elsewhere, and scandal drove a couple of young people away for good. But home towns have a way of calling people back, and sooner or later, those who return will wander down to the covered bridge, the favorite gathering place for teenagers on hot summer nights. Ruby, Mike, Emma, Parker, Ian, and Amy are whispering in my ear—I’m having a lot of fun listening to what they have to say, and I think Bluestone River may survive after all.

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LOVE, UNEXPECTED, Book 3 of Virginia McCullough’s Two Moon Bay series, was released in May 2018, and GIRL IN THE SPOTLIGHT (Book 1) and SOMETHING TO TREASURE (Book 2) are available through all online retailers and the Harlequin Books site. Like Virginia’s other novels, her new Bluestone River series introduces characters who could be our neighbors and friends struggling with everyday life issues.  

Virginia started writing articles and nonfiction books many decades ago and later turned to fiction. She’s called many places home, but has settled for now Green Bay, Wisconsin, where she writes her books and coaches other authors looking to create a fulltime writing career. Her other award-winning romance and women’s fiction titles include THE JACKS OF HER HEART, AMBER LIGHT, and GRETA’S GRACE.

Comments

  1. I love covered bridges! What a great idea for a series.

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    1. There is something very appealing about covered bridges. I'm excited about including them in my new series.

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  2. I believe covered bridges are known as kissing bridges...

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  3. When I see a sign for one while traveling, I almost always detour to see it and take pictures. The one in Lucerne, Switzerland is amazing and was one of the highlights to my European trip. Love your story ideas!

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    1. Thanks for commenting, Callie. I'll have to look up the covered bridge in Lucerne. I spent a delightful hour or so scrolling through pictures on the internet. So much inspiration!

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  4. In my home town in Oregon we used to meet to swim down by the covered bridge. I don't think it has survived. I like the idea of preserving them for all time, however.

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    1. They are such unique landmarks. You must have great memories of your summers!

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  5. I absolutely love covered bridges and have visited many.

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    1. Do you have a favorite, Melanie? I find each has its own unique appeal.

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  6. Can't wait! I love covered bridges, too. Something nostalgic and at the same time solid and cozy about them.

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    1. I agree, Beth. When you think of the people who have journeyed back and forth across the expanses, the secrets, the special moments. I think covered bridges are a logical setting for romance.

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  7. There is something magical about them, right? Sounds echo, the world dims, everything is suspended...

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    1. Thanks for visiting the blog today, MK. You have a keen eye for detail and setting. I'm going to make a note to include that in my writing.

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  8. Yup, a covered bridge is just right for romance :)
    Beetleguise.

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