Something you might not know about me, unless I happened to mention it in a previous post about my favorite books, is that I LOVE Julie Klassen’s writing. I have all of her books as far as I know! Today’s post is over her latest release – Bridge to Belle Island. Let me tell you… this book got to me. Got me in the feels and got me riled up.

G R I E F

This book wasn’t just a murder mystery for me, but also a book about loss and grief. As you know, it hits home for me so soon after losing Dad from this earth. Our main character lost most of her family in a short time. I haven’t experienced that and I can only imagine what that would be like. For Isabelle, it changed her life in many ways.

How do you deal with loss and grief?

F E A R

We all have fears of some kind. I have a few and sometimes it’s so so hard to move past them or cope with them. Even knowing that God did not give us a spirit of fear, it’s tough. It forces us to rely even more on the spirit. Sometimes, as personally experienced, you question why you have the fear in the first place if you weren’t give that spirit – where did it come from? Am I not believing and relying enough to wipe this fear away?

Isabelle had a fear and I don’t want to give it away…. you should just go read it, but her fear kept her from living her best life basically. A fear so large she wasn’t able to see the world or attend family functions. It’s kind of depressing just imagining that life, right? It would be for me. The whole time reading I was routing for Isabelle to conquer her fear. Her fear, especially one scene, was scary for me as well.

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Philippians 4:6-7

What are your fears? How do you deal with them?

S A F E T Y

Where do you feel the most safe?

For me, I feel safe in my room or just my house. I don’t have much reason other than the comfort it brings and has brought me for my whole life at different stages and different events. This house has been a shelter during storms and has been a place where I’ve been cooped up sick or, like most recently, away from the slick roads during a sleet and snow storm.

What makes you feel safe?

M Y S T E R Y

With most of her books, I’ve been held in suspense wondering what’s going to happen. That’s one of the reason I absolutely love her writing style. It’s mysterious and keeps me engaged. This novel was no different, but it was an actual murder mystery!! LOOOOOOVE. I should probably read more in the murder mystery genre now.

Literally anyone in the story could have had motive and been suspected. I had no idea who it was until it was revealed. It was one of those reads where the person could just get stabbed in the back by someone close to them – the plot thickened so fast. If you’re not into murder mystery… well, you should be after reading this.

All of these aspects made for a great, compelling book. After a while of not reading a Julie Klassen novel, it reminded me why I love her soooo much.