Never Forget The Bridge That Crossed You Over - NOVEL

Adriene Picketts novel Never Forget The Bridge That Crossed You Over is a story of pain, loss, loneliness, and ultimately rediscovery of family. Ms. Pickett has written a heart-wrenching story with passion and caring that will touch readers hearts and affect them in an emotional way. I highly recommend this wonderful story to others."
-Simone A. Hawks of RAWSISTAZ

I really enjoyed this book. I laughed and cried with the characters through their very emotional journey. The character development was excellent, the characters became real within my imagination. It would be wonderful if all family bonds could be as tight as the Walker family."
–T. Hood, Circle of Sistahs Book Club

Readers will be entranced by this emotional family reunion. The tear-jerking pages bring a sense of satisfaction and bring new meaning to the words ‘family reunion."
–DOEnetwork.com
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Voted 2003 Best Fiction Award by Mahogany Book Club

Go On Girl Book Clubs October 2003 Reading Selection

The Good Book Clubs (Highlands Ranch, Colorado Chapter) December 2003 Reading Selection

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In her deeply textured debut novel, Adriene Pickett evokes the anguish and triumph of a close-knit African American family. Set in Georgia in the 1960s, Never Forget The Bridge That Crossed You Over looks at the ways in which a family finds its strength in the face of adversity. The novel depicts their experiences and the rich Southern culture, admiration of and commitment to God, strength and togetherness, and determination to persevere despite seemingly insurmountable odds. This novel portrays a courageous and faithful family that can be an inspiration to everyone.

In the summer of 1964 in Mission, Georgia, fourteen-year-old Solomon Walker bears yet another tragedy when his schoolteacher abducts his three younger sisters, selling them to families in other states. Her motive is jealously; she envies his familys close bond. This comes four years after his father mysteriously drowned.

After failing to locate his sisters, Solomon and the rest of the family migrate to Paterson, New Jersey in pursuit of a better life.

Thirty-eight years later, the story continues from the perspective of one of the missing sisters, Magnolia Lewis, a successful literary agent in New Jersey. The emotional backlash of being neglected and unloved by her adoptive mother permeates her life and her relationship with her loving husband, Anthony. For years the two of them have struggled to understand why she is different.

Solomon also lives a distinguished life in New Jersey as a prosperous executive. When a college intern leads him to Magnolia, he keeps her identity a secret for fear that it may exacerbate her anguish. Solomon befriends Anthony, a bright medical graduate and business student, and they join forces and launch a medical software company.

Soon the long-lost pieces to the tragic puzzle come together when Anthony, during a business trip to Florida, discovers Hyacinth, another of the missing sisters. Before long the other sister is located.

Finally, after thirty-eight years of holding on to faith, the Walker family is reunited. The deep and poignant secrets that tore the family apart and kept its members separated are exposed, and broken hearts eventually are healed.

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MORE PRAISES FOR NEVER FORGET THE BRIDGE THAT CROSSED YOU OVER

Adriene Pickett reveals what time and history have written in stone, the resilience of a Black family showing pride and endurance while dealing with tough circumstances, against incredible odds. A mother whose family is stolen from her, a brother whose faith in God and strong belief in family helps him survive separation and an uncertain future. It is a story of true values and true Black pride. An unforgettable book."
–Gilbert L. Roberts, Writer

Ladies and Gentlemen, please have your tissues near by before you start this book, because sometime before you are finished reading, you will need them. This story is really two stories in one. It is the story of a young boy named Solomon and his devotion to his family, especially his three younger sisters. The very teacher whom Solomon has befriended steals these girls away from the family. How the family is able to pull together is amazing. Ms Pickett did an excellent job of bridging forty years. This is a very very good book. It includes family values, shows how life can be up one day and down the next. The title is appropriate; we should never forget the bridges we cross over. We may need to cross over them again. We voted this novel Best Fiction for 2003."                                            –Lucille Joyce, Mahogany Book Club

Adriene Pickett has written a story of faith, forgiveness, and family bonds that covers three generations from the Civil Rights movement to the present day. This is yet another impressive debut."
–Bookviews by Alan Caruba

I enjoyed the uniqueness of the story. Adriene Pickett tackles the rarely explored plot of finding loved ones after a long separation. It is not often that you get to see beyond the hugs and tears of the television reunion stories."
–Jeanette, APOOO Book Club

"In her debut novel, Adriene Pickett writes about love, lost, and love again. Her characters come alive inside of your mind and heart. It is the story of three little girls, all named after flowers, who are sold away from their family by a trusted friend. After thirty-eight years, the girls, now adults are reunited with their two brothers, a sister and mother. I am looking forward to reading more by Adriene Pickett. I expect nothing but big things from Ms. Pickett in the future."
–Sherita Nunn, Sophisticated Souls of Learning Book Club

Adriene Pickett has produced an outstanding story in her first book. She takes us deep inside the culture of a struggling African American family in rural Georgia. The faith and close bonding of this family are so inspirational. We see a family going through the worst situations imaginable and managing to never give up. We see a type of love that no amount of time or distance could ever affect. This story will make you want to grab your keys and visit your own family! I expect to see Adriene Pickett rocketing toward the top in the coming years."
–Alicia Karen Elkins, Gotta Write Network Reviewer

Adriene Pickett's Never Forget The Bridge That Crossed You Over is a study in the power of faith and hope during times of adversity. Ms. Pickett shows immense promise as a writer."
–Rosalind Stormer, Reviewer for A Nu Twista Flavah Book Club

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adriene Pickett is originally from Passaic, New Jersey. She is a graduate of William Paterson University. She lives in Los Angeles, California.

PURCHASE
Never Forget The Bridge That Crossed You Over can be purchased directly from Adriene Pickett. Visit www.adrienepickett.com for a chapter excerpt and secure online ordering. The title is also available through the Xlibris Web site at: http://xlibris.com/NeverForgetTheBridgeThatCrossedYouOver.html and online booksellers including www.amazon.com, www.BN.com, and www.borders.com.