CANDLELIGHT BRIDGE, A Novel
Now a Pick in Fiction in the
2025 Southwest Books of the Year!
A quote from the selection committee at
Pima County Public Library:
“For inspiration, Lopez Lee drew on her own heritage and family tales. Her commitment to this story shows in the authentic details, depth and sensitivity of characterization, meticulous historical research, honed prose, and her unflinching take on the sacrifices women make to steer their families through hard times.”
“In this stirring family saga set primarily in El Paso during the early 20th century, a multicultural family overcomes prejudice and adversity, but still struggles to remain intact.”
—Latino Book Review, Starred Review
“A deftly crafted, impressively original, and inherently interesting read from start to finish…”
—Midwest Book Review, Starred Review
“Many subplots contain surprising twists and turns right up to a cluster of life-changing decisions at the very end.”
—Historical Novel Society, Starred Review
Cara, The Author
Cara Lopez Lee is the author of the critically acclaimed 2024 novel, Candlelight Bridge (FlowerSong Press), and the memoir, They Only Eat Their Husbands (Bower House Books). Her writing appears in such publications as Rivet, The Manifest-Station, and Writer’s Digest. She’s passionate about traveling, swing dancing, and binging stories of all kinds—novel, memoir, film, TV, live storytelling, and more. She and her husband live in Ventura, California, where they enjoy tending their Certified Wildlife Habitat full of hummingbirds, bees, and monarch butterflies.
Now Available!
Candlelight Bridge, A Novel
In 1910, Candelaria Rivera and Yankee Wong flee a rising storm of revolution and loss in their far-flung countries of Mexico and China. Their two stories collide in America’s borderlands. Candlelight Bridge is not a romance but a tale of grudging partners struggling to survive the American Dream.
Praise for Candlelight Bridge
—Eleanor Parker Sapia, multi-award-winning author of A Decent Woman, a Novel
—Erika Krouse, author of Tell Me Everything
—Lisa Brackmann, NYT best-selling author of Rock Paper Tiger
Cara, The Storyteller
“Telling true personal stories is the most powerful force for good I’ve found. The more we share our stories, the more we recognize our common humanity, the beauty in our differences, and the community we all yearn for.” —Cara Lopez Lee
Cara is a winner of The Moth StorySLAM, and is featured in many true personal storytelling shows, including Risk, Tell It, and Strong Words. You’ll find her most anticipated shows on her Events Page, but to keep up with all her events, please follow @CaraLopezLee on Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter.
Blog
Cara’s Storytelling Videos, Published Writing, and Thoughts
L.A. Freeway Fail – Cara Live at The Moth StorySLAM
I grew up in Los Angeles, so I was sure that driving was in my blood. It was not. This became ridiculously clear one long and scary night in L.A. I shared this story at The Moth StorySLAM, in the city where it all went down:
Events
2025
Saturday, May 10, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Words: A Literary Reading & Open Mic
The Glendale Room
127 Artsakh Ave, Glendale, CA 91206
Free Event
Registration welcome but not required: Eventbrite
Sunday, May 18, 4:00 p.m.
Roar Shack – Reading Series
Hosted by Novelist David Rocklin
Time Travel Mart
1714 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Free Event
Tell It! …True Stories & Personal Essays
The Young Actors Workspace
5571 Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
Ticket Sales TBA
Pablo Marz’ shows are celebrations of the human spirit. This time, his theme is I Hate Stories! Cara’s story, Old Mr. Ma, explores the family history behind Candlelight Bridge. Her journey to heal family wounds reveals the strange line between love and hate.
Contact
You can contact me at cara@caralopezlee.com or use the button below.
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