novel, A Bridge to Wiseman’s Cove, depicts the coming-of-age of an ordinary teenage boy named Carl Matt. Through the experiences of the protagonist Carl and other characters, Maloney highlights every human being’s deepest need for love and acceptance and demonstrates the significance of understanding where one belongs. Coming from a broken home, Carl and his brother Harley have never experienced the safety and security of a loving and wholesome family, which damages Carl’s sense of self-worth and causes Harley to become a rebellious delinquent. However, through the unconditional love and tenderness shown by Joy and Skip Duncan and by Justine, Carl and Harley are able to find healing and are finally liberated from the pain, fear, and insecurity caused by their past. Maddy Duncan also learns the importance of accepting true love. Although she is from a stable family, she is deceived by the distorted and selfish ‘love’ of Nathan Trelfo and unbeknownst to her, she becomes a miserable person. It is only when she understands who genuinely loves and cares for her that she finds true happiness.…