Blog Archives
Make Connections With Loved Ones
Bridges Between Our Hearts follows a woman on a journey to reconnect with family and friends in a post-pandemic world who struggles with complex relationships and finds solace in her writing. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the story is that it is the third in a series that follows one woman, her family, and friends through the undulating journey of emotions while adjusting to the grief following a traumatic loss. I endured similar loss several years ago and the loving relationships of those around me, coupled with reflective writing brought me some level of solace. While I did not intend to write specifically about the pandemic, the logical sequence of time passing made it necessary. Ultimately, it provided an interesting backdrop for examining how relationships endure during the best and worst of times.
Larissa struggles to find her way in this post-pandemic world and has to look within herself to find answers. Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Most of the characters have been developing throughout the trilogy, but new ones were added in this book as well. Readers come to know them through Larissa’s interactions with them, as well as through her private reflections in her diary. I believe that the new characters, as well as the others aging and changing, make for deep, meaningful connections.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Bridges Between Our Hearts?
My hope is that readers appreciate the importance of finding ways to build bridges and make connections with loved ones, regardless of where they are and how much time lapses. There are far too many forces that tend to separate and divide people. I’d like for readers to consider that love does not die when people clash, or a child moves away, or when someone passes away.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m working on a non-fiction book about people who find success in life, in spite of being told they most likely will not. Through interviews and story-telling, I hope to inspire those who choose an atypical path. The working title is Funny Thing About Luck… I expect it to be available sometime in mid-2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Bridges Between Our Hearts
Bridges Between Our Hearts, by Jennifer Collins, is the poignant conclusion to the Love That Does Not Die trilogy. Set against the backdrop of post-pandemic recovery, the story explores Larissa’s journey as she reconnects with her family, navigates complex relationships, and finds solace in her memories and the act of writing. Readers gain intimate insights into her struggles and triumphs through her diary entries, making this a deeply emotional and relatable narrative.
Collins’s writing is rich and evocative, immersing the reader in Larissa’s inner world. Her prose is both lyrical and accessible, making complex emotions and situations resonate on a personal level. One of the standout aspects of the book is how Collins portrays grief and healing. For instance, Larissa’s reflections on her daughter Emma, who passed away, are heart-wrenching yet filled with a sense of enduring love and connection. This is particularly evident when Larissa participates in a TV show discussing Emma and the tribute song written for her, where she shares her fears and the beauty of her daughter’s legacy.
The novel’s structure, alternating between diary entries and narrative storytelling, allows readers to directly experience Larissa’s raw emotions and thoughts. This format adds a layer of intimacy and authenticity, making the characters’ experiences feel more profound. The scenes where Larissa interacts with her family, especially her grandchildren, are touching and realistic. For example, her relationship with her granddaughter Beth is beautifully depicted through their shared moments and the special “birthday in a tote bag” tradition, highlighting the depth of their bond and the legacy of love Larissa aims to leave.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt that there were moments where the pacing felt somewhat uneven, particularly when transitioning between memories and present events. While these shifts are essential to understanding Larissa’s character development, I think they occasionally disrupt the narrative flow. Despite this minor issue, the book’s emotional weight and heartfelt messages remain impactful. Collins effectively uses these transitions to underscore the theme of bridging past and present, showing how memories and current experiences shape Larissa’s journey.
Bridges Between Our Hearts is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the enduring connections that define our lives. The author captures the essence of familial bonds and the healing power of writing. This book is highly recommended for readers who appreciate deeply emotional narratives and those who have followed Larissa’s story from the beginning of the trilogy.
Pages: 291 | ASIN : B0CRXJ357K
LITERARY TITAN 